Hazel’s POV“Hazel, stay away,” warned Stavros, while the entire crowd cheered him on. My heart sank with panic, knowing how vicious this could get. I had to discourage them.“No, stop this fight. I promise Zander will leave soon.” Zander growled as if ready to protest.“I won’t leave without you, Hazel.” The mad swirl in his eyes was enough to know how determined he was.“Hazel isn’t going anywhere!” Stavros snarled as they circled one another, waiting for an opportunity to attack.“Go back, Zander. I’ll never return with you.” My shrill voice echoed in the air. The atmosphere crackled with tension, while the pack members watched from a distance, ready to support their beta. “You’re wasting your life, time, and energy here. Go back to your pack.” My voice was hoarse from yelling, but Zander looked unperturbed. Stavros fumed more with anger for reasons I couldn’t comprehend. Couldn’t he see me discourage Zander?“I have a better idea. If I win this fight, you can kiss me or return to
Hazel’s POVI watched Stavros desperately look for his treasure, ignoring me and my offer. It hurt me a lot. How could a pendant be more important than me? “Oh, there it is!” yelled Stavros excitedly, pouncing on the sparkling piece of jewelry lying near a moss-covered crag. “I’m sorry. It might have fallen from my grip when he attacked you.” He paid no attention to me, busy inspecting his treasure. His behavior hurt me so much that I couldn’t wait here any longer for him to realize what he missed. It was obvious he didn’t need me or my kiss. Alpha Zander was right. I shouldn’t be wasting my life on him.I whirled around and raced towards my car, wanting to get far away from Stavros right now. The bonfire and the celebrations held no meaning for me. I was doomed to live with a broken heart, neglected, rejected, and unloved. Tears blinded me as I steered the car towards my house. Why couldn’t Stavros feel my love? I didn’t want to stay here anymore. Lucania wasn’t my dream home. I
Hazel’s POVMy ears flushed with embarrassment at the prospect of spending another night with him. I remembered the last time when we had kissed. Would he accept me as his mate tonight? Would he mark me and claim me? I wanted to belong to him so badly. What if he didn’t want me? After all, he had rejected me and my kiss! ‘Don’t hope for the impossible, Hazel. He doesn’t even want you,’ reminded my inner mind. No, I shouldn’t allow him in my room. “The motel won’t allow you to stay in my room, Stavros. You can book your own.” He smirked and followed me to my room. “I’ve sorted that out. Don’t worry!” I unlocked the door and walked in, with him following me. “What did you do?” I just hoped he didn’t break any human rules. “Nothing to worry about. I just paid for twin occupancy!” I rolled my eyes and watched him dump his backpack on a chair nearby. “So you’ve come prepared, it seems.” When did he pack his stuff if he’d been following me all this while? “I always keep it handy in m
Stavros’s POV My heart bled, yet my eyes were dry as I gazed back at my reflection in the mirror. I had to rush into the washroom to save myself from transforming completely into a Grypwolf in front of Hazel. I knew why the pendant didn’t work this time. Hazel’s readiness, coupled with my aroused state, was enough to warn Dyson of what was to follow. He was ready to resurface and make an appearance as per the curse. Only I held myself back in time. A door somewhere clicked shut, and I sighed, knowing Hazel had misunderstood me again and left. I wanted to howl and cry to vent out the pent-up frustration and pain I was going through. Yet not a sound erupted from my mouth, or a teardrop fell from my eye. I stood gazing at the reflection of the monster that was me. Dyson receded slowly inside me and I watched my form return to normal. Hazel’s admission kept on playing in my head like a broken record. I’m ready for you, Stavros!The more I thought about it, the more desperate I felt. S
Hazel’s POV “What’s taking Mom and Carmen so long? They should have been here by now,” said aunt Cassie as she got the buffet table ready.“I’ll call Aunt Carmen and find out.”“There’s no need to call. I had a word with granny Erika. They’ll be here in fifteen minutes,” informed Alpha Zander. I tried my best to ignore his presence. He has been tagging along everywhere I went since he found out about my birthday from my aunts at the packhouse. I had no wish to celebrate it, but my aunts whisked me away with them to the packhouse. Ever since I had been tolerating him.Now, after a day of fun-filled activities and enjoyment, we returned home to celebrate more. Weren’t they overdoing it? Why did Granny and Aunt Carmen need to come over? I dreaded their presence, knowing I couldn’t avoid their questions anymore.I didn’t see him at the packhouse as I had expected. Strangely, after I escaped from the motel, there has been no news of Stavros so far. He hadn’t called or met me even once. Fo
Hazel’s POV Stavros easily overtook the rest of them and reached me before they could. Before I could realize his intentions, he picked me up in his arms, leaving me stunned. I wrapped my arm around his broad shoulders to keep myself from falling. “Stavros, what are you up to?” Instead of replying, he strode towards the house with me in his arms. The others ran after him.“Hand her over to us, bro. It’s time for the birthday bumps!” insisted Orion while I panicked. “No, please,” I begged Stavros, holding his gaze. With his face inches away from mine, my eyes drank him in. He was so handsome from so close. If only he could smile more!“No, I don’t hand over what’s mine!” My jaws dropped to the ground, almost. Now what did that mean? “Are you kidding me?” gasped Orion, following Stavros into the house. “What’s gotten into him?” asked Alexandrios with a chuckle. “He’s bitten by the love bug!” whispered back Hera. I could hear them distinctly, and my cheeks flushed with embarrassmen
