Diane's POV I sat down at the edge of the bed, my thoughts swirling as I replayed Nene’s words in my mind. The lords were coming to pick a mate for the Alpha. This was unexpected. John had always been quiet about his intentions when it came to choosing a Luna, and now the decision was being forced upon him. Was he aware of this? Or was this a decision being made behind his back?I took another slow drag from the cigarette, the smoke trailing upwards as I exhaled. If the lords were coming, it meant the selection would be public. Whoever they chose would hold incredible influence over the pack—and over John.But why hadn’t I heard about it sooner? How could something this important be whispered about only among sentinels? There had to be more to it than what Nene overheard.And then there was Stephanie. I’d been keeping my distance, watching her with careful eyes ever since she arrived. There was something too polished about her story, something too perfect. It wasn’t that I didn’t be
Sarah's POV"Are you ready to talk now?" Booted feet walked into the room as Marcus raised his head. "Get lost!" I spat at them angrily."Oh, Sarah," Marcus pulled my hair, increasing the agony I was going through. With both hands tied and suspended from the ground, and with his firm grip on my hair, I felt like I was already losing it."You'll never get anything from me, Marcus," I was firm in my decision. I already saw this torture coming, but I still decided to keep my lips sealed, never to reveal Stephanie's whereabouts to him, even if it meant I'll have to sacrifice my life for it."You think you're tough, huh?" Marcus pulled harder. I screamed out loud, as the pain was so unbearable.I bit my lips hard, my teeth getting, as I tried to endure the pain. "No matter how much you torture me, you'll never get anything from me."I had given up my freedom just to make sure Stephanie got away in one piece. Marcus and his pack members had come for her when he came to attack our pack. We
Reyna's POV"You're aren't leaving, Reyna," John held my hands, his eyes searching through mine."But...." I tried to hesitate, but John wouldn't let me. Every time I looked at him, all I could see is a guy who really cared about me."There are no buts, Reyna. You're staying and that's final," He took my hands. His lips came down against mine. It was gentle and soft, and I could feel my heart thump within me.He pulled away and then his voice came out soft, "I want you to be in the ball room tonight,""But I don't belong there. I'm not a werewolf,""That's not true, Reyna. You're one of us. You just... just haven't found out how to become one yet.""But Lord Bernard....""Other lords will be present. He'll not be the only one to decide on how things should be. Besides, my mate will be declared tonight," "Is that why you want me to be around?" I could see the look of hope on his eyes. I knew what was going on in his mind. He was probably thinking of the possibility of me being his mat
Diane's POVI watched as Reyna and Stephanie walked into the ballroom, and to my surprise, they both exuded a confidence that seemed out of place. Reyna, in particular, was drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the room. Her dress clung to her figure, flowing elegantly with every step she took. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy rise within me. She was glowing, radiant in a way that made it clear she knew how much power she held tonight.Nene leaned in again, whispering, "Reyna looks stunning, doesn't she? I thought you'd care."I scoffed, trying to hide the annoyance brewing in my chest. "She's irrelevant. Don't let her looks fool you."But even as I said that, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. There was something about Reyna that bothered me—a deeper mystery I couldn’t yet unravel. She had become too comfortable, too confident in a pack where she should have felt like an outsider. And tonight, it felt like she was preparing for something bigger than just an evening w
John's POVAs the lords got into their rides, lord Bernard and and I stood side by side, watching the distance. I had really expected a decision to be made regarding the choice of my mate the previous night, but then, it didn't happen.Although the party had proceeded and we did get the chance to dance, I still wished the seer hadn't come with a contrary news. We were all looking forward to receiving my mate, the next Luna of the pack.“So when next are we going to see you? When are you gonna come visiting!” I asked, moving with Lord Bernard to his ride.“When the seer is ready to have your mate declared,"He said as I raised his brows. “I don't understand," I sighed. I was really looking forward to having my mate declared last night," "And it's obvious you already have someone in mind. The unrealised werewolf girl?" Lord Bernard chuckled.I didn't find his joke funny especially the part of him refering to Reyna as the unrealised werewolf girl. "Look, John," Lord Bernard continued, p
Stephanie's POV I laid on my back, my eyes pouring out tears as I bit back the feelings coursing through me. A sob raked her body, causing me to shake vigorously. "I'll keep your secret safe with me provided you agree to do my biddings," Diane's voice kept echoing in my head.Diane was the lady in hoodie on the night of annunciation. I wished there was a way I could say no to her offer, but I just couldn't. No one must know who I was and why I was around in the estate, especially not Reyna.“Are you okay?" Reyna asked as she walked into the room. I tried wiping my tears so she wouldn't notice I had been crying, but she already did, any way.“I'm fine, Rey," I managed a smile. "No you're not, Steph. You're crying," she placed a hand on my shoulder. "Tell me what's wrong.""I probably just got something in my eye," I sniffed. "It's not something to worry about," I attempted to dismiss her worries. Reyna mustn't know about my meeting with mistress Diane. She mustn't know I have someth
