NIA’S POVEvery shadow and shape, every unnatural silence that chased the birds away, was that massive, silver beast. With quiet, light paws, the big, sleek Lycan prowled towards me. The muscles on his furry chest and shoulders flexed with every step he took.Crickets and toads pounced away upon sensing the vibrations of his paws, and the crescent moon above was the only light source that never ceased to illuminate the path.Vulpine and alert, he fixed his glowing pairs of sharp, carnivorous eyes on me, his ears straight up on his gigantic head, and his white nose twitched as he sniffed around my scent. The golden hairs along my spine prickled with warning.Did he spot something?I can’t let him get to it first.Suddenly, Lykoan’s gleaming wolf lay still, down on his belly on the ground of the dark forest. Distracted, Starr scrambled on top of Sultan immediately, licking his face numerous times. Hot air blustered from his nostrils when he was satisfied with her affections.Wanting to
NIA’S POV“Nia,” Lykoan pleaded with a rise in his voice, hoping to center my focus on the present. “It's just me, baby. Talk to me."“What if you don't like what I have to say?" I inquired timidly, with fear veiling my voice.“Talk to me anyway. What did you steal?" Lykoan captured my chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to look up at him.I swallowed hard, squeezing my eyes shut as if my throat was too dry to function. Here goes nothing. “Weloganite.”Lykoan released the grip on my face and went thoughtful for a second. “Aren't those the electric-powered stones Harrison has recently promoted for their power company?”Blinking at him, I nodded.Taking a deep breath, I contemplated my words carefully, aiming to convey my actions without causing misjudgment.It prompted Lykoan to gently caress my hand, offering comfort.Gathering courage, I delved into explanations. “One night, my parents went into the forest for a picnic. My Mom discovered an underground site where the we
DALTON’S POVLost in my animalistic nature, fist after fist met my naked brother's face. He laid flat on his back, and I towered over him in the nude, pounding in rage. The afternoon sun's searing streaks whipped my back like it was on Pete’s side, hot and brutal.“Stop!” Evangeline shouted, being held back by her father among the crowd in the expansive backyard of the pack house.Roughly grabbing her shoulders, Haynes swung her around to face him. He shouted angrily, “Evangeline, this is unbecoming. Control yourself!”Pack members flocked the grounds. Several Alphas, with or without their Lunas, and the Elders sat pompously on the deck to watch the challenge for the Boulderfist Howlers Alpha title.Dad and Francine were among them. The expression on my stepmother’s face was unmistakable: pure, unfiltered rage and abhorrence.Not caring for appearances, Evangeline shoved her father’s large arms from her shoulders. She ran towards me, dropping to her knees on the lawn grass, and claspe
DALTON’S POV-“Evangeline Volkes, by the will of the moon goddess, Selene, I pronounce you the new Luna of the Boulderfist Howlers Pack!” Elder Sixsmith announced with glee. “May the power of the night be with us. Let the union be the start of a stellar new life together with love to spread and power to hold.”The other Elders, in their long, gray, black, and white robes, rose from their chairs to bend in a low bow at us. They saluted in unison. “May the moon whisper her blessings on your union tonight.”Me, in a tuxedo suit of the same colors, returned an Alpha’s respect by bringing a firm fist to my chest and extending it out to them.All the wolves at the late function in the backyard of the packhouse began howling in celebration.Showing her appreciation, Evangeline turned to smile half-heartedly at the crowd. She wore the traditional gray gown with lace. It was backless with a deep V-neck, flowy style with several slits and knotted strings at the shoulders. Tiny silver floral bud
NIA’S POV“Tonight will surely be unforgettable,” Tameka muttered, roaming her dubious eyes up and down the risqué dress I had on, clearly not thrilled. She had a few dresses hanging over her arm that she thought were better options. “That one is going to come back to bite you.”With one hand on my hip, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, doing a half-turn to the right and then to the left. I could barely recognize myself. What little amount of fabric there was in the outfit clung to me like a second skin.“Lucidora packed it, and I’m rocking it.” I chuckled, pushing at my bosom and wondering when my breasts got bigger.Tameka did not even crack a smile. She hummed, contemplative, with a finger tapping on her lips.The silver dress was slightly vulgar and incredibly sexy, very sexy. It was unlike anything I had ever worn. But my eyes lit up, and I knew it would be the second dress of the evening, as soon as I saw it on the rack of gowns in my bedroom at the Protostarlet hotel pe
NIA’S POV-Not even flinching, I sucked in a calming breath. Thinking quickly with the slyest smile, I beamed, “One of your favorites.”He halted his strides to swerve a dangerous look to the girls. “Which one of you told her that?”Panic flashed in Tameka’s and Kourtney’s eyes. Their bodies went into seizure mode, shaking their heads vigorously because they had nothing to do with it.“Lucidora,” Lykoan muttered in realization, cursing silently. He returned his stormy eyes to me, resuming his steps. “Then wear it only for me. You are not leaving here looking like you’re up for grabs. Please change into something more conservative.”I tried not to roll my eyes.“We are going to, um…” Kourtney trailed off, moving sideways towards the door with a firm grip on Tameka, dragging her along.The girls scurried out of the room to avoid his wrath, leaving me alone with this puffing beast. Kourtney made sure to close the door behind them.When I did not move, Lykoan’s patience wore thin. Stoppin
