The music swells around us, soft yet powerful, the perfect melody for a moment like this. My hand rests in Caspian's, and my other rests lightly on his shoulder as we glide across the ballroom floor. The golden chandeliers overhead bathe us in warm light, making everything shimmer—my silver gown, the golden embroidery on Caspian’s regal suit, the crown atop his head, and the one newly placed upon mine.The ceremony was breathtaking, a moment forever etched in my soul. I was not just Caspian’s mate now—I was his queen, standing beside him in every sense of the word. And now, at the reception, with laughter and celebration all around us, I finally allow myself to breathe, to feel the joy that tonight has brought.Caspian pulls me closer, his breath teasing my ear as he murmurs, “I have half a mind to steal you away from all these people.”I smile, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “And risk the wrath of Cassidy? She’s spent a week planning this. I don’t think even you, King of Gol
"He can't mate with this. Not my only pup!" Olivia, the mother of my mate, Darius, sneers, her brown eyes flickering with disgust as she yanks his arm from my grasp.We're in the clearing not so far from the pack house where mating ceremonies are held, with the moon hanging over us like a dull bulb, casting long shadows over her face and making her look more menacing than she usually is."Heck, she can't mate anybody," someone else says from somewhere behind me.Darius begins moving away from me, and I instinctively reach out to try to stop him, but he's too far from my grasp.Around us, the pack stands in the clearing, their eyes glinting with satisfaction in the harsh silver light of the full moon."Darius..." I whisper, reaching out to him still, but his face hardens."You’re nothing but the pack’s shame," he says, his voice cold and cutting. "The daughter of a woman who threw away her destiny for a human.""Do you have to remind me? She loved him and that's all that–""Look where
"Let me go!" I yell, thrashing against his iron grip as he drags me out of the car.The car has finally stopped and we find ourselves somewhere I definitely don't know. I have never been out of my pack walls before, so for all I know, I just might be in a new universe.So many questions passed through my head during the lond drive.Who is he?Why did he save me?Did he save me?What are his intentions with me?Anytime I tried to voice them out, all I got was a low growl, so I came up with this silly idea of keeping quiet and protesting when the car finally stopped.Well...here I am, flailing my arms around, hoping that they move too fast for him to grab on each one.The cool night air rushes against my face, but all I can focus on is his unyielding strength. My feet barely touch the ground before he lifts me effortlessly, throwing me over his shoulder like a sack of feathers."Put me down, you lunatic!" I beat my fists against his broad back, squirming to break free.He doesn’t even
My heart hammers against my ribs as the girl sweeps into the room, her green eyes sparkling with an energy that clashes with the chill in the air. "Come on," she says, flicking her wrist. "Let's get you sorted before breakfast. No one will take you seriously looking like… that."I scowl, crossing my arms. "Like what exactly?"Her lips twitch into a smirk as her gaze travels over my wrinkled clothes and disheveled appearance. "Like someone who wrestled a bear and lost."Before I can snap back, she strides forward, pulling me by the wrist with surprising strength. "We don't have time for sulking. Prince Caspian's schedule is tighter than a wolf's grip on its prey. Oh, and the name's Cassidy and I'm your proxy for the time being."I wince, not at the words but at the way her firm grip presses against my bruises. "Can you not yank me around like I'm some doll?"She shoots me an apologetic glance but doesn't slow down. "Sorry, but we've got to move. And…" She gives me a once-over. "We're
My mother...There's no place I go that I can escape her memories. Not even Goldencrest.My heart clenches at the mention of her. When she was alpha means before she met my dad. Before she risked it all for me. "She's been dead seven years.""I know that," he nods. "Why were you outside your pack's borders?"My voice trembles, but I hold my ground. "It's complicated, but I wasn't with the rogues. I just left my pack last night."He tilts his head, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "If you were running away from your pack, doesn't that then make you a rogue?"His words echo in my head, the accusation sharp and cold. My breath catches as his gaze locks on mine. He’s cornered me, and he knows it.I had never thought of it like that, and the embarrassment of this takes root in my head.A wave of anger bubbles up, unexpected and fierce, as I stalk closer to him. "Would you have stayed in a pack that treated you like garbage?” I snap, the words spilling out before I can stop them.His
The early morning air in Goldencrest smells like pine and fresh dew, but I barely notice it as I pace my room. My stomach twists with nerves, my mind racing. I keep replaying the instructions I was given yesterday. Be in the kitchen by 6:30. Follow your schedule. Don’t mess up. Easy enough, right?I finally step out into the hall, clutching the strap of my apron like it’s a lifeline. The corridors are wide, grand even, but they feel suffocating. My footsteps echo, drawing my attention to how alone I am. As I walk, I pass a few pack members, all focused on their tasks. A young woman with her arms full of linens brushes past me without even a glance.It’s strange. No one stares. No one whispers. No one even acknowledges me. Back home, being wolfless was my identity—my shame. Here, it’s like I’m invisible.I reach the staircase that leads down to the kitchen when a familiar voice echoes down the hallway.“Move faster, we don’t have all day.”My stomach tightens. Prince Caspian.I gla
