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26: Scars Etched in Silence: The Secrets That Bind Us"
Dernière mise à jour:
2025-04-14 15:11:04
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Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 27: Whispers Bound in Blood
"You were right, she's not Kara Voss," Alpha Darius said as he walked into his office, his beta trailing behind."I told you," Cedric replied.Darius sank into his chair, dragging a hand down his face. "But what I don't understand is why she's hiding the truth. What's stopping her? Trade goods or freedom?""Likely."He scoffed. "And she thought this was the best place to find freedom?"Cedric stepped further into the room, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I don’t think so. Remember? She tried to escape when she first arrived. Doesn't seem like someone seeking freedom."Silence lingered between them.Then, flashes of Lena coughing up blood flickered through Darius’s mind. The way she'd tried to speak but ended up choking on her own words."A-ha!" His hand slammed on the desk. "They're clever. Very clever. Lydia Voss planted her slave here in place of her daughter and had a witch cast a spell to keep her from speaking the truth. That’s why she can’t talk. She's bound by magic."Cedri
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-15Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 28: A Kiss Born of Fate, Secrets, and Forbidden Desires
The scent that hit Vargr the moment she joined him made his heart leap with unexpected joy.But he kept his expression neutral."Finally, I get to see you," she said, her voice soft and almost heavenly."Hmm-mm." He arched a brow. "Have you been looking for me?"She stepped closer and sat down on the stone beside him.Picking up a pebble, she asked, "It seems you don't come out often.""What's the use of being a secret advisor if I make myself known to the pack?"When she glanced up at him, his face was far too close — mere inches from hers.Her breath caught.Those eyes.They were... beautiful."You're undeniably close, secret advisor," she muttered.He chuckled, leaning back with a smile tugging at his lips. "You can call me Vargr."She shrugged and tossed a stone into the water below."Why were you trying to see me?" he asked. "Is there something I can help you with?""I was curious." She tossed another pebble."Curious about what?""I wanted to know what the Alpha thought about th
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-16Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 29: When Power Breeds Contempt and Allies Wear Unexpected Faces
"Do you have no sense of propriety?" Kara demanded, her voice sharp. "When was the last time you bathed?"The young maid lowered her gaze, her face flushing with shame. "I am sorry, Luna.""You ought to be sorry for yourself," Kara retorted coldly. "Leave at once!"The maid bowed her head further and fled, tears tracing down her cheeks."They are but maids, Kara," Valaria remarked with a languid tone, her wine glass poised delicately in her hand. "You cannot expect them to be spotless at all times."Kara’s eyes narrowed, her disdain evident. "Nonsense. My other servant maintains a standard of cleanliness," she scoffed, her eyes rolling dismissively.Selena’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Isn’t that the very reason you hold such disdain for her, Luna? Because she is cleaner and..." She paused, sensing the change in Kara’s demeanor. "I mean... she is more... presentable."Kara yawned, her body stretching languidly across the bed, a portrait of boredom. "Both of you bore me. Leave."The
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-17Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 30: Blood, Bonds, and the Forgotten Rituals of the Old Ways"
What Lena encountered as they stepped into the northern wing of the Shadow Fang Pack was far beyond what she had expected. She had underestimated him — greatly.The place was vibrant, almost bustling with life. It mirrored the lively markets of the human world, where merchants called out their wares, eager voices mingled in conversation, and stalls lined the streets, brimming with goods — from richly woven fabrics to fragrant herbs and rare trinkets. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, blending with the faint aroma of burning incense.Children darted between vendors, their laughter ringing out like a melody, while traders haggled with customers over prices. There was warmth here — a sense of community and normalcy that felt foreign compared to the cold tension that clung to the Shadow Fang Pack’s main grounds.This wasn’t the grim, oppressive environment she had braced herself for. It was thriving, welcoming — a corner of the pack’s territory that felt almost un
