MADELINE'S POVI couldn't listen to Sera's confessions anymore. I left the room. As soon as I stepped out, the impact of what she had said hit me. When I reached the end of the corridor, I could barely focus.I didn't realize that I had wandered so far. I hadn't escaped my past. It still haunted me, as clear as day. Everything around me blurred. It was like I was hearing double.The world tilted.I tried to steady myself, but it was no use, and everything went dark.When I opened my eyes again, the sterile white ceiling of the pack hospital greeted me. The scent of antiseptic increased my headache. I tried to sit up, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me."Don't push yourself," Alpha Konan's deep voice said beside me.I turned my head slightly and found him sitting on a chair by my bedside, his gaze fixed on me.I rolled my eyes. Why would he sit here? Doesn't he have anything or any pack documents to review?""You slumped, came his voice. The doctor said it was fatigue. You are going
MADELINE'S POVThe air in the pack hospital felt unnaturally still. Since I woke up, Alpha Konan hadn't left my side. At first, I thought nothing of his presence, but as time went on, it became overwhelming.Every time I opened my eyes, he was there, watching as if I might disappear if he blinked. The sight of him sleeping in that uncomfortable chair, head tilted awkwardly, warmed my heart and displeased me at the same time. I needed to make him leave."Alpha Konan," I called softly.His head shot up immediately, scanning my face."You are awake," he said in a groggy voice. "Do you need anything? Water? Or should I call the pack doctor?" He asked intermittently."I need nothing," I replied. "I am fine, better actually. You don't need to be by my bedside all the time."He frowned."I am not leaving, Madeline, until I am sure you are fully rested."His words sent shudders of unease through me. The last thing I wanted was to be a burden to Alpha Konan."I will be very fine on my own. Yo
MADELINE'S POV "The shameless bitch lost my baby. Who told her to interfere with the affairs of the slaves and servants. I strongly instructed and warned her to be careful and specific with what she takes for the sake of the baby, and out of carelessness, she gobbled down a herbal tonic that wasn't hers to take in the beginning. For disobeying me and killing my pup due to carelessness, I am going to punish her dearly for it." "Dan!!!" his voice bellowed which showed he was smitten with pure anger and fury. "Bring Madeline to the execution room." And he sauntered angrily out of the hallway. From my room enclosed with brick walls, I could hear Alpha Konan’s voice thundering and ranting. My heart sank further into despair. Alpha Konan had always been unsympathetic and ruthless when dealing with me, and today's own won't be any different. He was feared by all and respected by none for his compassion because they didn't exist. I huddled myself together on the tiny bed in my room, my g
ALPHA KONAN'S POV I woke up to the sun sending piercing rays through my room window. I squinted my eyes to avoid the rays from getting further entrance into my eyes. I sat upright on my bed and ran my hands on my disheveled hair. Then, I noticed I was sharing my bed with someone. Not that it was unusual. It happened almost every day of the week. Women often found their way into my bed, seeking favor or simply drawn by my title or prestige. The lady on my bed was stark naked with only the duvet to cover her shame. I could see the crimson red under where she slept, and then I knew for a fact that she was a virgin; I just broke. I took a closer look at her and my stomach churned. It was Madeline, my most dreaded and mortal servant. The realization hit like a thunderclap. How come she ended up in my room and sharing a bed with me? I tried to piece the haze of last night, it was impossible. This was the first time I had taken alcohol and it clouded my sense of judgement. Something
ALPHA KONAN'S POV Werewolves are always excited when they hear of mates, their fated ones. And if by age eighteen, their fated ones have not been found, they are thrown into anxiety, sometimes leading to incurable depression that consumes the soul. But I? I scoffed at the concept. To me, it was an age long nuisance of werewolves. It was upheld by fools, who couldn't see the chains it placed on their freedom. I resolved early not to follow that traditional part. I hadn't rested from the installation ceremony, and the council of elders was up and about encouraging me to commence the journey of parenthood and bear children who will continue the legacy. They spoke of legacy, honor, and the importance of choosing a Luna. Together, without much of my consent, they put on a mate-choosing ceremony. I had no option but to be present because it was the first event I was going to attend as the new alpha. The anticipation in the great hall was high. I felt nothing, only indifference. The elde
ALPHA KONAN'S POV I paced round the room, my mind full of conflicting thoughts. I remembered how Elyan, my wolf, reacted when I first saw Madeline's bare body. It was supposed to be one mistake, one indulgence, but now she carried my child. Revenge would have to wait to wait. I needed her and the baby to strengthen my position in the pack. She would be useful as a fake mate to quiet the pack elders who were concerned about me not having a mate or children. Announcing her and the baby at the next pack meeting, which was only a few hours away, would be the best way to handle things. It was an opportunity I couldn't afford to squander. "Dan," I called. "Yes, Alpha Konan?" he answered from behind the door. "Summon Madeline here." I ordered. "The servant girl from earlier today?" he asked. "Dan, is there any other Madeline in this mansion?" I replied coldly. "Sorry alpha Konan. I will get her right away," he said. "Hurry," I snapped. I sat behind my desk, drumming my f
