His hands were everywhere—slow, deliberate as if he wanted to memorize the shape of me through touch alone. My gasp broke against his mouth when his fingers slid beneath my dress, rough palms brushing along the bare skin of my waist, igniting sparks that rushed straight to my core.“Ronan…” I whispered, breathless, needy. My hips arched toward him instinctively, craving more of his touch, craving him.He groaned into the kiss, one hand sliding up to cup my breast through the thin fabric of my bra, his thumb rubbing over the aching peak until I whimpered. The sound only seemed to drive him further—his mouth left mine to trail down my neck, nipping and licking, making my skin feel hot everywhere he touched. I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, encouraging him, desperate for anything he would give me.His other hand trailed down, slipping between my thighs, feeling how warm and wet I was even through my panties. I gasped sharply, the pleasure immediate, a shock of electr
“We’re close,” Ronan said quietly. “The spring’s just ahead.”I nodded, holding Lila close. “Good. I need to train. The faster I learn to control my power, the faster I stop Elias.”Lila looked up at me, her eyes wide. “Who’s Elias?”I didn’t hide the truth. “He’s dangerous. He wants to ruin everything. But I’m going to stop him.”Ronan looked back at me, serious. “We’re going to stop him.”I met his eyes and gave a small nod. We had to do this together.The trees parted, and we reached a clearing. The spring was there, glowing faintly under the moonlight. The water shimmered like it was alive with energy. I felt it instantly—a pull, like the spring was calling to me. Ronan was right. This place was special.“It’s beautiful,” Lila whispered, her fear easing for a moment. She was only fourteen, scared and alone, running from a pack that hurt and killed her family. Even though she didn’t tell us much, I had a feeling there was more—something bigger than what she said.“It’s more than t
The forest was quiet as we walked back toward Crimson Howl territory, the moonlight filtering through the trees, casting soft silver patterns on the ground.Lila clung to my hand, her small fingers warm against mine, her steps lighter now that Elias was gone. All he had been saying was lies. Although there are many things I need to find out, that I need answers to, I have a feeling that Elias knows something about my mother's death. But now, that's gone—I have time to find out.Ronan walked beside me, his presence steady, grounding. The mate bond hummed between us, a constant pulse that felt stronger now, like it was weaving us closer with every step.My body still buzzed from the fight, from the spring’s celestial energy, from the way Ronan’s kiss had set me on fire. I tried to focus on the path ahead, on Lila, on the pack waiting for us, but my mind kept drifting to him—to the heat in his eyes, the roughness of his hands, the way his voice had dropped when he’d said, You’re everythi
As I opened my eyes, the soft glow of morning filtered through the trees. It had been a long night. The forest was silent and peaceful. My body ached, sore as if a storm had ravaged me, yet a warmth still lingered. I turned to see Lila curled beside me, breathing gently. She looked so fragile. So innocent.But Ronan? He was already up.He stood a few feet away, back turned to me, staring into the fog like he could see the future. His cloak fluttered in the breeze, and I could see the tension in his muscles from here. His hands clenched and relaxed like he was ready for a fight, or maybe trying not to start one.I pushed myself up on one elbow, watching him. The way the sunlight caught his hair, the way his shoulders shifted slightly, the strength in his stance—it all brought back flashes from last night. His touch. His mouth on my skin. The way he made me lose every thought except him.Gods, just thinking about it made my cheeks burn. Who was I becoming? A few weeks ago—back when Rona
The grand hall of the Blackwood Pack was alive with celebration. Golden chandeliers bathed the room in soft light, and the air was thick with the scent of wine, roasted meat, and freshly cut flowers. Tonight was supposed to be the happiest night of my life—the night I would finally become Luna, bound to my mate, Alpha Kieran Blackwood.I stood at the center of the grand hall, dressed in a flowing silver gown that shimmered under the light. My heart pounded with anticipation, nerves tangling in my stomach as I waited for my mate to claim me.But Kieran hadn’t arrived yet.The pack was waiting. The Elders whispered among themselves. The guests, dressed in fine silks and embroidered coats, exchanged curious glances.And then, the heavy double doors burst open.Kieran strode in, his presence commanding, his dark hair tousled as though he had just come from battle. His sharp golden eyes locked onto mine, but there was no warmth in them—only something cold, something ruthless.A flicker of
The cold night air bit into my skin as I stepped out of the Blackwood Pack’s grand hall. My vision blurred, but I refused to let the tears fall. Not here. Not where they could see my weakness.Each step away from that place felt heavier, like I was walking through a storm that wanted to pull me back. My chest ached, the mate bond screaming inside me, but I ignored it. Kieran had rejected me—humiliated me in front of everyone. There was no going back.I kept walking, my silver gown dragging across the dirt path leading to the pack’s borders. The guards stationed there glanced at me, their eyes filled with pity, but they didn’t stop me. I wasn’t their Luna anymore.My feet carried me to the forest beyond the Blackwood Pack’s land. The trees loomed over me, their twisted branches reaching out like claws. My wolf, Astrid, whimpered in my mind, mourning the bond that had been torn.“Why didn’t he complete the rejection?” she asked weakly.I swallowed hard, hugging myself against the cold.
