Anita’s PovAs I stepped out of the car, I felt a wave of relief washing over me, finally away from the suffocating atmosphere my stepmother always brought with her. Her words were like poison, slipping into every crack she perceived in my defenses, but I knew better than to let her see the effect they had. I turned, taking a deep breath, and faced her one last time.“You should remember,” I said firmly, my voice clear and unwavering, “this is not your pack. And you’re not Luna here. You don’t have the power to cover the sky with one hand, not here.” I allowed myself a small, victorious smile as I watched her eyes narrow. “And if Alpha Hades finds out about your little threats, he won’t be pleased.”For a brief moment, I saw a flicker of unease in her expression, but it vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared. She crossed her arms, tilting her head, her lips curling into a mocking smile.“Oh, please,” she sneered. “Do you really think Hades would dare offend an entire pack just
Hades’s PovI watched them from a distance, their conversation filled with sneers, glares, and unveiled hostility. But the moment they noticed my presence, the expressions on their faces shifted dramatically. Anita’s stepmother paled slightly, her confident smirk faltering as I approached with a cool, calculated look.I stopped a few steps away, letting the silence settle thickly between us. My gaze briefly flicked to Amara, whose face was pinched with displeasure. Then I looked back at Evelyn, Anita’s stepmother, my expression unchanging.“I didn’t invite your daughter here,” I said, my tone low and icy. “Only you. I expect you to send her back.” I watched as my words landed with an impact, seeing Amara’s face twist with indignation while Evelyn let out a small, relieved sigh.Evelyn quickly stepped forward, forcing a smile as she nodded in agreement. “Of course, Alpha Hades,” she replied, her voice laced with an edge of forced sweetness. “Amara will leave immediately. I only brought
Anita’s PovThe ballroom was awash with soft lights, laughter, and music, but I felt far from relaxed. I did my best to ignore the watchful eyes of my stepmother across the room, hoping to get through the evening with minimal interaction. The elegant green silk dress Alpha Hades had chosen for me felt both empowering and exposing, drawing glances I was unaccustomed to. I forced myself to stay focused on my duties as his assistant and kept a polite, composed demeanor.But just as I thought I’d managed to avoid her, I felt a light touch on my shoulder. I turned, and there she was, a feigned look of pain on her face as she gestured toward her ankle.“Oh, Anita,” she whimpered, a hand pressed against her ankle. “I think I’ve sprained it. Would you mind helping me with my shoe? Just a quick rub on my ankle might ease the pain.”I stared at her, a mixture of irritation and disbelief bubbling inside me. Even here, surrounded by the pack, she found a way to attempt to humiliate me. I kept my
Anita’s PovI stood, still confused by the feigned care my stepmother was pulling. She called me her daughter, one that she herself orchestrated to get rid of three years ago.I couldn't help but look at her with pure disdain and a bit of confusion. I am glad Alpha Hades didn't let himself be pulled by her feigned innocence.His expression changed to a more colder one and he signalled Damian to come closer from a distance.As Damian walked up, Alpha Hades gestured for him to escort her out. The hostility in her eyes hadn’t dimmed, but she held her composure, giving Alpha Hades a tight smile before turning on her heel, walking away with Damian trailing behind. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. The Beta, Damian, loyal and vigilant as always, was often left to handle these unappealing tasks. Alpha Hades turned to watch them leave, a brief flicker of relief crossing his face before he sighed, looking back at me.“Why do you always ask me to clean up the mess?” I heard Beta Damian
Anita’s PovI sat there, still reeling from my flashback, the words of my stepmother echoing in my mind like ghostly whispers, haunting and relentless. Evelyn’s threats had cut deep, stirring old wounds, and I could feel the weight of them pressing down on me. I swallowed hard, fighting to steady myself, but the bitter taste of fear and frustration lingered, gnawing at my being.Taking a shaky breath, I forced a small, bitter smile and stood, determined to leave before the pain could resurface and overwhelm me. But as I turned to go, Alpha Hades was already on his feet, reaching out and quickly closing the space between us. His expression softened, his eyes holding a depth of understanding that both surprised and disarmed me.“Anita,” he called, his voice gentle but filled with pity. “Wait.”I stopped, looking back at him, and something in his face made me pause. He took a step closer, his gaze steady as he searched my eyes, as though he could see the turmoil swirling inside me.“I’m
Anita’s PovThe atmosphere was electric as Alpha Hades and I stood at the edge of the dance floor, his eyes focused on mine with an intensity that made me feel both nervous and exhilarated. I extended my hand, noticing how his gaze softened slightly as he stared blankly, almost as if he was lost in thought. Gently, I raised my hand a bit higher, giving him a small, encouraging smile.Alpha Hades blinked, coming back to himself. His lips curved into a rare, genuine smile that reached his eyes. Slowly, he reached out and took my hand, his touch warm and steady. His fingers closed around mine, and he led me to the centre of the ballroom, our steps falling in sync as the music swelled around us. For a moment, everything faded away, and it felt like it was just us, suspended in the gentle embrace of the music.As we moved, I found myself captivated by the silent understanding between us. Each step felt effortless, as if we had practiced this dance a hundred times before. There was somethin
