MILANA’s POV“This is relaxing,” I murmured, letting my head rest against the tub's edge as my eyes fluttered shut. The warm water cradled my body, and the fragrant bubbles danced over my skin. The soft aroma of lavender and vanilla seemed to melt away the tension lingering in my muscles. I inhaled deeply, savouring the tranquillity that filled the room.It had been far too long since I’d taken a proper bath. The sensation was pure bliss, made even sweeter by the memory of last night.A flush crept up my cheeks as images from the night before replayed in my mind. The sheer intensity and the way Max had taken control ensured I felt cherished—it all made my heart race just thinking about it. I opened my eyes, biting back a shy smile. It was strange how this new experience left me wanting more.Amel and Erna had left about twenty minutes ago, and their diligent preparations ensured everything I could possibly need was within reach. The door was left ajar, the faint creak of its hinges br
Milana's POVTwo days. Two whole days of being cocooned in the confines of this room. My face flushed as I thought about it. No doubt, everyone in the mansion knew why I hadn't stepped outside, and the thought alone was enough to make me want to bury myself under the covers. The whispers that would circulate, the knowing looks—it was mortifying.A knock on the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and an Omega stepped in, pushing a silver trolley laden with food. She didn't meet my gaze, but her composed demeanor didn't lessen my embarrassment.She moved swiftly, setting out two plates on the small dining table before leaving with a polite bow. The sound of the door clicking shut left a strange silence behind. I stared at the steaming dishes, determinedly avoiding the trolley or the direction the Omega had gone.They know. Everyone knows.The shame bubbled in my chest. Not only had I been confined here for days, but it also might appear
Maximus' POV The weight of responsibility felt oddly lighter today. However, my desk's towering stack of documents remained as daunting as ever. The familiar scratch of my pen against paper carried a rhythmic cadence, each stroke deliberate as it imprinted crisp signatures onto meticulously prepared contracts and decrees. Ordinarily, the monotony of administrative work would gnaw at me. Still, today, a peculiar sense of calm had settled over me. It wasn't just the efficiency of my movements or the smooth glide of ink that brought this strange contentment. Something deeper, something unfamiliar, had lifted my spirits. To my right, Rowan, my Beta and ever-reliable confidant, stood silently, his eyes scanning the glowing screen of his tablet. His brow furrowed as he reviewed one of the countless reports demanding our attention. The quiet hum of the office was interrupted by the sudden sound of him clearing his throat. The noise snapped me from my reverie. I glanced up, arching an ey
Milana's POVThe warm porcelain of the teacup in my hands was a soothing contrast to the cool air drifting through the window. I sighed softly, sipping the fragrant tea Erna had insisted I drink to regain strength. My body felt heavy and unsteady after spending two days confined to Max's room.Amel stood nearby, her usual energy radiating as she worked on arranging some linens. She glanced over at me and smiled slyly. "Luna, your relationship with Alpha Max is truly romantic. Everyone's been talking about it," she said with a teasing lilt."Amel," Erna scolded sharply, shooting her a warning look. "That's not something you should gossip about."The warmth in my cheeks only deepened as Amel's words replayed in my mind. I kept my gaze fixed on the swirling tea in my cup, hoping it would shield me from the knowing glances of my attendants. The cup trembled slightly in my hands, a reflection of my unease. It wasn't hard to imagine what the others must be whispering—the Luna who had disapp
MilanaThe journey to Saccer was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The lush forests and rolling hills that surrounded the Alpha’s mansion gradually gave way to bustling towns and sprawling landscapes. Though I was grateful for the change of scenery, my nerves refused to settle.I fidgeted in my seat, my hands clasping and unclasping in an effort to calm myself. This was the first time I had ever traveled so far, especially with someone else. Of course, Maximus wasn’t just anyone—he was my husband now, my mate—but the novelty of the situation made me feel unsteady.Max seemed entirely at ease, his posture relaxed as he glanced out the window. His presence was a source of comfort, but it also amplified my desire to appear composed. The last thing I wanted was to embarrass myself or him by doing something wrong.The words of Amel, my ever-enthusiastic maid, surfaced in my mind: Maybe this trip is your honeymoon.The thought made my cheeks burn. If this truly was a honeymoon,
Milana’s POVThe soft light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a pale glow over the penthouse. I sat on the edge of the bed, fingers fiddling with the hem of my robe. Sleep had eluded me for hours, my mind plagued by unanswered questions and lingering frustration from the day before. Just as I finally decided to lay down and rest, the sound of the door opening caught my attention.Maximus stepped into the room, his broad shoulders framed by the dim hallway light. His usually sharp features seemed softer in his exhaustion. He barely acknowledged my presence, his movements slow and deliberate as he shed his jacket and boots.I wanted to say something—to ask where he had been or why he hadn’t told me—but the words caught in my throat. He climbed into bed without a word, his heavy frame sinking into the mattress as sleep claimed him almost instantly.I sighed, watching his peaceful face for a moment before turning off the lamp. The room fell into darkness, the only sound was his
