The moon shone brightly above, its silvery light filtering through the branches of the ancient oaks that lined the park. The stillness of the night would have brought peace to anyone else, but not to me. For me, it was just another reminder of the silence within - a hollow void that nothing could fill.
I stood there, hands clasped behind my back staring at the horizon as if it held the answers I sought. Answers that I'd stopped believing I would ever find. DAMIEN The name was enough to make the strongest alphas lower their heads in submission. I was the Lycan King, feared and revered by all. My strength and ruthlessness were unmatched, my decisions final. There wasn't a single pack across the lands that didn't know my name, and the weight it carried. But none of it mattered. Not the power, not the respect, not the fear in their eyes. Because the one thing I truly wanted was gone. Her face came to me unbidden, like a whisper in the wind. Her laughter had once been the melody to my otherwise savage existence, her touch the balm to my raging storms. She had been my mate, my Luna, my sanity, the only one who knew how to keep me sane and I had lost her forever. It had happened during the war with vampires - a moment of weakness, a split second where I wasn't fast enough, strong enough. I'd held her as the life drained from her eyes, powerless to stop it. My strength, my title, my reputation - none of it could save her. The memory was a blade that cut deeper each time it resurfaced, I couldn't close my eyes cause the image of her lifeless body kept staring at me. Since that day, I had vowed never to let anyone close again. Love was a weakness I couldn't afford, it made me weak enough to let my pack stuffer. I had built walls around my heart, fortified them with coldness and indifference. Women came and went, their presence fleeting and meaningless. They were distractions, nothing more. And that's how it has always been, a lady to warm my bed and tend to my needs - nothing more Even now, my mother's words rang in my ears. "Damien, it's time to move on," she had said her voice filled with a mother's concern. "You're the Lycan King. You need a queen by your side." Her persistence irritated me. She didn't understand. How could she? The only woman fit to rule by my side was gone. "No one can replace her," I had told her, my tone final. "It's not about replacing," she had replied, her voice softer. "It's about living." But I wasn't living. I was existing. Ever since I lost her, I stopped living. .... The sound of footsteps broke my train of thought. I turned, my golden eyes narrowing as Jenna approached. Her auburn hair gleamed in the moonlight, and her green eyes held a familiar determination. She was beautiful - objectively so. Any man would have been lucky to have her. But I wasn't any man, and she wasn't the one I wanted. Jenna had attended to my physical needs before until I found out she wanted more than I could offer. "Damien," she greeted, her voice soft yet confident. "Jenna," I replied curtly. "What are you doing here?" "I wanted to see you," she said, taking a step closer. I resisted the urge to sigh. Jenna had been a friend in my life since we were children. She was my beta's sister, a loyal and powerful pack member and a fierce warrior. But lately, her intentions had shifted, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. "I'm not in the mood for company," I said, my tone dismissive. "You're never in the mood for company," she shot back, her smile faint but teasing. "Damien, you can't keep pushing everyone away. You're hurting a lot of people that care about you" "I can, and I will," I replied coldly. Her expression softened, and she moved closer. Too close. "I care about you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "More than you realize." I stared at her, my jaw tightening. I knew what she wanted, what she hoped for. But I couldn't give it to her. "Jenna," I began, my tone harsh, "don't do this. I am not in the mood" "Do what?" she asked, her eyes searching mine. "Tell you the truth? Tell you that I see the pain you try to hide, the weight you carry alone? All I want is to share your burdens Damien" "You don't know anything about me," I snapped. Her face fell, but she quickly masked her disappointment. "You think you're protecting yourself by shutting everyone out," she said, her voice steady despite the tension between us. "But you're just isolating yourself. You deserve more than this, Damien. You deserve to be happy." She said as her hands started creeping up my jeans to my crotch. Happiness. The word felt foreign, almost laughable. "I don't deserve anything, and you're just wasting your time with whatever you're trying to do. You know it won't change a thing." I said, my voice cold and final. She stared at me for a long moment, her green eyes glistening with unshed tears. Then, with a small nod, she turned and walked away. As her footsteps faded into the distance, I turned back to the horizon. The park felt colder now, the silence heavier. I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Why couldn't she understand? Why couldn't anyone? The only person I wanted to be with was gone, my mate was dead and she died with a piece of me. I was the Lycan King. I didn't need anyone. But as the wind carried the faintest echo of her laughter - the laughter that had once made my heart feel alive - I couldn't help but wonder if I had been lying to myself all along.Damien's POV Days had passed and the night was calm, the moon casting its silver glow through the grand windows. I sat in my study, staring at the flickering flames in the hearth. My desk was cluttered with papers of recent treaties, reports, and other documents that required my attention. Yet, my mind was elsewhere. I leaned back in the leather chair, my fingers drumming against the armrest. The silence of the room was oppressive, almost mocking. It gave space for memories I'd rather forget, for thoughts I couldn't suppress. Her face surfaced again, the curve of her smile, the warmth in her eyes, a constant reminder of the life I cherished. I closed my eyes briefly, the weight of her loss as fresh as it was years ago. No amount of time, power, or distraction had dulled the ache and these days the ache became unbearable. A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I said, my voice sharp but controlled. The door opened to reveal Adrian, my beta and the only p
