DeneraI shuffled restlessly on the bed, my mind buzzing with anticipation rather than the restful sleep I so desperately needed. Despite the exhaustion of the dance, the adrenaline coursing through my veins refused to subside, leaving me wide awake and restless.Glancing over at the big wall clock on the mantel, I saw that it was only just past 2 o'clock. Surely Rachel would be waiting outside, expecting me to be resting as I should be. But the thought of staying cooped up in my room while the preparations for the ceremony were underway was simply too much to bear.With a resigned sigh, I pushed myself up from the bed, smoothing down the soft fabric of my shirt and pulling up my shorts. Perhaps a brief stroll through the castle would satisfy my curiosity and allow me to stretch my legs before the ceremony tomorrow.As I opened the door, Rachel's concerned face greeted me. "My lady! I thought you would be resting."I offered her a reassuring smile. "I'm afraid I just can’t settle dow
Denera The day had finally come. The day my life changes drastically, from a poor slave girl to the Luna of the most powerful pack. Very unbelievable cliche when you think about it. But it was my reality. "Breathe in!" Rachel commanded, and I obeyed. The two maids behind me swiftly tugged on the strap laces, tightening the corset around my waist. The pressure was almost uncomfortable, but I knew it would be worth it in the end."Perfect!" Rachel exclaimed, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. She stepped back, allowing me to fully appreciate the reflection in the mirror.The dress was a vision of ivory satin and intricate lace, tailored perfectly to my frame. The long sleeves hugged my arms, and the bodice accentuated my curves in a way that made me feel both regal and alluring. As the maids worked their magic, my plain features were transformed.They smoothed the foundation over my skin, creating a flawless canvas. Delicate strokes of eyeshadow enhanced my eyes, making the
BrunoI stared at the ceremonial invitation, my heart racing with a mix of hope and trepidation. The names etched on the parchment seemed too unbelievable to be true – Rockan and Denera. Could it really be her?Freya's voice cut through the deafening silence, her grip on my arm tightening. "I've told you," she said, her tone firm, "it's not her."I glanced over at her, not believing her words. We had been driving for nearly an hour, making our way to the Dark Lion pack's territory. The invitation was extended to every alpha under the Dark Lion's rule, with the opportunity to bring a plus one.I begged my mother to accompany me, but she insisted that I bring Freya instead. Now, as I held the invitation in my trembling hands, I couldn't help but wonder why.It wasn't until this morning that I finally took a closer look at the invitation, and that was when I saw it – the names that set my heart racing: Alpha Rockan and Denera.Denera? Could it really be her? The girl I had thought lost t
Denera“Bruno…” Sevyn, my wolf finally spoke. I blinked several times, my breath catching in my throat as I stared into the piercing gaze of Bruno. He looked as if he had seen a ghost, and I knew the expression mirrored my own."What is he doing here?" Sevyn's voice growled, the anger and disbelief vivid. "After all he's done, he dares to show his face?"I felt the tension coiling within me, a mix of shock, fear, and resentment. Bruno, the man who had so callously rejected me and banished me from his pack, stood mere feet away, his eyes locked onto mine with an unreadable intensity."This can't be happening," I whispered, my fingers trembling as I gripped the bouquet of flowers in my hands. "He has no right to be here."Sevyn's growling rose, her presence in my mind a constant reminder of the pain and humiliation I endured at Bruno's hands. "We should tear him apart, Denera. Make him pay for what he's done."I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting to the familiar face of Freya, my cousin
Denera“Denera,”Bruno…I felt my once disoriented emotions and voice become monotone in an instant as I glared at him. "What are you doing here?" "I..uh.." he started, trailing off as he rubbed the back of his head. "I came to see you. Do you recognize me?""Of what importance is it to recognize you?" I retorted, my face turning into a frown. "It's my Luna ceremony, so I suppose you didn't have a choice, all Alphas were meant to be here," I stated, hoping the conversation would come to an end and he would leave."You..." he paused, "you look different. A good type of different.""Yes, we're no longer on our knees serving or begging you. Now you bow before us instead." Sevyn said with a scoff, and I could almost see her roll her eyes."What are you doing here?" I repeated my question sternly."I really did want to see you. I need to talk to you and it's important," he clasped his hands together, and he looked like he was about to cry, but I couldn't care less."Well, talk then," I sa
Denera“Leave and don’t let me ever set eyes on you again,” Rockan ordered and I felt my heart sink in an instant. My breathing quickened and my eyes shut close as I tried to hold back my tears. It felt like I was being rejected all over again, my whole body was going to fall apart, and I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me. “Yes, Alpha,” Bruno responded and a forced sigh left my mouth. I opened my eyes to see Bruno walking away from us and I couldn’t help a smile that grew at the corners of my lips. I was holding my breath, bracing for the fallout, but Rockan's words were not directed at me. I opened my eyes, blinking away the tears, and saw Bruno walking away. Relief flooded through me, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. But the reprieve was short-lived as I turned my gaze back to Rockan. His expression was one of obvious displeasure, his eyes narrowed and mouth set in a hard line. "You have an ex-mate?" The low rumble of his voice sent fresh shivers of fe
