The air in Andrea’s room bristled with a tension that made my skin prickle, as we awaited Lilias arrival.
She didn’t disappoint us, like a shadow she stepped into the room, causing us to exhale in relief. She moved with an urgency that spoke of unseen threats, her eyes, usually bright and knowing, now clouded with a deep concern.
In her hand, she held a small, intricately carved vial, its contents shimmer with an otherworldly glow.
“This is it,” she stated, holding the bottle up to my face. “The stronger potion. It will mask your scent, but Zela, understand this. It is not a shield against the bond. He has felt you and that bond is a part of you now, woven into the very fabric of your being. Your destiny is already intertwined.”
Her warning was on deaf ears, all I could think of is the desired elixir, a viscous liquid the color of twilight, its scent a strange, heady mix of herbs and something ancient, something wild and untamed. It pulsed with a faint, inner light, as if holding the secrets of the moon itself.
“He will come for you,” Lilias continued, her words a stark warning. “Prince Raul is not just any Lycan. The Moon Goddess leads him by the hand. His senses are sharper, his power greater. This is highly risky, Zela, the stakes here are higher than you can imagine.”
As I took the vial, my hand trembled slightly.
At first, I hesitated, Lilias's words settling on my soul like a suffocating shroud, distorting the air around me. Then, after a deep breath, I still threw it down my throat with a jerk.
The liquid burned like molten fire, a searing that spread through my veins, making me gasp.
A wave of dizziness swept over me, and for a moment, the room spun. The familiar scents of the packhouse, the comforting smell of pine and damp earth around the pack land, faded, replaced by a strange emptiness, a void where my own scent should have been. I felt like a ghost, untethered, adrift.
Era moved within me, a restless energy, a silent scream of protest.
The potion was affecting her too, suppressing her, binding her in a way I had never experienced before. A cold dread settled in my stomach. This was not just masking my scent, it was silencing a part of my soul as well.
“It’s working,” Andrea said with a nervous relief. “But we need to move quickly. We don’t know how soon he’ll realize you’re gone.”
“Remember, the antidote is with me only. Come find me when needed, but I think the Lycan Prince can deal with it too,” Lilias sighed.
Andrea had already packed a small bag for me, filled with essential items and a few human clothes. She had also managed to gather some human currency and a basic phone, a lifeline in the unfamiliar world of Human Town.
“You’ll need to blend in,” Andrea explained, her tone practical. “Avoid drawing attention. Stay in crowded areas, and don’t use your abilities unless absolutely necessary. Humans are quite unpredictable.”
We discussed the logistics of my temporary departure, the routes I could take, the places I could hide until we figured out how to handle this impossible mate bond. Andrea had even managed to secure a ride for me to the outskirts of Human Town, a contact who owed her a favor and wouldn’t ask questions.
“I wrote a letter for Erico,” I said, my voice thick with emotion while I handed her the envelop. “Please, give it to him after a few days. I don’t want him to follow me yet. I need him to know I'm coming back to him.”
The thought of leaving Erico, even for a short time, tore at my heart, a searing pain. But I knew this was temporary.
I would return to him.
I wouldn’t let anything, not even a fated mate, steal him from me. I had to protect him, to protect our future, until we could face this together.
Outside, a distant, agonized howl echoed through the trees, a chilling reminder of the hunt that had begun. It was a deep emotional cry that struck a chord within me, a pain that felt intimately familiar, it’s about losing your best part.
“He’s close,” Lilias said, getting to the window and scanning the surrounding for any sign of danger. “We need to hurry.”
Andrea used her abilities to try and catch a glimpse of Prince Raul’s movements, but the shadows were thick, and his presence was like a storm, obscuring everything.
“He’s moving fast,” she declared strained. “He’s searching every inch of the territory.”
The gravity of the situation was obvious, we were running out of time.
It was time for the farewell, a moment of heart-wrenching goodbyes.
I hugged Andrea tightly, her warmth a fleeting comfort.
