DestinyI scurried back to my room, my heart hammering against my ribcage.What the heck was THAT?!When Alpha Aldric summoned me, I expected him to hurt me more or make ridiculous demands, but instead, he was teaching me how to dance!?Maybe he was having one of his better days. The Alpha King seemed to have quite the range of emotions.I rolled my eyes. The Moon Goddess must hate me for bonding me with a mate like that. Why couldn't I be mated to someone normal? Like Baron.My heart did a little flip. I hadn't thought about Baron since I was auctioned off to the Alpha King. I wondered what he was doing. Was he thinking about me? Wondering where I was?No, he was Aria's best friend, so maybe he was mostly thinking about her.My thoughts kept drifting back to Baron, the gentle and caring werewolf who had been a comforting presence in my life before everything went haywire. He never knew I had a crush on him. I was planning to confess my feelings to him after I turned eighteen, but now
AriaAs I jolted awake, a piercing scream ripped through the air, my heart pounding wildly in my chest and my breaths coming out in gasps. I felt the nightmare clawing at my sanity, its memories so vivid they seemed to etch themselves onto the back of my eyelids.And then, I felt two arms wrap around me that brought some small measure of comfort, but not enough to erase the terror that still gripped my soul."Aria, calm down. It was just a dream," the familiar deep voice comforted me.Ah, that's right. I was sharing a bed with Nathan, so I wasn't alone. I leaned into his embrace, enjoying his warmth as he stroked my hair.My chest heaved as I remembered Destiny in my nightmare, she was in agony at Alpha Aldric's hands."De...Destiny," I choked out her name, "she is in agony. Alpha Aldric was torturing her, and she..." I could no longer suppress my tears."Shh...you don't know that," he murmured softly. "She smiled when you saw her, right? She still has hope." Nathan's words were gentl
NathanI could tell Aria expected more from me than what I was giving her, but I couldn't bring myself to open up to her fully, not after what happened to my mate, Emily.She was everything to me, and when I lost her, I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. She was more than just a fated mate to me. She was my best friend. We shared our dreams, our fears, and our deepest secrets. She had been there for me in ways no one else could understand.She was the stark opposite of Aria.Aria was headstrong and stubborn, while Emily was shy and sweet.Fuck...what was I doing comparing Aria to Emily anyway?I felt Aria fidget behind me. "Can't sleep?""I...I am nervous about tomorrow," she whispered. "What Alpha Aldric doesn't agree to give me the maid's position?""Don't worry about it. I will convince him. You just stay quiet and do as I say. And for the love of Moon Goddess, don't be sassy," I said and chuckled."I am not sassy!" she barked."You are being sassy right now, Aria," I s
Destiny I took a deep breath to inhale fresh air. I was finally allowed outside! "Don't go too far, Ms. Destiny. Alpha will be angry," Delora had warned before I stepped outside." "You think I don't know that?" I groaned. "Where would I go anyway? It's not like I can escape with this thug watching me." I pouted and pointed at the man Alpha Aldric asked to follow me around. "Who are you calling a thug?" The man barked. Delora chuckled. "That's Henrick. He is the omega of the pack. And he is far from a thug." As if I cared. I stride toward the garden outside. The flowers were in full bloom, and sweetly scented vines looped through every space available, creating a wind tunnel that carried the perfume of the blooms to me. I was nearly breathless with delight. I had never seen a more beautiful place. "Hey! Slow down, girl! I can't keep up," the omega named Henrick shouted behind me. I ignored him and kept walking toward the small pond by the rose garden. I reached the pond, wher
AriaI blended in with the other maids as much as possible. Natasha gave me a maid's uniform and a small room so I could be their in-house maid, which made things even easier for me.I didn't go look for Destiny right away. There was no way I could do without raising suspicion today, so I decided to lay low for now.As I settled into my new identity, I felt a mix of excitement and dread. If I made any mistake, it might draw attention from Alpha Aldric and I will fall under his radar.The small room Natasha had assigned to me was humble but cozy, tucked away in a corner of the grand mansion. I had just enough space for a bed, a tiny dresser, and a small window that offered a view of the sprawling garden.As I dressed in the uniform Natasha had provided, I couldn't help but worry about Destiny. Was she okay since the last time I saw her?Today, I had to bide my time. I couldn't risk attracting attention to myself by making a hasty move. I knew Natasha was no fool; she had her reasons fo
Aldric "What did you say to the girl?" I asked, scowling. Henrick looked at me as if I had suddenly sprouted two heads. "Pardon me, Alpha?" I held back a growl and stared him in the eye. Irritation flashed like lightning through me. I fought to keep my control. "You know very well what I mean. What did you tell her to make her laugh like that in the garden?" A smile teased his lips. "Oh. That." My irritation grew. "Will you answer me?" "Nothing much, really," Henrick shrugged nonchalantly. I roared in frustration. "Nothing!? I haven't seen that girl crack a smile, let alone laugh, but all of a sudden, you had her chuckling like a hyena?" Henrick cocked his head to the side, a half-smile on his lips. "What's the matter, Alpha King? Are you jealous?" I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of frustration coursing through me. Jealousy was not an emotion I was accustomed to, and the fact that Henrick had even suggested it only served to stoke the flames of my irritation. "Jealous?"
