LOGINShare
Chapter 4 The box
Last Updated:
2024-08-12 11:40:37ARDAN’S POV
Derek did not fail to hide the confusion on his face. Why would the Lycan King, the most powerful shifter alive, intervene on a mere omega’s behalf? I ignored the stunned faces around me, focusing solely on the face sitting upright on the bed.
“Put your clothes on," I commanded.
My gaze then shifted to the wolf next to Serena on the bed, Joshua, I recalled. "And you," I said with a low snarl, "get out. Now."
Joshua didn't need telling twice. He scrambled off the bed, hastily and fearfully. Still, Serena remained covered in the sheet, using it as a flimsy shield to hide her nakedness.
Cora couldn't resist a disdainful snort. "Well, aren't you just the picture of grace," she said to Serena. "The Lycan King himself asks you to put some fucking clothes on, and here you are, clutching a sheet to your bare chest like a lost pup."
My head snapped towards Cora. "If you don't want to end up as a decoration on the wall like your beta," I warned, "learn to control your fucking tongue."
Cora wisely chose silence, a nod was her only reply. Turning back to the room, I cast a commanding look around. "Give her some space," I instructed.
One by one, the wolves left the room. Then, I turned to Derek. "Lead the way to your conference room," I ordered. "I have an announcement to make."
Derek was clearly puzzled by my unexpected behavior towards Serena. He could only nod numbly. “Of course, your majesty.” Then he pointed at Serena. “What about Serena? Would she be joining us?"
I didn't answer immediately, instead I let my gaze drift back to Serena. Her nudity was still hidden behind the sheet. Finally, I met her gaze with contempt in my eyes. "She can come," I agreed, "when she's decent."
Derek led me to his conference room. As we walked, he was still visibly trying to understand my earlier display of protectiveness towards Serena.
Hesitantly, he led me to the secluded corner in the conference room. Once the door shut behind us, he cleared his throat.
"If I may ask, your Majesty. What is this about?" Derek finally managed to ask. "You rarely grace my humble abode, and when you do, it's certainly not to intervene in my… personal affairs."
My eyes narrowed in a way that made Derek wriggle. "Let's just say," I said, "certain recent events have come to my attention."
Derek's face paled considerably. "Events?" he stammered, he panicked. "What events are you referring to, Your Majesty?"
"You mustn’t know everything.” I said curtly. “Now, shall we?” I gestured for him to take a seat at the large mahogany table that dominated the center of the room.
He sat in a chair, his gaze shifting between me and the other wolves who sat around us. I leaned back in the chair.
"After the banquet tonight," I finally spoke. "I will be taking Serena home."
Derek's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Home? But Your Majesty," he sputtered. “King Ardan," he continued, "a woman like Serena… she's not suitable for you. An omega, especially one of such… questionable repute, would tarnish your reputation."
“Don't worry yourself about that, Derek. Her place is with me."
My behavior defied any logic he could comprehend. Why would the Lycan King choose to sully himself with an omega who’s a prostitute?
“But Your Majesty," he began, "taking someone like… like Serena? Think of the headline, the scandal! A Lycan King with a… a…" He struggled to find a decent term, finally settling on, "a prostitute."
His concern for my reputation seemed less about genuine worry and more about a desperate attempt to keep something hidden.
“There are far better options available to you," Derek continued with eagerness. "Stronger, more… suitable companions."
Before I could respond, the door to the conference room creaked open, and a young woman waltz into the room. Her red dress clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination.
"Ah, Mirabeth," Derek greeted. "This is the Lycan King, Ardan. Mirabeth is one of my most… prized possessions."
My gaze remained fixed on Mirabeth as Derek gave me reasons as to why I should take Mirabeth with me instead. Her beauty was undeniable, yet I felt nothing for her.
“Enough!" I yelled.
Derek, sensing the anger in me, hastily backtracked. "Of course, Your Majesty," he stammered.
My eyes met Derek's head-on. "I’ve made my decision. You can take your... prized possession and leave," I commanded. "The banquet awaits."
Derek's face was filled with anger and humiliation, but he wisely chose not to argue. With a curt nod, he ushered Mirabeth out of the room. And once again, the door slammed shut behind them.
