EMMELINE POV For days, I had been packing the new belongings I'd received as Lord Cedric's concubine into his chambers, just as he had instructed me. The servants all gave me disapproving stares, but none dared confront me, fearing that Lord Cedric would behead them if they crossed me. As Elara and I finished packing, we sat on the bed, panting heavily. "This is the last of it," Elara told me. I used the back of my hand to wipe the sweat off my forehead. Elara turned to me with a curious glint in her eyes. "Everybody is saying that you have seduced Lord Cedric." I frowned, skeptical. "How could someone like me seduce Lord Cedric? He has seen so many women." Elara scoffed, "You're a fair lady, though due to circumstances, you had to serve as a maid in the manor. Your skin is soft as silk." I laughed at her words, but there was no denying the truth in them. Without bragging, I knew I stood out from the other servants in the manor - not just because of my physical appearance, but als
CEDRIC POV "Lord Cedric, the carriage has arrived," Marci informed me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I dismissed him with a wave as I left my room and walked to the waiting carriage outside.We were headed to Dowin to meet with Alpha Venus, the city's duke, who shared my hatred for the Council. I aimed to secure his alliance with my pack. If Lord Carlos decided to remove my pack from the treaty, I would need at least one alliance with a werewolf pack.The carriage was warm, thanks to the lamp inside, as winter had already set in in Dowin. I had chosen a plain carriage to avoid drawing attention to myself and blend in as a commoner.Marci and I climbed in, and the coachman urged the horses forward. My aunt would oversee the manor as my second-in-command until my return. Hours passed, and we remained on the road, but I could sense our proximity to Dowin due to the increasing cold."Any specific information I would need to know about Alpha Venus that will help us?" I asked Marci, seeki
EMMELINE POV The warm sunlight streaming through the window illuminated my face, and the sweet melody of birds chirping in the trees outside gently roused me from my slumber. I lay still for a moment, disoriented, before realizing I was still in bed, clad in the same attire I had worn the previous night. A flush of embarrassment spread across my cheeks as memories of the master's calloused hands on my bare skin flooded my mind.I shook my head vigorously, attempting to dispel the unwanted, sultry thoughts that clouded my mind. Gratitude washed over me as I realized I had awoken without the master's presence in my room. I wasn't sure how I would have handled the embarrassment of facing him after the events of the previous night.A soft knock at the door broke the silence, drawing me out of my reverie. I glanced towards the door, noticing that it wasn't locked. "Come in," I called out, my voice slightly husky from sleep.Elara entered with a bright smile, carrying a basin filled with
CEDRIC’S POVThe journey back to Elgin proved to be a grueling one, with the heavy snowfall in Dowin slowing our progress. Despite Venus's initial hostility, he had graciously provided us with a carriage, which had allowed us to take shelter at his manor the previous night.As I rode in the carriage, Marci noticed my chapped lips and handed me a luxurious fur coat. "My Lord, please wear this," he suggested. I gratefully accepted, wrapping the coat around me. The extra layer of warmth was a welcome relief.Given the simplicity of our carriage – deliberately chosen to avoid drawing attention to ourselves – there wasn't enough space for me to lie down. I stretched my legs out as far as I could, trying to get comfortable.Hours passed, and the carriage continued to move steadily along. Marci dozed off, his head bent forward. As the temperature rose, I shed the fur coat, no longer needing its warmth.I leaned forward, calling out to the coachman, "Hey, how much longer before we reach Elgin
CEDRIC’S POV It's been two days since I rescued Emmeline from the dungeon, but to my surprise, she still hasn't woken up. The physician suspects poison, but strangely, she couldn't find any traces of it. I've kept Emmeline in my room, refusing to let anyone near her. I just can't trust that someone won't try to harm her.Just then, Alfred, my personal guard, interrupted my thoughts. "My Lord, Beta Colima is in the lounge, insisting on seeing you today."I've been avoiding my aunt, unsure if I can control my temper after what she did to Emmeline. "Tell her to leave," I instructed Alfred. "I'll see her when I'm ready."Alfred hesitated, his eyes narrowing as if there was something he wasn't telling me. "Speak, Alfred!" I commanded."Alpha Anthony Robbins of the Moonlight Pack is with her," he revealed."What!" I exclaimed, alarm rising within me. Why would my aunt invite a member of the Council to my manor without warning me? I dismissed Alfred, instructing him to inform our guests th
EMMELINE 'S POV It had been days since I'd woken up, and my recovery process had taken longer than expected. I suspected poisoning due to the prolonged recovery time, but since no one had entered the dungeon after the guards locked it, I doubted my theory.Now back in my room in Lord Cedric's chambers, I felt relieved to no longer be under constant surveillance. "Lady Emmeline," Juliet said, bowing as she set the tray on the table.I smiled, turning to her. "Please, Juliet, just call me Emmeline. No need for formalities."Juliet let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the goddess! Calling you Lady Emmeline makes you seem old."I burst out laughing at her words. Only my parents and Nima had ever called me by my name; everyone else had addressed me as Lady Emmeline since childhood.Since my return to my room, Juliet had been serving me more often, and we'd grown acquainted. She wasn't a bad company, and I found her pleasant.Juliet helped me out of bed and handed me a cup of cinnamon tea, my
