SERGIO I had personally told the Elders to make Arianna sit opposite I and Elena so I could get a full glimpse of her face as that would help me stay sane in this kind of situation. If it were up to me, my Luna wouldn't be caught dead in a meeting of questioning even if she killed someone but everyone especially the elders were looking for lopp holes and moments to declare me unfit for the position of ruling the pack and now, that was something i didn't want. Something felt off about this whole thing and evidences pointed at Arianna as the culprit that wanted to choke Elena to death so I couldn't even stand by the side of my Luna which was very frustrating for me. "Alpha Sergio. We're waiting for your last statement before we decide on what to do. Your Luna just threatened Elena with death so it's clear that she indeed tried choking Elena. She has admitted it." The head of the council said and I gritted my teeth looking up from my seat. Arianna was not even trying to make this ea
Chapter 22 SERGIO "I'm sorry what did you say?" I needed to be sure I was hearing properly and it wasn't just my ears playing with me. "Alpha Sergio, you heard me." She stated firmly and if I thought she was pissed before then now, she's enraged. She only uses the Alpha title on me when she's upset or something more than that. "Where did you hear that?" I decided to tread carefully because I have no idea what was running through her mind at that moment. Arianna seemed like a pretty chill person with a dormant wolf but I was the only one that knew what her anger truly looked like. "Don't try to play with your words and answer me. Elena was your first mate, was she not?" She gestured violently with her hands like she was about to fling the glass vase on the table and I shifted backwards instinctively. "Can you calm down first so we can talk about this? You don't look like you want to tell me anything at all neither do you want to hear from me." I said in calm voice and she blinke
ARIANNA I felt really bad lying to Sergio but when you think of it, it is the fastest route to get myself out of that conversation. How exactly was I supposed to explain to him that I was seeing things, hearing things and even getting prophecies? As if that wasn't already unbelievable, I would then tell him that perhaps this things I've been seeing might have a hand in what was choking Elena so it's technically me. "Can I hug you?" He asked softly and I spread my arms wide as he wrapped his strong arms around my waist and breathed into my skin. "I want you to know that no matter what, I'm here for you." He muttered softly and I nodded as I closed my eyes to immense myself in the hug. After few minutes, he detached from my body and then tucked the loose strands of hair on my face behind my ears. "Go back to your room. I'll deal with the rest of this." I smiled at the sound of that before obliging. On the way to my room, I just couldn't stop thinking, Sergio was like water; freezi
ARIANNA “What the hell are you doing with your hands all over my Luna, you punk?” That was the next thing I heard before a loud thud and the sound of bodies colliding into the wall followed after. “Easy there. That's no good way to treat a guest.” Alaric chuckled as he placed his hands on Sergio's fist while they glared daggers at each other like they would really end each other's life. “Punk, you got a Luna and you didn't even bother to tell me about her? That's not so nice. I promise to have my payback moment.” Alaric kept rambling on while Sergio's hands remained tight against his neck. “That doesn't answer my question as to why your hands were on her.” Sergio repeated and i just licked my lips still trying to process what was going on. “I'm sorry, she was falling and someone had to catch her. You weren't there to catch her and I figure that you wouldn't have been so happy if you find out that your mate got wounded when I was nearby.” He stated before Sergio slowly released me.
ARIANNA “What did you see when I was strangling you? I dont think it's a hard question to answer.” I scowled as I stared at Elena who looked like she was in a daze trying to remember what had happened. “You don't remember what happened and you had the guts to say I strangled you? At least if you’re going to claim that i killed you then you have to try and remember some of the things that happened. This is a little pathetic.” I scoffed as her face looked like all the color drained off from her face. “What's wrong? Are you okay?” I asked as her face turned white and pale as if she had seen a ghost. “I'm okay, I'm okay. You said to try and remember what led up to this moment and it felt like those hands were wrapped around my neck once again.” She gasped as her eyes widened like she could see something else that I wasn't seeing. “So what are you seeing? That's what I want to know.” I stated as I kept staring at her pale white face. It's none of my business if she drops dead any seco
ARIANNA “What's wrong with everyone having access to my room at any point in time?” I was half yelling as my eyes remained fixated on him while I slowly walked side ways to my chair and grabbed a duvet. Throwing it all over my body, I heaved a sigh of relief but was still tense with him seated there. “What are you doing in my room? How did you get in? What's the work of the maids and guards here if they're not going to safe guard rooms and make sure intruders don't get in?” I scoffed as I stared at him with an irritated look. “I'm an intruder? Besides the gamma’s have trainings that they attend. You just don't keep your door unlocked and expect them to stare at the handle at every moment.” He scolded and somehow he seemed like he was one of the elder brothers that would always caution their baby sisters. “So that gives you the right to get into someone's room? Do you even hear yourself Mister Alaric? How do you think my mate would react to whoever you are seeing my naked body?” I