SERENA’S POV
I pulled on a simple dress, fumbling with the buttons on my dress. My mind, however, was far from the present. It drifted back to a time long ago, to a woman named Nana Willow.
She was an old she-wolf that had been my haven while growing up. Just then, a single, precious memory surfaced. Nana Willow, held out a small, intricately carved wooden box and pressed it into my hands.
"This is for you, little one," she had said with affection. "A gift from your parents. They wished for you to open it on your 20th birthday."
“Remember, Serena, this box must never be damaged. It holds great importance, and any harm to it will bring great disaster to the wolf pack."
The box was tucked away in a hidden pocket of my meager belongings and my heart ached at the memory. Three months. That's how long until my 20th birthday. Three months until I could understand whatever secret’s within the box. But would I even survive that long?
Just then, Derek entered my room, jolting me back to reality.
“So," he said with sarcasm, "all dressed up and ready to play princess for the Lycan king, are we?"
I remained silent, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response.
He walked further into the room, eyeing me from head to toe. "Don't get any ideas, Serena," he sneered. "Just because the Lycan King took a fancy to you for a moment, doesn't mean he'll believe a word you say about me."
I wanted to talk back, but I quickly swallowed my words. Now wasn't the time for a fight. I couldn't risk Derek lashing out.
"I wouldn't dream of it," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.
He let out a chuckle. "Wise choice." His gaze shifted. "And don't forget," he continued. "I still have your parents' things. Try anything funny, and they might just 'accidentally' get misplaced."
His threats weren’t empty. I wanted to scream But I held it back, forcing myself to nod silently in submission.
Derek seemed satisfied with my reaction. With a final glare, he turned and headed back towards the door. As he reached for the knob, he looked over his shoulders. "Don't be late. The Lycan King wouldn't like to be kept waiting."
Related chapters
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 5 Open your legs
SERENA’S POVThe door slammed shut behind him, leaving me alone in the silence. Tears welled up in my eyes, I felt utterly powerless, trapped in a cage.I couldn’t let Derek break me. I would survive. And when I turned twenty, when I unlocked the secrets of the box, I would find a way to my freedom. A way to avenge my parents and escape the clutches of this monstrous man.It was a long shot, a desperate hope, but it was all I had. Until then, I would play the part of the meek servant, bide my time, and wait for my chance.I straightened the simple dress one last time, forcing myself to take a deep breath. Tears had left their mark on my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away.Stepping out of the room, I made my way towards the conference room. My heart pounded as I walked only because I wanted to meet King Ardan with utmost composure.As I entered, my gaze met Ardan. He stood by the window with his back to me. He turned upon hearing the door open, wearing an indifferent look on his fac
Last Updated : 2024-08-12Mate? Or Die! Chapter 6 Scorn and commandment
“Ardan?” I asked, shock showing on my face.” what are you-”“Do Not speak.” he cut me off, enunciating every word. I shut my mouth quickly and drew back, attempting to close my legs, but he would not let me.He grabbed me by the ankles and pulled me forward until my core was nearly parallel with his nose, and he sniffed.He took long, deep breaths of my core and looked like he was fighting not to leap at it.What was he doing? I could only lay there, shaking in fear and arousal, wondering what he would do next.He finally moved, dragging his tongue across my core in one long, wet path. I gasped, immediately baking up and closing my legs.“We are not doing this, and we are not doing this,” I mumbled, scrambling further backward, but Ardan refused to give me any space, closing the gap as soon as I made one.Eventually, he backed me up against the wall. There was nowhere left to run. He grabbed me by the throat, caressing my neck softly.“Don’t run from this, Serena.” He murmured into my
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Mate? Or Die! Chapter 7 Holding onto faith
My wolf seemed to have a better understanding of fate than I did.After comforting myself that I should calm down and allow time to prove that there is more to what appears shallow on the surface, I laid myself to rest in a deep slumber.Every new day comes with its hurdles. I was, and I was prepared for whatever might come my way again.I stepped out to begin my day, but the person I saw was a represented day.Someone was already standing outside the door, a tall brunette with a harsh face.Emma.She was the one who raised Ardan from childhood. “Here comes the wench! Aren't you just shameless?” She announced.Her lousy voice broke my thoughts. She was fond of mocking me like I was her sworn enemy in her past life, and she was determined to humiliate me at every given opportunity.“Wash it clean and have it ironed, too.” She tossed a maid dress to me. I picked it up, and I dare not object to her. “Why are you still standing?” She asked rudely.“I. I thought you wanted me to wash this
