Eloise’s POV: Kaden smirked at my challenge. Everyone knew the Dark Alpha rarely gets any, but when he does, he makes sure nobody challenged him again.Least that’s what the rumors say.For years, I haven’t heard a single rumor about him back home. Alexandra run a silent and very private pack. For five years, we lived a pretty simple life. The only thing that set us apart from the other packs was that we trained hard. Every single day.Even now, I could see Kaden have yet to truly acknowledge the fact that I am an Alpha, a warrior among others.Let’s just prove it to him again, then. Adeline mused.My wolf isn’t afraid of anything. In fact, she was extremely thrilled to wipe the floor with her mate. I could tell she missed the wolf inside him.Rictus. Adeline spoke.His wolf’s name. She beamed. She sounded as if she just heard the name of her favorite food.You are speaking to him? I raised my brow at Adeline who simply nodded much too enthusiastically.He reached out to me first. H
Eloise's POV:It was dark outside and everyone seemed to have gone to their respective houses after a dinner cut short by their arrogant Alpha. When I passed by the main hall, my eyes subconsciously darted to a table. It was empty and plates of food had scattered on the floor. I felt my face heat and my body ache as if it remembered how the arrogant prick pinned us on that very surface, before I snapped out of it. Suddenly, a vile image that involved Kaden and I smashing more plates across the floor flew into my mind like a boomerang. My face turned even hotter as I willed my body and mind to stop collaborating with each other to makes things even more difficult than it is.Then, I stormed away from the dining hall and headed straight for the exit, only for a gush of wind to blow right into my face. Yet, I was grateful for it. It's as if the universe took it upon itself to slap me across the face when I couldn't.Within a minute, I stood out the porch with my eyes closed, instea
Eloise's POV:"sh*t!" I hissed the moment it lunged straight at me and out of the darkness it had blended in.How long had it been there?I could feel its eyes staring into me until now. As if by pure instinct, I jumped out of the way. My body turned back to face a wolf, slightly larger than Adeline by an inch. Its coat a magnificent gray with sparkling golden eyes as it stalked towards me, like a predator would its prey.Adeline growled menacingly, our canines bared and ears pointed downwards with caution, readying for him to attack. We could tell it was a male wolf, and Adeline snarled low in warning, yet also daring the wolf to come to her.One more step, and he's dead. She snarled. I nod to her in agreement, trusting in her strength and mine. We've clashed fangs with a lot more wolves with the same size, some even bigger. It was back when we were out guarding Alexandra's territory, and rogues would often come attacking border patrols while reeking high on lust. Rogue Alphas turn
Eloise's POV: Colton's wolf shielded me from the bloody sight. But I do not want his protection, nor do I need it. "Move." I command him, feeling dangerously close to unleashing my aura. He huffed, "No, luna. Cover your eyes, you shouldn't be seeing this," I didn't waste time to argue, ducked my head and jumped over his wolf. My paws landed gracefully on the ground when I heard more steps incoming. The moment I turn, I locked eyes with the largest wolf I have ever seen. Kaden. I knew it was him from the moment our eyes locked. Crimson red eyes burned into mine, lingering for a moment."Now I see why he's called the dark Alpha," Adeline murmured. I didn't acknowledge her thoughts and watched quietly as he turned his gaze to the situation at hand.I also couldn't help to see what she's coming from. Nightshade black wolf, one of the rarest colors among Alpha wolves and possessed only by those who are stronger.Believe me, there isn’t a part of me that did not want to gawk at his
You will do no such thing,” He growled out. His eyes darkened as he flashed his canines at Logan’s big, brown wolf.Half of the wolves who stayed behind quivered under their Alpha’s aura bursting out in waves in his anger.Logan, on the other hand, casually walked towards me, unperturbed of the Alpha’s dominating aura even as his wolf walked past him.Does he want a death sentence? Adeline asked in shock, but also amusement.I chuckled, but made no remark. When it comes to Logan, everything seems to be pretty easy. Whether it was training or even Alpha Kaden.After all, they are blood-related.“I don’t see why you have to make a big deal out of it, Kaden.” There’s a hint of playfulness in his tone.Suddenly, the link cut off, and their eyes glazed over, indicating they were having a private conversation to themselves.And there I stood, sandwiched between two big wolves who towered over me by a foot or two. One who wanted to chain me by my paw, and one who insists on keeping me accomp
Eloise's POV:Nora's face popped up in my screen. Her kind, gentle smile as charming and comforting as always, and it makes me feel a bit at ease to see a familiar face.She was wearing her silky nightgown with her hair secured around a towel, looking like she just got out of the shower."Now you decided to call," Nora smiled sarcastically. I sighed, "You have no idea. It's been awfully busy," I said.Nora nodded in understanding."I see. Well, tell me what you and Abbie have been up to," She squealed in excitement. I grimaced, before quickly covering up my sour expression with a smile plastered on my face. If only she knew what I had discovered so far...I just hope the issue with vampires stays in Moon Crest city. At least for now.I began filling her in with everything that happened up to now, leaving out the part where I realized my mother was practically a vampire now. Turned, but still a vampire. I also left out everything that may involve Kaden, especially since he basically