ARIANNA“I need to ask you something though.” I suddenly said and ket my wolf reconnect back to me “Why? I thought you blocked me out? It was more peaceful and quiet when I couldn't hear everything that's going on inside of your head and now that I can hear it again, I honestly feel like fainting.” She said and I must say that I wasn't well acquainted with wolfs but I'm not exactly sure that any wolf I've met was more dramatic than my wolf.She was the epitome of drama.“You didn't seem attacked when he was here. At other time, even when you were slightly dormant, you would feel uncomfortable snd ready yourself at the sight of anyone.” I explained and she scoffed, laying down on her stomach.“Well, I disn’t seem attacked because I wasn't getting attacked. Isn’t that simple logic?” I grabbed a chunk of my hair and tugged slowly.“Exactly, that's my point. You don't even know him and yet you're making the both of us feel like we've known him for thousand of years.” I scowled face palmin
CHAPTER 28ARIANNAJust as I was wondering what I was going to do, a slight knock came on my door that had me jerking up. Why can't everybody not try to leave me the fuck alone? I'm not sure I've disturbed anyone as much.*Knock* *knock* *knock*The soft knock at the door felt very distant, an echo through the fog of my aching body. I sat still on the edge of the bed, my legs curled beneath me and my arms wrapped around my middle. The thin cotton of my dress was little comfort against the raw sting of my muscles, each one screaming protest after the transformation."Come in," I called weakly, my voice hazy over the hum of hurt radiating throughout my chest. I stared at the door and it didn't open.Don't tell me whoever it is, is actually waiting for me to get my ass up and open the door myself."Who is it?" I called, dragging my feet to the door and unlocked it.The door creaked open, and a young maid stepped in, placing her steps carefully and without haste."Special service." The m
MARCIA My whole body was jittering as I turned to stare at Alpha Sergio and my stupid step sister, I should have known she had something up her sleeves when she wouldn't let me leave. Gosh!!!! How do I evade this? “I don't know what you're talking about, Alpha.” I lied as my face itched yet again and I had to scratch it. It was after Arianna had called me out if I was itching that I had realized that the potion was wearing off. I needed to go take some more so that my identity would be properly masked else I'm fucked. “I'm sure that would be your answer. But you said you're an experienced maid so you should know the punishment given to those who impersonate.” Sergio stated and I swallowed hard staring at my reflection in the mirror from the opposite direction and I let out a silent gasp. My face was covered in red blotches and sook enough, this skin, this disguise would begin to wear off. I should have taken a more potent potion from that seer. “Why's your face covered in blot
ARIANNA “I'll take this back to my quarters now, ma'am, you can go ahead to have your drink.” She persuaded me and was about to walk out the door when I called out to her. “Marcia?” I called and she turned around. “Can you drop the food tray? I think I might as well eat it if I'm having a drink.” I suggested and a bright smile shone on her face. “That's perfect, Luna.” She stated, retracting her steps. This is one of the reasons I know there's something fishy about her. If it were other maids you had just given a royal meal to — something they never had — and then suddenly asked for it back, there had to be a hint of sadness. She seemed joyful giving it back which wasn't logical. “I already gave it to you though, aren't you mad?” She shook her head slightly in negativity as she dropped the tray on the top of my mini table. “I'm a little disappointed though. I just missed my chance of having one grand meal but it's fine, you should eat.” She smiled as I picked up the little
ARIANNA“I know you'll be inquisitive why I'm telling you this.” I stretched my hands as I smiled at her, “I don't know as well, perhaps because I like you so much.”“You're my favourite maid, you know that right?” She nodded her head frantically and I yawned, using my hands to cover my mouth up and then chuckled.“I'm honored, Luna.” “Don't break my trust. Now tell me, why were you here really?” I asked and she heaved a sigh.“I came to read. I know it's a royal library and off limits for maids but I stumbled upon it and it had all these wonderful and lovely books and I couldn't resist the temptation.” I slapped her hands playfully and dragged her in.“You should have said that from the beginning. You can come in and read.” Her eyes lit up as she raised her eyes to meet mine.“Really?” She scurried in and immediately grabbed a book, slumping into one of the chairs.“Thanks so much, luna.” She flipped the pages, looking so intrigued and I clenched my teeth, staring at her for a few m
