"Do you ever stop being stupid?" My stepmother's Varda voice rang out from across the room as she delivered a sharp kick to my side while I was scrubbing the floor. I let out a small wince, the pain searing through me as I collapsed to my knees again. Ignoring her, I resumed cleaning, not wanting to provoke any further trouble. If I claimed to understand why she was hitting me this time, it would be a lie. She often did this for her own twisted amusement. "You are just a petty thief, just like that damn whore mother of yours," she spat, punctuating her words with another painful kick to my side. A small scream escaped me, and tears blurred my vision from the impact."Mother, stop!" Lorraine, her daughter, begged as she rushed to her mother's side, desperately trying to stop the abuse. Her mother wanted to hit me more. But Lorraine quickly ran to me, helping me to my feet, and we fled the scene together, not wanting to endure more of Varda’s cruelty. She was my mother's best friend and
I woke abruptly, gasping for breath, sweat running down my forehead as I struggled to control my heart. I had just had a nightmare, a terrifying one. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration, but then I realized—it wasn’t just a nightmare. Everything I had experienced was real. My heart pounded as questions flooded my mind, but the most pressing one was: where the heck am I? I looked around the room, but I didn’t recognize it.The room was big, grand, and fancy—nothing like what I had back home. That only raised more questions. What had happened to me that day? Why was I here? Just then, the door flew open, catching my attention. Two men walked in, and they froze as soon as they saw me awake. I did the same. Our eyes locked for a moment, and just like before, my wolf began to stir, but this time she was more agitated. Their scent was oddly familiar, and when my wolf whispered “Mates…” again, the truth hit me.My eyes widened in shock. They were the wolves from that night—the on
I gasped and quickly clamped my arms over my bare chest, trying to cover myself. Why the hell did he just barge in without knocking? I couldn't wrap my mind around it. His eyes darkened as they roamed over my body, lingering in a way that made my skin tingle. I had always been complimented on my beauty, but the way he was looking at me now was different—intense. Yet, in a strange way, it made me feel desired.He took a step toward me, and I gulped, instinctively stepping back. The expression on his face made my heart race. “I wonder why Father is treating you so kindly? You trespassed into our territory, and yet he shows you so much hospitality,” Axel said bitterly. I couldn’t help but wonder, what did he have against me? We hadn’t even met before, so what was his problem? Zarek didn’t seem to like me much either, but Axel was a complete asshole.“What is your problem with me anyway?” I asked, my voice trembling as I summoned all the courage I had. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”Before
ZAREK'S POVDinner had been a quiet affair for years in our family; I was used to it, and so was Axel.But as I walked into the dining room, Lunnette scent me like a sledgehammer to the back of my head. I stood at the doorway, gripping the frame stiffly, trying to free my fingers so it didn't crush through the wood. "Aren't you going in?" my brother asked. I took in a deep breath that almost made it seem worse and stalked into the dining room. Once we were all seated, I looked to her and stilled. She looked beautiful, her pale blonde hair looking almost white; she seemed a little too pale with a slight flush to her cheeks. She looked up at me, and I looked away immediately. "I've decided to take Lunnette as my mate." My father mumbled. For the second time, I think, I sat there, stunned and frozen in disbelief as his voice echoed in the room, in my ears, but though I could hear him,it seemed to take me time to grasp what he was saying.My eyes locked on my father asI gripped the edg
AXEL'S POVI gripped Zarek’s arm tighter than I probably should have, practically dragging him out of the packhouse before he could do something truly reckless. His muscles were tense, his breath coming in shallow bursts.He was barely keeping his wolf from snapping. I knew that feeling too well.An omega? He was taking that omega as his mate of all women?The door slammed shut behind us, cutting off the murmur of voices and gasps from inside.The tension followed us through the doors.I crossed my arms, my gaze following him as he paced back and forth."He’s right, Zarek," I finally said."We rejected her. She’s free to choose, and so is he."A snarl tore from his throat as he hissed."Don’t you dare say that to me." He roared, and I sighed; he wasn't making this easy on me. Hell, I was stunned too, and trying to wrap my head around our father&rs
