Denera As I stirred awake, the warm morning sunlight gently caressing my face, I became acutely aware of Rockan's strong, protective embrace. His steady heartbeat and the familiar scent of pine and earth enveloped me, filling me with a sense of profound comfort and security.Reluctantly, I tried to shift my position, but Rockan's arm tightened around me, refusing to let me go. A content smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I nuzzled deeper into his chest, savoring this rare moment of tranquility.Our lives were often consumed by the demands of the pack, and his constant disappearance to perform his duties to keep the entire kingdom. But here, in the privacy of our shared room, it was just the two of us.Gently, I traced the strong planes of Rockan's face, marveling at the softness that had replaced his usual stern expression. His eyes fluttered open, and I was met with the familiar amber gaze that had captivated me from the moment we first met."Good morning, little mate," he mu
Denera "Great, today we'll discuss plants and herbs," Adrianna began, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she gestured to the lush greenery surrounding us in the palace gardens. I took a seat on the ornate stone bench, my notebook open and pen in hand, ready to diligently record her every word. "I'm all ears," I replied, giving her my full attention.Adrianna smiled and started pacing slowly, her fingers trailing along the velvety leaves of a nearby shrub. "Plants are truly remarkable, you know. Each one is a veritable treasure trove of medicinal properties, just waiting to be unlocked."She paused to pluck a delicate purple blossom, twirling it between her fingers. "Take this lavender, for instance. The oil extracted from its fragrant flowers has tremendous calming effects. A few drops can soothe frayed nerves and induce a restful sleep."I dutifully jotted down 'lavender - sedative, sleep aid' in my notebook, eager to learn more."And just look at this rosemary," Adrianna continu
RockanI was lost in the paperwork scattered across my desk, mindlessly signing document after document. The monotonous task had lulled me into a subconscious state, my thoughts drifting elsewhere. But the sharp knock at my office door jolted me back to the present."Come in," I called out, hoping it was Denera on the other side. A moment of silence passed before the doorknob finally turned, and my anticipation quickly turned to a scowl as Adrianna stepped inside. "What do you want?" I asked firmly, doing little to mask my disdain for her presence.Adrianna's lips curled into an innocent-looking smile, but I knew better than to trust that facade. "Calm down, I just came to say hi," she replied, her tone dripping with feigned sweetness."Now leave," I demanded, not wanting to be anywhere near this woman. The mere sight of her set my teeth on edge - I feared what I might do if she lingered any longer."Oh Rocky, don't be so brutal," Adrianna purred, clearly enjoying my irritation. "I h
Denera "What if we check on anyone called Elena?" I suggested, watching as Rockan's eyes widened in realization. Rockan quickly turned to the book he was holding and began flipping through the pages. Finally, he stopped on a page that had a large family tree drawn on it, with many names scattered throughout."That's a lot of Elenas," I said, my eyes scanning the family tree Rockan had opened in the ancient leather-bound book. Seventeen distinct names were listed, each one bearing the same moniker. Rockan nodded solemnly. "The first Elena was the original healer's mate, centuries ago. Her husband's name was Stephen."We traced the lineage downward, the branches growing thicker as the generations passed. The names blurred together, a tapestry of intertwined lives stretching back through the ages. "It ends at the 18th generation," Rockan murmured, running his finger along the final entry. "But this book is over fifty years old. There could be more recent additions we're not seeing."
Denera“You know, I still don’t get why I never noticed such power from Aunt Rosa,” I mumbled to myself, but I knew Rockan was listening. We had left the library an hour ago, and he was in full command mode, barking orders and demands as we prepared for our trip Tomorrow. “Someone get me a car!” he yelled, his voice booming through the halls. I watched as workers and maids scurried off to fulfill his requests, their movements hurried and efficient. “And some maids, pack my mate’s clothes for the next seven days—”I had assumed we would keep things subtle and low-key. The last thing I wanted was too much attention on our plans.“Your Highness—”“What?!” Rockan snapped, turning aggressively to face the poor woman who had approached him. I could see the fear in her eyes as she cowered under his gaze. I felt a pang of sympathy for her; she was only trying to do her job.“The council seeks you and the Luna’s presence,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.The council… The th
DeneraIt all happened in a flash. The preparations were completed before the end of the day, and though I was filled with excitement, we stood at the gates waiting for the car to arrive. The weight of anticipation hung in the air, tangible energy buzzing around us.“Wait up!”Abruptly, Rockan and I turned on our heels, curious about the voice that had called out to us. “What is she doing here?” Rockan growled, his expression shifting from excitement to annoyance.“Adrianna,” I said, recognizing her as she rushed toward us, her hair flying behind her like a banner. She was running as if she were about to miss a flight.“I forgot she was supposed to teach me too!” I blurted out, face-palming myself. How could I have overlooked that? When Adrianna finally reached us, she was gasping, her breaths coming in quick, shallow bursts. “There is no way you're going on that kind of journey without me,” she declared, hands on her hips, eyes fierce.I glanced at Rockan, who was clearly not thril
Denera “I am Luna Danielle, leader of Mystic Pack. Welcome to the pack of healers,” the elder woman announced, her voice resonating with authority and warmth. My eyes sparkled with excitement—Danielle was one of the names on the family tree we had discovered. She was part of the last recorded lineage.“Thank you for accepting us,” Rockan said, giving a respectful bow. “Take our guests to the guest quarters,” she instructed, gesturing for us to follow. With that, we were granted passage into their land.As we stepped into Mystic Pack territory, I was immediately struck by the beauty surrounding us. The landscape was a tapestry of lush greenery, with vibrant wildflowers blooming in a riot of colors. Tall trees, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight, framed the path, creating a natural archway that welcomed us.The buildings were unlike anything I had ever seen. Each structure was crafted from the finest timber, featuring intricate carvings that depicted scenes of healing and nature.
