Loraine’s POV The ride home was quiet but comfortable. Preston had a satisfied smile on his face, clearly pleased with the day’s success, and I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy myself. The bags in the backseat were a testament to how thoroughly he’d spoiled me. Still, I couldn’t shake the lingering embarrassment from earlier at the boutique. I couldn’t believe that after all these years, I still wasn’t used to people making snide remarks about me, but I was proud of how I handled it—and grateful for Preston’s support, even if he was oblivious to the drama. When we got back to the house, Preston insisted on carrying the bags himself. “Come on, you’ve done enough heavy lifting for one day,” he teased, shooting me a wink. I rolled my eyes but let him take over. “Fine, but only because I’m too tired to argue.” He led me straight to his room, shutting the door behind us with a flourish. “Now,” he said, setting the bags down, “it’s time for the grand reveal.” I laughed. “Preston
Hunter’s POV I leaned against the doorway of the training yard, my eyes narrowing as I watched Loraine and Gideon. They were sitting under the shade of a tree, laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. The sight of her smiling warmed my heart, but the way Gideon seemed to be the cause of it made my jaw tighten. I didn’t like this. I didn’t like him—not when he was spending so much time with her. He was supposed to be here to protect her, not cozy up to her. Loraine meant the world to me and my brothers, and I couldn’t stand the thought of someone else trying to take her from us. I wasn’t about to let it go. Gideon needed to know his place. Spotting him in the training yard later, practicing with his sword, I approached. He noticed me immediately, wiping sweat from his brow and grinning. “Well, if it isn’t Alpha Hunter,” he greeted, his tone light. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Come to spar with me, or are you here for something else?” I crossed my arms, keeping my e
Killian’s POV Ever since Mabel moved into the house, things have been… uneasy. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but every fiber of my being told me something wasn’t right. A series of mishaps had followed her arrival: missing reports, late deliveries, and just an overall sense of tension among the staff. Maybe it was paranoia, or maybe it was instinct, but I couldn’t ignore it. Sitting in the common room with Preston and Kris, I voiced my concerns, my tone grim. “Tell me I’m not the only one noticing how things have been going downhill since Mabel showed up.” Preston stretched out lazily on the couch, giving me a raised eyebrow. “You’re really not letting this go, are you?” “Not when I’m right,” I shot back. “There are too many coincidences. Too many things going wrong at the same time. It can’t all be random.” Kris leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “You think Mabel’s behind it? That’s a serious accusation, Killian.” “I didn’t say she’s directly behind it,” I clarified.
Alpha Hunter’s POV Loraine’s excitement was infectious. She flitted around the room, holding up fabric samples, chatting about color schemes, and debating which flowers would look best for the ball’s decorations. Her energy filled the air like a warm breeze, and I found myself smiling despite my usual stoic demeanor. She was glowing, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Every laugh, every sparkle in her eyes, made my chest tighten in a way that both thrilled and terrified me. I didn’t know what I had done to deserve someone like her, but I’d spend my life making sure she never regretted choosing me. “Hunter,” she called, snapping me out of my thoughts. “What do you think? White lilies or red roses?” I tilted my head, pretending to scrutinize the options. “I think you could put weeds in there, and the place would still look amazing.” She laughed, rolling her eyes. “You’re no help.” “Not my area of expertise,” I admitted with a grin. “But whatever you pick will be perfect.” She
Alpha Hunter’s POV Loraine leaned back against the couch, her eyes flitting from one of us to the other. We were all gathered in the living room after dinner—Killian, Kris, Preston, and me—going over some minor updates about the pack. But something was off. Even Loraine could tell. “You know,” she said, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes, “you’ve all been really tense lately. Is there something you’re not telling me?” Everyone paused for a second, not knowing what to say at first Killian was the first to respond, shrugging as he leaned back in his chair. “It’s just work. You know how it gets. We’ve got a lot on our plates right now.” Loraine tilted her head, clearly not buying it. “You’ve dealt with work stress before, Killian. This feels different. It’s like there’s this constant tension in the air. Care to explain that?’ “It’s nothing,” Kris chimed in, trying to downplay it. “Killian’s right. It’s just pack stuff.” I stayed quiet, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. M
Loraine’s POV The morning sun filtered through the windows as I slipped on a pair of sandals, humming to myself. Everything had been going so smoothly lately. The boys had finally loosened up, Mabel was settling in without any drama, and I felt like I could finally breathe. It was like the calm before a grand celebration, and I couldn’t wait for the upcoming ball. Mabel’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Loraine!” she called from the kitchen. “What do you think about going shoe shopping today? We still need the perfect pair for your ball gown.” I turned to find her leaning casually against the doorframe, her expression warm but with a spark of excitement in her eyes. “That’s a great idea!” I said, practically bouncing on my feet. “I’ve been dying to find something stunning to match my dress. Oh, we’ll have so much fun!” She smiled and waved me off. “You go on ahead. I just need to grab something real quick, and I’ll catch up with you.” I hesitated for a moment. “You sure? I don
