Scarlett’s POVMy heart skipped a beat as I quickly took out a handkerchief, wiping it away before any of my mates noticed. Luckily, the pain faded as quickly as it had come, and there was no lingering migraine, but the ominous feeling only grew stronger.“Gregory,” Lucian’s voice cut through the tension, pulling Gregory’s gaze away from me. He blinked, looking momentarily disoriented, then quickly refocused on Lucian.“Good day, Alpha Lucian,” he said, bowing in a show of respect. “It is an honour to be in Redcape.” Lucian returned his nod, his expression calm but watchful.Gregory moved down the line, exchanging polite greetings with Maxwell and Clay. Yet, even as he did, his eyes would flicker back to me, his gaze almost invasive, lingering too long and too intently.I could feel Tiger, Lucian’s wolf spirit, growling in my mind, and I knew Lucian felt it too. He didn’t take kindly to anyone ogling me, especially not in his presence.“And who is this beautiful lady seated beside you
Scarlett’s POVGregory approached me with a smooth, almost predatory air, his blue eyes focused intently on me. “How do you like it here, Luna?” he asked. He was a striking man—red hair, muscular build, and around Lucian’s age—but there was something unsettling in his gaze. He was undeniably handsome, but I felt no attraction toward him. If anything, his attention made me uneasy, as if there were more behind his words than he let on.“It’s amazing,” I replied, keeping my tone light, polite. He gave a small nod, his eyes searching mine as if he were trying to unravel something hidden within me.“Where are you from?” he continued, tilting his head slightly, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. “You look more like a Southerner.”I gave him a small smile, nodding. “Well, you guessed right. I am a Southerner who traveled north to find my mates.” The moment I said it, I heard a low, protective growl from Clay, a reminder that my mates were always watchful, always aware.Gregory leaned in, his
Scarlett's POVClay’s playful words echoed in my mind. “Hmmm, I guess you’ll have to convince Lucian because he is losing his mind.” I glanced over to where Lucian sat, his gaze fixed intently on us, a mix of protectiveness and simmering jealousy in his eyes. Sensing the moment, Clay and I danced toward him, and Clay gently let me go, leaving me in Lucian’s arms.“I hope you’re ready, because I’ll need all my energy to keep up,” I teased, smiling up at him.Lucian’s growl was low, possessive, and unmistakably jealous. “And what was all that with our guest?” he asked, pulling me close, his voice holding a note of frustration.“That was me being your Luna and a gracious host,” I said, resting my head against his chest as his arms wrapped around me protectively.He sighed, his grip tightening. “He gives me the creeps,” he muttered, his words sending a small shiver through me.“Me too,” I whispered back, laughing softly. He spun me in a twirl, then pulled me back, his chest firm and warm
Lucian’s POVI needed Gregory’s help for trade in the North, but every time I saw him casting those lingering looks at Scarlett, my stomach tightened with anger.He was being more than friendly, and she, for some reason, seemed to welcome it, laughing a little too warmly at his jokes, her eyes shining just a bit too brightly. I knew I couldn’t reprimand her in front of him; that would be unfair and humiliating. So, I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay silent, to swallow down the bitter frustration building up inside me. I didn’t let out a breath until she elegantly turned him down when he asked her to dance. That brought me a small wave of relief, but it didn’t wash away my worry entirely.Why was I even worried? Scarlett was ours—claimed and marked. Yet, I couldn’t shake the nervous tension that gnawed at me, the lingering fear that maybe, just maybe, Gregory was getting to her. He looked at her with a hunger that made my blood boil, as if he were under her spell. And maybe he
Lucian’s POVWhen Bianca finally appeared, her face held a hint of anxiety that made my gut tighten further. “Alpha,” she greeted softly, her eyes darting around as if she sensed something was wrong.“What was put in the wine?” I demanded, cutting to the chase. Bianca shook her head quickly, looking alarmed.“Nothing, Alpha. It’s the usual batch from the cellar. Luna Scarlett selected it herself,” she replied, but her words didn’t sit right with me. I could feel something was off. This wasn’t just wine. There was a thickness, a darkness to it, as if something had been mixed in—wolfsbane, perhaps. The thought chilled me. Wolfsbane was designed to dull our senses, to make us weak, unable to link, unable to feel or think clearly. Someone was trying to ensure we weren’t at our best tonight.I held onto my cup tightly, fighting off the haziness that was slowly settling over my mind. I called for my Beta, William, needing him to run a test on the wine, to confirm what I was already certain
Lucian’s POVI woke up with a splitting headache, the pain so intense it seemed to throb with my every heartbeat. As I groaned, the memories of the night before came rushing back, and a terrible realisation struck me—it had to have been wolfsbane in our drinks.That was the only reason why we would all wake up like this, heads pounding and memories foggy. Shaking off the pain as best as I could, I nudged Clay and Maxwell awake. They stirred, groggy and confused, but eventually managed to sit up, their faces mirroring my own discomfort.Needing relief, I headed to my room for painkillers, but as soon as I entered, something felt off. The room was empty, the bed undisturbed. Scarlett’s scent, usually lingering softly in the air, was absent. My stomach twisted. Had she not slept here last night? Anxiety prickled at the edges of my mind as I left my room and checked both Clay’s and Maxwell’s rooms, hoping she’d simply ended up there. But she wasn’t there either. A cold dread began to cree
Lucian’s POVI moved towards Scarlett, scooping her into my arms despite the ache of doubt clawing at my mind. Whatever else was true or false, she was still my mate, and I would not let a stranger see me question her loyalty. I looked at Gregory with a hardness I didn’t even recognize in myself.“The deal is off, Merchant. It would be best for you to leave while you still have the chance,” I said, my voice barely more than a growl, thick with fury and shame. Scarlett’s sobs wracked her body as I held her, but I kept my face cold, my words clipped.“I didn’t do anything,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I swear to you…”I didn’t answer, biting down my own hurt as we stepped into the hallway. A small crowd had gathered, their eyes wide with curiosity and judgment. A deep growl escaped me, and I glared at them, the command clear: Mind your own business. Slowly, they dispersed, but the damage was done. The rumour would spread, and this would be all anyone spoke of for days, maybe wee
Scarlett’s POVI stood there in the shower, shivering, even with the warmth of the water and the steady arms of my mates around me. A cold fear settled deep within me, whispering that things would never be the same again. I hadn’t invited Gregory into my room, and I certainly hadn’t slept with him. But I knew that to everyone else, it would look like that’s exactly what happened. My heart ached with the injustice of it all—how was I supposed to prove my innocence? It felt like every accusation, every whispered doubt I’d ever faced had finally caught up to me, now looming over me like a dark shadow.Lucian gently wrapped a towel around me and dried my tears along with the water from my face. His touch was tender, but I could feel the tension in his hands, the heaviness that hung in the air as he guided me back to his bedroom. Maxwell and Clay followed close behind, their expressions mirroring my own anguish and confusion. They wanted to protect me, I could feel that, but this situation
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