MADELINE’S POV It was a chilly morning, and I stood at the edge of the pack training grounds, watching my breath turn into visible puffs in the cold air. I pulled my coat tighter around me, my thoughts random as I replayed the conversation I’d had with Louisiana days ago. I had told her about Alpha Novare's ridiculous demands. She had been unusually quiet since then, which wasn’t like her at all. But now, I needed her help. The plan I had in mind was simple but risky. Louisiana despised me, especially where Alpha Novare was concerned. If I could use her hatred to my advantage, I could get Novare off my back and maybe—just maybe—set myself free. As I waited, Louisiana approached, her sharp features set in a scowl. “What do you want from me, Madeline? You want another fight you can’t win?” she snapped, her tone dripping with irritation. “I need your help, Louisiana,” I said qu
MADELINE’S POV The room grew eerily quiet. All eyes snapped to Louisiana, her voice cutting through the air with an unexpected force. “Why don’t we let her finish?” she snapped, her words sharp like a whip. “The general pack meeting is about addressing grievances. I, too, have something to air.” I noticed the pack elders exchange quick, uneasy glances, their expressions tense. They hadn’t expected this. Their faces were filled with a mixture of concern and annoyance. Alpha Novare, usually calm and collected, seemed confused, his eyes locked on Louisiana. I could see the questions running through his mind, but he was waiting. Louisiana, however, didn’t flinch. She stood tall, her gaze sharp, as if she were daring anyone to challenge her. “I need to clear the air about something,” she began, her tone cold. “I know what people say about me. You all think I’m a fake, don’t you?” She let the words hang in the air, watching the pack’s reaction. “That I’m not really Alpha Novare’s mat
MADELINE’S POVToday is Louisiana’s Luna ceremony. I wasn’t surprised when I got a message from her, early in the morning. I wasn’t eager to go, but ignoring her wasn’t an option.Her room was bustling when I arrived. Servants swarmed around her, fixing every detail of her outfit—the rose pink dress that hugged her in the right places, the heavy gold necklace on her neck, even the tiniest strand of her hair. Louisiana stood in front of the full-length mirror, soaking up the attention. She was born for it, anyway.“Everyone out,” she commanded suddenly.The maids stood, unsure if they heard her right, before scurrying out like frightened nice. I stood near the door, watching her, until the last servant left. Finally, she turned to me smirking.“What do you think?” she asked, gesturing to her dress.I glanced at the dress. It was beautiful, no doubt, but there was something about the way she asked that made it feel more than a question.“It looks…nice,” I replied cautiously.Her laug
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 gaze
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 and I noticed I was sharing my bed with someone. Not that it was unusual or anything. It happened almost everyday 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 then I knew for a fact that she was a virgin I just broke. I took a closer look at her and found out 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. Come to think of it, this was the first time I had taken alcohol and it clouded my sense of judgement. Something wasn't just right. "What have I just done?" I sc
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 and sometimes leading to incurable depression. I had never for once taken mates seriously. I called it the age long nuisance of werewolves. It has been a tradition followed by all the werewolf race, but I single handedly chose and resolved not to follow that traditional path. I hadn't rested from the installation ceremony and the council of elders were up and about encouraging me to commence the journey of parenthood and bear children who will continue the legacy. Together, without much of my consent, they put together a mate choosing ceremony. I had no option than to be present because this was the first event I was going attend as the new alpha. The anticipation in the great hall was high. I felt nothing, only indifference. The elders whispered among themselves, confident that I would pick one
ALPHA KONAN'S POV I remembered how Elyan, my wolf, reacted when I first saw Madeline's bare body. It was just one time and she's carrying my child. I had been looking for a way to get rid of her, but for now, revenge had to wait. I paced round the room, my mind full of conflicting thoughts. Madeline was carrying my child, and 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. "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 fingers on it
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 POVToday is Louisiana’s Luna ceremony. I wasn’t surprised when I got a message from her, early in the morning. I wasn’t eager to go, but ignoring her wasn’t an option.Her room was bustling when I arrived. Servants swarmed around her, fixing every detail of her outfit—the rose pink dress that hugged her in the right places, the heavy gold necklace on her neck, even the tiniest strand of her hair. Louisiana stood in front of the full-length mirror, soaking up the attention. She was born for it, anyway.“Everyone out,” she commanded suddenly.The maids stood, unsure if they heard her right, before scurrying out like frightened nice. I stood near the door, watching her, until the last servant left. Finally, she turned to me smirking.“What do you think?” she asked, gesturing to her dress.I glanced at the dress. It was beautiful, no doubt, but there was something about the way she asked that made it feel more than a question.“It looks…nice,” I replied cautiously.Her laug
MADELINE’S POV The room grew eerily quiet. All eyes snapped to Louisiana, her voice cutting through the air with an unexpected force. “Why don’t we let her finish?” she snapped, her words sharp like a whip. “The general pack meeting is about addressing grievances. I, too, have something to air.” I noticed the pack elders exchange quick, uneasy glances, their expressions tense. They hadn’t expected this. Their faces were filled with a mixture of concern and annoyance. Alpha Novare, usually calm and collected, seemed confused, his eyes locked on Louisiana. I could see the questions running through his mind, but he was waiting. Louisiana, however, didn’t flinch. She stood tall, her gaze sharp, as if she were daring anyone to challenge her. “I need to clear the air about something,” she began, her tone cold. “I know what people say about me. You all think I’m a fake, don’t you?” She let the words hang in the air, watching the pack’s reaction. “That I’m not really Alpha Novare’s mat