DestinyI stood in silence. I didn't know what to do after Alpha Aldric left me. My body felt hot as the touch of his lips still lingered on mine. I could still taste him.He had kissed me. Not for a long time, but it was long enough to make my toes curl. The worst part is that I couldn't deny how much I enjoyed it. In fact, the truth is that I loved every moment of it."Ugh!" I groaned out loud and buried my face in the pillow.My first kiss...it wasted on the notorious Alpha King."Miss Destiny? I brought you some dinner."I looked up and saw Delora standing at the door with a tray in her hands.I forced a smile. "Thanks, Delora."She placed the tray on my bedside table and sat next to me. "Is everything okay, Miss Destiny?"I took a deep breath and exhale slowly, trying to calm my nerves. "Alpha Aldric kissed me," I said, surprised at my own words.Delora raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Wow! I didn't think he was capable of showing affection."I scoffed. "I don't think it was him
AriaI kept a close eye on the woman named Delora as much as I could. It was difficult because Natasha assigned me to specific tasks around the mansion.But then, finally, I had the perfect opportunity to meet Delora when I went back to the kitchen. She had just gotten back with a handful of dishes."Do you mind washing these?" she had said with a smile.I nodded. "Sure.""You must be new," she said, eyeing me up and down."I just started yesterday," I said quietly. I kept my hands steady as I scrubbed the dishes.Delora broke the silence. "You seem like a quiet one," she said, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.I gave her a small smile. "I suppose I am. It's just that this place is so... overwhelming. I'm still trying to find my way around."She nodded in understanding. "This mansion can be quite a maze. But you'll get used to it. My name is Delora, by the way."I extended my hand, still keeping up the appearance of a shy, new employee. "I'm Aria."Delora's hand was warm as we s
I sat on a bench, cradling a bundle of joy in my arms. My baby was finally born, and she was perfect. After that fateful night with Selena, my life changed drastically. Baron, the one who betrayed me and Aria to side with Selena, was finally brought to justice. Alpha Aldric showed no mercy as he banished him off to an island. The taste of revenge was bittersweet as I watched my former friend disappear into the horizon, knowing he could never hurt me or anyone else again. Aria kept her promise to Nathan and left with him. This time, I wasn't angry. If that's how she finds her happiness, then so be it. Alpha Aldric approached, a tender smile gracing his features as he looked at the precious life we had created together. The baby, swaddled in a soft blanket, blinked up at me with curious eyes. "Spending some quality time without me, I see," Aldric said and smirked. I smiled, my heart brimming with contentment. "Yup, with our little miracle, Clara." Alpha Aldric sat down beside me
AldricThis ends now, I thought as I looked at Selena's grinning face."How about you release Aria and we fight? One last time," I suggested."One last time, eh?" Selena raised her eyebrows."Yes. Because I won't walk away until one of us is dead, think you can handle it, my beloved ex wife?" I asked coyly.Selena's eyes glowed red, and I could tell she considered my request. The challenge had ignited a spark in her, and for a moment, the mask of her composed demeanor cracked. "Aldric, you always did have a proneness for theatrics. Fine, let's end this once and for all."She released her grip on Aria, and she scrambled away, putting some distance between us.I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. Selena was not someone I could underestimate. She was a vampire and was stronger than me in some ways, as much as I hated to admit it.Selena advanced, her movements fluid and deliberate. Her eyes never left mine as she prepared for the confrontation.The first strike was s
Aria Nathan's posture was tense. His back was arched, his fur bristling and his lips curled back to reveal sharp teeth, but he managed a low growl at her."First things first," Selena smirked. "You should probably shift back into human since I don't speak dogs," she said to Nathan and Baron. Baron just stood there while Nathan didn't hesitate before quickly shifting back into human form.He didn't say anything for a while as he stared at Selena with fury in his eyes. "You," he finally said slowly. "You started all of this. I am going to snap your fucking neck.""Down, boy. Let's talk about this first," Selena said."Talk? There is nothing to talk about," Nathan hissed and came closer to her. "You killed my mate, so I will kill you in return."Selena scoffed. "Oh, come off it. I told you it was an accident."Nathan's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. His jaw tightened and he looked away for a split second before focusing back on Selena again. Nathan looked like he was goin
