"Oh, Uncle. He's not to be trusted!" "Yes, he's lycan, but he's not a bad person, Keira," he replied. "Even if he is, being on our side benefits us greatly, I tell you." I didn't say anything further because I feared that Uncle Felix would sense something and figure out that we kissed. "Now I think you should take a quick shower before Elder Paula or Zoey comes near you. You don't want the latter spreading false rumors or the elder making a case out of nothing." I nodded as he walked off. Then I rushed to quickly wash off before returning to the party. Once I entered the grand hall again, Nox was gone. **** Sometime later, all the guests had left and the servant were cleaning up. I sat by the window of my bedchamber, feeling spent. Good thing the day was finally ending. Liam strode out of the walk-in closet with his eyes on me.We hadn't said a word to each other since my uncle interrupted us. Even though I was the relatively quiet type, one year of marriage must have taught h
Nox POVThe Pine was Keira Gray's wine company, which she inherited from her father. They were the only wine producers and suppliers in all of the Eastside. Not only do they cater to the needs of all the packs in the region, they also worked and traded with the humans in the surrounding towns. The three story building of the Pine sat by the edge of a hill with a large vineyard and factory behind it. I strolled towards the sliding glass doors, assessing the place with my senses to determine what was going on inside.It was a Monday, so too many people were coming and going. Humans and werewolves were all over the place. Keira may or may not be in there. From Theo's report, she minded the pack while the husband handled the company.Images of last time's kiss filled my mind. Eleven days had gone by since then. It felt like the kiss happened only yesterday even though my wolf was fussing like we hadn't seen her in a year. I still could wrap my head around the facts. Was she pretending n
Earlier that day, Keira POV The beast's lips were on mine. My palms laid flat on his firm, muscled chest. Rather than push him away like I meant to, my fingers moved ever so slightly, enjoying the feel of his muscles as his lips teased mine. This was wrong. He was not my husband nor Alpha. Yet I couldn't stop him. I had never been kissed like this before. His hand moved over my bare flesh, making me lose all of my will to resist. His lips began to trail my neck downwards. When he cupped my breast and kneaded it with his thumb, I jerked awake. It was Liam who laid close to me. He licked his lips while watching me with darkened eyes. Then he moved closer to my side of the bed. "Babe," he whispered. "You were dreaming about me, weren't you?" I began to sit up, feeling so ashamed. Did I moan in my sleep? Goddess, I hoped not. He reached out and wrapped his arms around me, dropping a kiss on my shoulder blade. His touch felt intrusive. I gently tried to get out of his embra
My first instinct was to tell him where I was. To get him to meet me at the library in the middle of town. I regained my senses quickly and asked instead, "What do we need to talk about? What do you want?" "Brunch," he replied. "That's all I want for now. Let's meet. I can you pick you up right away." "I'm busy, Alpha Nox. If you have something to say, you can say it over the phone." "We should talk in person." "I'm afraid I can't allow that." "I see. You think I'll try to kiss you again. Look, I'm sorry for my behaviour that day. It was wrong to harass you like that. I was..." he trailed off. My grip on the phone had gotten tighter. I wanted him to go on. Even talking over the phone was nearly as dangerous, I decided. All of my insides tingled at the mere sound of his voice. Maybe I should hang up. "I'm sorry to ambush you like that," he went on. "I shouldn't have kissed you. It was disrespectful. And inconsiderate." I was at a loss for words. He'd just done the resp
Keira POV The sight before me was strange at first. I couldn't immediately decipher it. The situation only became clear as the two muttered curses while fumbling with their clothes. So many things came to mind to say but all I could do was turn around. Liam was still struggling with his zipper as I walked back out and shut the door. Images of our entire one year of marriage began to replay before me. Beginning from the most recent incident on our wedding anniversary. The working late. The sneaking in at midnight and rushing straight to the bathroom for a shower. The texting and whispered phone calls. He'd been having an affair? With Belle Faust? I walked mindlessly, not sure where I was headed. Terry, his assistant, appeared. "Luna, good morning," he greeted. I didn't have the sense of mind to respond. Then I heard the office door open and soon felt Liam behind me. I glanced around and was amazed at how neat and straightlaced he appeared. His shirt and tie were set neatly now. L
Alpha Nox "I want every little detail you can lay hands on," I said to Theo. "About the Pine AND the entire pack. I want every tiny, insignificant piece of information about her. I mean... yeah, her!" "Are you talking about the Luna," Theo asked gently. I didn't care that he was watching me carefully. "Yes! The Luna," I said. Maybe I should invade the Spring Moon. Because how else could we resolve anything if Keira Gray refused to see or talk to me? Force was the only solution in my head at the moment. Maybe that was the only language understand she would respond to. "I'm already checking like you asked right after her anniversary," Theo informed. "Her pack is guarded. They're definitely hiding something. But I'm close to uncovering their secret. I have a source." "Who? Mrs Faust?" I asked. "We can't trust her. She wants a mate for her daughter. And didn't you say she's not cooperative?" "She was friendlier the last time we talked. I expect her to call anytime." I tried
