I lay on the bed, eyes open throughout the night. I did not even bother sleeping.My mind kept racing back to what Luca said. Merlin had been almost attacked. I Hope Lexie was okay. At four o'clock I stood up and started pacing around the room. Once it was five o'clock I would go to Lexie’s house.Confused thoughts ran through me. Merlin has never been attacked. Up until now, I had succeeded in keeping Merlin a secret from everyone.No one knew about him. So how come the first night I spent in the palace, they attacked him?It only meant someone knew about Merlin's father. The only person who knew about it was Luca.Could Luca be the one who tried to hurt him? I mean how did he know he was about to be attacked?No. Luca would never want to hurt me.“He might not want to hurt you but remember he is Russell's enemy. His anger might hurt Merlin,” my wolf said.This was the first time she was talking to me since the night they unlocked her. I smiled with courage, I now had someone to b
Russell POVKnock!Knock!Knock!The loud knock on my door interrupted my sleep. I looked at the time I was just five o'clock in the morning.What could be so urgent that they had come to knock on my door?It better be something reasonable. I rubbed off the sleep from my eyelid and went to open the door.I met Alberto, the head of the palace guard, panting. Several beads of sweat dropped off his head.“What is the matter?” I asked as I closed my door behind me.He bowed his head “Two of our men were killed”“What?” I asked my voice low with surprise.“Are we under attack?” I asked“No.” They were the ones you appointed at the gate. Rose woke up a few minutes ago to go out, and we refused as you instructed,” he said and paused for a while.Goosebumps filled my skin. Could it be that Rose was the one who killed them?But she looked too innocent for that.“She went back and came out with Luca. They told him what you said and he told them to leave the gate. When they refused, he shot the bo
Rose POV.When we entered the palace and met the Alpha waiting for us. My heart sank deep into the depths of my stomach.They had followed us. How much information did they get?Did they find out about me and Merlin?What were they going to do?Did they trace Luca's car to Benedicta's house?To confirm my fear, the Alpha asked, “Why did the both of you visit a witch today?”It only meant one thing. They had found out that Luca had gone to visit Benedicta.But Benedicta was not old. She was a middle-aged woman. In her early fifties.If they knew that she was a witch it meant that they were going to kill her.I looked at Luca who seemed to care less about what they said. Many thoughts ran through my mind as I tried to fathom the reason why he seemed so unbothered.Did he allow them to see him?Gosh! Benedicta was the only parental figure in my life. I could not lose her.Immediately he confirmed that it was Sabrina, I heaved a sigh., I think Russell noticed my reaction because he immed
Russell's POVI stood rotted in my spot after I kissed Rose and nothing happened.Like no connection, nothing happened. Adrenaline rushed through my spine as my chest tightened.She was not my mate. The moon goddess had refused to remate us together after I had rejected her.Then who was her mate and who was my mate? Although I still feel drawn to her. I did not know why.I looked at her face which shone with a smile. She was really happy that she was not mated to me.I am meant to feel the same way, too, but a pang of sadness, missed with fear, gripped me.She looked at Luca, whose eyes shone with relief. Were they mated together and refused to tell anyone?I stood at the edge of the hall where they used to hold the ceremony. I watched as dignified people walked in.Alpha and Luna are accompanied by their Betta. I searched for Rose but she was not in the crowd. Maybe she went to change her clothes.I sipped my wine as I smiled at the some familiar faces I looked at the time it was
Rose POVThe room was silent, dead silent; gunshots continued outside until they died down, and all this time, I stood by the back of the library shelf. My back was pressed against the shelf.They came to get me, maybe use me as bait to make Russell do something for them since he was my mate. What they did not know was that Russell hated me.He would see their attack as good riddance to bad rubbish but that was not my main problem.The main issue for me was that I had a mate. A mate from an enemy pack. I did not know what position he obtained in the pack.All I knew was that he saved me, he let me live and he promised to get me. This meant that in no time, there might be a war between two packs just because of me. Not because Russell cared but because it would hurt his ego to let another take his Luna.After all, he did not have a Luna.The door clicked open, and someone entered inside. I peeped through the frame and it was Luca.“Rose, are you here?” He whispered, looking around, st
Rose POVMy heart sank into my stomach at the sight of Finn in my room, not just in my room, but on my bed, and not only was he in my bed, he was shirtless. Displaying his godly abs.“What are you doing here,” I asked in a whisper. It was meant to come as a bold threatening voice.He was our enemy, even though he was our mate. His father wanted my head.Could it be that he came to take me secretly, lure me out of the palace maybe fuck me once or twice, and then kill me.Different thoughts ran through my mind. The air in the room became so thick that I could not breathe, beads of sweat laced on my forehead.He stood up from the bed and walked towards me. I bent my head in fear, and my hands trembled.His two middle fingers found my chin as he lifted my head to him making me stare at him.All the fear vanished, it was replaced by a burning sensation that crept on my skin as I looked at his dark blue eyes.“Breath” he ordered slowly.I inhaled and exhaled for a while trying my best to co