Eloise’s POV:My alarm woke me up sooner than I would have liked. I had an entire hour to myself before I needed to get up and get ready, so I decided to use the time wisely.I jumped out of bed and went straight to shower. Once I felt that I successfully cleaned myself, I wrapped the towel around my wet hair and strode out and into the closet.To my convenience, this hotel room was big enough to accommodate 2 large bedrooms and a private bathroom in each, as well as a private walk-in closet. Abbie was kind enough to set out my clothes and even hang them up when I had just thrown them all into a pile on the bed. I should remember to thank her when she comes back. Hopefully, with good news.I know I sent her out there like some agent from mission impossible, but I didn’t have any choice. She’s the only one I trusted with any information that could be related to my Mum. Part of the reason why I chose her to be my beta.I trusted her with my life. After all, she did save me once.I let m
Eloise’s POV:“Good morning, Alpha,” I nodded my head his way but he remained firm, fists digging into his pockets, not letting his eyes meet mine.I squinted at him. Isn’t he going to say something?That’s unusual. Adeline highlighted, just as curious.Usually, he would have grabbed my arm and demanded“We kind of have a situation,” Logan tapped my shoulder, making me spin to him.“What?”A silly smile reached Logan’s face as we walked to the front of the hotel.“We brought our own cars,” he said, making me snap my eyes to the parking lot. It was packed, and I turn to him with a questioning look, not knowing which one he was talking about.He nodded to a sleek, black jeep facing our direction. “That’s Kaden’s,”Then he turned his head to an old beat-up truck parked on the jeep’s right, “And that’s mine,” he smiled.The sound of a car door slamming closed pulled my attention back to the jeep. My eyes narrowed, as I caught sight of a green-eyed blonde slipping out of Kaden’s car.What
I hear Kaden chuckle, but I ignore him. Thankfully, he does not say anything as we make our way to our table."Alpha, luna," an omega whose name I recall would be Vera, stepped toward us. Her head bowed in full submission.I resist the urge to roll my eyes. How many times do I have to say it?"I am not your luna, I'm--""Alpha Eloise," Kaden continues, looking at the omega with a firm gaze. The omega freezes and looks at me furrowing her brows."From now on, you will address her with the proper title. Do you understand?" His voice thundered across the hall."And that goes for every single one of you." He echoed, before a collective roar of 'Yes, Alpha' reverberated through the walls."I'm sorry, Alpha Eloise. It won't happen again," Vera cranes her neck, baring it to me in submission.I nod to her, "It's alright. You may go."When she left, I catch her glance back at me. But I was already looking at Kaden, mesmerized."Thank you," I tell him, and he smiles."You are an alpha first, th
Eloise’s POV:“Let’s go.” I look at his hand, then take it, allowing him to lift me to my feet before we walk out the door, side by side. My heart felt light and warm with his hand wrapped tightly around mine.“Where are we going?” I ask him, and a smile curls on his lip.“Don’t you want to see your friend?”My eyes lit up at the mention of Abbie. I have been worried about her, and the conditions she is in when Kaden opens a door just to my right.Kaden gestures me to enter so I did, and the moment I reach a few steps my eyes caught sight of Abbie.“Abbie!” My breath caught in my throat as I practically make a beeline straight towards her on the bed. To my surprise when I walked in, she’d been squinting at the huge TV, in her hand a remote and had been switching the channels with a deep frown on her face.“Oof,” she blew out a breath as our chests collided. “Eloise, you’re squishing me,” she grunts, and I immediately let go of her before looking her up and down, checking for any kind
153Eloise’s POV:Kaden promised to let me see Abbie, on one condition. I have to meet with my father and get him to let me see Mum.“How do I know you won’t hurt her?” I ask, searching his eyes. I want to know.Kaden pins me with his dark gaze, and slowly he lifts my chin to meet his orbs. They had turned pitch-black which means his wolf has surfaced.“He won’t.” a deeper, huskier voice rasps, making me gasp. It was his wolf speaking.Dark, dangerous eyes peers into me, leaving a burning sensation down my spine. A familiar feeling.“What’s your name?” I ask, looking at his wolf. I have barely seen him in action, and my wolf’s growing curiosity at what he looked like was killing her inside.“Rictus,” he says his name was, as he looks at me like he wants to devour me whole.‘Gladly. Hell, I’ll even offer myself up to him,’ Adeline snorts, and I roll my eyes at her comment. Horny-ass wolf.“I promise you, my human may appear all tough and stubborn, but he’s kind and wants to protect you
