KaidenThe minute I saw the island, I knew Damon would do anything to be here right now.Luckily for the maids, I did not bring my pig of a beta.The maids were all lined up, and they bowed as I was led into the Castle meeting room. The head maid walked up to me and gave me a bow. “Your highness.” She batted her eyelashes suggestively at me. “Well come.”My gaze schemed over her as the Alphas arrived one by one. I took a seat at the head of the long table, leaning back as the room filled with voices and footsteps. The Alphas greeted each other, exchanging nods and brief handshakes before settling in.Alpha Van sat to my right, his sharp gaze scanning the room. “Let’s get this over with,” he muttered. “We all know why we’re here.”Damon had briefed me on every Alpha and what the Alpha Competition was a front for. The competition held, yes, the prisoners were just as important, but not to us. It was a bigger story entirely, our only job being to hold the key.He also told me the brief o
Celine“Ugh, I heard some maid got to be the King’s maid even before the darn list came out! And it’s the hot one, not the other married ones.”The room was in a frenzy as soon as that was said, and I groaned, changing into our evening uniform.The list was out, and almost all the girls hated that they were not assigned to the king and were actively hunting for the girl who was the maid. I hated to admit it, but a part of me was overjoyed that no other maid had been assigned to Kaiden. They were ready to take advantage of the fact that he came without a Luna, and that did not sit well with me.Where was Sheila anyway?And why did Kaiden request I be his maid? Was he suspecting me? Of course he was; he caught me eavesdropping on their important meeting. I just had to make sure I stayed out his way, and found the key before anything. I had to be extra careful with my identity. I could not risk anything coming between me getting my mother back.But how do I handle myself being in the s
CelineThe next morning, i was up and serving Kaiden as soon as possible. The hunting competitin was starting today and it was his first, his brother being the one who used to attend before. I knew this because Anya and i used to be close, before Sheila happened.I knew he might be nervous. He was silent when i entered, and hours after i prepared him for today, so i thought of lifting his spirits with a tea.“Here, your highness,” I said, placing the steaming hot cup of tea on his desk. “This should help you with your tasks for today.”He barely glanced at the cup, focusing on the documents in his hands. “I did not ask for tea.”I almost rolled my eyes, but I stopped myself. “Yes, I just felt it should help. You seem a bit tense, and I thought you might need it.”He turned his attention to the cup, then to me, his eyes searching mine.“Thank you. Seems we have a caring one here.” He said, a ghost of a smile on his lips.I chuckled nervously, sliding my hair out of my face. “No, it's j
CelineThe first competition was The Grand Hunt, the first brutal test of skill and survival.The rules were simple:Hunt down the marked beast before anyone else.Avoid the hidden traps scattered throughout the forest.Outrun, outfight, or outsmart rival competitors trying to take you down.The first to bring the beast’s head to the podium wins.Sounds easy? It’s not. The beast wasn’t just any animal, it was enhanced with magic, making it faster, stronger, and deadlier. The forest itself was enchanted, filled with tricks to throw hunters off course.This wasn’t just about strength. It was about instincts, strategy, and knowing exactly when to attack, or when to hide.Each team of Alphas led by the king were to enter into the forest through three individual entrances, and they were allowed to arm each other, but none of them were allowed to kill.Kaiden stood in front of his Alphas, some changed into wolves, and some in human forms, just like the other kingdoms. Kaiden’s kingdom was
I shot to my feet. My whole body trembled. “Stop—” Tasha glanced at me in shock, before grabbed my wrist, stopping me. “Thought you were immune to his charms but see you at the edge of your seat.” She smirked at me.“I just hate when people cheat that’s all.” “He’ll be fine.” But even she sounded unsure. My heart pounded painfully against my ribs. Kaiden staggered, his breaths ragged. I could see the pain in the way he held himself, in the stiffness of his movements. But he didn’t fall. He didn’t stop. Kaiden lifted his head, his dark gaze locking onto Orion like a wolf who had just chosen his prey. A slow shiver ran down my spine. Orion charged again. This time, Kaiden let him, not doing anything to avoid the attack, making me nervous for what he planned. At the last second, Kaiden twisted, grabbed Orion by the scruff of his neck, and threw him straight into Darius. The two wolves crashed to the ground in a heap of limbs. The arena exploded into cheers, but I barely he
CelineI have been working as a slave maid for five years to earn redemption for a crime I never committed.At three p.m. today, my last shift ends, meaning I won’t have to be a slave anymore. My eyes landed on the clock, and I watched as it chimed three. At the same time, the invisible weight I had carried on my shoulders for the last five years was lifted. A tear slid down my cheek.“I’m free,” I whispered to myself as I got up from my spot on the floor. Today, I was going to see my parents when they came to get me. A smile widened on my lips again. I would get to see my mama again.“You still believe that they care about you?” my wolf spoke up and sighed.“They will come, Silver. You are so pessimistic. I may not be their real daughter, but I am still a part of their family.”When I was young, I never doubted who I was. I was the Alpha’s daughter. My parents loved me, and my brother protected me. I was their little girl in their arms, bringing them joy and happiness, until I failed
