Elena's point of view.The rest of the night, I'm embroiled in our mate bond. Every time Vanda touches me, I have to withhold my blush and wipe the fresh memory of what we've done out of my mind. Over dinner, my attention is so shot that I hardly hear Ben say he'll be leaving tomorrow for four days to visit a friend's pack, thankfully, neither Kane's nor Alpha Walter's. He's definitely chosen such days on purpose, however. With the mayhem of constant attacks, he must be yearning for normalcy.Each time my distracted thoughts win, and merely making eye contact with Vanda has me giddy and shy, he simply smiles, waits a moment, and then asks me something unrelated so I might find some relief.---Hours before the sun rises, Vanda rubs my upper arm in short strokes, waking me up. I stir and slide my arm over his chest."Don't go," I mumble.The bed is the perfect temperature and perfect softness; it tries so hard to lull me back to sleep."I have to get ready to meet Alpha Walter's men at
Elena held up two blushes, considering her options. "Do you want the light pink blush or this warmer one?"Serena didn’t bother opening her eyes. "I don’t understand why I need to look pretty too.""Hm." Elena answered her own question. "Pink will suit you better—it’s softer on your complexion."Serena sighed. "Fine."The sisters sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a worn wooden mirror, its stand long broken. Elena carefully swept the pink blush across Serena’s cheekbones with a wide brush. "What about a lip color?""Elena, I know you’re anxious about the Beta’s son, but fussing over me isn’t going to change whether or not he’s your mate.""I know," Elena admitted, "but this keeps me from spiraling. I haven’t felt this calm all day, so let me focus, okay?"She grabbed a random lip color, but as she brought the rosy tint to Serena’s lips, her sister opened her eyes and stopped her hand. "Wait," Serena said. "I know Mom is making this a huge deal, but—""She’s not making it a big
Elena's point of view My stomach churns and protests beneath a threadbare, oversized men’s shirt. Dust and grime cling to the fabric, a mix of my own and remnants from its former owner. The initial stench has dulled over time, overtaken by the metallic tang of damp air and a peculiar, persistent scent I can’t place. The barred window in my cell is my only clue about time. It hasn’t shown daylight since my arrest, though it feels like I’ve been here for days.I try to convince myself the mysterious scent means nothing. I can’t bear the thought of another failed bond.The rogue man shackled beside me rattles his chains. The guards cuffed him to the wall, but for some reason, they left me untethered. “You’d better brace yourself,” he mutters, always eager to talk. “I’m done for because I injured one of them. But even for trespassing, there’s punishment. Any other Alpha might let you off with a warning, but not VuK. Coming here was a big mistake.”“It wasn’t intentional,” I reply, tracin
Elena's point of view Alpha VuK stands outside the cell, his expression unreadable. “You can come out,” he says. “You’re not being punished.”I hesitate but step out cautiously. When he shuts the cell door with a clang, I flinch and nervously tug at the hem of my tattered shirt, trying to make it longer.“How long have you been here?” he asks.“Through the night,” I answer, keeping my gaze down as the rogue had advised.Alpha VuK sighs. “What’s your name?”“Elena,” I reply.His fingers brush the sleeve of my shirt, and I freeze. “And this?” he asks.“The guards gave it to me. I didn’t have clothes,” I explain quietly. “I’ve never spoken to an Alpha before. Especially not one like you.”“Like me?”“An Alpha with your reputation.”“Are you afraid?” he asks. The mate bond muddles my emotions, urging me not to fear him. Still, my answer comes out unconvincing: “No.”“Come. I’m taking you to clean up,” he says, turning to leave.I hesitate before following, careful not to fall behind. We
Elena's point of view.The tall man, with a hand towel in his grip, answers me, "Sometimes the Alpha’s sister comes to stay, but she’s mated and living with another pack, so it doesn’t happen often. They don’t live here, but his men—the Beta and others—are usually around."I nod, resuming my meal, not wanting to overwhelm them with questions, though I feel more comfortable asking them than Vanda. When I’ve finished and my plate is empty, one last question crosses my mind, and I take the risk to ask.“Are there any rules I should know about?”“Rules? Yes,” the tall man replies. “Lots of pack rules—probably more than you’re used to.”“I mean, are there house rules? Like where I’m allowed to go or what I can do?” I clarify.“Oh, well, it’s not really our place to tell the Alpha’s mate what she should or shouldn’t do.”This answer doesn’t bring much clarity. Despite the bond, I don’t feel like his mate. I feel more like a prisoner he’s been forced to accommodate, although he’s shared deta
Elena's point of view.Doubting the Moon Goddess feels wrong, but as I head to the packhouse, I can’t help questioning her purpose in pairing me with Vanda. The rogue I was imprisoned with wasn’t lying; the Alpha doesn’t give lenient punishments, and my hesitations about our bond feel justified. Yet, the pull in my chest doesn’t waver. Deep within me—mind, body, and soul—his claim is carved, drawing my admiration despite everything.The front door is unlocked when I return, so I step inside and quietly close it behind me. Slipping off my shoes, I head upstairs. My eyes are drawn to the master’s double doors, and I instinctively veer toward them. I pause, listening for Elizabeth in the kitchen. She’s likely drinking tea; there’s no sound of anyone working.Serena was right when she said we’re not allowed beyond the border for a reason. As a child, I imagined unclaimed land to be full of monstrous beasts, shadows towering over the fiercest warriors, and harsh landscapes that no wolf cou
