Elena's point of view."I know what I'm talking about. You won't get anywhere if you're not respectful towards your mate." Vanda's mother says."I'm... respectful," Vanda replies."Are you? And does your mate feel respected? I know how you can be, Vanda. You can't just go silent on her—she's going to need constant communication and reassurance. All this war business must be taking a toll on her, you know. You may be the one fighting out there, but it's not easy being home, worrying—believe me. She needs to feel safe."I press myself against the hallway wall, trying to be as still as possible. I can feel every small movement—the twitch of a finger, the ache in my back, my heels hovering just slightly off the floor."She is safe," Vanda says."No, I know she may be safe, but does she feel safe?"I swallow hard. The rational part of me says I should leave, give Vanda and his mother their privacy. But I can’t tear myself away."I have everything under control. Nothing is going to happen t
Elena's point of view.Alpha Gold grins, likely already aware of his mate’s condition, but Corinne gasps in surprise. "You’re pregnant?" she asks, the shock still evident on her face. "For how long?""The wise woman believes I’m about three weeks along, so I must have already been pregnant when I visited Vanda and Elena without realizing it. She mentioned that my scent hasn’t changed as much as expected, but there’s nothing to worry about."I glance at Alexa’s empty spot where a wine glass should be, recalling how much she drank while visiting us. Then, I focus on my own drink. Maybe when Vanda and I start trying for a child, I should avoid alcohol altogether."Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. I thought you refused to taste my special bottle out of spite, but no, my dear little Alexandra is expecting a child," Corinne exclaims, her voice rising with excitement."Bryan and I are thrilled, and his mother is, too," Alexa says, squeezing her mate’s hand affectionately."The previous Luna
Elena's point of view.I press a hand to my chest, nervous that I might do something wrong.Vanda unbuttons his pants, pushing them down, making his arousal even more evident. My heartbeat quickens as anticipation fills me. Lying back against the bed, I raise my hips to remove my underwear, but Vanda takes over, sliding the delicate fabric over my knees, down my legs, and off my feet."You're quite eager," he murmurs, pulling me toward the edge of the mattress. He parts my legs and presses against me, the last barrier between us being his underwear.As the realization of the moment washes over me, a strange calmness settles within me."I keep having this dream—a recurring one—where we're like this, but you're about to..." I hesitate, searching for the right words. Elizabeth had used a more clinical term, but it felt too formal. "You're about to be inside me," I decide.Vanda hovers above me, bracing himself on either side. "And then what happens?""Then I wake up," I admit softly, my
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.I press a hand to my chest, nervous that I might do something wrong.Vanda unbuttons his pants, pushing them down, making his arousal even more evident. My heartbeat quickens as anticipation fills me. Lying back against the bed, I raise my hips to remove my underwear, but Vanda takes over, sliding the delicate fabric over my knees, down my legs, and off my feet."You're quite eager," he murmurs, pulling me toward the edge of the mattress. He parts my legs and presses against me, the last barrier between us being his underwear.As the realization of the moment washes over me, a strange calmness settles within me."I keep having this dream—a recurring one—where we're like this, but you're about to..." I hesitate, searching for the right words. Elizabeth had used a more clinical term, but it felt too formal. "You're about to be inside me," I decide.Vanda hovers above me, bracing himself on either side. "And then what happens?""Then I wake up," I admit softly, my
Elena's point of view.Alpha Gold grins, likely already aware of his mate’s condition, but Corinne gasps in surprise. "You’re pregnant?" she asks, the shock still evident on her face. "For how long?""The wise woman believes I’m about three weeks along, so I must have already been pregnant when I visited Vanda and Elena without realizing it. She mentioned that my scent hasn’t changed as much as expected, but there’s nothing to worry about."I glance at Alexa’s empty spot where a wine glass should be, recalling how much she drank while visiting us. Then, I focus on my own drink. Maybe when Vanda and I start trying for a child, I should avoid alcohol altogether."Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. I thought you refused to taste my special bottle out of spite, but no, my dear little Alexandra is expecting a child," Corinne exclaims, her voice rising with excitement."Bryan and I are thrilled, and his mother is, too," Alexa says, squeezing her mate’s hand affectionately."The previous Luna
Elena's point of view."I know what I'm talking about. You won't get anywhere if you're not respectful towards your mate." Vanda's mother says."I'm... respectful," Vanda replies."Are you? And does your mate feel respected? I know how you can be, Vanda. You can't just go silent on her—she's going to need constant communication and reassurance. All this war business must be taking a toll on her, you know. You may be the one fighting out there, but it's not easy being home, worrying—believe me. She needs to feel safe."I press myself against the hallway wall, trying to be as still as possible. I can feel every small movement—the twitch of a finger, the ache in my back, my heels hovering just slightly off the floor."She is safe," Vanda says."No, I know she may be safe, but does she feel safe?"I swallow hard. The rational part of me says I should leave, give Vanda and his mother their privacy. But I can’t tear myself away."I have everything under control. Nothing is going to happen t