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-18Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 31: Bloodbound and Broken: The Cost of Betrayal and the Burden of Love
"In the ways of the old," the elder began, his voice firm yet distant, "a werewolf wedding was more than just a union of hearts. It was a binding of souls. The ceremony wasn’t merely about vows; it was a pact sealed by blood and magic."He paused, giving the room a moment to grasp the weight of his words."The couple would stand beneath the Blood Moon, surrounded by their pack. The Alpha or an elder would draw a ceremonial blade, cutting both bride and groom's palms. Their blood would mix as they clasped hands, creating a bond stronger than words alone."His gaze darkened."But with such power comes risk. If the bond is forced, if one heart wavers or doubts, the magic can turn unstable. A failed bond weakens the mind and spirit. Some say it drives the pair to madness."Murmurs rippled through the room, but Lena wasn’t done."And what about... the effects?" she pressed.The elder nodded gravely."A true bond, one forged in love and trust, strengthens both wolves. They become attuned to
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-19Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 32: "When Mercy Becomes a Blade"
"My lords," a man greeted, bowing his head before turning to the Alpha. "Alpha, may your reign be long.""What is the matter?" Darius asked.The man gestured to a young human boy, bruised and dressed in torn clothes."For some time now, I've noticed food disappearing from my kitchen," the man explained. "My family and I decided to set a trap. We stayed up through the night and caught him red-handed.""And he's still breathing?" Lord Ronan drawled, sounding bored."My lord, according to our laws, such matters must be brought before the Alpha for judgment.""I know the traditions well," Ronan said, his voice sharp. "But those laws were made for werewolves — not humans. This shouldn't even be a matter for the court."Some of the elders murmured in agreement, shaking their heads."Boy," Alpha Darius called.The boy lifted his battered face, swollen and streaked with dirt."How old are you?" Darius asked."Thirteen years, Your Grace," the boy answered, his voice weak yet steady.Some of th
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-20Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 33: Torn Between Duty and Desire
Lena broke through the crowd just as the guards forced the boy’s trembling arm onto the blood-stained wooden block.The boy’s face was pale, his breathing rapid, and his wide eyes stayed fixed on the sharp blade hovering above him.“Wait!” Lena’s voice rang out.The crowd stirred, murmurs spreading as people turned to face her. The guards hesitated, lowering the blade slightly.“Who dares interrupt the Alpha’s judgment?” one of the guards barked.“I do,” Lena declared, stepping forward. “Release the boy.”“She’s the Luna,” someone whispered.The guards exchanged uneasy glances.“My lady,” one of them said, lowering his head slightly in respect. “The Alpha’s orders were clear.”“I know the Alpha’s orders,” Lena replied. “But I question the wisdom of punishing a starving child like this.”“Theft is theft,” the guard argued. “The boy knew the risk.”“And what did he steal?” Lena challenged. “Gold? Weapons?”“Food,” a voice answered from the crowd. An elderly woman stepped forward. “He to
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-21Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 34: A Reckoning of Hearts
Beta Cedric crept silently through the forest, his steps muffled by the damp earth. His sharp gaze never left the witch as she moved between the trees, plucking herbs with practiced fingers. He’d tracked her since she’d left Lydia’s home, careful to keep his presence hidden.Then, just as his amber wolf eyes flared and his claws extended, a whisper of wind brushed past his ear — the telltale hum of an arrow slicing through the air.The arrow struck the witch’s back with a sickening thud. She crumpled to the ground, her eyes wide with shock as blood bubbled from her mouth.Cedric spun around, instincts roaring to life.A figure — crooked and cloaked — vanished into the trees, black shadows curling in its wake like living smoke.A mage.Cedric turned back to the witch, but his breath caught.She was gone. Not a trace of her body remained — only a faint smear of blood and crushed herbs scattered across the dirt.---Darius didn’t say a word as he gripped Lena’s arm and marched her throug
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22
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Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 37: The Alpha's Hidden Bloodline