Elena's point of view.Would Serena or Mom think I’m crazy for staying this long and investing in this matehood? It feels indulgent, and part of me wonders if too much of Vanda’s coldness will end up hurting me. But could I leave if I wanted to? Honestly, I’m not sure. Even after the failed dinner conversation, leaving and going home wouldn’t put me in a better place. There’s no point in returning to my parents without a mate, let alone with the chance of becoming a Luna lost. Mom would be devastated, praying to the Goddess that I find my way back to the stars.So, for now, I stay and hope Vanda’s heart will eventually warm to the bond we share—really feel it the way mates are meant to.I don’t leave the spare room until late in the morning, but when I do, I catch Vanda’s scent in the air. Heading down the stairs, I spot him moving down the hallway toward the front door. He glances back when he sees me. Coerced by our bond, I ask, “Where are you going?”“Out to the fields,” he replies
Elena's point of view.I walk quickly along the training ground's path, spotting where it connects to the larger one just ahead. Swallowing hard, I brace myself for another surge of the strange warmth coursing through me. It comes moments later, a wave crashing low in my abdomen before settling between my thighs. My face scrunches involuntarily. The pack house isn’t far now, and once I get there, I can deal with these growing sensations in privacy.“Elena.”Hearing my name, I glance back to see Vanda approaching, his steps light and unbothered.“Did Charles tell you it’s just a headache?” I say, trying to sound firm. “If I lie down, it’ll go away.”He stops beside me, forcing me to halt, even as the heat in my body reminds me it won’t wait for anything.“What’s wrong?” he asks, his voice laced with concern.“Just a headache,” I insist.“Your scent has changed.”“Are you sure? Maybe you’re just remembering it wrong,” I reply hastily. “I was going back to lie down. Please, don’t let me
Elena's point of view.The rest of the night, I'm embroiled in our mate bond. Every time Vanda touches me, I have to withhold my blush and wipe the fresh memory of what we've done out of my mind. Over dinner, my attention is so shot that I hardly hear Ben say he'll be leaving tomorrow for four days to visit a friend's pack, thankfully, neither Kane's nor Alpha Walter's. He's definitely chosen such days on purpose, however. With the mayhem of constant attacks, he must be yearning for normalcy.Each time my distracted thoughts win, and merely making eye contact with Vanda has me giddy and shy, he simply smiles, waits a moment, and then asks me something unrelated so I might find some relief.---Hours before the sun rises, Vanda rubs my upper arm in short strokes, waking me up. I stir and slide my arm over his chest."Don't go," I mumble.The bed is the perfect temperature and perfect softness; it tries so hard to lull me back to sleep."I have to get ready to meet Alpha Walter's men at
Elena's point of view.Vanda gently unclenches my fist, his expression caught between amusement and surprise."What is it?" he asks, a playful curve to his lips."I... want more," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.His brows lift in surprise. Placing his hands on the desk on either side of me, he leans closer, his presence making me instinctively press my knees together. "Is that so?" His hazel eyes scan mine, searching for any trace of hesitation."What would you do if I was in heat?" I mumble, unable to meet his gaze.His smirk fades, replaced by a more serious look as he straightens. "Elena...""I'm serious," I insist, stepping down from the desk. "You mentioned there are...""There are what?" he prompts, his tone both curious and challenging.Heat rises to my cheeks as I glance away. "You said there are things besides traditional mating. I know about them, but I don’t know what you meant. I want to understand.""Alpha!" a voice calls from the front of the house, cutting thr
Elena's point of view.The clatter of pots and pans greeted me as I entered the kitchen that morning. Ben stood at the stove, wearing borrowed pajamas and cooking breakfast.He glanced over his shoulder at me. "Morning. The Alpha's already eaten. He's in the study with Charles and Alex. I figured I'd make something since I wasn’t sure when you’d wake up. There’s plenty if you’re hungry." He paused, flipping something in the pan. "After this, I’ll stop by home to change before heading to the gardens. I’ll be back by lunchtime.""Is Elizabeth here?" I asked, rubbing my chilled arms."She came in for a bit but left to get soap for the laundry. Hungry?""Yeah," I admitted. "I’ll be back in a minute. I want to check on Vanda. I think the attacks are weighing on him.""No rush," Ben replied with a kind smile.Leaving the kitchen, I headed down the hall, past the stairs, and into the left living room toward the study. Vanda’s, Charles’s, and Alex’s voices carried through the open door."The
