ROSE POINT OF VIEWThe screams of the people filled the air as everyone ran in every direction, clearly terrified for their lives. Why today, of all days—on my wedding day? The horrifying cries of my pack members, the nauseating scent of blood, and the scattered limbs on the floor were too much to bear.I wanted to run, but adrenaline froze me in place, keeping me from fleeing as my fiancé, Marcus, gripped my hands tightly. I hid behind him, hoping his presence would offer some protection. The attackers soon invaded our pack home—large wolves baring their teeth, ready to kill, and a few men riding on horseback. "Looks like there's nowhere left for you to run, Alpha Kane," my uncle said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. By this time, the attackers had killed most of the guards and shut the Hall's door, trapping the few of us still alive. I stared at the scattered bodies of my family members on the floor—distant cousins, aunts—all of them had gathered for my wedding day, only to
I laid down on the cold dungeon floor, my stomach growling with hunger, but my mind kept returning to what I had endured. The sight of my father’s head rolling on the ground brought me intense pain, almost too much to bear. I had spent two days in the cold, dark dungeon since I passed out, with no food or water. I cried day and night, desperately hoping that this was nothing but a cruel nightmare.Suddenly, the dungeon door flew open, flooding the room with blinding light. I had to shield my eyes from the harsh brightness as a couple of guards stormed in, grabbing me by the arms and yanking me to my feet. Without a chance for questions, they dragged me through the castle to a large room and shoved me aggressively to the ground.I lifted my head slowly to take in my surroundings. Naked women paraded around, serving food and drinks. My uncle sat in the middle, looking down at me while a naked woman sat on his lap, clearly for his own satisfaction. Next to him sat an older but muscular m
I stood there while they stared at me; they couldn't tear their eyes away, and neither could I keep my gaze from them. My heart was pounding furiously in my chest, and I struggled to control it. What should I do or say? I was disoriented, to say the least. Alpha Kael’s son—or maybe sons, judging by their similarity in looks they are probably brothers—were my mates?“Where were you two?” Alpha Kael asked suddenly, redirecting their attention. The one with the darker hair gave me one last look before walking past me, his body brushing against mine slightly. My wolf nearly jumped out to pounce on him.The brown-haired one kept his eyes on me before following. I turned to look at them as they focused on Alpha Kael, who asked, “Where were you two?”“Men can’t go horse riding, Father,” the one with the darker hair responded. I saw Alpha Kael’s jaw clench with anger. His expression suggested he might explode at any moment, but the darker-haired brother seemed unfazed.Noticing the tension, t
4Fear.It was unexplainable and felt like a living, breathable mask as it moved through my body. I didn’t think that I would be able to breathe anymore. I felt like I was finished and broken in so many ways that could not be explained."Move!" The guard’s voice sounded distorted in my head, but still I moved forward, unable to do anything else. Suddenly, I was groped at either side of my hands and jerked forward. My ankle twisted painfully, but I wasn’t given ample time to process it. I was suddenly outside and led through the back of the packhouse towards the lone building at the extreme end. It was made of stone, and I felt horrified at the thought of dying in here. I wanted to protest even more that I didn’t kill anyone, but my lips wouldn’t move.Immediately we got to the door of the building; it beeped, and the double doors pulled in. I was shoved right in there without much drama. It seemed to me like it was a mini-cell, but it was stained with blood and vomit. I moved back a
OAKI placed a hand on my thigh as I struggled to rein in my emotions. But all I could think of was my mate, Rose, being in that damn cell all by herself. I could only hope that she wasn’t tortured so badly. I needed her to be fine and without any form of fear of clouding her senses. But that seemed like an unachievable wish at this moment.Rubbing my short brown hair, I looked at Raven, who was seated at the opposite side of me, pressing his tablet without a care in the world. How could he be so chill when everything was falling apart like this? I just didn’t understand it!His eyes suddenly connected to mine as though he knew I was looking at him, and I looked elsewhere at once. "Some people keep siding with murderers," I grumbled under my breath as I tapped the handle of my chair. "It would have been perfect if we praised Alpha Kael’s killer for sniffing his life off after how he treats women in his fucking life.""Hey!"I looked up in shock as Raven suddenly grabbed a hold of the
ROSEMy head was spinning so hard, but the guard’s words slipped into my mind like a blanket. The priest was here, so I would be free. I know he would inform them that I didn’t do something wrong. I know he wouldn’t tell a lie. Yes, this time, I would be fine."Do you need some special invitation to get up from there?" Blade snapped.I looked up lightly as I tried to stand, but the rope held me bound. Blake swore as someone in the background informed him that I was still tied to the chair. The next thing I knew was that there were ropes sliding off my body.Then, I was hoisted up harshly. "Please, easy," I managed."Shut up!" Blade snapped at me.I shook lightly, my left foot taking a step back. He didn’t have that and pulled me harshly forward. How my limbs were moving despite the severe pain that I had gone through stunned me breathlessly. I didn’t understand anything."I can’t believe that the twins want her out of the torture room. If I were them, I would torture her till she woul