Loraine’s POV The slam of the front door echoed like a thunderclap through the house. My heart jumped, and I instinctively flinched. A second later, Killian stormed into the living room, his expression a mask of fury. His shoulders were tense, his jaw set in a way that made it clear this wasn’t going to be a simple argument. My stomach churned. “You’ve got to be kidding me, Loraine!” Killian’s voice was sharp enough to cut glass. I blinked, completely taken aback. “What are you talking about?” “What am I talking about?” he spat, his voice rising. “You think I didn’t see it? Flirting with him? Gordon? After everything he’s done to you, to us, to your family?” The accusation felt like a slap. “Wait a second,” I said, holding up my hands. “Flirting? Are you serious right now? I wasn’t flirting with him!” “Don’t play innocent with me!” Killian growled, stepping closer. “He acted like you two had something going on, and that note—don’t even try to deny it. It’s your handwriting, Lo
Loraine’s POV Morning came too quickly, the pale sunlight filtering through the curtains and pulling me from a restless sleep. I stretched, groaning softly, and rolled over in bed. The spot next to me was cold and empty. “Mabel?” I called softly, sitting up and glancing around the room. No response. A strange unease settled over me as I got out of bed. It wasn’t like her to leave without saying something. After brushing my hair back and wrapping myself in a robe, I headed downstairs, following the faint sound of laughter drifting from the dining room. When I walked in, I froze. Mabel was sitting at the breakfast table, chatting animatedly with Killian, Kris, Hunter, and Preston. Plates of food were scattered across the table, and everyone looked relaxed, laughing at something Mabel had just said. The camaraderie between them was painfully evident, and I felt like an outsider standing at the doorway. Mabel spotted me first. Her smile faltered briefly before she waved me over. “
Loraine’s POV One year later Warm sunlight streamed through the curtains, waking me from the most peaceful sleep I could remember. I stretched lazily, my smile growing as I realized I wasn’t alone. Soft lips trailed along my shoulder, followed by a whisper. “Good morning, my love,” Hunter’s voice was low and husky, his breath tickling my ear. I turned my head, meeting his dark, playful eyes. “Morning,” I murmured, still groggy but already melting under his gaze. Before I could say more, I felt another hand slide across my waist. Preston’s familiar laugh filled the room. “You’re hogging her, Hunter. Move over.” I rolled over, finding him smirking at me, his blond hair adorably tousled. “Is this how every morning is going to start from now on?” I teased. “Only the best for our Luna,” Killian chimed in, leaning against the doorframe with a tray of coffee and pastries. “Breakfast in bed?” Kris appeared behind him, shaking his head. “You’re all going to spoil her.” Hunter smirked
Loraine’s POV The beeping of machines was the first thing I heard when I woke up. My body felt heavy, and every inch of me ached. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking against the harsh hospital lights. Familiar voices reached my ears, filled with worry and relief. “She’s waking up!” Preston’s voice cracked. I turned my head slightly to see him standing by my side, his eyes rimmed red as if he hadn’t slept in days. “Loraine,” Hunter whispered, his hand reaching out to gently touch mine. His usual confident demeanor was replaced by raw emotion. “You’re okay. You’re safe now.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I saw all four of them—Hunter, Preston, Killian, and Kris—hovering around me like protective sentinels. “What… what happened?” I croaked, my voice raspy. Killian knelt down beside me, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You were kidnapped. The warriors that have been investigating it say that Gordon and Jennifer…” His jaw tightened, but he took a deep breath. “We found you ju
Hunter’s POV The abandoned warehouse the tracker led us to was ahead; its huge structure was sharp and terrifying against the night sky. The air was thick with tension, and my pulse roared in my ears as we pulled up to a screeching halt. Preston was the first to leap out, phone in hand, tracking Loraine’s location. “The signal ends here,” Preston said, his voice tight with worry. He turned the screen toward us. “She’s inside somewhere.” Kris gritted his teeth. “Let’s spread out. She could be hurt.” I grabbed his arm. “No one goes alone. If something happens, we’re stronger together, and I need every one of you alive, or else Loraine will kill me.” Gideon nodded in agreement, his face grim. “Hunter’s right. Split into pairs. Shout if you find anything.” We crept through the warehouse, every creak of the floorboards putting us on edge. I stuck close to Killian, my hand gripping the handle of my blade. The place reeked of rust and damp, but there was another smell too—blood. My st