Anita’s PovThe heat blazed beneath my skin, relentless and suffocating, like fire spreading through my veins. I pressed my back against the wall, desperate for its coolness, hoping it would offer some relief. Yet, the stone was as warm as the air around me, failing to quench the fire burning inside. Every nerve in my body felt raw, exposed, tingling with an energy I couldn’t control.Alpha Hades stood mere feet away, his gaze locked on me, flickering between concern and something more important. His eyes held a storm, shifting as if he were at war with himself, trying to suppress an urge that clawed at him from the inside. I watched, heart pounding, as he gritted his teeth and flexed his jaw, the tension in his features becoming painfully visible. With a sharp tug, he loosened his tie and rolled back his cuffs, exposing the sinew and strength in his forearms. My breath caught; it was as if he were trying to release the restraint he fought so hard to keep.A low murmur stirred within
Anita’s PovAs the disorienting heat spread through my veins, I found myself lying on the cool floor, the haze of Evelyn's scheme clouding my mind and senses. I became aware of Alpha Hades, just inches away, his dark eyes filled with a mix of worry and something else—an urge he fought to control.I reached out instinctively, seeking stability, and my hand landed squarely on his chest. His skin was warm, his heartbeat steady and grounding, a contrast to my own racing pulse. But as he leaned over me, his face mere inches from mine, I felt the pull between us grow. My hand slipped, fingers brushing down the strong contours of his chest, and I felt the tension in his body spike.His breath hitched, and his gaze shifted, his pupils dilating as he inhaled, his nostrils flaring. I could feel his chest rise and fall under my hand, each breath shaky, as if he were struggling to maintain control. My own breath stilled as his gaze dropped, lingering over me in a way that made my cheeks flush, ev
Alpha Hades’s POVI couldn't believe what was happening. The man, Zoe, who had been stirring the pot, spewing lies about Anita, was now standing in front of me. His arrogance was thick enough to slice with a knife, but as I took a step toward him, it seemed to dissolve into something else—fear, uncertainty, maybe even guilt. The man was not one of us. I could feel it in my bones even as he had lied earlier. Immediately, I lunged at him, grabbing the collar of his shirt and yanking him up, his legs shaking defensively in the air. Looking him straight in the eye, I asked, "Who are you?" My voice sharp and low. "How come I've never seen you around the pack before? Are you even one of our people?"The man’s eyes darted around the room as if he were looking for an escape route. His gaze briefly met mine, but then quickly dropped to the floor. He stuttered, “I... I’m one of the people here... from the clan.”I didn’t believe a word he was saying. Something didn’t add up. If he had truly be
Hades's POVI could feel the pressure building inside me, my thoughts scattered, and my blood simmering with frustration. The walls of the office seemed to close in on me. At this moment, I feel like my head is about to explode. First, it was that damn woman causing trouble at the banquet, trying to disgrace Anita with her lies. Then, I had to face the elders—each one of them demanding that I divorce my mate. And now, the clansmen were at the door, shouting, furious, and demanding that I cast Anita out of the pack. How is this possible? How did everything turn into a whirlwind of chaos just because of one woman’s slander? My mate, my beloved, the one who was chosen for me by Moon Muse herself, was being torn apart by false accusations. She did nothing wrong. She didn’t kill her father; she didn’t start the fire that took the life of the old Alpha. But here they were—clansmen who didn’t know the truth, elders who were too quick to judge, and a pack that was ready to turn its back on
Anita's POVThe moment Alpha Hades' words fell, an urgent knocking echoed against the office door. It was rapid, insistent, and the annoyance it carried was unmistakable. Alpha Hades' expression shifted, a flicker of irritation crossing his features as he waved his hand dismissively, signaling Beta Damian to open the door. Beta hesitated for only a second before pulling the door open. To my surprise, several elders stood in the doorway, their eyes sharp with authority. When they saw me, their brows furrowed immediately, the tension in the air was thick. They exchanged a few brief looks before one of them—an elder with silver hair and a scowl to match—spoke, his voice deep with disdain. "Let’s talk about the conditions," he began, his eyes never leaving me. "What do you want to divorce Alpha and leave our pack?" The words stung, slicing through the silence. The question seemed so out of place, and yet, I knew exactly where it was coming from. The elders were clearly unsettled by the