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Mate? Or Die! Chapter 8 A perfect experience
Ardan's POV.Gama had come briefly to update me on the Pack's financial statements. I listened intently, at least that was what it looked like on the surface.However, my mind was somewhere else, far away from the present happening. I had drifted back to the explosive night I had with Serena yesterday.I couldn't shake off the feeling, I had never felt that way before. It was a wild experience, I couldn't have felt that way with anyone else.“That was too much, you know right? You wanted to devour our mate in one night” My wolf, Alf, mocked me. He was right though, I just lost control of myself, and the mate bond was irresistible.It was an incredibly perfect experience, I would be crazy to deny the truth.But I haven't changed my stand on the fact that Serena was an Omega and I would not settle for someone as weak as her, she was not better than a piece of furniture, what help could she contribute if there was a need for Luna to take a daring stand in the future?Alf disagreed with m
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Mate? Or Die! Chapter 9 Just not that important
Serena's POVI had just retired to my cramped room wanting to rest after a long hour. But the door cracked open and the familiar figure scared me as fear overtook my heart.It was Ardan, his arrival made my body vibrate with panic. What has he come to do? It was hard to read his mind, one could predict what his intentions were, no matter how I tried.He was the Lycan King, he didn't care about other people's opinions, and you could never come up with possible ways to defeat him argumentatively even if you tried.For all I know, I was not important to him in any way, I was just a slave he acquired according to him, and he was a cold and cruel king, he could dispose of me whenever he wanted and no one would dare to stand somewhere to question his actions.It was what I had heard about him long before now, and it has even been proven to be true judging by his disdain towards me since my arrival. But it was truly difficult to understand his mind.During midday, he sent Cynthia away just b
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Mate? Or Die! Chapter 10 Her Opinions
Serena's POVWhile I maintained a firm opinion that Arden is cruel and cold, Sally believed otherwise.Maybe because she could connect with his wolf Alf, but I was the one with eyes, the heart, and the flesh that was being tortured, so I could tell for a fact that he was not different from Derek.But Sally insisted that he was different. I did not agree with her, she stood on her opinion too, and we both disagreed with each other's view.In the royal palace, there were maids to do almost everything for the members of the royal family.Everyone had their roles and duties for each day, but I was particularly assigned to the kitchen to carry out a little support by Beta.The next day, I woke up and began my day as I put on my maid dress.“That's the slut” “You don't mean it! How cheap!” “Do you see her walk of shame?” I could hear the intentional whispers that were thrown for me to hear. The other she-wolfs were mocking me.“She just got here and she already managed to seduce the king su
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Mate? Or Die! Chapter 11 You cannot judge
Serena's POVThe man lifted me, and I could barely stand on my own, my body was tired and weak from the beating.The man was called Alpha Zone, he was Ardan's cousin, the Alpha of Pack E.When I looked up at him, his handsome face and strong body were charming and attractive. I was lost in his eyes for what seemed like endless seconds.I was glad he arrived just in time, these god's forsaken she-wolfs would have shredded me into pieces.Alpha Zone ordered everyone to stand by, but then he realized that these other maids had shifted into wolves, so he asked the security guards to take them to the dungeon after he interrogated us and realized that they were the ones who bullied me and I was the victim.The universe was on my side after all, who knows what would have happened to me if he had not shown up at that moment, meanwhile, I promised my parents that I wouldn't give up or die easily. I could have failed on the promise.After the security guards took them away, I limped forward to
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Mate? Or Die! Chapter 12 I am Alone
