Aria's POV “Isn’t she beautiful?” I couldn’t help but admire this little pup sleeping soundly on my bed. The following day after I found out about Aurora’s story, Alpha Axel allowed us to go back to our cabin. This was under the condition that we would take Nixon to watch over us. “Indeed. This kid was truly heaven-sent. With a halo on top of her head and a pair of white wings, I would easily mistake her for a cherub.” I couldn’t help but giggle hearing Nixon complement my daughter. Truly, Aurora was an adorable little girl. Her hair brown hair formed tiny curls on her head and have a kind of smile that could make dark, cloudy days into bright, radiant ones. I had seen countless babies in the infirmary when I volunteered there for a short while but nothing could match the beauty of my little girl. “I can’t believe I was already a parent. I wished Pops was here. I bet he would be spoiling Aurora to his heart’s content,” I uttered in a bittersweet tone. I couldn’t say that I had
Aria's POV Growing up, I always associated my mom with the moon goddess. Whenever I hear bedtime stories about our deity, I would always put my mom’s face to the divine character inside my head. My mom was a typical she-wolf in my eyes, only better in every angle. Having a square-shaped face gave her a chiseled jawline which made her look athletic and sporty. Her long curls were as bright as the summer sun with eyes reminded me of the sea. Cassie was a spitting image of her, except for the color of their eyes. Cassie has hazel brown. But still, no one can deny that my mom was probably the prettiest girl in the pack in her prime. I heard that she was more beautiful than Adrian’s mom. I looked at the same figure that was standing a few inches away from me. It only had been two years since I last saw her but she looked around ten years older. My chest tightened when I had a glimpse of the bags under her eyes. She was probably not having a good night's sleep since I left. I can’t blam
Aria’s POVShould I just forget about everything and do what is right in the eyes of many? “Every day that you aren't there to help your mate, a pack member gets abused by Alpha Vladimir and Adrian could do nothing to stop him. You are the only one who can help us. Our fate rests in your hands.”My mom’s words kept on playing inside my head like a broken record. The voice was more reverberating than I remembered… deep… full…almost annoying. Perhaps this is due to the severity of the situation Moon Valley was forced to face. Or maybe, I was just too afraid to admit that her words suggested the truth I would be forced to embrace sooner or later. I never dreamed to be in the spotlight. It was never my thing. Growing up with popular siblings on my side, I used to situate myself at the back. Always hiding, always trying to disappear. This was my way to hide my insecurities, as people kept on comparing me to Cassie as if I would never be good enough for my last name. My father was a form
Cassie’s POVIf there was one emotion that I was not familiar with, that would be the state of being nervous. In my world, it doesn’t exist. And yet…Walking into a lodge called Castle Creek, my heartbeat was in my head. This Tudor-style lodge is around two miles from the entrance of Mount Craigwood and about a two-mile drive from Moon Valley. I was not used to traveling outside the borders of our pack alone but I was left without a choice. It was Alpha Vladimir’s orders so I would be forced to follow him even if I didn’t want to. To be honest, I just couldn’t make sense of why we have to meet in a place like this to discuss some “pack business” but who am I to complain? Though I was an important figure in Moon Valley, I was still under my alpha’s rule. I bit my lower lip recalling that last statement. My life was a whole lot better when Adrian was still the regent of Moon Valley. I just don’t understand why he had to come back and act like the god to everybody. We hate his presenc
Vladimir’s POVOf all the women I fucked here in Moon Valley, nothing would beat Cassie in bed. I could say that Cassie was the best of them all. I looked at the blonde beauty at my side, still remembering the passionate nights we shared. Her lips were painted red, making them more inviting. I could still remember how it tastes...how it feels like. She has a real talent, especially with how she played with her mouth. This probably was the reason why my son neglected his job to spend more time with her. Cassie was an absolute seductress! But more so, she was a woman with ambition and a good sense of practicality in her. Contrary to what she thought, her greed and thirst for power were also the things that made her good prey. I love manipulating these types of people! She was wearing a tight, red dress for this occasion, pairing it with black stilettos that made her look like a real queen. Today was my stupid’s son’s twenty-first birthday so everybody was in a festive mood. Well, I
Adrian’s POVLast night, I prayed to the moon goddess to shower us with her mercy. I asked her fervently to remove the cup of violence from our pack, to make my father cohere to the ancient laws. I clung to the fulfillment of my plea up to the point when my father started to deliver his speech. But alas, the deity did not confer on my wishes. And now, I found myself in a situation no father or son would want for themselves. What a way to celebrate my birthday! An hour after the formal challenge was accepted, we found ourselves standing in the sacred land of our ancestors. We called this the “Lycan Hills”, a flat-floored valley where our Lycan ancestors used to settle their disagreements through blood. As time passed, this had become the venue for those who wanted to challenge their current alpha for their position within the alps of the eastern region. The people of Moon Valley gathered to witness this fight to our deaths. Yes, I knew that this fight would not be over unless one of
