ZAYLENI sat at the head of the expansive oak table, flanked by Elder Sophia, Elder Marcus, and other esteemed members whose wisdom was only matched by their concern etched deeply into their faces. The room buzzed with an anxious energy as everyone waited for me to reveal the latest developments."We have a critical update," I began, my voice carrying an urgency. I placed the premium, unreleased edition of Leonel's book on the table, its cover gleaming under the dim light of the council chamber. "This is the book we have found at the investigation site near a victim."The premium edition of Leonel's book lay before everyone, its pages holding secrets that could tip the scales in our favor—or lead to our downfall.Marcus leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “This could lead us somewhere."I nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. Not only have we secured the book, but we have also confirmed a troubling detail. The victims have all attended the same high school." I paused, letting the revelation
ZAYLENI couldn't bear the thought of losing Liana. The idea of something happening to her, of not being there when she needed me most, was unbearable. I had to find her.Without wasting another second, I grabbed my keys and bolted out of the door. The drive to the apartment we had shortlisted last night felt like an eternity, each passing second adding to the weight in my chest. My heart pounded in my ears, the sound of my pulse deafening.As I sped down the highway, my mind replayed every moment we had spent together — the laughter, the sadness — everything. It made my heart heavy with guilt that I hadn't been able to give her too much time in the past few days. It has already been hard to deal with that.The thought of a life without her was unimaginable. I couldn't lose her, not now, not ever.The city lights blurred past me, my focus solely on reaching her. I prayed silently, begging whatever higher power existed to keep her safe. The fear of the unknown gnawed at me, but I
LIANA"Seriously, Liana? Lara?" Zaylen's voice was sharp, almost disbelieving.I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "I have a strong feeling it's her—"He cut me off. "It can't be her.""Why not?" I challenged, meeting his gaze. "Lara is also a rogue werewolf, and she is strong too—""And what motive would she exactly have to go around murdering people?" he interrupted, frustration evident in his tone."Maybe she's trying to take revenge on me," I suggested, my voice trembling slightly but resolute. Zaylen laughed harshly, the sound cutting through the night air. "Revenge on you? Liana, these murders aren't even connected to you. What do you mean?"I could feel his disbelief like a weight on my chest, his words chipping away at my confidence. "Yes, I know," I started, my voice started to get shaky now because of his disbelief. "But she must know that I'm also a werewolf. We are sisters, Zaylen. There's some connection there."Zaylen shook his head, frustration evi
LIANAThe soft glow of the TV cast a gentle light across the cozy hotel room, which was perfect for a night of Netflix and solitude. Curled up under the warm duvet, I was halfway through an episode when a knock on the door interrupted the peaceful ambiance."Who is it?" I called out, not bothering to move from my comfortable nest on the bed."It's me, Zaylen," his voice came through the door.My heart sank a little at the sound of his name.What was he doing here now? What did he want? Was he here to lecture me again how dumb I sounded to him?My mood instantly soured. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I wanted to yell at him, of course, but that wouldn't be an adult way to handle things, now would it?"Go away!" I retorted, my voice firm but laced with a touch of hurt."Liana, I am so sorry. Please, let me in," Zaylen pleaded.Okay, so he wasn't here to lecture me again. That was a relief. If he were, I swear…I sighed, torn between wanting to stay mad and wanting to hear what
LIANAAs the credits rolled on the movie, I couldn't shake the lingering worry.My inner wolf didn’t talk to me yet and Zaylen could already figure it out with my expression. I turned to Zaylen, who was now sitting next to me on the bed, my brows furrowed with concern. "Zaylen, why wouldn’t my inner wolf talk to me? What should I do?""Liana, it's okay," he said, trying to soothe me. "Maybe, it's not that serious."I frowned, not convinced. "How come? A few minutes ago, you were so surprised that my inner wolf hadn't talked to me. This means it's not supposed to be something natural."He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, but don't worry. I think your inner wolf will talk to you soon enough.""But when?" I pouted, the uncertainty gnawing at me.Zaylen looked at me, his expression softening. He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "When the right time comes, don't worry," he said softly.Despite his comforting words, I still felt a lingering sadness. "Bu
LIANAI stirred in the warmth of Zaylen's embrace, feeling his strong arms around me. For a moment, I was content, safe in his protective hold. But something nagged at me, pulling me from the edges of sleep. With cautious movements, I slipped out of his arms, careful not to wake him. The room was dimly lit by the moonlight filtering through the curtains as I made my way to the balcony.The night air was cool against my skin as I settled into a chair, gazing up at the thin sliver of the moon hanging in the sky. Its pale light cast a melancholic glow over everything, as if it too carried the weight of unanswered questions."Hi, Moon Goddess," I whispered, the words feeling strange and foreign on my tongue. "You know, it's a little strange for me to suddenly start believing in you. But Zaylen and the others do. They have faith in you. And I… I have faith in them. So I will trust them on this as well."Leaning back, I let out a sigh, my breath mingling with the crisp night air. "They