Milana’s POVThe sunlight streaming through the glass window warmed my skin, gently pulling me from the depths of sleep. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft glow filling the room. The day was just beginning, but a comforting stillness lingered. I stretched slightly, savoring the warmth, before turning to my right.There he was. Max. Asleep and utterly at peace. His chest rose and fell steadily, his dark lashes a stark contrast against his skin. The harshness that usually clung to him, the commanding presence that seemed to fill every space, was gone. In its place was a rare softness, and I couldn’t look away.For a moment, I simply watched him, my mind wandering. How strange he was—this man who had ignored me the other day as if I didn’t exist, only to hold me with such tenderness last night. My lips curled into a small, involuntary smile. The contradictions in him baffled me. Yet, as I sat there, watching the golden sunlight cascade across his features, I couldn’t help but
Milana’s POVMax had told me to dress casually for our outing, but I couldn’t help second-guessing my choice. I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the soft yellow dress over my hips, worried it might not be appropriate. I didn’t even know where we were going, so how could I be sure? Meanwhile, Max looked effortlessly captivating in a simple sweater and denim pants. It felt unfair how easy it was for him to always look perfect.When we stepped out, I was surprised to find our destination was a mall. A mall? The idea caught me off guard. Growing up, I had never been to places like this for leisure. While Riana often indulged in shopping trips, I had always been left behind to clean up or tend to chores. I couldn’t even dream of spending money frivolously like other teenagers. But today, here I was, strolling through a high-end mall on Max’s arm.Max stayed close, guiding me gently as we navigated the shops. Every store we entered felt like stepping into a different world—luxurious,
Chapter 37Maximus' POVThe office was quiet, save for the soft rustle of papers as I worked through another stack of tedious documents. The scent of aged leather and cedar lingered in the room, grounding me as the weight of responsibility pressed down on my shoulders. This rhythm had become my life—day in and day out, managing the endless intricacies of leading the pack. There was a time when I approached this work enthusiastically, each task a stepping stone to proving myself as Alpha. But nearly a century of leadership had eroded that initial spark, replacing it with the unrelenting grind of obligation. Now, it wasn't passion that kept me at this desk; it was duty, pure and simple.I glanced up briefly, noting Rowan seated across from me in one of the deep leather chairs. His usual composure, an asset I often relied on, was absent today. Subtle signs of unrest betrayed him—his fingers tapped an uneven rhythm on the armrest, his shoulders tensed, and his gaze flickered between me an
Milana's POVThe vastness of Springcrest Prowlers Pack territory stretched endlessly in every direction, a reminder of the power of this pack and my insignificance within it. Even after weeks of being here, I still felt small. Everyone around me exuded strength—each wolf seemingly carved from raw dominance and purpose. On the other hand, I had yet to discover where I belonged.The wind carried the earthy scent of the forest and the delicate perfume of blooming wildflowers as I sat quietly in the pack's garden. The scene was undeniably beautiful. The manicured hedges framed bursts of colourful blossoms, and a gentle stream wound through the green expanse, its soft gurgling providing a tranquil soundtrack. The bright sky stretched above like a canvas brushed in vibrant hues of blue and gold.Despite the peace of the setting, unease churned in my chest. The grandeur of this place contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the feeling that
Maximus' POVThe morning light streamed through my office windows, casting golden streaks over the polished desk. Stacks of reports and files covered every inch of space, demanding my attention, yet my mind drifted elsewhere. A knock at the door broke through the haze of my thoughts."Come in," I called, my tone sharp, betraying my frustration.Rowan entered my office with the same composed, purposeful stride I had expected from him. The faint scent of pine and fresh earth clung to his clothes, a reminder that while I often found myself trapped in meetings and administrative work, Rowan was still deeply connected to the land and the wolves who called it home. His calm yet efficient demeanor never faltered despite challenges that would have unsettled lesser wolves.He was one of the few whose opinion I valued, a steady force in a world often ruled by emotion and chaos. While others scrambled to gain my favor with half-truths or empty promises, Rowan remained resolutely grounded, speaki
