Kael.I returned to the ceremony grounds, my eyes swept over the guests, they were still very cheerful and happy, unaware of the storm inside me. Emma has been taken. This was war. I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders as I stood at the center of the room. At once, a hush fell on the crowd and heads turned towards me.I had their attention. “An enemy has come to our midst on this day of joy!" My voice was loud and upset. I couldn't keep the anger down. I couldn't remain calm despite my best efforts. “My bond mate, Emma, has gone missing. She was last seen on the edge of our territory, and we have reason to believe a rogue vampire has taken her.”At once, whispers filled the air, people gasped in alarm and fear. I could hear murmurs. "A vampire?" "What was a human doing out there?"My pack was well aware of the rivalry between us and the vampires, and any hint of them encroaching on our land was more than just an insult, it was a threat.And yet, even as I spoke, I could fe
Emma.The world was dark. I felt hollow. Everything around me felt like a shadow. As if it was there and somehow still didn't exist. I was floating, or maybe sinking, I couldn’t really tell. A searing pain had wrapped itself around my body like a burning blanket. Every breath felt like it was about to rip my chest apart. But even through the haze, I could hear voices. Sounds blurred together in a way that made me think if this was reality or a part of my delirium. "She’s not strong enough for this," a voice murmured, filled with sadness."Why does she fight? It’s useless," another voice, darker and colder, sneered.I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn't. But their words lingered, slowly pulling me down deeper into the darkness.Fragments of my memories drifted right past my eyes, voices of those I loved, faces of those who had left me. And then I could hear Kael's voice loud enough through the noise. “Emma, stay with me. Just a little longer.”It felt real, but I couldn’t r
Emma.The morning light shone through the car window, warming my skin as I sat quietly beside Kael. The pack was a beautiful place. As angry as I was at my life, I couldn't deny this. The forest around us practically came alive in the gentle dawn. It was quiet except for the hum of the engine, and despite everything that had happened in the last day, a strange calm washed over me. Keeping me relaxed. I knew why Kael had brought me out this early. This wasn’t a morning stroll or some romantic walk through the woods. This was a test. Kael wanted to see if the sunlight burned my skin, to check if I’d become what he feared. A blood sucking monster.“Are you okay?” Kael spoke lightly, like he was afraid of my answer.I turned to him, I couldn't help the bitterness I felt. "Quit acting like you care, You don’t care about me, not really. We both know that."He stiffened and I could see his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "Emma, I’ve made sure you’re fine. Your neck’s healed, you’re
Emma.I felt like my world had stopped spinning. My arms folded tightly across my chest, my foot tapped against the floor in a steady rhythm. Kael was right beside me, like a shadow I couldn’t shake, and I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze either. He was angry. I could feel it radiating from him. But he hadn’t said a word to me since he’d told me I was pregnant, like he couldn’t bear the thought. My chest tightened, and I felt a knot in my throat, fighting to keep my breathing steady. Why was he so quiet? What was he thinking? I’d never felt more alone.Finally, the doctor arrived, looking stern as he approached us. His gaze moved over me, then Kael. Clearing his throat, he adjusted his glasses. “Miss Emma, you’re three weeks pregnant.”“No,” I whispered. I couldn’t believe it. Kael’s jaw tightened. For a second, it looked like he wanted to speak but he didn’t say a word to me. Instead, he turned to the doctor. “What do we do?” His voice was low. “What does she need?”The doc
Emma.I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to process the whirlwind of actions that happened that evening. My fingers traced the edge of the blanket absently as I replayed everything that had happened in the garden. I’d never felt such power surge through me, such uncontrollable strength that left me feeling like a stranger in my own body. I’d thrown Selene like she was nothing. Like she weighed nothing. Somehow, the same lady that beat me at the Tis'Uma was now bruised because of me. Because of a single shove. This wasn't my strength. This wasn't my doing and I knew it. A quiet knock pulled me out of my thoughts. I sat up slowly, bracing myself as the door opened and Williams stepped in, his face a little serious. He walked to the edge of my bed and gave me a scrutinizing look.“Mistress Emma,” he began. “I need you to tell me what happened tonight. You know how serious it is to attack a member of the pack, especially the Luna.”I couldn't believe his words. Didn't he
Emma.I knew I had to be strong. I couldn’t let them see me cry. I had wept for far too long, and for just one man. Kael. My alpha. My mate. The first man I'd ever truly loved. Now, I was done weeping for him.i would have to be pretty. I'd have to put up a smile and pass the rest of the day. Cassidy was weaving delicate flowers into my hair. I had to look beautiful. It was a royal instruction and Cassidy had learnt not to take that lightly. As she worked quietly, I looked at the mirror. The mirror reflected someone beautiful, but I’d never felt as empty or as unworthy as I did in that moment. All I wanted was to be alone, to endure this shame quietly.But somehow, I forced a smile."Mistress Emma, are you okay? You’ve been smiling," Cassidy noticed, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror. I didn’t answer at first. My eyes were steady on my own reflection, studying the hollow expression beneath the forced smile. "Do you think I’m beautiful?" I finally asked.Cassidy blinked, taken a