ARIANNA“Good riddance, I have always wanted that lady Elena to be banished.” Those were the murmurs that filled my ears as Elena was escorted by some guards to the boundary while I went back to my room to lay down.The past few days have been quite chaotic and all I needed was just a little bit of silence and peace.Everything was happening too fast and my daughter hadn't been found yet.Anytime I remembered that, my heart seemed to fall into the deepest part of my belly.The urge to ask Sergio when he was going to find her was overwhelming but I couldn't bring myself to do it.He was doing a lot already and reminding him that his daughter was still yet to be found would only mean adding salt to the injury that was already hurting.I honestly doubt that he doesn't even remember it. It must be on his mind every single moment and I knew it.How sunken and pale he looked, the eye bags that showed he was barely sleeping, everything was proof that he hadn't given up hope yet.“Ma'am, I he
ARIANNA“Don't humor me. You know what I'm talking about.” I rolled my eyes as he instinctively locked eyes with Mia for a brief second before clearing his throat dramatically.“Ummmm…I…” He was stuttering, literally unable to form coherent sentences so I took the liberty of the situation to answer for him.“Alaric would be right back. We need to talk about something.” I flashed him a smile and he looked away almost immediately like I was being creepy.“Yeah…yeah, that's right. I'd like to discuss with the Luna but whatever the counsel feels is the punishment that is due for Elena. Please go ahead and deal with her accordingly.” He nodded his head and I hummed, grabbing his hand and pushed him outside.“Alright.” Sergio answered, staring at I and Sergio with suspicious glances but this wasn't the time to explain anything to him here.“Let go, let go.” Alaric mumbled as I pushed him out of Sergio's office and banged the door behind us.“Arianna, I know what you're thinking but it's rea
Chapter 73Arianna’s POVThe world tilted around me as Alaric’s words sank in. How could he say something like that without even trying to bat an eyelid? It's as though for some reason, he had forgotten that Elena was his mate.Even though he just rejected her, he must still feel something for her.Right? Pity? Guilt? Anything?My breath caught, my fingers trembling as I clutched the edges of my dress. She had done a wrong thing, but I couldn't even bring myself not to pityher."We could pass whatever punishment meant for someone who tried to seduce the Alpha to Elena… since that's what she did."Elena, who had schemed and manipulated, who had done everything in her power to put me in a bad lime light in front of Sergio and the entire pack.I blinked, my heart hammering against my ribs.I searched Alaric’s face, looking for something—anything—that would tell me I misheard him. But his expression remained unreadable, a mask of unshaken authority. The air in the room thickened, pres
Arianna's POV“Sergio, she’s just a maid,” I said, exhaling deeply. “She’s not just a maid,” Sergio snapped, his eyes narrowing. “I’ve been Alpha long enough to know when someone is hiding something.” I crossed my arms, leaning back against the armrest of the couch. “She’s scared, Sergio. You confronted her like a criminal. Of course she panicked.” Sergio paced the room, his shoulders tense. The glow of the moon spilled through the window, illuminating his furrowed brows. “Arianna, I can’t ignore this. Something about her feels... wrong.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Not everyone who’snervous has a hidden agenda. She’s new. She’s trying to adjust. Please, let it go.” His sharp gaze softened slightly as he turned to me. “You always see the good in people.” “And you see the bad,” I countered, offering a faint smile. “That’s why we balance each other.” Sergio finally sat down beside me, his hand finding mine. The warmth of his touch sent a ripple of comfort th
à 34 Arianna’s POV My mouth fell open as I stared at Mia, the revelation knocking the breath out of me. “Y-you’re Sergio’s cousin?” I stammered, my eyes darting between the two of them. Mia stood there with a smirk plastered on her face, looking far too pleased with herself. Sergio, on the other hand, was barely holding back a grin. “Oh, come on, Arianna,” Mia teased, folding her arms. “Did you think I was just some random wolf who wandered in and decided to stick around?” I blinked, trying to process the information. “I mean...yes?” Sergio chuckled, his deep voice sending a strange warmth through me. “Mia’s been part of my life since we were pups. She’s practically a sister to me.” “But how?” I demanded, my voice rising. “When did she even get here? She wasn’t around when I first came to the pack.” Mia shrugged, clearly enjoying my confusion. “I arrived not long ago. Sergio called me back from an assignment when things started heating up with the rogues. I
Chapter 70 ARIANNA'S POV I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my nerves as I walked toward the storage room where the healers kept the herbs and fresh towels. My hands were still slightly unsteady, my mind a tangled mess of emotions after everything that had just happened with Elena. The fight. The anger in her eyes. The way I had won—something I knew neither of us had expected. And then Alaric. I clenched my jaw, shaking my head as I pushed the thought away. Now wasn’t the time. I had come out here for a reason—to gather the herbs and towels for Sergio. I needed to focus on that, not on the way my body still felt charged from the confrontation, or the way Alaric had looked at me when he had stepped in. I forced my mind into a blank state, moving quickly as I gathered the things I needed. My fingers automatically picked out the right herbs—lavender for calming, comfrey for pain relief, and a few dried leaves of wolfsbane for disinfecting wounds. I grabbed a stack of soft l