"Is this the place where you found the key?" Jackson asked, unsure of what to do next."Yes, this is exactly where I saw the building and got this key," Alice replied. How could he forget? Even in his dreams the previous night, he had seen that damned building and felt the exact same feeling as the moment he stood in that place. Now that they were here, the building was nowhere to be found, just as he had been unable to see it after exiting yesterday. Again, he wanted to dismiss yesterday as a dream, but this key wouldn't let that happen – nor would the vivid, detailed memory ingrained in his head.So it was useless to even try. But what now? There was no building here, and he didn't know what he was meant to do with this key.He brushed his hair back, stress clearly visible on his face. He didn't look panicked, but he was far from comfortable or at peace.This was mostly because of his involvement with the mafia; he rarely felt panic unless his mother or Alisha were somehow harmed
"Come here, sit down. Now tell us what you all found," Levi immediately came with water as soon as Alice, Maya, and Jackson entered.She, Rish, and Alisha were all so eager to know what happened about the whole building scenario.And all three of them were dissatisfied too because they were left behind. Usually, they all went there to train and were very familiar with the area, but today Maya allowed no one other than Alice, who obviously saw the building, so it was necessary for him to go.Elk had some work, so he couldn't go with them or stay at home either."Let us breathe. Why are you so eager?" Maya sighed as they all settled in their seats and took the water."How can we not be eager?" Rish stated. "You all went there without us, of course we are curious, and it's so hard to keep our calm after seeing you all.""That's because it wasn't necessary for so many of us to go there, and we can't just leave one person alone here, even though this house is safe. That doesn't mean I'm no
"What brought you here? Let me have some peace. Didn't I tell you last time that I am now too old to help? Even when I helped before, my powers are still recovering, so find someone else," Lima softly sighed, seeing three familiar faces.It's not like she doesn't want to help, but her old bones can't assist at all. Even though Alisha is a royal heir, that doesn't mean she will put her life at stake. She is here due to a treaty, or else why would a witch live among werewolves?When the attack happened on this pack, she got sent here because Alisha's mother had some witch powers, so she was considered part of the witch side too. She helped them when they needed it, so as Lima came here to help the warriors and to heal others, she had to stay due to the circumstances, and how the pack needed her powers for healing and recovery.Now, she did help by telling about the curse and curing Alisha a bit. That doesn't mean she will keep doing it; she hates sticking her nose into business that isn
"Then what about you? Always behaving so high and mighty, you're just a witch, don't forget," Jackson growled, having had enough of this woman. Though he didn't like her from the start when she came to the pack, why was a witch even needed? But then again, she helped with healing and other things, so he let it be.But he hated her whenever their paths crossed."You're angry because you were rejected, and your whole life went to hell after your wife died, and me, just a fucking witch, rejected you as a second chance mate," Lima spat her words venomously.Maya and Alice's eyes widened in shock. Mostly Maya was stunned. Of course, she knew how Jackson lost his wife in the attack, but she never knew that Lima was his second chance mate and had rejected him too.It made sense why she didn't know, because she was away for 18 years, but this whole situation was quite strange. He showed no sign of discomfort while they talked and decided to come here."I don't want a mate like you. I had on
"Jackson, we need to talk. Why didn't you say anything about this whole situation? Not when you called her for help at the hospital, nor when we discussed going to her," Maya spoke sternly as she entered the room with him after dealing with everything.Jackson's face crunched in disgust upon hearing Maya's words, as if he had seen something weird. "Is that even important? She's a witch; helping people is her job. Why should I care? You're making it sound like a big deal, but it's not."Seeing how nonchalantly Jackson was reacting, Maya was dumbfounded. "That's not what I mean, Jackson. You know exactly what I'm trying to say here.""I don't know exactly, and you can stop talking in puzzles. It's totally fine if you talk normally.""Okay then," Maya groaned. "She's your second chance mate. Why are you so casual about it? And at the same time, you don't seem normal.""Did you skip the part where she mentioned how she rejected me, and on my part, I accepted it? Besides, it's been 18 year
"You're thinking too much. Even if whatever happened in the past is trying to affect your present, don't let it, because that doesn't help at all," Maya advised.Jackson snapped back from his trance and nodded his head. "That's not changing anything. She doesn't want me too, and I don't feel any love or affection towards her.""Nobody is forcing you or her to feel anything, but maybe you both should try to get along. You're both old now; it's quite useless to behave like this," Maya said, her expression conveying how she found the situation absurd yet sensible at the same time.She could totally understand Jackson, and maybe somehow Lima too, as it's hard to accept mates when you're not on the same page.But it was dumb to be like this, especially after wasting 18 years.She regretted her own actions, and now, seeing others doing worse, she couldn't hold herself back.It was like the things one wants, others easily relinquish. She was here, dying to be with her mate, and yet these two
