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
CarloAll the guests, my warriors, and everyone at tonight's ball have gathered in a massive crowd at the exact spot where I believe Catrina is. Jonah had already closed the link before I even had time to ask. I zoomed from the woods back to the ball quickly, and as I got closer to the venue, one thing was obvious to all my senses: her scent.I could smell her all around; I was sure it wasn't a hallucination. It came from her and filled the air, making it hard for me to concentrate, but I made an effort to stay alert so I could find her quickly. I moved back to the other side of the venue's terrace, and as soon as I arrived, the crowd quickly split to make room. I made my way through to get a closer look, and what I saw made me clench my jaw in an instant. Catrina was passed out on the floor, pale, with her eyes shut tight.Kneeling a few metres away from her was Damien, badly injured. Blood stained his dark clothes, particularly on his chest. It leaked onto his finger, even though h
CarloI want to bring Kiara back to the manor, away from all this chaos and all these bastards who are trying to claim her, my woman, as their own. But Alex just links to me, saying that the attacks are still ongoing and they need us to be here.'At least with you here, they can be assured of safety, Alpha.' I clenched my teeth. I couldn't just leave everyone who was already present in this ball, terrified by the terror of those fuckers. This was my duty and my responsibility, and I had sworn to my father and all the previous Alpha Blackthorn pack members that I would always carry on their legacies. I bring Catrina to one of the rooms upstairs and lay her down on the bed. Then I order a maid to call for a healer who happens to be a guest at one of the parties. I gave her a space, allowing the healer to assess her condition. "She's good, Alpha. I didn't find any internal injuries. She passed out because of the intense shock and pressure she must have experienced for the first time
CatrinaI couldn't remember the last time I felt so damn terrified until all my senses were frozen and the only thing I could control were my eyes. It didn't do anything. I had to run, I had to run from this jerk, this monster who would soon become the Lycan king and one of the most respected figures in Dakota along with the other Alphas."...why bother with such a useless weakling... What good is my brother? He already has a mate, so if you still want to be with him, you will be nothing but his whore." I felt shivers all over my body the moment Damien's hand glided up my spine, down my neck, and gently touched my cheek. I felt sick; he said it as if he didn't have a mate. His mate is waiting in the hall, his mate who will also become his queen someday, and now here he is saying such disgusting things to other females.I flinched. I had good momentum to break away from his grip right then and there, but damn. He was so fast and strong as hell. He grabbed my wrist and then held both o
Catrina.Power? What power? I do remember begging the moon goddess to help me right before Damien did that gross thing to me. But what Zeke is referring to, I was sure I don't have that kind of power that could injure someone as strong as Damien, a royal lycan. Yes, I have this blessing. But my blessing is for healing, never for hurting someone. But from what Zeke said about how Damien's condition was when the crowds showed up and pulled him away from me, I have enough power to give him a good beating, just like a powerful Alpha would. "I already warned you. I made it crystal clear that once you leave the manor, you'll never be safe." Carlo hissed. I saw his canines elongating and his eyes transforming into a silvery hue, yet he managed to maintain his composure. Damn, that must hurt so bad. "But you disregarded my ban and still showed up at this damn place." He's coming towards me, his hand reaching out.I can't help but immediately close my eyes.I waited for his strong hand to co
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