[Axel] I called many times, but Ryder did not respond. I felt him somewhere within me. It was the only sign I still had him. I did not get it. Why did he not answer my call? I did not feel any disappointment or anger in him toward me. So, why did he do this to me? I should have felt excruciating pain when Cora rejected me, the same pain when Rory did it. Ryder was the source that I could feel the agony because the rejection affected him. I hurt because he was hurt. I was incomplete without him. I was an Alpha because of him. If he was no longer mine, I did not wish to survive this life. I had no one, no home, nothing. Oh, Goddess. Why did I survive the assault? Why could I not join my parents in the afterlife? Someone interrupted my thoughts by knocking on the front door. I dragged my feet toward it and opened the door. A knuckle came fast to my face. Fortunately, I dodged it in time. I heard a growl, and someone tried to hit me again. Garret. Why did he strike me? “I told you to
I did not blame them, though. We just met for a few days, and I hadn’t had time to let them know me better. I was too busy mourning my miserable life. But I won’t let any stranger badmouth me and be free without suffering from any consequences.“When someone tells you something, you should ask the other party to tell his version. You shouldn’t take sides before listening to both parties.” I walked to the window. “I am an Alpha and bound by strict laws, not only the laws created by my pack’s elders but also the rules set by the King.”I stared at him to make my point. “You are not and never have been a member of my pack, so you cannot testify about me. Who told you I committed many crimes? I’ve never banished anyone during my reign.”“Every criminal denies their wrongdoings. I’ve expected your answer.” He laughed. “I may never have lived in your pack, but someone did. I’ve witnessed the sorrow you caused in his eyes.”Garrett yawned, distracting us. "Oh, I'm sorry. But I'm bored. I'm n
“I, Cora Huxley, accept Axel Blackwood, Alpha of Scarlett Sky Pack, to be my mate,” she said without any doubt in her voice.“I, Axel Blackwood, accept Cora Huxley to be my mate,” I replied.Something powerful hit me when I finished my sentence. Cora looked at me expectantly, but she did not say any words. When she glanced at my lips, I knew we had the same urge. I did not hold myself back. I was tired of holding back for days. So, I grabbed her and took what was mine.I kissed her lips and pressed her figure so hard on mine. My blood rushed, and my whole body came alive when we made contact. I was satisfied she kissed me back. We tried to take control over the other. I had no wolf. Yet, I was stronger than her. I was glad she did not give up and fight back. Oh, Goddess. I like it. I had a strong will mate.She pulled the hair at the back of my head, forcing me to end our kiss. “Mine,” she said before biting my neck carefully. Oh, she wanted to make a mark for people to see. Bad girl.
[Cora]He didn’t have a wolf? How could he be so sure he didn’t have a wolf anymore? Even though he had gone through a difficult time, he came back alive. So, his wolf should be fine as well. Humans and wolves were one, separated by nothing but death.I never met the wolf. However, I could feel and smell him in Axel. Perhaps the prolonged heartbreak made him reluctant to show himself. Lou was the same way. She was disappointed to be rejected by her partner. Nonetheless, she spoke to me again.‘I didn’t experience anything bad at the same time, Cora. Can you imagine you losing your parents, sibling, mate, best friends, and this pack in one day? Would you survive all that loss? I just can’t imagine it,’ Lou said.‘Lou, he’s an Alpha. He can hear you.’ I reminded her.‘Did you forget? I blocked our communication from outsiders. Even an Alpha can’t get through my defenses. We need privacy since we have a mate.’She was right. If Maddox walked by while we were making out, he could hear Lou
[Axel] I did not see other leaders in the assault, only Devon. There was no way other alphas would take sides with him. The eight packs in this kingdom took oath every five years to keep peace in this land. We hated war and avoided it as much as possible. What did Devon want? Why did he start the war? He was not doing all this to steal Rory from me. It might be something more important that he was after. He did not use Rory, but they might do this together. One thing that was so hard to digest was why humans were involved in this matter. No, it was not a war. One or two people destroyed my pack and left no one alive. They sent some rogues to hold the contest to ensure I was dead. Could it be someone wanted us to be gone forever? I looked at Cora’s house and guessed which one was her bedroom window. I hoped she slept well and maybe dreamed about me. Thinking about her made my body shiver. I wanted her again. I needed to feel her lips on mine. I had to think about it. I believed her