Denera“Also, as a gift for your new position as Luna. I’m giving you a blank cheque. Ask for anything and I will see to it that it is done.”The room felt heavy with the echoes of the celebration outside. The ceremony had not ended yet. Laughter and music filtered through the thick wooden door, but the sound seemed distant, almost otherworldly. The world outside felt like a different realm, separated from the emotions swirling within me.I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm that had been brewing since I laid eyes on them—Bruno and Freya. I never believed I would even set eyes on them so soon. Then Bruno had the audacity to approach me. Rockan cleared his throat, drawing me out of my thoughts, his presence a steadying force. The sight of him, with his imposing figure and that ever-present mask had always brought a strange mix of comfort and unease. He was my mate, my Alpha, but also a man of many secrets—secrets I hadn’t yet uncovered. But tonight, he had just offered the
DeneraI missed his touch so badly.His kiss deepened, his hand moving to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. I responded in kind, my arms wrapping around him, holding on as if letting go would mean losing his touch forever. There was a desperation in our kiss, a need that had been building for so long, finally finding its release.When we finally pulled away, both of us were breathless, our foreheads resting against each other's as we tried to catch our breath. Rockan's hands were still on me, his touch grounding me, reminding me that this was real, that he was real."Denera," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I've been waiting for this moment, for the ceremony to be over, so I could finally hold you like this. But I also don't want to rush you. We have all the time in the world now."I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "I don't want to wait anymore. I've waited my whole life for something like this, for someone like you. And now that I have you... don't
ROCKAN’S POV The elders and the people stood up and bowed as soon as I entered with my mate and remained that way until we had our seats. I made sure Denara sat down first before joining her.“You may now sit.” I said and the people obeyed. Though the seats were not enough for the crowd.“Why are they so many? It feels like all the pack members are here.” I mindlinked Denara and she smiled at me.“They’re worried about their alpha.” She simply replied.After waiting for the goddess knows how long for someone to say something and no one did, I cleared my throat and started, “thank you all for coming and for your support when I was having a hard time.”The people started whispering and murmuring among themselves. That was when I realized they were still in shock of seeing me without my mask.I was already tired of the stares and the expressions I got. I didn’t know the people were so eager to see my face. What for? I wouldn’t be bothered if I were in their shoes though.“Yeah right.” M
DENARA’S POV After staying to monitor our healing process for one week, Luna Danielle and Adrianna were finally going back home today. It was really beautiful having them care for me, making me see the bright side of things and now they were leaving. I felt like begging them to stay a little longer but they had tried.“Come here my girl.” Luna Danielle said and grabbed me into her warm embrace once more. “I’ll miss you so much Denara.” She patted my head as she talked.“I’ll miss you too, great aunt.” I replied and she smiled, wiping a stray tear off my face.“Please masked alpha…” Luna Danielle started and paused momentarily to laugh when she saw there was no mask on his face. “Make sure you take care of my baby girl.” She warned.“You don’t have to say that. It’s all I live for.” Rockan replied.“If you ever stop or make her sad I’ll come back here and take her from you.” Luna Danielle sounded both playful and rigid.“You won’t have a reason to.” He affirmed.“Denara…” Adrianna cri
TYRIS’ POV Days had passed, yet it felt like months since I embarked on this relentless search. Each hour dragged on, a heavy chain of dread around my neck, as I combed through towns and packs in search of Serena. Who would have thought finding someone could be so impossibly difficult? With every mile traveled, my sense of urgency grew; my thoughts spiraled into a dark abyss of worry and regret.“Sir, are you sure we shouldn't stop somewhere? You seem really exhausted,” the driver said, glancing up at me through the rearview mirror. Concern etched across his face, a reflection of my own inner turmoil. “Your eyes on the road,” I curtly responded, irritation creeping into my voice. I didn’t want to entertain his concern, though a part of me appreciated it. He was the only soul I had with me, a simple man enlisted to help with my search. We had spent the last several days moving from one neighboring town to another, each stopping at a dead end. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wa