Elena's point of view.As we walk inside, I turn to Vanda. “Do you get along with him?”Vanda lifts our bags effortlessly. “As much as you can expect me to.” He leads me toward the back of the house where the bedrooms are. “My mother, Corinne, will be at the pack house tonight for dinner.”“Well, I should clean up. We only have a few hours before dinner, and it’s going to take me longer with one hand.”“I’m more than willing to help,” Vanda says, setting our bags on the floor of the master bedroom.“You know how to style women’s hair?” I tease.“I think I’d be more useful with the showering and dressing part.”I stifle a laugh and dig through my bag. “I think you’d be more of an obstacle.”Vanda steps closer, sliding a hand around my waist, his fingers lightly grazing the top of my backside. “I think you’re right. I’ll lie down then.”I raise a brow. “Lie down? I never thought I’d see you nap.”“It only happens on rare occasions.” His hand drifts away as he sits on the large bed. “I d
Elena's point of view.As I have only seconds to suppress the surge of anger that rises at the thought of replacing Vanda, I force a pleasant expression onto my face—something surprised yet joyful."Kevin? Really?" I ask, feigning breathlessness.Kevin—a brown-skinned man with buzzed hair and a few visible tattoos—flashes a broad smile. "Finally, I can put a face to the name. Elizabeth talks about you all the time, Luna.""Oh, please, it’s Elena. I can’t imagine Elizabeth’s mate calling me anything else—she’s incredible, I don’t know what I’d do without her; she’s brilliant.""Is she? Even after the wolfsbane incident?" Kevin chuckles nervously. "I was pretty horrified when she told me what happened, and I think she scared herself straight—no more experimenting with strange potions from old books.""Well, we’ll see," I tease. "I’m always willing to entertain her ideas.""I’m just glad you two get along so well. She says you’re like a younger sister to her.""Speaking of sisters," I sa
As Vanda's lips curve into a smile, he shakes his head, unfolds his arms, and heads into the closet."It's not funny, Vanda. My heat. What about my heat?""I'll take care of it," he calls from within the closet.I push off the covers that somehow ended up over me. "I don’t want to go into heat in front of your family. Goddess above," I mutter."If it happens, it happens. It’s only natural—every mated woman goes into heat—and they know you can’t control it."I cover my face with my hands and collapse onto my side.His footsteps approach as he exits the closet. "Elena.""It’s embarrassing," I murmur into my palms, not even caring about the pain at this point. "You don’t understand."The bed shifts as he sits beside me. "I’m sorry, but I’m not going to wake you from a dead sleep to mate with you for the first time.""I shouldn’t have fallen asleep," I say, uncovering my face. "It’s my fault.""It’s no one’s fault, and if you go into heat while we’re there, I’ll do whatever I can to make
Elena's point of view.I can’t help but wonder if Serena’s struggle is at least partially due to the distance between her and Ben, not just because of Mark’s death. I know how the bond can be when mates avoid one another; it would make sense if Serena is having a harder time healing when she’s suffering from two wounds and only attempting to treat one.When Ben finishes for the night, I walk him to the front door, give him a hurried yet tight hug, and shut the door behind him. Charles arrived sometime during our clean-up—I can hear his and Vanda’s voices like a soft hum through the walls.I yawn against the back of my hand and trek upstairs to change clothes.I think Vanda’s plan to visit the Kane pack is a great idea—especially since a war with Alpha Walter means sticking to Alpha VuK’s land—but I wonder if she’s forgotten about my heat issue. If my tracking is accurate, it’s due to happen as soon as tomorrow, and the thought of going into heat in front of her family is extremely mor
Elena's point of view.Dinner is served an hour later than usual, but Vanda doesn’t seem to notice. He’s occupied in the study with Charles and Alex, and after they leave, he heads upstairs.He joins me at the table just as Ben brings out our meals. A round steak is placed in front of me, and I instinctively grab my knife—only to pause and stare at my fork. My stomach rumbles, but I can’t use my left hand.Ben immediately realizes the issue. “Goddess, I’m sorry, Elena. That was careless of me. Let me cut that for you.”Before he can, Vanda reaches for my plate. “I got it.”Ben bashfully leaves the dining room as Vanda sets my plate in front of him, momentarily pushing his own dinner aside to cut my steak into bite-sized pieces.“We’re going somewhere tomorrow,” he tells me, though I had already overheard part of the discussion while he was with Charles and Alex.“Where?” I ask, feeling slightly better.“We’re visiting Alpha Gold for two nights. If we don’t go now, we won’t have anothe
Elena's point of view.Rose returned to me and Vanda, stirring a salve that I was certain would smell awful. But when she brought it over and I took a cautious sniff, I was pleasantly surprised—it smelled of chamomile with a touch of jasmine.I stayed curled up in Vanda's lap as Rose gently applied the mixture to my injured wrist."Apply the ointment three times a day—morning, midday, and before bed," Rose instructed, handing me a roll of stretchy bandage material. "Wrap it like I showed you and wear this over it." She handed me a sturdy leather brace.I gathered the supplies in my lap as she secured the brace around my wrist."If you stick to this routine and keep it immobilized—no shifting—you should be fine in about a week," she said. "Come back if it still hurts after seven days, alright?"Vanda helped me stand even though my legs were fine. "She will," he assured Rose.The sky had darkened by the time we left. Vanda held the door open for me, steadied me as I descended the front