Arianne's POV The heavy iron door of the dungeons creaked open, the sound echoing in the dark, damp space. My body ached from the cold stone floor, I don't know how many days I had stayed in the dungeons, it felt like months but I know it hadn't even been more than a week. This was my life, little food had been brought for me while here. I winced as I stood, rubbing my wrists where the shackles had dug into my skin. After Liam left I had been put in shackles like some damn traitor that they caught. A guard stood at the entrance, his expression unreadable. "The Alpha has ordered your release," he said gruffly. I nodded, my legs shaky as I followed him out. The bright light of the hallway stung my eyes, and I had to blink rapidly to adjust, the room I was held into had no lights. When I reached my father's office, I braced myself. He was seated behind his grand oak desk, the very picture of authority.
Damien's POV The car rolled to a stop in front of the grand estate, the glow of the pack house illuminating the night. Music and laughter drifted through the air, an unwelcome reminder of the festivities I'd agreed to attend. As the car door opened I stepped out, my sharp gaze taking in the scene before me. The front lawn was filled with elegantly dressed werewolves, their conversations blending into a meaningless hum. I already felt the irritation settling in my chest especially at the half naked ladies almost everywhere. Adrian climbed out behind me, his usual calm demeanor intact. He clapped a hand on my shoulder. "This isn't so bad Damien. Try to relax. Remember, this is about politics. but if you need entertainment" he smirked looking at the she wolves. I shot him a cold glance but didn't reply. Relaxing wasn't in my nature, especially not in a crowded setting like this, it only made me more irritated. We made our way to the entrance of the hall, the crowd parting inst
Arianne's POV The clatter of plates and the hum of the kitchen filled the air as I stood at the counter carefully arranging the snacks and drinks. My hands moved automatically, years of practice ensuring I didn't miss a step. But my mind was elsewhere tugged down by the weight of my reality. Today was Daisy's birthday. But it was mine as well. Twenty-one years. A milestone in any werewolf's life, the age when a wolf should fully mature, their bond with the pack solidified, at my age everyone had their wolf and mate. Yet, here I was still wolfless, still forgotten, still nothing more than a shadow in my family's eyes. A cursed daughter of the Alpha. The omegas scurried around me, their laughter and chatter barely masking the disdain in their glances. I was just another servant to them nothing more. The kitchen door swung open, and I glanced up to see Liam walking in, his familiar smile lighting up the room. He walked towards me with his hands behind his back clearly holding
The tray of drinks in my hands felt heavier with each passing second. The voices in the hall blurred into background noise as my mind raced with the faint whisper from earlier: Mate. Could it really be happening? After twenty-one years of rejection, ridicule and pain, was the Moon Goddess finally granting me a wolf and a mate? I dared not hope, yet the thought consumed me. My distracted thoughts betrayed me. I didn't see the figure stepping into my path until it was too late. The collision sent the tray tumbling, glasses shattering as liquid splashed everywhere. A shrill scream pierced the air, snapping me out of my daze. I looked up to see Daisy standing before me, her gorgeous dress soaked in the drinks I had been carrying. The outrage in her eyes was unmistakable and I knew I really fucked up and father wasn't going to spare me. "I… I'm so sorry, Daisy," I stammered, my voice trembling. "I didn't see you comi...." Before I could finish, the sharp sting of her slap echoe
Gasps rippled through the crowd. "That's impossible," Daisy spat, her face twisting in disbelief. "How could someone like her be your mate? She's worthless!" She screamed in anger as if not believing the fact. I turned my glare on Daisy, my wolf growling at her audacity. "Watch your tongue, girl," I warned, my voice low and dangerous. "You may have treated your sister badly but she's my mate and you'll respect her accordingly." Daisy recoiled, her confidence faltering under my glare. Anger still evident on her face but contained. The room filled with tension. Kieran stepped forward, his expression hardening. "With all due respect King Damien daisy is right, Arianne is not worthy of such an honor. She's...." "She is your daughter," I interrupted, my voice laced with disdain. "Yet you treat her worse than a servant. You dishonor not only her but yourself and your entire pack." Kieran flinched but said nothing, his lips pressed into a thin line. I turned back to my mate who
The pack house was quiet in the early morning, the soft rustle of leaves outside the only sound breaking the silence. I clutched the broom in my hands, sweeping the long hallway just as I did every morning. The faint scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, but it wasn't for me. It was for the pack for them.I paused at the sight of Daisy's room, her ornate double doors a stark contrast to the bare wooden planks that made up my tiny corner of the attic. A wistful sigh escaped my lips as I thought about her. My little sister, the shining star of the pack. The one everyone adored and favored, especially Father.She had everything—beauty, strength, a wolf that she'd shifted into at sixteen and the unwavering love of our father, Alpha Kieran. I on the other hand, was nothing but a shadow in their perfect lives."Stop daydreaming, Arianne." Father's gruff voice startled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him standing at the end of the hall, his imposing frame casting a shad