I wake up to the discomfort of my neck twisted at an odd angle. Groaning softly, I blink my eyes open and realize I’m still sprawled on Cassidy’s couch. The dim light of the bedside lamp casts a soft glow around the room, making the shadows and dark corners more amplified. My gaze drifts to Cassidy, fast asleep on her bed, her blonde hair splayed across her pillow like golden threads. The bedside clock reads 2:45 a.m.Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I sit up. My body aches from the day’s labor, and my legs feel as heavy as bricks. I should’ve left earlier, but Cassidy wouldn’t stop talking—or at least pretending not to talk—about Ethan. It was oddly amusing how much she tried to downplay her feelings for him. The way her cheeks flushed at the mere mention of his name said it all. I smile at the thought as I stretch and stand, careful not to disturb her.It’s quiet as I tiptoe out of her room and into the hallway. The soft hum of the estate at night is oddly calming, but the sil
A sharp pounding jolts me from sleep, echoing through my room like a battering ram against the door. My heart leaps into my throat, and I’m already scrambling out of bed before my groggy mind can register what’s happening. The pounding grows more insistent, and I stumble toward the door, still half-asleep. “Who is it?” I call out, my voice hoarse from sleep. The scratchy sound of it is uncomfortable, and it makes me clear my throat to ease the feeling. There’s no response, just another round of banging. I twist the handle, opening the door, and before I can even see who it is, a small hand latches onto my arm and yanks me forward with surprising force. “What the—” I start to protest, but I’m cut off by the sight of a petite girl, younger than me, her wild eyes burning with urgency. Her grip is iron-clad, far too strong for someone of her size, and I wince as her fingers dig into my wrist. “Hey! What’s going on?” I demand, stumbling as she pulls me down the hallway. S
The music swells around us, soft yet powerful, the perfect melody for a moment like this. My hand rests in Caspian's, and my other rests lightly on his shoulder as we glide across the ballroom floor. The golden chandeliers overhead bathe us in warm light, making everything shimmer—my silver gown, the golden embroidery on Caspian’s regal suit, the crown atop his head, and the one newly placed upon mine.The ceremony was breathtaking, a moment forever etched in my soul. I was not just Caspian’s mate now—I was his queen, standing beside him in every sense of the word. And now, at the reception, with laughter and celebration all around us, I finally allow myself to breathe, to feel the joy that tonight has brought.Caspian pulls me closer, his breath teasing my ear as he murmurs, “I have half a mind to steal you away from all these people.”I smile, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “And risk the wrath of Cassidy? She’s spent a week planning this. I don’t think even you, King of Gol
The war is over. The crown is ours. And now, we plan a mating ceremony that will shake the very foundation of Golden Crest.Or at least, that’s what Cass claims as she takes absolute control of the preparations.“I don’t care what anyone says,” she declares, pacing the grand hall of the packhouse. “This needs to be spectacular. No, beyond spectacular—legendary.”Alma, standing by the massive oak table covered in fabric samples, rolls her eyes. “Puppy, it’s a mating ceremony, not a royal parade.”Cassidy whirls around, hands on her hips, her tiny but noticeable baby bump pressing against her flowing tunic. “Excuse me? It is a royal parade. Delilah is going to be queen. My best friend. And if you think for one second that I’m going to let this be anything less than breathtaking, you don’t know me at all.”I suppress a laugh, exchanging a glance with Caspian, who lounges in one of the chairs, watching the chaos unfold. He’s wisely staying out of it.Smart man.Aries snickers in the bac
Moonhaven is quiet.Not the kind of peaceful quiet that settles after a long day, but the heavy, suffocating quiet of absence. Of loss.I step through the gates to the pack my boots crunching against the gravel. The pack is intact, the buildings standing strong, but there’s a hollowness to the place. A pack without its Alpha. A kingdom without its heir.It's strange that I once considered this place home. It's strange I grew up here, twenty one years.It doesn't feel anything like it. No, not really. It feels cold...empty, even though nothing changed except the death of Rowan and Theo and the enforcers that went along to war.It's a ghost of a place. I'm looking around and I'm picturing Theo leaning on the walls, arms either folded or tucked into his pockets. Just observing.We pass by the garden and I'm picturing him laying on his back, arms around his head, eyes closed... just...lost outside of reality.Even the air begins to smell like him. I'm just manufacturing it, I know. B
