KASMINE.Something was off.June sat at the kitchen table, absentmindedly stirring the coffee in her cup, the spoon clinking against the ceramic in a slow, repetitive rhythm.She wasn't drinking it.She was just staring into the dark liquid, lost in her own thoughts."What's wrong?" I asked, leaning against the counter. "You don't look happy."She sighed—deep, heavy—before lifting the cup to her lips and taking a small sip. Then, slowly, she turned to face me."Kasmine..." She paused, looking at me.Something about how she looked at me made my stomach twist, and my palms feel suddenly too warm.For a fleeting second, the worst possible thought crossed my mind.Does she know what I and Kester did last night?I swallowed, forcing myself to keep my expression neutral. "Yes?"She hesitated as if weighing her words. "Have you ever spoken to your brother about me? Even once?"My stomach dropped, and that guilt I'd been trying so hard to bury came crawling back."I mean..." she continued, he
KESTER.Fucking bitch!I thought she was dead or something.Why didn't she stay wherever the fuck she just crawled out from?Rage curled through my muscles like a vice, my fingers twitching as I fastened my seatbelt."Kester... You have to breathe... You are too tensed," Kasmine said from beside.I had booked the next available flight back to New York the second Lance sent that cursed message. Of all the goddamn problems circling me like vultures, Karina was the one I needed to deal with first."Kester. What's going on? You can talk to us," June asked. Her hand reached toward mine, and I recoiled like she was some disease-ridden mutt.Instead, I grabbed Kasmine's hand, the one resting idly on the armrest between us. I squeezed, drawing in the warmth of her skin. Instantly, the chaos in my head steadied—just a little.She calmed the storm in me always.The hurt in June's eyes when I withdrew from her and took my sister's hand instead was sincerely insignificant. The last thing I gave a
KASMINE.The heat between us was unbearable. It coiled in my stomach, twisted up my spine, and spread through my veins like wildfire.Straddling Kester's lap, I could feel every rigid inch of him pressing against me, the hard muscles of his thighs beneath mine, the slow rise and fall of his chest as he breathed me in.His fingers trailed up my thighs, setting my nerves on fire. My dress was already bunched up at my waist, leaving me bare to his touch, to the wicked things I knew he was about to do to me."You're burning up for me, aren't you?" Kester's voice was low, rough, and full of smug satisfaction as he slipped a single finger between my folds, dragging it through my wetness.I gasped, my fingers tightening around his shoulders, nails digging into the fabric of his white sleeves. The pressure, the teasing stroke, everything was enough to send a violent shudder through me."Kester…" My voice was breathy and desperate.His dark eyes burned into mine, filled with raw possession, wi
KASMINE.It was painful at first but got better when he introduced his fingers to the party. He circled, pinched, and rubbed my clit as his hips jerked up, meeting my rhythmic moves."Oh, fuck. You'll be the end of me, Kasmine," he rolled his eyes, and I saw the raw pleasure in them.The pain and pleasure were so overwhelming that I thought it wouldn't end anytime soon. And it didn't. At least, not with Kester. Not when he fucked like he was collecting a debt I owed him.I was scared we might not be done by the time we reached the pack. I saw the familiar territory come into view. We were less than fifteen minutes away."Kester... We are close," I managed through ragged breaths and blurry eyes, but he only smirked."Scared mum and dad would see us fucking?" He asked, plunging into me so hard it felt like he was right in my chest.I leaned down and kissed him, cupping his face in my trembling hands as my release coiled tighter and hotter.He seemed to like it whenever I did that becaus
KASMINE.The car pulled over at the parking lot, and only then did I realize how much I had missed home. It's been a few weeks since I last visited.The pack was busy as usual, with people going about their usual activities.We arrived less than five minutes after our heated session. It took me a surprisingly short time to arrange my hair. My hands trembled as I adjusted my dress, smoothing out imaginary creases.I reached for the door handle, my fingers curling around it, ready to bolt—but before I could step out, a strong hand latched onto my arm, pulling me back.A breath hissed between my teeth."Let me go," I snapped, whipping around to glare at him.Kester's deep green eyes locked onto mine with an amusement that made my stomach churn."Behave yourself. Don't go showing everyone how angry you are, or they might begin to ask questions," his gaze fell from my eyes to the side of my lips where he had bitten, and something dark crossed his eyes.His tongue darted out to wet his lowe
KESTER."Leave us," I said to Lance, James, and Dylan.They hesitated for a fraction of a second—perhaps debating whether it was wise to leave me alone with her. But one deathly look from me sent them moving. The door clicked shut behind them.I leaned back, studying her as she moved with that aura about her—the kind that suggested she belonged anywhere she pleased.She sat down.Bold of her.I hadn't even offered her a seat."It's been a while," she mused, tilting her head just slightly, her gaze raking over me. "You've grown into a fine young man, Kester."Her voice was smooth, like fine silk wrapped around a blade.Her short, blonde hair still looked as silky as I remembered, only, this time, it was more well taken care of. Because the last time I had that hair wrapped in my hands, it took a good number of able-bodied men to tear her away from my grip. I left it in a mess."Good thing you've had your hair fixed, Karina," I murmured, my tone as empty as my patience, "I see your hair
