Celeste.We kissed so intently and deeply. I've never kissed someone like this before. I felt a spark of hidden desires within me burst open when Zeke's lips made contact with mine. And he just tastes like a slice of heaven straight from my dreams. I nibbled on his lips, and in return, he bit mine, savoring my taste as if there was no tomorrow. And after we stopped kissing, I tasted blood, not caring if it was mine or his. We're both breathing heavily. His eyes shimmered with a golden hue as he casually brushed my hair away, his attention fixated on the visible mark on my neck. The next second, Zeke lunged at me, his mouth clasped on the mark bond.I gasped, and I quickly covered my mouth with my hand in shock."Stop-"He didn't listen to me. I couldn't move as his strength overpowered me, trapping me against him. There's no way to escape anymore."Stop it- please.." I didn't want to plead, but the voice that came out was so feeble that I didn't even recognize this part of myself.
Catrina. Now I get why everyone calls this event a grand ball. I've never been to such a fancy place in my life. This place used to be a castle, so it's no surprise that every part of the building exudes royalty and luxury. As we walked in, I couldn't help but hold my breath, gripped Theo's arm tightly to calm my growing nervesI had been very calm and impatient on the way here but once I got here I couldn't help but feel my heart racing like crazy. Especially when I remember that u practically violated Carlo's order by coming here. All he knows is that I'm at the manor right now, locked in my room. If he saw me here among the crowds of guests, he would be so furious.The mask I wore on my face felt useless when I saw everyone's attention was immediately on us as soon as we walked through the entrance. 'Calm down, Catrina. I arrived with one of the high-ranking Lycans, so it's no surprise that the other guests immediately noticed you' I tried to convince myself that what they were s
CatrinaAs soon as they began dancing, it was like the other couples cleared a path, making a spotlight just for Carlo and Celeste. I could see the vivid disappointment in the eyes of the other females who were probably hoping for a chance to be with him tonight. The scene in front of us was crystal clear - the alpha of the Blackthorn pack wasn't going to pick any of them because he had brought his partner tonight. A hybrid who was also skilled would be a perfect Luna for his pack. I clearly remember Morea telling me that Carlo picked Celeste as his partner because he didn't want to create drama among the alphas or pack members who had suggested their daughters for him to take to the ball. But it was becoming increasingly difficult to believe that. Staring at them right now, did he bring her because he had to? There almost didn't seem to be any coercion when Carlo brought Celeste to the dance floor. "Hey," Theo spoke and I saw that he followed the direction of my gaze. I noticed
Damien.I watched as the pretty little omega walked out of the hall.As soon as I noticed her expression, even though her face was hidden behind a mask, I could tell that she had just had a heated argument with my youngest brother. She appeared to be on the verge of tears as she uttered whatever the fuck she was saying. I mean, what did she expect from Theo? He's just a wimp and a chicken. Did he even really believe that by bringing her here, our parents would call off his engagement with that girl, his childhood friend?But now, considering how she looks tonight, I can't help but worry about what our parents might think about it.Her aura was very noticeable and instantly made the whole room turn their heads as she entered the venue. There was something else besides her natural scent that was already tantalising, something that I quickly realised was the scent of wolves who have the goddess' blessing.She is much more beautiful and seductive than the last time I saw her. Or was it th
Carlo. I hated the way the Alphas, the Lunas, and everyone else in the room started to stare at us as Celeste rested her hand on me. Celeste smiled slightly when the music started to play. She moved her body with the rythim. "Thank you for the dance, Alpha," she said, deliberately speaking in a not-quite-quiet voice that everyone around us could hear. She glanced at the females and smirked when she saw their expressions. "I always wonder when we are going to dance in a grand ball, and tonight you made my dreams come true." The Alphas and their daughters were disappointed at this sight. But besides that letdown, there were other means in that glance that could be misunderstood. They stared at Celeste with a calculating gaze, and I could tell what they were thinking. They seriously believe we're meant to be together. In reality, we're not. I still haven't found my mate again since that time I rejected Catrina, and what happened on that Azure moon night was just an accident. I let
Carlo.That made me angry. I felt like approaching them, and then what? Asking who was the woman that they were after—the one blessed by the goddess? That would just make me both possessive and silly. I'm pretty sure they already knew that this woman they were talking about was now staying in my pack. I never actually announced Catrina's blessing because I intended to keep it under wraps until we figured out our next steps. But, since she wasn't a member of my pack... I shouldn't have been bummed when the news somehow found its way to those outside of my pack, should I?And Catrina is the only one who has that blessing. Soon after tonight, I'm sure she'll start receiving letters from mateless males all across Dakota. We haven't talked since the day I told her she wasn't coming to this ball. She was furious and irate, and the entire time I've been feeling so guilty.She didn't want to talk or even see me, and I'm pretty sure that if she got the letters, she wouldn't bother letting me
