KAIDEN In a few minutes, we arrived at Pier 29 Bistro restaurant and settled at a table. The place was lively, filled with the aroma of rich spices, wooden tables packed with people, some laughing loudly, others quietly enjoying their meals. Thankfully, no one paid me any attention. My disguise was simple —just a black leather jacket and trousers, with my hair falling over my face— but if anyone looked closely, they would know that it was me. Not that they would. No one expected the Lycan King to dine at a place like this. Truth be told, I had never eaten at a restaurant like this before. The only reason I had suggested it to Calantha twice was because it was on my personal bucket list. To eat something different in a place far from the formal dining halls of my packhouse. “Good day, Mr. and Miss.” A woman, clearly the owner, hurried over to us. Her kind smile deepened the wrinkles on her old face. “What can I get you?” I turned to Calantha, waiting for her to order since she was
KAIDEN As the elders of my council took their seats, a low murmur spread across the room. Some of them leaned toward each other, whispering in confusion. “What’s going on? Why would the Lycan King call an urgent council meeting at this hour?” “Do you think the pack is under attack?” I remained seated on my throne, watching them in silence as their concerns grew. Beside me, Bradley looked just as puzzled, although he kept quiet. After a moment, I raised a single finger, and the room fell into complete silence. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what I was about to say. The gods knew I would have done anything to avoid being in this position. “Our pack’s Lunar Masked Ball is only a week away.” My voice echoed through the chamber, and the elders nodded, waiting for the real reason behind this sudden meeting. “I have a message for you to deliver to your wives and daughters.” Immediately, their postures stiffened. Some exchanged glances and their concern deepened. Clenchin
CALANTHA THREE DAYS LATER Pinkie Boutique and Elite Club’s grand launch day had finally arrived. Under normal circumstances, I might have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of women flooding into the store. But today? I already knew exactly whose handiwork this was, and honestly, I could barely contain my excitement. I had never truly expected Kaiden to go through with my outrageous demand, but the packed boutique was undeniable proof that he had. It made me wonder just how he had managed to coerce the council elders into making all the women in their households shop here. The thought of it almost made me laugh. Eloise and Nyx were helping me handle the endless stream of customers, their hands full as they dashed from one rack to another. At one point, Eloise, looking completely drained, walked up to me for a breather. Seeing her so exhausted amused me because, as an elite Alpha’s daughter, she wasn’t exactly used to this kind of work. Yet she and Nyx had still offered to hel
BRADLEYI took a step back, scanning the room with a satisfied nod. The bed was neatly made, scattered with soft rose petals, and the air smelled warm and inviting from the diffuser I had lit. On a small tray near the bed, I had set out two empty wine flutes alongside a bottle of red wine.Everything was perfect.Hana was finally coming home.After weeks of guarding the borders with her squad, Kaiden had finally granted her a well-deserved break— the one we had both been waiting for all year. As Gamma of the pack, she was hardly ever around. She spent most of her time overseeing security, training warriors, or preparing for battles we hadn’t faced in years. It was rare to have her here, and now that she was back, I wasn’t about to waste a second.Just as I was admiring my work, a soft knock echoed at my door and I already knew who it was.In excitement and anticipation, I rushed to open it, and the moment I saw Hana standing there, I pulled her into a tight hug. She laughed, trying t
CALANTHA The Lunar Mask Ball was finally here. I stood before the full-length mirror in my room, as the maids fastened the final clasps of my dress. The gown was a masterpiece. Deep crimson and sculpted from silk that clung to every curve of my body. The plunging neckline left little to the imagination, teasing a generous view of my cleavage, while intricate beading cascaded down the bodice. The slit ran dangerously high, promising stolen glimpses of skin. It was bold and sinful. Perfect for a night like this. My auburn hair was styled into an elegant updo, with soft curls framing my face while the rest was twisted into a voluminous, intricate braid that fell over one shoulder. Delicate golden pins, shaped like crescent moons, gleamed within the strands, adding a touch of celestial charm. My makeup was just as daring. Smokey eyeshadow that made my olive green eyes stand out even more. A hint of blush on my high cheekbones. And lips painted a sultry shade of blood red. Since
CALANTHAMoments later, Kaiden and I arrived at the ball, where two grand thrones awaited us at the center of the hall. As he held my hand and guided me toward my seat, my breath caught in my throat. This was the first time a throne had been prepared for me, and the sight of it sent a jolt of reality through me. I was no longer just an outsider trying to fit in. I was stepping fully into my role as Luna. As Queen.The moment we sat down, the crowd began to form a line, each person waiting their turn to bow before Kaiden. And before me.The hall was breathtaking, glittering under the golden chandeliers. Every guest was dressed in extravagant gowns and finely tailored suits. I was relieved that my own dress held its ground among the sea of elegance. Good to know I hadn’t miscalculated my choice. Yet, despite my outward confidence, something in me still felt... off.No matter how beautifully I was dressed, how gracefully I held myself, deep down, I felt like an imposter. Like I didn’t
