~Ivory~“We will catch up later, yeah? I have pressing matters I need to attend to.” I nodded, watching his retreating figure, his scent lingering in the air like a phantom as he headed to the pack’s meeting. But I couldn’t allow myself to be consumed by it. Not again.Questions churned in my mind, like a storm brewing within me. How could he be so attractive, so intoxicatingly hot, making me feel things I had never experienced with Alaric, who I swore was the only man I wanted? Why was I comparing the two? It confused me completely.I was scared of becoming entangled in anything, but that wasn’t my only fear. Of all times, why did the Moon Goddess choose a second mate for me after I had endured so much heartache due to love? I tried to convince myself that what I felt for the Alpha King was merely the mate-attraction bond, a burning desire.Desire lingers; love stays. Desire destroys, but love kills. I was a living testimony of that truth. I needed to keep in mind that, I had returne
~IVORY~ We stepped out of Riley’s room after a seemingly endless chatter, which was surprisingly refreshing. As we walked together in contemplative silence, he retrieved something from his pocket and pressed it into my hand. “It’s the invitation card for the Moon Fiesta tonight,” he explained, noticing my curiosity as I stared down at the card in my hand. “Thank you, but I don’t think it’s not necessary for me to attend,” I replied, trying to turn him down politely. “No, I insist. It will be good for you to interact with the pack members,” he said firmly, his gaze holding something I couldn’t quite decipher. My eyes trailed to his full, pink lips and I wondered how it would feel against mine. As I looked up, I found his tall frame towering over mine. I felt so small standing next to him, the pull between us undeniable. My wolf stirred within me, silent but strong, her desire for him echoing in my mind. I didn’t know if he recognized the mate bond or if he was pretending, l
~IVORY~I raced toward the packhouse, driven by a gut feeling that something was definitely wrong. Reaching Riley’s room, I caught her scent drifting from the dining alcove nearby. There she sat, her gaze downcast, absentmindedly stirring her spoon through her food. Sia was there too, hovering by her side with a smug look on her face, since she was the maid assigned to Riley.My sudden entrance drew their attention, and Riley’s face instantly lit up with a cheerful smile. “Maya!” she exclaimed, clearly delighted to see me. I walked over to her, forcing a small smile in return, while I noticed Sia’s expression shift to one of nervousness, her eyes widening as if she had never expected anyone to be there.There was something about Riley that tugged at my heart. The pain of growing up without a mother was all too familiar, and seeing it in her made my heart ache. Nothing could compare to the trauma. I snatched the spoon from her hand, giving it a quick sniff, then glanced down at her pl
(Evans)Ah! I sighed deeply, taking a brief break from the overwhelming preparations for Alpha Alaric’s upcoming birthday. Just as I was savoring the moment, Selina, an omega like myself, burst into my room.“What is it, Selina? You startled me,” I scolded, rubbing my sore toes. But I noticed the mischievous sparkle in her eyes.“I’ve got a prank I want to pull on one of the omegas,” she said, handing me a piece of paper. “She’s close to you, so could you write a note saying you’re stranded?”Furrowing my brows, I asked, “Who is it?”“Oh, I’m not telling you. That would ruin the surprise. Suspense!” She chuckled maniacally.I shook my head, writing on the paper and wondering what she was up to, but I didn't let myself get too involved. Playing tricks on each other was common among us omegas.“Do you see how Valerie is all over the place? Changing everything Luna Ivory is planning?” Selina scrunched her nose up, and I nodded, sharing her frustration. “It’s so unfair.”“And did you hear
(Evans)Letting my curiosity get the better of me, I asked, “What do you mean? Why did Alpha Alaric penalize her so quickly without looking into it? What if he judged wrongly?”I wasn’t sure I could truly trust Beta Kaiden. The same man who had dragged Ivory with no mercy yet still claimed to be her cousin. He couldn’t even show his pity, considering that he was privileged to be in the position of beta because of his relationship with her. It was all too painful to see. Ivory never deserved such treatment, no matter what. And even if the claims were right, she was still Luna, and she should’ve had a proper send-off; even a rogue didn’t deserve such harsh degrading. I wanted to dig into the case deeper, to get justice for her, but Alpha Alaric’s judgment was final, and no one dared question him. Only great petitions could sway his decisions. “But you have always known Ivory almost your whole life. You didn’t believe she could do it, even if the entire world believed otherwise… Or did
~IVORY~Resisting the urge to surrender to the darkness, I fought my hardest to remain conscious. Are you okay?” Berry, who noticed my discomfort, asked me with concern laced in her voice.I managed to flash her a small, tight smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Could you please pass me the claw bowl?” She handed it over, and I concentrated on assembling Riley’s meal, forcing my hands to stay steady.Once ready, I picked up the tray and headed straight to the King’s room. I knocked softly, and he muttered a low “Come in, Maya.” My heart stumbled at the sound of his voice. How did he know it was me even without asking? Could he smell my presence, or had he merely been expecting Riley’s food?As I entered, my gaze fell upon him, he had changed his attire, now securing his cloak with practiced ease. I set the bowl on the bedside table next to Riley, who beamed up at me. “Here you go, Riley,” I said softly, and she chirped a cheeky “Thank you,” before diving into her food. Yet, my attention was dra
~ King Zeeb~ I was walking toward the fiesta grounds when the familiar scent of pine cones filled my senses. Before I could turn, she slipped out from the shadows, trailing her manicured fingers from my lips down to my chest. “What is this behavior, Aurora?” I asked, suppressing a wave of disgust and swatting her hand away. “This can’t go on. Stay within your boundaries. I was drunk! Don’t you get the memo?” She scoffed, an almost mocking smile twisting her lips. “Drunk? Twice, King? Come up with a better excuse. You can pretend all you want, but I know how good we made each other feel. That memory stays with me.” I clenched my jaw, barely holding back my anger. I’d only tolerated her because she was Heather’s best friend. A single reckless mistake, and now she thinks she has a claim on me. “I can’t believe this,” she spat, her voice slightly rising. “First you left me for Adeline, and now you want to do the same with Maya? I see it in your eyes that you want her. But don't you re
(Alpha Zeeb)“I belong to no one. Never will I, and that’s final,” her words echoed in my mind. I didn’t understand why she suddenly became so defensive from my statement, but I could see the fear in her eyes and it tugged at my heart. I wanted to reassure her, to tell her that as long as I was here, she had nothing to worry about and I would protect her with all my might, up till my last breath.Refusing to back down, I moved even closer, our breaths mingling. Softness abandoned my tone as I asked her seriously, “Tell me, Why are you here?”She blinked, nervous, looking everywhere but at me before clearing her throat. “I… I already told you, didn’t I?”Her words only fueled my curiosity, and I chuckled softly, leaning closer to brush my lips near her ear. Her body went rigid and I saw goosebumps appear all over her body. “You and I both know that Regina is not the only reason you’re here.”Her scent grew only stronger, and my hypersensitive ears caught the frantic racing of her he
~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