Aria’s POVThey say it is better to be late than never. And I had found that to be true tonight. You may have found it weird, but I never liked the sunset. Some may have been fascinated with the brilliant purples, blues, oranges, and pink blending in a canvass-like sky. But more than the aesthetics, I hated sunsets for the message they brought. For me, sunset signified endings, a reminder that everything would come to pass. I rushed to the place where the Lycan Hills was situated, almost tripping over the rocks on the ground. I had to reach the place before it was too late. I knew that a formal challenge for the alpha position would always result in death. It only mattered who would it be. “Hurry, Aria! Adrian needs you!” The voice of my wolf communicating inside my head was not helping me ease my worry. The cold breeze of twilight put a sting on my skin. But more than the cold I felt outside, I was more disturbed by the coldness I harbored inside. Why did I wait this long before
Cassie’s POVThis day brought a whole new meaning to the word plot twist. Earlier today, I woke up enthusiastically. Today was Adrian’s twenty-first birthday and the day the alpha role would be awarded to him. Finally, my Adrian would become the official leader of this pack. And soon, she would look for a suitable Luna. Who would be a great choice other than myself? I immediately went to the shower to wash. As I took off my clothes, I saw a couple of lovebites on my breast. I frowned remembering how I got those. That perverted alpha sure knows how to leave a mark. And it utterly disgusts me!I turned the shower knob and let the warm water flow throughout my body. I soaked under the water longer than expected as I wanted it to wash every single fluid that Alpha Vladimir left in me. Ever since that incident in Castle Creek occurred, the alpha of Moon Valley couldn’t seem to get over me. As a result, he would send me to the same place each night to warm his bed. At first, I felt that
Aria’s POV Three years later… “Blow the candles, mommy!” I smiled at my seven-year-old seeing her grin from ear to ear while holding my birthday cake. I pinched her rosy cheeks before taking a deep breath and puffing the candles. Cheers from the background roared. We were inside Alpha Axel and Luna Sheila’s house where I decided to celebrate my 23rd birthday. Aside from them and their equally cute daughter Krissy who was now playing with my daughter, I invited my close friends and family from Moon Valley to celebrate with us. There’s my mom who was busy handing the food to everyone. Meanwhile, Ash and his wife were having their sweet moments on the couch. He touched Thea’s growing bump. Like him, we couldn't wait to see the new addition to our family. Beside them was Beta Nick, who just found her mate, Klea, recently. Ahh…This is life. And yet, something still feels missing. “Have you heard from him?” It was the voice of Luna Sheila that brought me back from spacing out. “N
Aria's POVAs the light drains away, I found myself in the same spot over and over. The sky was like a canvas bearing a mixture of orange, red, and pink on its surface. I held to the bouquet of some white roses tighter. I couldn’t wait to give this to him.Finally, I reached the place. Slowly, I put down a bouquet of flowers on top of the elevated land. A cross was sitting on top of it. I remembered the words of Luna Sheila during the time I was still grieving his death. She said, “The pain of losing someone doesn’t go away. It would give you the same intensity regardless of the years that passed. You will just learn to cope with it.”Yes, I was coping. Under this grave was the memory of the person I lost in a blink of an eye. Tears started streaming down my face as I remembered him. I have always remembered him. Always and forever. A lone tear escaped my eyes. It’s been a year since I lost him. But until now, the pain was still in my heart. My face plastered a bitter smile. “Don’t
Nixon’s POV“Nixon…Nixon…Wake up…”The beautiful voice woke me up. When I opened my eyes, I was welcomed by a lush green valley. The scent of the fresh dew brought by the spring season was mixed with the cold, comforting breeze. I slowly lifted my eyelids and was welcomed by the blue sky doming above me. The sun was nowhere to be found but the whole place was bright and sunny. I got up slowly and scanned the place with my still narrowed eyes. Before I could ask myself where I was, the lovely voice that woke me up from slumber rang in my ears once again.“You are awake, my love. Welcome Elysian Fields,” she stated while plastering the most radiant smile I had seen in my life. The woman had wavy blonde hair and eyes as silvery yellow as the moon. Moreso, she was incredibly beautiful. The maiden was wearing a white knee-length tunic. Her shoulder was armed with a golden bow and arrow. And although her face can surely bewitch every male creature in the land, surprisingly, you will neve
Aria's POVAlpha Axel, and I along with Darkwood warriors, came on time to the Stone Valley where Stonewood Pack was situated. We came here with nothing but courage and faith. For some, this mission was a suicide. To come here with a small army was no match to the force Blade showed us the other night. We would not sugarcoat this reality. We would not be comforted by a lie that we would be able to win this battle by ourselves. We won’t but we would be sure to give them a hell of a fight. For Nixon’s sake. I came here to show Blade my true colors. He will now see that he shouldn't be underestimating someone like me, especially when I am a rare diamond in the rough. I am the only shifter of this land. I was far from the weak shifter he met and almost killed the first time. My life experience taught me greater things about my strength and capabilities. No one came aside from us and that gave me a bitter taste in my mouth. I still couldn’t believe that the people of Moon Valley, whom
Aria’s POV As I was running, tears began in a downpour.Fear was all that could try to embrace me at this moment in time. But when I am reminded of what he has done for me, I pushed the fear at the back of my mind.Nixon is not just anyone. He is my best friend. He was always there to help me out. He didn’t fail to be with me in times of adversaries.I remembered his loyalty and devotion to me and Aurora. He was her father figure.His unconditional love toward us is evident. His sacrifices were made to ensure my safety at all times. He was willing to do everything for me.Now, it was time for me to step up. It's my time to do this for him. To save him as he would always try to do for me. For my sake.I wanted to return that favor no matter what even though I'm unsure of whether I would succeed in helping him. But it didn't matter anymore. I would die trying. I will never give up.If it means I would sacrifice my life to save him, I will do everything to get him back safely."Nixon...