TYRIS’ POV I tossed and turned in bed, the sheets tangled around my legs like the mess my life had become. For what felt like the hundredth time to night, I shifted positions, trying to find a semblance of comfort. Sleep eluded me, and my mind raced with thoughts that twisted like a storm in my head. I hated my life, I hated who I had become. Chasing after Denera for so long had led me here, to this moment of turmoil. I had watched my brother, Rockan, fall in love with her, and a bitter taste lingered in my mouth. It still hurts to remember. At first, I had so much hate for him. How could he have won her heart when I had pursued her with such fervor? But now, as I lay in this bed, I realized there was no point in that anger anymore. Rockan and Denera obviously loved each other, and their bond was something I couldn't break. Still, the ache in my chest felt raw. I had wanted her to be with me, to see me as her mate, yet here I was, alone and grappling with my own failure. Each t
DENARA’S POV My eyes felt heavy, too heavy to open. Every nerve in my brain pulsed with pain as my head throbbed, a dull ache that seemed to echo in the quiet room. It took a while for me to gather the strength to finally crack my eyelids open, the morning light spilling in like a gentle reminder of the world outside.As I blinked into focus, memories of the night flooded back: the tears, the heartache, the overwhelming sadness that had consumed me. I had spent the entire night curled up, sobbing into the sheets, feeling utterly lost. Rockan was the only one who could bear witness to my pain, holding me close, and whispering comforting words that felt like a lifeline amidst my despair. Turning my head slowly, I looked at him. Rockan was fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. He had been through so much, yet here he was, the man I loved, resting peacefully beside me. My heart swelled with gratitude as I gazed at his mask-less face, a sight I had longed to se
DENARA’S POV The world around me felt like a haze, a blur of voices and shadows. I blinked slowly, trying to piece together the chaos that had erupted. I had thought I passed out but I didn’t. I couldn’t, it was like the pain wanted me to feel every bit of it.My body was heavy, weighed down by the remnants of pain, but there was a soothing numbness spreading through me, courtesy of the anesthetic shot I had received.As the wave of anesthesia began to lift, I blinked against the bright light that filled the room. My heart raced, and the world around me slowly came into focus. The sterile smell of antiseptic mingled with something else—something warm and familiar. And then I saw him. It wasn’t a dream all along and I was definitely not dead. “Rockan,” I breathed, my voice a mere whisper, but it felt like a shout in the silence of the room. The sight of him propped up against the pillows, his hair tousled and eyes bright, filled me with a wave of relief. It felt like I had been los
TYRIS’ POV “Sir, your attention is needed quickly.” The urgency in the maid's voice snapped me from my thoughts. I turned, my heart racing as I searched her eyes for any hint of good news. My brother had been in critical condition, and every minute felt like an eternity. “What is going on?” I asked, forcing myself to remain calm, though my insides churned with anxiety.“I was asked to call you down to the emergency ward,” she replied, her voice steady but lacking the reassurance I desperately sought. “The emergency ward?” The words felt heavy on my tongue, and a sinking sensation settled in my stomach. I forced my legs into action, propelling myself through the hallway of the hospital, each step a frantic prayer that the news would be good.As I approached the entrance to the emergency ward, I paused, staring at the glaring sign that loomed above me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Whatever had happened to Rockan, it couldn’t be good. I braced myself for wh
ROCKAN’S POV I was floating, enveloped in a vast nothingness. I couldn’t feel or move my body. It was dark and quiet, so quiet that it was almost deafening.“Am I dead?” I thought to myself. There was no one to talk to, and I couldn’t even move my mouth to think out loud.“Is this punishment for all my misdeeds?”The weight of my past decisions pressed down on me. There was no way I could have died so easily; my life and goals had not been achieved.Denera...I missed my mate. An ache settled in my chest as I longed to see her, to tell her how much I loved her. It felt as though I hadn’t said it enough, or shown it enough. But I did love her, fiercely and without reservation.Tyris would never forgive me if I died. I really owed him an apology, too.“No…” A faint wind blew past me, carrying the sound of a voice. Was I imagining things?“What’s happening?”The same voice echoed again, almost recognizable, yet just out of reach.I held my breath, hoping I was not imagining it. Then the
DENARA’S POV The air in the hospital room was thick with tension as everyone quietly cleared out, leaving the three of us—Luna Danielle, Adrianna, and me—standing by Rockan’s bed. The murmurs from the pack outside faded into a dull roar, and I felt my heart race. This was it. This was my chance to finally prove myself to Rockan and the pack. Panic and anxiety was an understatement to what I felt in that moment. “His life is in your hands, save him,” Luna Danielle urged, her voice steady yet laced with urgency. I nodded, though anxiety gripped me like a vice.As the door swung shut, sealing us in, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Rockan lay there, still and vulnerable, the mask from his previous injuries now removed. The sight of him sent a wave of emotions crashing over me—fear, love, and desperation all mingled together. “Let’s begin,” Adrianna said, her tone serious as she approached Rockan’s bedside. She gently placed her hands on his shoulders, her expre