Magnus' POVThe sharp wind at the pack's border swept through the clearing, stirring the grass and carrying the faint scent of wildflowers. This place, usually my refuge from the weight of responsibilities, offered no solace today. Peace eluded me, lost beneath the turmoil swirling in my mind.My father's revelation about Milana replayed endlessly, a drumbeat of regret growing louder with each passing moment. She wasn't weak—far from it. The girl I had dismissed, humiliated, and ultimately rejected had been stronger than any of us realized. She was destined for greatness—a protector, a force our pack desperately needed. And I had turned my back on her.The weight of that truth pressed heavily on my chest. If only I had seen it sooner and hadn't been so blinded by ambition and arrogance, things might have been different. Instead, I'd chosen what I thought was best for the pack and my future as Alpha, only to discover how wrong I had been.Beside me, Riana sat against the gnarled trunk
Magnus' POVThe dining hall, which had just moments ago been filled with the joyful hum of laughter and chatter, now felt stifling under the weight of Alpha Rick's simmering rage. The clatter of silverware had ceased, replaced by an oppressive silence that hung in the air like a storm cloud waiting to break. The once-celebratory energy evaporated, leaving only tension thick enough to choke on.My father stood at the head of the long wooden table, his broad shoulders taut, fists clenched at his sides. His dark eyes, usually sharp and calculating, now blazed with a fury I had rarely witnessed. My father had always embodied unyielding control—a leader who inspired loyalty and fear equally—but now that mask was slipping, revealing a tempest of emotions beneath.I couldn't hide my surprise. Seeing the man who commanded respect from every pack member on the brink of such visible anger was unsettling. His knuckles whitened, and I wondered if the table might splinter under the sheer force of
Magnus' POVThe afternoon sun filtered through the thick branches of the old oak tree, casting dappled shadows over the courtyard. Magnus stood in its shade, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the distant horizon as a restless energy simmered beneath his calm exterior. The weight of expectations and half-truths pressed heavily on his shoulders. He had built this life purposefully, choosing Riana as his mate to strengthen the pack. Everything was supposed to be perfect, yet something gnawed at him—something intangible but insistent.Footsteps crunched against the gravel path behind him. "Magnus?" Riana's voice broke through his thoughts.He didn't turn immediately, taking a slow, measured breath before acknowledging her. She came to stand beside him, a questioning look on her face."You left so abruptly," she said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Is something wrong?""I just needed a moment," he answered vaguely, his tone carefully controlled.Riana frowned, stepping closer. "Yo
Magnus' POVThe morning light streamed through the Alpha's dining hall windows, casting long shadows over the polished wooden floor. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee mingled in the air. I sat at the head of the table, sipping from my cup while my mother, Luna Ann, gracefully ate her breakfast. Across from me sat Riana, her smile as perfect as always. Her eyes sparkled with a sense of triumph that had been growing ever since she solidified her place by my side.Still, my thoughts betrayed me. Milana's face hovered in my mind like a ghost refusing to be exorcised. I had decided months ago—rejecting her was supposed to be the right choice. She was a disgrace to her pack, too weak to support the ambitious future I envisioned for our own. I needed strength, not fragility, in a mate.And yet, here I was, haunted by echoes of her presence. The memory of her soft eyes and quiet resilience lingered stubbornly, casting shadows over every interaction I shared with Riana."Magnu
MilanaLife with Max was an intricate blend of comfort and bewilderment, filled with moments that defied my understanding. Our connection's mystery never fully settled, even as our daily routines became more familiar. His presence—both commanding and protective—was a constant, and yet questions loomed over us like shadows refusing to dissipate.One question, however, clung to me relentlessly: How could Max be so sure I would bear his child?His unwavering belief baffled and unsettled me. There were no guarantees in life, no certainties that made his confidence logical, yet he spoke of our future with absolute conviction. I needed to understand why.As evening settled over the penthouse, casting long golden hues across the room, I turned to him, the weight of my thoughts heavy on my chest. " Why are you so sure?" I asked softly, my voice tentative yet firm.Max paused, his knife stilling over the plate. He looked up from his meal, his dark gaze steady. " Because you are my Luna," he sa
MilanaBack at the penthouse, Max hadn't let go of me since we arrived. His arms remained secure around my waist as we sat on the bed, the soft mattress beneath us starkly contrasting the chaos we'd just escaped. Even though our clothes were still wrinkled and dusty from the supermarket ordeal, we neither moved to change or break the quiet stillness.Max held me as if afraid that if he let go, I'd disappear into thin air."You really think I'm going to wander off again, don't you?" I asked, attempting a lighthearted tone despite the weight of the evening."I know you will if I don't keep you close," he retorted, his deep voice tinged with a protectiveness that irritated and warmed me."You're not going to let me out of your sight anytime soon, are you?" I teased."Not a chance." Max's voice was teasing, but the protectiveness lingered beneath it. "You've proven to be a bit of a flight risk.""I was just buying snacks," I reminded him with mock indignation. " I didn't plan on a werewo