ROSE'Be calm.'Was that my wolf, Meghan? Did she finally try to talk to me?'Rose, say something,' she said once more.I sniffed as I pulled the maid gown away from me. It’s dull blue color was slightly blinding and annoying to me. 'You finally decided to speak with me,' I mumbled through the mind-link.She purred, and I felt strangely comforted. She was truly here to help me out. 'I know that you felt like I had left you for good,' she whispered. I sniffed in response to her words. 'But that is not true. I could never leave you just like that, Rose. You have been my best friend since I became your wolf, so why would I leave you? I was just weak, and I had to stay away from the pain for a time. Though that thing they did with us really shook me.'I nodded as I cleaned a tear. 'It was horrible, but I feel a bit like myself now. Though I don’t have any appetite to eat.''Even if you wanted to eat, I doubt they would give you something to eat here. No one likes you around here,' she po
OAKHer beautiful, long, dark hair was all I saw when I looked at her beautiful face. It took me a moment to realize that Rose was truly in my room. She was too cute for words, with her legs bent and her hands digging into my clothes."Sir, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that you were here," she whined.I grunted as I walked back into the bathroom, grabbing a hold of the towel on the rack to dry off my hair. Goddess, why did I have to see her in this state? 'Because she is our mate,' William whined.My wolf would do anything to make me realize this one thing. It didn’t help that I was so hard as I looked at her. I just wanted to hold her in my hands and do naughty things to her. Those thoughts would have to get out of my head because she was still not liked by anyone in the pack, and I didn’t want to play a dangerous game by being close to her.With a sigh, I rubbed the towel over my head as I stepped out, only to see her on her foot again. "I would just leave and come back later," she
ROSE "Where are you lost?" I blinked a bit as I turned towards Miss Taylor, who was busy stirring the spaghetti as her eyes centred on me. I knew that she barely missed anything, and I hoped she wouldn't see what I was hiding."I'm asking you something," She mumbled.I shook my head lightly. "No, I'm with you. I'm just waiting for your orders, " I mumbled lightly.She scoffed. "If you say so. Well, take a cold juice for Sir Oak. He should be in the gym right now. ""Me?"She rose her brow at me. "What sort of question is that? Are you still a stranger in this place? You're the one who does things like this earlier, so that is how it's going to continue. There is no need to keep asking me silly questions."I gulped as I stepped away from the counter. "I'm sorry, ma'am"Miss Taylor grunted, but said nothing. I moved quickly to the fridge, grabbing the lemon juice and a glass cup before walking out of the kitchen.Outside, I couldn't see either Oak or Raven. But, there were about two g
RAVENThe tires tied to my ankles made it so difficult to move through the forest pedestal, but I didn’t give up. I kept running as fast as I could, making sure that my hand was clasped firmly behind me. This training was so important to me, and I wouldn’t dare mess it up for anything in the world. It didn’t matter how much I pushed myself, but I must win Oak this Saturday!With a grunt, I turned towards the circular path, moving round it three times before collapsing against the dry earth. Goddess, that was insane. I easily pulled the tires off my legs and knocked it to the side.My hard work better pay off. Oak wasn’t joking. 'Maybe, you should be more like him, and protect our mate,' Harry grumbled through the mind-link.I glared at nothing. 'Don’t start with this mate bullshit. It’s boring now. I just want to forget that she exists.''Well, she does exist, and she is one of the rooms of the pack house.' He pointed out smartly.I rolled my eyes as I rubbed at my taut belly. 'I don
ROSEThere was something about the way Oak had looked at me that made me restless. There was something in his mind, and I had no idea what that could be. But the way he had kissed me last night was something that must have worried him, right?With a groan, I moved over to the bed and sank down heavily on it. I really need to stop overthinking about these things. It was not my business. I pulled my leg up as I shook hard. I shouldn’t care if they fought all the time. They didn’t make me feel so good when I was in their midst anyway. Suddenly, a knock sounded against my door. I knew at once that it was him. There is nothing to be worried about. I can do this. With that, I rose up from the bed and moved as fast as I could to the door, pulling it open. Oak stood with his hand hanging as he tried to knock on the door once more."Did you know it was me?" He asked slowly.I took a deep breath as I held his gaze. "Yes," I admitted at last."How?"I shrugged then. "That doesn’t really matter