“Thank you,” I whispered choked with tears. “For everything. I’ll be back. We’ll figure this out.”
Andrea’s eyes were filled with unshed tears.
“Be safe, Zela,” she said barely audible. “We’ll find a way to fix this. And we’ll take you back to Erico and Eclipse Moon. This is just a temporarily leave.”
Lilias placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Remember what I said,” she warned, her eyes piercing. "This is not just about hiding, you are also fleeing your destiny. Don't forget to find me in my coven once the dust settles.”
As I slipped out of the window, I paused, looking back at the packhouse of Silver Bow. It stood silhouetted against the rising sun, a symbol of the pack life I was temporarily leaving behind. A life I would return to, a life with Erico. A wave of sadness swept over me. I wasn’t saying goodbye, I was saying “see you soon.”
I turned and ran, my feet pounding against the forest floor, my heart pounding in my chest.
I was running from a mate, from a bond that defied all logic, for a temporary reprieve. And I was running towards the unknown, towards a world of humans, where I would have to learn to survive, to fit in, to gather my strength, so I could return to Erico, to my pack, to my life.
Shortly after, I spotted Andrea’s friend’s car. He flashed the headlights a few times to affirm his position.
I quickly ran over and hopped into the tinted vehicle.
The bustling streets of Human Town felt chaotic and overwhelming, yet they offered me the freedom I so desperately craved.In the crowd, I was just another face, another stranger trying to make a life. For once, I wasn’t Zela Humphreys, the daughter of an Alpha or the object of anyone’s expectations. I was no one and there was peace in that anonymity. But peace doesn’t pay the bills.The handful of cash I’d stuffed into my bag before fleeing the Kingdom was nearly gone. The cramped boarding house where I’d spent my first few nights was little more than a temporary refuge. If I didn’t find steady work soon, I’d be out of options. Determined not to let panic consume me, I spent hours poring over the classifieds section of a local newspaper, my finger circling potential job opportunities. Each listing brought its own set of doubts.Bartender, could I keep up with the hustle of a packed bar?Shop assistant, what did I even know about retail?Dog walker, w
In the Royal Kingdom, Canada…For nearly two months, the days had stretched long and empty, each one marked by failure. Each sunrise mocked my efforts, and each sunset deepened the ache in my chest. The search for Zela had grown as fruitless as it was relentless, and it felt as though the walls of my frustration were closing in, suffocating me. My once pristine study, my sanctuary of thought, had become a battlefield. Maps with torn edges were strewn across the floor, intercepted messages lay crumpled on the desk, and the air was heavy with the weight of unanswered questions. And none of it, again, none of it, brought me any closer to her. My fated mate. I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes against the chaos. Yet rest eluded me. In the stillness, her image surfaced, relentless and vivid. I saw the fire in her gaze, the way her laughter once melted the ice in my heart. Most painfully, I remembered the night we’d shared—brief and intoxicating—where the weight of titles and duty
Jonas stammered, his words a broken mess. “Y-Your Highness, I-I can explain…” “You’d better,” I snapped, my tone severe so that there was no mistaking the gravity of the matter. My gaze shifted to the human boy, who stood frozen like prey caught in a predator’s sights. “And you, who are you, and what’s your role in this?” The boy remained silent, his wide eyes betraying a mix of fear and defiance. “Ivor,” I commanded without breaking my focus on the trembling pair. My Secretary, ever efficient, stepped forward and handed me the envelope. I tore it open, and the first line struck like a blow to my chest. ‘Erico, baby…’ The words blurred momentarily as the ache in my chest tightened, but I forced myself to read on. Each line was a knife, carving deeper into my heart. Zela’s handwriting, elegant, hurried, and with pure emotion, poured out her longing, her fears, and her desperate plea for Erico to protect her secret. My grip tightened on the parchment, my knuckles whitened. The ac