Emma.The hallway was dim, the morning sun just beginning to filter in, and yet, I could feel the cold down to my bones. Somehow the days were colder and I heard talk about the coming winter. Winter in the city was different. We barely felt it. Just a few days of snow and then that was it. But here, so close to the mountain and the vast forests, I had a feeling it would be much harsher. I stood with my arms wrapped around myself, huddling under the thick jacket Cassidy had placed over my shoulders. The guards were already moving my belongings out of the royal guest room, carrying them piece by piece up the winding staircase. It was a day after the rejection ceremony and I hadn't said a word to Kael. Neither had he seen or spoken to me either. Perhaps, the rejection also meant he would never speak to me again. I didn't know the rules here entirely. Williams was directing the guards as they packed my things, his voice was rather too loud as he barked orders. He noticed me watching
Emma.The memory of Gabriel’s attack haunted me as I stared out the tower window, watching the grounds below. The view was dizzying. It had to be at least thirty-foot from where I stood. No werewolf should have been able to reach this place, let alone break in so easily. But somehow, Gabriel had managed it. The supposedly safe tower had become a place of fear in under twenty four hours. I was jolted out of my deep thoughts by the sound of footsteps. Cassidy walked in, worry clearly written on her face and before I could speak, she wrapped her arms around me.“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Her voice was filled with concern. I shook my head, feeling a certain kind of numbness. “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me,” I murmured, struggling to reassure her. “I defended myself.”Did I really defend myself? Or I had gotten lucky and he wasn't such a strong fighter. I hated to think what would have happened if he was much stronger. Cassidy’s eyes dropped to my stomach, and I managed a weak smil
Emma.I would rather be anywhere than here. Yet, I found myself walking closer to him. Seeking his touch, his warmth, his eyes. . My fingers trembled as I toyed with the fabric of my dress, my gaze fixed on the ground. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. Derek was there, just a few feet away, and yet it felt as though an ocean stretched between us. My stomach felt hollow with doubt and fear, and I hated myself for even being here. “Emma," he called out to me again and I blinked. “Alpha Derek," I replied meekly. “Why are you here?” His voice was cold, distant, “Is there something wrong with your room?” I flinched at his tone. It was dismissive and I looked down. “No, the room is fine,” I stammered. My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat quickly. “That’s not why I’m here.” Derek's eyes bore into mine. “Then why?” My breath hitched as tears pricked my eyes. I hated this feeling. I felt small, exposed, and foolish. “I’m sorry,” I muttered, backing toward the door. “I s
Derek.Madrid’s voice was like background noise as I sat in my study just across the throne room. We had to restrategize for the attack against Jonathan's pack. It was getting out of hand and I was losing patience. But still, something else played out in my mind. A memory I didn't want to relive and yet it was stuck in my head. I had my hands splayed out in front of me, but my mind wasn’t there. It hadn’t been for a while now. Madrid night as well have been speaking with himself. “Alpha?” I heard him still, he sounded like a fly disturbing my thoughts. “Alpha Derek?” Madrid repeated, his voice sharper this time. I blinked and turned to him, nodding absently. “Did you hear anything I just said, Alpha?” He sounded bothered at my being distracted. I gave another small nod, though the truth was, I’d caught only fragments of his plan. Something about baiting the enemy and making them attack first. “You said we should bait them in,” I replied, hoping it was close enough. Madr
Emma.I froze. The massive wolf stood before me, its green eyes glowing wildly. My breath hitched, and I instinctively removed my hands from my breast and crossed my arms over my chest, shielding myself as best I could. But the wolf suddenly snarled and stepped closer intimidatingly. I was lost. I was trapped. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. I tried to turn away but at this time, the wolf growled and moved towards me, each step made me back away until I was now completely immersed in her shrub. “I'm sorry," I mumbled helplessly. I didn't know what I was apologizing for. Seeing him naked? Or being so moved by it that I couldn't help myself? The wolf didn't stop, it moved even closer and its eyes remained firmly on my breast, staring intensely. “Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling. The wolf moved even closer until the space between us was a few inches. I stumbled back, my foot catching on the uneven ground. It followed. My back hit the rough bark of a
