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.Sitting on either side of the kitchen table, Elizabeth sips her fresh, steaming tea and begins, "There are four Elder Blood packs on the continent—the four original Alpha bloodlines. VuK., Gold, Zander, Barsek." You know Alexa, Vanda's sister is mated to Alpha Gold? Elizabeth asked me and I nodded."Right, well, Vanda's grandfather, Rou VuK, hated the other Elder Blood Alphas and thought the whole thing was beneath him. He thought VuK's bloodline was above the other Elder Blood packs because VuK was technically the oldest, and he thought the younger packs were trying to equalize VuK's bloodline with them. As Rou aged, he only became more furious at the whole idea of the Elder's Blood packs, calling them phonies and whatnot, so he forfeited the title."Elizabeth continues as I'm hanging on the edge of my seat. "So, when VuK gave up their title, Alpha Walter—the fifth oldest—made a claim to it, and the Elder Blood packs, offended by Rou was gaven to Walter. Rou w
Elena's point of view.Kane's blood dries on my skin, the thin splatters cracking, and the thicker streaks matting my hair. I slump against the front door as the house cools around me, my mind an inferno of chaos. Sorting through my thoughts feels like trying to sift through burning embers, so I let the turmoil rage on, hoping it will burn itself out.Goosebumps spread across my arms, crawling upward from my wrists, a visceral reaction that anchors me to the moment. Amid the storm in my head, one realization claws its way forward: the shattered window. I’m exposed.Pushing off the door, I stagger to the couch, where Elizabeth left the upstairs duvet. My body feels boneless as I drape the blanket over myself, covering my nudity. After running for my life, the blanket feels as heavy as lead.Elizabeth.I part my lips to call her name in the eerie emptiness of the house, but the sound dies in my throat when I hear the rhythmic pounding of wolf paws outside. The sound stabs through me lik
Elena's point of view.I'm paralyzed in the archway, hearing only snippets, sounds, and nothing comprehensible from the study beyond the living room. Nervous sparks travel throughout my fingers and palms and up my arms.What is Vanda telling Charles? That none of it is true—that Alex is mistaken?I could handle my parents' betrayal, and my sister's when she told Mark my secret, but I don't know what to do about the betrayal of my own body—of the bond in my chest that, like my veins, travels, winds, and pumps something like blood throughout me. The Goddess' gift.Again, I find myself questioning why she gave me this matehood. A gift... I clench my jaw, my heart aching.The front door sits just over my shoulder. I peer down at my robe, knowing I can't go out there and search for Elizabeth dressed like this, so I detour. I slip upstairs into the bedroom and jerk a shirt and pair of pants off their hangers in the closet. As rapidly as possible, I shrug off the robe and put on clean underw
Elena's point of view.Vanda’s grip on my hips is unyielding as he drags me to the edge of the mattress. He stands tall between my legs, as bare as he was when stepping out of the shower. I reach for him, wanting to close the distance between us, and he leans forward, hovering close enough for our lips to almost touch. But before we connect, I feel him elsewhere, and my stomach tenses in anticipation. He’s going to—My eyes snap open, and I find my face pressed deep into the pillow. Lifting my head and shoulders, I prop myself up on one elbow. Vanda’s side of the bed is empty, and the sunlight filters through the shutters in thin rays. Reality sets in—he’s gone to see to Kane's territory for the day.The dream lingers in my mind, fading with each second, leaving me frustrated. Why couldn’t I stay asleep a little longer? In reality, things between Vanda and me are strained, and the idea of mating feels like a distant dream. But in my sleep, at least, I can hold onto my fantasies—they’r
Elena's point of view.Half an hour before sunset, people enter the pack house, and the unforgettable scent of my sister sends me hurtling to the foyer. Serena is there, stepping out of her shoes meekly next to my mate. The sense of gratitude and relief that overcomes me is so powerful I stop in my tracks—my eyes become wet and my chest vibrates—and then I see my mother.All of my excitement snuffs.The two women maneuver awkwardly around Vanda, but Serena catches sight of me in the hallway ahead, and she seems to forget he's there.Serena looks dehydrated, exhausted, and puffy-eyed, but her lips flitch a sort of smile as she comes to me. She brings her arms weakly around me and rests her head on my shoulder. My tear ducts become so full just a single blink will do me in. I hug her back."Hey," I coo.Serena's body shudders, pushing a quiet sob out of her throat. Mom watches Serena with a straight face, bothered by Vanda's presence as she side-eyes him, her arms crossed."Let's sit do