The guest quarters in Silver Bow had become a cage of anticipation, each tick of the grandfather clock in the hallway was a hammer blow against my patience.Days bled into nights, a relentless cycle of waiting, each passing hour a torment. Ivor closely watched Jonas, Erico, and Andrea, but found nothing. They were trapped in a web of their own making, their every move watched, their every whisper recorded. Yet the silence from Zela was a suffocating shroud, wrapping tighter around me with every moment. Then, the silence shattered, the waiting was finally rewarded.A courier, his face ashen, arrived at the pack gates with a sealed envelope. The atmosphere pulsed with suspense as Andrea signed the delivery confirmation. As the man departed, I took the envelope from her hands, my fingers brushing the smudged postmark: Human Town. My hands, usually steady, trembled as I tore it open. My heart thundered in my chest.This was it, a breakthrough I was craving for, that would lead me to my
Alpha Female Zela’s Point of ViewAs I walked home from work today, the prickling sensation of being watched crept under my skin, a creepy, insidious feeling that wouldn't shake.Every glance over my shoulder revealed the same mundane streets of Human Town, but the shadows seemed to pulse and shift unnaturally, as if they held unseen eyes. The air felt heavier, the world humming with a strange, foreboding energy, a silent alarm bell ringing in my ears.Quickening my steps, I focused on the thought of my apartment, a haven waiting just a few blocks away. Once inside, I shut the door firmly, twisting the lock until it clicked with a reassuring thud. I checked each window, ensuring they were sealed tight, a ritual born of fear. “Relax,” I whispered to myself, attempting to shrug off the unease that clung to me like a second skin. “It’s just paranoia.”In the kitchen, I rummaged through the pantry for dinner. The scent of pasta lingered in the air as I put
The moment I entered the grand living room where the birthday party was held, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Heads turned in unison, eyes narrowing as though measuring every inch of me.It was disturbingly reminiscent of my eighteenth birthday bash, where Alphas had preened and positioned themselves, all preying to see if they had hit the jackpot, to be able to claim me as their mate.The sophisticatedly dressed men and glamorous women, each clutching glasses of the finest wine, stared at me as if I had just landed from an entirely different planet. It was a moment I utterly despised, especially since the potion had dulled my werewolf instincts. While they couldn’t identify me as a werewolf, I struggled to discern their true nature myself, a strange, unsettling vulnerability.Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I ignored the gazes that bore into me and floated toward the grand table adorned with high-stemmed glasses. The crisp, cool liquid sparkled invitingly, and I took o
I rattled the car door handle, desperate to escape.Yet Jermain had ensured it was securely locked, leaving me trapped with no way out. His presence at my birthday party indicated he was a werewolf, which led me to wonder how many of my own kind had attended Lorraine’s husband’s celebration tonight and whether she was one too.When I had met Lorraine in Canada, the potion had still worked, preventing me from sensing her true nature. Jermain continued to drive, a smirk playing on his lips. Outside, the darkness enveloped us, accompanied by the distant hooting of an owl and the rustling of leaves. I fought back the rising fear within me, it was crucial to remain level-headed and carefully assess my chances of escape. ‘Era, do you have any ideas on how we can get out of this?’ I consulted my wolf, noting her focused attention on the unfolding scene. I hoped she could devise a plan for our escape. ‘Well, I think we should stay low until he reveals more about his intentions,’ she suggest
Crown Prince Raul’s Point of ViewI stood outside Zela's apartment, my patience a razor's edge.Each passing moment felt like a gentle tick of the clock, a sweet reminder of the happiness that awaited us. I chose not to do this at her workplace with a public confrontation, the ensuing scandal would be a feast for the carrion birds of gossip. This was a private matter, her comfort was always my priority.I glanced at Ivor, who was leisurely leaning against the car, checking his watch for the umpteenth time."She should have returned hours ago," I said, irritation seeping through my calm façade.Ivor merely shrugged, his indifference only stoking the embers of my restlessness. "You believe she's avoiding us? Perhaps she senses our presence.""Absurd," I hissed, dismissing the notion with a dismissive flick of my wrist. "She wouldn't know. And even if she did, there’s no reason for her to avoid me. She is mine."To distract myself from the rising anxiety, I began to menta