A cloaked figure stopped at the brothel nestled near the park's edge, its dim lanterns flickering in the evening gloom. She watched as a servant hurried toward her."Is my husband inside?" she demanded."Yes, Luna. But—"Before the servant could finish, Kara was already striding past him, her heels striking hard against the cobblestone path.The air inside was thick with sweat, wine, and sin. Women draped themselves over men in shadowed corners, their garments slipping indecently low. Soft moans and drunken laughter filled the room. Kara’s stomach churned, but she pressed on.At the end of the hall, she reached a curtained chamber where Alpha Ethan's guard stood, his face blanching when he saw her."My lady," the guard stammered, stepping aside.Kara ignored him, seized the curtain, and yanked it aside.The sight hit her like a slap.Her husband lay sprawled on the bed, tangled between three half-naked women. One lay draped across his chest, her lips trailing down his neck. Another kn
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 36: Roots of an Unlikely Friendship
Twenty-four hours.That was how long Scarlet had been trapped in this godforsaken cell. The cold stone walls seemed to close in on her, and the silver chains that lined the floor had seared her skin every time she moved too close.She had screamed until her throat was raw, banged on the iron door until her fists ached, and cried until her tears ran dry. None of it mattered. No one came. No one cared. Not even a drop of water had been offered."Please..." she rasped, her voice weak and broken. "Get my uncle... I'm dying."Her legs gave out beneath her, and she slumped against the wall, her breath shallow."Don't worry, you'll be out soon," a voice drawled.Her head jerked up. She knew that voice — even in her nightmares."Uthred," she croaked, her voice barely stronger than a breath. "You damned soul.""You look dreadful," he sneered. "Give me what I asked for, and you'll be free."Scarlet let out a bitter laugh. "I’ll tell the Alpha your plans."Silence. A cold, unsettling silence."I
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 35: Beneath the Alpha's Gaze
Everyone heard it. The entire castle.Lena couldn’t believe Darius had done that to her — in front of his pack of wolves. As she limped through the halls, trying to conceal her pain, heads turned. Some whispered, some snickered, and some kept their eyes down, pretending not to see her shame.Disgust twisted inside her.From his balcony, Alpha Darius stood watching her. His sharp gaze followed her every step."My Alpha," Beta Cedric greeted with a respectful bow.Darius didn’t turn around. "Returned?" he asked coolly."Yes... but with news."That caught Darius's attention. He turned sharply, eyes narrowing."Come, stand with me," he ordered.Cedric moved beside him, following his Alpha’s gaze. But while Darius’s eyes remained on Lena, Cedric's attention drifted elsewhere — to Milicent.The nervous handmaiden flitted about like a thief in daylight, glancing over her shoulder as she tried to usher Lena inside.Unaware, Darius’s gaze shifted to follow Cedric’s."It’s been a long time sinc
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 34: A Reckoning of Hearts
Beta Cedric crept silently through the forest, his steps muffled by the damp earth. His sharp gaze never left the witch as she moved between the trees, plucking herbs with practiced fingers. He’d tracked her since she’d left Lydia’s home, careful to keep his presence hidden.Then, just as his amber wolf eyes flared and his claws extended, a whisper of wind brushed past his ear — the telltale hum of an arrow slicing through the air.The arrow struck the witch’s back with a sickening thud. She crumpled to the ground, her eyes wide with shock as blood bubbled from her mouth.Cedric spun around, instincts roaring to life.A figure — crooked and cloaked — vanished into the trees, black shadows curling in its wake like living smoke.A mage.Cedric turned back to the witch, but his breath caught.She was gone. Not a trace of her body remained — only a faint smear of blood and crushed herbs scattered across the dirt.---Darius didn’t say a word as he gripped Lena’s arm and marched her throug
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 33: Torn Between Duty and Desire
Lena broke through the crowd just as the guards forced the boy’s trembling arm onto the blood-stained wooden block.The boy’s face was pale, his breathing rapid, and his wide eyes stayed fixed on the sharp blade hovering above him.“Wait!” Lena’s voice rang out.The crowd stirred, murmurs spreading as people turned to face her. The guards hesitated, lowering the blade slightly.“Who dares interrupt the Alpha’s judgment?” one of the guards barked.“I do,” Lena declared, stepping forward. “Release the boy.”“She’s the Luna,” someone whispered.The guards exchanged uneasy glances.“My lady,” one of them said, lowering his head slightly in respect. “The Alpha’s orders were clear.”“I know the Alpha’s orders,” Lena replied. “But I question the wisdom of punishing a starving child like this.”“Theft is theft,” the guard argued. “The boy knew the risk.”“And what did he steal?” Lena challenged. “Gold? Weapons?”“Food,” a voice answered from the crowd. An elderly woman stepped forward. “He to