Emma.I hadn't slept well. No, I was plagued with visions of Cathy trying to hunt me down and finish me off. The thought of the poison still lingered in my mind and I couldn't help but wonder how much the hybrid from her past had hurt her. I was a hybrid. But I'd never transformed. I didn't want to see the monster I'll be. Or were the doctors even right? Could I ever transform? My head was filled with these questions as I swung my heavy legs off the bed and padded to the door. I was a little hungry and Derek had warned me against starving. The knock at my door startled me as I reached for the handle. Pausing, I moved away a little. “Come in,” I called softly. The door creaked open, and Daniella stepped in, balancing a tray with a cup of latte and a plate of pancakes. Her face lit up with a shy smile at the sight of me. “Good morning, Miss Emma, you look beautiful as always.” My cheeks flushed. I felt heavy, like a bear or something. But I guess the pregnancy glow was still a
Emma.Cathy sprang to her feet, looking at me guiltily. I started, transfixed. Cathy. Cathy poisoned me. “You," I caught myself saying before I could stop myself. “What? Emma, how could you say something like that?" Her face went pale, her hands trembling slightly as she held them up in surrender. “Why would you?” I started, but my voice broke. Cathy had been my only friend in the whole pack. She was my stronghold. Why would she poison me? Why would she want me dead? Was she trying to save her pack from me? Did she think I was a spy? Words failed me. I looked at Cathy and tears poured down my face freely. “Wait,” Derek stepped between us. His voice was calm. “Cathy, did you give her the tea?” “Yes, but—” Cathy stammered, shaking her head. “I didn’t know! I swear, I didn’t know anything was wrong with it. I just made it the way I always do!” “Nightshade doesn’t accidentally end up in a cup of latte,” Derek said, his tone hardening.“I didn’t do anything!” Cathy cried out
Emma. When I woke up, I could hear the soft beeping beside me and I knew I was at the clinic again. The smell of antiseptic hit me and for a second, I heaved dryly. I had an aching temple and I wanted nothing more than to just sleep. “Hey, are you okay?" I heard a voice say softly and touch my face as I blinked my eyes open. The doctor’s face was scrunched into a slight frown as he scanned the clipboard in his hands. When he finally looked up at me, he sighed. “I’ve made a rather shocking discovery,” he said, his voice low, as if trying to soften the blow. Cathy shifted beside me, and for the first time, I saw Derek was standing in the clinic too and he crossed his arms but didn’t say a word. “What is it?” I asked, my voice shaky. The doctor glanced at Cathy briefly before looking up at me. “Emma, your body is being weakened by the hybrid nature of your child. It’s wearing your system out and your body just isn’t strong enough to sustain the pregnancy in its curr
Emma.I stayed behind the pillar, barely breathing as Tristan and Regina exchanged pleasantries with Derek. My eyes wasn't playing tricks on me. Tristan was really there and Regina was right beside him. Regina. What did she want with Tristan? Did they know each other? Did she have something to do with Roger's death? Most likely. Tristan’s presence alone was enough to unsettle me, but Regina's fake smile made it even worse. I shifted slightly to get a better view, my fingers gripping the cool stone of the pillar for support.For a second, his eyes darted in my direction and it narrowed. Had he seen me? My heart thundered as I quickly stepped back behind the house and fled the lakeside, hurrying into my room. The rest of the day became a game of avoidance. Every creak of a door, every approaching footstep sent waves of anxiety through me. I practically stayed in my room, avoiding any room I thought Tristan or Regina might enter. I was still in my room, a little too absorbed
Emma.The morning light trickled through the curtains, warming my face and waking me before I was even ready to wake. My body ached, not from physical exertion but from the discomfort of being in a place that wasn’t home. I stretched, shaking off the fog of sleep, and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I had to take a warm bath and perhaps a little stroll to ease the tension I felt within. A soft knock startled me and Cathy walked in. She was already dressed in her usual tight leather with her hair pulled pack into a neat bun. "Morning," she said, her lips stretching into an easy smile. “How are you feeling today?” I hesitated. Was there a correct answer to that? “Fine, I guess.” I lied fluidly. I was anything but fine. I wanted to be somewhere else. I wanted to be with Roger. I wanted to be home. She frowned slightly. “If you need anything, nything at all, just let me know, okay?” “Thanks,” I murmured, sincerely appreciating her concern. But now I was wary of peo
Derek.The sight of Emma standing there, naked and startled, with water dripping down her shoulders, was enough to root me in place. The basin was too small for her frame. I could see every inch of her no matter how much she tried to fold into herself. She crossed an arm over her chest, cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she tried to shield herself. Alpha," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "What... what are you doing here?" I snapped out of my stupor and cleared my throat as I bent down to retrieve the dagger. "I knocked. Twice. You didn’t answer." My voice came out more hoarse han I intended, but I couldn’t help it. Was I pissed off at her or was my husky voice a sign of something else entirely? I couldn't dwell on that. She averted her eyes, reaching for a towel on the stool beside her. "I didn’t hear you," She trailed off, pulling the towel around herself hastily. "Why are you bathing in here?" I asked, gesturing to the cramped basin. The question sounded s