Carlo.I was just about to leave the venue and go where Jonah was keeping watch with Zeke and the rest of my warriors when I spotted Celeste rushing towards me. She looked ghostly pale, and all the teasing she had been throwing my way was gone, replaced by genuine concern. I'm pretty sure it's because of the warning I just gave her brother. It's good that she realises her place and shouldn't be discussing my personal life. "Alpha, I apologise for what Amora said. Believe me, she never meant to offend you at all. And I promise you won't hear that from her again." She said it in a soft, pleading tone. I arched my brow; she cared about her sister, it seemed. Or did she just see how Damien dumped her sister in the middle of the dance floor and all the throngs and got the clear message too? If the Lycan could leave her sister at any time, then the two of them would be nothing. "I gave her mercy. Now, leave." I said. I didn't feel like going back into the hall anymore, and all I wante
Celeste.In an instant, I dropped my body and rolled to the side the moment Carlo's wolf took over. The huge black beast leaped into the air, causing a thunderous boom that reverberated through the air around us when he clashed with those creatures. The groyals were way more numerous than the rogues that attacked earlier today. The other warriors lunged and shifted midair. Attack those monsters in a blur of movement until I couldn't even tell who had the upper hand. But when the bodies started dropping one by one, I let out a huge sigh of relief, seeing that the dead bodies were wolves who were completely torn apart and already covered in scars. Not the bodies of Carlo's warriors. A groyals spots me, and it lunges in my direction. I held my breath. A warrior blocked its attack, and I immediately used that momentum to drag myself away. All around me was a mess and chaos, with almost no way out. There were warriors everywhere, battling these creatures.Damn, where did they come fr
Carlo.I inhaled from my cigarette, watching the smoke float into the air. I've been attempting to rid myself of this anger that's been consuming me, but unfortunately, my efforts have been in vain. All of Zeke's words, his act of betrayal, and the secrets he kept—I never expected him to do something like this.I would have killed him yesterday if Catrina's screams hadn't alerted the others to come. It took Jonah, Alex, and two other warriors to separate me from Zeke.I had already injured Zeke when they finally succeeded in separating us. As blood trickled from the deep gash I inflicted on his neck, dangerously close to his veins, I almost killed him..."Let me kill him," I growled, giving a warning that if they interfered, I might not hesitate to kill them too."What happened? Alpha, we didn't mean to interrupt or interfere, but...you could have killed him!""Just let it be. He deserved it," I answered.My gaze was sharp at Zeke. He didn't say anything. Of course, he had no explanat
Catrina."Is everything alright? I saw two wolves jump to you from the direction of the forest." Zeke and Carissa hurriedly approached us, catching our attention. "Yes. There's nothing to worry about." Carlo answered. "They're just rogues and their pups around here, but Catrina senses that the female is pregnant. So, it seems like we'll be welcoming a new member to our pack soon." Carlo's sentence brought a comforting feeling to my chest, as he genuinely considered my suggestion, which I truly appreciated.'Thank you so much,' I smiled and said through our link.'Anything for you.'Carissa grinned, mirroring Zeke's proud expression. He turned to me and exclaimed, "Cat, you're a true Luna that any pack would be lucky to have! Not only are you powerful, but your attention to detail like this will provide them with a feeling of safety.""Thanks, that was so kind," I said to him.I noticed Zeke and Carlo exchange glances, and I realized that they were communicating through the link. Ze
CatrinaI sensed Carlo's presence in the dining room without even glancing at the door, as his intoxicating smell wafted towards me. I immediately rushed towards him, and he pulled me closer by my waist. We kissed, savoring the moment without any sense of urgency. The way he kisses me and expresses his emotions always brings me so much joy and makes me feel incredibly loved. He didn't just kiss me when he wanted sex."The food is ready..." Mathilda announced, capturing the attention of the men.There are also some warriors, Carlo's closest confidant, who brought along their mate. Fortunately, we prepared a generous amount of food, so it seems we'll be able to enjoy a delightful meal this morning. "Come one, come on.""I'm already so peckish," Jonah murmured.Carlo invited the others to take a seat. They promptly made their way to the dining table and began helping themselves to the delicious spread of food."Invite Edna to join too." Carlo said to an Omega, then asked me, "Is Lacie aw