CEDRIC'S POV I settled into my throne, listening intently as Marci read out the message from Lord Carlos. The annual Blood Moon festival, a grand ball where supernatural creatures of Elgin mingled, was to take place tomorrow night. And I was invited."Why would he invite me?" I asked Marci, curiosity getting the better of me. As a rogue wolf, I was deemed a disgrace to the goddess and never received invitations to such ceremonious occasions.Marci folded the scroll, his expression thoughtful. "I'm certain he's up to something." I sighed, rubbing my forehead. It was too early for this headache.Marci's eyes widened as if a thought had struck him. "Why don't you ask Ava?" My frown deepened at the mention of her name. "And why would I do that?"Marci's tone was matter-of-fact. "We all know Ava fancies you, but she'd never admit it because you're a rogue." I shook my head. "I won't ask her anything. She's obviously spying for her father.”Marci opened his mouth to counter my words, but a
EMMELINE 'S POV Since July's revelation about a traitor collaborating with the witches of Archane, Lord Cedric had been on high alert. Secret investigations were underway to avoid alerting the culprit. Elara helped me fix my hair, noticing my somber mood. "Why so gloomy?" she asked. I merely sighed, bound by Lord Cedric's warning to keep July's words and identity confidential. Rumors in Dogar hinted that blood witches, like July, were highly sought after for their unparalleled strength. Many coveted ownership of them. As Juliet entered with a tray of food, July followed closely behind, her cold, intimidating gaze unsettling me. "Here's your food, Emmeline," Juliet said, hastily departing to attend to Mistress Colima's summons. July sat beside me on the bed, earning a deep frown from Elara. "Don't you have any respect for the mistress?" she asked. I calmingly touched Elara's hand. "It's fine; we're all... friends." But calling July my friend felt odd, given the chilly aura surroun
Cedric's POV Marci announced, "I have prepared the horses." I closed my book, and we both headed to the gates. Today was the emergency Council meeting Marci had arranged. It had been three days since the attack; the pack had moved on, and all activities continued as if nothing had happened.As rogue wolves, we aren't as attached to each other as other werewolves. So, it doesn't take long for us to move on when a pack mate dies. My horse, Kaelos, was standing next to Marci's horse. I smiled as I petted his ears, and he neighed at my touch."Hello, you taunting beast," I teased, as he leaned into my touch. These past months had been hectic, and I hadn't had time to go running with my horse. We mounted the horses and set off to the Council house, located in the main town of Elgin."It feels just like old times, eh?" Marci chimed, as our horses ran at the same pace. Kaelos, being a show-off, ran faster when he heard Marci's words. I was grateful; I didn't have the energy to listen to le
EMMELINE'S POV The crowd held its collective breath as the figure stumbled out of the cage. It resembled a werewolf, but its body was grotesquely twisted, with half of it rotting away. The creature's shriek was like nothing we'd ever heard before - it sent shivers down our spines.Cedric stepped forward, his eyes devoid of emotion. "What are you?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with a hint of curiosity.The creature lifted its head, making strange, inhuman noises. Cedric called out to Marci, who promptly handed him a sword. Blood oozed from the creature's eyes as it mouthed a word to Grace, who looked like she was about to collapse."What is it saying?" Cedric asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. Tears streamed down Grace's face as she struggled to answer."It's a rogue wolf, my lord... Lord Santo's experiments turned him into this..." Grace muttered, her voice trembling as she looked at me with sadness.I felt a lump form in my throat as I bit my lip to hold back tear
Cedric's POV Marci and I had spent several nights at the pack borders. I had received intel that a coven of witches was headed to my pack. I suspected it had to do with Juliet, who, even after undergoing a series of gruesome tortures, had refused to speak. It was both admirable and disheartening. If I could get someone like Juliet to work for me, I knew she would never betray me. However, it was disheartening because I needed to know what was coming for my pack.With a sigh, I headed back to the tent that the Warriors had set up for me, with Marci trailing behind me. "My lord, are you sure about this information?" Marci asked, concern etched on his face. "We've been camping here for days."I nodded adamantly. "Grace doesn't say things she's not sure about!" Marci sighed in frustration. "I'm just concerned because we don't have enough resources to camp here another night." I stomped my foot on the ground. "Fine, then tell the Warriors to gather the tent. We're leaving." Marci grinne