RockanI lay restlessly on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Sleeping in unfamiliar places had never been easy for me, and tonight was no exception. The tension in the room seemed to wrap around me like a heavy blanket. Not only was I in a strange setting, but the Mystic Pack had also insisted that all four of us “guests” stay in separate rooms. After I tried to explain that Denera and I were mated, it felt like my words fell on deaf ears.Again, I turned over on the bed, shifting endlessly as I found it increasingly difficult to find rest. The bed was soft, too soft, and the sheets felt foreign against my skin. I couldn't shake the unease that settled in my stomach.“Fuck,” I muttered, frustration bubbling up as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, resting my elbows on my knees. The stillness of the night was deafening, broken only by the sound of my own heartbeat, which felt like it was pounding in my ears.Then, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I caught a whiff
FREYAAs I stepped back into the house, the familiar scent of wood and lingering dinner wafted through the air. My heart sank a little. The warmth of home felt suffocating tonight, like a heavy blanket draped over me. I closed the door quietly behind me, hoping to slip by unnoticed, but the moment I entered, my parents’ voices echoed from the living room.“Freya! There you are!” My mother’s voice cut through the stillness, sharp and demanding. I paused, taking a breath before turning to face them.“Where have you been?” my father asked, his brow furrowed with concern. “It’s late, and you know it’s not safe to be out alone.”“I was just… taking a walk,” I replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. “Needed some fresh air.”My mother’s gaze narrowed, as if she could see right through my facade. “You shouldn’t be wandering the night at this time. It’s dangerous, especially for a girl your age.”“I know, Mom,” I said, trying to sound more composed than I felt. “I’ll be careful
DENARA’S POV I had nowhere else to go now. The darkness enveloped me like a heavy blanket, and I could feel the chill of the night seeping into my bones. It was probably past midnight, a dangerous hour for anyone to be wandering alone, especially a woman. My heart raced with the thought of what could happen if I encountered the wrong person.But then a thought struck me like a beacon of hope. “The Smith’s bar,” I gasped, a wave of relief washing over me. It was always open through the night, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of my life.Mr. Smith had always been kind to me, a rare warmth in a world that often felt cold and unforgiving. He had given me shelter whenever my home became unbearable, always treating me like family. The memory of his reassuring smile filled me with a sense of safety as I quickened my pace, eager to reach the familiar haven.Each step felt both urgent and heavy, a mixture of gratitude and determination swirling within me. I could still hear Freya’s words echoin
DENARA’S POV “Denera,” I froze in my tracks, my breath catching in the back of my throat. My eyes widened as the reality of the situation hit me.Someone saw me.“Oh my goodness, it is you.” The voice was unmistakable, sending a chill down my spine. I turned slowly, hoping against hope that I was imagining things.“Freya,” I breathed, my heart racing as dread washed over me. A long pause stretched between us, her frown deepening as she struggled to comprehend my presence. At that moment, I felt exposed and vulnerable. The fear of being recognized and outed gripped me like a vice. “What’re you doing here?” she asked, suspicion lacing her words as her eyes roamed over me, assessing, searching for any sign of wrongdoing.She probably thought I had come to steal from them. The thought of that made my pulse quicken, and I stood frozen, my mind racing with the potential consequences. She might end up calling out to her parents, if Aunt Rosa and Uncle Austin found me here, I knew exactly
DENARA’S POV It was dark and cold. I should’ve worn thicker clothing. The chill seeped through the layers I had on, biting at my skin and making my teeth chatter as I navigated the familiar but haunting terrain toward my old pack. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of memories pressing down on me like a dense fog.“Why did I think this was a good idea?” I muttered to myself, trying to break the silence that surrounded me. The only response was the rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl, a reminder that I was alone in this endeavor.After about an hour of walking, I finally spotted the outline of the cottage behind Aunt Rosa and Uncle Austin’s house. The place where I had spent so many years felt like a ghost now, a shadow of the life I once lived. I crouched low, moving quietly to avoid drawing attention to myself. “Just get in, grab your things, and get out,” I whispered, forcing myself to stay focused. I didn’t want to linger, didn’t want to remember the pa