Celine The world tilted beneath my feet. “No… that’s not true,” I whispered, shaking my head. “They promised-” They promised to take me home after I was released from the palace. “They lied.” Sheila’s words cut me as sharp as a blade would. “They don’t care about you. They don’t even remember you exist. Honestly, you should thank me. At least now you know where you stand. On your knees, scrubbing floors. It suits you.” A tear slid from my eye. My parents lied about the service term. They were never going to get me after five years? “Please don’t do this to me. ” Sheila smirked, her eyes glinting with malice. “Oh, Celine, this is what you are good for. Now refill my cup, slave.” She sneered holding up her tea cup for me to fill. I sniffled back my tears as I took small steps to the chair she and Anya sat in, looking at me with hatred in their eyes. I didn't believe her words. Mother and father would never allow this. She probably brainwashed them like she did to Anya. The porcel
Kaiden After so many years, I stepped foot into my pack again. My mind link being set in place again. My men and I have been gone for so long, it felt good and warm to be at the pack again. Years ago, I wouldn’t have thought I would come to miss my kingdom, but after my brother and sister-in-law died, I had to take over, wear the heavy crown, and take care of my niece, who only had me. But due to the border rebellion from the nasty rogues, I had to leave her, too. And the minute I mind linked her that I was back to the pack, I could feel her excitement through the link. But something else caught my attention. As our pack tradition, when the king returned, the guards and maids lined up to welcome him. But that wasn’t what stole my attention. A maid, fallen on the ground, unmoving. The sight of her struck me like a bolt of lightning. Her soft features, the delicate curve of her neck, everything about her tugged at my instincts. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, a primal energy
I shot to my feet. My whole body trembled. “Stop—” Tasha glanced at me in shock, before grabbed my wrist, stopping me. “Thought you were immune to his charms but see you at the edge of your seat.” She smirked at me.“I just hate when people cheat that’s all.” “He’ll be fine.” But even she sounded unsure. My heart pounded painfully against my ribs. Kaiden staggered, his breaths ragged. I could see the pain in the way he held himself, in the stiffness of his movements. But he didn’t fall. He didn’t stop. Kaiden lifted his head, his dark gaze locking onto Orion like a wolf who had just chosen his prey. A slow shiver ran down my spine. Orion charged again. This time, Kaiden let him, not doing anything to avoid the attack, making me nervous for what he planned. At the last second, Kaiden twisted, grabbed Orion by the scruff of his neck, and threw him straight into Darius. The two wolves crashed to the ground in a heap of limbs. The arena exploded into cheers, but I barely he
CelineThe first competition was The Grand Hunt, the first brutal test of skill and survival.The rules were simple:Hunt down the marked beast before anyone else.Avoid the hidden traps scattered throughout the forest.Outrun, outfight, or outsmart rival competitors trying to take you down.The first to bring the beast’s head to the podium wins.Sounds easy? It’s not. The beast wasn’t just any animal, it was enhanced with magic, making it faster, stronger, and deadlier. The forest itself was enchanted, filled with tricks to throw hunters off course.This wasn’t just about strength. It was about instincts, strategy, and knowing exactly when to attack, or when to hide.Each team of Alphas led by the king were to enter into the forest through three individual entrances, and they were allowed to arm each other, but none of them were allowed to kill.Kaiden stood in front of his Alphas, some changed into wolves, and some in human forms, just like the other kingdoms. Kaiden’s kingdom was
CelineThe next morning, i was up and serving Kaiden as soon as possible. The hunting competitin was starting today and it was his first, his brother being the one who used to attend before. I knew this because Anya and i used to be close, before Sheila happened.I knew he might be nervous. He was silent when i entered, and hours after i prepared him for today, so i thought of lifting his spirits with a tea.“Here, your highness,” I said, placing the steaming hot cup of tea on his desk. “This should help you with your tasks for today.”He barely glanced at the cup, focusing on the documents in his hands. “I did not ask for tea.”I almost rolled my eyes, but I stopped myself. “Yes, I just felt it should help. You seem a bit tense, and I thought you might need it.”He turned his attention to the cup, then to me, his eyes searching mine.“Thank you. Seems we have a caring one here.” He said, a ghost of a smile on his lips.I chuckled nervously, sliding my hair out of my face. “No, it's j