Reyna's POVAs I stood there watching Jake walk away, his words kept ringing in my ears, but I couldn't help feeling grateful that he had saved me. He was harsh, but maybe he had a point—what would have happened if he hadn't shown up?John approached with concern in his eyes. “What happened here, Reyna? You look shaken.”I hesitated, unsure how to explain the events. "There was a Lycan, and Jake... he saved me."John’s eyes darkened at the mention of a Lycan. "A Lycan? Here, within the pack’s grounds?"I nodded. “It looked hungry, and it was about to attack. I didn’t know what to do. I—I thought you’d be here sooner.”He stepped closer and gently placed his hand on my shoulder, his touch calming my nerves instantly. “I’m sorry, Reyna. Something urgent came up.""What's that?" I asked, seeing the looks of seriousness in his eyes."Let's not talk about it. Hope you weren't hurt in any way?" The way he showed concern was just so different. It was nothing like how Jake did.“Jake arrived
Jake's POV “You weren't in your chamber when I checked on you, where were you? Seth asked, walking into my chambers."I was out in the training ground.""Training ground? What were you doing there?" I knew Seth wouldn't just look for me unless it had to do with something very important which he wanted to tell me."Go straight to the point, Seth. Is there something I need to know?""Well, yes," He sighed. He must have felt I was rude in the way I replied him. But if there was something about Seth which made him always command my respect, it was in the fact that he really understood me.He was the only person who really had the patience to overlook even my rudeness."I'm listening Seth. Sorry I'm a bit stressed out," I apologised, just so he wouldn't feel like I was taking him for granted. Seth was enough to be my father, and had really stood by me while growing up."Flynn is injured," Seth reported, causing me to jump up on my feet."How come? By whom?" I asked. Flynn was one of the s
John’s POVThe silence in my office feels heavy as I watch the elders file out, each carrying the weight of the night’s plans. Our defenses are set, sentinels posted at every vulnerable point, and messages sent to neighboring packs. Every precaution has been taken, yet I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing—a piece of this puzzle that could change everything.After a few moments alone, I finally call for Jake. He strides in, his expression mirroring my own unease.“We need to go over this note one more time,” I say, placing the paper on the desk between us. The fresh ink glistens slightly, a stark reminder that whoever wrote it is still close. “If the ink’s still wet, then the person who left this is either one of us or hiding within the pack. It’s almost taunting us.”Jake nods, his jaw clenched. “I’ve already spoken to the guards. Everyone is alert and ready. But this note… it feels like we’re being lured into something, like they’re trying to pull our attention somewhe
John’s POVThe air in the pack feels tense, like everyone is holding their breath, waiting. The news from the note has traveled through the ranks quickly, despite my orders to keep things discreet. Now every sentinel and elder is on high alert, and I can feel their unease even as I make my way toward the meeting hall.Once inside, I find the elders already seated, each with a wary expression. Jake is there too, pacing the floor with the note in his hand. When he sees me enter, he stops, his face hardened with a mix of anger and determination.“I’ve been thinking,” Jake begins, holding up the note. “Whoever wrote this clearly knows something about us. But they’re not giving us a name, just a warning. That makes me think they might be trying to stay anonymous to protect themselves.”I nod, feeling the same suspicion. “If they’re afraid of being exposed, they’re likely close by. Maybe even someone we wouldn’t normally suspect.”One of the elders, Elder Marcus, leans forward. His gray eye
John’s POVI glance at the note once more, feeling the weight of its words bearing down on me. The elders are gathered around the long wooden table in the meeting room, their faces grim. Beside me sits my brother, Jake, who’s gripping the arms of his chair a bit too tightly, his jaw clenched as he reads over my shoulder. None of us had expected a warning like this to arrive at our gate, especially not with such foreboding words.“They’re coming tonight,” I read aloud once more, letting the words hang in the silence. “And whoever left this clearly knows something—or someone—in the pack.”One of the elders, a stout man with silver-streaked hair, leans forward, his expression troubled. “The ink is fresh,” he notes, pointing a gnarled finger at the paper. “Whoever wrote this must be close. Either they’re within the pack, or they’ve just left after dropping this.”I nod in agreement, my mind whirring with the implications. “This isn’t just a stray message from a rogue,” I say, folding the
