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
MilanaEvery werewolf is blessed with a mate handpicked by the Moon Goddess, and so is their line of destiny. Because of that, I have someone, too. I long for him, even though I have never met him. I was ready to love and accept my fated mate as he was, even if he was a nobody and had been considered trash all her life. "You ungrateful child! Are you so busy that you can't even take care of the housework?!" Wanda scolded. "She really is lazy and useless!" Wanda was my foster mother, the woman who had brought me to live with her family after my parents died. I was only seven years old at the time. No, I didn't curse back at her. Just let out a long sigh as I started to clean up the messy house. The people in this house lived like pigs. They'll do anything and leave everything in a mess when they're done. Guess who's going to clean up the mess? Milana Adams, the useless orphan they brought into this house eleven years ago, of course. This kind of cursing is my daily bread. Even so,
MilanaWhat told me that this wasn't a dream was the pain that hadn't completely disappeared from my chest. With what was left of my pride, which to them was probably nothing, I got up, trying to stand up straight and desperately holding back my tears. My hopes of finding a mate were high, though it was unlikely I would find one as soon as I connected with my wolf. It could be that the one destined for me was on the other side of the world. But really, there isn't a single cell in my body that hopes to get an alpha born as a mate. I only wanted a low-status man-wolf and to be able to spend my life with him. Now, my hope to be free of Wanda was gone. I don't know what I've done wrong for the Moon Goddess to punish me this severely. The rejection of my fated mate had never crossed my mind. I hadn't even felt the electric sensation when I came into contact with my mate, as many people had told me. My life felt like an endless nightmare. I was too focused on myself to notice where Rian
MilanaMagnus' presence certainly drew more attention. Now, more and more people were curious about what was going on, and a few other people were whispering condescendingly to me.He walked over to us and immediately embraced Riana after she released her hug from me. Seeing how romantic and harmonious they were made my chest tight. I felt jealous because Magnus should have treated me well. However, what he said next added to the hurt in my heart."Don't you see how kind my mate is, even after you hurt her like that? Don't you feel guilty?" he said while gently stroking the sobbing Riana's back in his arms.It can't be like this. I have to explain everything so that people understand. "It's not like that-""Save your excuses!" interrupted one of them."But, I don't-""She's annoying and talks too much!" the other said.Again, I still needed to finish my sentence. I closed my eyes for a moment to subdue the overflowing emotions resulting from my heartache."Why are you silent about bei
MilanaThe clashing sound of metal woke me from sleep. I squinted as blinding sunlight pierced my eyes. The light came from a small window high on one side of the wall. A musty smell interrupted my sense of smell, and I realized I was in a damp and stuffy place.My whole body ached, and I tried to sit on the edge of the bed, only to realize that I was behind bars. Am I being held here? But why?I saw two huge, bulky men behind the bars. Their looks and gazes added to the creepiness that scared me. One of them was carrying an iron rod. Apparently, he was the one hitting the bars, probably to get me up."Who are you, and which pack did you come from?" asked the black one. His damp, curly, brown hair bobbed with his every move.I didn't open my mouth, as I was too stunned by this situation."Oy! Are you mute?!" yelled the blonde man with the iron rod after a few seconds of not getting an answer from me."I think I hit my head. Let's ask her again later," said his friend before they turne
Maximus"Alpha, we're ready," one of my warrior said, and I nodded.After we had breakfast, I saw the young wolves sitting in groups around the camp. More than half of them were training for the first time after their first shift. The youngest was only 16 years old, and I was relieved to see how their spirits were still high.We had stayed up all night, running under the full moon, followed by hunting wild animals and practising martial arts until morning. After breakfast, the plan was to head back to pack land.It's been days since I last went from home to camp. When I'm on training duty, I always make sure my people only bother me with packing business if it's urgent.We packed everything before breakfast, and the vehicles arrived a few minutes later. 27 of us set off and arrived in the morning, unloading our stuff with my beta supervision. At the same time, I went to the office to check if anything was missing while I was away. But no, my people were quite capable, and I breathed a
Milana's POVAs the warm water enveloped my skin, I let out a small sigh of relief. I had dreaded the moment Maximus carried me into the bathroom, thinking he’d insist on staying. But, to my surprise, he left without argument, handing the task of cleaning me to two omegas.Those two women introduced themselves when I took a seat before the vanity, then continued to work in silence.They worked diligently, scrubbing away the grime of my fall and the dampness of the prison cell. One of them, Amel, was particularly shy, stealing nervous glances at me as if afraid I might disapprove of her. The other, Erna, seemed more confident, her hands quick and efficient as she washed and dried my hair.Amel finally spoke after drying the ends of my hair with a soft towel. “It’s an honor to serve you, Luna,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.I blinked, unsure how to respond. “Luna?”Her cheeks turned crimson as she nodded. “Yes. We’ve waited so long for Alpha Maximus to find someone. The pa
Milana’s POVThe words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, as my cheeks flushed bright red. I quickly averted my eyes, hoping to escape the intensity of his gaze. My heart raced, and I fumbled with the blanket in an attempt to appear indifferent.Why did he have to be so bold? His confidence was unnerving. I wasn’t used to this—any of it. All my life, I had avoided the attention of men. I wasn’t even sure I knew how to interact with one, let alone someone like Maximus.He chuckled, clearly amused by my embarrassment. “You’ll get used to it,” he said, his voice low and smooth as if he could read my thoughts.I pressed my lips together, refusing to look at him. Instead, I focused on the intricate patterns woven into the blanket. Maybe if I stayed quiet long enough, he’d let me disappear into the background.But Maximus wasn’t one to let silence linger. “A designer will come later today to take your measurements,” he said, his tone now serious.I frowned, finally daring to glance at him
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