Walking into the room felt like stepping into another time. The walls were made of massive stone blocks, worn down by time. Claw marks scratched the surface. Low-hanging iron chandeliers added a dark, mysterious atmosphere. The electricity seemed like an afterthought, added later after the building was already constructed."Impressive, isn't it?"I jumped at the voice. I had been staring at the place, lost in thought.I turned and saw the elderly lady from before sitting behind a large mahogany table. The table had detailed carvings of Lycans and celestial symbols. The designs looked ancient. My necklace was placed neatly on the table."Can I have that back?" I asked. I didn't want to upset her, but I added, "Please.""Of course. It is yours," she said with a small smile. "Or rather, Aroosa's."She motioned for me to sit across from her. I hesitated for a moment but walked over and picked up my necklace. I stood there, unsure, and she smiled again. "I know you’re wary. But you don’t n
The conversation had turned in a direction that felt all too uncomfortable. Lady Chihiro's piercing gaze weighed heavily on me, and I found myself considering telling her about the letter. I hadn’t opened it yet. My mother must have never expected my dad to hide that box from me, leaving me to grow up without her, without any real connection to my wolf side.Maybe that’s why I hadn’t prepared myself to face her final words, if those were even in there.I shifted the focus to something else to divert the conversation, "What’s with all the Lycan decor? I’m guessing it’s not just for looks."Lady Chihiro’s expression tightened, a flicker of offense passing across her face before she answered, "Of course, not." She sat straighter, a note of pride creeping into her voice. "Here at Base Dark Moon, we take our Lycan heritage very seriously. In a world full of werewolves, witches, and deceitful humans, we have no one but our own kind to trust. Lycans have always formed tight-knit packs. Tight
As I picked up the khaki letter Lady Chihiro had given me, she sarcastically advised, "I'd suggest reading the first letter before reading this one."It took me a moment to understand what her words implied. When I did, my eyebrows raised in surprise and disbelief, "Wait a minute! Did my mother write this letter?"She sat back satisfied and smirked, "You reached that conclusion all on your own. I didn't say anything. And I will neither affirm nor deny that assumption." But I was not satisfied. I needed answers. How could my mother be sure that I'd choose to come to the club? Lady Chihiro was good at guessing my thoughts through my facial expressions. So, she said, "Go home Zoe Simmons, and read the letters in peace," She paused before adding, "Preferably alone."Talking about Xavier, I realized that he was probably still with all those guards in the waiting room."Xavier is my mate," I had no idea where the sudden protectiveness came from but I had the urge to defend him, "He is as
Zoe's POVI was about to head to the hotel with Xavier when I received a text from Maisie. We decided to go see her first since she couldn’t leave her sanctuary.When we arrived, Maisie greeted us immediately. "Hey, how did it go? I was starting to get worried when I didn’t receive any update.""Unexpected," I replied."That’s one word for it," Xavier added, sitting on a much cleaner couch than the one Maisie had before.I glanced around the space, surprised. "What happened to the old dump?""All thanks to your mate," Maisie said. Before I could comment on the relationship, she turned to Xavier. "I don’t know what you said to the landlord, but he’s never been this nice. It’s almost suspicious.""If you can’t leave, the least I can do is make sure you’re more comfortable. You deserve more than this, but it’s a start." Xavier’s tone softened as he spoke, a warmth I rarely heard in his voice, usually reserved for his sister, Alyssa.I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Xavier had done so
Maisie's POVAfter being kidnapped and traded by that crow-witch creature, I woke up in strange surroundings. One look and an instant dread settled in my heart. That feeling turned to panic when I realized I couldn't move much.Even though I had never seen a dungeon, somehow, I knew I was in one then. It was dirty, dark, and damp. But, the worst was the cold. As a werewolf, I had never truly felt cold. Yes, winters were chilly but my grandmother came from a line of arctic werewolves. Cold was where we thrived. Or, so I had thought.That cold was something else. It was claw marks and dried blood on the ancient stone walls. It was the stink of death and decay. It was loneliness and unbreakable metal chains. It was hopelessness. And it felt like it was seeping into my soul with every passing minute.At first, I tried to break the chains, to try and find a way to escape before anyone found me out. But I could neither break the chains, nor anybody came. I don't know how much time passed. M
