Kira’s POV Standing in the hallway, Damian and Katie, stand hand in hand, acting like the perfect couple they pretend to be when suddenly Damian’s gaze immediately drops to Julian’s oversized shirt hanging off my frame. His jaw tightens. “What the hell are you doing coming out of Julian’s room dressed like that?” I grip my uniform tightly, my anger rising. “I—” But Katie cuts me off with a smug smile, folding her arms. “Why do you care, baby?” she asks sweetly. “What this servant does in Julian’s room isn’t your concern, is it?” I scoff, irritated by how she pretends to be sweet, but I know she’s a snake in the green grass for trying to kill me over her fake fated mate. I turn to Damian, waiting for him to respond. For the first time, though, Katie might actually be right. Why does it matter to Damian? Why does his stare burn when he looks at me in another man’s clothes? His mouth opens, then snaps shut again. His fists clench at his sides, and he looks away like he’s
Julian's POVI sit at my desk in my home office, eyes locked on the wall, but all I can see is Kira... The memory of last night keeps replaying in my head like a broken record and I don't know why.'Oh, please, we both know that it's her soaked uniform that clung to her body, with red hair dripping down her back, and cheeks flushed with embarrassment that has you hooked on her,' my wolf teases me, and I immediately shake the image away because it’s not helping.'Oh, stop it. It's not just that,' I mutter, but I know it's not convincing.'Really?' my wolf chuckles. 'Because if we're being honest here, I was just about to ask if you wanted to make it a habit of seeing her wet.'I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the way my pulse picks up at the thought. 'Shut up. You're impossible.''Impossible? Or just a hopeless romantic?' my wolf retorts. 'She had that look in her eyes, you know. Like she wanted to pounce on you but was too shy to admit it.'I lean back in my chair, groaning. 'You're n
Kira's POV. I freeze at the sight of the entrance of the boutique, my breath catching the moment I see Damian and Katie, arms entwined, laughing like the world was made for just the two of them. What are they doing here at the same time as us? My throat tightens and for a second, I forget how to move, how to breathe, and how to even exist. “Julian…” I whisper, gripping the car door handle. “Why are they here?” He doesn’t even flinch. “Didn’t know they’d be.” His tone is too calm, and casual for the war breaking loose in my chest. “Maybe fate’s feeling dramatic today.”Did he seriously say that fate is feeling dramatic?! I turn to him, voice almost breaking. “Let’s not go in. Please. We can go somewhere else but here because I’m not in the mood for a scene.” His gaze shifts to me, slow and sure. “No, we won't.” “But—” “Kira,” he says firmly, “you’re not some servant I’m sneaking around with. You’re my girlfriend now, remember? We go wherever we want without fear of anyon
Kira's POV I’ve never heard silence sound so loud. Every eye in the boutique is glued to Julian, sitting in his sleek black wheelchair like a king on a throne, with his hand still protectively around my waist after announcing that I'm his girlfriend. "I'm waiting," Julian says with a confident smirk. "Are you going to apologize to my girlfriend, or should we take our money elsewhere?" he says proudly, you’d never guess I’m just a fake girlfriend.My heart races, and my pulse rings in my ears as the silence hangs heavy. Julian’s confidence is electrifying, and I feel small yet strangely powerful being defended like this. I can’t move, stunned by the glares from Damian and Katie.I’m not used to being seen, nor called someone’s girlfriend, even if it's just a game. It stirs something inside me, a mix of vulnerability and defiance. It’s uncomfortable, but it also makes me feel... important, even if it's all a fake. “You’re joking,” Katie scoffs, stepping forward. “Her? This pathe
Julian's POV. I lean back in my wheelchair, watching the fitting room hallway like it holds the secrets to the universe. Every second stretches like a rubber band ready to snap. My fingers drum slowly on the armrest. I’m calm on the outside as always but inside? Hell, inside, I’m burning to see Kira walk out in anything but her uniform. “What fucking game are you playing Julian? Kira isn't yours,” Damian says beside me, voice low, coiled with barely veiled rage. I smirk without looking at him. “Neither is she yours. Or did you finally grow the balls to claim your mate?” He doesn’t answer right away. His silence is telling and satisfying just like I hoped it would. Damian shifts in his seat like the leather’s too hot. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Julian. She’s not just some plaything.” That pulls a chuckle out of me. “And yet you treat her like one. Or worse. Let’s not pretend you’ve earned the right to protect her now.” His jaw clenches so tight I swear I hear
Julian's POV. “Okay, fine, I won't fight you for her but be honest brother, are you seriously dating Kira?” Damian mutters beside me, his tone laced with disbelief. He’s been seething quietly ever since I told him to back the fuck off if he won't claim Kira. I don’t look at him. “I’m very serious.” He scoffs. “But she’s an omega and a maid, father won't let you date her let alone—” “That’s not your concern if father allows me or not,” I cut in coolly. “You had your chance, so don't question my decision.” The air between us thickens with tension. I can feel his anger simmering just beneath his calm exterior, and I know it’s only a matter of time before it explodes. But I don’t care because the curtain shifts, and Kira steps out and for a second, I forget to breathe again. Same jumpsuit Katie had on earlier in a different color. But on Kira? It’s... lethal… It hugs her hips like a lover, the fabric caressing every curve with reverence. Her red hair is twisted into a messy
