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 POVWaking up in Lucian’s arms, I felt a strange calm. His presence felt different—softer, protective, even—yet I could barely process it. My body tensed, wary that this was a mistake, that he’d Realise where he was and lash out. I shifted carefully, wanting to put some distance between us before things turned ugly, but as I moved, his eyes opened. He looked at me with a gentleness I hadn’t seen before, his lips curling into a small smile. I glanced around the room, half-convinced I was still dreaming.“Alpha Lucian,” I stammered, feeling my heart race as he sat up, his gaze steady and calm.“Scarlett,” he said softly, his tone free of the bitterness I was used to. I opened my mouth to speak, to ask the question hanging in my mind, and before I could stop myself, it spilled out.“What about…” I hesitated, but I had to know. “What about Stasia?”His expression didn’t shift. “I asked her to leave,” he said simply. “It’s over.”I blinked, absorbing his words. He had fought so
Scarlett’s POVI stepped into the dining area, finding Lucian waiting at the table, alone. Stasia was truly gone, just as he’d promised. I felt a strange mix of relief and pressure all at once.“You look good,” he said, his voice warm and genuine. My heart betrayed me, leaping at the simple compliment, though I forced myself to remain neutral, trying to keep my emotions in check. But the mate bond’s pull was undeniable, and the longer I stayed with him and the others, the more it felt like a force working on its own, beyond my control. Last night, I’d slept deeply, wrapped in Lucian’s scent, that rich pinewood I was now learning to crave. I knew each of their scents by heart—Maxwell’s was earthy, sandalwood, and Clay’s held the warmth of cinnamon. The thought made me curious about my own scent, wondering what it meant to them, but I kept those thoughts to myself.“Please, relax, Scarlett,” he said gently, noticing my unease. “I promise, I won’t hurt you. I’ve made my choice. I’ve acce
Scarlett’s POVWhen we reached a secluded part of the woods, Lucian gently set me down and started taking off his clothes. My immediate reaction was to look away, my cheeks flushing. His amused chuckle broke the silence.“Come on, don’t act like you’ve never seen a naked man before,” he teased, and the heat in my cheeks deepened. But as he undid his belt, something shifted. I could sense the change in his energy, and a silence stretched between us. I felt him approach from behind, his warmth radiating as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into an embrace.“Mint,” he murmured, inhaling deeply as if savouring my scent. I smiled softly, realising for the first time that this simple, intimate connection between us felt… right.“Scarlett, are you shy?” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My body responded, a deep ache growing within me, and I couldn’t hide the sudden flush of desire that overtook me. Lucian gently turned me to face him, his
Scarlett’s POVTiger padded over to me, nuzzling me affectionately, and I reached out, stroking his fur gently. It was unexpectedly soft, and his familiar pinewood scent was even stronger in this form, mingling with the crisp, earthy air of the forest. Tiger’s size was impressive; he radiated strength, yet his movements were careful, tender as he shielded me from the cold, his massive body creating a warm cocoon around me. I leaned into him, feeling a comfort and safety I hadn’t expected.“Nice to meet you, Scarlett,” Tiger’s voice echoed softly in my mind, filled with warmth. I ran my fingers through his fur, marvelling at the connection. Gathering courage, I leaned in and pressed a light kiss to his wet nose.Tiger rumbled in response, pulling me closer with a paw, and then, in a gesture that felt both celebratory and solemn, he tilted his head back and let out a powerful howl that resonated through the woods, filling the air with his declaration.Tiger’s presence lingered in my min
Clay’s POVLucian’s announcement had stunned me. Of all of us, he was the last I expected to accept Scarlett. For so long, he’d been consumed with resentment, determined to push her away and make her suffer. Yet here he was, embracing his bond with her, even before Maxwell and me. I couldn’t wrap my head around it.“How?” I asked, my voice full of disbelief as I let my bag fall to the floor, too shocked to keep holding it.Lucian met my gaze, his expression raw and unguarded. “The same reason neither of you could let her go,” he said quietly, his honesty catching me off guard. “I realised there was no point holding a grudge against her. Tiger wouldn’t allow it, and I couldn’t keep resisting the bond.” He paused, searching for the right words. “The goddess tied us together, and I’ve come to believe there’s a reason for that. It’s time I stop punishing myself—and her. I decided it was time to accept Scarlett as my mate.”I could see the sincerity in his eyes, something I hadn’t seen in
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