Kaden’s POV:I wipe the tears from her eyes. The hurt flashing across them tells me I may not be the only one who feels regret. We both made mistakes. But now, all I want is to gain her full trust. I want to show her I can be her mate, to support her, protect her, and love her all the days of my life. I want to give my life to her and our pups if that means keeping them safe.“I will protect you, protect our pups.” I say with determination and promise, “That is,” I lean down and move closer until our foreheads press together, “If you let me?”Eloise slowly lifts her head, staring up at me and searching for even the slightest hesitation in my eyes. But I could feel her own fade away as she bit her lip, and damn, did I want to crash mine against hers.“Okay,” she finally says.One word. Soft. Fragile. But it shatters me inside out like a damn grenade.I exhale shakily, pressing my forehead harder against hers, memorizing this moment because I know it’s everything. It’s Eloise, my Eloise
151Eloise’s POV:The sight of him being vulnerable, losing control beside me makes my heart clench. As I watch his lower lip tremble, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. It felt like stealing a part of his life. One I can never give back.A lump forms in my throat. I swallow, instantly feeling the dryness of it in my tongue as I drown in my own guilt.“They’re beautiful,” he says finally, his voice hoarse. “F*cking beautiful,” he chuckles, wiping the tears off his face as if to get a grip.I nod, “They are,”Kaden takes his eyes off the screen for a minute and looks at me. I bite the inside of my cheeks, holding his gaze. There is an intensity in it that made knots in my stomach. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.Until he rips his gaze away and I let out a breath.“Are there more?” he asks, in a gut-wrenchingly polite way. His eyes move between our triplets back and forth.I press my lips in a line, and we both focus on the screen before I show him other pictures of them growing up
Eloise’s POV:We make our way back to the grounds. I’m relieved Kaden at least saw through the wolf for who he is. A man, and for years, he’d been lost after losing his mate and unborn pup. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how he felt that day, when the rogues clamped their teeth around her belly and ripped it out of her. Even now, outside that memory, I can see it. All the blood, and his hands covered in Maya’s blood and his unborn pup’s, makes my heart break.I couldn’t imagine my life without my pups. They are everything, and I would give my last breath for them in a blink.Still, the anguish and excruciating pain he felt was devastating. He lost everything, and I couldn’t help but feel, in some way, how it must have felt for Kaden.I glance at Kaden walking by my side. He had been awful silent for a while ever since Walter shifted. I noted the shock on his face, but his lips had been sealed shut.Logan left to run some errands, but before he left he winked at me and smiled, earnin
Kaden’s POV:Eloise’s body is flush against mine. I could feel Logan’s piercing gaze glare holes into the back of my head, but he’s the last thing I should worry about right now. I’ve just witnessed my mate search through a rogue’s memory, which is near to impossible, unheard of. I can tell by the way her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Also by the way the wolf whimpered and his eyes flicker like his life had flashed before him. And also because Rictus told me.But how could this be? Even Rictus have no idea. But something else stirs inside me, unsettled.Eloise sobs into my chest. Her body shaking uncontrollably.I lift her chin with my finger, whispering sweet nothings into her ear before she lifts her eyes, locking onto mine.“Tell me,” I rasp, “What did you see?”Her bottom lip quivers before she finally speaks, and proceeds to tell me everything. Apparently, this wolf right here is beta to some unknown pack. And her pregnant mate was attacked by rogues who had the unquenchab
Eloise's POV:Kaden slits his eyes and looks at me, "Eloise," "No." I glue my feet to the ground, letting him know I am not going anywhere until he listens.Why does he want me to leave so bad?"You have to listen,"Kaden moves his gaze between me and Logan who tosses a knowing smirk my way.Kaden sighs, "Fine." He grunts.Logan gives me a nod, and I turn back to the wolf, Walter.I extend my hand, slipping it between the bars which inevitably elicits a growl from Kaden. I shoot him a glare and he does not move, but his eyes are glued to my hand, preparing for the worst.Before I can place my hand on the wolf's fur, he leaned forward, pushing his forehead onto my hand instead. The moment my fingertips brushed his fur, my eyes roll to the back of my head as I am transported to a place where my feet is rooted to the grass. I felt my soul leave my body as visions began to flash before my eyes in nanoseconds, but I feel as if I am right there.I blink, opening my eyes slowly. When I look
Eloise’s POV:The cells is probably the filthiest place in the pack house. While everything above these old cages are filled with luxurious pieces from floor to the damn ceiling, everything down here gathers dust and filth. What’s more, I feel like the prisoners here were plucked and tossed into the pit of the abyss, never to be seen or heard from again. And it reeks of blood and feces that can never be seen clearly as not a single ray of sunlight touches these dark cells.Is this what the rumors were all about when they labeled Kaden as the notorious, merciless alpha ever known?I can’t believe this. I can’t believe him.I step towards the cell Logan has brought me to see, and I duck my head to see the same wolf who took my side unexpectedly that day I was attacked in the forest.“Hello,” I speak out, trying to reach him. He was still in wolf form, curled up facing the far wall.“Can I talk to you just for a second?” As my eyes focus on his form, I furrow my brows when I see blood co