Catrina.Three days later...After freshening up and changing my outfit, I made my way to the kitchen, drawn by the joyful sounds of laughter and conversation. Today was a vibrant morning, with the sun shining brightly. From the open window, the air carried the delightful fragrance of flowers from the garden and the mouthwatering aroma of cooking from the stove.Carissa stood next to the stove and seemed to be stirring something in a pot. It must be a soup—a flavorful and aromatic soup that is full of richness..."I already have a feeling it will be really good." I walked over.Edna looks after Lacie in the living room. Morea glanced at the oven, noticing the cake batter she had recently placed inside. It seemed she had planned to bake a cake this morning. Meanwhile, Mathilda set up multiple utensils and placed them neatly on the dining table."Let me help," I offered, retrieving a sleek bowl from the cupboard and placing it on the dining table."Didn't I mention that you could come
ZekeThat's how it all unfolded, like in a whirlwind. I took a few steps back. As I shifted back into my human self, my mouth was moist, and the metallic tang of blood remained. I'm feeling queasy. I shifted my gaze elsewhere, avoiding the sight of what I had just done.Celeste remained still. Indeed, I have just ended her life.Catrina sprinted towards me, her voice lost in the wind as she appeared before me in an instant. She violently shook my shoulder and said, "Zeke! You hear me?"Carlo came closer. His face was filled with so much emotion that I couldn't explain what it was, but it was clear that there was anger. He ordered me not to kill Celeste because we promised her death in front of all Dakota.But I didn't listen to what he ordered. So it's understandable that he's angry. Carlo assisted Catrina in getting to her feet. I saw how she was shocked and shaking, and I felt guilty. Alex, Jonah, and the others are showing similar expressions.They looked like they couldn't believ
Catrina After providing Luna and her puppies with some comforting words and assuring them that we would soon locate Celeste and ensure her safety, I made my way back to Carlo. The Lunas and pups have been returned to their respective packs, while the Alphas remain here. They had a meeting at the manor, and afterward, the tasks were divided. To ensure that we would find her as soon as possible, they dispersed to every corner of Dakota until she was discovered. When I came back and make my way to the meeting room only Damien remained. He and Carlo appeared to be engaged in a heated discussion until the entire room was enveloped by their intense aura. "Your mate freed that witch; now I want to hear what you will do to account for this?" Damien growled; his face looked annoyed and angry when Carlo said that Amora was his mate. "I've rejected her; she's no longer my mate. But I'll make sure to kill her as soon as I find her." "Regardless of whether she is your mate or not, you are w
Celeste"Is something wrong?"Amora's voice made me turn to her. I just shook my head. She's come this far; she must have had a hard time getting past all of the guards and security that Carlo set. To finally be able to free myself from the prison that locked me up, so I wouldn't worry about her just because of this silly little thought.But somehow it was hard not to look back when I could feel Zeke approaching.'Just keep moving. If he finds out you escaped, what will he take other than ending your life?' I reminded myself to take a step forward and face the facts.Just like Carlo Zeke, he wouldn't forgive me if he found out I escaped, especially what I did to him. I've betrayed him so badly that he would kill me at any chance he had.If I had to answer what I felt at the moment, I decided to betray him and make all the help he gave seem meaningless. The pain I felt was indescribable. If it's possible, I'd prefer not to do all of that."Sister," Amora said, gently placing her hand o
ZekeAfter they successfully marked each other, I observed Catrina leading Carlo toward the exit, and they eventually departed from the venue. Several eyes checked them out, and several let out whistles. There's no one stopping them, as we all know they deserve their privacy tonight.Well, finally. I convinced myself that I was happy for both of them. Carlo finally realized his feelings for her all this time, yeah, even though it was a bit late, and Catrina finally got what she deserved all along.They will be together forever, as Luna and Alpha rule this pack. And their descendants will continue their legacy. I know this pack will be even better knowing it is in the right hands.I shifted my attention to a few couples moving on the dance floor. Morea joined them with a man from another pack. A voice called out from behind me,"Do you think he could be the right person for her?" Carissa asked. With a smile on her face, she brought over two glasses of wine and kindly offered one to me
Carlo.Even though I had already made sure that there would be a high level of security at our marking ceremony tonight, how can I still detect their presence nearby? That should be impossible.I know that Catrina also noticed the same thing since, the very next second, she allowed her power to make a shield that encircled us. It formed a barrier of protection in the same way that those monsters emerge from the shadows. Their appearance is exactly the same as it was before, with unsightly scars covering their entire body in every spot.They must have sensed our aura, so they followed us here. I remember that some of our prisoners are in the state of dying; they might die in the dungeon, but there's no way they can transform into these creatures without Celeste's magic.Celeste is locked up in a specially designed, isolated prison, which, as Catrina claims, has sealed her powers. Celeste shouldn't be able to do this.Has she managed to escape? But how is that possible?Catrina summons