KASMINE.I stood before the Leropita Psychiatric Hospital for over five minutes, unable to make a decision whether I wanted to go in or not.The building seemed too cold and clinical, with its pale grey walls and tall glass windows that reflected nothing but the dull, overcast sky. It smelled like rain was coming, the wind carrying the sharp smell of damp pavement and antiseptic.My fingers curled tightly around the strap of my handbag.Would they even let me access Kester's files?Would I find what I was looking for?My hands suddenly became clammy, and my heart picked up speed as I stared at the entrance of the hospital.It was a bit too quiet, too.Of course, not many people experience mental issues every single day. At least, so I thought.I exhaled, shoving the doubt aside.I clutched my handbag closely, the strap sitting tightly on my shoulder as I entered the premises.The lobby was cleaner than I expected, almost disturbingly pristine. The walls were white, the floors polished
KASMINE."Excuse me, ma'am," I called out, stepping back up to the desk.She exhaled, rolling her eyes like I was the biggest inconvenience of her day. "Yes, Kasmine," she drawled, her voice laced with exhaustion. "What now?"I dropped the file on the desk between us. "These records aren't… sufficient." I tapped the thin folder with my fingertips, keeping my voice steady even as irritation licked at my nerves. "Some vital information seems to be missing. Is there a mix-up somewhere?"She didn't even pretend to care. Her eyes flicked to the file, then back to me, her expression blank with careful disinterest."This is all there is on Kester Hamilton's records," she said flatly. "I'm sorry."The apology was false, lacking any real sincerity. It only fueled the slow burn of frustration rising in my chest.I leaned in slightly. "I'd like to speak to someone else. A doctor. Someone who was actually in charge of his case."I was also losing my patience. I didn't know what game she was playi
KESTER.June's laughter followed after the silence.I didn't react.But I felt the slow burn crawling up my spine. It wasn't anger or fear. Just a quiet, dangerous fucking fury that pressed like cold steel behind my ribs."You think I'm stupid?" she asked, lifting her head, chin tilted with a smirk that told me she thought she'd won.I didn't answer. I just looked at her."I've seen the signs for months, honey," she continued. "Hell, I saw the signs long before you can ever even imagine. But I said nothing."I tilted my head just slightly. "What signs?"She laughed again, slowly walking away from the table, pacing like she was giving a TED talk about betrayal. "Don't play dumb, Kester. You know exactly what the fuck I'm talking about."My silence was its own kind of answer.She turned sharply. "You've been fucking your stepsister."I didn't flinch. I didn't give her the satisfaction. But my hand curled into a fist by my side."I saw you," she continued, almost as if she was cutting he
KESTER."What's going on, Kes?" June's heels clicked on the marble floor as she walked toward the mini bar, her reflection glinting off the glass cabinetry as she poured herself into the room like she had truly become a part of the home.I didn't even turn to face her. I didn't look up. My fingers curled around the crystal glass of whiskey, my eyes fixed on the ice slowly melting inside it with lethal quietness.I was thinking of when would be the best time to go and get my mate and take her back home. When would the best time be to shatter the illusion of freedom she thought she had? This afternoon? Or tonight?June was just one final piece on the board. One final checkmark before I cleaned the house.Karina - check.Wescor and Belinzo - check.Kex and the fake Elvris - double-check.Ongoing deal with the real Elvris - check.Alpha Mellors' irrevocable contract - check.June - about to be checkmated."I just saw the news about Karina. This is... Who would have ever thought?" She drop
KESTER.Her eyes darted from the screen to Jorja, to Dad, to me. Searching for a reaction or for someone to tell her this was all just a bad dream.No one said a word.Not even Jorja—Queen of Constant Commentary. She stood frozen, one manicured hand on her chest, the other under her chin as she watched the show."Here." She said, regaining some boldness. "You can check my phone. I never sent such a text to anyone." She handed the phone over to Lance, who navigated through her text messaging app. After a few seconds, he flashed the screen in her direction, and I swear, her eyes almost fell out of their sockets.The text messages were there on her phone. The dates showed that she had sent the text just two days ago."No. No." She shook her head, "There is... There is a mix-up here. I can't recall doing any of these... No." She was trembling, taking slow steps backward. "Someone must've… drugged me or set me up or something. This isn't—this isn't fair."Fair?I almost laughed.She looked