[Cora]My blood rushed to my head so fast. I clenched my hands together to hold back my emotions. The plans that I had made for tonight’s event were instantly shattered. I couldn’t imagine what Axel and people would say when they saw the state of my hair.I wanted to look perfect tonight for my mate. T-shirts and shorts were what I wear every day. I didn’t put on makeup and just put my hair in a ponytail. I had high hopes of coming here and using my savings. Then, one mistake ruined my attempt to win his heart.In the mirror, I saw Tyra and Aspen’s shadows behind me. They were hiding behind the back door, laughing at me. Of course, this was their doing. Why? Why would they do this? What else did they want from me?“I just want a cream bath, not hair color,” I protested as calmly as I could.“I prepared the cream of your choice. I-I didn’t know it was hair dye.” The woman serving me was visibly trembling. “Please, forgive me.”“Finish it quickly. I don’t want to listen to any excuses.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the pounding of my heart and the quickening of my breathing. I was used to the insults, but I didn't like people calling Axel a liar.Though he didn’t use that word, everyone knew what he meant. Why did everyone suddenly need proof we were a couple? As the daughter of a Beta, did I not deserve to be with an Alpha?It was as if I didn’t recognize the people in the pack who used to respect me so much. They’ve never spoken malicious or doubtful words to me before. Who had poisoned their minds to change their views about me? Could it be Aspen?“Alpha Axel just experienced great sorrow nine days ago. He lost his pack, family, friends, mate, and those who were loyal to him. No matter how strong the mate bond is, he is not a robot. Is he not allowed to grieve?” Garrett defended, interrupting his wife.“I mean well, dear. Don’t get me wrong,” Tyra said, deflecting.“When ready, he’ll ask my sister to marry him. So, leave them alone. As the wife of a Beta,
[Axel] Our pack was attacked, but I didn’t know the damage was so massive. They burned all the buildings, destroyed every border, killed all the plants, and turned the rest into ashes. Who was so mad at us that they had to destroy everything? We built this pack from nothing when our ancestors decided to stay here. The sunset view was magnificent. It encouraged them to choose Scarlett Sky as our pack’s name. We had ups and downs and faced civil and world war, but we stayed together and grew stronger. They said no one left, raising questions in my heart. We had underground shelters for women, children, and older people. I remembered they all had time to save themselves. So, I rushed to the place to see for myself. Even though there was no hope, I had to know what was happening. From a distance, I saw that the place was left in ruins. I half ran over to it and discovered a reality that hit me hard in the chest. The bunker was on fire, visible from its blackened walls. Those older peo
[Axel] The messenger Father sent did not say the reason for summoning us to the palace. But hearing the word immediately, I knew I had to get the news directly from his mouth. I was sure this had nothing to do with his health or my mother. Then what was it? Many royal guards were accompanying us. Why would Father add more people to escort us? I didn't hear any bad news from any pack. The disputing Alphas promised to resolve their issues peacefully. The journey seemed too long because I couldn't wait to reach the palace. Cora was silent, busy with her thoughts. She must have been thinking the same thing as me, guessing why Father had urged us to come and see him. The King and Queen not welcoming us in front of the palace. It was the first alarming sign. The bodyguard invited me to follow him to Father's study. Cora and I followed him. Arriving on the second floor, he approached the large door and opened it for us. "Ah, welcome, Elric, Cora," Father greeted. "Thank you, Father," I
After going through a tearful goodbye, Axel and I headed to our new residence. Although it was only temporary, I had a feeling we’d be in that painful place for quite a while. Therefore, I had to brace myself and learn to accept them as new people who would live a long time with me and my little family. The two of us were silent on the way to the new pack. I was pounding in anticipation of our meeting with them while Axel remained calm. His heart was beating regularly, and his breathing was steady. Unlike me, who repeatedly let out a long sigh. Axel held my hand, breaking my reverie. “Don’t worry about our new place. They’ll accept us well.” “I kind of doubt that,” I admitted. “What if someone wants to avenge Devon by hurting us or even our children?” “Devon is not an Alpha to look up to, Baby. In a few days, you’ll believe they’re different from their former Alpha,” Axel said confidently. Hearing that, I realized one thing. Axel had been friends with Devon for a long time. Of cou
I clenched my fist at the conditions he put forward. What an ignorant man. How dare he put forward terms when he was in a difficult situation. We were the ones with the upper hand. Wasn’t he afraid we could cut his head off this very second?His self-confidence made me resentful, but Axel held my hand, calming me down. My heart was beating so fast, and my breathing was ragged with anger, but he was being so calm. He should have been outraged at that sly witch’s arrogant words.“Did you not listen to what I said earlier?” the King asked calmly. “You and we have different beliefs about mates. Forget about your conditions. I propose unconditional peace because we should not let our parents’ problem create a conflict between us.”"Then the war will continue." The man's face turned red. "You are too proud of your power and beliefs to want to unite with us. Who now does not want peace among our people?""The terms you propose-" the King objected."See you later, Edmund." The man effortlessl
