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
Damian's POV. I can still feel the sting of embarrassment in front of everyone at the table… I can't believe father took Kira's side over mine and now Julian smirks like he is being renamed Alpha heir while Kira hasn’t looked my way since I picked up that damn fork after I tried to humiliate. I grip it tight in my hand now, the prongs digging into the meat like it’s the only thing stopping me from snapping. “Such tension,” Father says, swirling his wine like we’re at some royal gala and not a warzone. “But I suppose that’s what young love does to a table.” Julian doesn’t even pretend to hide his grin. “Couldn’t agree more.” He turns to Kira, brushing something off her cheek. “You had a little something on your face,” he murmurs, just loud enough for all of us to hear. “Can’t let perfection go unnoticed.” Kira lets out a soft shy but genuine laugh… I clench my jaw because now she is just enjoying tormenting me even though I forbade her to be with anyone else even though I
Kira’s POV. The stench of wet fur, blood, and rotting food clings to me as I step out of the pack hospital. My arms and hands ache and feel sore from scrubbing cages, and I swear I can still feel the weight of the waste buckets I hauled all day. It's been eight hours of cleaning up after sick and injured wolves, and what do I have to show for it? A ruined uniform and the lingering scent of kennel filth that no amount of scrubbing ever seems to remove. I keep my head down as I walk, hoping and praying I can make it back home without running into anyone. But, of course, the Moon Goddess isn’t that kind to omegas like me. “Look what we have here.” I freeze at the sound of that sickly sweet voice I'd recognize even without looking at them. My stomach twists, and I force myself to keep moving, but it’s too late. They’ve seen me. Lena, Tara, and Cassie, once my highschool classmates, now my daily tormentors step in front of me, blocking my path. Their perfectly styled hair an
Kira’s POV "Why do I even put up with those bullies?" I mutter, my body aching with every step back to the pack. Fresh bruises bloom beneath my torn uniform, refusing to heal immediately because of my omega blood, but I grit my teeth and push forward. The Blissleaf is tucked safely in my pocket. The only reason I endured this miserable night from those mutts. By the time I reach the pack’s main square, the streets are quieter, most pack mates having retired for the night. But I know where they’ll be. They’re always there. Lena, Tara, and Cassie lounge on the stone steps outside the café, laughing over drinks, their polished nails glinting in the moonlight. My stomach churns at the sight of them, but I keep my chin high as I walk up to them. Lena notices me first and smirks. “Well, well. Look who’s still breathing.” I say nothing, just pull the small bundle of Blissleaf from my pocket and toss it onto the table between them. The silver leaves glisten under the streetlights
Damian's POV. I can still feel the sting of embarrassment in front of everyone at the table… I can't believe father took Kira's side over mine and now Julian smirks like he is being renamed Alpha heir while Kira hasn’t looked my way since I picked up that damn fork after I tried to humiliate. I grip it tight in my hand now, the prongs digging into the meat like it’s the only thing stopping me from snapping. “Such tension,” Father says, swirling his wine like we’re at some royal gala and not a warzone. “But I suppose that’s what young love does to a table.” Julian doesn’t even pretend to hide his grin. “Couldn’t agree more.” He turns to Kira, brushing something off her cheek. “You had a little something on your face,” he murmurs, just loud enough for all of us to hear. “Can’t let perfection go unnoticed.” Kira lets out a soft shy but genuine laugh… I clench my jaw because now she is just enjoying tormenting me even though I forbade her to be with anyone else even though I
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. 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.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 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
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 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
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
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