ROCKAN’S POVI overreacted. I felt the weight of that realization pressing down on me like a heavy burden. Things spiraled out of control in my mind, and I lashed out. I didn’t mean what I said to her; deep down, I knew she loved me. Yet the anger simmered just beneath the surface, fueled by the unsettling thought that she could be using me. But who wouldn’t?Denera was maltreated by her own family, and when she finally found herself in a position of power, of course, she would seek revenge. It was only natural.“I messed up,” I groaned, running my hands through my hair, gripping it tightly as if I could physically pull myself back from the edge of despair. In an attempt to clear my mind, I took a walk out of the castle, but the night had already settled in, wrapping the world in a cloak of darkness. The cool breeze brushed against my skin, its crispness helping to ease the tension coiling within me. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air, but it did little to calm the storm
Denera’s POVHe hated me.They both hate me now. I wouldn’t blame Rockan for his anger; I used him. He loved me, but I deceived both him and myself. The weight of that realization crushed me, pressing down with an unbearable force. My world spiraled around me, a chaotic whirlpool of regret and despair. Tyris was right. I believed my world here with them would be rainbows and sunshine, a fairytale in real life but now, I was trapped in a nightmare of my own making.The truth struck me like a physical blow: I was a burden to them, to everyone. The walls of the castle felt like they were closing in, the air thick and suffocating. Each breath became a struggle as Tyris’s words replayed in my mind, echoing like a relentless drumbeat. “You’re nothing but a burden.” The anxiety twisted in my stomach, a knot of fear tightening with every thought. I could almost feel the stone walls pressing closer, as if they were conspiring to suffocate me. I needed to find Rockan, to apologize, to expla
TYRIS’ POVI heard it all—the dispute between my brother and Denera. At first, I was furious to know they were still together after he revealed that side of him. But as the reality sank in, I found myself lost in thought. It disgusted me to acknowledge that they were both in love with each other. This was the perfect opportunity to get a hold of her. Maybe this time, she would finally see that I was the only one who could handle her with care and understanding.“Denera,” I called out, and she immediately turned on her heels. Her mind seemed occupied, like a storm brewing behind her eyes, but when she caught sight of me, I noticed the shift in her demeanor—her posture stiffened, her expression closed off.It was annoying how she looked at me, like I was the last person she wanted to see.“Prince TYRIS,” she replied, her voice lacking warmth. She didn’t even bother to take a step closer.“What’s going on?” I questioned, feigning ignorance. “You seem troubled.”“I’m looking for Rockan,”
DENARA’S POVWe didn’t talk after the library incident. Rockan and I could barely even meet eye to eye. The weight of his earlier question hung heavily between us, an unspoken barrier that seemed to grow thicker with every second that passed. I felt the distance between us, an ache in my chest that I couldn’t shake off.The ceremony came to a close sooner than I anticipated, and the room began to empty as Alphas and their Lunas departed to their respective territories and packs. I watched them go, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. All I wanted was to retreat into the comfort of my room, away from the world and the weight of expectations. I stood in front of the mirror, practically glaring at my reflection. The day’s events played over in my mind, and I felt the frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Rachel was undoing the pins holding my hair up, letting the strands fall freely around my shoulders. The thought of a hot bath after a long day filled me with a sense of
DENARA’S POV“Denera,” Bruno insisted, pulling me back but I felt Rockan’s protective presence looming in the back of my mind as I glared at him almost immediately. Before I could react further, I felt Rockan’s hand gently brush against my shoulder, grounding me. “Is there a problem here?” he asked, his voice low and steady.Bruno straightened, his demeanor shifting as he met Rockan’s intense gaze. “No problem at all, Alpha,” he said quickly, stepping aside. “Just catching up with your Luna.”Rockan’s grip tightened slightly around my waist, and I could feel the tension in his body. “Let’s keep it civil, shall we?” he said, his tone firm.I stepped past Bruno, grateful for Rockan’s presence. As we moved back into the crowd, I felt a rush of relief wash over me, knowing I wouldn’t have to deal with Bruno’s antics for the time being. “Are you okay?” Rockan asked, concern etched on his face as we navigated back into the festivities. His brow furrowed slightly, and I could see the tensi