[Cora]I knew something awful would happen. Everything ran too smoothly, which raised my suspicion. My life had never been so peaceful since I met Axel. Even a daily routine became a nightmare. It was an excellent opportunity for them to harm us on my big day.Many influential people gathered in one place was a temptation for our enemies. I didn’t know the reason for their attack. I hoped the King had prepared a defense plan for this unexpected event.I shouldn’t have to worry because everyone here is a strong man. Axel is not the only royal lycan who shapeshifts to face the enemy. Many other royal lycans had sprung up and spread out to counterattack.Nevertheless, the enemy wouldn’t be so reckless as to attack if they weren’t sure of winning. I’ve seen the proof myself. Scarlett Sky Pack was flattened to the ground. Their attack was no joke. They managed to wipe out one pack from the northern kingdom.'Mom, I know you're strong. But please enter the shelter with the others. I can't l
She didn’t speak while I relayed the things we needed to discuss. After I finished saying everything, she was still silent. She wrinkled her forehead, a sign that she was thinking about it seriously. I knew this was a big decision.Although she was used to her job as a trainer of young wolves to become formidable warriors in their pack, I believed she could be my best companion in leadership. The Moon Goddess would not have matched us if we were not compatible.But what she would do in the future requires enormous sacrifice, especially in the transition. I didn’t want to go back there and rehash every single one of those excruciating moments. Moreover, Cora lost our baby there.That was why the King asked my parents to move out immediately. So, they didn’t have to come with me and Cora. They would refuse to stay in a place that has treated them terribly. If it wasn’t for my responsibility, I wouldn’t want to do this, either.“The King asked that you lead the Blood River Pack until the
I couldn’t sleep that night after talking to the King. The duty of leading this country was nothing compared to the special responsibility he gave me. I didn’t expect that the solution he had in mind would involve me. His offer for my foster parents to live in the capital made sense. I could lead with peace of mind if they were in a safe place, unreachable by my old or new enemies. My coronation as crown prince would cause turmoil in the witch community. But if all werewolves and royal lycans were united, they couldn’t divide us. The strength of all of us was enough to fight back if they rebelled in the future. That was why they were looking for someone like Devon to ruin the peace between us. To ease my mind, I let Ryder go for a morning run in the forest near the palace. I only stopped near the lake I'd seen with the King on my first night of shapeshifting. The view was much more beautiful near sunrise. 'We can do this,' Ryder said, reassuring me. 'You led a large pack once. So y
[Axel] I didn’t expect my parents to announce my identity so soon. Gathering all the people from different parts of the world was no easy feat. No wonder they rushed back to the palace after defusing Devon’s attack on the Royal Blue Pack. They asked all the Kings to attend today. I was not ready to take on my duties as a prince. But I wouldn’t be prepared if I didn’t force myself to learn. After lunch, I did not return to the bedroom with Cora. Father requested something from the King, which he immediately granted. We headed for the dungeon, and I walked behind, allowing my second parent to get closer to the destination cell. We had no trouble figuring out where he was because since we entered, he was the only one yelling for the guards to let him go. I didn’t hear anyone protest. Perhaps there were no other prisoners in the same corridor, so they weren’t bothered by his screaming. “Looks like you enjoy your new home,” Father teased the man inside. Egor moved his head and was stu
The King, Queen, and Alphas stood in the first row while I and the rest stood behind them. Axel was on my right, Alicia on my left. They all knew what happened, but only my entourage was clueless.When three cars entered the grounds, I knew they belonged to the royalty who must have just picked them up from the airport. They were the guests of honor. Oh my! Were the envoys from the neighboring kingdoms coming to join us?"King and Queen of the West Kingdom," the attendant announced.I turned to Axel, who frowned, equally confused. Then I glanced at Alicia, who was smiling meaningfully. I squinted at her, but she just chuckled, unwilling to open her mouth about what was going on.The King and Queen greeted their honored guests, while we just smiled and nodded our heads to them. The King took them to a side garden, so we followed as quietly as possible.I was amazed that the garden had been decorated with beautiful little lights. A round table had been neatly arranged with chairs surrou
“Maddox!? What are you doing? Are you crazy!” shouted Dad as he approached him and took the knife from his hand. “What have you done?”He looked at the bodies in horror. They were lying on the floor, so I could not see them from my side. The conference table covered their bodies from my sight. Dad knelt and mourned for his best friends. My chest tightened as I witnessed my best friend doing an unexpected action.Maddox looked cold. His expression was unreadable. Could he turn mad because he lost his mate? Everything was fine yesterday until last night. He was attending the dinner and giving a speech. He didn’t show any suspicious behavior."Oh, Goddess!" Dad suddenly stood up and took a step back. His face turned pale as white as a sheet."What happened?" asked Mom and Aunt Ursula in unison. They approached Dad and looked at the floor where the bodies were. "My Goddess!" they closed their mouths with their hands, shocked."They still have my parents," Maddox declared, surprising us. H