Autumn’s POV As we were driving back to our apartment, Marc glanced over at me with a casual smile. “I arranged a private dinner at our place tomorrow,” he said, reaching for my hand. “With Mr. Zane Valerian Blackhowl.” My entire body stiffened. Zane. Marc kept talking, unaware of the storm building inside me. “Normally, he’s a very private man. Doesn’t show up to casual events. But he agreed to dinner. That’s a big step. This deal could change a lot for my business.” I forced a smile, nodding like I was okay, like my lungs weren’t caving in just at the sound of that name. “Oh… that’s great,” I managed to say. He squeezed my hand gently, “I wanted you there. He already met you, and I think he was… intrigued. Besides, I want him to see the woman I love standing next to me.” I looked away, hiding the way my heart clenched. If only he knew. If only he knew the weight that name carried. The pain. The past. The truth about the child sleeping peacefully in the backsea
Autumn’s POV “Mommy!” Valen came rushing from his room, holding his new toy car high above his head like a trophy. All eyes turned toward him. For a second, he hesitated—his little feet stopping, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces. He tucked the car slightly behind his back, his confidence shrinking. But then Marc smiled and stretched out his arms toward him. “There’s my little champ!” Valen’s face lit up. He ran straight into Marc’s embrace, giggling as Marc scooped him up and spun him around. “Did you crash your car already?” Marc teased, tickling his side. Valen shook his head fiercely. “Nooo! This one is super-fast!” Everyone chuckled softly, even Amelia. But I saw Zane—his jaw clenched, his gaze fixed. Not at Valen’s car. At Valen. There was something unreadable in his eyes. As everyone settled into their seats, the scent of baked herbs and roasted vegetables filled the space. Marc sat beside me, gently placing Valen on a booster seat between us. He
Prologue “Did he touch you here, Autumn?” His voice was deep, smooth, yet laced with something dark—possessive. A shiver ran through me as his fingers hovered dangerously close to a place no man had ever touched. My breath caught in my throat, but I forced my body to stay still, unwilling to show weakness. Slowly, I shook my head, my silence speaking louder than words. Zane’s piercing gaze never wavered. The air between us grew heavy, thick with unspoken intent. “No?” he echoed, his voice a low growl. I willed my voice to stay steady. “No, Your Highness,” I answered, barely above a whisper. He tilted his head, studying me as if searching for the truth. “He is your fiancé. Why not?” My fingers curled into the fabric of my dress, my knuckles tightening. “It was an arranged engagement,” I murmured. “We were waiting for our marriage. His eyes darkened, his fingers grazing the edge of my thigh—not threatening, but testing. My body stiffened at the touch, but I refused to
Autumn My stomach ached with hunger, but it was Hanna I was most worried about. She was just 15 years old—too young to endure this kind of suffering. We hadn’t eaten in two days, and she was growing weaker. I couldn't let her suffer any longer. Our pack’s army was still searching for survivors—those who had managed to escape the massacre. We had been lucky so far, but luck wouldn’t keep us alive forever. A small group of us—three girls—decided to risk it. We needed food, and staying hidden wouldn’t change that. As I prepared to leave, Hanna's small voice broke the silence. "Where is Father and Mother, sister?" she asked, her innocent eyes filled with confusion. My heart clenched painfully. She didn’t know. She had no idea what had happened to our parents four days ago. I forced a smile, swallowing the lump in my throat. "They… they're not here right now," I said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "But I promise, I'll take care of you." She nodded, accepting my w
Autumn I used to believe my life was simple but fulfilling. As the daughter of a farmer, my days were spent surrounded by golden fields, the scent of freshly tilled soil, and the warmth of my family’s love. Hard work was a part of our existence, but we never complained. My father always said, “The land gives to those who respect it.” And we did. I was 23, an omega by birth, but I never let that define me. My parents ensured I received a proper education, encouraging me to study Agricultural Soil Science so I could contribute to our farm. They believed knowledge was as valuable as labor, and I took pride in learning everything I could. We were part of the Dim Light Pack—one of the smallest and weakest among werewolves. Unlike the warriors and hunters who thrived on strength, our people found purpose in the land. My parents, both omegas, had no desire for power or conflict. Instead, they were passionate about farming and cultivation, believing that survival wasn’t just about fightin
Zane Valerian Blackhowl’s POVPower is not given. It is taken, earned through blood and fear.I was not born to be merciful. I was born to rule.The world bows to the strong, and I made sure that no one dared challenge my reign. From the moment I ascended the throne, I crushed rebellions before they could breathe, silenced enemies before they could speak, and made it clear—weakness had no place in my kingdom.Yet, despite countless warnings, the Alpha of Dimlight Pack—a pitiful excuse for a leader—chose to defy our laws. His pack was the smallest, insignificant in the grand scheme of our empire, but foolish enough to believe they could play by their own rules.Disobedience was not tolerated.So, I sent my warriors.They swept through the pack like a storm, eliminating threats with ruthless precision. The so-called Alpha was slain, his warriors either executed or imprisoned. The omegas—weak and trembling—were deemed useless, except for a few. Some were captured, others left to perish.