Hunter’s POV The excitement we all felt was electric. The Lycan ball wasn’t just any event; it was monumental. This was the night that our pack would become an official capital for the Lycans. Tonight, we—Preston, Kris, Killian, and I—would also make our first public appearance as Loraine’s fiancés. And, if everything went as planned, this ball would pave the way for our wedding, set to happen immediately after. I tightened my cufflinks that had Lorraine's name on them and turned to Kris, who was fixing his tie in front of the mirror. “Do you think they’ll announce us as Loraine’s mates? Or do we just, you know, casually stroll in and let the stares do the work?” Kris smirked at my reflection. “Why stroll when you can strut? Let them talk. This is our moment.” Killian popped his head into the room, his shirt still unbuttoned, revealing a chiseled chest. “You’re all overthinking it. Loraine will steal the show the moment she walks in. We’re just accessories tonight.” “Speak for
Loraine’s POV The air buzzed with excitement as I stood in front of my vanity, smoothing my hands over the soft fabric of my gown. Tonight was the Lycans’ grand ball, an event so prestigious that even Sasha, who normally didn’t care for formalities, was squealing with excitement. Sasha burst into my room with Chloe trailing behind her, both carrying armfuls of dresses. “Loraine!” Sasha exclaimed, her eyes bright. “You have to help us pick! Chloe and I are determined to make an impression tonight.” Chloe giggled, holding up a shimmering silver gown against her small frame. “I heard the Lycan King himself might be there. Imagine if he notices one of us!” I chuckled, turning away from the mirror. “You two are acting like teenagers. What’s gotten into you?” Sasha placed her hands on her hips, mock glaring at me. “Excuse me, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Lycans, Loraine. Lycans! Do you know how rare it is to even see one in person, let alone meet their king?” Chloe nodded
3rd POV The tension between Alpha Gordon and Jennifer crackled in the air like a brewing storm. The two stood in the dense forest near the treeline, their voices echoing through the trees, harsh and biting. “You fucking bitch! You ruined everything!” Gordon snarled, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His sharp, gray eyes glinted dangerously, a mix of fury and frustration. Jennifer folded her arms across her chest, her stance defiant. “First of all, watch your fucking mouth. I’m not your doormat. I ruined everything?” She shot back, her voice rising. “You’re the one who couldn’t let go of your ridiculous obsession with Loraine. If anything, I saved us from disaster by getting Mabel arrested.” “Mabel was our leverage, Jennifer!” Gordon growled, taking a threatening step forward. “She was the key to forcing Loraine back into my life. And now she’s rotting in a cell because of your betrayal!” Jennifer didn’t flinch. Instead, she took a step closer, her chin tilted upward in de
Loraine’s POV This is the first time in what felt like years that my life didn't seem like a world-ending storm I had to constantly brace myself against. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions—betrayal, accusations, and finally, vindication. But now, as I sat in the sprawling living room of our shared home, surrounded by my mates—Preston, Hunter, Kris, and Killian—I felt something I hadn’t in a long time. Peace. Preston lounged on the couch next to me, one arm draped lazily across my shoulders. Hunter was sprawled out on the floor with a pile of papers he claimed were “strategic plans,” though he was doodling more than writing. Kris was in the kitchen, preparing what smelled like something delicious, while Killian sat across from me, polishing his sword like the ever-serious warrior he was. “So,” Hunter said, breaking the comfortable silence, “have we all agreed that the Lycan ball will be our moment to show off the fact that Loraine is officially ours?” I rolled my
Loraine’s POV I had never felt more powerless in my entire fucking life. The moment the crowd gathered around Mabel’s bleeding, sobbing form, their accusatory glares locked on me, it was over. My protests, my explanations—they were drowned out by her dramatic cries and the murmurs of the onlookers. The bitch had planned this very, very well. I was arrested on the spot. My four mates—Preston, Hunter, Kris, and Killian—could do nothing but watch as I was dragged away. Their eyes were full of desperation, but they knew as well as I did that they couldn’t interfere. The Lycan laws were absolute, and once the Council was involved, even Alphas had to comply. I sat in the dark, cold cell for what felt like an eternity, the walls closing in around me as I replayed the events in my mind. Mabel had outplayed me, and now I was being hauled to Lycan court, the very heart of justice for our kind, where Mabel’s uncle, Lord Arnold, presided. Of-fucking-course! He was a smug, greedy man who th
Loraine’s POV I had gotten used to the crazy-ass chaos that now surrounded me, but recently, there was a strange stillness in the air. Freaking Firstly, our supposed psychopath, Mabel, the woman who had made my life unbearable, was quiet. Too quiet. It felt like the calm before a storm, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming. Her absence from my life—no pranks, no insults, no sudden confrontations—was unsettling. Every time I caught a glimpse of her, I noticed how distant she had become. She no longer tried to provoke me; instead, she seemed to be going about her life, almost as though she had forgotten about our past. I didn’t know what was worse—the fact that she had stopped tormenting me or the fact that I couldn’t figure out her angle. It was late in the evening when my phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a message from Mabel. My heart skipped a beat as I read her words: “We need to talk. Meet me at the old barn, north of the pack. I have informatio