The feast was winding down, laughter and chatter filling the grand hall as the Alphas from neighboring packs conversed over drinks. Father was among the top 5 most powerful Alphas his presence demanded respect, but from stories and whisperers have heard the most feared and respected was the lycan king, known for his ruthless nature in the battlefield. Without any friends or family that cared I never knew much about pack matters. In short I was just basically a human living among predators. I moved quietly, blending into the background with the other omegas as we began clearing the tables. Even among the omegas, I was treated like an outcast. A whisper here, a nudge there, it was subtle, but the disdain was evident. No one liked me not even my own family. I gathered a stack of plates, my head bowed low, careful not to meet anyone's gaze. My father sat at the far end of the table, deep in conversation with the visiting Alphas. His commanding presence dominated the room, his laughter ec
Gasps rippled through the crowd. "That's impossible," Daisy spat, her face twisting in disbelief. "How could someone like her be your mate? She's worthless!" She screamed in anger as if not believing the fact. I turned my glare on Daisy, my wolf growling at her audacity. "Watch your tongue, girl," I warned, my voice low and dangerous. "You may have treated your sister badly but she's my mate and you'll respect her accordingly." Daisy recoiled, her confidence faltering under my glare. Anger still evident on her face but contained. The room filled with tension. Kieran stepped forward, his expression hardening. "With all due respect King Damien daisy is right, Arianne is not worthy of such an honor. She's...." "She is your daughter," I interrupted, my voice laced with disdain. "Yet you treat her worse than a servant. You dishonor not only her but yourself and your entire pack." Kieran flinched but said nothing, his lips pressed into a thin line. I turned back to my mate who
The tray of drinks in my hands felt heavier with each passing second. The voices in the hall blurred into background noise as my mind raced with the faint whisper from earlier: Mate. Could it really be happening? After twenty-one years of rejection, ridicule and pain, was the Moon Goddess finally granting me a wolf and a mate? I dared not hope, yet the thought consumed me. My distracted thoughts betrayed me. I didn't see the figure stepping into my path until it was too late. The collision sent the tray tumbling, glasses shattering as liquid splashed everywhere. A shrill scream pierced the air, snapping me out of my daze. I looked up to see Daisy standing before me, her gorgeous dress soaked in the drinks I had been carrying. The outrage in her eyes was unmistakable and I knew I really fucked up and father wasn't going to spare me. "I… I'm so sorry, Daisy," I stammered, my voice trembling. "I didn't see you comi...." Before I could finish, the sharp sting of her slap echoe
Arianne's POV The clatter of plates and the hum of the kitchen filled the air as I stood at the counter carefully arranging the snacks and drinks. My hands moved automatically, years of practice ensuring I didn't miss a step. But my mind was elsewhere tugged down by the weight of my reality. Today was Daisy's birthday. But it was mine as well. Twenty-one years. A milestone in any werewolf's life, the age when a wolf should fully mature, their bond with the pack solidified, at my age everyone had their wolf and mate. Yet, here I was still wolfless, still forgotten, still nothing more than a shadow in my family's eyes. A cursed daughter of the Alpha. The omegas scurried around me, their laughter and chatter barely masking the disdain in their glances. I was just another servant to them nothing more. The kitchen door swung open, and I glanced up to see Liam walking in, his familiar smile lighting up the room. He walked towards me with his hands behind his back clearly holding
Damien's POV The car rolled to a stop in front of the grand estate, the glow of the pack house illuminating the night. Music and laughter drifted through the air, an unwelcome reminder of the festivities I'd agreed to attend. As the car door opened I stepped out, my sharp gaze taking in the scene before me. The front lawn was filled with elegantly dressed werewolves, their conversations blending into a meaningless hum. I already felt the irritation settling in my chest especially at the half naked ladies almost everywhere. Adrian climbed out behind me, his usual calm demeanor intact. He clapped a hand on my shoulder. "This isn't so bad Damien. Try to relax. Remember, this is about politics. but if you need entertainment" he smirked looking at the she wolves. I shot him a cold glance but didn't reply. Relaxing wasn't in my nature, especially not in a crowded setting like this, it only made me more irritated. We made our way to the entrance of the hall, the crowd parting inst
Arianne's POV The heavy iron door of the dungeons creaked open, the sound echoing in the dark, damp space. My body ached from the cold stone floor, I don't know how many days I had stayed in the dungeons, it felt like months but I know it hadn't even been more than a week. This was my life, little food had been brought for me while here. I winced as I stood, rubbing my wrists where the shackles had dug into my skin. After Liam left I had been put in shackles like some damn traitor that they caught. A guard stood at the entrance, his expression unreadable. "The Alpha has ordered your release," he said gruffly. I nodded, my legs shaky as I followed him out. The bright light of the hallway stung my eyes, and I had to blink rapidly to adjust, the room I was held into had no lights. When I reached my father's office, I braced myself. He was seated behind his grand oak desk, the very picture of authority.
