Luciana's POV I lay there, stunned, my body still humming with desire. Kayson's sudden withdrawal left me feeling empty and confused."What's wrong, Kayson?" I asked, trying to keep my voice gentle.He didn't respond. He just lay there, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths.I reached out, touching his arm. "Kayson, talk to me. What's going on?"Slowly, he turned his head, his eyes meeting mine. "I'm sorry, Luciana," he whispered. "I just can't do this."My heart sank. "Can't do what?" I asked, trying to keep my emotions in check.Kayson's gaze dropped, his voice barely audible. "Be with you, like this, I'm sorry."I felt a pang of rejection, but I tried to understand. "It's because of April, isn't it?" I asked softly.Kayson nodded, his eyes still downcast. "I know it's not fair to you, Luciana. You deserve better than someone who can't let go of their past."I glared at Kayson, my frustration and anger boiling over. "What exactly is it about
April's POV As I lay there, my body battered and bruised, I couldn't help but feel a burning rage coursing through my veins. Winston's smug face hovered above me, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he whispered, "You're mine now. Forever mine."I forced a smile, my voice barely above a whisper. "Y-yes, alpha. I'm yours." The words tasted like bile in my mouth, but I knew I had to keep up the charade.Winston's expression twisted into a cruel grin, his eyes lingering on my battered body. "Good, remember that. You belong to me, body and soul." His voice dripped with possessiveness, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.As he turned away, I let my mask slip, my face contorting in a snarl. I bit back a scream, my nails digging into my palms. The rage and humiliation simmered, fueling my determination. I would play this role, wear this mask, until the perfect moment to strike.With each subsequent encounter, Winston's cruelty and entitlement only grew. He saw me as nothing more than
April's POVOver the next few days, Winston's guard dropped further, his trust in me growing with each passing moment. He began to take me on walks around the pack's territory, introducing me to his betas and gammas. He showed me off like a trophy, his pride and possession evident in every gesture.And I played along, smiling and laughing and pretending to be his willing mate. But inside, I was seething, my anger and resentment building with each passing moment.I knew I couldn't keep this up forever. I had to make my move soon, had to take back control and escape. And I knew exactly how I was going to do it.As I entered the meeting room, Winston's eyes locked onto mine, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Ah, April, perfect timing. Come sit beside me," he said, his voice dripping with condescension.I hesitated, my eyes darting to the empty seat beside him. It was meant for Sera, his wife and the Luna. I didn't want to provoke her further, but Winston's words were a challenge, a
Sera's POV I paced in my chambers, my mind seething with resentment, I have been imprisoned and humiliated because of that fucking bitch! That abomination! I should have killed her myself, instead of relying on those incompetent fools. They had failed me, and now I suffered the consequences.The sound of moans drifted through the halls, echoing into my chamber. April and Winston together. My stomach churned with disgust. How dare they? Didn't they know I could hear them? Didn't they care that I suffered because of their actions?I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. Elara, my loyal handmaid, entered with a discreet knock. "My lady, I've found what you requested," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.I turned, my eyes locking onto the small, delicate box in her hands. The key to my revenge.Inside, I found a beautifully crafted silver dagger. I ran my fingers over the intricate designs, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.The moans grew louder, more intense. I
Reese's POV I sat in my quarters, my mind racing with thoughts of Sera's proposal. I had turned her down, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I could've made a powerful ally. As I poured myself a glass of whiskey, my eyes narrowed as I thought about Sera's words. "We could be great allies," she had said, but at what cost? I took a swig of whiskey, feeling the burn in my chest. I knew I couldn't trust Sera, but a part of me wondered what would have happened if I had accepted her offer. Would we have been able to take down the landside Pack together? Or would she have turned on me the moment it suited her?The questions swirled in my head, and my stomach twisted with unease. I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. We needed to take down the landside Pack, and we needed to do it soon. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were running out of time.The next morning, I walked into Winston's chambers, my mind fixed on the landside Pack. "Winston, I think it's time
Reese's POV As I sat in Sera's quarters, listening to her propose our alliance, I knew I had to think strategically. I couldn't let my desire for power cloud my judgment. I needed a plan, one that would ensure our success and minimize the risks."Sera, I have a proposal," I said, leaning forward in my chair. "We can't take down the Landside Pack head-on, not yet, but we can weaken them from within."Sera's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "Go on.""We'll start by sabotaging their food supplies," I explained. "Their hunting parties, their storage caches... we'll hit them where it hurts most. And while they're struggling to survive, we'll fuel the divisions within the pack."Sera's smile grew, a cold, calculating smile. "I like it. But how do you plan to do that?""I have contacts within the pack," I said, thinking of the disgruntled members who had grown tired of Kayson's rule. "They'll spread dissent, fuel the fires of rebellion. We'll make it seem like the pack is imploding from within.”S
