~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 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
~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…
~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
(IVORY’S POV)Disappointment gnawed at my chest as I listened to Alaric’s infuriating voicemail message—again."Hi, you’ve reached Alaric’s voicemail. I can’t take this call right now, but please leave a..." The robotic tone fueled my rage. Cutting the call for the umpteenth time, I threw the phone onto the nearest couch as my chest tightened with frustration. Damn it! I paced our large, exquisitely furnished room, my mind racing with thoughts of my husband, Alaric. His scent, usually a comforting mix of sandalwood and musk, lingered in the room as usual, reminding me of his disappointing absence. It was our third anniversary, a day that should be filled with his love and warmth. Yet, here I was, alone and waiting. A few hours left, and the day will be over. How could he possibly choose tonight to come home late? I sneered. I glanced at my outfit, the Catwoman costume I thought he’d find playful. Now it felt silly, desperate. I touched my stomach absentmindedly, a gesture that ha
(IVORY’S POV) I stood frozen, the room spinning under the weight of what I had just seen. Each second that passed felt like a hammer driving the realization deeper into my mind. My heart beat heavily in my chest, and I could barely breathe. Across from me, Alaric’s face twisted in anger instead, as if I were the one who had done something wrong.“Say something, Alaric, will you? How could you?” My voice was sharp with fury, and my emotions were uncontrollable. This was despicable and shameful—sexting another? No matter how he spun it, this was cheating.“Ivory,” he snapped, stepping closer and yanking his phone from my trembling hands. "Wow, just... wow."“What the hell were you thinking, going through my phone?” His voice was cold and hard, completely devoid of the warmth I was used to. The man I had loved and trusted now felt like a stranger. But did I truly not see this coming?“How could you?” I choked out, my voice cracking. Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “
(IVORY’S POV) I jolted upright, drenched in sweat, my throat was parched as a desert. Again! The troubling dream of the Alpha King had returned, and this time, it felt too real. An untouchable figure, the king of all kings. Few had seen him eye to eye, and I was no exception, only on paper. Why was he invading my dreams? Swallowing hard, I became acutely aware of my surroundings. Holy shit! I was still in the office; papers sprawled all over my desk. It’s ironic how this very place I hated—the same place that constantly reminded me I was just a mere lab assistant, had become my sanctuary from the pack gossip and my thoughts. “What are you doing, slacking off, huh? Get to work, ceremonial Luna!” Startled by the abrupt intrusion, I looked up to see Professor Sly, my superior at work. True to his name, he was a cunning old man who never bothered to hide his disdain for me. I plastered on a fake smile. “Professor Sly, I was about to take my leave. As you know, it’s Alpha Ala
(IVORY’S POV) "Bind this vile woman!” Alaric commanded. Confused, I couldn’t understand what was happening. I found myself in a room surrounded by judgmental eyes. "I can't stand her face. Bring her out for the verdict." With that, Alaric stormed out of the room. One of the guards grabbed my hand roughly, and pain shot through my sore, bloodied body, still aching from the lashes of the cane. I shivered from the biting cold. My clothes were torn, exposing parts of my chest to prying eyes, but my long, wavy hair mercifully covered me. I tried to speak, to ask what was happening, but no words escaped my throat. Only whimpers. As I was dragged outside, my eyes adjusted to the dim light—dawn was approaching. How long had I been unconscious? "Slut!" Voices from the crowd jeered at me, my stomach churning. "Cursed Luna!" Some even hurled stones at us. "Adulterous whore!" Alongside me, an omega male was dragged, almost as naked as I was. Who was he? As we were paraded through the
~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
~Alpha King Zeeb~With a contented smile, I turned to Maya, whose face was flushed crimson. Her eyes gleamed as she met my gaze. This was a new beginning for us, a significant turning point.Maya’s willingness to be intimate with me confirmed what I longed to know: she desired me as much as I desired her.Zerric howled with satisfaction, urging me to seize the moment and mark her fully. But then, a familiar vision flashed before my eyes, the same one that had haunted me in the past. The sense of déjà vu was overwhelming, the familiarity... Could it be Maya?Was she the same woman I’d seen in my visions, running, desperate for rescue? The same woman crying out in anguish?I looked at her. Her face had paled, her irises wide with a look of utter disorientation, as if she were lost in a trance. “Maya?” I called, but she didn’t respond, lost in her own subconscious world.“Maya!” I said, my voice louder this time, snapping her back to reality. I was