LIANA“Well, it’s a very interesting thing,” Zaylen let out. “I think it's better if we sit and talk about it. I remember your feet hurting from dancing so much before we went to sleep.”I smiled at his words. He remembered every tiny detail. He was the perfect boyfriend one could ever ask for. I nodded and we sat on the balcony lounge chair, the cool midnight breeze brushing against my skin as I glanced nervously at Zaylen. His dark eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and affection, making my heart race.“So,” I began, trying to sound casual, “you were going to tell me about this ‘marking’ thing…”Zaylen’s lips curled into a playful smirk. “Yes. The infamous marking. The werewolves’ version of a commitment ceremony, minus the white dress and expensive cake.”I raised an eyebrow. “Does it involve any less bloodshed than your usual shenanigans?”“Depends,” he teased, stepping closer. “But for you, I promise to keep it as blood-free as possible.”I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s re
LIANAThe next day, I sat at my desk in the office, unable to shake the nagging feeling that Lara was behind all this. Every file I opened, every email I read, the thought kept creeping back into my mind. I wanted to ask Zaylen for help, but I knew he wouldn’t support this hunch without some legit evidence.I glanced around the office, my eyes scanning for someone who might be able to help. Just then, I spotted Sara entering the room, her presence sparking a sense of hope within me.I stood up and walked over to her. "Sara, can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked with an innocent smile.She looked up, a bit surprised but nodded. "Sure, Lia. What’s up?"“Actually, I need a tiny bit of help from you,” I uttered, grinning at her sheepishly.She arched an eyebrow, scanning my expression. “Are you sure it is a tiny help?” “Uh… well, first hear me out,” I urged.“Fine.” She pulled a chair and sat next to me. “Tell me. What do you have in your mind?” I sucked in a deep breath and starte
LIANAThe morning sun poured through the curtains, casting a gentle light across our bedroom. I woke up to the soft, familiar hum of the world outside, the sound of birds chirping in the distance. I turned to see Zaylen sleeping beside me, his face relaxed in peaceful slumber. The sight of him always filled me with a profound sense of contentment and love.I stretched, carefully sliding out of bed to avoid waking him. Today wasn’t just any day—it was a day I had looked forward to for a long time. The house was still, the calm before the storm of our bustling family life. I tiptoed down the hallway, my heart swelling with excitement as I made my way to the nursery.Our twins had brought a new kind of joy into our lives, their arrival a culmination of love and anticipation. The nursery was painted in soft pastel colors, with a cozy crib in the corner and shelves lined with toys and books. The gentle hum of the white noise machine filled the room, blending with the soft sunlight filte
LIANA It was mid-morning, and the office was bustling with the usual activity. The gentle hum of conversation and the clacking of keyboards filled the air, but I could barely focus on anything other than the growing discomfort and irritability that had become a constant companion over the past few weeks. I sat at my desk, my fingers drumming impatiently on the surface. The pile of paperwork before me seemed to mock my inability to concentrate. I sighed heavily, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. Zaylen, ever observant, noticed my agitation from his office. He appeared at my desk, a look of concern etched on his face. “Hey, baby. How’s it going?” I glanced up, trying to muster a polite smile. “Just peachy,” I said, though the words were more of a snarl than anything else. “If you consider battling an insurm
LIANA The next few days, I couldn’t shake a strange feeling. I was more tired than usual, and the scent of coffee, which I normally loved, was suddenly making me nauseous. Sara noticed my discomfort. “Liana, are you feeling okay?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “I’m fine, just a bit tired” I replied, trying to brush it off. “Been feeling nauseous and my head is pounding these last few days.” Sara gave me a knowing look. “Maybe you should take a pregnancy test.” I blinked, surprised by her suggestion. “A pregnancy test?” She nodded. “There might be a possibility.” The idea was both thrilling and terrifying. Could it be possible? I decided to take Sara’s advice to heart. During my lunch break, I headed to the pharmacy just a few blocks away. The fluorescent lights and the hum of the store seemed unusually bright as I picked out a pregnancy test kit. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I made my way back to the office, clutchin
