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
Kira's POV. Julian glances up at the woman who walked in on our lunch, his expression unreadable. “Evelyn.” She grins like he just paid her a compliment. “I almost didn’t recognize you sitting here so casually. Then again, you always did not like the attention.” He doesn’t return the smile. “Some things never change.” She laughs softly, eyes glittering. “And some things do. You look good….” Julian shrugs. “You’re imagining things.” Evelyn’s gaze lingers on him like she’s trying to peel back his layers and then she shifts her weight, letting one hand trail along the booth’s polished edge. “I heard about your accident. The rumors were… dramatic.” But Julian doesn’t respond and she leans in a fraction, dropping her voice to something more personal. “I was going to reach out, but I figured you’d show up in public when you were ready.” He offers her nothing but a nod. That should be my cue to speak and introduce myself, or at least pretend to exist but something about the way she
Julian's POV.What condition does my father have for kira who already been through hell since she got here?I tense immediately, sitting straighter in my chair as I glance at Kira. She’s frozen beside me, hands clasped tightly in her lap, eyes flicking between me and my father like she’s bracing for a blow.“What condition?” I ask, keeping my voice steady, but my jaw clenches.Father leans forward slightly, his gaze firm but calm. “Kira must continue cooking me my favorite mushroom soup every morning. Just as I asked her before all… this.”Kira blinks, clearly caught off guard. “That’s it?”Father nods. “That soup yesterday morning and today has kept my appetite alive. I won’t give it up.”Relief washes through the room like a warm breeze, loosening the stiffness in Kira’s shoulders. I bite down on a grin, fighting the urge to laugh, but she beats me to it—soft and light like wind chimes in spring.“I can do that Alpha Magnus,” she says, glancing at me shyly. “I wasn’t planning to sto
Kira's POV. Julian’s massive walk-in closet looks like it belongs in a royal catalog—probably because it does. Everything inside it gleams. Organized and perfect. The racks on his side are filled with clothes and shoes that probably cost more than I’ve seen in my entire life. Now the cleaning servants are clearing space on the other side for me. I watch silently as one of them hesitates near the shoe rack, eyeing the neatly lined heels like she’s unsure if it’s okay to touch anything. “You can place the shoes over there,” I say softly, pointing to the lower section with the empty shelf. “They’ll fit just fine.” The servant nods too quickly and scurries off like I might bark orders at her next which I won’t... But the way they avoid my eyes now says it all. They’re scared of me not because I’ve changed, but because of who I’m with. I sigh and turn back to the growing pile of new clothes, carefully folding a soft lavender cashmere sweater Julian bought me… Suddenly, the d
Julian’s POV. Finding kira in a gloomy mood after my physiotherapy session, it was clear something was weighing on her, and though she wasn’t ready to talk about it, I knew the only thing that could lift her spirits was provoking my dear stupid brother at dinner until he finally snapped and rejected her for good. I finish rolling up my sleeves and glance sideways just in time to catch her wobble. Kira stands by the mirror in the closet, frowning at her reflection and more specifically, at the heels and the soft pink dress that hugs her frame like it was made for her, while the palace lights spilling through the window highlight every curve, every freckle, and every strand of those wild red curls. She looks like spring has come to life. Soft. Radiant and completely unprepared. “You’re going to break your ankle before we even leave the room,” I say, amused, watching her take another unsteady step toward me. “I told you I’ve never worn heels,” she mutters, gripping the dresse
Kira's POV. I don't know how long I've been down here. Hours? Days? Time doesn't move in the dark. It just... hangs. Stagnant. Like the stale air pressing down on me. The cell is cold. Not just the kind of cold that makes you shiver—but the kind that seeps into your bones, making you feel like you're disappearing from the inside out and convinces you the sun never existed. I curl tighter in the corner, my knees hugged to my chest, the silver collar around my neck burning like a brand. It cuts off my strength, and my wolf, me. Without her, I feel half-dead or less than that. Clink! The slot in the door scrapes open again, just enough to shove in a bowl of gray slop. No words. Not even a glance from whoever's out there. I don’t even bother moving right away because I remember not so long ago when I heard Luna Cassandra on the other side of the room giving orders that no one is to talk to me. I close my eyes and whisper into the dark, “Is she really doing all this becaus
Julian's POV I can still feel the warmth of Kira’s lips on mine, even though I know I shouldn’t be thinking about her right now—not while I’m doing this. But the way she stood up to Damian today, full of confidence and fire, made me feel something I wasn’t prepared for—proud. Like a real boyfriend would. Because somewhere along the line last night after she kissed me, I started forgetting this was supposed to be temporary… My car slows to a stop near the border of Crimson Crown, the tires crunching over gravel outside a shady, rundown motel with flickering neon and zero charm. My wolf growls low in the back of my head, uneasy. Honestly, I don’t blame him. “This is the place?” I ask the guard beside me. “Yes, Alpha. She said room six upstairs.” Stairs. Of course. I glance out the window, at the rusted metal staircase clinging to the side of the building like it could give out at any second. Just my luck. I sigh and pop the door open before my guard helps me on my chair. The
