Maxwell’s POVClay stepped into the room, and it hit him immediately—a thick, almost stifling tension filled the space, weighing down on every corner.His brows furrowed as he tried to make sense of the strange atmosphere.“What… what happened here?” he asked, voice edged with confusion. His gaze wandered slowly around the room, taking in the fragments of what he didn’t yet understand. Then, as if a realization dawned on him, he looked up. “Where’s Scarlett?”I noticed Lucian’s eyes flick in my direction, a silent cue that did little to comfort me. So, with a sigh, I confessed.“I told her to rest in your room,” I said, almost bracing for his reaction. I fully expected him to object, maybe even demand an explanation, but he didn’t. Instead, his response was different—unexpected, even.“It’s about time,” he murmured, and his words tugged at something deep within me, filling me with a pang of shame I hadn’t anticipated. He didn’t know the things I knew, the secrets that had slowly poiso
Maxwell’s POVScarlett stepped back from the door, her eyes darting to mine with a mixture of curiosity and unease. I offered her a gentle smile, hoping to ease her nerves. Clay and I entered, glancing around the small, modest room. It was simple, far from the opulence she must have known in the South, but she seemed to find peace here. Her expression was calm, as if grateful for the small space and its quietude. She didn’t need luxury; she needed a haven.“Scarlett,” I began softly, wanting to break the silence, “when’s your next birthday?” The question made her eyes shift away, as if she knew why I was asking. If anything between us was to bloom into something deeper, she’d have to be of age, and we’d have to wait until then. I felt an odd impatience twist inside me, wanting to skip ahead to a time when there’d be no such barriers.“Four months,” she replied, her voice low, and I nodded, feeling the weight of those four months like stones in my chest. But I’d wait. I had to wait. So
Scarlett’s POVThree days had passed since Maxwell and Clay arranged for me to have my own room. On the surface, it seemed like a small, kind gesture, but in my world, kindness was a fleeting thing, like magic—a trick that dazzles for a moment and vanishes without a trace. It didn’t take long for Maxwell to piece together that I was a virgin, and I could only hope that knowledge would put an end to the degrading names. For three days, I stayed in that small, quiet space, trying to savor the peace while it lasted. The omegas brought my meals, but I saw the way they looked at me—distant, almost disdainful. They had little respect, but for once, I didn’t care.I learned that Maxwell and Clay had traveled, which explained the eerie silence surrounding me. The absence of their protective presence meant I was left alone with Lucian, and that thought haunted me.I knew Lucian resented me more than either of them, a cold, calculated hate that made the air feel heavier whenever he was nearby.
Scarlett’s POVLucian’s words struck like daggers, each one sharper than the last. “Clay and Maxwell might care for you, but I don’t, and I never will. I didn’t bring you here to dine with us—you’re beneath me. I don’t eat with people like you. I brought you here to set your boundaries.” His tone was icy, his gaze filled with disdain. Each word was designed to hurt, to remind me just how little he regarded the bond we shared.A shiver of anger and pain shot through me, but I held back my tears, swallowing them down. He was the one who disrespected the bond, not me. He was the one flaunting his lust for someone else. And now, with Clay and Maxwell gone, I was forced to endure every word, every bitter drop of his contempt, without an ounce of protection.“Stasia has moved in today,” he continued, gesturing to her with an approving glance that turned my stomach. “I don’t want you entering this place again. She’ll handle the chores here, and I’m sure Clay and Maxwell will agree. Make your
Scarlett’s POVLucian stood abruptly, gripping my arm with a force that made my skin throb. Before I could react, he dragged me to the door and shoved me out of the apartment, sending me sprawling onto the ground. Pain flared up in my arm, and I looked up at him, feeling the ache deep in my chest as his cold, burning gaze met mine. Fury blazed in his eyes, but in me, there was both anger and a profound, hollow hurt. If this was what it meant to have a mate, then perhaps the mate bond wasn’t a blessing. It was a curse.“When you grow the courage to reject me, let me know, Lucian,” I spat, my voice sharp and unwavering despite the pain. His expression shifted, his eyes widening at my defiance. I didn’t care about respecting him anymore. Respect had been drained from me, replaced by an anger that left no room for fear.I turned and walked back to my room, the weight of it all pressing down on me, turning my steps heavy. Once inside, I sat on the cold floor, letting my emotions spill over
Lucian’s POVScarlett had set that trap deliberately, urging me to reject her in front of Stasia, knowing full well I couldn’t do it. She wanted to get under Stasia’s skin, wanted to create conflict. I couldn’t deny that the mate bond compelled her to feel jealousy; it was natural, expected even. But it felt like a low blow for her to act on it. She knew I felt nothing for her. She had to know that, and yet she chose to provoke me. After all, she was my fated mate, and the bond was impossible to ignore. It tugged at me in ways I despised and couldn’t control.It had taken every ounce of resolve to bring Stasia here, to share my space with her, to commit to something I could control. And I knew, without a doubt, that I’d pay for it when Clay and Maxwell returned. They’d be furious, livid that I’d let another woman take Scarlett’s place here. And, as if the weight of their anger wasn’t enough, my wolf, Tiger, was giving me no peace over it. Tiger wanted Scarlett, a desire so intense it