Damien's POV Days had passed and the night was calm, the moon casting its silver glow through the grand windows. I sat in my study, staring at the flickering flames in the hearth. My desk was cluttered with papers of recent treaties, reports, and other documents that required my attention. Yet, my mind was elsewhere. I leaned back in the leather chair, my fingers drumming against the armrest. The silence of the room was oppressive, almost mocking. It gave space for memories I'd rather forget, for thoughts I couldn't suppress. Her face surfaced again, the curve of her smile, the warmth in her eyes, a constant reminder of the life I cherished. I closed my eyes briefly, the weight of her loss as fresh as it was years ago. No amount of time, power, or distraction had dulled the ache and these days the ache became unbearable. A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I said, my voice sharp but controlled. The door opened to reveal Adrian, my beta and the only p
The moon shone brightly above, its silvery light filtering through the branches of the ancient oaks that lined the park. The stillness of the night would have brought peace to anyone else, but not to me. For me, it was just another reminder of the silence within - a hollow void that nothing could fill.I stood there, hands clasped behind my back staring at the horizon as if it held the answers I sought. Answers that I'd stopped believing I would ever find.DAMIEN The name was enough to make the strongest alphas lower their heads in submission. I was the Lycan King, feared and revered by all. My strength and ruthlessness were unmatched, my decisions final. There wasn't a single pack across the lands that didn't know my name, and the weight it carried.But none of it mattered.Not the power, not the respect, not the fear in their eyes.Because the one thing I truly wanted was gone.Her face came to me unbidden, like a whisper in the wind. Her laughter had once been the melody to my oth
I don't know how long I spent in the dungeons. Time blurred in the cold, damp space. The single flickering torch on the wall cast long shadows, each movement amplifying the quiet creaks and groans of the old stone walls. The darkness felt alive, pressing against me, weighing me down.I traced a finger across my swollen cheek, wincing at the tender flesh. The initial sting had dulled, but the ache lingered, a constant reminder of my father's rage. His words echoed in my mind, sharp and cutting."You're a whore, just like your mother."The accusation clung to me, heavy and suffocating. What did he mean by that? My mother's name was rarely spoken in the pack. Father said she had died shortly after Daisy was born, and no one ever dared to question him. The only memory I had of her was a single photograph, a faded image of her when she was pregnant with me, so young and happy.I closed my eyes, picturing her youthful face. She looked so serene, her smile soft and full of hope. She couldn't
The sharp slap echoed in the kitchen, the sting radiating across my cheek like fire. My head snapped to the side from the force and it took a moment to comprehend what just happened. Daisy stood in front of me, trembling with rage, her chest heaving as she glared."How dare you" she screamed her voice breaking with fury "how dare you try to seduce him!""I didn't" I cried holding my stinging cheek but my voice wavered, weak against her wrath. I know I am pathetic I could never stand up to any of them "he cornered me! He..""Liar!" Daisy shrieked, her hand twitching as if she were about to hit me again.The commotion free the others to the kitchen. Members of our pack and the guests crowded the doorway, their murmurs filling the air as they watched the scene unfold."What's going on here" father's voice cut through the noise cold and commanding. He entered the kitchen his towering presence silencing everyone.Daisy turned to him, tears streaming down her face, her expression twisted in