Kira's POV Okay, so maybe I started it. One comment about trimming Julian's mountain-man look and suddenly I’ve got a salon appointment and a full beauty treatment scheduled like I’m prepping for a royal engagement. I lean back in the car's back seat, arms crossed, dressed in dark blue skinny jeans, a pink blouse, and pink wedges. “For the record,” I say, deadpan, “I suggested a trim—not a full-on makeover.” He doesn’t respond—just smirks like he’s already won something. I glance at him, all smug and unreadable. I only poked fun at his beard because he looked like he hadn’t seen daylight in a decade and I wanted to trim it as a way of saying thank you for the new wardrobe. It wasn’t an invitation for this. “Was this always part of the plan?” I ask. “Or are you just improvising to amuse yourself?” “Both,” he says smoothly. “You said you want people to see me. Seems only fair I return the favor.” I scoff, turning back to the window. This wasn’t supposed to be about ha
Kira's POV. “That is a nice top you have on,” one of the huge tattooed men says, stepping forward. “But it doesn’t match the rest of you, though. You look like you belong in a brothel, not in royal silk.” They laugh and my hand grips the edge of the top tighter. “I don’t want any trouble sirs.” “Neither do we,” one says with a grin that makes my skin crawl. “Just want to be friendly.” “Yes, just give us a little taste. That mouth of yours—bet it’s good for more than talking.” Panic claws its way up my throat. I try to dart past him, but another grabs my arm—rough and possessive. “LET GO OF ME!” They don’t. Instead, the one behind me tugs at the hem of my top. Rip!!! The sound shatters me and cold air rushes over my exposed side as my shirt tears. I’m frozen in place. Tears fill my eyes, not from pain but from the fear and humiliation. They don’t even know who I am. Just an omega in the wrong place at the wrong time. A nobody to anyone. “Stop struggling. We’ll b
Julian's POV. There’s a long pause before I can hear the faint murmur of the other voice through Luna Cassandra's phone, but not the words. Her heels click against the marble floor in agitation. "Yes, Sophia was taken care of," she snaps, spitting the name like venom. "I saw to it myself." My blood runs cold. Could Sophia be Kira’s mother’s name? Another pause and then Cassandra’s breath hitches sharply. "What do you mean... she left behind a daughter? This changes everything." Her voice rises an octave, panic leaking through the polished facade she always wore so well. A beat of silence. Then, a dangerous calm settles into her voice. "I see. Thank you for telling me." Her steps slow, and I swear I can hear the smile in her voice when she speaks again. "Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the daughter... just like I took care of the mother before any secrets come to light." What secrets is she so afraid of revealing? I grip the doorknob so tightly that it creaks under m
Julian's POV. "Damian, excuse us. I need to speak with your brother alone," my father says after a long pause, voice leaving no room for argument. Damian’s smile tightens at the edges, but he nods politely. I can see the twitch in his jaw, though, and when he brushes past me toward the door, his voice slithers into my mind. ‘Remember, choose wisely, brother... you know what's at stake.’ My hands clench at my sides, blood roaring in my ears. I don’t react. Not yet. But now I know without a doubt — it is him. He set the trap so that I can give up the Alpha king title. And if Kira dies because of him... no title in this world will save him from me. The door shuts softly, and the tension in the room sharpens like a knife. My father's sharp gaze pins me. "Now, tell me, Julian," he says, walking back to his chair and sits, fingers steepled. "Why the sudden change of heart? Hours ago, you publicly announced you would reclaim what was rightfully yours in front of the high ra
Julian’s POV."Enough," I breathe, my whole body trembling. "I’ll do it."The words taste like ash on my tongue, but I force them out.If Damian wants the throne so badly he’s willing to kill for it, then he can have it. For now."I’ll go back — but on one condition," I say louder, lifting my head to glare at them."I’ll stand before my father and the council and refuse the title. In return, you don’t lay a single hand on Kira again."The leader’s smile stretches wider, smug and cruel. "So long as you keep your word, I will keep mine," he replies smoothly."Then it’s a deal," I grit out, clenching my jaw so hard it aches.The leader signals for my release.One of the same bastard who had been stabbing Kira — unchains me roughly, the silver cuffs burning deep into my flesh as they are yanked away.My knees hit the cold stone floor beside her."Red," I whisper, brushing the blood-matted hair from her forehead with trembling fingers.Her eyelids flutter weakly at my touch, and a soft gas