Lunnette POVThe moment the door slammed behind Axel and Zarek, as they stormed out of the dining room, a thick, oppressive silence settled over everyone left, making the air thick with tension. Someone slammed against the door hard, and it echoed down the hallway. I stayed frozen in my seat, unable to move, unable to breathe, my heart pounding in my chest, like a bass drum.My hands trembled in my lap as I stole glances at Alpha Cormac, who was sitting across from me, watching me. I hadn't expected a proposal; if the twins were surprised, then I had no idea what I should be right now. So I just sat there in silence, trying to process what had just happened. Zarek’s fury, Axel’s quiet seething anger—but it was Alpha Cormac’s words that kept replaying in my mind. He had claimed me. Not a beta or another high-ranking wolf. No, me an omega to be mated to Alpha Cormac. The father of the two men who were supposed to protect me now wanted me for himself. He would be my Alpha. “Lunette,
Lunnette's POVCurtis, the alpha beta, led me to my bedroom. I followed behind him, a little dumbstruck but mostly grateful at the thought of not having to worry about where I would sleep for the night.At least for now, that was a worry I didn't need to have."Thank you," I mumbled softly, and he looked to me, bowing slowly. I bowed back, insure of what to do with the way he had insisted on greeting me since I arrived."Your welcome; if you need anything, let me know," he muttered, and I nodded, going to bed.I made my way to the room; it was nice and quiet. It was better than where I actually slept in my old pack, which meant I had a bed and covers over me.I moved to the bathroom; it would be nice to take a shower and fall asleep, maybe hoping for some peace and quiet before morning.Once I turned on the shower, letting hit water run over me,.I didn't spend too long there; I was too tired anyway.I
Lunette’s POVHe banged the door behind him, and I flinched slightly. I didn't move until it sounded like he was suitably far away and he wasn't coming back before I tugged on my nightdress and then moved to the bed. I fell into bed almost immediately, marveling at the way I sank into the covers like it was a cotton cloud. My eyes flickered close just as quickly.I didn't dream much that night, not as much as I usually did, until maybe close to dawn when the flickering dawn lights filtered in through the curtains over my face, seeming like a haze.I was walking in a garden; it was a little cold outside, but the flowers were blooming—all of them, the roses and the lilies, the marigolds too.I walked along the field leaning in to smell the flowers; it was almost intoxicating. I blinked rapidly, reaching to touch the roses. I flinched when something pricked at my fingers, drawing them away. Blood splashed onto the flower petals. Dark red on pale white flowers. Then I heard the growling
Lunette POV I woke up slowly, I think it was the drop of water that woke me up first,one, two three tiny drops falling over my face, and then it was the morning light filtering through the trees and over my face, when I finally forced myself to open my eyes I did it slowly too accustoming myself to the bright light that kept painting the world in soft hues of gold. For a moment, I didn’t move, content to stay warm and still. But then I felt the steady rise and fall of someone’s chest beneath my cheek and the undeniable weight of an arm draped protectively over me. Zarek. He hadn't left, it was a stupid thought because of course he wouldn't have left, not when I was still here outside in his secret spot but in a way I wished he had left just like Axel the morning after, not having my mistake wrapped around me the next morning had been very freeing. I felt guilty for thinking that especially as the memories of the previous night came rushing back, Zarek's words, his vulnerability
Lunette POV I know you read my manuscript.Zarek's words hung in the air like stingrays meaning to bite me, he had succeeded in leaving me speechless. The clearing was quiet save for the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft humming of crickets and the racing of my heart, as a mixture of embarrassment and dread bloomed in my chest. I stared at him, unsure how to respond. My mind scrambled for excuses, but every potential explanation felt flimsy, transparentHe knows. The thought hit me immediately and it was like a blow to the chest, my chest tightening up like I had an anvil over my chest. My mind raced as I tried to form a response, but nothing coherent came out. “I…” My voice faltered, and I shook my head, desperate to find the right words. "I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His lips curled into a small, knowing smile, one that told me there was no use in denying it.“Don’t lie to me, Lunette,” he said softly. “I really do know that you read it. My manuscript.”