Sera's POVI slipped into Reese's chambers, the fire crackling in the hearth. He gestured for me to take a seat, and I did, my eyes adjusting to the warm light."Sera, thank you for coming," Reese said, his voice low and serious. "I think it's time we discussed our plan."I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "What's the update on the Landside?"I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Reese's confidence. "I'd like to know more about this plan of yours, are you sure it's foolproof?"Reese smiled, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Luciana has been gathering intel, and I've been building a network of allies. But we need your... particular set of skills to make this work."I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."Reese leaned forward, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "We need to weaken Kayson's grip on the pack. Luciana will help us place our followers in strategic positions, but we need your resources to make it happen."I nodded, seeing where this was going. "And what of Apr
Luciana's POV I snuck out of my den, careful not to make a sound as I made my way to the old oak. The moon was full overhead, casting a silver glow over the forest. I saw Reese waiting for me, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight."Luciana," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I'm glad you came."I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation. "What's the plan?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.Reese smiled, his teeth glinting in the moonlight. "We need to create more chaos within the pack. I want you to spread rumors, sow discord among the members. We need to make Kayson look weak and incompetent."I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. But I pushed it aside, remembering why I was doing this. Reese had promised me the position of Luna, and I couldn't resist the temptation."What about Kayson?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral. "What do you plan to do with him?"Reese's expression softened, and he took a step closer to me. "Don't worry, Luciana. I don't intend to hurt him. At
Regina's Memories/POVI sit by the window, watching the moon cast its silvery glow. Memories of Dwayne flood my mind, and I'm transported back to a time when love was new, and hope seemed eternal.As a witch, I knew our love was forbidden. The ancient laws, passed down through generations, decreed that witches and werewolves shouldn't mix. The Great Divide, they called it.Legend has it that witches and werewolves were once united, their powers complementary. But a catastrophic event, known as the Lunar Tear, drove them apart. Witches sought control, while werewolves craved freedom.The rift grew, fueled by fear and mistrust. Witches began to view werewolves as beasts, unpredictable and savage. Werewolves saw witches as manipulative, wielding dark magic.But Dwayne and I didn't care. We saw beyond the myths."I'll never let anyone harm you, Regina," he vowed, his eyes burning with conviction.I believed him.Our secret meetings became more frequent. We'd steal away to hidden clearings
Kayson's POV I stood firm, my voice even. "Thane, I know you're hurting. But April's innocent. She didn't cause Luciana's death."Thane sneered. "Innocent? She's the reason Luciana's gone. If she hadn't come here, Luciana would still be alive."I took a deep breath, my tone measured. "Thane, that's not true. Luciana's death was a tragic accident. We can't blame April for it."Thane's gaze burned. "You don't get it, Kayson, you never did, Luciana was... I loved her, and I never got to tell her."My expression softened, empathy in my eyes. "Thane, I..."Thane's eyes blazed with anger and hurt, his words cutting deep. "You think you understand, Kayson? You think you know what it's like to lose someone you love?""No, Kayson," Thane interrupted, his voice cracking. "Don't even try to pretend you understand. You never loved Luciana. I did. And I didn't even get the chance to tell her."I nodded, acknowledging his pain. "Thane, I'm sorry, truly sorry, but April's not to blame."Thane's eye
Ronan's Pov I stood at the border of Seaside pack lands, looking out at the vast territory. The sun was setting, but I wasn't worried about the time. I was worried about April. Where was she?Ryder and Kayson joined me, their faces showing concern."Any sign of April?" Ryder asked.I shook my head. "Nothing. My scouts have searched everywhere."Kayson's jaw clenched. Ryder's eyes narrowed. "We need to find April before things get worse."We stood there, thinking. I knew we had to consider other possibilities."What if she's not in our lands?" I asked.Ryder looked at me. "Where else could she be?""The witches' cave," I said. "We found her there once before."Kayson nodded. "Now that we know she's a witch, it makes sense that she might have gone back."Ryder agreed. "Let's check."We discussed our plan, knowing the coven wasn't a place to take lightly.As night fell, we set off towards the cave. The journey was long, but we kept going.After hours of walking, the cave came into view