"Levi, how are you feeling now?" Alisha asked, as she saw Levi pale and burning with fever.For the past two days, she had suddenly suffered from the fever, and damn, it wasn't getting any better. Her fever was only getting worse, making Levi look like she was going to die. While that may sound like an exaggeration of the situation, it was true that every hour she was fainting, and it was becoming more severe each time it happened."I'm feeling a little okay," Levi replied with difficulty, trying to smile, but failing miserably without a doubt."If you're feeling better, then why does your face look way worse than before?" Rish chimed in, his face looking stressed, showing the deep concern he had for his sister."Because...I have a fever. I'm not going to miss the World Cup because of it, so stop with these hypertensive reactions, Rish."He groaned. "Now it seems like your situation is getting better since you start having the energy to fight, which seems like a positive thing." He c
“What?” Rish gasped. “She’s getting her wolf back? How come she’s getting it before me? I’m older, and we’re both in the pack now. Why is she getting hers first?”More than shocked about Levi getting her wolf, he was shocked that she was getting it before him. When he was clearly older.“Keep your voice down, Rish, she’s sleeping,” Maya hushed him. “The timing of getting your wolf back doesn’t depend on age, dumbass. It happens when it’s supposed to. Because you both didn’t get your wolves on time, it’s more difficult and painful when the process finally happens.”Alisha looked at Maya with concern. “Am I going to go through the same thing?” She was scared.Seeing Levi suffer for the last two days had been tough. Though Alisha had endured a lot before, getting a wolf seemed far more painful.“Who knows, Alisha,” Maya said honestly. “Levi and Rish were not cursed; it’s just because they weren’t in the pack that they’re only getting their wolves now. But you’re different. Your wolf is o
Alice’s gaze burned into hers, wild and desperate, as his fingers found the delicate string of her wedding dress. With a slow, deliberate pull, the fabric loosened, slipping from her shoulder. He pressed his lips to her bare skin, his breath hot against her. Alisha gasped, her head tilting back. "Agh..." Her voice broke into a breathy moan as a shiver ran down her spine. His hands traced down her arms, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. "You're beautiful," he murmured, voice thick with longing. Alisha's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. "Then show me," she whispered.His lips traveled lower, trailing soft kisses along her collarbone. The loosened fabric of her dress slid further down, pooling at her waist, exposing the warmth of her skin to the cool night air. Alisha’s breath hitched as his hands traced slow, teasing circles along her sides. Every touch sent sparks racing through her veins. “Alice…” she whispered, gripping his shirt and tugging him closer. He
"I do." The words spilled from Alisha’s lips as she stood at the altar with Alice. Six months had passed, and so much had changed. They had returned to their normal life with Daisy and Mary. The battles, the burdens—they were behind her now. She still remembered the conversation she had with Maya six months ago when she told her it was better for 'her' to lead the pack. Alisha had never wanted that responsibility. She only wanted to live a simple, normal life. Maya had disagreed at first, but eventually, she understood Alisha’s choice and accepted it. Since then, Alisha and Alice had stepped away from the chaos and reclaimed the life they once had. And today, standing before everyone, was proof of how far they had come—because today was their wedding day. "You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced. Alice’s smile stretched wide as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Can I?" His hands rested gently on her waist, his touch reverent. He still couldn't believe t
“Amm.” Alisha moaned, her body aching as she tried to move. With effort, she forced her eyes open, blinking against the dim light. Her gaze landed on Alice. Alice was sitting beside her, but his eyes were closed, his posture slumped in exhaustion. “Alice…” Her voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. He jolted upright instantly, eyes flying open, and within seconds, they brimmed with tears. Damn emotions. He hated them—loathed them, even. But seeing Alisha like this? He couldn’t stop them. After so long… she was finally awake. His chest tightened with overwhelming relief. “Angel.” His voice cracked as he sobbed. “You’re awake.” Alisha swallowed, her throat dry. “How long… have I been sleeping?” “You were in a coma.” He pressed the call button beside the bed before looking back at her. “It’s been over a week.” Within minutes, the doctor arrived and checked Alisha over. “She’s stable now. Her wounds will heal with time,” he assured them before stepping out. Alisha’s ga
