EMMELINEThey are never going to find the bodies of the men I killed on the day of my mating ceremony.Neither would they find me. My name is Emmeline Carrington, and I am King Carrington's daughter and the last female Lycan. Six Months EarlierAs I stood before Jonas, my fated mate, our hands intertwined and our smiles beaming, I couldn't think of a more perfect day. It was the day of our mating ceremony, and to say that I was still in awe of everything playing out would be a sheer understatement. I just couldn't believe a day like this had finally come, that something this good, this perfect, would ever happen to a girl like me.Several times today, I'd paused and waited with bated breath, half expecting to awaken from whatever dream this was. But it wasn't a dream. I was getting mated to Jonas Sharpe! For the first time in my life, it didn't feel like I had been cursed. To be bound to a man like Jonas as a mate was the greatest blessing of all. He was a top-ranking warrior in
EMMELINEFearful screams arose from every corner of the hall as everyone present flew into a frenzy. My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest as I staggered backwards from a mix of confusion and fear.Because everything had happened so fast, I barely had time to process anything. One second my father was officiating my mating ceremony, and the next he had flown to the center of the madness, fighting off the werewolves that were storming into our estate. WE WERE TRULY UNDER ATTACK!ON THE DAY OF MY MATING CEREMONY!All around the hall, combat had ensued with Lycans being cut down mercilessly and killed brutally. It was a bloodbath. I had never felt so much horror. Blood rushed through my ears as I looked around for Jonas, barely escaping the people zooming past me and causing a stampede. "Jonas!!" I screamed helplessly, fighting my way through the crowd and simultaneously struggling to avoid the silver bullets whizzing left and right. I couldn't believe that the best d
EMMELINE (MARY)Present Day“Hurry up with the drink, bartender! I don't have all bloody day!” A man seated at one of the tables in the small bar yelled at me. I nearly jumped out of my skin, slightly dizzy from the suddenness of it all. I realized then that I had zoned out. Again. As fast as my legs could carry me, I rushed out from behind the counter, balancing his order in one hand as I made for his table. I managed to get there without spilling anything. "Y-Your drink, s-sir…" I stuttered, keeping my eyes down apologetically lest I get into more trouble. "Give me that!" He barked, snatching it from me and shooting me a glare sharp. Shuddering, I headed back to my position behind the counter. It had been four months since I was employed at this bar, and still the job hadn't gotten easier. My life hadn't gotten any easier. That seemed like a more fitting conclusion. I still felt heavy and hollow, the hole in the chest never closing up completely. After the death of my family, I
EMMELINEI was locked up in the back of the van on it’s way to the slave house. Tears streamed down my cheeks as my new reality dawned on me. It was over for me. What could possibly become of my life once I started living in the slave house? That was, if such a life could be considered living.I wanted to scream my lungs out in desperation. The guards had made sure I had no means of escape by binding both my arms and legs tightly so that it was impossible to even move. Tears of frustration formed in my eyes again as I trembled in the back of the van. Things were by no means perfect, but at least I'd had some sense of stability. A job, a roof over my head, and plans to relocate as soon as possible. There were just a few months left. And now everything had been turned upside down. All my plans had crumbled into one meaningless blob of nothing. Perhaps I was cursed. Maybe happiness just wasn't something meant for me. Every time it seemed within reach, something happened that would bring
EMMELINEWhy did he buy me?This was the question that continued to resound in my mind all through the ride back to Alpha Darius' pack. After I'd been sold, some of his men had bundled me off the stage and taken me outside to a waiting car. I hadn't seen much of the Alpha because he was in another car.Even when we arrived at Fletch Pack, Alpha Darius did not say much to me. He just handed me over to two maids in waiting and ordered them to clean me up. Still blindfolded, I was taken to what I assumed to be the bathroom. It was only after I shoved into the bathroom that the blindfold was finally taken off. The women got to work immediately, scrubbing me thoroughly. It felt like a repeat of what had happened earlier at the slave trade. I didn't even bother to fight back this time. I was exhausted to the bone, so I just sat there and let them do their job. They were so harsh with it that I wondered briefly if they were doing it on purpose. I couldn't help but notice that the women wer
EMMELINEI couldn't move. My body felt frozen in place as the truth settled like a heavy stone in my chest. Darius had been part of the people who killed my family. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. My mind spun, and I struggled to breathe, feeling the world close in around me."Take off your clothes," he said. His voice was so cold, it sent a shiver through my bones.I looked up at him, my eyes blurred with unshed tears. I couldn't let him see me break. Not now. Not after everything that had happened.I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. "I.. have something to confess,"' I said, my voice barely a whisper.Darius raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing as he studied me, suspicion dancing in his dark gaze. "Speak," he ordered.My heart was pounding in my chest, but I pushed the fear aside.“I… I have an infection,” I said quickly, the lie tasting like ash in my mouth. It was the first thing that came to mind, a desperate attempt to buy myself some time, some way out o