Lucian’s POVStanding outside Scarlett’s door, listening to her muffled sobs, a weight settled heavily in my chest. I’d wanted to hurt her, but hearing her cry because of me—knowing I was the one inflicting this pain—brought no satisfaction. Against my better judgment, I stayed, drawn by the pull of the mate bond and by something else, something I didn’t want to name.Through the door, her soft, broken voice reached me, a bitter question tearing through the silence. *“Why?”* she whispered, the word laced with hurt and confusion. She was asking why this was happening, why I was treating her this way. I wanted to hate her, to let my anger drown any sense of sympathy, but the truth was becoming painfully clear. Scarlett had never done anything to deserve this. Aside from rejecting the bond, she hadn’t wronged me. Yet here I was, bound to Stasia, using her to punish Scarlett for things beyond her control. I’d hurt her, and for what? To satisfy my grudge?Tiger’s voice slipped into my mind
Lucian’s POVWhen we reached the bedroom, Stasia turned to me, her expression a mixture of anger and resignation. “I don’t think you’re ready for me, Lucian,” she said, her voice holding an edge of defiance. I noticed the absence of “Alpha” in her tone, a subtle change that stung, but I let it slide.“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to brush off the unease settling in my chest as I lay back on the bed.She crossed her arms, staring at me with something akin to disgust. “How can you feel anything for a whore who was sleeping around, knowing she had mates?” The words were venomous, and I shot upright, a low growl rumbling from my throat. Tiger stirred, his anger rising alongside mine. In that instant, I realized that while my feelings toward Scarlett were conflicted, I would not allow anyone to insult her—not even Stasia.“I might like you, and we may have slept together,” I warned, my voice steady and firm, “but don’t forget that I am your Alpha. You’d better watch your tone when yo
Scarlett’s POVA whole year had slipped by since that fateful battle, yet its echoes lingered, shaping every aspect of our lives. The memories of that day were as vivid as ever, and the changes it brought were undeniable.Elsa had uncovered the truth—my mates gaining their magic had turned the tide of the fight. It was a revelation that filled me with gratitude.That unexpected twist had granted us not only victory but the promise of a long, peaceful life. For that, I was endlessly thankful.The south had been calling to us, and we journeyed there to put our plans into action. When we arrived, my pack welcomed me with open arms and hearts full of joy, embracing me as their alpha.Their happiness was palpable, a warmth that eased the ache of the past. They spoke of the days they had endured under David’s oppressive reign. Their tales were heavy with suffering and injustice, and I could see in their eyes the relief of finally being free.As for David, I had chosen not to end his life. In
Clay’s POVKeith exhaled slowly, his gaze distant. “I’m relieved to know that fate didn’t mess up, that it was meddling. For a while, I really believed fate had made a terrible mistake. I also thought seers didn’t wield magic,” he admitted.“Me too,” I replied. “But apparently, this group of outcasts did. They were cast out because they dabbled in dark arts. It wasn’t natural magic; it was corruption. They learned how to use the spirits for more than just insight. They twisted it for their own purposes.”Keith shook his head, his frustration evident. “I guess this is something we’ll need to look out for in the future.”I gave him a faint smile. “I guess so,” I said, though the smile faded quickly. Keith sighed and patted my shoulder.“Emerald and I will depart tomorrow,” he said reluctantly. “Please, keep me updated on Scarlett’s condition.”“I will,” I promised, understanding how hard it was for him to leave. Keith and Scarlett had shared a history, brief as it was, and while he had
Clay’s POVIt had been six days since the battle, six days since the blood-soaked fields bore witness to our desperate fight for survival. The cost had been steep—lives lost on both sides—but in the end, victory was ours.Yet it felt hollow. Scarlett’s move, the one that had turned the tide, was as miraculous as it was terrifying. Now, as she lay unconscious on the bed, her chest rising and falling faintly, I knew the price she’d paid was far greater than we had imagined.Her body was locked in a battle of its own, trying to repel the darkness that clung to her after pulling Nikolay’s corrupted spirit from his body. It wasn’t just lingering—it was gripping her tightly, refusing to let go, tethering itself to her in a way we didn’t understand.Alison had called Nikolay’s magic element “Spirit,” the same force Scarlett had avoided using until the final moments. She knew its corruptive potential and still had no choice but to wield it to end the war. Now, the price of that choice was pai