Russell's father was dead. He was killed by Leo, Finn's beta. The same Finn who was my mate. The same Finn who had been in my room and kissed me.Here I thought he risked his life to see me. I suddenly felt dirty and used. He did not come here because he valued me. He came to my room to pass the time while his friend killed my Alpha.He knew he would be safe with me. After all, I was his mate. No one would come here so he let himself play with my feelings.I curled my palms into a fist as anger swept through me.“Did you see him?” Luca asked me. His eyes were red with anger. Russell’s father was the only one whom he had on his side.Even though he committed such an atrocity he still welcomed him when he came back. Losing him must have been painful to him.I shook my head “No. I don't even know who he is”Luca sniffed around the room. I sucked in my breath. Hope he did not smell him. I would be dead. It would mean I harbored a killer in my room.Luca's eyes reduced to a split, he glanc
Russell POVImmediately I found out that Rose was not my mate, and my heart sank into the depths of my stomach. I knew I was in an impending doom. It seems that the moon goddess has decided to punish me.Truth be told, I wanted Rose to be my mate again. The concept of Luca or someone else having her did not just sit well with me but I said nothing or did nothing.Now she was my Luna, and my father was dead, and she was not my mate, neither was I her mate.If I am being honest I knew that the Bloodhound Pack was going to attack. I did not just know it would be on the day of our coronation.They not only attacked us, they decided to kill my father when they did not see Rose.My heart burned with raw anger for them. The fact that they had killed him on his bed was most insulting.I sat beside my father staring at his dead ash body. I swallowed whatever lump was in my throat. Hate it or not, he had been my father. All the skills I had learned had been from him.Now he is gone. Gone with h
Luca's POVThe day had finally arrived. The day I had waited for, dreamed of and worked tirelessly to see come to fruition. My wedding day. As I stood at the altar in the grand cathedral, sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the marble floor. The air was heavy with the scent of roses and lavender, a symbol of unity for our clans.Guests from both sides filled the pews, their once-hostile gazes now softened by the promise of peace. Today wasn’t just about Rose and me—it was about forging a bond that would unite two warring clans into one.And then, the doors opened, and there she was.Rose. My bride. My queen.She walked down the aisle with a grace that stole my breath. Her gown was exquisite, flowing like liquid light, and her eyes were locked on mine. At that moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us.When she reached me, I took her hands in mine, unable to suppress the smile tugging at my lips. “You’re breathtaking,” I whi
Alina’s POVThe hall was silent, the air heavy with tension as I sat at the head of the long table, my eyes locked on Russell. He stood before us, restrained by the pack sentinels, his once-confident demeanor reduced to a pale, trembling shadow of the man he used to be. He had no more lies to spin, no more manipulations to hide behind.The elders murmured amongst themselves, their voices a low hum in the background. I kept my gaze fixed on Russell, my emotions a whirlwind of anger, regret, and determination. This was justice—not just for Finn, but for Rose, for the pack, and myself.“Russell,” I began, my voice steady and commanding, “your actions have brought nothing but pain and destruction to this pack. You murdered Finn, framed Rose, and deceived me at every turn. Your betrayal runs deep, and for that, you must face the consequences of your actions.”He opened his mouth, perhaps to beg for mercy or spin another excuse, but I raised a hand to silence him. I couldn’t hear another wo
Jenny's POVBianca and I stood just outside Alina’s office door, our ears straining for any hint of what was happening inside. The confrontation we’d witnessed through the small crack in the door had left us both on edge. Russell had tied Alina up and left her helpless, and now we were ready to stop him before he could cause more harm.The door suddenly swung open, and Russell emerged, his expression a mix of panic and determination. He froze for a split second upon seeing us, then scowled.“Where are you off to in such a rush?” I asked, stepping into his path.Bianca crossed her arms, blocking his escape in the other direction.“Out of my way,” Russell growled, his voice low and threatening. “I don’t have time for this.”“Funny,” Bianca said, her tone sharp. “You didn’t seem to have time for anything else when you were tying up Alina a few minutes ago.”Russell’s face darkened, and he took a step forward, clearly ready to force his way through. But before he could make a move, the pa