Kira’s POV Damian almost said the words I’ve been dying to hear, but then Luna Cassandra swooped in like the devil wrapped in designer silk, grabbing him before he could finish reciting his rejection vows. Just like always—rescuing her precious boy from anything that doesn’t fit her perfect little plan. Including me. My fists are still clenched. That’s how close I was. One more minute and maybe… I’d finally be free from this useless bond…But no. She showed up. Saved him. And ruined everything. Now I’m still here pretend girlfriend to Julian. And honestly? It’s getting complicated fast. I shove my hair away from my face, not bothering to hide my frustration as Julian sits across from me in another part of the garden where we just had breakfast—calm as ever, sipping his tea like he didn't just kiss me or like Damian didn't almost reject me. “You saw it, right?” I ask, breaking the silence before it settles in too deep. He nods, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Yea
Damian's POV. I hate mornings now, and this is because the sun shines too brightly, the birds sing too loudly and the world feels too calm for the chaos gnawing inside my chest. I step onto the balcony, hoping the fresh air might clear my head, but what I see makes it worse. Julian and Kiara, seated at a small round table in the garden, kissing each for the second time in my presence like they fated to each other. The unclaimed bond inside me snaps again, like a fraying wire finally giving way. My wolf claws at me from within, howling in agony. I grip the railing until I flatten it. Why does everything seem to be falling apart in my life? I storm back into my room, slamming the balcony doors behind me. The air feels too thick, my chest too tight. I pace, trying to control the storm building inside. Maybe I should have rejected Kira the first time I found out we were mates in that forest because now I don’t know what’s worse—the fact that I warned her to stay away from
Julian's POV (Meanwhile back at the palace) “Red,” I call, drumming my fingers impatiently against the armrest of my wheelchair. “It’s been hours. What are you doing in there—building a second bathroom?” “Just give me another minute!” she shouts back, voice slightly muffled. “That's what you said two hours ago!” I groan, dragging a hand down my face as I glance down at the situation in my sweatpants. Still there. Unbothered. And damn throbbing. I try to think of anything—Beta George picking his toenails, the old councilwoman with a mustache, even that one warrior who smelled like boiled cabbage. Nothing helps. My body doesn't give a damn about ugly thoughts when it has Kira, walking in sexy lingerie burned into its memory. “Shit,” I mutter under my breath as I help myself into bed. I tip my head back against the pillow and close my eyes. *** When I open them again, light is pouring through the slightly open curtains. The sun’s up. Birds are chirping like annoying li
Damian's POV. “A strip club, Damian? Are you out of your mind?” My mother’s voice is sharp as a whip the second I slide into her car. I slam the door shut and glare straight ahead. “It wasn’t what it looked like.” “Oh, let me guess, you accidentally found yourself here and ended up being frozen by a stripper witch in the VIP section?” she snaps, whipping her seatbelt on. “How very noble of our soon-to-be crowned Alpha.” Behind us, one of the palace guards quietly starts my car to follow. I can barely meet mother's eyes. Not because I feel ashamed—though maybe I should—but because my blood is boiling too hot to think straight. “She spelled me!” I shout. “and then robbed me, so I couldn't pay!” My mother throws me a sideways glare as the driver pulls us out of the shady club district and back toward the palace. “And what the hell were you doing there in the first place? Your mating ceremony is in four days. Four days, Damian. You’re going to be Alpha. You can’t afford a sc
Damian's POV What the hell just happened? I storm down the palace hallway, my jaw clenched so tight I can feel a headache brewing because my own crippled brother had the nerve to claim my mate as his girlfriend and slam a door in my face. And Kira? Don’t even get me started. She kissed him. Right in front of me like I don't matter. Wearing that…I try to shake the image from my head. Was today supposed to be a punishment to teach me a lesson? Well, congratulations, to them. Lesson half learned. I hop into my car without waiting for my guards. I don’t want witnesses to my mood tonight. Not when I’m about to dive into the kind of chaos the Crown would rather pretend doesn’t exist. Crimson Crown’s bad side is a whole other world after dark. Neon lights blink like they’re short-circuiting on sin. Packmates stumble down the sidewalks with too much drink and not enough clothing. It stinks of smoke, and cheap perfume. I park outside the shadiest strip club I can find and
Julian's POV My plan is working—Damian is here, just like I knew he would be, demanding to see Kira.... I hope he is here to reject her after the show we put out today... I tilt my head, rage simmering just beneath the surface, though a wicked satisfaction curls in my chest. "If I were you, I’d reject her already so we can both move on. Honestly, your jealousy is getting pathetic." Damian’s jaw tightens, lips pressed into a thin line. "How am I the one being pathetic and jealous when all I'm trying to do is stop you from screwing my mate? Big brother, just drop the act. I see through all the fake affection you and Kira are putting on." I let out a cold and sharp laugh. "Then reject her already!" I snap, moving closer. "Because from where I sit, you don’t even deserve to look at her." I say and that’s when I hear it… Soft, bare footsteps against the wood floor behind me. “Oh, I will _” and Damian's whole face shifts as he suddenly become mute. His breath stuttering. I fro
Kira's POV. The moment we step into the elevator, I slip off my heels with a groan of relief because my feet are killing me. Those shoes were definitely not made for beginners... Thank the goddess I managed to survive the night without falling flat on my face and embarrass myself in the process... We ride up in silence, and when we reach Julian’s room, it’s quiet and dimly lit, casting a soft glow that feels strangely calming after the day I just had. Julian then locks the door behind us, before he speaks up with a small smirk. “So… about that trim you promised me, are you still up for it?” I turn to face him, arms crossed with a teasing grin. “Finally. I was starting to think you weren't going to allow me cut it for you.” He laughs. “What can I say? I like to keep you on your toes.” “Well, mission accomplished. Now, where’s your grooming kit?” I ask and Julian nods toward a dark wooden cabinet in one of the corners of the room. “First drawer.” I walk over, open it,