EMMELINEI stumbled into the kitchen, my heart racing with anxiety. I needed to find the head cook, the one who had the power to tell me everything about the food around here—who prepared Darius’s meals, who handled them, and where they stored the damn curry powder. That’s why I was here.But when the cooks saw me, all eyes turned to me with shock, suspicion, and maybe even a hint of fear. I couldn’t blame them, though—there had to be a reason for their reactions. I wasn’t exactly dressed like them. I paused for a moment, trying to keep my composure.“Why are you here, concubine?” a woman yelled at me, the head cook by the look of her. She was in her late forties, but looked tough. I plastered on a nervous smile, trying to look as clueless as possible. “Oh, hi! I, uh… I thought I was supposed to, you know, cook my own meals? I’m just a… you know… a slave like you guys, right?” The words slipped out without much thought. I cringed internally at the lie. But I couldn’t let them know
EMMELINEDarius tilted his head, and I knew I'd fucked up. His dark eyes narrowed so slightly. It was the kind of look that made my blood run cold, even though his expression remained calm. Too calm. Like he was mentally deciding how best to deal with me.What the hell had I just done? Blurted out my anger to a man who could probably snap my neck without breaking a sweat? I stumbled back, my palms suddenly sweaty. My heart pounded so hard I thought he might hear it. What was I thinking saying that out at him like I had a death wish?I swallowed hard. What would he do to me now? The calmness in his expression was more terrifying than if he’d yelled.He brushed imaginary dust from his suit.He rose to his feet, the movement slow and my breath hitched in my throat. He was coming closer. My mind raced, frantically searching for a weapon, anything I could use to defend myself. A lamp? A vase? Hell, I’d grab a goddamn pen and stab him if I had to. We were alone. This was my chance. I coul
EMMELINE★☆★☆★☆The rough hands of the lycan guards practically threw me inside. I landed hard on the cold stone floor, the air knocked right out of my lungs. I gasped, trying to suck in some air, my chest heaving like I’d run a marathon. Which, technically, I kind of had.“Emmeline! What the hell happened?” Sylas was instantly beside me, his strong hands gripping my shoulders, pulling me upright. His face was etched with worry, his eyes searching mine.It took a few ragged breaths, but I finally managed to choke out the words. “Michael… that son of a bitch… he exposed me. They know. They’re coming.” The last part came out in a shaky whisper, the reality of it all crashing down on me.Sylas’s grip tightened for a second, and his expression went dark, like a storm cloud rolling in. He lifted me as if I weighed nothing, despite the adrenaline still coursing through me, and gently placed me on a nearby chair. My legs felt like jelly, and I was still trembling.“I knew this day would come
EMMELINE★☆★☆★☆This night had gone straight to hell. One moment, I was in a grand banquet hall, surrounded by laughter and music, and the next? I was running for my damn life through the dark forest, my lungs burning and my heart hammering against my ribs like a war drum.I had no shoes on now, no time to think, just raw survival instincts screaming at me to move faster. My dress was torn, catching on branches as I pushed through, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t."FIND HER!" a voice roared behind me. "DON’T LET HER ESCAPE, DAMN IT!"Escape. That was the only thing on my mind. The forest was a maze of trees and shadows, every direction, every turn looking exactly like the last. I had no freaking clue where I was going, just a blind, desperate hope that I’d stumble across the Lycans estate before they caught me.I had to make it to the estate, not just to save myself but to also warn them. Sylas would know what to do. He had to. If I didn’t make it there… I don’t even want to imagine wha
EMMELINE’S POV★★★★★★★★★Ugh, all that fancy food and forced smiles were starting to give me a stomach ache…I needed a quick escape to the ladies' room before I painted the pristine white tablecloth with my dinner. I told Darius I needed to pee – a totally believable excuse, right? – and slipped out of the banquet hall. The bathroom was down the hall, and I was just heading back, feeling a little bit better, when I noticed the music had stopped. Weird. Then I heard voices coming from a side room. Something felt… off. Like a really bad vibe was radiating from behind that closed door. My feet just stopped. I knew that voice. Michael’s. That slimy bastard.My heart started hammering against my ribs. How in the actual hell did he find out? I crept closer, my hands shaking. Peeking through the slightly ajar door, I saw a bunch of Alphas crammed in there, including those two absolute digusting devils, Alpha Crock and Alpha Mathias. Darius was standing tall in the middle of them, facing Mic