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 32: "When Mercy Becomes a Blade"
"My lords," a man greeted, bowing his head before turning to the Alpha. "Alpha, may your reign be long.""What is the matter?" Darius asked.The man gestured to a young human boy, bruised and dressed in torn clothes."For some time now, I've noticed food disappearing from my kitchen," the man explained. "My family and I decided to set a trap. We stayed up through the night and caught him red-handed.""And he's still breathing?" Lord Ronan drawled, sounding bored."My lord, according to our laws, such matters must be brought before the Alpha for judgment.""I know the traditions well," Ronan said, his voice sharp. "But those laws were made for werewolves — not humans. This shouldn't even be a matter for the court."Some of the elders murmured in agreement, shaking their heads."Boy," Alpha Darius called.The boy lifted his battered face, swollen and streaked with dirt."How old are you?" Darius asked."Thirteen years, Your Grace," the boy answered, his voice weak yet steady.Some of th
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 31: Bloodbound and Broken: The Cost of Betrayal and the Burden of Love
"In the ways of the old," the elder began, his voice firm yet distant, "a werewolf wedding was more than just a union of hearts. It was a binding of souls. The ceremony wasn’t merely about vows; it was a pact sealed by blood and magic."He paused, giving the room a moment to grasp the weight of his words."The couple would stand beneath the Blood Moon, surrounded by their pack. The Alpha or an elder would draw a ceremonial blade, cutting both bride and groom's palms. Their blood would mix as they clasped hands, creating a bond stronger than words alone."His gaze darkened."But with such power comes risk. If the bond is forced, if one heart wavers or doubts, the magic can turn unstable. A failed bond weakens the mind and spirit. Some say it drives the pair to madness."Murmurs rippled through the room, but Lena wasn’t done."And what about... the effects?" she pressed.The elder nodded gravely."A true bond, one forged in love and trust, strengthens both wolves. They become attuned to
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 30: Blood, Bonds, and the Forgotten Rituals of the Old Ways"
What Lena encountered as they stepped into the northern wing of the Shadow Fang Pack was far beyond what she had expected. She had underestimated him — greatly.The place was vibrant, almost bustling with life. It mirrored the lively markets of the human world, where merchants called out their wares, eager voices mingled in conversation, and stalls lined the streets, brimming with goods — from richly woven fabrics to fragrant herbs and rare trinkets. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, blending with the faint aroma of burning incense.Children darted between vendors, their laughter ringing out like a melody, while traders haggled with customers over prices. There was warmth here — a sense of community and normalcy that felt foreign compared to the cold tension that clung to the Shadow Fang Pack’s main grounds.This wasn’t the grim, oppressive environment she had braced herself for. It was thriving, welcoming — a corner of the pack’s territory that felt almost un
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in 29: When Power Breeds Contempt and Allies Wear Unexpected Faces
"Do you have no sense of propriety?" Kara demanded, her voice sharp. "When was the last time you bathed?"The young maid lowered her gaze, her face flushing with shame. "I am sorry, Luna.""You ought to be sorry for yourself," Kara retorted coldly. "Leave at once!"The maid bowed her head further and fled, tears tracing down her cheeks."They are but maids, Kara," Valaria remarked with a languid tone, her wine glass poised delicately in her hand. "You cannot expect them to be spotless at all times."Kara’s eyes narrowed, her disdain evident. "Nonsense. My other servant maintains a standard of cleanliness," she scoffed, her eyes rolling dismissively.Selena’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Isn’t that the very reason you hold such disdain for her, Luna? Because she is cleaner and..." She paused, sensing the change in Kara’s demeanor. "I mean... she is more... presentable."Kara yawned, her body stretching languidly across the bed, a portrait of boredom. "Both of you bore me. Leave."The