MADELINE'S POV I was led to my room by the servant lady assigned to me by Alpha Konan. I sobbed all along the way and I wondered how my life would take its course from henceforth. When we got to the room, there were other servants waiting to help get things done. I looked at them through my tear filled yes, hoping someone would notice me, but they all went about their normal business, their behavior similar to a robot, as if I wasn't there, as if I never existed. The new room was one thousand times better than the servant cubicle. It had everything I needed to make life comfortable. I was taken in for a hot bath with fresh scented flowers that had its own unique fragrance. My legs were shaved and my hair thoroughly washed and cared for. I was told to sit in front of the vanity mirror, the head servant lady telling me that she would be with me shortly. Seeing my reflection in the mirror, I saw noticeable changes. My once lean cheek bones were becoming chubby, my nose looked bigger a
MADELINE'S POV His hands rested on my lower back as we walked to his quarters. I couldn't stop thinking about how he dealt with the elder who questioned the baby's paternity and my place as his mate. As we reached a quiet corner, his soft look changed. “Madeline, Alpha Konan's voice turned icy, his grip tightening on my arms. How did the elder learn you are a fake mate?" My lips parted in confusion, but I was determined to defend myself. His eyes bore into mine with hatred. "I don't know," I stammered. "Don't lie to me," he hissed, still holding onto my arm. My fear ignited anger. I may be a lowly servant, but I have dignity. Ask your people, Alpha. One of them must have slipped." “His expression darkened, a dangerous smile curving his lips. I was sure he was surprised at my talk back. "Remember your place, Madeline. One more mistake, and I will mark you as my real mate. Do you want that? A lifetime of hell with me? I moved steps away from him when he uttered the wor
MADELINE'S POVThe air in the pack hospital felt unnaturally still. Since I woke up, Alpha Konan hadn't left my side. At first, I thought nothing of his presence, but as time went on, it became overwhelming.Every time I opened my eyes, he was there, watching as if I might disappear if he blinked. The sight of him sleeping in that uncomfortable chair, head tilted awkwardly, warmed my heart and displeased me at the same time. I needed to make him leave."Alpha Konan," I called softly.His head shot up immediately, scanning my face."You are awake," he said in a groggy voice. "Do you need anything? Water? Or should I call the pack doctor?" He asked intermittently."I need nothing," I replied. "I am fine, better actually. You don't need to be by my bedside all the time."He frowned."I am not leaving, Madeline, until I am sure you are fully rested."His words sent shudders of unease through me. The last thing I wanted was to be a burden to Alpha Konan."I will be very fine on my own. Yo
MADELINE'S POVI couldn't listen to Sera's confessions anymore. I left the room. As soon as I stepped out, the impact of what she had said hit me. When I reached the end of the corridor, I could barely focus.I didn't realize that I had wandered so far. I hadn't escaped my past. It still haunted me, as clear as day. Everything around me blurred. It was like I was hearing double.The world tilted.I tried to steady myself, but it was no use, and everything went dark.When I opened my eyes again, the sterile white ceiling of the pack hospital greeted me. The scent of antiseptic increased my headache. I tried to sit up, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me."Don't push yourself," Alpha Konan's deep voice said beside me.I turned my head slightly and found him sitting on a chair by my bedside, his gaze fixed on me.I rolled my eyes. Why would he sit here? Doesn't he have anything or any pack documents to review?""You slumped, came his voice. The doctor said it was fatigue. You are going
MADELINE’S POV I was struggling to keep my eyes open, as I adjusted to the rhythm of the border patrol. I had just shifted my focus back to the task at hand, when I was told that the messenger was here for me. It’s about Sera, the messenger had said, offering no further explanation.I didn’t bother to ask. I fell into step behind him as we trudged the road that led to the pack mansion. “Why Sera? What had happened to her? What could she have done that required me to be pulled out from border patrol?”When we got to the park mansion, we stopped in front of the interrogation room.Why here?Rosaline stood waiting, her arms crossed, her gaze very serious.“Go in, she said with an edgy tone. Sera’s waiting for you.”I wanted to question her, but her expression silenced me faster than any command could have period I turned toward the door, my fingers turning the door knob.Pushing the door open, I was met with Sarah sitting on her chair in the centre of the room period her face was pal
