~Ivory~
I remained rooted in place. This cannot be! The news of Sia’s death came as a shocker, and cold dread slowly crept up my spine, my legs suddenly feeling too heavy to walk as I turned back toward the party.From where I stood, I saw the King, deeply engrossed in a conversation with some of the pack guards, his face drawn into a frown. Murmurs soon filled the room. What had been a place of celebratory cheers now echoed with the mournful sorrow of death.Death—a joy snatcher, claiming lives where, when, and how it pleased. An inevitable appointment no one could escape in our world, no matter how far they ran. But something about this death unsettled me. It was clear this wasn’t a natural cause but rather a sinister ploy. Was someone lurking in the shadows, using Sia as bait?The town crier announced once again, “Sorrow, sorrows! Fallen is Sia’s might. Sorrow, sorrow, as she is denied final rites.”What the heck was going on? Wha~Ivory~ I turned my sharp gaze to Heather, whose face was red with silent rage as she breathed heavily. It looked like she had a lot to say. Even I was shocked at myself for speaking up. I had grown intolerant of anything that caused me discomfort. I could admit that I had changed, not just physically, but mentally. I was no longer the quiet, submissive Ivory who stayed silent and accepted whatever was thrown her way. Tonight was supposed to be about me, my moment—but they had ruined it all. I had expected more from King Zeeb, and the least he could have done was not let Logan get under his skin, especially when it was clear that had been Logan’s goal from the very start. Heather blinked and sighed. “I know their feud is starting to get on your last nerve, Maya, but you didn’t have to say it that way. You don’t know how much Zeeb has endured.” The storm in my head began to clear as I listened to Heather, slowly calming down.
~Ivory~ I suspected Alpha King might have taken Riley away to her room as he did oftentimes, so I didn’t panic. Instead, I slipped into her room to confirm that she was there and alright. And there she was, sleeping soundly, her chest rising and falling steadily with her soft, low snore. I stood beside her bed, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. Her serene reaction to my touch softened my heart; what a child she was. And then, I caught a familiar scent—strong, masculine, and distinctly his. My wolf stirred, giddy with excitement as he entered the room. “I offended you last night, didn’t I?” His deep voice resonated, sending a shiver through me. I didn’t turn around, even as his brooding presence loomed behind me. He moved to sit in front of me, taking my hands in his large, warm ones. Sparks ignited at his touch, spreading warmth through me as he gently grazed my fingers with his thumb. I avoided his gaze, still agitated, but his fingers reached up, brushin
~Alpha King Zeeb~“I belong to no one,” Maya said, her eyes darkening as the words slipped from her lips.Those words stirred something possessive within me. How could she reject me? The truth, and no matter how much she denied it, was inevitable. She was mine, as decreed by the Moon Goddess.“We are fated,” I reminded her with certainty. I wanted her to know that no matter how far we drifted, no matter the distance she tried to put between us, we were destined to be together. I noticed how the shivers ran through her at my words, the way she stilled. She felt it too. The pull, the bond. She knew we were second-chance mates but refused to acknowledge it.She excused herself, and as I fought hard to keep my emotions in check, my chest tightened watching her walk away. Every instinct screamed for me to claim her right then, right there—make her mine in front of my subjects, not just as my Luna, but as the woman I craved. But I knew that Maya would be dif
~Alpha King Zeeb~I watched Logan’s back, with my wolf straining against my control, triggered by his words. What did he mean by “watch her back”? What was he planning?My wolf snarled possessively, “Mine!” His primal instinct surged, forcing my eyes to flicker between their natural state and the feral glow of my wolf’s. Logan stood near the door, from what I could make from my vision, but his ears stood erect. My own picked on the sound as he growled lowly, tension radiating off him. Before I could react, his restraint snapped, his wolf taking control over him. It had been so long since I had seen him like this.His eyes turned blood-red as he shifted, claws extending too fast for me to dodge. His strike landed on me, sharp talons ripping into my arm, hot blood seeping from the wound.He looked lethal—almost poisonous—with nothing but vengeance burning in his stormy gaze. He bared his fangs and lunged at me again, but this time I managed to dodge, dra
~Alpha King Zeeb~ Do I want this? I questioned myself, but before I could react, Aurora let herself in, slowly discarding the fabric that clung to her body. I stood frozen. My mind was a raging storm, battling between logic and the primal ache flowing through me. I was sexually frustrated to the point of pain. I needed a release badly. But the moment her taut nipples brushed against my chest and she whispered against my ear, “Just this once, King. Savor me. Unravel. I’m yours to command, just say it, say what you want and it is yours.” the logical part of me fled out the window. A guttural grunt escaped me as I threw Aurora onto the bed, my vision clouded by desire. In this moment, I was selfish, thinking only about myself, consumed by the need to drown in ecstasy. My hands roamed her body, my fingers twisting her hardened peaks. Her moans fueled the fire within me, making me tug at her buds even harder. “Yes, King… just like that, I love it.” she purred, her hand sliding
~Alpha King Zeeb~ I stormed back into the house, my frustration boiling over. The weight of restlessness settled on my chest as I collapsed onto the couch, gripping my hands together tightly. Each passing second felt like an eternity. I was waiting—waiting for Aurora to come in. I had to confront her. What was she thinking, entertaining Logan? Didn’t she understand the threat he posed to this pack? Suddenly, I felt a presence and turned to see Heather standing there, her eyes red and droopy, clearly still half-asleep. She rubbed her eyes, slowly walking toward me. “What’s wrong, Zeeb?” she asked, glancing wearily around the room, confusion clouding her expression. “Why aren’t you in bed? Can’t sleep?” She studied my face, then her eyes widened with concern. “What the—Are you okay? What happened to your hands?” She moved closer, her gaze fixed on the injury. “Are you in danger?
