Arianna’s POV “Alright, I'll just hold on to the fact that you'll tell me whenever the time is right.” He nodded I folded my arms, the weight of my earlier actions pressing down on me like a heavy cloak. “I’m sorry,” I began, my voice soft and unsure. “I don’t know what came over me back there. Pulling you away like that… it wasn’t my place.” Alaric gave a low chuckle, the sound both amused and exasperated. “You’re always full of surprises, Z—” He paused, correcting himself. “Arianna.” I bit the inside of my cheek, unsure how to respond. His use of that other name still unsettled me, though I couldn’t say why. But before I could dwell on it, his next words cut through my thoughts. “Elena’s my mate,” he said bluntly. The words hung in the air between us, their weight heavier than I expected. I blinked, struggling to process what he’d just said. “Your mate?” I repeated, my tone betraying my disbelief. He nodded, his gaze steady but unreadable. “Yes. That’s why you found us toge
ANNIKA'S POV The faint glow of candlelight flickered across the room, casting long shadows on the walls as I lay beneath Logan. His hands moved across my skin with ease, but his mind wasn’t here. I could see it in the way his eyes glazed over, in the half-hearted way he whispered my name. It was routine, mechanical, like he was going through the motions because it was expected of him. I bit back the frustration bubbling within me, determined to pull him back to the present. I wrapped my arms around his neck and tilted his chin toward me. “Logan,” I whispered, my voice soft but commanding. He hummed, his focus flickering for a brief moment before slipping away again. “Look at me,” I urged, tightening my grip. His gaze finally met mine, but before I could revel in the connection, he murmured, “Arianna…” The world seemed to tilt on its axis. I froze, every muscle in my body locking in place. Had I misheard him? My heart thundered in my chest as I stared up at him, searching f
Chapter 38 ANNIKA'S POV “Are you threatening me?” His tilted his head to the side and I swallowed hard glaring at be. “Not yet but when I do, you definitely won't be asking questions about it. It would be crystal clear.” I stated and he scoffed unbuttoning the top button of his shirt. “Annika, you're my Luna. You should be satisfied with that.” “I'm not satisfied with that. You're my Alpha, you owe me your attention, I see the way you drool at my younger cousin simply because she looks like Arianna. At this rate, it won't be long before you turn to a pedophile.” “Don't ever say that again.” He stated firmly before walking out on me shutting the door like he was transferring the anger. He always left early now. No goodbye, no kiss, not even a note. My chest tightened as I glanced toward the door he’d walked out of, likely heading was calling for. “Arianna…” he’d groaned, his eyes half-closed, lost in the haze of his desires. I’d frozen beneath him, my entire body stiffeni
Chapter 39 Annika’s POV With every step, branches scratched my cloak, and the damp earth sucked at my boots. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the woods bathed in shadows. A sliver of moonlight cut through the canopy above, guiding me deeper into rogue territory. I clutched the note the alchemist had sent, her cryptic words etched in shaky handwriting. “Follow the wolf’s fang, and you’ll find me.” My fingers traced the drawing of a jagged stone she’d mentioned, the one now visible just ahead. The boulder rose like a lone sentinel, its shape resembling a broken canine tooth. The air grew heavier the closer I got, thick with the stench of herbs and smoke. My pulse quickened, but I forced myself forward, refusing to let fear slow me down. “Come out,” I called, my voice steady despite the tightness in my throat. “I’m here.” A figure emerged from the shadows, draped in tattered robes that trailed the ground. The alchemist’s face was obscured by a hood, but her luminou
Chapter 40 Arianna’s POV “Do you like roses, Marcia?” I asked as we knelt together in the garden. “They’re beautiful, Luna,” Marcia said softly, her hands delicately brushing the petals of a freshly bloomed flower. “But they’re also strong. They endure the harshest winds and still bloom.” I smiled, enjoying the peaceful moment. “You sound like someone who appreciates resilience.” She looked at me, her hazel eyes searching mine. “Resilience is...necessary.” There was a wistfulness in her tone, something unspoken lingering just beneath the surface. I reached out, touching her arm gently. “You seem to understand that all too well.” Marcia offered a small, almost bashful smile before returning her focus to the roses. “You’re very kind, Luna.” “Call me Arianna,” I said, grinning. “I think we’ve spent enough time together to drop the formalities, don’t you?” Marcia hesitated, her hands stilling for a moment. Then she nodded. “Thank you...Arianna.” Later that evening, as Ser
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
Annika’s POV “How long do I have to wait?” I muttered under my breath, pacing the small servant’s quarters assigned to me. The room smelled faintly of lavender and wood polish, an ironic contrast to the storm brewing in my chest. The image of Arianna laughing with Sergio replayed in my mind, each laugh like a needle piercing my skin. The way they looked at each other—it was maddening. He looked at her like she was his entire world. “Marcia, you’re late for the meeting,” one of the maids called out, poking her head through the door. “I’ll be there in a moment,” I replied, forcing a smile. As soon as the door closed, the mask dropped. My lips curled into a sneer. She doesn’t deserve him. She’s just playing the role of a perfect Luna. But I see her. I see through her. She's just the same sly bitch that was beautiful suddenly for no reason, maybe I would have a reason not to hate her so much if only she was as obsesed as she was before. If only she was still that fat and ugly b
Logan’s POV "Where is she?" I growled, slamming the glass tumbler down on my desk. My Beta flinched but didn’t dare meet my gaze. "Alpha, Annika said she’d be gone for Gamma training," he answered, his voice careful, measured. "Gamma training," I scoffed, the words bitter in my mouth. "It’s been days. No word. No messages. Nothing. Doesn’t she know I don’t have the patience for games?" Cole hesitated, and I could tell he wanted to say more, but his fear of my temper won out. Wise choice. “Before she left though, she mentioned that she told you and you approved.” He said carefully and I squinted my eyes? "She did” I questioned more rhetorical and then sighed. I can't remember when she ever told me something about gamma training. “Fine, leave!” I ordered, waving him off with a dismissive flick of my wrist. He left without another word, the door clicking shut behind him. The silence of my office was suffocating, and for the first time in days, I allowed my thoughts to wander.
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