ELOISE I took a deep breath and took another sip straight from the wine bottle in my hand. Standing by the balcony, I stared into space. I had come with Nyx, but that traitor had ditched me the second Jameson asked her for a dance. I was happy for her, I really was. But I wouldn’t lie, I felt alone. It reminded me of my father’s words, ones he had repeated far too often: “Eloise, if you don’t find someone to like or a potential mate soon, it’ll be hard for you to secure a reputable match later on. And if that happens, I’ll have no choice but to send you to your mother’s in Elvira!” I flinched at the thought. Elvira was one of the poorest packs in the realm, my mother’s homeland and the place my mother had returned to after the divorce. She couldn’t stay here because of her heartbreak after the divorce. Maybe that was why I had never fallen for anyone before. Not even a simple crush. Maybe I was afraid of ending up like her; alone, abandoned, and carrying the weight of a broken b
CALANTHA“Oh my God, El! Where have you been? We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Nyx rushed toward Eloise the second we spotted her back at the party.The ball was back in full swing, and Kaiden had already ordered Cross to leave, but the uneasy feeling from earlier still clung to me. No matter how much I tried to shake it off, it wouldn’t go away.As for Kaiden, he was beyond pissed. I could see him at the bar, drowning himself in drink after drink, his back turned to us as he threw back another shot. At this rate, he would be completely wasted by the time the night was over.“Why? Did something happen?” Eloise asked, concern flashing across her face as she looked between Nyx and me, waiting for an answer.I couldn’t even bring myself to speak. Instead, my gaze drifted back to Kaiden, watching as he gripped his glass tightly. This was all my fault, and the guilt was eating me alive.“You bet something happened.” Nyx finally broke the silence, lowering her voice like she was afra
KAIDEN"You’re dripping wet for me, my Luna. I can smell it.” I murmured as I set her gently down on the bed.I stood at the edge, drinking in the sight of her. Every bare, beautiful inch of her laid out before me.Slowly, I pushed my trousers down, kicking them aside until I was naked too, the cool air brushing over my heated skin.I caught the way her eyes immediately dropped to my cock, thick and straining, standing proudly between us.She swallowed hard, her cheeks flushed, and her arousal thickened in the air, so strong it made my own hunger sharpen.The look on her face; hungry, needy, starved for me… was enough to make my heart flip with pure, aching pleasure.Slowly, I crawled onto the bed, parting her trembling thighs with my hands.She watched me, her chest rising and falling, her eyes wide and dark and full of what looked a hell of a lot like surrender."You look so beautiful when you’re desperate for me." I whispered, a soft smile tugging at my lips before I lowered my hea
KAIDENThe way her big, olive green eyes stared up at me told me everything. She did not believe me. She wanted to, but she couldn’t.And honestly, I didn’t blame her.I had been a complete ass to her. It made total sense that she would doubt every word coming out of my mouth now.Hell, even I had needed time to finally accept what I felt for her."You’re mistaken, Kaiden," she whispered, her long wet lashes fluttering as she blinked up at me with glassy eyes.Her small arms were still wrapped tightly around her body, trying to hide her nakedness from me. It didn’t work. Nothing could hide how beautiful she was."You don’t love me," she said, her voice small and breaking. "You don’t know how to love."Her words cut straight into my chest. But again, I couldn’t blame her.She was right.I had locked myself away for so long. Cold, detached, untouchable and unreachable. I never let anyone get too close. I had convinced myself that love wasn’t something meant for me. That I wasn’t even ca
CALANTHA When we got back to my apartment, Kaiden kept his word and we ordered breakfast. As we ate, I couldn’t stop talking about how good he was at fighting. Even though I had stayed at the packhouse for a while before I left, I had never actually seen him fight. So, watching him handle those men at the café was new for me and without meaning to, it made me admire him even more.“Did you see how you grabbed that first guy and elbowed him?” I said, food still in my mouth as I waved my hand around, trying to show the move. Kaiden just ate calmly, looking a little bored, but I didn’t care.“I always heard you were a great fighter,” I said, grinning from ear to ear. “But I didn’t know you were this good. You fought like it was the easiest thing in the world and you didn’t even break a sweat! And I’m sure that was just a little of what you can really do, right?”Instead of answering, Kaiden rolled his eyes and lifted some food toward my mouth with his fork. His face was blank, bored.“E