NIA’S POVIn awestruck wonder, I gasped. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes overlooked the two pairs of gold earrings to gawk at— “My jade triskelion.”Blinking my shock away, I reached inside the box and snatched my triskelion, running my fingers over the shiny surface. After noticing the slender gold chain necklace attached to it, I realized that the jade was too big for a pendant. It was practically the size of my hand.Looking up at Lykoan, I gaped at him accusingly. I wondered when he removed it from my room. Going into my personal belongings and taking out my stuff was an invasion of privacy. Was he searching for the Weloganite stones? Either way, he should have asked.“You had no right to take my triskelion. This is dear to me.” Bemused, I narrowed my eyes, searching his. “How could you?”Part of me feared what he had to say. Upsetting thoughts rolled around in my head, sowing seeds of doubt where there had once been burgeoning hope and intrigue. It was self-preservation—a defe
NIA'S POV“If we must.” I nodded hesitantly.Lykoan helped me down from the vanity and I linked my arm through his.My nerves wound tighter as we left the room, going into the elevator to head down to the ballroom. It dinged, opening up to the elaborate lobby. We take the left and walk down the hallway on a lavish gray carpet.My wolf knew we would see Dalton again tonight, that we would see the male who rejected us. The one who didn't care to save our baby. The same man who made us rogue. The instigator of my downhill life.A part of Starr loathed him. Once again, he has declared to the world that he never intended for me to be his Luna. Only to be used until I was no longer useful. My disdain for him churned.On the other hand, tonight was mine and Lykoan's first debut as a couple. It was also my first time attending such a grand function. My first time going in public with my arm looped around a man's own. A man who proudly owned me. A man who walked along my side, with his head hi
NIA’S POVShellshocked, Ramona froze, blinking once, then twice.“Let’s not air out family business here,” Haynes replied with a sheepish smile, trying to de-escalate the situation he aggravated. “All this nonsense is ruining the evening.”“She’s the one disrupting the harmonious environment,” Ramonda grumbled, dipping her chin. “Offer her the money and she’ll take it. A low class like her is nothing but a woman digging for gold from a sugar daddy. A mutt trying to cash out.” Then her expression dulled, offering a regretful look when she lifted her head, her voice softened sympathetically. “You’ve endured so much already. Maybe you need more time in seclusion. I’m just helping you to keep bad she-wolves away from you.”Gritting my teeth, I laughed bitterly. “It's odd how you know to penalize other people for things you don't have concrete proof of, but disregard it when it comes to your father's obvious theft, your mate's flagrant attempted murder, and the most famous one,” I paused a
NIA’S POVOn impulse, I placed my hand on Lykoan’s thigh, gently patting him. In response, he put an arm around my chair to draw me close until the chairs bumped. Immediately palming my face, he rested his forehead on mine, taking large whiffs of my scent. Lilac eyes locked mine in a fierce, consuming gaze.“I’m not his anymore. He can never have me again,” I whispered some assurance. My words were nothing but the truth, and I gave him a coy wink as my hands coasted up his chest to rest on his broad shoulders. “You have me.”That eased the growing tension in Lykoan, whose features relaxed. It was as though the rest of the universe had faded away, leaving just the two of us gently in the quiet.“Mine.” The deep raspy rumble from his chest lured out ripples of shudders from my core as his nose brushed against the rim of mine.My fingers comb through the ends of his hair, curling the soft strands around my fingertips.“That’s right. Breathe slow and steady,” I cooed, stroking his cheeks,
NIA’S POVLycans.“Alpha General, have you been well? I'm glad that you're done convalescing and could make it to Evangeline’s big day. If I had known you were coming, Ramonda and I would have paid our respects sooner.” The man in his forties with the dark balbo beard greeted with a crooked smile. “I’m Haynes Volkes, by the way.”Lykoan’s smile dropped, and a displeasing shadow passed over his face. He leaned back in his seat and straightened his back as he pinned the man with an icy stare.Haynes extended his arm across the table for a handshake.A stony indifference set in Lykoan's features. He maintained hostile eye contact with Haynes, showing no appreciation for the salutation.“Am I the only one at this table, Haynes?” Lykoan reprimanded in an offended tone, sipping his drink.“Um. No.” Haynes’ aubergine eyes reluctantly swept to me and quickly back on Lykoan as he retracted his hand. He opened his mouth, but the pregnant woman sitting beside him rushed to interject.“Words are f