KESTER.I didn't waste a single second. The moment Jorja spun on her heel, I was right behind her.She was fuming, and that said a lot.Jorja valued image above breath itself. Her obsession with appearances had governed every move she'd ever made. She hated anything that would ruin her image or that of her family.So, if she looked like she wanted to throw someone through a window, I knew the situation was beautiful.No wonder Kasmine was really scared about our secret. With a mother like this? Shame was a goddamn religion."Good morning, Alpha," The five men greeted in unison.I peeped outside and caught sight of two matte-black vans and a Hilux parked on the driveway.A few more men flanked the vehicles, securing the perimeter. And, of course, a curious audience who wouldn't miss the spectacle for anything in the world had begun to form.The icing on the cake? The news reporters were here to cover the spectacle. I'm certain her mate, Alpha Wes, would have a wonderful time watching h
KESTER."Kester? Aren't you concerned that your sister just left without a word?" My father said to me as soon as I stepped into the house.I'd spent the night in my office, tying up every thread, smoothing out every wrinkle in my plan. Today was execution day. Every piece was falling neatly into place—Karina included. And once that was done, my company and my Alpha title would be secured, solidified, and untouchable. Then I can go get my mate and take her back to our home, and we'll live in peace.Things had never been this perfect before.Everything was aligned, gliding forward on greased rails.Suspiciously perfect? Maybe.But perfection isn't impossible—not when you have the right brain and a flawlessly loyal right-hand man like Norlan. With Norlan, even impossibilities get scheduled and signed off.The intervention team should be pulling up any minute now. And June proposed to visit tomorrow. I didn't stop her. She had to be here for me to end things with her."She's fine. No one
KESTER.The one thing the Moon Goddess had ever done right was chaining Kasmine to me with something she couldn't undo. Something she didn't choose and didn't have a choice in.Fate.I should worship the Moon Goddess for it. For once, she wasn't playing games. She gave me the one thing I ever wanted, the one thing that was mine.And Kasmine… sweet, confused, little Kasmine… she still thought she had a say in all this.I know exactly what's spinning in that pretty head of hers. She thinks the next step is rejection. She thinks that the bond we share is something she can sever with a few muttered words and teary eyes.That has to be the funniest fucking thing I've ever imagined. Because let the world split open, and the Draegor himself crawl out of the pit of hell to rule this earth—I would never reject my fated mate.Fuck.'My. Fated. Mate.' The sound of it made a dance erupt in my stomach.I couldn't believe this was happening, in all honesty.I didn't plan on telling anyone yet. We
KASMINE.My legs propelled me before my brain had the time to think. I ran as fast as I could into the crowd.All I could feel was him. That magnetic, horrifying pull closing in like a vice around my ribs.I reached for Jake and pulled him by his arm. He was the closest person I could find. Claire was nowhere to be found."Jake. Jake. Come." I couldn't even form the words I wanted to say."What—babe, what's going on?" he stammered, confused, half-turning toward me.I didn't answer. I just yanked him with everything I had, dragging him out of the crowd and into the parking lot like the devil himself was behind us.Because he was.I felt Kester's presence closing in on us like smoke. It was so fast that my heart almost jumped out of my mouth.His scent grew stronger, too. And it was mixed with fury and danger.Panic clawed up my throat."Jake!" I practically threw myself into the passenger seat of his car—the old, beat-up piece of junk his uncle barely lets him drive. I didn't care. I s
KASMINE.The crowd grew still.I tilted my head back and stared up at the sky. The moon was almost there—gliding slowly and painfully toward the center of the heavens. It wasn't full tonight. Just a gentle crescent. But that didn't matter. Everyone knew—on your twenty-first birthday, the second the moon touched the center of the sky, the magic awakened. The wolf either came—or it didn't.My chest rose and fell quickly.Almost there.Almost.Then—It happened.A sharp, stabbing pain shot through my spine like lightning. My legs buckled. I hit the ground hard, knees slamming into the grass as my hands dug into the earth.A scream tore from my throat before I could stop it.It felt like fire was eating me from the inside out. Like my skin was being peeled, my bones shattered and glued back together wrong. I could hear them—cracking, shifting, snapping—over and over again like a thousand sticks breaking at once.I couldn't breathe.I couldn't even think.I was writhing and gasping, my body
KASMINE."Hey babe," A voice sounded behind me as a warm hand wrapped around my waist from behind.I almost jumped out of my skin."Jake! You scared me!" I sighed, placing my hand against my chest.He chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. "Why would you be scared in a hall full of people?" he teased, cocking his head with that soft smirk he always wore when he was trying to make me forget how broken things really were. "No one can hurt you here. Relax."I tried. I really did.He looked cute tonight, in that signature Jake style—white trousers, snug black T-shirt... Casual. Clean. Boy-next-door handsome. The kind of look that once made me feel butterflies just from catching his scent.Now? The butterflies were barely breathing. Limp-winged. Exhausted.I forced a smile. Forced the ache in my gut to turn into warmth, to find something—anything—in me that still fluttered for him."Cheer up, babe," he said gently, his thumb brushing the side of my arm. "You look go