EMMELINE'S POV Waking up beside Cedric had become a regular occurrence since my escape from Lord Carlos's manor. I felt a gentle kiss on my forehead and opened my eyes to find Cedric standing above me, a warm smile on his face."Good morning, mate," he said, his voice low and soothing.I muttered a greeting, my voice still husky from sleep. Cedric, on the other hand, looked every inch the noble lord in his shiny gold robe and black pants. He exuded an air of confidence and handsomeness that made my heart skip a beat."I'm heading to the pack borders," he informed me, turning to leave. "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone."I was taken aback by his consideration in keeping me informed about his plans. This newfound attitude was both endearing and unsettling. Our interactions had become surprisingly calm and normal, leaving my omega heart leaping with joy."Stay safe...mate," I whispered, hesitant to express my concern.But to my surprise, Cedric turned to me with a gentle smile. "You t
Cedric's POV I gazed at Emmeline's unconscious form, my eyes fixed on her as the physician tended to her head injury. The physician's words barely registered, "She just needs plenty of rest, she'll be fine."I hummed a response, my attention still focused on Emmeline. The physician bowed and departed, leaving me alone with my thoughts.As sunrise cast its glow over the manor, the bustling sounds of the household staff filled the air. I hadn't slept a wink since Emmeline's return last night, my concern for her well-being unsettling.Grace entered with a tray of food, bowing as she greeted me. "Greetings, my lord. How is Lady Emmeline today?"I walked to the window, my eyes drifting toward the gardens. "Still unconscious, but the physician assures me she'll recover."Grace sighed in relief. "Thank the goddess she's alright. I heard from our spy that the guests spent hours searching for her."I turned to Grace, my interest piqued. "Is it done?"Grace nodded. "Beta Colima informed me tha
EMMELINE'S POV "Wake up, brat!" A scream pierced my eardrums, jolting me awake. I was startled, my heart racing with fear. My eyes fluttered open, but darkness enveloped me. A blindfold constricted my vision, and my hands were bound behind my back. Panic set in, making my breath come in short gasps.The sound of chattering and laughter mocked me, adding to my distress. A hand grasped my hair, yanking it harshly. I screamed in pain, "Please let me go!"A scorching slap landed on my right cheek, sending shockwaves through my face. "Watch your tongue, traitor," a female voice spat. The voice was familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.Footsteps circled me, and my blindfold was ripped off. I blinked, adjusting to the light. "Look up, wretch!" the voice commanded.As I lifted my gaze, my eyes met the cold, calculating stares of Lady Ava and Beta Colima. My frown deepened in confusion. "Beta...Colima, what's happening?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.Ava scoffed, shaking her hea
EMMELINE'S POV A gentle tap on my back roused me from sleep. I opened my eyes to find a figure looming over me, but the face was unfamiliar. Panic set in, and I sat up abruptly. The girl took a step back, giving me space."Good evening, Lady Emmeline," she said slowly. "My name is Grace, and I'll be serving you today."I frowned, annoyance etched on my face. "Where are Elara and July?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. I couldn't bring myself to ask about Juliet, not after what I'd witnessed.Grace's expression turned somber. "Lord Cedric took all the maids who serve you to the dungeon for interrogations."I screamed in shock, "What! Why would he do something so outrageous?"Grace shook her head, "I apologize, my lady, but I don't have any answers to that question."I waved her off, noticing that Grace looked like a teenager, no older than eighteen. She didn't carry the scent of a werewolf or a witch."What are you?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.Grace bit her l
CEDRIC'S POV I stumbled through the corridors, my legs heavy with the weight of too much liquor. The day's revelry with Lily and Emma had been a futile attempt to distract myself from the ache within. My alpha had been wailing, begging me to seek out our omega, but I'd resisted, stubbornly clinging to my pride.As I climbed the stairs, my foot missed the step, and I braced myself for the impact. But instead of falling, I felt a gentle grasp, steadying me."My lord, you're drunk," Emmeline's voice whispered, laced with concern. Her hands wrapped around my waist, guiding me upward.My heart swelled, pounding in my chest like a drum. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt a spark of happiness. The liquor must have been clouding my judgment, because all I wanted was to bask in Emmeline's presence."Why are you staring at me like that?" Emmeline asked, her eyes searching mine as she dismissed my guards.I muttered a half-truth, "I'm just surprised to see you, that's all.
EMMELINE'S POV I sat by the window, lost in thought, as I silently watched the guards and maids go about their day. My mind was consumed by the recurring thought of my mate, Cedric. It was no secret that he'd been avoiding me. For an entire week, I hadn't seen him, received no message, no nothing. The silence was deafening, and I couldn't help but feel used.Like a delicate flower crushed by a careless hand, my heart felt bruised and battered. I'd given myself to him, surrendering to the primal desires that burned between us. But now, I felt like a common whore, used to satisfy his sexual desires rather than cherished as his mate.Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gazed out the window, the beauty of the day a stark contrast to the ugliness I felt inside. I'd asked for this, I reminded myself. I'd known that Cedric was a complicated, brooding man. But a little care, a little kindness, wouldn't have gone amiss.The dark circles under my eyes were a testament to my sleepl