Aria"Baron! Let me go. What are you doing?" I cried out as he dragged me away somewhere."I am not letting you leave with that guy, Aria," Baron barked."That's not your decision to make!" I snapped."But I love you," Baron said.I felt a shiver down my spine as I looked into his eyes. They were dark with desire and something else that's much darker than that. "Baron, I am sorry, but I don't feel the same way. I always looked at you more like a brother."A rage seemed to burn in his eyes as he looked at me. His grip on my arm tightened and a wave of terror coursed through my body. I tried to break away, but Baron pulled me closer, still dragging me forward.He was muttering something under his breath as we made our way down the narrow alleyway between two buildings, further away from the castle.I couldn't let him do this, I thought to myself. I jerked myself free and stepped back. "Don't make me fight you, Baron," I said. But Baron laughed darkly. "You can try," he said. "What will
Aria"What do you mean you are leaving?"Destiny stared at me wide-eyed, and I was overwhelmed with guilt. I had promised to stick by her and protect her forever as her big sister, but here I was, abandoning her."I am sorry, Destiny. I decided to go with Nathan. Alpha Aldric banished him from this Pack. Nathan will be out there, building his own Pack from the ground up. I want to be there for him and help him," I told her.Tears welled up in Destiny's eyes as she processed my words. The weight of my decision hung heavy in the air, and I could see the hurt in her expression."But you promised," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You promised you'd always be there for me, that we'd face everything together."I reached out to touch her shoulder, torn between my loyalty to my little sister and the unexpected pull I felt towards Nathan and his quest for redemption."I know, Destiny. And I meant every word of that promise," I said, my voice filled with regret. "But sometimes life takes un
NathanEverything changed so fast.It was like a bolt of lightning, striking me out of nowhere and leaving me in a state of shock and disbelief. Selena's confession about killing Emily was all I could think about, replaying her words over and over again in my mind.I couldn't believe it. All this time, I had been so sure that Alpha Aldric was the one responsible for Emily's death. I had been consumed by hatred and anger towards him, convinced that he had taken away my mate.But now, everything had changed. Selena's confession shattered my beliefs and left me feeling lost and confused. How could she have done something so heinous? Emily didn't even do anything to provoke her!As I tried to process this new information, I couldn't help but feel guilty for all the times I had blamed Alpha Aldric. And also scared.What would become of me now? The punishment for betrayal is usually severe, so did that mean Alpha Aldric would put me on trial now?My thoughts were interrupted as I saw Aria r
AldricI rushed inside and placed Destiny on the bed. "I need a healer here. NOW!"Delora rushed into the room. "Alpha Aldric! You are back!""Now is not the time to celebrate my arrival, Delora. Get the healer now. Destiny is hurt," I said urgently.Delora's eyes widened in concern, and she nodded swiftly. "Of course, Alpha Aldric. I'll fetch the healer immediately."As Delora hurried out of the room, my attention returned to Destiny, lying pale and battered on the bed. Guilt gnawed at me for not being able to protect her fully. I should've never let her fight Selena, but I couldn't undermine her powers by not letting her either.I reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.The healer rushed into the room after a few moments. "What happened, Alpha?" she asked, her eyes assessing Destiny's condition."She fought a vampire," I explained briefly. "We need to do everything we can to save her."The healer nodded solemnly and began her examination. "She's lost a lot of bl
AldricThe air around me shimmered with my anger as I watched Selena standing over my mate, Destiny. A smirk curling her blood-red lips as she leaned over her, her fangs poised to strike.My wolf howled in protest, wanting nothing more than to charge at Selena and tear her limb from limb for daring to harm my beloved.Destiny lay on the ground, her eyes barely open, a trail of blood dripping from the corner of her mouth as she struggled against the vampire's grip. Her breathing was shallow, and her body trembled with the effort it took to stay alive.I felt my heart clench at the sight of her, my love for her overwhelming me in a wave of pain and protectiveness. The scent of her fear and blood filled my nostrils, making me dizzy with the need to protect her."Get away from her!" I demanded, my voice low and dangerous.Selena smiled cruelly. "I've merely given your little pet what she deserves, Aldric," she hissed. "She disrupted the natural order by trying to fight me."My eyes narrow
DestinyI felt Aldric's grip on my arm loosen, and I stepped forward, ready to face Selena once more."Aww, you want to fight me, little girl? How cute," Selena mocked me."Yes, and I won't hold back," I promised her and attacked with a swift kick.My blow caught Selena in the mid-section, but she barely budged. Instead, she slammed her fist into my cheek, hitting hard enough to throw me sideways. I let out a yelp of surprise and quickly recovered, dancing back into a defensive stance. Selena's eyes narrowed in amusement at my surprise."You are stronger than I imagined, Destiny. But are you sure you can handle a real vampire?" She asked with delight, assuming I might back down now. But I didn't flinch, considering her words for a few seconds instead before leaping again at her. This time, leading with my left leg, I hoped to go for her legs instead of the torso.Selena did a side-step to avoid me and threw a crescent kick that hit my right leg just below the knee and sent me sprawlin