Elena's point of view.At one in the morning, I hear Vanda return to the house. Unable to sleep for hours, I leave the bed and rush downstairs in my nightgown. Ben is staying in one of the guest rooms—we thought it too dangerous for him to head home alone with a potential attack looming—so I lent him some of Vanda's clothes and a bed. The dim light under the guest room door tells me he’s asleep.As I hurry down the stairs, Vanda’s footsteps echo from the hallway before stopping abruptly. Leaning over the railing, I spot him glancing back at me.“Was it an attack?” I ask quickly.He gestures for me to come down, so I take the steps two at a time. Once I reach him, he confirms, “Kane attacked. He didn’t get too close to the border, but we didn’t have much time to intercept him. The first wolves to face his forces were slaughtered, but they bought us the time we needed.”“How bad?” I whisper.“Sixteen dead so far, though we may find more.”I press a hand to my mouth. “Goddess. How did it
Elena's point of view.I shower before dinner, dressing quickly with the bedroom doors shut—Vanda is in the study. As I pull on my pants and tug a clean shirt over my head, I reflect on the day. Vanda takes his leadership seriously, as expected, but seeing him in action gave me a clearer understanding of what he deals with. I hope there will be opportunities for me to join again, especially in discussions like the one about the war earlier.Once I’m done, I head downstairs. Ben is likely in the kitchen, so I plan to help with dinner.From the top of the stairs, I hear the front door burst open. I descend a few steps and see Alex in the foyer, half-dressed in only shorts.“Vanda!” Alex yells, rushing into the living room near the study.I hurry down the rest of the stairs, and as quickly as Alex vanishes to fetch Vanda, he returns with my mate, both moving with urgency.“What’s going on?” I ask, stepping closer to touch Vanda’s arm.He turns to me as Alex bolts back outside, leaving th
Elena's point of view.I found myself rambling again as Vanda and I walked through the woods. “I think I got a little distracted toward the end,” I admitted.“With what?” Vanda asked, his curiosity piqued.I hesitated before speaking. “Well, we know Alpha Walter can find another Luna to produce an heir, but what about Alpha Kane? He has his Luna, Serena, but they can’t seem to have a son. What is he supposed to do?”Vanda’s jaw tightened, his response delayed. “It’s a complex situation,” he finally said.“What would you do if you were him?” I pressed.“I don’t know,” Vanda replied. “I thank the Goddess I’m not.”I glanced at the trees, my thoughts drifting. “But what if we couldn’t—”“You’re thinking too far ahead,” he interrupted. “Don’t worry yourself.”I stopped walking, my heart heavy with unease. “Would you find someone else who could give you a son?”Vanda halted abruptly, turning to face me. “Where is this coming from?”I shrugged, instantly regretting my question. “The words j
Elena's point of view.Vanda leads me into a modest, one-story building that, while simpler than the pack members' homes, is comparable in size. Inside, the main room features a long table surrounded by chairs. The occupants are already seated, their gazes fixed on us as we enter.“For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, this is my mate, Elena,” Vanda announces confidently. “She’ll be joining us today.”I receive a series of polite nods, which eases my nerves slightly.Vanda pulls out a chair beside the head of the table and gestures for me to sit. Once I’m settled, he takes the seat to my right.The door opens, and Charle steps in. He freezes briefly upon spotting me but quickly recovers. “Luna, welcome,” he says with a respectful tone, moving to sit on Vanda’s left. “This is a pleasant surprise.”“This morning, she decided to accompany me as I go about my schedule, including today’s meetings,” Vanda explains. “I thought it was an excellent idea.”“I agree whole
Elena's point of view.I wake up on my side, completely embraced from behind. Vanda's arm is draped over my waist, holding me close. I try to twist to see his face."Vanda?" I lift his arm slightly. "The sun's up.""I know," he mumbles in a deep, sleep-roughened voice. "Go back to sleep.""What are you still doing here? Don’t you have to leave?""No."I turn again, but Vanda adjusts, pulling me snugly against his chest. His familiar scent washes over me, grounding me in the moment. "Why not?""Do you want me to leave?""No, of course not. I’m just confused," I admit. "You’re never here when I wake up.""I decided to wait until you did today."Smiling secretly, I press my forehead against his chest. "If there’s something you need to do, maybe I could come along. See what keeps you so busy all day.""You want to?""Can I? Is that allowed?" I ask with a lighthearted tone.He looks down at me, his eyes soft. "Why wouldn’t it be? You’re my Luna.""I just assumed…""This pack belongs to bot
Elena's point of view.I follow Vanda to the study, my heart racing harder with each step. When I reach him, he’s standing behind his desk, pouring himself a drink. He takes a long sip before speaking.“Your father and family are safe—so is the Beta, Serena's mate." he says, his voice steady.“Thank you,” I reply softly, stepping closer to the desk. My eyes immediately catch a cut along his jaw, though it’s no longer bleeding. I can’t help but scan for other injuries, likely hidden beneath his clothes. “And you? Are you okay?”He finishes his drink and sets the glass down. “Will you come to bed with me?”I cross my arms, gripping my left elbow with my right hand. “You’ve been gone every night this week with almost no explanation. I should say no. I should sleep in the guest room.”“You’re not sleeping in the guest room,” he mutters firmly.“I’ve already been sleeping there. At first, I thought it was because I was angry, but every night, I just hoped you’d show up and bring me back to