Pain. That was the first thing I felt when I woke up. A dull, aching pain that spread through my body like fire. My limbs were heavy, and my head pounded like a drum.I wasn’t in the forest anymore.Slowly, I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was a wooden ceiling. The room smelled of burning wood and herbs, a strange but comforting scent. A fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a warm glow.I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my ribs, making me wince.“You shouldn’t move yet.”The deep voice startled me. I turned my head and saw him—the man who had saved me.He sat in a chair near the fire, his silver eyes watching me closely. In the dim light, I could see him better now. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair that fell over his forehead. His features were sharp and strong, his presence commanding. He wasn’t just any wolf. He was something more.“Where am I?” I asked, my voice hoarse.“My cabin,” he replied simply.I swallowed, my throat dry. “Who are you?”
The days passed in a strange, quiet routine. My body healed, but my heart still felt broken. The pain of rejection didn’t fade overnight, but at least here, in Ronan’s cabin, I didn’t have to see Kieran with Callista.Ronan remained a mystery. He barely spoke, only giving short answers when I asked him anything. He spent most of his time away from the cabin, disappearing into the forest before sunrise and returning late at night.I knew he was dangerous. I could feel it in the way he moved, the way his silver eyes always scanned the surroundings like he expected an attack. But he never hurt me. Never even raised his voice.And that confused me.Because strong wolves—especially ones like him—didn’t help others for no reason.---One night, I woke up suddenly.At first, I didn’t know why. The cabin was silent except for the faint crackling of the fire. But then I felt it—a presence.Someone was outside.My heart pounded as I sat up, straining to listen. The night air was still, but I co
As I opened my eyes, the soft glow of morning filtered through the trees. It had been a long night. The forest was silent and peaceful. My body ached, sore as if a storm had ravaged me, yet a warmth still lingered. I turned to see Lila curled beside me, breathing gently. She looked so fragile. So innocent.But Ronan? He was already up.He stood a few feet away, back turned to me, staring into the fog like he could see the future. His cloak fluttered in the breeze, and I could see the tension in his muscles from here. His hands clenched and relaxed like he was ready for a fight, or maybe trying not to start one.I pushed myself up on one elbow, watching him. The way the sunlight caught his hair, the way his shoulders shifted slightly, the strength in his stance—it all brought back flashes from last night. His touch. His mouth on my skin. The way he made me lose every thought except him.Gods, just thinking about it made my cheeks burn. Who was I becoming? A few weeks ago—back when Rona
The forest was quiet as we walked back toward Crimson Howl territory, the moonlight filtering through the trees, casting soft silver patterns on the ground.Lila clung to my hand, her small fingers warm against mine, her steps lighter now that Elias was gone. All he had been saying was lies. Although there are many things I need to find out, that I need answers to, I have a feeling that Elias knows something about my mother's death. But now, that's gone—I have time to find out.Ronan walked beside me, his presence steady, grounding. The mate bond hummed between us, a constant pulse that felt stronger now, like it was weaving us closer with every step.My body still buzzed from the fight, from the spring’s celestial energy, from the way Ronan’s kiss had set me on fire. I tried to focus on the path ahead, on Lila, on the pack waiting for us, but my mind kept drifting to him—to the heat in his eyes, the roughness of his hands, the way his voice had dropped when he’d said, You’re everythi
“We’re close,” Ronan said quietly. “The spring’s just ahead.”I nodded, holding Lila close. “Good. I need to train. The faster I learn to control my power, the faster I stop Elias.”Lila looked up at me, her eyes wide. “Who’s Elias?”I didn’t hide the truth. “He’s dangerous. He wants to ruin everything. But I’m going to stop him.”Ronan looked back at me, serious. “We’re going to stop him.”I met his eyes and gave a small nod. We had to do this together.The trees parted, and we reached a clearing. The spring was there, glowing faintly under the moonlight. The water shimmered like it was alive with energy. I felt it instantly—a pull, like the spring was calling to me. Ronan was right. This place was special.“It’s beautiful,” Lila whispered, her fear easing for a moment. She was only fourteen, scared and alone, running from a pack that hurt and killed her family. Even though she didn’t tell us much, I had a feeling there was more—something bigger than what she said.“It’s more than t
His hands were everywhere—slow, deliberate as if he wanted to memorize the shape of me through touch alone. My gasp broke against his mouth when his fingers slid beneath my dress, rough palms brushing along the bare skin of my waist, igniting sparks that rushed straight to my core.“Ronan…” I whispered, breathless, needy. My hips arched toward him instinctively, craving more of his touch, craving him.He groaned into the kiss, one hand sliding up to cup my breast through the thin fabric of my bra, his thumb rubbing over the aching peak until I whimpered. The sound only seemed to drive him further—his mouth left mine to trail down my neck, nipping and licking, making my skin feel hot everywhere he touched. I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, encouraging him, desperate for anything he would give me.His other hand trailed down, slipping between my thighs, feeling how warm and wet I was even through my panties. I gasped sharply, the pleasure immediate, a shock of electr