Autumn’s POVI wanted to speak to the King, but the warriors wouldn’t allow it.“You’re just an omega,” they sneered. “The King doesn’t entertain despicable creatures like you.”But I didn’t care about their words. I needed to see him. I had to. For Hannah. For her future. If she became a slave, her life would be over before it even began. I refused to let that happen. My parents had wanted us to be educated, to live with dignity. I wouldn’t let their dreams die along with them.Today, the head maid assigned me a task—to serve drinks to the warriors in the evening.I knew what that meant.I knew exactly what would happen to me if I stepped into that hall.But before that could happen, I needed to talk to the King. No matter what it took.Guards stood everywhere, their sharp eyes scanning every movement. Getting into the Lycan King’s chamber was impossible. But I had no choice.I had spent the entire day gathering information. By now, I knew his routine. The King was in his chambers. A
Zane leaned back, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. “I will allow all the omegas to work in agriculture,” he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. “But… you will work as my personal slave.” My heart pounded in my chest. “Your Highness—” “This is not a negotiation, little omega,” he cut me off, his tone final. “Accept it or not, this is my decision.” I swallowed hard, my mind racing. If I refused, Hannah would suffer. If I agreed… I would lose my freedom. After a long pause, I whispered, “I will do it.” A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Good. You will work in agriculture during the day… and at night, you will come to me.” A cold shiver ran down my spine. My breath hitched. “Your Highness,” I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper. “I… I am engaged.” His smirk deepened, dark and knowing. “Not anymore.” Zane’s smirk didn’t fade as he leaned forward, his golden eyes locked onto mine. “Now, get out before I change my mind and throw you into the dungeo
Autumn’s POV “Mommy!” Valen came rushing from his room, holding his new toy car high above his head like a trophy. All eyes turned toward him. For a second, he hesitated—his little feet stopping, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces. He tucked the car slightly behind his back, his confidence shrinking. But then Marc smiled and stretched out his arms toward him. “There’s my little champ!” Valen’s face lit up. He ran straight into Marc’s embrace, giggling as Marc scooped him up and spun him around. “Did you crash your car already?” Marc teased, tickling his side. Valen shook his head fiercely. “Nooo! This one is super-fast!” Everyone chuckled softly, even Amelia. But I saw Zane—his jaw clenched, his gaze fixed. Not at Valen’s car. At Valen. There was something unreadable in his eyes. As everyone settled into their seats, the scent of baked herbs and roasted vegetables filled the space. Marc sat beside me, gently placing Valen on a booster seat between us. He
Autumn’s POV As we were driving back to our apartment, Marc glanced over at me with a casual smile. “I arranged a private dinner at our place tomorrow,” he said, reaching for my hand. “With Mr. Zane Valerian Blackhowl.” My entire body stiffened. Zane. Marc kept talking, unaware of the storm building inside me. “Normally, he’s a very private man. Doesn’t show up to casual events. But he agreed to dinner. That’s a big step. This deal could change a lot for my business.” I forced a smile, nodding like I was okay, like my lungs weren’t caving in just at the sound of that name. “Oh… that’s great,” I managed to say. He squeezed my hand gently, “I wanted you there. He already met you, and I think he was… intrigued. Besides, I want him to see the woman I love standing next to me.” I looked away, hiding the way my heart clenched. If only he knew. If only he knew the weight that name carried. The pain. The past. The truth about the child sleeping peacefully in the backsea
Autumn’s POV Marc’s voice pulled me back from the whirlwind of my thoughts. He was still speaking with a group of investors, smiling with that calm charm of his. I managed a small nod, excused myself quietly, and turned away. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I said softly, though I don’t think anyone heard me. I needed air. I needed space. My heels clicked against the marble floor as I made my way to the restroom. The corridor was dimly lit and empty. Just as I reached for the handle, I felt it. A presence. A familiar tension in the air. That same sensation that always left my skin prickling—like the weight of an unsaid memory. I opened the door slowly. The faint click of it shutting behind me sounded louder than it should’ve. I didn’t need to turn around to know who had followed me. His scent hit me before his voice did—raw, powerful, unforgettable. Zane. My spine stiffened. He didn’t speak, not right away. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The same gi