~Alpha King Zeeb~I clenched my fists, barely restraining myself from saying something I might regret. Heather’s sharp voice cut through the tension as soon as Logan walked out of the room.“What the hell was that, Aurora?” she demanded.Aurora stood there, an unapologetic smirk plastered on her face. My blood boiled, and I could no longer stand her.Aurora,” I boomed, my voice echoing off the walls. “Pack your bags this minute, you are leaving tomorrow morning. Do you understand the gravity of your actions? You dare drag the King’s name through the dirt and then stand there, giggling like a fool?”I could feel Zeric trying to surface, to gain control and put Aurora in her place. My claws extended involuntarily, and my head twitched as I struggled to keep him at bay. The harder I tried to suppress him, the more feral he became.“Zeric, please, not now,” Heather began, trying to comfort Zeric, but he wasn’t having any of it. He growled, agitated, my eyes flick
~Alpha King Zeeb~ I approached Maya slowly, seating myself right in front of her. Zeric purred uncontrollably with excitement as soon as I touched her hand. Her scent wafted through the air, nearly knocking me off my feet. The earlier tension I had been holding on to seemed to evaporate. “I offended you last night, didn’t I?” I asked softly, bracing myself for her reaction. I expected her to pull her hands away, but to my surprise, she didn’t. She merely avoided my gaze. Her silence was louder than any words, and I realized she wasn’t angry at me—she was disappointed. Her disappointment cut deeper than I anticipated. Anger, I could handle. If she had cursed at me or yelled, it wouldn’t have hurt as much as the way she looked at me now. I reached for her cheek, brushing my fingers gently against her skin. She leaned into my touch slightly, and I forced her eyes to meet mine. For a moment, I just wanted her to look at me—truly look at me.
~Ivory~As I walked past the King and Aurora, I felt the weight of their gazes upon me, their intense stares slitting through the air like a palpable force. I resolved not to break my stride; I didn’t want to acknowledge their presence. The room had fallen into a frosty silence as soon as they saw me. But I didn't spare them a glance. “Maya, were you in a fight with a chimera this time?” Aurora’s voice cut through the silence, my name from her lips forcing me to stop in my tracks. Her words were obviously a subtle attempt to mock me, dampen my ego. My blood boiled. Did she even know what it takes to face a chimera? Talk more; engage in a fight with it. If she had any idea how much I didn't want to hear the sound of her voice, she would have bottled her words in and allowed the silence to mask our feelings. I turned to face them, feigning a small smile as I replied, “It's Luna, Aurora. Do you need a whisperer to remind you every time you want to address me that you have to address me
~Ivory~ I parted ways with the King, heading straight to Regina’s place to check on her. I didn't want to let the nagging truth about the package get the better of me. I had plans ahead of me, and I had promised myself yesterday that I would no longer invest my emotions heavily in matters that had to do with the King. I have prioritized my goals over distracting entanglements. Whoever was setting such a trap with the package would fail woefully. The King’s actions after our intimate encounters were proof that I might be investing my emotions again in someone who was incapable of loving me as I wish, and I was resolute to keep my heart in check. I wouldn't want someone who was only after physical desires, blind to nurturing a meaningful connection with me. If I found love again, I deserved one that was all-encompassing and meaningful. Anything less would be a waste of precious emotions. Moreover, reckless love was not something I could afford to indulge
~Alpha King Zeeb~"I better run off before I get late," Maya said, and I nodded, bidding her goodbye. I wondered why she would set off to college so early. I didn't want to pester her with a barrage of questions, she was Luna after all. "Take care of yourself, Maya.""I will." She offered a small smile, although her eyes looked confused. I watched her retreating figure disappear down the hallway, a nagging unease settling in my stomach. Who on earth was behind this setup? Was it still one of Logan’s elaborate schemes? I didn’t know for sure, but at this point, anything even remotely suspicious pointed squarely at him. I didn't trust him one bit. The man was a master manipulator, and I wouldn't put anything past him.Sensing a presence behind me, I turned sharply to see Aurora standing with her eyes cast down, her posture was hesitant. A wave of pure rage washed over me as I watched her nervously toy with the hem of her sleeve as if she didn't have a single clue in the world. “King…
~Alpha King Zeeb~ For a moment, I was transfixed, wondering what was going on in the pack house. A knot of unease tightened in my stomach. I simply couldn't believe Heather had anything to do with Sia’s demise. The thought was absurd, a cruel twist of fate I refused to accept. I dismissed the ugly thought, I trusted Heather. If someone was playing an ugly mind game in my household, woe betides the person. My Alpha instinct screamed that someone within was toiling with my mind. But what baffled me most was how several events happened within the pack house walls without my knowledge. It was a disturbing breach of security. Since then, a string of dysfunctions has followed, like a curse upon my leadership. But this latest setup—I was utterly confused about it. Could it have anything to do with Logan? The thought sent a chill down my spine. What if he had planted it as a decoy, a carefully orchestrated distraction to divert our attention from other, more sinister things? It would
