Adriana's Point of View
I looked in the mirror to check that my hair, makeup and coloured contact lens were still okay before I left. I had to be careful to ensure no one saw me without the coloured lens. I had violet eyes, and that was extremely rare. My mother had homeschooled for this reason. She wouldn't explain why I had to keep my eyes coloured, other than to say it was a life or death situation.
One last check. Everything was looking good, so I was off out the door. Tonight I had work. Six months ago, I managed to get a job at the Luna restaurant. Not only was it my first job, but it also wasn't a difficult job, and I used my music skills. The owner and all staff members were werewolves. Still, we also catered to many human customers who were totally unaware of us. It was a fantastic gig as I loved being a musician, and I enjoyed most of it.
Only most of it, though. What I didn't like about it was getting hit on by over-entitled male customers. Just because I was an entertainer, playing the piano and singing during their evening dinner, they felt they had the right to treat me as if other things were for sale. Occasionally James, my boss, would have to step in and get rid of them. He was like a father figure to me. I felt I could trust him totally.
However, no matter who propositioned me, it wasn't going to happen. Hell no! Turning them down was something I was experienced at. They were all revolting humans, and I found none of them appealing. Even if they had been werewolves, I wasn't interested. I supposed I looked pretty good, and wearing an elegant evening gown that accentuated my curves probably didn't help. It still didn't give them the right to expect something more from me. I didn't usually speak to any of them, and I certainly didn't lead them on.
As for why I turned them down... It was not that I didn't want or like sex. Eventually, it was going to happen. I just didn't want to give it away. When I was younger, I wanted to save myself for my true mate if he ever turned up. I then found out that Omegas like me didn't have wolves and therefore weren't likely to have mates. We were the lowest of the pack hierarchy. Now I had just turned 18 when non-Omegas had their wolf appear. I wasn't expecting one, so I was stunned to meet mine.
My mind kept dragging me back to the past, about when my mum joined the pack I was part of. They had taken my mum in when she was heavily pregnant with me. She was from a distant pack who had been attacked by rogues. Everyone had been slaughtered except for her. She'd managed to escape and was able to join our current pack. We were assigned Omega status, so relatively low in the pack hierarchy, but we were treated well enough. There was always enough to eat and a place to live.
When mum passed away four months ago. It was about a month before my 18th birthday. I personally think she had died of a broken heart. She'd told me that she loved my father and that he was her true mate. He and the rest of the pack had been killed while she was away in town, so she sought refuge here. She said it was a secret that they were true mates, and I wasn't allowed to tell anyone. I never knew his name; she wouldn't tell me that for some reason. I wish I could ask her now as to why I had a wolf. Unfortunately, she took that knowledge to her grave.
It had only been three months since my wolf introduced herself to me. Her name was Calliope which was just perfect because her name meant 'beautiful voice'. I only hoped that each time I sang, I did her justice. She seemed to like it, so I was happy. I didn't know what she looked like yet as we hadn't had our first shift yet. She told me it would happen when we were ready. I asked her why I had a wolf because Omegas didn't have wolves. She wouldn't explain other than to say the Goddess doesn't make mistakes.
This also meant that I would have a mate. This, Calliope explained, might take time. She would let me know when he was close. She felt he was close by, but she couldn't pinpoint him. I was part of a massive pack, so they were bound to be part of the same pack. I wasn't sure that I actually wanted to have a mate at all. What also worried me was their reaction to finding out an Omega had a wolf. I couldn't even talk to my mother about it. I can only assume she had a wolf, considering what she told me about her past.
Damn these morose thoughts. What I did need to focus on right now was entertaining the crowd. Most of them were humans though a few werewolves were present. They were mainly further up the hierarchy than me, but I wasn't there to mingle with guests. I was there to entertain and rebuff men, and tonight was just another night.
It was time to go and perform, so I left the dressing room. The noise from the front of the house clashed with the busy sounds coming from the kitchen. It sounded like there was a full house tonight.
As I approached the front of house, something was off with my wolf, Calliope.
"What's wrong?" I asked her, but she ignored me.
It was off-putting, but I couldn't dwell on it, as it was time to start.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for our lovely musician tonight, Adriana Argenté," announced James.
Standing just offstage, I took a deep breath and walked forward.
