The stone halls of the Apollo estate were starting to brighten up as the day progressed, while Paul and Lexie walked back from the throne room. Their fingers were interlaced, and there was a lightness in her steps that hadn't been there for days. It wasn't much, but Paul noticed it. Lexie was quiet, but her silence wasn’t strained. There was a calmness in her presence now, and Paul knew why. The guilt that had weighed so heavily on her, unjust and suffocating, had finally been lifted. The punishment for Abby may not have been the harshest he could have delivered, but it had been just. More importantly, the truth had been revealed in public. Every member of the pack had seen the truth with their own eyes. That was all Lexie had wanted… to be heard and believed. The moment the door shut behind them and they entered the privacy of their chambers, Lexie turned and stepped into Paul’s chest, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Her cheek pressed against his heart, as if she nee
The world had gone still again. Paul carried her to the bed, cradling her against his chest while Lexie's arms stayed wrapped around his neck, her face tucked close, and he could feel the aftershocks of her release still lingering in the way her body trembled against his.He laid her down carefully, crawling in beside her and pulling the blanket over them. She immediately shifted, nestling closer until her bare skin pressed fully against his, like she was afraid he might disappear if she let go.He wrapped an arm around her waist, tucking her tight against his chest. One leg hooked around hers, and his free hand found her back, fingertips tracing soft circles there. Her fingers slid along his stomach, drawing lazy, invisible patterns. Neither of them spoke for a while, coming down from their own highs. But the silence was filled with peace. Paul pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. “You okay?” He murmured, his voice already thick with sleep. Lexie nodded against his chest, h
Lexie's POV: The gala was a dream I hadn’t dared to picture just a few weeks ago.The grand hall was bathed in golden light, the chandeliers casting a soft glow over the guests, their laughter echoing like distant music. Paul and I stood at the center, surrounded by pack members offering warm smiles, kind words, and soft apologies. Everyone seemed eager to speak to us, to me? And for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t flinch from the attention. I had expected the memories to sting when they brought Abby up. And they did, just a little. But I didn’t let it show. I straightened my spine, met every gaze head-on, and responded with quiet grace. I wasn’t here to shrink into shadows anymore. I had survived, and I was ready to thrive. And for that, I was ready to do anything. Paul stood by my side, his hand never once letting go of mine, his silent support wrapping around me like a shield. I was aware of every inch of him—his calming presence, his warm strength, and the
Lexie's POV:The warmth from the drink surged faster than I expected, like liquid fire wrapping around my nerves. My limbs felt sluggish, and Damien’s hand slipped farther along my back, his body edging in too close, the smirk on his face tightening.“Damien… stop! Stop right now!” I whispered, trying to pull away. My voice sounded far away, and muffled. He leaned in, his lips far too close to my face. “Oh, come on! An omega like you is getting the attention of not one but TWO powerful Alphas, Don’t act like you are not enjoying this…”I recoiled. My elbow tried to rise, to shove him away, but it was no use. I felt like I was moving in slow motion, and the reality was buzzing past way too quickly for me to react in time. "Shh!”He mock-soothed, dragging me closer. "Everyone’s watching. Wouldn’t want a scene, would we now! Already, your reputation as a Luna is at stake, now who would like a fake attention seeker on top of that? Because let me tell you! Sister in law, my reputation
Lexie felt it the moment Paul carried her across the threshold—the heat, the burn, like her blood had turned molten. It wasn’t just the remnants of whatever Damien had slipped into her drink. No, this was something different. Something deeper. Hungrier. Like her body was screaming for only one thing—and it was him.But the strangest part?The moment Paul touched her—just lightly, just enough to tug at the strap of her heel—it was like her skin remembered cool water. His fingers were a balm on her fire. Her muscles eased, her breath hitched, and for a second, her mind stopped spinning.She whimpered when he pulled away, even slightly.“Lexie,” Paul murmured again, trying to move back, trying to do the right thing. Always trying to do the right thing.But she didn’t care about right.She cared about real.And right now, he was real.She grabbed his tie again, tugged him down until their noses almost brushed. “Stop pulling away,” she whispered. “Don’t you dare pull away from me.”He hesi
Author's POV: The wedding was to be held at the sacred Whispering Pines– a place with and bound by the blessings of the Moon Goddess. For generations, the royals of werewolf packs had come here to wed under the gaze of the stars, and Paul, despite his preference for modernity, had chosen to honor that tradition. The Lake of Elarion stretched before them like a sheet of silver, reflecting the full moon and scattering the waves everywhere. It was said that when vows were exchanged at this place, the Moon Goddess herself was a witness to it. Five great boats were floating on the glassy surface of the lake, carved from ancient redwood. Each boat gleamed under the starlight, connected by delicate bridges woven with strands of silver and red silk thread. The largest among them was at the center, draped in pale silk and adorned with cascades of white roses. At its heart, a crescent-shaped platform glowed faintly, etched with sacred runes by the Elder wolves. Nobles and emissaries fr