Ardan's POV.Even as a king, regardless of my position, I can not deny that I still look forward to seeing and bonding with my family.And yes! It was the time of the year when everyone would come around, it was tagged an annual training, but we all understood that this was a chance for a reunion and a moment to reconnect with each other.I have always looked forward to it, although I could never show my excitement as I was the King.My cousin, Alpha Zone, was the Alpha of E Pack, and he was around for the training too. I was glad to receive his presence.He had gone away briefly, maybe to use the restroom, but he was taking longer than expected.Out of curiosity and concern, I could have sent someone else, but I decided to go to his room to check on him by myself.However, once I opened the door, I was greeted by a shocking surprise.Zone and Serena were in an awkward position, they were seated intimately on his bed. I was furious and if he was not my cousin I would probably have him
Last Updated : 2024-08-13
Latest chapter
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 269 THE RITUAL OF FREEDOM
Evelyn PoVAt first, I had not thought that Gilly's story would turn out to be so tragic. I thought I was merely doing my mother a favour: I was releasing a spirit and giving peace to the pack. But every single step I took in the direction of solving was heavy with shadows that just threw more secrets in my direction. I could feel the darkness circling in, twisting me into a hangman's noose.The old records of the pack were dusty and brittle, worn yellow with age. Weeks I spent in the archives bent over a desk deciphering the scribbled handwriting and cryptic notes. Draven helped where he could, his fingers dancing over ancient texts while I pieced together, bit by bit, the fragmented history of Gilly's downfall.It started innocent enough. Gilly was loved; with those attributes of kindness and strength, she was never really a natural leader. Somehow respect turned to jealousy, and jealousy turned to betrayal. The swirling in the ancient documents held very hostile stories of a family
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 268 THE SPIRITS TRAP
Authors PoVThey started like whispers in the night.In the stillness of sleep, they forced their way into her brain to take her through dark and twisted visions. Some shadows curled around her, cold and snake-like; their touch glided over the rippling skin and left frosted impressions behind. The dreams picked their way through her nightmares the same way—her pack in chains, expressionless and with eyes like black pits; there was someone ahead, a person cloaked in shadows.The figure's face shifted and distorted; at one time it would be reminiscent of Gilly with her soft features, at another of Gloria, with that awful smirk. She would desperately attempt to run, to scream, but either the land would crumble beneath her feet, swallowing her whole in the world, until she woke up gasping for air.The dreams haunted her daily, tormenting her with the reality of the world outside the realm of sleep. Gilly's spirit seemed to linger in the edges of reality sewn into the very fabric that woul
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 267 THE BLOOD OF THE BETRAYED
Evelyn PoVThe truth sat heavy on my chest, a stone sinking into dark waters. Gilly's voice lingered in my mind, a soft, desperate whisper threading through my thoughts even as I went through the motions of daily life. The blood of the betrayed will break the chains.Those words had been haunting me ever since the ritual with Draven, every syllable a jigsaw puzzle piece that refused to fit. What betrayal? Whose blood? The answers I sorely craved could only be unearthed by digging deeper into Gilly's past, the life which she had led before Gloria's darkness swallowed her whole.I started my search among the old documents located in the pack's ancient archive building where old books and fragile scrolls blended their aged scent with forgotten tales. For hours I studied the pack's historical records that included birth and death records as well as political alliances and loyalty breakdowns. Being careful with my page turns made me sharply conscious that the sound of crinkling pages carri
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 266 UNVEILING SHADOWS
Evelyn PoVWas this a mere figment of my imagination?… Gilly’s voice had become an echo that trickled into the stillness, catching me unawares. The torment did not even allow me peace in sleep. I would close my eyes, and her voice would take me into shadowed dreams-corridors layered in darkness, chains clanking in the distance."Evelyn."It now sounded weak and soft, no more than an echo but soon merely a whisper grazing my skin. Jerking upright in bed, I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders."Wh-What do you want from me?" I whispered back, my voice lost in the dark.Silence.I woke up abruptly from my bed before drawing the blanket closer to protect my shoulders."What do you want from me?" I demanded quietly. I managed to answer him but my words vanished into the darkness.Silence.I clenched my fists. “If you’re real I need to see you to be sure.”The air moved through the room as the window remained closed. The candle flame moved in an unexpected sideways wave as though
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 265 MARCUS’s CONFESSION