Adriana's Point of View I went out onto the stage and was greeted with applause from the dark. It was funny how it seemed so dark where the audience was sitting that I couldn't see them. When I sat in the audience, you could see your table and food without a problem. As for the applause, it was nice that I was making a name for myself as a singer and even a songwriter. Life was pretty good at the moment. I just needed to control my mind and focus on life right now. My usual routine was to play for 30-minute blocks and then have a short break before starting another block. I mixed the music selection with covers of quiet background music with some more popular songs. Every now and then, I would add in some original songs I composed during my free time. It was a good routine, and I earned quite a few tips. Tips were the lifeblood of entertainers. I was a very accomplished musician, if I did say so myself, and I had managed to save quite a bit of my earnings. I figured if it turned ou
Daemon's Point of View "Hey, birthday boy!" I said to Tyler. "Hey, Daemon," he replied, "did you make reservations?" "Of course," I answered. "Our sisters and Adam are coming with us, so it will be the six of us tonight." "Wait 'til you see the pianist," he started. "She's a babe. I mean, she is a very talented musician. What am I saying? She is hot! Her name is Adriana, and she is tall and slim with an arse that begs to be smacked. I might have to stay in the city tonight to ensure she gets home safely. Just sayin'." Tyler continued to describe the main physical attributes of this cute pianist who was working there. It was a female, so of course he was interested. Thanks to Theo, it was no use even bothering to look at other females. However, that was not why I was interested. Apart from being very talented and exceptionally easy on the eyes, Tyler said she was also a werewolf. That rang bells, and I had to check the register earlier today. I thought it strange that the pianis
Daemon's Point of View The expression on James' face changed to that of shock and surprise when I informed him that the woman in question was not registered on our books as an authorised employee. "She is not a rogue and is certainly a member of your pack," he said worriedly. "I was friends with her mother. She was the pregnant woman whose pack was slaughtered by rogues. There is no way Adriana would be a rogue. I didn't realise she didn't have permission." I could see that James was nervous and fretting. He could stay that way for a while. While I was not a cruel Alpha, I couldn't appear soft; otherwise, people would take advantage of that. I wasn't going to let that happen. "I gather she is playing tonight?" I asked. "Yes, Alpha. Wait until you hear Adriana," he replied. She is about to come on stage for her first set of three tonight. She plays a range of music as well as her own songs and compositions; she is an absolutely extraordinary musician." I leaned back in my chair, n
Adriana's Point of View Alpha Daemon growled, "Who are you talking to, and why are you blocking my mind-link?" I could only just stare open-mouthed at him. He had followed me into my dressing room, so I was sure he knew I was his mate. It was easy to see that he was not happy about it. What little part of my brain that was working was wondering if I was tongue-tied because he was incredibly handsome or something else. I knew Alpha Daemon was tall, but his stature was almost overpowering. Almost, but not entirely. Now that I was close to him, I could see his clothes stretched across his broad shoulders and chest. There were taut muscles underneath his clothes, and I was getting hot just thinking about seeing his body. Everything about him was immaculate. What on Earth was the Goddess thinking when she matched the two of us as fated mates? This was probably what he was thinking too. "Ummmm," I said, not entirely knowing what I was going to say or do to answer him. How was I supposed
Daemon's Point of View When I demanded answers from Adriana explaining how she was here, she appeared completely taken aback and shocked, like a deer caught in the glare of headlights. Her expression was one of surprise, confusion, and fear as if she wasn't expecting me to ask such a question and didn't know how to respond. "My mother had never told me about the celebration," she said quietly. "When she died, I couldn't remain in the house, and I left the day I turned 18." "So you're a rogue then?" I asked, knowing that she wasn't really. She certainly didn't smell like one, but she hadn't joined the pack when she should have. Damn! She had fallen through the cracks. I wondered how many others had this happened to. She now stared at me in horror. This was probably because I could kill her without any worry of retribution. I had her under my control. "I also asked you who you were talking to," I reminded her, as she hadn't answered that particular question yet. "M-m-my wolf," she
Adriana's Point of View I was trying to perform with Calliope getting all excited to see him. "You are not helping me finish my set," I growled at her. "Our mate has come back!" she said. "Settle down, Calliope!" I commanded. At least I was able to speak to her in my mind this time, damned wolf. She stayed silent for the rest of the set, and eventually, I felt better enough to sing for the last time. When the diners applauded, I turned and bowed my head before leaving the stage for the last time. This was the part of the evening I hated. Often I would have an amorous diner come back to offer to take me out for a drink or worse. I wanted to hurry away tonight and not encourage anyone, human or Alpha. Sticking a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on my door, I quickly got out of my evening gown and into my jeans and hoodie. With a quick change of my shoes from stilettos to trainers, I put the clothes in my bag and turned the light off to head out the door. However, I wasn't fast enough, it see