NIA’S POV“Is there something fascinating at that table, Nia?” Lykoan’s jealous voice drew my attention to him. His eyes were demanding and possessive as his hand reached across the table for mine. “Is there space in your mind for me?”“It is a bit funny,” I admitted, chuckling lowly, “It's like they are having their own isekai plot, and we are the side characters in this drama.”“Side characters?” Lykoan scoffed, and I did not miss the brief flicker of amusement that passed across his face when he lifted my hand and softly kissed my knuckles.He did not want my eyes wandering to my ex, even though he knew this wasn't some incredible, romantic reunion. But I’ve mentally checked out of that old fling. Dalton was not on my bingo card anymore.Then he removed his hand to pick up my wine glass, handing it to me. “In their small world, it’s quite clear that the fuss is over you.” Holding my gaze, he flashed that million-dollar smile. “Sultan’s Starr will always be my shining star. No one ca
NIA'S POV“If we must.” I nodded hesitantly.Lykoan helped me down from the vanity and I linked my arm through his.My nerves wound tighter as we left the room, going into the elevator to head down to the ballroom. It dinged, opening up to the elaborate lobby. We take the left and walk down the hallway on a lavish gray carpet.My wolf knew we would see Dalton again tonight, that we would see the male who rejected us. The one who didn't care to save our baby. The same man who made us rogue. The instigator of my downhill life.A part of Starr loathed him. Once again, he has declared to the world that he never intended for me to be his Luna. Only to be used until I was no longer useful. My disdain for him churned.On the other hand, tonight was mine and Lykoan's first debut as a couple. It was also my first time attending such a grand function. My first time going in public with my arm looped around a man's own. A man who proudly owned me. A man who walked along my side, with his head hi
NIA’S POVIn awestruck wonder, I gasped. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes overlooked the two pairs of gold earrings to gawk at— “My jade triskelion.”Blinking my shock away, I reached inside the box and snatched my triskelion, running my fingers over the shiny surface. After noticing the slender gold chain necklace attached to it, I realized that the jade was too big for a pendant. It was practically the size of my hand.Looking up at Lykoan, I gaped at him accusingly. I wondered when he removed it from my room. Going into my personal belongings and taking out my stuff was an invasion of privacy. Was he searching for the Weloganite stones? Either way, he should have asked.“You had no right to take my triskelion. This is dear to me.” Bemused, I narrowed my eyes, searching his. “How could you?”Part of me feared what he had to say. Upsetting thoughts rolled around in my head, sowing seeds of doubt where there had once been burgeoning hope and intrigue. It was self-preservation—a defe
NIA’S POV-Not even flinching, I sucked in a calming breath. Thinking quickly with the slyest smile, I beamed, “One of your favorites.”He halted his strides to swerve a dangerous look to the girls. “Which one of you told her that?”Panic flashed in Tameka’s and Kourtney’s eyes. Their bodies went into seizure mode, shaking their heads vigorously because they had nothing to do with it.“Lucidora,” Lykoan muttered in realization, cursing silently. He returned his stormy eyes to me, resuming his steps. “Then wear it only for me. You are not leaving here looking like you’re up for grabs. Please change into something more conservative.”I tried not to roll my eyes.“We are going to, um…” Kourtney trailed off, moving sideways towards the door with a firm grip on Tameka, dragging her along.The girls scurried out of the room to avoid his wrath, leaving me alone with this puffing beast. Kourtney made sure to close the door behind them.When I did not move, Lykoan’s patience wore thin. Stoppin
NIA’S POV“Tonight will surely be unforgettable,” Tameka muttered, roaming her dubious eyes up and down the risqué dress I had on, clearly not thrilled. She had a few dresses hanging over her arm that she thought were better options. “That one is going to come back to bite you.”With one hand on my hip, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, doing a half-turn to the right and then to the left. I could barely recognize myself. What little amount of fabric there was in the outfit clung to me like a second skin.“Lucidora packed it, and I’m rocking it.” I chuckled, pushing at my bosom and wondering when my breasts got bigger.Tameka did not even crack a smile. She hummed, contemplative, with a finger tapping on her lips.The silver dress was slightly vulgar and incredibly sexy, very sexy. It was unlike anything I had ever worn. But my eyes lit up, and I knew it would be the second dress of the evening, as soon as I saw it on the rack of gowns in my bedroom at the Protostarlet hotel pe
DALTON’S POV-“Evangeline Volkes, by the will of the moon goddess, Selene, I pronounce you the new Luna of the Boulderfist Howlers Pack!” Elder Sixsmith announced with glee. “May the power of the night be with us. Let the union be the start of a stellar new life together with love to spread and power to hold.”The other Elders, in their long, gray, black, and white robes, rose from their chairs to bend in a low bow at us. They saluted in unison. “May the moon whisper her blessings on your union tonight.”Me, in a tuxedo suit of the same colors, returned an Alpha’s respect by bringing a firm fist to my chest and extending it out to them.All the wolves at the late function in the backyard of the packhouse began howling in celebration.Showing her appreciation, Evangeline turned to smile half-heartedly at the crowd. She wore the traditional gray gown with lace. It was backless with a deep V-neck, flowy style with several slits and knotted strings at the shoulders. Tiny silver floral bud