Anita's POVThe air around me was thick with tension, with whispers, accusations, and the overwhelming weight of eyes that drilled into me like daggers. My throat was tight, and my chest ached as though a great weight was pressing down on me. I barely noticed when Amara stepped forward, her expression cold and calculating, her eyes fixed on me like a predator hunting its prey. I only had a split second to brace myself before the words spilled from her lips. "You were kicked out of the pack, then turned around and deceived Alpha Hades," Amara spat, pointing a finger directly at my nose. "Relying on your means to make him marry you. Do you want to ruin this pack again?"Her voice cut through the already tense air like a knife, sending a shockwave through the guests. The room, already rife with doubt and suspicion, erupted once again. The murmurs, gasps, and shocked exclamations crescendoed into a chorus of disgust. My heart pounded violently in my chest, and my breath came in shallow g
Anita’s POV The impact of my stepmother’s words was immediate and catastrophic. Like a bomb dropped into the heart of the banquet hall, the shockwaves reverberated through the guests, shaking the very foundation of what I had fought so hard to build here. The murmurs began like a ripple on the surface of a pond, but within moments, the room was filled with whispers, gasps, and unrestrained exchanges of questions. “What is Alpha Hades talking about? Has our Luna killed anyone?” “Wait, she’s the princess of that pack? Then why is she working as a rogue in ours? Did they kick her out?” The shock was obvious. Eyes turned toward me in disbelief, eyes that once looked at me with a certain degree of respect now clouded with doubt, confusion, and a hint of suspicion. The words my stepmother had thrown at us felt like daggers, and I could feel each one of them sinking deep into my skin. My body went numb, my heart racing as I tried to keep my composure. It was like the world was spinning o
Anita's POVThe moment my stepmother, Evelyn, and stepsister, Amara, stepped through the doors of the banquet hall, the atmosphere shifted. It wasn’t just the weight of their presence. It was the way the room seemed to contract, like air being sucked out of a space too small to hold it all. My eyes met theirs across the room, and a wave of cold dread washed over me. Evelyn, with her perfect but destructive smile, and Amara, who had a calculating gleam in her eyes that made my stomach twist in knots. They didn’t have to say a word for me to feel the venom they carried. Their gazes met mine, then swept dismissively over the other guests, as if we were beneath them. I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tighten, a cold shiver creeping down my spine. The murmurs around us began almost immediately, like an undercurrent that started low but quickly grew into something more dangerous.“This is our pack’s banquet. Why would Alpha Hades invite them?”“I heard the elder is pushing for Amara to
Anita's POVThe clink of glasses, the hum of conversation, and the low murmur of the crowd faded to a complete hush as Alpha Hades led me onto the stage. His hand, warm and steady in mine, was the only thing comforting me as I stepped into the glaring spotlight. The eyes of the pack were upon us, and though the room was filled with familiar faces, the weight of their gaze made me feel like a stranger in my own skin. I tried to swallow my nerves, but my throat felt dry, and my pulse raced faster with every second that passed.I could hear the shuffle of feet as guests shifted in their seats, their curiosity intense. The eyes of the pack, elders, warriors, and betas, all locked onto us as we took center stage. I glanced up at Alpha Hades, his broad frame standing tall beside me, exuding a confidence I could only dream of having. His expression was stoic, his features set in their usual hardened mask. But his hand, wrapped tightly around mine, told me everything I needed to know: he was
Anita's POVThe atmosphere in the makeup room had shifted from electric tension to something lighter. I couldn’t shake the memory of Alpha Hades’s kiss, and every time my gaze flickered toward him, I felt the heat of it all rushing back to me. He had this way of looking at me intensely—that made my heart race every time. But then, as if to ground me, he calmly turned to the makeup artist who had been standing silently by, waiting for him to give the go-ahead."Could you touch up Anita’s makeup?" Hades’s voice was low and controlled, but there was an edge to it, as if he was trying to maintain a sense of normalcy after the intimate moment we’d just shared.The makeup artist, a young woman with short auburn hair and gentle eyes, immediately noticed the smudge of lipstick on my lips. Her gaze flicked between Hades and me, and I could feel the blush creeping up my neck, coloring my face even more. It was ridiculous, but I couldn’t help it. The intensity of the moment was still so fresh, a
Anita's POVAlpha Hades walked toward me, his presence so commanding that the room seemed to shift with his every step. People around him, sensing the intimacy that was about to unfold, tactfully retreated, leaving us alone in the quiet of the dressing room. The air felt different now, charged with something unspoken, an electric tension that hummed beneath my skin. I stood frozen for a moment, unable to move, my breath shallow as I stared up at him. His eyes, dark as the night, met mine with an intensity that made my heart race faster than I could comprehend. There was a calm confidence in his every move, but something in the way he looked at me, something in the predatory gleam in his crimson eyes, made the space between us seem impossibly small. My pulse quickened. I wasn’t sure if I was more afraid or excited, but the emotions mixed together in a cocktail that left me breathless. As he drew closer, his hand brushed lightly against my back. The sudden coldness of his touch made m