DARIUS☆☆☆☆☆☆Man, I couldn't stop the stupid grin plastered on my face if I tried. Sitting here in the meeting room with Dawson my beta, going over this damn invitation list for the banquet, every name we ticked off just made me feel lighter. Like a weight I didn't even know I was carrying had finally been lifted.“Think we’ve got everyone important, boss?” Dawson asked, his pen hovering over the last few names. He looked up at me, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew how happy I was. Everyone did. It was probably radiating off me like heat from a damn furnace.“Yeah, man, looks good,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Anyone we missed, they can just… well, they can kick themselves later for not being on the list for the party of the century.” I chuckled, and Dawson joined in. It felt good, this easy laughter. It felt right.“Party of the century, huh?” Dawson repeated, shaking his head with a grin. “You’re really going all out, aren’t you?”“Damn right, I am!” I exclaimed, my
EMMELINE☆☆☆☆☆Ugh, I woke up feeling like a truck had run me over. My eyes felt heavy, and my body just wanted to stay glued to the mattress. I reached out my hand, but the other side of the bed was cold. Darius was already gone for his meeting. Of course, Mr. Important always had somewhere to be. I dragged myself out of bed and headed for the bathroom. A long, hot bath sounded like the only thing that could possibly make me feel human again.After my bath, I went to the dining room, and breakfast was already waiting for me. The usual spread – fruits, some toast, and that fancy tea Darius insisted on. I wasn’t really hungry, but I managed to eat a little something. I was feeling restless, cooped up in the house. So, I decided to take a short stroll in the gardens. The flowers were blooming, and the air was fresh. It was actually quite nice for a bit.But then, halfway through my walk, a wave of nausea hit me like a punch to the gut. I suddenly felt this urge to throw up, and before I
EMMELINE☆☆☆☆☆☆I had to see Sylas. Like, really needed to. After everything that went down, him helping find me and all, it just felt right to go over to his Estate. Plus, you know, gotta keep things moving, right? Can’t just sit around feeling rescued all day.So I headed over to the other Estate. It's not like it's a huge ride or anything. And when I got there, Sylas was, well, Sylas.He turned to me, and there was this look in his eyes – kinda serious, but also…relieved? “Emmeline,” he said, that deep voice of his, “Good to see you again.”“Hey,” I replied, stepping inside. “Thanks again for, you know… finding me. Seriously. Thank you.” I wanted to make sure he knew how much it meant. It wasn't just about being found, it was him, Sylas, who had played a big role in it.He just gave a slight nod, that kind that tells you he’s not one for big speeches. “It is my duty. To protect all lycans. Especially you, Emmeline. Of course, I would do it again. It is my job, after all.”Okay, th
EMMELINE☆☆☆☆☆☆When my eyes finally fluttered open, the first thing that hit me wasn't the light, or any pain, but the complete and utter silence. It was… different. Not like that silence, you know? The kind that used to press down on me, suffocate me while I was trapped in Michael’s dungeon. Nope, this was a peaceful quiet. A quiet that whispered, “It’s over, Em. The crazy is done.” The war… yeah, the war was really done. It still felt kinda unreal, like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, for some new nightmare to start. But for now, just quiet.I shifted a little under the soft sheets, and my body groaned in protest. Man, I was still so damn sore. Felt like I’d been run over by a cartload of bricks, not just, you know, everything. But even with the aches, it wasn’t a bad sore. It was like… my body was just tired from fighting, from surviving. A strong arm suddenly snaked around my waist, pulling me back against a warm, solid chest. Darius. Of course.“You’re awake,” he mur
EMMELINE’S POV☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆Oh Moon Goddess, this is getting seriously messed up. I scrambled back, doing this weird crab walk thing as I crawled away from Darius and Michael who were going at it like wild dogs. My heart was hammering in my chest like a damn drum solo. Dust and dirt were flying everywhere, and I could hear the grunts and the clangs of their blades. I felt useless, just huddled there while they were practically trying to kill each other.My eyes darted around, searching for… I don't know, anything? Something to help? My fingers brushed against something hard and sharp on the ground. Yes! My hand closed around a rock, jagged and rough. It wasn't much, but it was better than freaking nothing. My hand was shaking so bad I almost dropped the damn thing. "Come on, Emmeline, get it together," I whispered to myself, even though I felt like I was about to lose my lunch right then and there.Then, bam! Michael, that psycho, he slammed Darius down. My breath hitched. Darius wa
EMMELINE’S POV☆☆☆BANG! BANG! BANG!My eyes snapped open so fast I thought my neck might crack. Gunfire. Holy shit. My heart pounded, wild and frantic, like a trapped bird. What the hell was happening now?For a second, confusion clouded my mind…had I imagined it? But then another shot rang out, followed by shouting.Michael cursed under his breath. The slimy bastard jumped to his feet and rushed to the door. “Stay here,” he ordered, though it was clear he meant it for his gorilla-sized guards, not me.But even through the fear, something else struck me like a jolt of lightning. Darius. It had to be him. Who else would be crazy enough…or brave enough, to come barging in here with guns blazing?My breath hitched. Darius was here.A spark of hope ignited in my chest. Hope, mixed with an exhausted but undeniable, ‘Are you kidding me?’“Do not take your eyes off her,” Michael barked before slipping out, slamming the door behind him.He thought I wouldn’t try to escape?He underestimated