Serena’s POVThe sun was down and it was time for the tropes to leave. Rachel and Zone already packed their backs and readied their armor. I didn’t have any but I wasn’t afraid. After all, I wasn’t fighting in the battle. I just needed my mother’s relic.I tried to sneak off without Arden suspecting anything. I know he will be furious about this but I have to do this. I took the sword and a few things for sustenance. We leave in the end of night but I need to be at the training so I would be easier to go without drawing too much attention to myself.As I walked swiftly through the hallway almost to the training ground, I couldn’t help but feel victorious that my plan had worked.When I got to the training ground no one was there. Good. I can hide there until everyone is ready to leave.“Going somewhere?” someone asked in the shadows.As much as I was frightened, I drew the sword and I was ready to attack. I don’t know that person is but trespassers are not allowed in this palace.He s
Serena’s POVWhile we lay in bed staring at the ceiling, I noticed how tightly Arden was clinging to me. He didn’t want to let me go and I don’t want to leave him alone either. I wanted to make tonight special for us.I pushed myself upward and I propped my head up with my elbow. I ran my fingers along his face taking in every bit of detail I see. I don’t know how long will be gone but I want to leave with the memory of us like this. Being one as it should be.He turns to me and kisses my hand. He wrapped his arm around my waist and he still was silently begging for me to not leave but he knows my mind is made.His thumb gentle stroke the waist line of my pants not in a sexual way but in a sweet way. He was trying to take it all in that I was leaving and I have never seen him so sensitive and vulnerable. It makes my heart break to see him like that.I leaned in and kiss his forehead. He sucked in air with his mouth, giving me the most adorable look ever. I did it again the kissed his
Serena’s POVDespite the beautiful yet long night I had, I had to get ready to go to Derek’s pack to get my mothers relic and nothing was stopping me.I wanted to get out of bed but Arden held on to me tightly. He was still hung-over last night. He kept touching me all through the night despite the fact that he was exhausted.“Good morning, Arden.” I said.“It’s morning already?” he was acting oblivious.“I have to go get ready.” I said to him.“Sure, but can we do a quick one?” he asked.“We had sex all night.” I pointed out.“It’s not my fault I find you very attractive.” He said seductively.I pushed him away playfully and I broke from his grip. “I am going to shower.” I said.He got you and pulled me into a kiss. I would feel myself getting aroused but I know that is a slippery slope.“Arden, no.” I muttered as we kissed.“Just a quick one I promise.” He said running his fingers along my thighs and touching me in my sweet spot.I moaned in his lips and he pushed me to the wall. He
SERENA’S POVMoans, a pleasure driven cry echoing in a secret room. I was with him, Derek, my mate. But these sounds weren’t coming from me.He groaned from satisfaction, but I wasn’t touching him either. No, his pleasure came from Cora, his prostitute wolf. And I was forced to watch them.I was bound to a chair in the corner, watching them mate. Every thrust, every pleasured gasp from Derek, ached me. It was a violation, a reminder of my inability to do nothing, except watch.I watched as Cora sucked him out, deep throating him until she turned red. I watched how roughly Derek handled her. Pulling and grabbing her hair like she was a still object.I was unable to bear the pain of watching my mate mate with Cora, so I squeezed my eyes shut. Suddenly, the sounds ceased, replaced by a satisfied grunt from Derek.My heart raced as I scented Derek slowly approach me. He forcefully took me by the jaw and demanded that I opened my eyes.“Look at me, Omega," he sneered.I forced my eyes open
ARDAN’S POVTraining days with my Beta Thorne, usually excited me. My moves were laser sharp and I’d always won every practice round. But today, my movements were sloppy, sluggish and my focus was scattered.And because of that, it gave way for Thorne to land a blow on my arm, a feat that wouldn't have been possible on any other day.Thorne froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "My King, I—"I held up a hand, silencing him before he could launch into apologies. I was ashamed. "Leave me," I said.Thorne hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowed in concern. "Are you certain, Your Majesty? Perhaps you should—""Alone," I repeated, my voice firmer this time.With a silent bow, Thorne turned to leave, leaving me alone on the training grounds.I headed for the bathroom. When I got there, I stripped off my sweat-drenched training clothes. My reflection in the mirror showed a man sculpted for power - broad shoulders, a chiseled jaw, dark hair. Yet, beneath the facade of strength, anxiety had
SERENA’S POVA throbbing ache in my neck yanked me awake. I blinked open my eyes, the unfamiliar room coming into focus. Where was was I? I looked around the room before looking down at my body.I began to panic as I realized I was lying naked in a bed – a bed that wasn't mine. What the fuck….Glancing beside me, I found a muscular werewolf still asleep. Taking a deeper look I realized it was Joshua, a young member from Derek's pack who I had seen a few times before.My blood ran cold. If anyone came in I would a walking corpse. But I don’t remember how I ended up here. Had Derek… No, that couldn't be right."Joshua?" I croaked, my voice was hoarse.He bolted upright as if stung and his eyes widened with terror. "Serena! What…what happened?"I narrowed my gaze, my brows were furrowed, “I don’t know you tell me!” I yelled.But before he could offer any further explanation, the door to the room slammed open. Leading the surge was Derek, his face was masked with fake fury.Close behind h
ARDAN’S POVDerek 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
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