April's POV I stumbled, my mind reeling from Regina's revelations as Regina guided me deeper into the cave, the air thickening with an otherworldly energy. The walls seemed to whisper secrets, and I felt like I was unraveling along with them."Where are we?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Regina's smile hinted at mysteries hidden within the shadows. "A place few know exists. Our ancestral home, hidden away for centuries."The cave opened up into a vast, crystal filled chamber. The walls shimmered with an iridescent sheen, reflecting the soft luminescence. I breathed in, awestruck, taking in the ancient artifacts and strange symbols etched into the stone."This was...our refuge," Regina said, her eyes nostalgic. "Before the great extinction, our people thrived here. Witches and wolves lived in harmony, their powers intertwined."I wandered, tracing the symbols, feeling the pulse of the ancient magic. This place felt...sacred. Not exactly a sanctuary, but a haven, hidden fro
April's POV I stood there, frozen, my mind reeling from Regina's words. "What...what did you just say?" I stuttered, my voice barely audible.Regina's hands reached out, but I jerked back, my eyes wide with shock."You're...you're my mother?" I repeated, the words tasting like acid on my tongue.Regina's face contorted in a mix of sadness and longing. "April, please, calm down. It's a long story."A long story? Was she kidding me?My entire life, I'd thought I was an orphan. No family, no one to care for me. And now, this stranger, this woman who claimed to be my mother, was telling me that my parents were alive?A storm of emotions erupted inside me. Anger, pain, confusion, and betrayal swirled together, making my head spin."How...how could you?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Why did you leave me? Why did you let me think I was alone?""To protect you" she replied "Protect me?" I repeated, incredulous. "From what?"Regina's eyes clouded, and she hesitated before speaking."That's
APRIL'S POV Days blurred together in an endless cycle of solitude. No visits from Ronan, Ryder, or Kayson. No messages, no whispers, no acknowledgement of my existence.Their treatment had become unbearable. I felt like a ghost haunting the castle's halls.Even Ronan, once a guiding light, had distanced himself. Limited access, strained conversations, and an unspoken warning to keep my distance.My heart ached, my mind reeled.Why?The questions swirled, tormenting me.One evening, as I wandered the deserted corridors, I stumbled upon a hidden garden. Neglected and overgrown, it mirrored my own forgotten state.I collapsed onto a weathered bench, tears streaming down my face.Enough.I couldn't endure this isolation any longer, a spark within me ignited.I would find answers on my own.Without their help.But first I had to go back to where it all beganUnder the cover of night, I slipped out of the castle, unnoticed.The forest beckoned, its shadows whispering secrets.I followed th
Ronan's POVI sat in my study, surrounded by dusty tomes and fading scrolls. The weight of April's revelation still lingered, refusing to lift.As a werewolf, I'd been taught to despise witches. Our packs' histories were stained with blood and betrayal. But why?I delved into the past, seeking answers. The memories of my ancestors whispered through the pages.It began with a struggle for power. Witches, with their mastery of magic, had dominated the land. Werewolves, with our strength and ferocity, had been their loyal guardians.But as time passed, tensions simmered. Witches saw us as beasts, inferior and uncontrollable. We saw them as manipulators, using their magic to enslave.The spark that ignited the war was a witch's betrayal. A powerful sorceress, Regina, had seduced and manipulated our pack's alpha, using her magic to control him.The consequences were catastrophic. Our pack was torn apart, brother against brother. The witches, emboldened by Regina's power, launched a campaig
Ryder's POVI stood frozen, my eyes locked on April's transformed figure. A witch, our mate, a witch. The words echoed in my mind like a curse, refusing to sink in."What the...?" Ronan trailed off, his face pale, his voice barely audible.Kayson's eyes widened, horror etched on his face. "This can't be." His tone was laced with desperation, as if he could will the truth away.I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. My mind reeled, struggling to comprehend. April, the woman we loved, was a witch. The very thing our pack had sworn to despise.April's glowing eyes met mine, and I saw the plea for understanding. But I couldn't respond. My voice caught in my throat, refusing to budge.Ronan took a step back, his expression twisted in confusion and revulsion. "April, what's... what's going on?" His voice trembled, betraying his fear.Kayson's face mirrored Ronan's confusion. "This isn't possible... How the hell is this possible?" His words spilled out in a fra
April's POV I stumbled backward, my eyes fixed on the mirror. My hair, once a rich blonde, now cascaded down my back in a river of white. Not gray, not silver, but a radiant, snowy hue, eerily reminiscent of the woman in my dream.My breath caught, heart racing. What was happening to me?Suddenly, I felt arms wrap around me, steadying me. Ronan's concerned voice whispered in my ear, "April, what's wrong?"I struggled to find words, still transfixed by my reflection. "M-my hair..."Ronan's grip tightened. "What about your hair?"I gestured feebly toward the mirror. "It's...it's white."Ronan's eyes followed my gaze, and his expression turned puzzled. "April, your hair looks normal to me."I spun back to the mirror, and my heart skipped a beat. My hair was indeed back to its natural blonde color."What the...?" I muttered, confusion and fear swirling within me.Ronan's hands grasped my shoulders, turning me to face him. "April, are you alright? Is there something going on?"I forced a