Elena's point of view.I yearn to say that only Serena was wanted here and all of this was supposed to be for her, but I press my lips together and will my outburst back down my throat. "If anything runs out, we can always get more," I say hospitably.Mom gives no sign of approval. She beckons Serena to open the door, and Serena promptly obliges, holding it for her as she steps out. Elizabeth and I pass through next with our arms full, and once everyone has cleared, Serena shuts the door. Her mouth opens, but she's suddenly distracted by a wolf rounding the corner from behind the house."They're just guarding," I attest.She gives a look that she's relaxed, but her body remains stiff. "Oh, okay."We start along the path with Elizabeth and I in the lead. Serena walks beside Mom, but she speeds up and joins me at my side."I can carry some of that," she offers.I hand her the basket of produce from the gardens. "Thanks.""Elizabeth?" Serena extends her offer.Elizabeth peers over, not e
Elena's point of view.At exactly ten o'clock, I leave Elizabeth at the packhouse and retrace the path we took yesterday to my mom and Serena's guest house. The weather, still on its downward spiral, is cooler and darker now that summer is officially behind us. Heavy clouds drift lazily overhead, and even in their breaks, no sunlight shines through. The horizon holds no promise of brighter skies; if anything, it looks like rain will come before the hour is out.The sky isn’t the only gray thing about this morning. I woke up frustrated in my empty bed, the same recurring dream pulling me out of sleep. Unsurprisingly, Vanda never came home, and his scent is fading from our room again.But my frustration with that dream pales in comparison to the growing distance between me and my mate. It’s a rift I’ve feared for some time now, ever since our last quiet spell. I know my reaction to Vanda's decisions about the war is fueling this divide, but I can't just shift my perspective on violence
Elena's point of view.Elizabeth scribbled something on the notepad in front of her before looking up at me. “So, what’s the deal with the previous Luna?” she asked, pen stilling. “She’s showing up because she found out you’re pregnant, right?”I gave her a half-smile. “Pretty much, yeah.”She raised a brow. “Sounds like a mother-by-bond festival is coming.”I snorted. “I doubt it’ll be that dramatic, but I have my weekly checkup with Rose today. She can come to that. I think she’d like it.” I added with a little more hope than I meant to show, “Hopefully, Rose has good news.”Elizabeth nodded knowingly. “And she’ll definitely dunk you in a moonwater bath.”“Moonwater baths…” I echoed, sighing. “I’ve already started forgetting half the pregnancy rituals I was so excited about.”“I can jot it all down for you,” she offered with a teasing smile. “As your Luna Advisor, tending to your Alpha-blooded pregnancy falls under my job description. Any ritual or bath or charm you want—we’ll do it
Elena's point of view Just as Ben was wrapping up dinner, a knock echoed from the front door. I went to answer it and found a familiar face—the female courier who often brought messages to the pack house. She offered me a sealed letter addressed to Vanda and then turned away, heading off with the rest of her delivery pouch slung across her chest.I closed the door behind me and turned the letter over in my hands. The wax seal was pressed with a stylized ‘S’—most likely for Silva. That could only mean one thing: a response to the letters we sent.I broke the seal, unfolded the paper, and immediately recognized the tidy, graceful handwriting. It was from Corinne. She wrote to say she’d be traveling tomorrow and would arrive by evening.Returning to the kitchen, I found Ben pulling out three plates—one for each of us, including Serena, who was due any minute after her training session."Who was at the door?" he asked casually."It was a message from Corinne. She’s coming tomorrow," I re
Elena's point of view.Elizabeth sits across from me in the kitchen, chatting away about her list of potential housekeepers. It’s still pretty early—she arrived only about ten minutes ago. Outside, the sun is just beginning to rise, casting soft light over the pack grounds, where members are slowly emerging from their homes to start their duties, whatever those may be.I was already awake when Elizabeth let herself in. I had come downstairs because it felt like the right thing to do, a nod to routine and common sense.Last night was anything but restful.“You weren’t supposed to worry about finding someone to replace you,” I tell her, cutting into her updates. “You should’ve been spending time with Kevin.”That sounded like something I’d say if I weren’t feeling so disoriented. My thoughts are scattered. I can’t keep my mind from drifting back to Vanda—who never came home—and the fresh bite marks on the side of my neck. An old tradition. A mark.So many questions haunt me. Where did y
Elena's point of view We kiss for a long while until Vanda pulls away. I sense his inner struggle. His hands grip my hips tightly as he takes control, moving my body to his liking. I brace myself against the tub’s edge for balance. The shift in pace is sudden and intense, yet my body quickly adjusts. The only discomfort I feel is the pressure on my chest, so I use my arm to hold my sore breasts and keep them from bouncing.My jaw tightens, my eyes squeeze shut, and my moans turn into desperate whimpers. I try to focus, to grasp onto the kind of pleasure that could push me over the edge, but everything is happening too fast. The only thing I can process is Vanda’s urgent desire. He moves me faster, pushing deeper, until he suddenly stops, holding me firmly in place. He reaches his peak, and I realize how exhausted I feel despite him taking the lead. My heart pounds, my thighs ache. Finally, he releases my hips, and I slide off him.I collapse against Vanda, still facing him, resting m