Stavros’s POV Hazel left the room reluctantly while I sat facing her granny. From the moment she stepped into the house, I knew she had sensed the cursed energy emanating from me. I had heard about her from Aunt Carla before. Erika Payne was a powerful witch of her time, more powerful than Annabeth, with powers that could destroy a hybrid like me. Therefore, it was impossible to evade her. I feared her hatred. Would she warn me of Hazel? How would I live without Hazel? I was sure no one could love her as much as I did. Not even Alpha Zander. I was sure he had an ulterior motive for pursuing Hazel. He didn’t look like a wolf in love with her. “Who are you?” Witch Erika’s whisper brought me out of my thoughts. I met her unwavering gaze with confidence. I would face her with my honesty. My heart was pure and my love for Hazel was unconditional. I had nothing to fear. “I’m Stavros Petrakis, son of Theodore Bergeron, the Delta of the Luceres Pack, and Sarah Kingsley, the pack’s doctor
Hazel’s POV My heart melted, and I forgot his rejection earlier. “Yes, please. Is this my birthday gift?” He shook his head with a small smile playing on his lips, closing the distance between us. I closed my eyes, waiting for his lips to touch mine. Sparks of electric current shot up my body when his warm lips claimed mine. A gasp of pure pleasure escaped my mouth.He clasped the back of my head as his tongue glided in. He licked inside my mouth, devouring me and branding me with his touch. Moisture leaked out of me, soaking my underwear through. He grunted with frustration. Maybe he could get the scent of my arousal, just like I could sense his. His fingers threaded through my hair as he battled to restrain himself. Why did he need to restrain himself all the time? Why couldn’t he let go? Maybe because he was unwell, tenderness washed over me, and I snaked my arms around his shoulders and kissed him back like he did. It unleashed a passion lying dormant for so long and his mout
Hazel’s POVA Fortnight LaterI watched my mate in awe as he expertly tended to the twins. It had been two weeks since he returned, yet it still felt surreal. In these two weeks, Stavros has learned to take care of the pups better than me. We didn’t need my aunts at all. He has been a doting father and a caring mate to me, making up for his absence during childbirth.He explained his lineage to me, but it didn’t matter at all that he was a wind wolf. To me, he was just my mate.The treasures he brought for me were priceless, not for their worth, but because they were a blessing from his father. He told me everything about his ordeal in the Wild Wain Village. I was glad he found his closure.The doorbell rang, bringing me out of my reverie. “I’ll get it. Here, you can change Helios,” said Stavros.He walked out of the nursery while I tucked the twins into bed. I could hear the hushed whispers downstairs. Who could be here now? I was looking forward to spending some time with Stavros af
Stavros’s POVShe released my mouth and grinned at the jaw-dropped look on my face. A million questions flitted across my head as she eased off my lap and started the car.“I don’t understand, Hazel. What happened to you? Umm, I mean how do you look so thin? Your featherweight too.”She chuckled as she drove on. “Oh, come on! I was never featherweight!”I watched her, feeling even more puzzled than before. “But what about the twins? I don’t understand how you reduced so much in a few days.”She laughed as if it was obvious. “I popped the twins out, silly. That’s why my tummy has shrunk!” My mouth hung with astonishment.What does “Popped” mean? Did she deliver my pups? If so, where were they, and why was she heading to the hospital?“Popped means gave birth. The day you were captured, I delivered the twins. Today I saw my gynecologist, Dr. Sylvia, who helped me give birth. It was a routine check-up.” My heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t help but say a silent prayer to the kind godde
Stavros’s POV“That’s sorted then. I’m sure you can sort the rest by yourselves. I’ll leave for home.” In my haste, I had completely forgotten about my father’s treasure and property.“Beta, can we discuss your father’s belongings, which are rightfully yours?” asked Delta Drupal.“Oh, yes. As I had mentioned earlier, I will give away everything to the pack members. You can use the treasure and the property for the welfare of the pack. Please prepare the legal documents and send them to me in Lucania for my signature.” I wanted the entire pack to know that my father’s precious possessions belonged to them. It wasn’t the Alpha’s personal property or wealth. I wouldn’t want anyone to take undue advantage of my father’s hard earned wealth.“Yes, Beta. I appreciate your kindness. Can we transform the mansion into our packhouse to shelter the members who are homeless?” asked Delta Drupal, eliciting cheers from the pack members. I knew I had made the right decision in choosing him as the Alp