LIANAThe past few months had flown by in a blissful haze. Our honeymoon had taken us from the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and finally, to the serene countryside of Tuscany. Each day had been filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But now, it was back to reality—our reality, where Zaylen and I were not only husband and wife but also Alpha and Luna, and for the time being, colleagues.I walked into the office, the familiar scent of coffee and paper filling the air. As I made my way to my desk, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves. This was our first day back after the long honeymoon, and though I was eager to dive back into work, I couldn’t ignore the butterflies in my stomach.Zaylen’s office door was slightly ajar, and as I passed by, I saw him sitting behind his desk, engrossed in a document. He looked up, catching my eye, and a slow, mischievous smile spread across his face.“Good morning, my Luna,” he called out, his
LIANAThe following morning, we decided to explore more of the city. After a quick breakfast, we set off to visit the Louvre Museum. As we walked through the grand halls, admiring the masterpieces, Zaylen kept me close, his hand never leaving mine."Look at this one," he said, pointing to a painting. "Doesn't it remind you of one of our dates?"“The one we had just before you proposed to me?” I asked to be sure. As he nodded, I laughed, remembering that endearing evening. "It does. We have come a long way, haven't we?""We have," he agreed, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "And I wouldn't change a thing."We continued our tour, losing ourselves in the beauty of the art and the history that surrounded us. As we exited the museum, we found a street vendor selling crepes. Zaylen insisted on buying one for each of us, and we sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the sweet treat."These are delicious," I said, licking a bit of Nutella from my fingers."Almost as sweet as you," Zaylen tea
LIANAThe Eiffel Tower stood tall and majestic against the twilight sky, its twinkling lights casting a romantic glow over the city of Paris. I marveled at the sight, my heart swelling with awe and excitement. Our long honeymoon had brought us from the tropical paradise of the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and I couldn't have been happier.Zaylen and I strolled hand in hand along the Seine River, the soft murmur of French conversations and the distant sound of street musicians creating a magical atmosphere. He looked dashing in a tailored suit, and I felt like a princess in my flowing dress."Isn't this beautiful?" I sighed, leaning my head on his shoulder."It is," he agreed, pressing a kiss to my temple. "But not as beautiful as you."I blushed, my heart fluttering at his words. "Always the charmer.""For you, always," he replied with a playful wink.As we walked, we passed a quaint café with outdoor seating. Zaylen tugged me toward it. "How about a little dessert?"
LIANAThe soft rustling of palm trees and the rhythmic lapping of waves greeted me as I stepped onto the sunlit balcony. The warm, salty breeze of the Maldives caressed my face, bringing with it a sense of serene contentment I hadn't felt in years. The crystal-clear waters stretched out endlessly, a shimmering expanse of turquoise that promised days of relaxation and intimate moments with Zaylen.I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes and letting the sounds of paradise envelop me. A gentle smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Zaylen still asleep in our villa, the man who had turned my world upside down in the best way possible."Liana?" Zaylen's voice, husky with sleep, reached me, making my heart flutter.I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his dark hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. He looked so different from the domineering, fierce leader I had first met. Here, he was just Zaylen, my husband, the man I loved with all my heart."Good morning, sle
LIANAToday was the day—the day Zaylen and I would finally stand before our loved ones, pledging our hearts to each other in marriage. The anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable, mingling with the fragrant scents of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves. Our wedding was set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the venue a picturesque garden that seemed to be alive with joy and celebration.The sun shone brightly, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The ceremony was to be held in a charming outdoor setting, with a floral arch adorned with cascading white roses and delicate greenery. The aisle, lined with white rose petals, led to a beautifully decorated altar where Zaylen and I would exchange our vows.I took a deep breath, feeling the flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach as I prepared to walk down the aisle. Noelle, radiating beauty even with her eight-month baby bump, adjusted her position next to me. She looked stunning in her deep emerald g
LIANAThe morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled light across the campsite. The soft, golden rays glinted off the sparkling surface of the waterfall, creating a mesmerizing display of light and water. The gentle roar of the falls provided a soothing soundtrack as the water cascaded into a clear, shimmering pool below.The campsite, nestled beside this natural wonder, was waking up with the day. The cool, fresh air carried the crisp scent of pine and morning dew. The grass was still damp from the night, and the tents stood slightly crumpled, evidence of a night spent in cozy slumber.Trevor, ever the early riser and mischief-maker, had a gleam in his eye as he set his plan into motion. He crept quietly towards Zaylen, who was enjoying a leisurely breakfast by the fire, unaware of the prank that was about to unfold. Trevor had filled a bucket with water and carefully rigged it to tip over when Zaylen’s chair was moved.I observed from a distance, sipping my