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
Denera “Because I love you, okay?”My heart skipped more than a beat as I looked up at him, disbelief washing over me. What?His confession hung in the air, heavy and profound. I felt as if the world around us faded, leaving just the two of us at that moment. “From the time you tripped and fell during the mate-picking ceremony, I have loved you from the start, Denera,” he continued, his voice earnest and raw. “That is why I’ve been less of the ruthless alpha I usually am.”His words struck a chord deep within me. Memories of that chaotic day flashed through my mind—how clumsy I felt, how exposed. Yet, even amid my embarrassment, Rockan had been there, his gaze steady and very intimidating. I had never considered that my vulnerability could invoke such strong feelings in him.“I noticed how fragile and scared you were the night you were with me,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “It made my heart sink that I caused it. It is why I have done my best to be good to you, and I
Denera“Elena’s mother, also known as Denera, was my cousin,” Luna Danielle revealed.Her words hit me like a thunderbolt, leaving me momentarily speechless. The room seemed to be still, the air thick with the weight of her revelation.“You knew my mother?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, still reeling from the shock. The connection felt surreal, a thread in the tapestry of my life that I had never expected to find.Danielle chuckled softly, a warm sound that eased the tension in my chest. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, handing it to me with a gentle smile. “I didn’t just know her; she was my first cousin.”As I took the picture from her, tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. The photograph was worn but vibrant, capturing a moment frozen in time. I held it carefully, my breath catching in my throat. In the picture, a younger Luna Danielle stood beside Aunt Rosa and…my mother, Elena. They were all smiles, laughter lighting up their fa
Denera For the first time, we had fallen asleep on bad terms. Rockan and I hadn’t spoken a word since our disagreement last night. I was more surprised that he hadn’t tried to assert his alpha authority over me, demanding silence or obedience. It was something I expected, yet he had chosen a different path, one that left me feeling unsettled.The morning crept in slowly, the sun taking its time to rise. I shifted on the bed, turning to face my mate, but his back was turned to me, a solid wall of muscle and warmth that I longed to reach out to. My heart ached with the words I hadn’t yet spoken—I love you. It hung in the air between us, unvoiced and heavy.I couldn’t help but admire his bare back, the way the morning light played off his skin. A stray strand of rope was tied behind his head—his mask, a constant reminder of the barriers he kept in place. Rockan never took it off. It was as if he was afraid to reveal himself completely, afraid of what vulnerability might bring.With a
RockanI told her I loved her.There was no taking my words back, and it wasn’t that I regretted telling her. I told her the truth, but still, something felt off. My chest ached with an unfamiliar heaviness that lingered throughout the night, pressing down on me like an unyielding weight.Maybe it was the fear that gnawed at me, the realisation that Denera might choose her newfound family over me. She had spent so long yearning for a connection, for blood relatives who would treat her with the love and respect she deserved. I could feel that desire radiating from her, a longing that I couldn’t compete with.What if I forced her to follow me back home? The thought sent a chill down my spine. I could envision her resentment, the way her eyes might harden with disappointment. “I don’t want that,” I muttered to myself, digging my fingers into my hair, and tugging at the roots in frustration.I stood up from the bed, the rising sun casting a soft glow in the room, illuminating the shado
Denera He had to be the most hysterical person I had ever come across. Ryan had a way of finding humor in everything, his laughter infectious and brightening the mood around us. As he launched into another story, I felt my worries begin to fade into the background.“Mother never let me lead the track team after that,” he sighed dramatically, his expression a mix of mock sorrow and playful mischief. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the sound spilling out easily. The room around us faded as the joy of the moment took over.“You were naked!” I exclaimed, nearly doubling over as I banged my hand on my thigh, unable to contain my amusement.“So?” he shrugged, completely unfazed by my reaction. It was clear he didn’t see the wrong in his past actions, and that only made me laugh harder.“They were kids!” I added, shaking my head in disbelief, my laughter ringing out like music.“I shifted into wolf form, of course, my clothes got torn,” he defended himself, a grin stretching acros
Denera“Denera,”I turned my neck toward the sound of the voice, a distant whisper that felt both familiar and foreign. “Denera, wake up.”My eyes snapped open, responding instinctively to the urgency in her tone.“We’re almost there,” a feline-faced woman said, her excitement contagious. I could hear it in her voice, but her features remained a blur, like a painting seen through foggy glass.“I’m sure you’ll love it there; my people are very nice,” she added, her enthusiasm infectious. I nodded, my small legs dangling over the edge of the seat, eager to look out the window and see if we had arrived at our destination yet.“We’re not there yet, honey,” an overly familiar masculine voice called from the driver’s seat. My heart raced as I turned, my eyes widening as the face came into focus. “Dad,” I breathed, recognition flooding through me like sunlight breaking through clouds.“I know, I’m just really excited. It’s been so long. If not for Claire, we probably wouldn’t have had a rea
Denera“I remember. I remember everything,” I cried out, the weight of my memories crashing over me like waves, each one pulling me under.Rockan’s expression softened, concern etched deeply into his features. “What did you remember?” he asked gently, his grip tightening slightly, as if he feared I might slip away again.I took a shaky breath, the air thick with the remnants of my nightmare. “The fire… my dad… my mom… they were trying to protect me.” My voice cracked, each word laced with the rawness of my grief. “I was so scared. I lost them.” The ache in my chest felt like a deep, unhealed wound, reopening with every recollection.His eyes darkened with confusion and pain. “Shh,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm against the chaos swirling inside me. “It's okay.”“I... I was safe. It was safe at first,” I whispered, but the comfort of that thought felt distant now, overshadowed by the stark reality of my past.Rockan shifted closer, his warmth wrapping around me like a protect
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