Daemon's Point of View "Mine!" growled Theo. Damn that wolf of mine. He wanted to claim Adriana regardless of her rank or whether she'd make a good Luna. She certainly had an attitude of a Luna, but I doubted it would be good enough. Now there was a man outside her changing room door. My wolf was possessive. I could hear that he had asked her out for a drink, and my anger increased. The thought of her in another's arms was not only driving Theo crazy but also me. At least she wasn't smiling at him. "No thanks. I don't date customers," she said. "Good! Our mate belongs to us!" snarled Theo. "Sweetheart, you don't know what you're missing," he continued. "Let's tear him to pieces!" threatened Theo. My wolf was getting aggressive, and I wasn't far behind. I could feel my heart racing and my body tensing up. As for Theo, his growls were getting louder and more aggressive inside me, mirroring the anger and frustration I was feeling. This is why I didn't want a mate. The bond between
Tyler's Point of View As he emerged from the back of the restaurant, Daemon's face looked troubled. Adriana, the stunning pianist, was trailing behind him, her expression equally sombre. The tension between them was palpable, casting a shadow over the otherwise fantastic evening. "This is Adriana, and she will be returning with us tonight.," Daemon announced to us. As I looked at Daemon, I lifted my eyebrows in surprise. However, he responded with his usual grumpy expression, devoid of any emotion. As we stepped out of the restaurant, the chilly evening breeze hit us, causing me to shiver. We started walking towards the parking lot. Daemon and Adriana walked ahead of me, seemingly in a hurry, and I followed him closely. We finally reached our cars, which were parked side by side, and I fished out my car keys from my pocket, ready to head home. Since Daemon refused to divulge any details, I made the decision to shift my entire focus towards Adriana. I believed that if I gave her my
Cole's Point of ViewI could feel the tension in the air as we got out of the cars. It was a mess. The only positive point was that everyone was here and alive. Everyone except Lucienne. Given that our Lycans were not completely losing control, there was still hope. Hope that she was still out there, still alive.Marc mind-linked our father, urgency lacing his voice as he delivered the grim news—Lucienne had been taken. But what came next was a devastating revelation. Elizabeth and Michaela had escaped, aided by none other than Dwayne. The timing was far too coincidental, a connection that couldn’t be ignored. Whoever was behind this knew exactly what they were doing.Father also sent through half a dozen of our best trackers via a portal that Queen Adriana had created. The trackers spread out, scanning the area with the precision of trained hunters. But they had about as much luck as we had in human form. We knew the general direction they had gone, but that was it. Marc decided that
Cole's Point of ViewI could feel the tension in the air as we got out of the cars. It was a mess. The only positive point was that everyone was here and alive. Everyone except Lucienne. Given that our Lycans were not completely losing control, there was still hope. Hope that she was still out there, still alive.Marc mind-linked our father, urgency lacing his voice as he delivered the grim news—Lucienne had been taken. But what came next was a devastating revelation. Elizabeth and Michaela had escaped, aided by none other than Dwayne. The timing was far too coincidental, a connection that couldn’t be ignored. Whoever was behind this knew exactly what they were doing.Father also sent through half a dozen of our best trackers via a portal that Queen Adriana had created. The trackers spread out, scanning the area with the precision of trained hunters. But they had about as much luck as we had in human form. We knew the general direction they had gone, but that was it. Marc decided that
Lucienne's Point of ViewThe faint echo of footsteps from above stiffened me, and my senses strained for any sign of danger. Every sound in this cell was magnified—every whisper of air, every creak of the floorboards. It had been hours, maybe longer since I had last seen anyone. My body ached, and my wrists were raw from the restraints, but I forced myself to stay alert.When the door creaked open, I expected Beatrice’s manic figure or Rodney’s menacing leer. Instead, Michaela’s familiar form came downstairs, her face carefully blank but her eyes darting nervously. She carried a tray of food, the smell wafting toward me, making my stomach growl despite myself.She hesitated before crouching down to push the tray through the bottom of the bars. She moved to the box on the wall that adjusted the chains. The weight eased slightly, and I could finally lift my arms enough to rub the soreness from them.“You need to eat,” Michaela said softly, pushing the tray toward me. Her tone was quiet,