Elena's point of view.I insist to Serena and Elizabeth that I’m perfectly capable of helping with the cleanup. After reassuring them that I won’t be sick all over the place, they finally relent and allow me to do as I please. I store the leftovers in the fridge while Ben takes charge at the sink, meticulously ensuring the dishes are cleaned to his satisfaction. Eventually, Elizabeth gives up trying to help him and instead assists Serena with moving furniture.Once the house is back in order, I announce, "Go home, all of you. No cooking dinner tonight, no working on Nursery plans or bereavement gifts. Just take the evening off. Thank you for everything, now enjoy yourselves."Ben smirks knowingly. "I think I know why. Quick, girls, before the Alpha gets back."Serena scowls. "Stop it. Gross. She’s my sister.""Not mine.""Yes, she is—by bond."Ben stills. "Right. Then ew, gross, Elena. I don’t even want to think about—"Serena promptly leads him toward the back door before he can fini
Elena's point of view.With my back pressed against the cool bathroom wall, I wait for the nausea to pass. The bitter, metallic stench still lingers in my mind, so raw and fleshy — like rust and death. I shudder at the memory.Whose blood was on Vanda’s face? He’s been on edge during training, but it must’ve been a rogue’s. It has to be.I push myself off the floor and flush the toilet. There wasn’t much to throw up — my nerves over the luncheon had killed my appetite, leaving me with nothing but a few bites of fruit and cheese this morning. Still, the way my body convulsed felt like I’d emptied myself entirely.I rinse my mouth until the sour taste fades, then scrub my hands clean.“How are you feeling?” Elizabeth’s voice comes softly from the other side of the door. She must have stayed close. I open it to find her stepping back.“I think it’s passed.”Ben appears from the kitchen, offering me a small chocolate truffle. “For your breath,” he says with a smirk.I take it gratefully,
"Hello again," I begin with a warm smile. "I'm sure many of you have heard me say this already — some even more than once, like Taylor and Tamra, probably three times by now." A soft chuckle ripples through the room. "But truly, thank you all for coming. Meeting you and your families — by bond and blood — has been an honor. I'm not originally from Draven, but being here with you all, I’ve never felt more at home."The women's faces soften, nodding in quiet agreement."I love getting to know you, hearing about your lives and families, and making myself more familiar to you. It’s become a bit of a joke now that I promise everyone I’m fully recovered from my little trespassing arrest." The room laughs more freely this time. "But there are a few things I’d like to talk about."I glance at Elizabeth, who moves through the crowd with quiet grace, handing out glasses of champagne like a shadow."I’ve mentioned before how I’ve grown especially interested in the families of Draven — particular
I stand in the middle of the large living room, hands on my hips, surveying the space. The luncheon needs to be perfect."There are two upholstered chairs in the other living room — I want them brought in here. Move the couches back to give people more room to walk around. And bring the side table too — we need enough space for plates and drinks," I instruct a guard who’s been pulled from his usual duties outside."Yes, Luna, I’ll move everything now," he replies without hesitation.Turning back to the room, I notice the grand, arched window’s curtains aren’t fully drawn back. I fix that, letting as much daylight as possible flood the space. Though it’s a cold, gray afternoon, the room needs to feel warm and welcoming."Elena!" Elizabeth’s voice calls from the kitchen.I make my way down the hall to find her, Ben, and Serena arranging platters of trimmed sandwiches, cubed fruits, sliced vegetables, cheeses, crackers, and other finger foods."We’re just about done," Ben says, sounding
I’m the first to reach the bedroom after Charles, Emma, and the kids leave. I came to change and take down my hair, but I end up frozen at the dresser, gripping the knobs of my pajama drawer. Emma’s words replay in my mind like a simple melody: Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it.It’s not a surprise — it’s a reminder.“Well, Emma seemed excited about the luncheon and the nursery,” Vanda says as he steps into the room.I jolt, snapping out of my daze.“Yeah. It should go well tomorrow. Elizabeth, Ben, and I spent the whole day planning it,” I reply, finally tugging the drawer open and pulling out a white nightgown.“Elizabeth’s also sorting through candidates for the housekeeper position,” Vanda continues. “She said she’s fine staying on until we hire someone, but hopefully, it won’t take more than a week.”He moves behind me, and I startle again when I turn to find him so close.“Should you bother with that?” he murmurs, running his fingers over the soft fabric of the nigh