Lexie's POV: As the vows were sealed and the ceremonial howl echoed through the forest, the mist parted like a curtain, revealing a sixth boat that had been hidden partially till now. It was an oval platform, white and sparkling as it was paneled with crystal, tethered at a slight distance from the others. The lake under it was glowing faintly, with silver fireflies lighting a path across the water. Without a word, Paul took my hand, leading me toward the waiting boat. As we stepped onto it, the guests on the other boats rose in expectant silence, eyes shimmering with magic and emotion. The music began to be played on wind instruments and ancient drums, echoing across the lake like a call to something primal and sacred. Paul's hand slipped into mine as we took our place in the center, and the moment we stepped onto the floor, it was like entering another world. The crystal beneath my bare feet was cool, as if the magic of its surroundings had made it come alive. Around us,
Lexie's POV: My heart was ready to burst out of my chest with happiness. The Lexie who had gotten used to being invisible at best and a monster at her worst, was still unable to believe that all these people were here to celebrate her union with her mate. Mate, the word which had once been enough to trigger all my trauma, was now the reason for this happiness. My mate, my husband, my Alpha. Paul didn’t say anything as he laced his fingers with mine, pulling me gently but firmly toward the edge of the glowing boat. I followed without a word, my heart pounding harder with every step. The guests faded into the background; the laughter, the music, the ripple of the lake, all blurred into a haze behind us. All I could feel was the heat of his hand around mine, the promise in his touch. A small rowboat was waiting at the side, lit only by the soft spill of moonlight. Paul helped me get in first, his hands skimming my waist. I sucked in a breath, suddenly extremely aware of ever
Lexie's POV:I couldn't believe it had already been three days.Three days locked away in our suite, with only each other, tangled between sheets and kisses, soft laughter and rough, hungry touches. We hadn't even seen the beach until today.Now, standing on the private shoreline, I finally took it in—the stunning stretch of sand, the ocean stretching endlessly under the late afternoon sun, its surface glittering like spilled diamonds.I sighed, letting the warm breeze kiss my skin, lifting strands of my loose hair. The salty air filled my lungs, the heat soaking into my bare torso where my bikini barely covered me, and for the first time in days, I felt almost... grounded.Almost.My moment shattered with a sharp gasp as something cold splattered across my stomach.I looked up, startled, and there he was.Paul stood over me, grinning like the devil himself, wet from head to toe. Droplets clung to his messy hair and ran down the hard lines of his body, each muscle taut under the sun.
Lexie woke slowly, like rising her consciousness was slowly rising through sweetness and warmth, like honey. Her body ached in places she hadn’t known could ache. Deep, pulsing soreness between her thighs, a delicious heaviness in her limbs—but it wasn’t unpleasant. It was a constant, thrumming reminder of Paul. A soft sigh slipped from her lips as she shifted beneath the covers, bare skin brushing lagainst the cool sheets. She was sensitive all over, to the point that even faintest movement had her core clenching weakly in memory.Then she realized there was a heavy, solid warmth wrapped around her.One of Paul’s arms was banded tightly around her waist, holding her flush against his chest, his legs tangled with hers possessively. His breath ghosted her ear in slow, steady puffs.Lexie smiled shyly into the pillow.Carefully, she turned in his embrace, moving just enough to see him.Paul was still asleep. His jaw was slack, his face peaceful, but as she brushed the back of her
The faint fragrance of the ocean was drifting through the open balcony doors, but Lexie was lost in the scent of her mate, weaving around her like a cocoon. Lexie lay sprawled across the bed, her body sore, her skin flushed against the cool silk sheets. It was a sweet pain to have, and she couldn't help but crave more of it. Paul hovered over her, brushing sweaty strands of hair from her face, his thumb tenderly tracing her swollen lips."You’re a mess, sweetheart…”He said, his voice full of fondness and affection.Lexie smiled lazily.“Mm…? Your fault."His chest shook with a laugh, and he bent to kiss her forehead. "Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up before you pass out on me."Before she could protest, Paul scooped her up again, making her squeal and cling to his neck. Her thighs tightened around his waist out if habit, brushing against his still semi-hard length and making him groan under his breath."Behave…” He warned her playfully, nipping at her jaw.Lexie giggled, burying