Luca's POVThe sound of tires crunching gravel outside brought a wave of relief over me. My guys were back, and I had no doubt they’d completed the task. I walked to the window, watching as they stepped out of the van, one of them holding a small, padded case. A sense of accomplishment filled me.I opened the door before they even knocked, motioning for them to come in. The leader of the group, Matteo, handed me the case. “It’s done,” he said simply, his tone firm but respectful.“Good,” I replied, opening the case to inspect the contents. There it was—the gun Russell had so desperately tried to keep hidden. Its weight in my hand felt like the weight of victory.Matteo leaned closer. “What’s next, boss?”I placed the gun carefully on the table and turned to face him and the others. “Now we wait. Russell doesn’t know we’ve got the real weapon. For now, I want you all to lay low. No sudden movements. If Russell catches even a whiff of what we’re up to, he’ll disappear, and we can’t affo
Alina’s POVThe weight of responsibility bore down on me as I walked to my wardrobe and selected a long, formal gown in a deep shade of red. It was the color of power, of justice of finality. Today marked the end for Rose. Today, she would face judgment for her crime.Once dressed, I tied my hair back in a sleek bun and slipped on a pair of black heels. My reflection in the mirror stared back at me, fierce and composed, but inside, I felt a twinge of uncertainty. Shaking it off, I grabbed my phone and left my chambers.The dungeon was damp, the cold air biting against my skin as I walked down the dimly lit corridors. Rose sat in the far corner of her cell, her face pale but defiant. She didn’t look like someone who was about to face her end.“Get up,” I ordered, unlocking the cell door. My voice was clipped and firm.Rose stood slowly, her movements deliberate, as if mocking my authority. “So, it’s today,” she said, her voice calm.I ignored her tone, grabbing her arm and pulling her
Russell's POVThe moon hung high in the sky as I led Luca through the winding path behind my property. The forest was eerily silent, save for the crunch of leaves under our feet. My heart pounded in my chest, but my face betrayed none of my inner turmoil. This was all part of the plan, and I wasn’t about to let Luca suspect a thing.After a few minutes, I stopped abruptly. “It’s here,” I said, pointing to a spot on the ground.Luca stood back, arms crossed, his piercing gaze fixed on me. I ignored him and picked up the shovel I’d brought along, plunging it into the earth. The damp soil gave way easily as I dug, my muscles straining with each movement. Minutes felt like hours as the hole grew deeper until finally, the edge of a metal box came into view.I pulled it out, brushing the dirt off the surface before unlocking it. Inside was a gun—clean, shiny, and deliberately placed. I held it up for Luca to see.“Here it is,” I said, my voice even.Luca’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer
Russell’s POVThe tension in the air was suffocating as I stormed into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. My mind was spinning, the weight of the picture Luca had sent me pressing heavily on my chest. How had things spiraled so far out of control? I didn’t know what Luca thought he was doing, but whatever it was, it wasn’t going to end well for him.I yanked open my closet, grabbed a crisp shirt, and threw it on, my movements sharp and deliberate. My hands trembled slightly, but I pushed the unease aside. I needed to focus. If Luca wanted to play games, I’d play. But I’d make sure he regretted it.Just as I fastened the last button on my shirt, there was a knock at the door. I froze for a second, letting out a frustrated sigh before opening it. Alina stood there, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowing at me.“And where are you heading off to in such a rush?” she asked, her voice carrying a note of suspicion.“I need to get out for a bit,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “Clear
Benedicta’s POVI poured Merlin another glass of orange juice as he bit into his toast. His small hands fumbled to balance the slice, and I couldn’t help but smile. These quiet breakfasts with him had become my anchor amidst the storm that had engulfed our lives.“Mom’s taking too long to come back,” Merlin said, his voice tinged with the innocence of a child.I hesitated, setting my cup down. “She’ll be back soon,” I said softly, keeping my tone light. “She just had to travel for something important. But she’s coming back, Merlin. You’ll see her soon.”He nodded reluctantly, his little face pensive as he focused on his plate. Watching him like this made my chest tighten. He deserved none of this chaos, none of the lies or danger that had seeped into our home. I wanted so badly to protect him from all of it, but the secrets we kept were growing heavier by the day.Just as I reached for my coffee, the doorbell rang. My body stiffened instantly. Who could it be this early in the morning
Rose's POV The sound of the dungeon gate creaking open jolted me awake. My eyes snapped toward the iron bars, and I sat up on the cold, damp cot, my heart pounding. The rusted hinges screeched, echoing ominously in the silence of the room. A tall guard stepped in, followed by a maid clutching a tray of food.“Eat,” the maid said curtly, placing the tray on the ground with a loud thud. Her eyes were cold as they met mine. “You’ll need your strength for today. Lady Alina has plans for you.”My stomach twisted at her words, but I didn’t show it. I glared at her instead. “What plans?” I asked sharply.The maid smirked. “You’ll see soon enough,” she said. “After all, killers don’t deserve comfort.”“I didn’t kill anyone!” I shot back, the chains around my wrists clinking as I stood. My voice echoed in the small cell. “So, you better watch your mouth.”The maid laughed bitterly, her voice grating on my nerves. “Save your lies for someone who cares,” she said. “Everyone knows what you did.