Alpha NoxMrs Faust left soon after she spilled the secret of the Spring Moon. Theo and I sat wordlessly in the study for a long time before he asked, "What's the plan?" He looked ready for my orders. But I couldn't act on what I just learned yet. Not in the way he expected. I needed more information. Mrs Faust had revealed that something was allegedly wrong. She hadn't merely offered a lead on my background check."It'll be too easy and swift to take them," Theo said. "As easy as Silver lake pack. Remember those?""They're not a small pack like that, Theo. We can't be hasty."Also Mrs Faust was hiding something. I didn't trust her."I want you to get me all you can find on Zoey Faust.""Yes, Alpha.""I have to go to the Spring Moon for a friendly visit."Moments later, I set out to go to the Spring Moon to see Felix Gray. At least, he would be my excuse for this particular visit. Keira would undoubtedly be around. I would find a way to get alone to talk.I soon reached their lands,
Keira POV When I opened my eyes, I was on a hospital bed with Doctor Glass standing over me. The relief in her expression brought everything back. I'd argued with Liam and was about to attack when I passed out at the sight of my claws. "You're awake, Luna," the doctor said with a kind smile. I tried to sit up but she rushed to my side quickly. "Take it easy." "What the hell happened?" "Please, lie still," she said as she gently push me back down. "You passed out. According to Yara, you and Alpha Liam were talking when you suddenly screamed. She and Conan rushed to the chamber and found you lying on the floor." I recalled how Liam had denied cheating. A new wave of anger stirred inside me and I let my head fall back to calm down. He'd insisted that I saw wrong. How was that possible? I couldn't be losing my mind, could I? "Your clothes were shredded when they brought you in," said the doctor. "You tried to shift? Luna, we talked about this. I thought you understand how d
Nox POVTheo gave me a look that meant that he could see my anticipation and restlessness. I didn't care that it was showing. I looked around the conference room. Everyone else was focused on the projector.Then I stood up, causing the human to pause his presentation. All eyes turned to me in the conference room."Oh, carry on," I said to the guy. "Mister Crowe is right here. Oh, Miss Faust, you may see me briefly for the rest of the introductions.""Yes, sir," she replied, rising eagerly. I preferred Alpha, but for the sake of the few humans in our midst, the wolves referred to me as sir sometimes. It was hard to get used to it. Why in the hell did that good-for-nothing Liam put humans in management? I shook the thought of him off. He was irrelevant now. Keira and I had bonded. Their marriage was already void as far as I was concerned. Now, all that was left was for her wolf to show up and call me Mate.That would happen soon. Her healing had begun. It could even happen before the
Keira POV After the meal, Nox had to leave to handle pack and business matters immediately. The doctor stuck around, sharing a few jokes about his Alpha and Autumn Moon. I felt much more clear-headed and less shaken after the meal and chit chat. Then I went to look for Uncle Felix, who was also detained as he was a member of the house and one of the few who had direct access to me.Pavlov was with me all the time. As I made my way to meet my uncle, I decided that the person I really wanted to look in the eye was Liam. The one who was my husband for a whole year. I couldn't believe that he had a hand in poisoning me. But then he had the most to gain from keeping my wolf weak and in hibernation.Uncle Felix was detained in one of the cells on the second floor. Other elders were also held in some of the cells. I had no interest in talking to any of them except my blooded relative.I stopped when I reached the door of the cell. The warrior had already opened the small gate for me to g
Keira POVAt some point, after all the others had gone, Nox left to go oversee some things. I was happy to be alone in the quietness of my thoughts, but his absence brought an emptiness that made my heart ached.After washing up for the evening, I climbed the bed and sat there, thinking about my whole life until I fell asleep. My dreams were bittersweet, but I lost all memories of them the moment I opened my eyes the next day.I had freshened up and was combing my hair when a gentle knock came on the door. I stood up from the dresser as Nox's voice came through,"Keira, it's me. The doctor is here.""Come in," I replied.The door opened, and he walked in with another werewolf. A tall but lanky male around his age. He had warm brown eyes and a friendly air about him. "This is Doctor Jack Servius," Nox said. The male gave a gentle smile and came forward, holding out his right hand."Hi, Luna," he greeted. "We've actually met, but you were asleep then."I raised a brow, and Nox suppl