MADELINE’S POV It was a chilly morning, and I stood at the edge of the pack training grounds, watching my breath turn into visible puffs in the cold air. I pulled my coat tighter around me, my thoughts random as I replayed the conversation I’d had with Louisiana days ago. I had told her about Alpha Novare's ridiculous demands. She had been unusually quiet since then, which wasn’t like her at all. But now, I needed her help. The plan I had in mind was simple but risky. Louisiana despised me, especially where Alpha Novare was concerned. If I could use her hatred to my advantage, I could get Novare off my back and maybe—just maybe—set myself free. As I waited, Louisiana approached, her sharp features set in a scowl. “What do you want from me, Madeline? You want another fight you can’t win?” she snapped, her tone dripping with irritation. “I need your help, Louisiana,” I said qu
"Louisiana of all people!!!" She was the last person I wanted to see showing up at my front door. But here she was, leaning casually against the frame like she had all the time in the world. For a moment, we just stood there, staring at each other in silence, both of us determined to hold our ground. Then, finally, she spoke. "Meet me at the pack training grounds, now!!!" My pulse kicked up a notch, her timing was suspicious. The last thing I wanted was her knowing that her presence made me uneasy. I swallowed back the urge to argue, but I wasn't going to let her get her away easily. "Why? It is late, and there's no reason for this," I replied. Louisiana chuckled dryly." I am your leader and your superior, she said gritting her teeth. Anything involving the warrior wolves is my business. And I will call anyone for training whenever I see fit." "Oh, wow!!!" I whispered under my breath. Arguing with her was pointless. "Fine," I replied with a reluctant shrug. She gave me on
MADELINE'S POV Maybe it was all manipulation sprinkled with his touch of mischievousness. Maybe it was one of his many tactics to drag me to the abyss. Maybe this was my form of punishment for prying into his private affairs. ".....What?" I whispered out in confusion. "Why what? You didn't hear me right?" he asked. "Listen and listen attentively. I will repeat myself again just once." "I like you Madeline." That was it. I wasn't mistaken. I heard right. I sat there, my heart hammering in my chest. My mind went for a spin. He likes me? "Cat got your tongue," alpha Novare asked casually, with a grin evident on his face. The tug of shock and amusement deepened on my face and it was damn obvious. I stared at him, trying so hard to guage his intentions. His expressions began to shift back to the cold authority I was accustomed to. The casual grin he had flashed moments ago had disappeared. It was like watching him reverting to the alpha Novare I knew, but I couldn't help but b
MADELINE'S POV Ever since my confrontation with Louisiana, I haven't seen her. But I could feel her anger hovering around like the storm cloud. I could feel the way the others looked at me, quick glances and whispers behind my back. No one spoke anything to me directly. The moment the words left my mouth, I knew there was no going back. I was in for shit and Louisiana would be out for my blood. "You really gave Louisiana a hit, Freya said. You were the only one who had the boldness of a lion to confront Louisiana concerning the rumors in such manner. You are totally different now. You have finally removed the cloak of naivety. Congratulations Madeline!!!, but don't get too comfortable." Just as I had thought to take a rest, a knock was heard at the door. Alpha Novare had summoned me. My heart leapt in terror, but I followed obediently. While on my way, I met madam Apricot. She stared at me squarely and her sharp eyes never missed a detail. She walked past me and I knew she was go
MADELINE'S POVI winced as Freya dabbed the wet antiseptic cloth against the wound on my arm. I could feel Freya's eyes on me, glancing up from time to time to where Louisiana sat at the far end of the camp with someone tending to her wounds."You got something on your mind," I asked Freya."Beat me, she exhaled. There's something different about Louisiana. What happened between you two?""Nothing," I replied her. I didn't want to talk about it or talk about the mission either. "Maybe she's still rattled from the fight," I added.Freya narrowed her eyes. "You are telling me, that Louisiana is rattled because of a fight? The same Louisiana who never misses a chance to remind us that's she's the toughest in the pack? Louisiana behaves like an asshole, but she isn't one to run away or be rattled because of a fight. You know you make a bad liar, don't you?"I didn't answer right away. I knew the words I said to Louisiana had struck a chord of reflection or better still, more intense hatre
MADELINE'S POV"They are coming. Our captors are coming," I whispered loudly."Shit!!" Louisiana huffed in frustration.The poison had seeped deep into our system and transforming to our wolf form could not be attainable. "What are we going to do," I asked softly but loud enough for Louisiana to hear."We have nothing to do than fight them off physically."The surrounding flickered with a faint light from a worn out, old lamp. The faint light exposed three bulky men, thrice our size with hardened expressions. They towered over us, clearly confident in their build. The odds were against us, but that didn't matter."Seems they broke free. Feisty, just the way I love my women to be, the lead captor sneered with his folded arms across his chest. Do you really think you can take us trio on?" he asked, his fingers pointing at the three of them."Why don't you come try," Louisiana dared.Fright overcame me. "Louisiana, I whispered into her ear. We are at odds here, so I suggest we talk it ou
MADELINE'S POVMy eyes stung as I blinked them open, the dull ache in my head throbbed at every slight beat of my pulse. Darkness hovered around me. The air was thick and stale, carrying the scent of damp earth and rot. My body felt heavy, as if I had been dragged through the forest for miles.And yes, I remembered been dragged before I blanked out.It wasn't until I tried to move that I realized my wrists were bound tightly behind my back. My vision cleared immediately. The more I moved, the more the coarse rope bit deeply into my skin. It weakend me the more and I winced , feeling the painful strain on my shoulders. I perceived a familiar scent coming from the rope. I racked my brain for a while...I had perceived that somewhere. And wolfsbane, the rope was laced with Wolfsbane. It only gave me an insight. Our captors were definitely the same kind as us.Then I realized I wasn't alone. My back pressed against someone else's.Louisiana.The memory came rushing back. The border expedit