Crown Prince Raul’s Point of View The sight of Ivor and Lilias glued together was nothing short of unsettling, igniting a burning jealousy within me that I had never felt before.This witch had practically claimed my Secretary as her prize for aiding us in our covert infiltration of Woodcrest, and then they had disappeared into the forest, laughter and whispers flowing between them like they were destined mates. She had requested some rare herbs only found in our woods, and after a dramatic inspection of our kitchen, she ultimately declared it suitable for brewing her potion.From my father’s office window, I observed them with a growing sense of envy.Ivor, usually as stoic as a stone gargoyle, had his arm possessively draped around her waist, defending her like a sacred treasure. This all left me dumbfounded. I had always known him to be attracted to fragile, chestnut-haired beauties, those delicate flowers who seemed like they’d crumble in a gust.Bu
"Zela, what’s going on with your scent? Something’s different. I first noticed it on your birthday, but now that you're closer to me, it's unmistakable. It’s not the same as it used to be.”I cleared my throat, stalling for time to come up with an appropriate answer.The potion hadn’t merely weakened the mate bond, it had diminished my own ability to scent other wolves too. Ordinary wolves wouldn’t be able to detect me as one of their kind anymore, but sitting next to me was an Alpha, one from an elite bloodline at that. It was inevitable that he would notice the change.And of course, I couldn’t tell him the truth.My mind raced to find a suitable explanation for his question.“I don’t know what you mean, Alpha,” I replied calmly. “Perhaps it has something to do with the humans or my coming of age. Both my wolf and I are adults now, and hormonal changes come with that.”“Stop making up nonsense!” a sharp remark came from behind. “I turned eighteen too, and my scent hasn’t changed. Th
As we stepped into the dining room, Chrissy already awaited us.With her sharp eyes first locked onto the Alpha, a silent, tense exchange passing between them, before turning to scrutinize me, her gaze passing on every detail.“Zela, are you scavenging for the crumbs I left behind?” she quipped, her tone laced with undisguised malice. “Trust me, I never leave anything unfinished. He won’t be able to satisfy you today, or any other day.”I ignored her barbed remark, sinking into a chair with nonchalance.I watched with detached interest as she claimed her place beside the Alpha at the head of the long, massive table. Her proprietary air, the way she settled into her role as the Alpha’s mate, did not bother me a bit, she could have him for all I care. The Alpha belonged to her in every way I had no intention of contesting, a fact I intended to make abundantly clear to everyone.The aroma of the dishes wafted towards me, a tantalizing blend of spices and roasted meat, and my mouth watere
A sharp knock at my bedroom door startled me awake in the early hours of the morning.I groaned, still heavy with sleep, my body unwilling to relinquish the last remnants of slumber. Rubbing my eyes, I tried to shake off the lingering fog of night.“Sweetheart, it’s me. Open the door,” came the Alpha’s low, familiar whisper from the other side. “There’s a button on the wall, you don’t even have to get out of bed.”I glanced over to find a set of buttons above the bedside table, just as he had mentioned.The adjoining screen clearly displayed the security system. Even though I now had the means to let him in without physically moving, the thought of having him here in the bedroom while I lay defenseless in bed made me shiver. So, I threw off the warm covers and reached for the bathrobe I’d found in the walk-in closet the night before. Its soft fabric offered some comfort, but I felt anything but secure as the lock of the door clicked open.The Alpha entered quickly, his eyes scanning m