The grand hall is alive with energy.Golden Crest has seen its share of destruction, but tonight—tonight is about rebirth. About new beginnings. It's been a little over a month since the war and the pack is almost fully recovered. Burned buildings are almost complete, although, the pack still grieves for the enforcers we lost.Brothers, mates, sons, daughters. Their lives mattered.The chandeliers above cast a warm glow over the gathered pack members, their faces brimming with anticipation. The air is thick with emotion, a blend of excitement and pride.At the front of the hall, King Damon and Queen Rhoda stand tall, their regal presence unwavering. But tonight, they do not stand as rulers. Tonight, they relinquish their power.And they give it to Caspian and I.I still can’t believe it.Once, I was the rejected, the unwanted. A human among wolves, an outcast in my own skin. Now, I stand beside Caspian, my mate, the Lycan that kidnapped me and brought me to see my destiny.My finge
Delilah:The world feels distant, like I’m floating in a foggy dream. I can’t see anything, but I hear voices—muffled, as if they’re speaking through water. One voice stands out, deep and familiar, calling to me. Aries. He’s been calling for a while now, but I can’t find my way back to him. My thoughts are scattered, tangled in memories of fire, blood, and Theo’s lifeless eyes. I don’t want to remember. I don’t want to go back.But Aries doesn’t stop. His voice is a constant pull, a lifeline I’m too afraid to grab. "Delilah," he says, his tone softer now, almost pleading. "You can’t stay here. They need you. Caspian needs you."I don’t answer. I don’t know how.******Aries’ PerspectiveThe sun is setting, casting a golden glow over Golden Crest. The air smells of ash and fresh pine, a reminder of the war that nearly destroyed us. Cassidy walks beside me, her fingers absently running through my fur. She’s quiet, but I can feel the weight of her thoughts.“How long do you think s
Cain smirks.It’s not a smirk of arrogance. Not amusement.It’s the smirk of a man who knows he has lost but refuses to kneel.Aries doesn’t hesitate.The moment stretches, the sounds of battle fading into nothing but the roar of his own fury.He lunges, claws gleaming, teeth bared. Cain braces himself, but in his red eyes, Aries sees a reflection.He doesn't see Cain's red eyes, no. He sees a pair of hateful brown eyes.He is seeing Lucian.The man who betrayed him. The man who slaughtered his mate. His son.The weight of centuries of hatred crashes into Aries, feeding the fire of his rage. He will give Cain no mercy, just as there was none for him in that past life.Cain swings first, a desperate strike. Aries sidesteps with ease, claws slicing across Cain’s exposed side. Blood sprays into the air, but the rogue king barely flinches. He moves again, aiming for Aries’ throat, but it is a mistake.He is fast. Aries is faster.The next blow is brutal.A clawed hand grips Cain by the t
Caspian coughs, blood dripping from his lips, but his smirk remains, stubborn as ever. His breathing is ragged, his body trembling from the loss of blood, but his eyes remain sharp. Unyielding.“I’m fine,” he rasps, waving Aries off like it’s nothing. “I’m okay.”Aries growls lowly, displeased.“Liar.” His voice, deep and rough, rumbles through me.But Aries still moves, using his jaws to haul Caspian up to his feet. The weight of the prince is nothing—Aries is strong enough to carry him, to take him to safety."Take him to the packhouse," I whisper in our mind. "He’s losing too much blood. He won’t last if he stays out here."Aries tenses, ready to obey, but Caspian suddenly wrenches himself away, staggering but steadying before Aries can grab him again.“No.” His voice is hoarse but firm. “I can’t leave.”Aries’ eyes narrow. “You’re injured.”Caspian straightens, wiping at his bloody mouth. “I’m the prince,” he says, his tone laced with something unreadable. “My father is already h
The battlefield hums with the aftermath of carnage, the air stained with the scent of blood and burning debris. Bodies litter the ground, some still twitching, others forever still. The hybrid is dead, and yet, the fight rages on, the remnants of Rowan’s forces still clawing at whatever victory they can scavenge.Aries moves with predatory grace, weaving through the chaos. Every muscle in his body thrums with unspent energy, his blue eyes sharp, scanning. Searching.And then—Cain.He stands in the center of the battlefield, unbothered, untouched. A smirk curves his lips, arrogance radiating from his very stance. And then, he winks.Something is wrong.The air shifts, thickens with the weight of unseen danger. Aries’ fur bristles. My gut tightens. There’s something more to that look, something sinister lurking beneath Cain’s smirk.Aries’ gaze snaps to Caspian. He’s locked in combat with a rogue, movements swift and precise. The rogue is losing, barely holding his own against Caspi
The Hybrid lunges.It is pure destruction—fast, merciless, ripping through Goldencrest’s forces like they are nothing. Warriors are thrown aside like ragdolls, their screams swallowed by the chaos of battle.The tide turns against us.Smoke thickens in the air, a suffocating, blinding force. Fire spreads wildly, consuming everything in its path, turning the battlefield into a burning graveyard.Aries is relentless.He dodges, rips, and slashes, his massive silver body moving like a phantom in the haze. But no matter how many rogues he cuts down, more come. And then—King Damon moves."Aries! Stop him!" I scream in his head.But it’s too late.The king charges the Hybrid.His sword sings through the air, slicing across the beast’s thick hide. It howls but does not falter. Instead, it turns on him, its claws swiping with deadly precision.Aries snarls, surging forward—Too late.The beast’s massive hand collides with Damon’s side, lifting him clean off his feet. The sound of bones c