~Ivory~“But Zeeb….”“No buts, Heather. I can’t tolerate her disrespect anymore. She dared mingle with Logan,” he said, interrupting Heather, his voice laced with anger.Something deep within me whispered that I shouldn't be privy to this conversation, that I should discreetly withdraw. Yet, an invisible force held me captive, my feet rooted to the spot. Aurora and Logan? What web of secrets was I stumbling upon?“You heard her clearly; she said she was trying to get into Logan’s head. She’s indirectly helping you, Zeeb,” Heather tried to reason desperately. She clearly believed in Aurora’s intentions, but the King was unmoved.“That’s it, Heather. Not another word about Aurora. Helping me?” he scoffed, “Not when she’s having an affair with him,” he said with disgust, the words hanging heavy in the air.The revelation hit me hard, and I stared wide-eyed. Aurora involved with Logan? I instinctively turned to retreat, desperate to escape the uncomfortable exchange between them. I want
~Alpha Zeeb~As soon as we arrived back at the packhouse, we were met with a ruckus. "What happened?" I frowned, demanding answers. The air was thick with tension; it was clear that something must’ve happened in our absence. I almost lost it when I found out that Riley was sick. A wave of dread passed through me, replacing my initial confusion. Why hadn't anyone informed me? The thought that neither Heather nor Jerome found it “important enough” for me to know enraged me. My daughter’s safety was my utmost priority, and I would drop everything I was doing for her. Maya put her hands on my shoulders, and instantly, my nerves calmed down, taming my wolf. I took some deep breaths, trying to regain control of my emotions. She asked the maiden what the situation was, and I couldn’t help but notice and applaud how calmly she handled it. Maya’s composure was admirable, especially in such a stressful situation. She had a knack for diffusing tension and maintaining order. That was one trait
~Alpha Alaric’s POV~My fist clenched in a desperate attempt to contain the fury that was threatening to erupt. I was barely holding back from throttling Valerie. My wolf, still distant and withdrawn after Ivory’s execution, remained frustratingly indifferent to the escalating conflict between Valerie and me. His usual protective instincts and fierce loyalty were all absent, leaving me to deal with my rage alone. He said he couldn’t care less what happens. “What in the hell is wrong with you, Valerie? Have you completely lost your mind? How could you be so utterly irresponsible?” I barked, my voice laced with barely suppressed rage. She merely scoffed dismissively, fueling my anger even more, and then turned her back to me as if I were an annoying insect. It was shocking to see her manipulate things and act like I was the one who wronged her instead. “Don’t you dare insult me, Alaric. I did what needed to be done since you refused to lift a finger.” Her sharp tone was laced with b
~Ivory~A warm smile spread across her face as she drew me into a comforting embrace. It felt like being enveloped in a soft blanket, and I struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.“Good job, Maya.”It was the first time a motherly figure had offered me such genuine praise. It was something I had longed for my entire life, and the fact that it came from the King’s mother meant the world to me.She pulled back slightly, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead before turning her gaze to Riley’s sleeping form. “I hear you’re quite close to Heather… how is she coping with her upcoming marriage?”I smiled politely. “She’s managing well, though I think she’s hiding some stress.”A slight frown creased her brow. “Then what’s causing her sour mood? Something’s amiss; she doesn’t seem like the lively Heather I know.” Her voice was laced with worry, revealing her deep affection for those she cared about.“Perhaps it’s just the pressure of the wedding,” I offered reassuringly, th
~Ivory~ I stirred, blinking against the encroaching light. I turned to find myself nestled in the King’s arms. He was already awake. Offering a sweet smile, he pulled me into a deep kiss. “You are angelic,” he murmured. “Even upon waking, you are beautiful.” I blushed at his compliment, sinking further into his chest and inhaling his sweet scent. I don't think I could ever get over how much my wolf and I wolf it. He pressed me closer. “I can’t function without you by my side, Maya,” he confessed. I was at a loss for words, unable to formulate a fitting reply. I hummed in response, knowing that if I looked at him, my eyes would betray my unspoken feelings. The truth was, I was equally attached to the King. I longed to know everything about him: his daily activities, his companions, his loves, his fears, his secrets, his burdens—everything. I wanted him to share it all with me. I knew this might seem hypocritical, especially as I was keeping secrets from him. I dreaded the day