Few months later... The winter nights were harsh. I wrapped myself in worn-out blankets, shivering, my belly swollen and heavy. One night, I felt the pain—sharp, relentless, and deep. It was time. There was no one to call. No one to hold my hand. I somehow stumbled out of my rented room, screaming through the pain. A kind old woman from the neighborhood saw me and rushed to help. She took me to a small public clinic. It wasn’t fancy. No high-tech machines or elite doctors. Just peeling walls, flickering lights, and the scent of disinfectant. I labored for hours—biting down on my own arm to stop myself from screaming too loud. There were no soothing words, no partner beside me whispering “You’re doing great.” Just a nurse telling me to push harder. Then… I heard it. A cry. My baby’s first cry. A flood of tears rolled down my cheeks as the nurse placed him in my arms, wrapped in a thin towel. My son. My Valen. The one light in my darkest tunnel. I looked at his tiny
Flashback – Five Years Ago The rain hit the old wooden roof like a thousand tiny hammers. I sat alone in that cramped clinic room, my fingers trembling as I held the test result. Positive. I stared at the word for what felt like hours. A baby… Zane’s baby. Tears slipped down my cheeks—not out of joy, but fear. He had thrown me out, cast me away without listening, without even letting me speak. And now… I was carrying a part of him. I didn’t have money. I didn’t have a roof over my head. But I had life growing inside me. And I’d protect it, no matter what. I walked out of the clinic that day soaked in rain, arms wrapped around my belly, whispering softly to the tiny spark inside me: “I don’t know how we’ll survive, baby… but I promise, I’ll never leave you.” : The rain had stopped, but the cold never did. I spent the first night on a torn bench at the old bus stop, hugging my belly and fighting the hunger cramps that twisted inside me like knives. The small pie
Autumn Today, Marc asked me to accompany him to a business meeting at Hotel Regency. He wanted me to associate with him during the event, and I agreed. I’m not the same simple girl I was five years ago. Life has shaped me, and now I know exactly how to prepare for a high-profile gathering. I know how to walk into a room with confidence, speak with clarity, and carry myself with grace. Tonight, I’ll stand beside Marc—not as someone who’s tagging along, but as a strong, capable woman who earned her place. After dropping Valen off with the nanny, we arrived at the hotel. The place was buzzing with elegance and power. Marc, though not as famous as Zane, carried his own charm and influence. On the way in, he mentioned wanting to close a business deal with a very well-known tycoon. I didn’t press for details—between work, Valen, and everything else, I was too busy to ask. I simply adjusted my dress, held Marc’s hand, and walked into the spotlight beside his. Marc introduced me to a f
Autumn– 5 Years Later "Mommy!" Valen's tiny voice echoed from the bathroom. "I'm coming, baby!" I called back, rushing to him. Mornings were always a whirlwind. I quickly helped Valen get ready, then rushed to prepare myself for work. We managed to squeeze in a quick breakfast together—just the two of us, like always. My little man is in school now. Life wasn’t easy after Zane abandoned me. Just two weeks later, I found out I was pregnant. I struggled—desperately—for water, for shelter, for survival. But I didn’t give up. Thanks to my knowledge in soil science, I eventually secured a position at the National Soil Testing Lab. Now, I’m not just working—I’m researching, inventing new farming techniques. I’ve developed methods to grow crops with minimal water and fertilizer while still producing a good yield. Now, I understand why my mother and father always insisted on education. Without my qualifications, I wouldn’t be where I am today. A few days ago, I saw Zane in t
Autumn’s POV Clara handed me a drink with a playful grin. “Come on, Autumn. Just one won’t hurt.” I took a hesitant sip. It tasted… odd. Bitter and sweet at the same time. But I didn’t want to seem rude, so I smiled and drank it anyway. At first, I felt nothing. Then everything changed. The music felt louder, my limbs weaker. My vision blurred. I tried to speak, to find Clara, but my body wouldn’t cooperate. Then… darkness. Someone dragged me. I couldn’t fight it. I couldn’t even lift my hand. The next thing I remember—I was waking up in an unfamiliar room, my body cold and bare. I felt … dizzy… confused. I turned my head—and my breath caught in my throat. Jade. Jade, the kingdom’s warrior. Loyal. Fierce. Someone I trusted. He was lying next to me. Naked. My heart dropped. Fear took over. What happened? Why couldn’t I remember? Before I could gather my thoughts, the door slammed open. Zane. He stood there, fury radiating off him like a storm. His
Autumn POV I straddled him slowly, feeling his warmth beneath me as his hands settled on my hips, guiding me with a firm yet gentle touch. My breath hitched as I began to move, our rhythm building naturally, like we were made for this moment. His fingers trailed along my back, pressing into my skin, leaving a trail of heat behind. He sat up slightly, wrapping an arm around my waist while his lips brushed over my collarbone, sending shivers down my spine. I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, our bodies pressed tightly as we moved in sync—faster, deeper, more desperate. The sound of my moans mixed with his deep groans filled the room, echoing off the walls. Every movement drew us closer to the edge, every touch igniting the fire between us. My nails dug into his shoulders as the pleasure crested—intense and consuming. We tumbled over that edge together, lost in each other. I slumped against his chest, breathless, my heartbeat racing. His hand threaded through