Alpha Female Zela’s Point of ViewThe ride to Woodcrest was a blur, the high speed of the car rendering the scenery outside into streaks of dark green and gray.I sat stiffly in my seat, my fists clenched at my sides. As the tall gates of Woodcrest loomed ahead, they swung open just long enough for our vehicle to streak through before slamming shut behind us. The metallic clang echoed in my chest, a finality that felt like the sealing of a tomb.This isn’t the end, I reminded myself, forcing my breathing to steady.Fear threatened to creep in, but I shoved it aside. I couldn’t afford to break down now. Although, no one would notice my disappearance, not yet at least, as I had purposefully cut off contact with my friends in the pack, not wanting them to suffer for my choices.The thought of the Crown Prince flitted into my mind.Raul. Would he even look for me? Or would my absence release him from whatever hold the bond had on him? I replayed Lilias's words in my head, ‘he already has
The hours dragged on, each minute stretching into an eternity as we waited for Walther's return.The tension in the room was a tangible presence, a suffocating weight that pressed down on us all. My parents and the Alpha couple, usually people who always stay calm, were visibly strained. Alpha Gene paced back and forth like a caged predator, his movements restless and agitated. His Luna and my mother tried to find peace by drinking endless cups of herbal teas but their nervous sips, strained expressions and trembling hands did little to hide their inner turmoil. My father, always stoic and composed, sat behind his desk. His gaze was distant, his brow furrowed, and his hand occasionally smoothed his mustache, a habit that betrayed his unease.Walther, ever the pragmatist, had chosen to travel in his Lycan form, believing he could save precious time by taking a direct route through the forest. He had insisted on traveling alone, confident in his own strength and skill to overcome any o
Crown Prince Raul’s Point of View stillA thick silence filled the room, heavy and suffocating like the air had turned solid. The elderly sat frozen in their seats, their wide eyes showing pure dread. It felt as if time had stopped entirely. Alpha Gene broke the stillness. His face twisted with an anger that seemed to pour out of him. He leapt from his chair, grabbed my shoulders, and held on so tight it felt like my bones might snap. “He dared... That filth dared to take my daughter!” he growled, his words dripping with fury and desperation. “Gene, calm yourself,” my father said firmly, though I could see the worry in his eyes. The situation was serious, and even he couldn’t hide his feelings. “Calm myself?” Alpha Gene roared, his hands gripping harder, his breathing uneven. “If Jermain so much as touches Zela, I’ll start a war with Woodcrest that’ll make the ancient battles look like child’s play! I’ll bring my son back from Council training, and
The sudden shrill of my telephone shattered the tense silence surrounding me.I tore my eyes away from the mansion in the distance, my glare lingering like a warning before I fished the device from my pocket."Raul!" My father's voice was as sharp and authoritative as a whip. "Where are you?""Human Town," I replied curtly, my tone clipped. Revealing the full extent of my search was unnecessary at this point.He knew I was on the hunt for Zela but I had yet to officially announced her to our clan and the rest of the werewolf community as my fated mate."Return to the Palace immediately. This is not a request!" he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument."Can it not wait? Even for a week?" I asked, my frustration barely restrained. My grip tightened on the phone as I thought of Zela, so close and yet so far."No, now!" came his firm response, the tone unyielding as a steel blade. He immediately ended the call.Gritting my teeth, I swallowed a guttural curse and gestured to Ivor,
Crown Prince Raul’s Point of ViewI stood outside Zela's apartment, my patience a razor's edge.Each passing moment felt like a gentle tick of the clock, a sweet reminder of the happiness that awaited us. I chose not to do this at her workplace with a public confrontation, the ensuing scandal would be a feast for the carrion birds of gossip. This was a private matter, her comfort was always my priority.I glanced at Ivor, who was leisurely leaning against the car, checking his watch for the umpteenth time."She should have returned hours ago," I said, irritation seeping through my calm façade.Ivor merely shrugged, his indifference only stoking the embers of my restlessness. "You believe she's avoiding us? Perhaps she senses our presence.""Absurd," I hissed, dismissing the notion with a dismissive flick of my wrist. "She wouldn't know. And even if she did, there’s no reason for her to avoid me. She is mine."To distract myself from the rising anxiety, I began to menta