CALANTHA “Apologize.”The men froze, not saying anything at first. Then their shocked faces contorted, and they burst out laughing, now looking at Kaiden like he had just said the most ridiculous thing ever. But while they laughed, Kaiden’s face stayed the same.Not angry. Just calm and straight. But out of everyone here, only I knew how dangerous he could be whenever he wore that look."He said to apologize!" One of the men — the one who had tossed me the napkin and seemed like their leader — laughed loudly with his group."He’s really got some balls, doesn’t he?" he added, making the others laugh even harder. But even with all the mocking, Kaiden didn’t move. His straight face stayed the same, and his leg stayed stretched out in front of them, keeping them from moving forward.Knowing where all this could end, I decided to step in and let it all go."That’s okay, Kaiden," I said quickly, forcing a small, fake smile as I tried to get up from my seat. "I’m fine. It’s just a little st
CALANTHA Kaiden and I were now at the quiet corner of a café, both of us dressed to go unnoticed. I was wearing baggy joggers and an oversized hoodie pulled low over my face. While Kaiden was in a leather jacket and a cap angled to shadow his features. Our disguise seemed to work as no one seemed to recognize us.As we sat waiting for our order to arrive, Kaiden kept tugging at his cap. At first, I tried to ignore it but later, I couldn’t help myself any longer.“You’re acting suspicious while trying not to look suspicious.” I muttered, shaking my head.He shot me a self‑satisfied grin. “I’m too handsome to hide completely. If someone looks close enough, they’ll spot me.”I rolled my eyes at his show off, just as our breakfast arrived. The server set steaming trays in front of us and hurried off. My stomach rumbled as I began to salivate.“Ooh, this looks amazing. I’m starving.”“You’re not starving. You’re just a glutton.” Kaiden said calmly, lifting a mug of coffee to his lips. W
THAT SAME DAYSHADOW MOON PACK: ALPHA SLADE’S PACKHOUSEThe guards bowed their heads as Hera entered the packhouse, flanked by her handmaidens. As they passed, every servant and maid halted work to lower their heads in respect. Hera, as chief priestess of the capital pack, was accustomed to this display of honor and the quiet fear it inspired.A guard led her through the grand hallway to the guest chamber, where Alpha Slade sat in earnest conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Grant. Her handmaidens waited outside and the moment the Grants spotted Hera, they rose and bowed their heads. Hera inclined her own in return, then offered a formal nod to Alpha Slade. His expression was too calm, and the faint curve of a sinister smile touched his lips.“Finally. The chief priestess shows up,” Alpha Slade said, motioning to the seat beside him at the table. Mr. and Mrs. Grant sat to his left. “Please, have a seat.”Hera walked to the table but instead of taking the seat he offered, she chose the fart
CALANTHAThat night, I couldn’t sleep. Even though Kaiden was in the living room and I was in my bedroom, knowing we shared the same roof left me restless. I tossed and turned, burying my face in my pillow with a frustrated groan.What the hell was wrong with me? I had vowed to move on, yet here I was, still feeling his presence so much, enough for it to even disrupt my sleep.Finally, I gave up on my bed and crept out for warm milk in the kitchen, hoping it would calm my nerves and finally put me to sleep. My feet hesitated in the hallway as I passed the living room where Kaiden was sleeping. I hated how anxious I felt just walking by his space.Once I stepped inside the living room, I froze at the sound of Kaiden’s harsh breathing and restrained whimpering. He was lying on the couch, shivering and murmuring names I didn’t recognize.“Raya… No… Please… No… Liam… No…”My heart thundered and I realized that he was in the grip of a nightmare. And a horrible one at that.I rushed to him
CALANTHAI sat stiffly on the couch, the TV series playing but my mind elsewhere. Although it was my favorite show, I couldn’t focus. Kaiden was seated so close beside me, and I felt his gaze on me every few seconds. The tension between us was overwhelmingly thick.After he had eaten the soup I made, he refused to go to bed and insisted on watching TV with me. I tried to convince him otherwise, but his stubbornness won. So here we were, side by side, barely any space between us. I doubted he was even watching, with the way his eyes kept drifting straight to me.Clearing my throat, I scooted over to create some distance but he slid right after, closing the gap again.“Are you kidding me?” I snapped, turning on him. Despite my frustration, he stayed unnervingly calm.“Everything okay?” He asked, pretending not to know what he was doing.“Cut the act.” I growled and backed up toward the couch’s edge. He followed.“Ugh, stop it!” I hissed, and this time his lips twisted into an amused sm
CALANTHA I had never seen Kaiden like this before and honestly, it scared me.He was looking at me like I was something priceless, like I meant the world to him. Like he was searching for something in me. That look in his eyes wasn’t the one I was used to. Kaiden’s eyes were always cold, sharp, and unpredictable. But now, they were soft and vulnerable. And that confused me.I didn’t expect him to show up at my doorstep. After everything. After all the silence. He didn’t stop me when I walked away, he never called, and never came after me. That made it clear that he didn’t want me. And I had forced myself to believe that. To believe that I was the fool for thinking we could have been something more.And now here he was, in my space, kissing me in the places he knew I liked to be kissed. Trying to wake up the same feelings he once buried deep inside me. Was this his plan? To make me feel everything all over again, just so he could walk away once more?That was why I gently pushed him