Lucienne's Point of ViewI sagged against the chains, reeling from the sting of the whip. My wrists were still tightly bound, but the slight loosening of the chains gave me a moment to catch my breath as I gasped, my chest heaving. Beatrice stood in the dimly lit cell, her body tense and poised, the whip in her hand slicing through the air with a sharp crack.Suddenly, the heavy door slammed open, and Rodney stormed in, radiating a palpable fury that seemed to charge the air around him. Without a moment's hesitation, he reached out and seized her wrist, the force of his grip causing her wrist to break, and she staggered slightly. With a swift motion, he wrenched the whip from her hand, sending it flying across the cell to land with a dull thud on the cold stone floor.Beatrice's heart raced as she met his intense gaze, realisation dawning on her that the confrontation was far from over."She's already been whipped today," he snarled. "The plan is not to kill her.""I don't care!" Beat
Lucienne's Point of ViewClio stirred. At first, it was faint—a mere flicker of warmth beneath my skin, like the distant glow of a candle struggling against the darkness. It wasn't the full return of her vibrantly strong presence, but it was enough to send a wave of relief coursing through me. For the first time since I'd been dragged into this grim, lightless cell, I felt a sliver of hope.Her energy was weak and groggy, like waking from a deep, drugged sleep, and I could sense her struggling against the lingering effects of the wolfsbane. She couldn't speak, couldn't send me her thoughts, but I felt her there—a fragile yet unmistakable connection humming faintly within me. It was proof that the activated charcoal Michaela had smuggled to me was starting to work, pushing back against the poison that had muted her.I closed my eyes and concentrated, drawing strength from that tenuous bond. Clio's presence reminded me of who I was, of the power locked away inside me. Even if she couldn
Lucienne's Point of ViewAs the sound of their retreating footsteps faded into silence, the tension holding my body upright gave way. My legs buckled, and I sank to my knees, the chains rattling softly as my arms hung limply above me. Pain radiated across my back, sharp and relentless, each breath pulling at the torn skin where the silver whip had bitten deep.For a moment, I allowed myself to feel it all—the anger, the fear, the helplessness. The weight of the situation bore down on me, pressing the air from my lungs. I clenched my fists, forcing my mind to remain clear. I couldn’t let this break me.“They’ll come for me,” I whispered, my voice cracking against the stillness of the cell. “Marc and Cole will find me.”I repeated the words like a mantra, willing myself to believe them. Marc and Cole were my mates. They wouldn’t rest until they tracked me down. The wolfsbane might dampen the bonds between us, but they were still there, faint and fragile threads that connected us. Once C
Lucienne's Point of ViewThe dim light flickered weakly outside my cell, casting jagged shadows on the walls. I inhaled deeply, searching for clues, but my surroundings offered little more than damp air and the acrid tang of rust. Still, faint and fleeting beneath it all, I caught a scent that made my pulse quicken.It was subtle, just a thread woven through the murk of mildew and stone—a sharp, bitter aroma tinged with something earthy. My senses struggled to place it entirely, dulled as they were by hunger and wolfsbane. But I’d know that scent anywhere: witchcraft.This wasn’t like the warm, herbal scent of Aunt Delilah, the liaison between the Royal Family and the Witch’s Council. She wasn’t really my aunt, but that was what we called Alice’s mum. Delilah’s magic smelled of rosemary and lavender, soft and soothing, a presence that felt like home. This was different—harsh, acrid, and wrong. It clawed at my senses, leaving an unpleasant taste in my mouth.A rogue witch, maybe. Or wo
Lucienne's Point of ViewWhen I opened my eyes, dim light greeted me—weak and distant, barely illuminating the space. My head throbbed, a dull ache pulsing at the base of my skull, and the cold, damp air bit into my skin like icy needles.I shifted slightly, trying to orient myself, only to feel the sharp tug of iron biting into my wrists. My arms were outstretched, pulled taut by heavy chains fastened to the walls on either side of me, leaving me in an awkward, uncomfortable sitting position on the hard stone floor.The light source was far away, casting faint shadows across the cell and doing little to push back the gloom. It was just enough for me to make out my surroundings—bare, unwelcoming, and suffused with the oppressive weight of captivity. The dim glow created more questions than answers, each corner of the cell cloaked in an eerie half-light that left me straining to see.For a moment, I couldn’t make sense of my surroundings. The air reeked of mildew, blood, and something
Duncan's Point of ViewThe sharp, acrid tang of blood hit my nose the moment I stepped into the prison's lower levels. The cold stone walls seemed to amplify the metallic scent, and I clenched my jaw as I surveyed the carnage. Two guards lay lifeless on the floor, their throats torn open with brutal efficiency. Blood pooled beneath their bodies, soaking into the cracks of the stone. Six guards flanked me, their faces pale but their stances resolute. While they knew death was a possibility, it was a risk they had long accepted as part of their duty. Their determination radiated in the unyielding set of their jaws, ready to uphold the pack's safety, no matter the cost. While fear lingered in their eyes, it was drowned out by their loyalty, which made them march forward into the unknown without hesitation."Spread out," I barked, my voice cutting through the tense silence and echoing down the cold, dimly lit corridor. "Check every cell, every corner. I want answers—find out how this hap