Keira POVAs Nox spoke, a calm assurance settled upon me. I couldn't shake off the feeling. His tone rang with intimacy and tenderness. Last night's incident returned to me in the midst of the turmoil as I watched him. I did not feel weird or ashamed about what we did at all. In this moment, it felt right that he was telling me these things. It felt like he was my male, taking care of me. Of course, these thoughts and feelings may all be Aria's. But it only proved that she felt the bond. She recognized him as Mate. If only she would summon the strength to rise and call out to him."You won't put anything in your mouth. You don't touch anything. Until it's cleared!" He said. "Conan and one of mine are checking your room. They have a poison detector.""Conan? My Gamma?""Yes," he replied gently. "He begged to help."Not long ago, I'd considered that he might be an accomplice. But the news of him helping lift my spirit slightly. "How did you know?" I asked him. "You got here before we
Keira POVTen years ago, I was attacked, and my wolf took ill. My dad didn't stop at torturing all of the warriors on duty that day. One of the warriors went missing before the torturing began. After the heavy interrogation, the other five were demoted to mere guards and not allowed near the main house to date. Two amongst the warriors on duty were still locked up in the dungeon to this day.The culprit was never found. From the chilling news that I had just learned, that evil one was not done with me yet. I sat silently across from the doctors, thinking of all that happened after my accident. The two seemed to be waiting for me to take in the news.My mind continued to shuffle all of the faces I saw often around my house. Then something occurred to me.Rita Glass. My doctor. She was around my age and took over after her father retired four years ago. I'd had my regular checkup with her for the last four years now."How long have you known?" My question was directed at her. Fear
Keira POVI watched Pavlov, checking for any indication that he knew about my attempted treason with Liam. His face remained gentle as he said, "Decide where you'd like to go, and I'll take you there." "I'd like to go to the hospital," I said. "Dandelion. I need to see the doctor." The smile faded from the warrior's face. All expressions vanished. I knew then that I was on track about where to find Liam. He was hospitalized. Of course, he was. "You said I can go anywhere, Pavlov!" I reminded him. "Anywhere but near the former Alpha," he replied. "That's the order.""Uh, I wanna go to the hospital, not to meet him!""He's getting treatment after an... accident last night. Once he's better and they bring him back here, I'll take you to Dandelion." "I'm not going there to see him," I argued. It was partly true. I needed to have Doctor Glass check me out. Surely, she would have something to say about this feeling inside me. The fact that Nox called out my wolf's name yesterday too
Keira POVNox did not stop as Liam's wolf snarled at us. In spite of the situation before me, I could not prevent my feminine core from tightening around his manhood, let alone push him off me. He slammed into me one last time as he breathed,"Exquisite." His eyes were on Liam, who now charged towards us with claws and fangs hanging out.I rose up, struggling to cover myself with the torn pieces of clothes all around me. Nox pulled out of me, then bared his teeth at the approaching angry wolf.Then he half-shifted. At the same time, Liam lunged at him, but he caught the blow, wrapping one strong hand with thick claws around Liam's throat."Monster! Rãpist!" Liam cursed. His voice was hoarsed as he struggled to breathe while bleeding and healing. And bleeding some more."You forced her." He gritted.I should be trying to put an end to the fight, but I couldn't look at the both of them. Not only that, the fight didn't last longer than a moment. Liam dropped to the floor, panting for b
Keira POVIt was the middle of the night. Pavlov was nowhere near, so was all other Autumn werewolves. At least, it seemed so. I had successfully opened the door and was now out in the hallway. The tiled floor was cool beneath my feet as I tiptoe towards the library. Why had I never thought about that door until today? It was a door that was hardly ever used. I should have snuck through it to the guest quarters many times. After all, the place was not out of bounds to me, like going outside or around the pack.If they had been letting me sit there to read, that meant the door was locked. Or they didn't yet know about it. The latter was unlikely.Well, if it was locked, that shouldn't be a problem as U continued towards the library. I tightened my grip on my tiny pocket knife. Liam and I needed to talk. We had to discuss all the consequences of his plans. Apart from that, I couldn't sleep tonight. I was restless as hell. My body felt different. I felt so not myself ever since Nox t
Nox POVAfter washing up and changing my clothes, I decided to head to my study to do a bit of work for the evening. As I stepped into the hallway, a funny feeling rose inside of me. An omega was just coming out of Keira's room. I had seen the guy a few times, so I walked faster to catch up with him. I didn't miss how pale he got when he saw me coming his way. He looked like he wanted to run away. "Noel, is it?" I asked him. He jumped at the sound of my voice. I could hear the thundering sound of his heartbeat. The stench of his fear filled the whole place, making me slightly nauseous. "Y...yes, Alpha," he stuttered, lowering his head. The signs he gave off proved that Mario was on to something. The new Chief Warrior was observant. He reported that this very omega was the same guy who used to work closely with Liam Rudd. Even now, after the invasion, he stuck close to the guest quarters, running errands and doing chores for some of the "guests." I noted the beads of sweat on