OAKOne. Two. Three.I pulled up on my fist and went back down as quick as I could. The strain on my muscles made me feel vaguely alive. I loved the sweat that dripped through my hands to the earth. If I continued this way, I would be able to burn as much energy as I could.'I’m a bit tired,' my wolf whined.I rolled my eyes as I jerked up a bit. 'What have you done?''A lot! You haven’t allowed me to rest for a minute.'With a grunt, I pulled up on my legs, looking towards the direction Raven had gone. 'Raven’s wolf doesn’t have any issues with the strenuous task. We have to meet up with him when it comes to exercises if we must win. Come on, William. Don’t be so lazy,' I grumbled.He purred dejectedly, obviously not impressed with my words. With a sigh, I pulled to my feet, walking over to the makeshift chair. The maid quickly moved aside as I approached with her head down.How I wish she was Rose...Shaking my head, I grabbed a hold of the bottle of water on the chair, uncapping it
ROSEDragging the mopping stick to the chambers, I tried hard not to think too much. The way I had pushed Oak last night was really bad, but he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me, would he? I really hoped that I was right, and I was safe this time. It would be the only thing that I could hope for.'Don’t think too much,' Meghan soothed softly.I nodded slowly as I looked around the lone hallway before moving closer to Raven’s room door. I can do this. It’s just too clean; there shouldn’t be any problem about it. My hands shook as I slowly placed my hand on the doorknob."Sir Raven, can I come in?"There was no response, and it seemed to me that there was no one there too. I closed my eyes quietly as I pulled the door open and stepped in. There was no sign of Raven anywhere. And the bathroom door was open, showing that no one was in there too. I let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness!The last thing that I needed was Sir Raven biting me with his famous cold words this morning. If there
RAVEN"Please, calm down," I said evenly.Elder Storm stepped forward, his eyes even as he looked right at me. "I’m calm, Sir Raven, but I don’t appreciate the fact that you ignore our summons just to fight with your brother. We are not fools and don’t want to be treated as such.My eyes skimmed to Oak’s back, hating the fact that he was quiet. As usual, I would have to handle the mess that he put me into. The man could never be responsible for anything. Plus, he was having a hangover too. Damn it!"Are you ready to listen to me now?" Elder Storm asked evenly.I nodded once. "Like I said earlier, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, and I wouldn’t mind if you all come and have some coffee with us. We can talk at leisure.""We didn’t come to drink," Elder Peach snapped.She was the only elder who was a female because she had proven her ruthlessness in battle, and she was also the youngest of the four. She took a step closer to Elder Storm, a frown perched on her face. "Your father is dea
OAKWith a grunt, I pulled the pillow over my head as I tried to squash the headache that was threatening to get the best of me. It didn’t work. It seemed like everything had gone even worse than it was earlier."Damn it!" I groaned as I tossed the pillow at the side and slowly pulled up on my bed.Everywhere felt like it was moving round in a circle for a minute, and that irritated me to no end. But slowly I got stabilized and carefully stepped down from the bed. I hate this!Why did I have to drink so much because of that good for nothing, girl? I just couldn’t get it. I needed to take more care with my own emotions to avoid making more mistakes. I couldn’t let that happen all the time. Paige was not worth it at all.With a sigh, I moved over to the table and poured myself a glass of water. Then, I proceeded to drink it. It was then that the images of how I kissed Rose without her permission came crashing into my memories."What have I done?" I whispered to myself as I placed the c
ROSE"How dare you talk to my guests that way?" Raven thundered behind me.I swallowed as my hand was suddenly pulled harshly, turning me around, only for my face to tilt sideways. Did he just hit me? I was shoved back, and the laughter from the rest of the crew made my eyes burn, but I struggled not to let the tears fall.My fingers pulled at the flimsy gown I wore, and I gave Raven a last look before fleeing to the door, pulling it open."If you step out of here, then be ready to be punished," his cold voice rang out.Oh, goddess!What have I done to deserve this?My feet pulled to a stop as I looked at him. He looked so dominating with his green eyes flashing like the storm. My body shook on its own accord, and I really wished that the ground would open up and swallow me."Good! Come over here and apologize to Tim!"What?I pleaded with him through my eyes, but he remained unyielding. I was going to apologize to such an animal. Alpha Raven turned away, and I watched him walk back t
OAKI rubbed my hair as I stepped out of the house as quickly as I could, only to see Raven step into the house. The idiot didn’t see me, but I did, and there was no way I would be going back to that house this night. I just can’t stand Raven right now.With a sigh, I walked over to my bike and pulled it out of the shed. The guard in charge of the place threw the keys at me, and I nodded curtly. "Don’t tell anyone that I’m not in the pack," I ordered.He bowed lightly. "Yes, Sir Oak," came his quick response.Satisfied, I jumped onto the bike and kicked the pedal to life before igniting the engine. Here goes nothing! Ignoring the speed limit, I drove as fast as I could out of the pack and towards the beach pub. My thoughts were scattered as the wind slapped against my face. Maybe this was going to help me forget for a bit. Heaven knows, I badly needed that.The blue brick pub came into view about 26 minutes later, and I breathed a sigh of relief. One of the bouncers waved at me, a smi