Zarek POV The sun dipped below the bright white clouds , casting it's too long shadows over the sprawling estate as I finalized my plans. Axel had made his move— a bold, passionate one that suit his temperament even though Axel was not know for grand gestures and while I was a tiny bit jealous this wasn’t about one-upping my brother at least not entirely.I wasn’t one to compete with my brother. Axel and I had always been close, our bond was unbreakable despite our differences. But now, with Lunette in the picture, everything was different. She wasn’t just someone either of us could step aside for. This was about Lunette.She was our mate. Our future. I wanted to show her who I was beneath the guarded exterior and prove that I, too, could give her something that my brother couldn't. I had a nasty temper because of my curse and so I liked to keep to myself so I didn't have outburst more than necessary. Which is how I found myself standing in front of Lunette’s door, my heart pou
Axel POVI woke with a slight jerk, my throat clenching with worry. My body felt warm, and as I glanced down, I realized why—I was in bed. I was in Lunette's bed. I looked to her to make sure she was still asleep, relief filling my gut as I realized that I hadn't woken her up. Lunette was nestled against me, her breathing steady and soft, her hair spilling across the pillows like golden threads.For a moment, I didn’t move. I didn’t want to. This was perfect, and I wanted to stay in this moment forever.I watched her as she dozed, the faint glow of the waning moonlight streaming through the curtains and illuminating the soft features of her sleeping face.She looked so peaceful, as if she had nothing to worry about at all. My arms were still wrapped around her, her warmth pressing into me, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt at peace. No pack politics. No posturing. No guilt.Just her—soft, serene, a
Lunette POVAxel’s hand was warm against mine as he led me down the staircase, each of our steps echoing softly through the quiet halls.The rooftop dinner had been romantic and lingered in my mind even long after it was done—I could still remember the laughter in his eyes and the way his words had wrapped around my heart, making me feel all warm and fuzzy."You already have my heart." He'd said to me, the weight of that confession pressed on my chest, leaving me breathless.I stole a glance at him as we walked; down the stairs, his sharp features softened in the dim light. He was quiet, but his thumb kept brushing lightly against the back of my hand, and that small but simple gesture sent my pulse racing.“Thank you for tonight,” I said softly, breaking the silence.He tilted his head, his piercing blue eyes locking with mine.“You don’t need to thank me,
Lunette POV When I saw Axel at my door, I was a little stunned and a bit flustered. I had barely gotten back into my room when a firm knock echoed through the door. I hadn't had any visitors in days, so I was definitely surprised when I opened it to find Axel standing there, dressed in a tailored black shirt and slacks that clung to his tall, lean frame.His usual cold demeanor was absent, replaced with an almost nervous smile that had my chest clenching. Axel was never nervous. “Axel?” I blinked, gripping the doorframe. “What do you want, Axel?” I asked, keeping my tone sharp and as unwelcoming as I could manage—I hoped anyway.He took a deeper breath, ready to speak, his piercing blue eyes meeting mine. “I’m—dinner.” He stuttered under his breath. I stared at him, unsure if I’d heard him correctly. I wanted to ask if he was certain when he swallowed again."I need you to come with me. Please.” I frowned.“Why?” “It’s a surprise,” he said, forcing a small smile, my brows narr
Axel POV I wasn’t one for grand romantic gestures; I made them but never wholeheartedly. Zarek had always been the charming one, especially if he put his mind to it; he was the one with an easy smile and a way with words. I was better at action—solving problems, leading when I had to, protecting what mattered most. But this time, words and action wouldn’t be enough. Lunette kept slipping away from us with every passing day, and no matter how many times Zarek and I tried to talk to her, she shut us out.She was angry and hurt in ways I wasn’t sure we could fix. But I couldn’t just stand by and watch her drift away either. We needed her, and so we just had to put in the work, but Zarek was frustrated with me and my idea to take it slowly, and he was off somewhere sulking.Which was why I found myself alone, standing on the rooftop of the west wing, watching over the finishing touches for a dinner I had no idea how to pull off. The rooftop offered a breathtaking view of the surroundi
Lunette POV The summons was unexpected, in that I was in my bedroom hiding away from everyone and doing an exceptional job at it.Someone knocked on my door, and I stilled on the bed, not sure if I wanted to answer it at all, but it was insistent, and so I stood up from my bed, walked to it, and opened the door. One of the guards stood there; he looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here.He handed me a note. “Alpha Cormac wishes to see you in his rooms immediately.” he muttered, I didn't get to ask any more questions before he turned on me and left. My stomach twisted on itself, my mind coming up with a thousand scenarios running at top speed, each one worse than the last. I had barely seen him since the engagement ceremony; he hadn't wanted to talk to me, and I didn't want to force him to. The silence between us had been both a blessing and a curse. What could he possibly want now? When I arrived at his door, I hesitated. My hand hovering just above the metal knob, my palms
Alpha Cormac POV I had not thought the engagement would end like that—so public especially not when I was making an impression on the pack I had spent years building the alliance with." I look forward to our alliance" Alpha Garrett muttered grabbing my hand in a stiff handshake that I immediately returned." Thank you" " I am also very sorry about such dismal nuptials, perhaps they will be good news soon" he continued and I offered him a slight grin, he was trying to poke at my wound but I wouldn't let him see that, once our goodbyes were made, I watched them go. The sound of the Creek Pack’s transportation fading into the distance was a relief, and it did little to quell the storm raging inside me. I was not a man prone to feeling shame, it was not an emotion that was not conducive to a leader but on occasions I felt a stab of disappointment, pain and that was what I felt the most after the engagement ceremony that was supposed to cement an alliance,and show the other packs out