Celine“Ugh, I heard some maid got to be the King’s maid even before the darn list came out! And it’s the hot one, not the other married ones.”The room was in a frenzy as soon as that was said, and I groaned, changing into our evening uniform.The list was out, and almost all the girls hated that they were not assigned to the king and were actively hunting for the girl who was the maid. I hated to admit it, but a part of me was overjoyed that no other maid had been assigned to Kaiden. They were ready to take advantage of the fact that he came without a Luna, and that did not sit well with me.Where was Sheila anyway?And why did Kaiden request I be his maid? Was he suspecting me? Of course he was; he caught me eavesdropping on their important meeting. I just had to make sure I stayed out his way, and found the key before anything. I had to be extra careful with my identity. I could not risk anything coming between me getting my mother back.But how do I handle myself being in the s
KaidenThe minute I saw the island, I knew Damon would do anything to be here right now.Luckily for the maids, I did not bring my pig of a beta.The maids were all lined up, and they bowed as I was led into the Castle meeting room. The head maid walked up to me and gave me a bow. “Your highness.” She batted her eyelashes suggestively at me. “Well come.”My gaze schemed over her as the Alphas arrived one by one. I took a seat at the head of the long table, leaning back as the room filled with voices and footsteps. The Alphas greeted each other, exchanging nods and brief handshakes before settling in.Alpha Van sat to my right, his sharp gaze scanning the room. “Let’s get this over with,” he muttered. “We all know why we’re here.”Damon had briefed me on every Alpha and what the Alpha Competition was a front for. The competition held, yes, the prisoners were just as important, but not to us. It was a bigger story entirely, our only job being to hold the key.He also told me the brief o
CelineShould I reveal myself to Kaiden?No. What if he still held a grudge against me for Anya’s death? I touched the ring in my pocket. Would a simple ring convince him or change his mind?A sigh left my lips as Tasha and the other maids chatted as the other Alphas arrived.“I want to serve the king. Maybe he would like me to give him a massage or something.” The maid next to Tasha muttered, and my gaze snapped to her. I didn't want to say anything, but jealousy brewed within me. Tasha chuckled. “He seems so strict. We would have to wait till they were done with their meeting before knowing who we were assigned to. I also would love to show him what I can—”I shut her off, not wanting to hear the rest of that sentence. A meeting. If I could get close enough, I may be able to hear just what they may be talking about, and if there would be a hint to help me with this mission.”The minute all the Alphas stepped into the castle, I knew I had to leave the line of maids to find out more
CelineZeke did not come to see me off. It did not matter because I knew he was going to be listening so he could know when I am in danger.A part of me wished we did not have to leave things the way they were, but Deep down, I knew I was making the right decision. He would always have a space in my heart, but he could not take Kaiden’s space.“Please be careful, Celine.” Father hugged me. “ Are you sure about this? That place... It’s not just dangerous, Celine. It’s a nightmare. There’s a reason no one comes back from there.""I don’t care," I said, my voice unwavering. "She’s my mother. If she’s still alive, then I have to go. I won’t abandon her."He let out a sigh. “If you are in danger, don't forget your training. And call out to Zeke. Hee would answer.”“I would,” I said, holding the strap of my bag tight as I turned to Evelyn, Bridgette, and Penny, who carried Arienna in her arms.“My baby girl.” I cooed at my innocent baby who had no idea I was leaving and she was not going
KaidenI stared at the invitation in my hand. The quadrennial Alpha Hunting Competition, an event that was held every four years, one I had never attended, was starting today, and I was meant to participate, having never gone before. My brother went when he was Alpha, but ever since he died, it did not feel right to take his place.But I had to; I was King, and it was part of it. And to quote Damon, “quit being such an emo, and step out the palace for once.”Ever since we caught Sheila and Neil said the things he had said to me, it was hard to forgive myself for all the destruction to my life, that was all my fault. But I was done sulking. The divorce with Sheila was finalized, and the kingdom accepted the apology I gave tem. The pack was being rebuilt again and the first time in five years, things felt good again in the kingdom.Celine would want me to live again. And this competition seemed like the best way to do so.It sure would be fun to kick the ass of other kings and Alphas,
Zeke’s words caused me to freeze as I stared at him. “What? Pathetic?”"You’re just making excuses because you’re scared to choose me." Zeke’s eyes were filled with pity as he looked at me as if I was a weak, wounded animal."He begged for your love, and you think that means he loved you? No, Celine. He begged because he hated the idea of losing. That’s all you’ve ever been to him. A prize he didn’t want anyone else to have." He took my hand in his. “Let me love you so I can show you what love truly is. Let me, Celine. Does it have to be Kaiden?”I stared at him through tears as he asked me the question I had asked myself every night since I found out I had feelings for Zeke.Why not him? Why not Zeke, who made me believe I could be stronger? Why not Zeke, who protected me? Why not Zeke, who made me reach my full potential?Why not Zeke, who wanted to be with me and who had a space in my heart?I opened my mouth, but no words came. My heart clenched as I looked at him. His eyes were p