Reyna’s POVI wake up early, the soft morning light filtering through the small window beside my bed. After a quick bath, I dress and head to Stephanie’s room. She’s usually up by now, but today, I hadn’t seen her around, which isn’t like her. I feel a pang of worry but shake it off as I reach her door and knock softly.Pushing the door open, I see her still lying in bed, her face turned away, breathing evenly. The sight surprises me. Stephanie never stays in bed this long.I approach quietly and give her a gentle tap on the shoulder. “Steph?” I call softly, trying not to startle her.She stirs, blinking her eyes open, and gives me a small, tired smile. “Hey, Reyna.”“What’s going on with you?” I ask, concern filling my voice. “It’s not like you to be in bed this late.”She stretches slightly, then sighs. “I’m just… tired. Nothing more.” Her tone is light, but there’s something off, a slight tension in her voice that makes me hesitate.I narrow my eyes, studying her face. “Are you sur
Stephanie’s POVI slip out of bed quietly, my heart pounding as I make my way over to the small table in the corner of my room. Every sound seems amplified in the silence, from the rustling of my clothes to the faint scratch of pen against paper as I write. Tomorrow, Sally and his people will be raiding John and Jake’s pack, and they expect me to lead them straight in. But there’s no way I can betray them, especially not without giving some kind of warning.I keep the message short, anonymous, and vague, careful not to reveal my identity. The fewer details, the better. I fold the note tightly and slip it into the sleeve of my jacket. The paper feels heavier than it should, a reminder of the danger I’m risking. But it’s all I can do, a small act of rebellion that I hope will make a difference.The halls are dark and eerily silent as I make my way toward the main gate. Each step feels measured and tense, my senses on high alert for any sign of movement. The guards have been rotated sinc
Jake's POVThe tension in the room could be cut with a knife. After my words, no one dares to move. Instead, the elders settle back into their seats, eyes on John and me, waiting for the next steps. But before any more arguments can start, the door swings open, and a guard steps in, bowing quickly.“We found something,” he announces, a strange edge to his voice that piques my interest.John’s eyes snap toward the guard. “What is it?” he asks, his voice sharp and commanding. There’s an intensity in his gaze, as if he’s bracing for whatever news the guard might bring.The guard straightens, his gaze meeting John’s. “It’s better if you come and see for yourselves, Alpha. It might… change things.”Without wasting a moment, John gives a slight nod, signaling for me and the elders to follow. We move swiftly through the stone corridors, our footsteps echoing as we make our way down to the main hall. As we approach, I can hear a hushed murmur from a few of the other guards, but they quickly f
Sarah's POVThe door to the dungeon creaks open, and the heavy footsteps echo down the stone corridor. I know it’s him before I even see his face—Sally. The sound alone makes my stomach churn, but I keep my posture strong, even though my body aches from days of being locked up.Sally walks in, his grin as sickening as ever, his eyes glinting with malice. He stops right in front of me, towering over me like he owns the world. “You know,” he begins, his voice dripping with mockery, “I’ve already got the location of Stephanie. It’s only a matter of time before we bring her back here. Right where she belongs.”I don’t give him the reaction he’s looking for, but inside, fear grips me. If they find Steph, all I’ve done, all I’ve sacrificed, will be for nothing. I won’t let that happen.Sally’s smirk widens as he continues, “Your little hero act? All for nothing. She’ll be back, and both of you can rot together in this hellhole.”I meet his gaze, refusing to let him see any sign of weakness.
Inside the Great HallThe enormous hall loomed over Lord Filipe, Lord Urich, and Lord Bernard as they stood near the entrance, their postures rigid and expressions dark with tension. The air between them felt thick, as if anticipation and uncertainty had manifested into something tangible.Lord Filipe, tall and broad-shouldered, folded his arms across his chest. “What do you think the issue is? Why would someone risk infiltrating the clan?” His voice held a quiet frustration.Lord Urich, the oldest among them with a silver mane of hair, narrowed his eyes. “It could be anyone. But one thing’s certain—someone was sent here for a reason, and they’ve succeeded in remaining hidden thus far.”Lord Bernard let out a low grunt of agreement. He was the most suspicious of the three, his sharp gaze shifting between them. “Whoever it is, they have help. No one sneaks into this place without some inside information. We need to find the leak.”The three lords shared a brief, uneasy glance. The idea
Reyna's POVI walked into Stephanie’s room quietly, not wanting to disturb her if she was resting. The room was dimly lit, and at first glance, it seemed like she hadn’t noticed me come in. She was sitting by the window, her gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the glass. Her posture was stiff, and something about the way she was sitting sent a chill down my spine.I approached her slowly, then gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She jumped, startled, as if I had pulled her out of some deep, dark thought. “Oh! I didn’t mean to scare you,” I said quickly, taking a step back. “Sorry, Steph.”She blinked, her eyes wide for a moment, but then she settled down, though her expression didn’t soften. She just gave me a weak nod before turning her gaze back toward the window, her fingers gripping the edge of the chair tightly. “Are you alright?” I asked, stepping closer again, noticing how her shoulders were tense. “You seem... off.”“No, I’m fine,” Stephanie said, her voice barely above a whis