Julian's POV. For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel whole and complete as I run through the trees with Kira at my side after spending an amazing day with her... Our wolves can't help but brush against each other playfully. It fills a place inside me I didn’t even know was empty. In all honesty, it feels great to be mated, it makes my heart swell with pure bliss because I never thought I'd get a second chance after my first mate fiance left me because I had become a cripple overnight and didn't want to spend the rest of her life caring to a cripple. I glance sideways at kira, a playful growl rumbling in my chest, ready to tackle her just to hear her beautiful laugh—But that’s when I sense a scent so strong of silver waft in the air. I skid to a halt, my ears pinned back. ‘Kira!’ I call through the bond. ‘I smell it,’ she responds, her body tensing as her nose twitches, already on alert... But before we can find out who is trailing us with silver, they’re o
Kira's POV. I stir beneath the soft sheets, blinking against the afternoon sunlight streaming through the open window. My body aches in a way that's entirely new to me—sore but completely satisfied. A lazy smile tugs at my lips as I shift, feeling the heat of Julian’s body beside mine. His arm is draped possessively over my waist, and for the first time in so long, I feel... safe. After everything, I’m officially his. We’re fated. Second chance mates. It still feels like a dream. I roll onto my side to face him, propping myself up on my elbow. “Julian,” I murmur, trailing my fingers lightly down his bare chest, “whose house are we in?” He blinks his bright eyes open, a slow, lazy grin spreading across his face. “It’s my mother’s house,” he says, voice rough from sleep. I gasp, pretending to be scandalized. “So... we just made love in your mom’s bedroom?” Julian throws his head back and laughs, the sound rumbling through the room. I laugh too, unable to resist him. He shakes h
Katie's POV. I rip the pins from my hair, flinging them across the room like tiny weapons. One bounces off the mirror and clinks to the ground. My reflection stares back at me—perfect curls ruined, mascara smudged from tears I refuse to admit I shed. My white wedding dress feels like a noose around my throat. This was supposed to be my happy day and my rise to be crowned Queen Luna of the realm. But that omega Kira and Julian of all people—ruined it. I tear the dress off, the expensive lace ripping with a sound that feels way too good. I don’t care. Let it burn. I was humiliated in front of the whole pack. And for what? An omega fated to my man? I pace the room barefoot, my heart pounding and my chest tight with rage. This isn’t real. It can’t be. Not after everything Damian and I planned... Suddenly, the door slams open behind me, and I turn to find Damian storming in. His jaw is tight, eyes blazing, fists clenched like he’s ready to rip someone apart. “Well, what did
Damian's POV. (Meanwhile back at the palace) My father's office is suffocating. The towering shelves filled with old scrolls and battle trophies loom over me like judges, silent and severe. I stand before his massive desk, my hands clenched behind my back, with the sting of Kira’s rejection still humming beneath my skin like a wound that refuses to close. He hasn't said a word in over a minute and the silence stretches unbearably between us, heavy with the weight of the truth I could no longer keep hidden—not after everything that’s happened at my mating ceremony. Father just stares at me, those cold, unforgiving eyes stripping me bare. Finally, he speaks—his voice low, sharp, and laced with barely contained fury. "So, let me get this straight. You searched every neighboring pack for your fated mate... and when you finally found her, you brought her back as a servant?" His words strike sharper than a blade... I open my mouth to explain myself—but what can I even say th
Kira's POV. Julian looks momentarily taken aback but recovers quickly. His expression turns soft and understanding as he offers a reassuring smile. "I thought so," he says gently, trailing light kisses down my cheek. "We'll go very slow and whenever you want to stop, just say so. Okay?" Relieved by his patience, I nod eagerly. Kneeling between my spread legs, he guides his rock-hard length towards my entrance. My entrance resists him initially, unused to receiving anything of this size, but he works patiently, stroking and stretching me with a steady rhythm. Slowly, inch by torturous inch, his impressive length breaches me, filling me completely. A sharp hiss escapes my lips at the unfamiliar sensation- pain mixes with pleasure, creating an addictive sensation that leaves me craving more. Julian pauses mid-stroke, sensing my discomfort. His concerned gaze finds mine. "Are you alright?" “Yes,” I manage a weak nod, breathing through the initial ache of penetration. "It hurts, b
Kira's POV. I nod, eyes wide with trust and anticipation. Julian wastes no time—he climbs over me, his body hovering just inches above mine. I feel the heat of him pressing into me. He pulls the cover away, and suddenly a jolt of awareness rushes through me. I'm completely naked all this time. But... when did he remove the dirty robe and lingerie I was wearing? My heart skips a beat, because I missed the moment he undressed me and my cheeks burn with sudden embarrassment. And he must see it on my face because he leans in, voice low and reassuring. “Don’t worry. I didn’t look... not like I’m about to.” His arms cage me in, muscles taut as he leans closer, eyes dark and intense. “Okay… but just be gentle,” I whisper and he chuckles lightly. “Don't worry red, your wish will always be my command,” He smiles softly before bending down, placing another searing kiss on my lips. Julian's tongue delves into my mouth, exploring every corner. My fingers trace the muscles of his back, m