The sea stretched endlessly before Lexie, like a beautiful mirror, reflecting the early morning sun. But she sat curled up on the cushioned lounge chair of the balcony, her thin silk robe draping loosely over her shoulders. Her bare legs were tucked up against her chest, with her chin resting on top. This was Lexie's first time being anywhere near the sea, and she was watching the waves roll in and out, hypnotic and endless. But her mind was somewhere far away… tangled in thoughts she hadn't dared to say iur loud.Paul watched her from the doorway.Something inside his heart twisted painfully. They were supposed to be enjoying their honeymoon right now, but here she sat, small and silent against the backdrop of a world that should have been perfect but wasn't. That owed her kindness but ended up hurting her again and again. He moved toward her slowly, barefoot on the warm wood, until he was right behind her. Without a word, he knelt behind the chair, sliding his arms around
Lexie's POV:After the ritual by the ancient pool, the air still felt heavy, thick with the whispers of the elders and the silent tension that had swept over the pack. My mind was still occupied with the dark reflection I had seen in the water, and my heart felt a strange sense of foreboding. The words of the old woman who had warned me echoed in my thoughts, mingling with the unshakable feeling that something was about to change, something beyond our control.As I stood by Paul, trying to steady my breath, a soft rustling came from behind us, and I turned to see Lady Samantha approaching. The Luna’s presence, as graceful and grounded as ever, seemed to push the tension in the air back, her warmth easing the anxiety that I couldn’t quite shake.Lady Samantha’s gaze softened as she neared me, and without a word, she pulled me into a gentle embrace, her arms warm and comforting. I sank into the hug, grateful for the older woman’s steadying presence.“You’ve done well, Lexie,” Lady Sama
Lexie's POV:The night stretched on after the pool ritual, but the air was silent, thick and heavy, completely filled with unease. Even though the court tried to continue with their celebration, a quiet tension hung over us all. As not only me and Paul were completely silent, without any single chance of speaking any time sooner. No one else also dared to voice what they had witnessed in the water. The Elders exchanged whispered words, their faces were showing the tight lines filled with concern.Paul kept me close to him, his arm never straying far from my waist, as if the very act of holding me could shield me from whatever the pool had shown. His gaze remained sharp, scanning the guests around us, but I could feel the unease in his muscles, his every movement taut with a kind of unspoken worry.He was worried, he was better at hiding that up, unlike everyone else , who weren't brave enough to hide that fear, nor were they able to speak about it, as none of our guts were giving us
A New Beginning Lexie's POV: Dawn was just breaking when we approached the Alpha’s mansion, the sky was painted in soft hues of gold and rose, looking like the last masterpiece of the artist who decided to retire just after painting this soul touching landscape in the sky. I leaned into Paul’s side, my hand curled tightly around his arm, feeling his strength and warmth seep into me. His presence always made me feel that he was the answer to all my prayers, he was the home I always wished for, the reward of all my patience. I wanted to close my eyes and enjoy this bliss from the core of my heart, but I wasn't ready to let my eyes off the scenery, yet. The towering gates loomed ahead, adorned with the royal crest of the Apollo pack—a golden sun entwined with a silver wolf. They swung open slowly, and my breath caught. Beyond them, a grand procession waited. It was something beyond my imagination and expectations both. The entire court had gathered. Nobles in flowing silks,
Lexie's POV: Moonlight poured through the glass panels above us, painting silver trails across the bed. It was perfect. Just me and my new husband… only the raw, aching certainty between us, that we belonged to each other. Utterly and forever. He let me down gently, but the way his fingers tightened briefly on my waist betrayed the hunger simmering just beneath his calm. And God, I wanted that hunger. I wanted to drown in it, to be claimed by it, to leave behind every last piece of the girl I had been before him. I pushed up on shaking arms, desperate to close the space between us, even though I was still shaking. The aftershocks from the orgasm he pulled out of me with nothing but his mouth and fingers left my whole body boneless, burning, needy. My dress was bunched up around my waist, and Paul's hands were still smoothing slow, worshipful paths along my thighs, as if he couldn't stop touching me even for a second. I didn’t want him to stop. I couldn’t have him stop.
Lexie's POV: My heart was ready to burst out of my chest with happiness. The Lexie who had gotten used to being invisible at best and a monster at her worst, was still unable to believe that all these people were here to celebrate her union with her mate. Mate, the word which had once been enough to trigger all my trauma, was now the reason for this happiness. My mate, my husband, my Alpha. Paul didn’t say anything as he laced his fingers with mine, pulling me gently but firmly toward the edge of the glowing boat. I followed without a word, my heart pounding harder with every step. The guests faded into the background; the laughter, the music, the ripple of the lake, all blurred into a haze behind us. All I could feel was the heat of his hand around mine, the promise in his touch. A small rowboat was waiting at the side, lit only by the soft spill of moonlight. Paul helped me get in first, his hands skimming my waist. I sucked in a breath, suddenly extremely aware of ever