Stavros’s POVZephyrus looked relieved to see me. “Stop the battle. They’ve released Beta Stavros,” he yelled, striding towards me. Even Alpha Alexios barked orders to stop the fight and step back.I gazed all around me at the beheaded, blood-smeared bodies lying all around the snow-covered terrain. The ground was transformed into a sea of blood, and my heart sank with despair. This wasn’t what I wanted for my father’s pack.“Beta Stavros, please save our pack. Only fifty of us are alive now,” pleaded Zeta Athlon, dropping to his knees in front of me in a sea of blood. The injury across his chest looked fatal, and nothing could save him now. They should have revolted against Beta Velez and released me earlier. It would have stopped the fight.“It’s your doing, Zeta. The fight has ceased and everyone can return home. We will leave your territory right now,” said Alpha Alexios.“Please stay the night. We want to discuss an important topic tomorrow once everyone is well-rested. It’s cruc
Stavros’s POVWith the sun up all day and night, keeping track of time within the room where I was locked was difficult. It was frustrating since I couldn’t escape with the tight security all around. The wind wolves were desperate to keep me here and could do anything to have their way. I didn’t fear for myself but for my family in Lucania.By now, I was sure their Zeta had reached Lucania to abduct Hazel. Had she given birth yet?I was restless as I paced the floor. There had to be a way to reach out to Hazel. I tried to mind-link with Hazel, but I was too far away to connect to her. Neither could I connect with Zephyrus this time, although we shared a good rapport with one another. Were the wind wolves blocking me out? With their unknown powers, there was a possibility that they were preventing me from reaching out for help. Did they possess psychic powers?After the cleansing ritual, I had completely severed all ties with Dyson. So even if I tried, I couldn’t connect with him.Ther
Hazel’s POVI opened my eyes to look around me. Yes, I was still alone at the hospital waiting to be discharged. I lost my senses after hearing the news of my mate’s capture. It devastated me, totally catching me unawares. I had expected Stavros to be injured, but never captured and taken away to some unknown enemy territory.I closed my eyes, unable to imagine what he was going through there. How could Zeph allow this to happen? Wasn’t it his duty to protect his Beta? Shouldn’t he rescue Stavros? I needed my phone to get some answers from Zephyrus. Somehow, I felt let down. All his life, Stavros had unconditionally stood by Zeph and now, when he was in the enemy territory, how could the pack members sit back and relax?I eased off the hospital bed to find out what was going on. I was supposed to get discharged today and planned to follow up with my doctor, but first, I needed to check up on the twins.Walking down to the nursery, I could feel the sympathetic glances thrown my way. Ob
Stavros’s POVThe car sped along the highway that took me through the boreal forest, high Alpine, and rolling tundra until we reached a desolate village. I knew the place since I had come here before. It was the Wild Wain Village, the territory of the Wind Wolves. The place was cold, desolate, and uninhabitable, submerged in darkness because the clouds hanging low completely blocked the pale rays of the Midnight sun.Beta Velez drove on with a grim look on his face while I watched for road signs to guide me back. There was no way I would live here. After meeting their Alpha and knowing their motive, I would surely escape. I wanted to ask so many things but the gag prevented me from speaking.“Mmm!” I struggled to get it off and Beta Velez stopped the car and untied my mouth at last. I sputtered, gasping for air. My mouth felt parched but with my hands still tied up, I doubted I would get water to drink.“Why have you brought me here? I want to meet your Alpha.” He drove on in silence,
Hazel’s POVI tossed and turned all afternoon; the pain escalating every minute. After Stavros’s call, I fell asleep from exhaustion. He still hadn’t returned when I woke up, and neither did the others. Now the dull throbbing ache in my cervix turned excruciating, and I gritted my teeth to bear it.The door opened, and Aunt Carla entered my room. “Hazel, we can’t delay this anymore. We have to take you to the hospital. Your contractions have started.”I gave her a frantic look. I couldn’t deliver without Stavros! He promised he would be there with me all along. “Please call Stavros, Aunt Carla. I can’t do this alone.” Tears pooled in my eyes and streamed down my cheeks while she gave me a hesitant look.“Stavros and the others are very busy at the borders. The enemy has attacked us and they cannot return. You have us with you, Hazel. Don’t delay this. You’re risking your life and also that of your pups.” I sighed and nodded, agreeing with their wishes.“Fine, I’ll go to the hospital.”
Stavros’s POVHazel’s call disturbed me a lot as I waited for some update on the attackers. True to his promise, Orion called after forty minutes with a shocking update. I wondered how he located the enemy so fast. It only meant one thing. They hadn’t left but were lurking nearby instead.“Yes, Orion. Have you located the enemy?”“Yes, Stav. They’ve taken shelter at the foothills of Mount Richardson. I’m keeping a watch on their activities and it doesn’t look hopeful. I think they’re heading over to launch an attack on us again.”My jaws dropped with horror. I had no idea the enemy was so close. “Do you have any idea who they are and what they want?”“No, Stav, but they aren’t normal shifters like us. Their speed is the fastest I’ve ever seen. I can’t get near as they can sense anything nearby. They’ve killed two rogues trespassing nearby and five bears already.” I frowned at his description.“How do they look? Do they possess any typical physical traits?” Orion considered my question