“You need rest, Alice.” Maya ran a hand through his hair, her face as hollow as the corpse he sat beside. A week had passed, yet none of them had moved on from what happened. Alisha was still in a coma. Maya herself couldn't calm her nerves. She had killed her own husband with her own hands. Even if it had been necessary, the nightmares wouldn’t let her forget. Not just because he was her mate—but because she had loved a man like him. A liar. The cause of her suffering. Of everyone's suffering. Mostly Alisha, who had lost everything. And they still didn’t know when she would wake up. Jackson had already explained everything to the pack, but explanations didn’t erase guilt. Alice said nothing, his gaze locked on Alisha’s lifeless form on the bed. The images of that day wouldn’t leave him. They played on repeat, like a broken radio, and the more he thought about them, the more he blamed himself. But he knew—blame wouldn’t change a thing. All he wanted was for her to wake up. If
Lima looked at Jackson, tears welling in her eyes. “If I could, I would have. But I’m old, and my powers are weak after living with wolves for so many years.” Alisha thrashed against her restraints, sobbing as she watched Alice being beaten to the ground, blood pooling beneath him. 'Please!!' she pleaded in her mind. Aman sneered. “He’s human. But aren’t you royal blood? Is this how you save your mate?” He yanked her head back and slammed it against the chair. Alice coughed up blood. “Motherfucker!” He saw the crimson streak trailing down Alisha’s face, and despite the agony wracking his body, he tried to crawl toward her. Another brutal blow sent him back down. Aman laughed coldly. “Yes, I am a motherfucker. But your mother’s not my taste. This bitch might be, though.” Alisha squeezed her eyes shut. She had to save them. Somehow. Could her wolf help? She had royal blood—would it be enough? 'You just have to trust me. Even cursed, I will do anything to save our mate and every
Alisha listened in silence, every word slotting into place, making the picture clearer. The puzzle was finally forming—pieces falling exactly where they belonged. “And we wanted power, so we helped,” Lucas and Harmis laughed in unison. Why wouldn’t they? From being worthless rogues, they had risen to Alpha and Beta. They had enjoyed that power for years. And after today, they would keep enjoying it—until death took them. Maya frozen, tears streaking her face, her eyes locked on Elk. Utter betrayal. The weight of suffering crushed her chest, making it hard to breathe. Levi’s scream cut through the air. “How can you do this, Dad?!” Her voice cracked as she turned to Rish, who looked just as shattered. Heartbroken. Aman chuckled, his grip still tight on Alisha’s hair. “Didn’t he already tell you?” Alisha barely heard him. Her gaze was fixed on Alice. She understood Maya’s pain—because she felt it too. Knowing Alice’s father was responsible for her being an orphan? That was one thin
“Who the hell are you?” Maya screamed, struggling against the ropes, her pulse hammering in confusion. Why the hell were they all tied up? She remembered sitting at home, sipping tea with everyone. Then—nothing.And now, she was here. Tied up.“I never thought you’d be this dumb, Maya.” Aman scoffed. “You don’t even remember me?” Maya’s mind raced. Who was this man? Why had he been talking to Alice on the phone, demanding the key? Her gaze darted to Alisha—pale, wide-eyed, bound beside Levi and Rish. Aman stepped toward Alisha, dragging a rough fingertip along her cheek. “So, you’re the last royal blood,” he mused, his voice laced with amusement. “Gotta say, you’re just as beautiful as your mother.” Alisha flinched, nausea rising in her throat. Every nerve in her body recoiled. “Leave her!” Levi and Rish shouted in unison, straining against their restraints. Jackson, silent until now, felt something click in his memory. His jaw clenched. “You’re the rogue,” he murmured. “The o
Alice reached the house and stepped inside. "Alisha, where are you?" he called, glancing around. Silence greeted him. Maya, Jackson, Rish, Levi—no one was there. His chest tightened as he moved from room to room. Everything looked normal, except for the stillness. It didn't make sense. Frowning, he pulled out his phone and dialed Maya. Tring… ring… After a few rings, someone picked up. "Maya, where are you? Where’s Alisha? Why is no one home?" A voice answered—but not Maya’s. "Because they’re with me." His blood ran cold. The voice was unfamiliar, nothing like hers. "Who is this?" "Aman here. I gave you plenty of time to handle your bullshit, but you didn’t. So now, it’s my turn to do what I promised." Alice’s eyes widened. No. This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen. Alisha can’t find out the truth—not like this. Not when he won’t even get to tell his side. He couldn’t even imagine how this would end. "You son of a bitch," he snarled, gripping the phone tighter
Alice’s eyes filled with tears as the pain he had buried for years tore through his heart. The weight of everything he had hidden threatened to consume him, and before he could stop them, the tears began to fall. His whole life, he had fought, using pain as his motivation. He hated how much his mother had lost in raising him. The man who should have stood by her had left—for another woman. But now, he understood. After everything he had learned about mate bonds, about the way the world worked… he could see it clearly. His father had left for his mate. The hatred he had buried for so long surfaced, but now, a question clawed at him. ‘Can I even hate him?’ Maybe for killing his Angel parents, yes. But what about the miserable childhood he endured? The broken family he grew up in? Move on? His mother wanted him to move on? *Can I?* “Let me ask you… did you ever move on, Mom?” Alice asked, his voice thick with emotion. He let his tears fall freely, feeling the warmth of his mother