SERA’S POVI inhaled sharply, my breath shaky, but I forced myself to stand tall. My legs trembled, and the flood of fragmented memories threatened to overwhelm me. But I couldn't show weakness—not in front of the Godfather.The man who’d brought me here stood silently to the side while Godfather and his men watched me. Godfather's eyes were intense, like they could see right through me. I felt exposed, but I didn’t look away."You know why you’re here, Marilyn—or should I say Sera?" he asked, a dark grin playing at the corners of his mouth.The word revenge made my heart race. That was what they thought I was here for, but they were wrong. Before I could think of revenge, I needed to remember who I was.I straightened my back and met his gaze. "Yes. I’m here for revenge.""Good," Godfather said, his smile never leaving his face. "Then you’ll do as I say. No mistakes. I get what I want, and you get your revenge."I nodded, trying to mask the unease gnawing at my insides. I couldn’t af
ALPHA KONAN’S POVThe air was crisp and clean, tinged with moisture from the late afternoon rain. My paws sank slightly into the earth, the leaves crunching beneath me. The familiar feeling, which usually grounded me and connected me with nature, wasn’t working today.Nothing felt right.I pushed myself harder, forcing my legs to move faster. But no matter how much I tried to outrun it, she was there, in every step, in every breath I took. Her memories from breakfast clung to me, following me through the day. They wouldn’t leave.Elyan, my wolf, snarled in frustration. His thoughts tangled with mine, making it hard to focus. He was restless, hungry for something I couldn’t give. His growl of protest echoed in my mind, but I couldn’t let him take over again, not like he had during breakfast. I was glad she hadn’t noticed.She had been bold in the pack meeting, I’d give her that. Wearing that same dress—the one she wore when she first attended. Back then, I’d seen her as nothing more th
MADELINE’S POV I closed the door behind me. Alpha Konan didn’t say a word as he strode to his desk and sat down, not even sparing me a glance. His face was serious and stoic, like was ready to snap at any given second. “Was it because I spoke to Uncle Damien?” Well, I don’t care. They should do well to sort their issues between themselves and also do well not to involve me. I decided to settle on the seat across from him, and then his voice came, sharp and commanding. “I never gave you the permission.” My body stiffened as my body was already halfway to the chair. I straightened myself back up and obeyed. This was not the time to play defiance. Alpha Konan pulled a stack of documents towards him and began flipping through the page. As I stood opposite him, I studied him. He had become more tanner than before. More alluring and sexy. He had now developed a new behavior, running his index fingers on ever-present creases on his forehead. Each crease signifies the burden of his pos
MADELINE'S POVAfter the weird breakfast with Alpha Konan, I prepared for the pack meeting. Then a thought crept in. Since Alpha Konan had decided to introduce me as the diplomat in front of the pack elders, the same pack elders that prejudiced me, how about I make a statement?I stared at myself in the mirror, the emerald green open-back gown. The dress was as good as new. I made sure I packed my hair and my make-up in the same way, just like that time. As I stepped into the corridor, Alpha Konan was already on the way there. His eyes landed on my dress, and for a moment, I saw something shift in his expression. It was either amusement or admiration."The dress still looks good on you, just like that time. Fall into step beside me, he subtly commanded."I did and stepped beside him."Right now, the story's different. We are walking into the great hall as Alpha and diplomat. Quite fortunate and amusing," he remarked.I said nothing. Instead, I lifted my chin.The door to the great ha
GODFATHER'S POV"Madeline has returned to Oceanwolf pack," I informed Alpha Gritus."Madeline?" he asked, his interest piqued."Yes," I affirmed. Not only has she returned, but she's now placed in a key role. She's been appointed diplomat between Crescent Pack and Oceanwolf Pack. She's now part of an integral part of their pack politics."A slow smile crept across his face. This is very convenient, Alpha Gritus murmured. Alpha Konan allowed this?""Not willingly. Alpha Novare might have forced his hand, I replied. Madeline's new role is the perfect bridge between the two packs, and if we play this right, it could also be a perfect tool to turn Crescent Pack away from Alpha Konan and Oceanwolf Pack. Her position is very delicate. She's new to politics. A single mistake on her part could bring chaos. If we can push her into making such a mistake or make it appear as though she has, it will make our work easier.""Konan is a fool, isn't he? Keeping his weakness by his side. He allowed Ma
MADELINE'S POVIt was late afternoon when I finally closed the last document. A tired yet satisfying smile played on my lips. The pile of papers seemed impossible at first glance. Each page was filled with diplomatic jargon that made my head spin. But as I read through them, I began to understand the importance of my task.The words written in the documents were not just ordinary papers. They were the foundation of trust and cooperation between both packs. Alpha Konan wasn't wrong when he said there would be chaos at the slightest mistake.Alpha Konan stepped into his study room."What did you find, little diplomat? he said casually.This was new, his time was too casual.I have identified different issues, but there are three major ones. If they aren't addressed, they could cause serious problems for both packs.He raised an eyebrow and I took it as a cue to continue."The first issue is the issue of overseeing each pack's resources. Right now, the clause gives Crescent Pack control o