Aria’s POV I was panting. I heard myself begging, pleading. But I couldn't get a hold of my words. They were drowning in the abyss of darkness. Hollowed and dreadful. I knew it was my voice. I sense the familiarity within its timbre and vibration.Inaudible it may seem, but slowly, it could be heard as I guessed about the words.Then, the things around me became clear. I could hear the rustling of the wind brushing against the leaves. The vast unfamiliar road was the first thing I saw. My dress glided with the wind. My hair followed suit.With this endless void, I saw his figure. The familiar figure which I yearned for so much.Nixon.Tears began to flow from my eyes.His back faced me. He was running. Running away from me.Why? Why would he run away from me?Didn't he suffer enough to be away from me? Didn't he wait for this day to come, to finally be with me?Then, why? Why is he running away from me?Frustratingly, I followed him. I ran and ran towards him."No. No, Nixon!" I shou
Aria’s POV It was hard to believe what just happened. In a blink of an eye, the alpha, who was revered for defeating the infamous Death Eater, was now lying on the grounding and feasting in his humiliating defeat. In this continent, everyone knew who Adrian Patterson was. Everyone knew the story of how he triumphed over his tyrannical father. It would forever be engraved in our history. And yet, it was hard to imagine that the same, glorious man who became well-known throughout the continent was defeated just like that. What could possibly go wrong for him to lose in such an important battle like this? “Because he lost you, Aria. You broke our bond with him for the second time. His wolf weakened when you rejected him last night,” Cleo stated inside my head. I bit my lower lip upon hearing that. It made me remember the time when my mother went to the Royal Cave Bar and implored me to go back to Moon Valley to strengthen Adrian’s wolf before his battle with the Death Eater. At t
Adrian’s POV"Do you like my grand entrance?" The man said that it made me almost lose my cool.Simon Walker... How dare he betray me and show himself here? How dare he show his face to the pack he chose to fucking betray?I groaned in so much anger as I looked at him with eyes that were ready to kill. Among the council, he was one of those I trusted! But look at this mutt gathering his weaklings of companions, trying to instigate war!The veins on my neck and my temple were already bulging, and I could feel how my resentment slowly enveloped my heart. Just the sight of this traitor made me livid.“What the hell do you want?” I questioned him, furious.Simon scoffed and smirked before he spoke, “You, Alpha Adrian. I want nothing but to beat your ass and witness how you will lose everything.”My ears twitched the moment I heard that. There was also gasping that was heard around right after. It was an obvious challenge to my throne. Seeing his irking smirk, I knew he wanted to fight an
Adrian's POVThere was an obvious fiasco in the meeting hall where we were gathered at that moment. Together with the councils, Aria was also present. We were currently discussing the aftermaths of Cassie’s schemes to Moon Valley. I could not deny that I was still very uncomfortable with her presence after what happened last night. I wanted to exclude myself from seeing her but this meeting only made me do what I didn’t want. How cruel fate was on me! I was bothered that she sat here with the council as if nothing pivotal happened a few hours ago. I mean, how could she act so naturally in front of everyone when she rejected me, her mate, coldheartedly last night? Groaning silently in my seat, I frowned.However, the more I saw how she was leading and speaking her ideas, the more I realized how deserving she was for the seat of Luna. Our council was right in choosing to believe in her. I could not deny that she was doing a great job. It was as if she was born to lead, a trait that c