“How touching,” Elias sneered, stepping into the moonlight. His voice dripped with mockery as he fixed his gaze on me. “Did you really think it would be this easy, little omega?”My power flickered within me—weak, but defiant—surging instinctively at his words.“What do you want? Why do you keep showing up like a coward? Are you scared to die? Is that why you're stalking me before I'm even coming for you?” I spat, my voice steadier than I felt.He smirked, lifting a hand as dark energy curled around his fingers.“Oh, you already know,” he said. “Why I keep coming back every minute, even though he’s your destiny, he’ll help you destroy me. He's your mate too… but you’re still mine. I can’t take my eyes off you, not while he’s with you. And do you know why?”His gaze locked onto mine, piercing and possessive.“Because you’re mine, Serena. Your body, your soul—mine. Don’t you remember yet? You were mine.”His words hit me like a slap, but they made no sense. “You’re talking nonsense,” I
My heart pounded so hard I was sure Ronan could hear it. His words echoed in my mind—I couldn’t lose you again—and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.The mate bond between us burned warm and sharp, pulling at me like an invisible string. I wanted to hate it. I should hate it. After everything he said, after how he pushed me away...But I couldn’t.Not when he looked at me like that.Owen cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’ll... give you two a moment.” He stepped out and shut the door behind him.Silence filled the room, thick and heavy.Ronan took a small step toward me. “Selene—”“Don’t.” I raised my hand, voice shaky. “Just—don’t.”He froze. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t walk away.I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing. My body still hurt. My power still felt weak. But none of it compared to the storm building inside me.I had a choice to make.Go back with Ronan to the Blackwood Pack—with a mate bond I never asked for, yet couldn’t push away. That bond would hurt me
Ronan’s hands shook as he cradled Selene’s unconscious body against his chest. Her skin was pale, and her breathing was shallow. The explosion had drained her completely—her celestial power flickered weakly under her skin like a dying ember.Around them, the Blackwood Pack members stood in stunned silence, staring at the ruins of their hall. Some were injured. Others were missing. The air smelled of smoke and blood.Aiden was the first to break the silence. “We need to move. Now.”Ronan didn’t argue. He lifted Selene carefully, his grip tightening protectively. “Where?”“The healer’s den,” Aiden said, already turning. “Before Elias comes back.”The mention of Elias sent a ripple of fear through the pack. Ronan’s jaw clenched, but he nodded. Without another word, he followed Aiden, the pack trailing behind them like ghosts.---Healer’s Den – Blackwood TerritoryThe healer, an elderly woman with sharp eyes, took one look at Selene and hissed through her teeth. “She’s burning through he
Selene’s hands trembled as power surged through her veins. The bond between her and Ronan burned like fire, screaming at her to act—to protect him. But she hesitated.Elias and Ronan clashed in the center of the packed hall, their movements a blur of fangs and claws. The pack scattered, some fleeing, others watching in horror.Selene gritted her teeth. She couldn’t let Elias win. But helping Ronan meant acknowledging the mate bond—meant opening herself to pain all over again.No.She wouldn’t be weak. Not now.With a snarl, she lunged forward, her celestial power erupting in a blinding flash. The ground trembled as she slammed her palms down, sending a shockwave toward Elias.He barely dodged in time, rolling to the side as the force of her attack shattered the stone floor where he’d stood. His golden eyes locked onto hers, gleaming with amusement."Finally joining the fight, little omega?" he taunted.Selene didn’t answer. She struck again, her power lashing out like a whip. Elias bl
The moment Elias vanished, the air in the clearing thickened with tension. My hands trembled, celestial power still crackling around me like a storm waiting to break. The mate bond between Ronan and me pulsed fiercely—an undeniable force neither of us could ignore, yet neither of us wanted to acknowledge.Ronan took a step forward, his golden eyes burning with a mix of regret and desperation. "Selene—""Don’t," I snapped, cutting him off. My voice was sharp, but my heart thundered in my chest. The bond between us was alive, relentless, pulling me toward him like gravity. But I wouldn’t give in. Not after everything. Not after he’d called me a monster. Not after he told me to leave and never come back. I still couldn’t understand why the Moon Goddess chose him of all people to be my mate. She even said I had no choice—did that mean I didn’t either? Was I just supposed to accept this fate? It had to be some kind of cruel joke.I clenched my fists, forcing my power to steady. "I didn’t c