Evelyn’s PoVAs I came to stand amidst the rubble of Odessa’s fortress, there rioted smells of smoke and blood. The bodies of both friends and foes lay scattered on the ground from a battle that, to me, seemed less a victory than a doomsday. My body screamed for peace, and the tightness of every muscle felt unbearable; yet it could hardly compare with the turmoil within me.Finian stood a few paces away, his eyes piercing into mine. His expression was inscrutable-somewhere between hope and acceptance. His knuckles were bruised, his hair caked with dirt, and yet still he seemed the bedrock I have leaned upon during my stay with the pack at Odessa. He had saved me countless times, and now, standing before freedom, I no longer knew where we stood.And then there was Marcus.He emerged from the smoke like an apparition. Relief, pain, and something else—something much deeper, something older, much older—were stamped on his face, making my chest tighten. The last rays of sunlight broke thro
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 264 THE BEGINNING OF WAR
Author PoVBefore sentries had time to alert their camp the arrows struck their targets. The wolves crashed into each other while they shifted as their howls unified their counterparts.Inside the fortress, Evelyn felt it. The vibrations of battle were within her, through the stone walls, deep and low; she felt a low hum settle deep into her bones. She was clasped in silver chains burning against the skin, watching Finian about to die.One of the guards entered the room quickly, his face extremely pale. "We are under attack!"Odessa's face hardened, "By whom?""Callum and his people… he’s alive my alpha. And the Red Blood Moon pack."Odessa's lips twisted into a snarl. "Then they have come to die." She turned toward Evelyn, handing her a dagger she had drawn from her belt. "I ought to kill you. But I will save you for last.”Evelyn then looked into Odessa's eyes, her fear burning away and replaced by determination. "No, I will save you for last.”Then the ambush began. Callum and Ryan
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 263 A RECKLESS RESCUE MISSION
Author PoVThe woods was dark as Marcus and Luca passed through the underbrush in silence. Marcus’s heart thudded against his ribs, with a steady caution. He glanced toward Luca, who had graduated from one stern face of determination to intent.They had been trudging through the woods for hours on nothing more than scraps of intelligence and the stubborn pull of hope. Ryan's rogues had pointed them in the right direction but were ultimately not adventurous enough to try to approach the Red Blood Moon pack directly. After all, Odessa's territory was a death trap of sorts. Even the most adventurous rogues knew better than to cross her borders without sufficient cause.The moonlight was just enough to see the outlines of makeshift tents and some shadows on watch. Marcus motioned for Luca to keep it low and crouched behind some ferns to take in the camp."Do you see her?" Luca whispered in a voice so faint it was almost a sigh."Not yet," Marcus ground out, struggling to make each breath
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 262 THE DREAM
Serena’s PoVTears stung my eyes, and I woke up in a start with broken breath as the persistence of the dream clung to me. In this muted room, shadows danced upon the wall; for a second, I was hardly certain of where I stood. The dream had borne the reality—Odessa, her eyes bright with evil gleam, standing atop a heap of bones. Her army, a roar of growling rogues and defiled creatures spread out to the last sight. And then there was Evelyn... Evelyn was there, firmly standing by the side of Odessa, the empty look on her face an undercover of madness.I put my trembling hand over my forehead, it was sweating. This dream wasn't just a figment of imagination; it was a warning.I pushed aside the thick furs, stood, and went to the unbarred window. The pack grounds lay quiet, a deceitful calm before a storm. My instincts screeched like a mother's intuition that something far worse than what we had imagined was in the making.If only I could make Ardan see it too.But Ardan... he was no lon
Mate? Or Die! Chapter 261 A FAKE DEATH
Evelyn’s PoVThe dagger felt heavy and cold in my palm. Odessa’s cold demand rang in my ears. Kill Callum. Bring me his head. This wasn’t a test or ,twisted game to see how far I would go to prove my loyalties. I just had to do it. I knew I had to do it.If I turned it down, she would turn against me. If I carried out her order, I would lose the only ally I had managed to win over. Either way, she would win.Not this time.Finian walked beside me as we traveled through the thick forest. His expression was a mixture of concern and determination. He had not questioned me for warning Callum. He had not hollered when I insisted we needed to fake a death, to give like a disguise for the purpose of tricking Odessa into believing I had done my job. Instead, he nodded, affirming my sense of loyalty."Are you sure it will work?" he asked softly."It must." I responded. "If Odessa realises we lied to her, we would be dead."