Scarlett’s POVThe corruption from Nikolay’s dark aura showed itself as faint black smoke weaving into the flames. I ignored it. My mind was clear, my goal unwavering: to win.With a snarl, I lunged at Nikolay. We collided mid-air, teeth, claws, and raw power clashing in a blur of grey and green.The battle became a blur of instincts and strategy. He was fast and strong—I had to give him that. But I was stronger.“He’s trying to steal our magic. Be careful,” Midnight warned through the link as our teeth snapped at his neck.I tried to find an opening, to bite down on his spine and end it. But he was as relentless as I was, his jaws snapping at my hind leg. Pain shot through me as he managed to push me back, but I didn’t relent.The fight was vicious. I sent waves of magic his way—fire, earth, water, and wind—but he overcame each attack with a tenacity that rivaled my own.My flames scorched his fur, leaving blackened patches that he quickly healed. His wounds knitted together almost i
Scarlett’s POVThey bore no humanity, no spark of life. Staring into those eyes was like gazing into an endless void, a darkness that seemed to claw at my very soul. He wasn’t just a man. He was a nightmare given flesh—a being that shouldn’t have existed in this world.Shivers ran down my spine as I realized the full extent of what we were up against. This wasn’t just a fight for survival—it was a fight against the unnatural, the unholy. And at this moment, I wasn’t sure if we had the strength to prevail.“Your fear smells delicious,” young Nikolay said, his voice calm, cool, and unnervingly steady. The darkness in his tone sent a shiver down my spine, but I refused to let him see the full extent of my terror.“How could Father have fathered something like you,” he continued, his gaze cold and calculating, “yet cherished and protected you while I rotted in the woods with the outcast seers? Isn’t that unfair?”His eyes drifted to my neck, and his lip curled in disdain. “Three mates. Wh
Scarlett’s POVI turned my gaze to my half-brother, speaking directly to him. “He killed your father, Nikolay. The man who didn’t even know you existed. David stole that chance from you—the chance to know your father. If you can hate my mother for killing yours, then you should hate him for murdering your father and robbing you of the life you could have had. He will betray you, just as he betrayed him.”David laughed again, shaking his head. “Don’t waste your breath, Scarlett. Young Nikolay knows the truth. It was his idea to take out Nikolay Vladislav, not mine.” He looked at Nikolay with a twisted kind of pride. “He knew that if his father ever found out about him, he’d be eliminated. Nikolay doesn’t tolerate anything that looks like a threat. He knows it had to be done.”Young Nikolay’s dark, soulless eyes bore into mine with pure hatred. If there was any doubt or hesitation in him, he didn’t show it. His disdain for me was unwavering, and David’s words only seemed to fuel his res
Scarlett’s POV“I am nobody’s puppet!” young Nikolay snapped, his voice laced with arrogance and disdain. “I am the true heir of Nikolay Vladislav, a Valkin alpha in my own right. And if I desire to take what is mine, so be it!”His declaration hung in the cold air, but I wasn’t impressed. “Rule over what?” I asked sharply. “Rule over whatever David tells you to rule? Be the king of his schemes?”For a moment, his fury was silenced, his expression hardening. He might have a temper, but he wasn’t a talker—his silence was telling.“So, what do you want?” Lucian asked, his tone steady but strained.David answered for him, stepping forward with a cruel smile. “What we’re here to take,” he said, his voice dripping with malice.“The North and that bitch.” His eyes flicked to me, and the venom in his gaze was palpable. “I promised Nikolay he’d have his revenge on the daughter of the woman who murdered his mother. Hand everything over, especially her. She’s useless anyway. Other than bed-warm
Scarlett’s POVAt dawn, they came.The attack wasn’t subtle; the screams and the clash of steel against steel echoed through Redcape, shaking the earth beneath us. I had felt it before I even opened my eyes—a dark, foreboding presence that made my skin crawl.As I sat up, my heart pounded in my chest, knowing the inevitable had arrived. Fear gripped me, cold and unrelenting. Were we ready? I didn’t know, and I wasn’t sure it mattered anymore.Lucian, Clay, and Maxwell were already moving, their movements quick and deliberate as they readied themselves for battle. Their focus was sharp, but the tension in the air was palpable.“For all we know, David has no idea Scarlett has a wolf or magic,” Lucian said, his tone firm as he strapped on his gear. “Let’s keep it that way. It’ll be our element of surprise.”He turned to me, his eyes glowing with both determination and worry. “Guns and bullets for now. We need to blindside them—just like you did with Garland. That’s the only way. And, Sca
Scarlett’s POVWhen it was over, we lay tangled together, our breaths mingling in the frosty air. The sight around us was nothing short of magical.The bare trees were now lush and green, their branches swaying gently as if awakened from a long slumber.The snow that had blanketed the ground was gone, revealing a soft, rich earth beneath. Even the frozen lake shimmered with life, its edges alive with vibrant flora. It was as though our love had breathed life back into the desolate landscape.The orange hues of the setting sun painted the sky above us, casting a warm glow over the reborn clearing.My head rested on Clay’s chest, his heartbeat strong and steady beneath my ear. Each rhythm was fierce and determined, a reminder that, for now, we were alive—and we were together. This was our moment, untainted by the battles ahead.“I’ve been thinking,” Clay said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was calm but carried a weight of seriousness. “If it comes to the worst, we should leav