Masie's POV I opened my eyes when I felt something prick my wrist. "What are you doing to me?" I barely mumbled. The lack of energy was getting worse. "Shsh, you will be alright. Everything will be alright." She said softly while caressing my matted hair away from my face. "Why am I here?" I asked, but given how quickly my consciousness was fading, I don't think she heard me. ~ The next time I woke up, I felt more conscious. I was still weak, but I could hear clearer. I opened my eyes and noticed the room that I was in. At first glance, it seemed like a sterile hospital room. But then, I moved my head and noticed a girl working on the bench to my left, facing away from me. I tried not to let her know I was awake before I knew where the exit was. "I know you are awake." The girl spoke calmly without turning. "Wha-" I tried to talk but this time my throat was too dry to speak. She turned toward me and saw her facial features were so similar to the crow/witch who had died th
Maisie's POVI was hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. But I had to keep going. My escape was probably noticed and that meant Carmen was dead. I held her necklace tighter in my hand and followed the sounds of running water.I reached a stream, just like Carmen had said that I would. I washed up and had a long drink. My stomach grumbled in hunger but I needed to keep moving. I don't know how long I walked. My feet had blisters. The evening was bringing darkness and cold. I shivered but kept going. Carmen had risked her life for mine, I trusted her enough to show me the path to safety.One more step on the mossy stream bank and I slipped, instantly losing consciousness because of how exhausted I was.~The next time I woke up warm. It felt like a foreign feeling. I groaned and instantly someone was by my side."Careful, you are still weak." A voice just as soft as the bed that I was lying in called from my side. I opened my eyes and looked around the dimly lit room. It looked like a cott
Maisie's POV"So, Carmen sacrificed herself to save you. Why?" Lana asked as she prepared a large bucket of water to be used as a bath for me."She wanted to avenge her sister," I said like that was obvious."I get that. But why you? Why not somebody else?" Lana pressed so, I decided to confront her, "Lana, if you have something to say to me, just say it.""Nothing. I was just curious. Didn't mean to offend you." She shrugged and got the bath ready."You didn't offend me but I believe my presence offends you. Did you know Carmen?" I asked.She didn't reply momentarily before confessing, "She was my best friend. She was more than a friend, she was like my sister.""I'm sorry. I have a best friend who is like a sister, too. I know how devastated I would be if anything happened to her." I said softly, hoping that Zoe was better off than I was."Your water is ready. Wash up, I'll bring some fresh clothes." She only said before leaving me alone with my thoughts.Once bathed and dressed, Lan
Xavier's POV I felt Zoe's hand tighten its grip on my arm as Alyssa made way to us, her eyes holding barely controlled rage. "Why was I not made aware of my sister's return?" I asked Jacob curtly through the mind-link. "Alpha, it is as much of a surprise for us as it is for you." He replied. I kn
Zoe's POVI spent hours at the salon. Jacob was insistent that I be taken care of. He had strict orders from Xavier to make sure I was ready for the formal dinner tonight. I got waxed, polished, and painted like a priceless wooden table.By quarter to eight, my hair was shinier and straighter than i
Zoe's POVThe next morning, I woke up alone. Xavier's side of the bed had a note that said, 'Early Meeting. See you at Lunch. Jacok is yours for the day.'I sighed and stretched. This was not how I wanted to wake up the first day in my new home. But I guess it came with being mates with an Alpha. I
Zoe's POV"This is good," I complimented, taking another bite of the lobster sandwich."Mr. Malarkey is among the best chefs in this hemisphere. He comes from a long line of chefs loyal to Blood Crescent for generations." The way Xavier spoke about the chef made me feel like he was the kind of Alpha
Zoe's POVXavier and I spent the rest of the day packing up and getting ready to leave the cabin. We took a quick lunch break and then loaded up Xavier's car.The hours we spent on the road going to the pack center where the Shaw Mansion stood in all its glory, felt nostalgic. It hadn't been very lo
Zoe's POVXavier was looking at me expectantly. He was waiting for an answer. And at that moment, I loved him so much that I would follow him anywhere if he held my hands the way he was holding them. He had so many problems and wasn't afraid to make me his knowing how many problems were on my tail.
Xavier's POVI knew I should've told Zone about not keeping Claire in the dungeons. It had been a momentary decision because she was still dear to me and I was so shocked at her betrayal. And then, everything else happened and I couldn't move her or expose her yet. It was not like I was hiding the
Zoe's POVBy the time we reached the cabin, a light sprinkle had started. I liked this light summer rain. It made everything look cleaner and fresher as if breathing new life into nature. I loved the smell of wet soil. I also liked how pleasant the weather became after the rain. It was the thunders
Zoe's POVAfter yesterday's activities, Xavier and I slept in each other's arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't have any nightmares. I slept like a log and woke up with a smile on my face. And it was all thanks to my mate, my Alpha. Xavier's face was tranquil. I had missed seeing this