CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-The silence in the room was replaced by gasps and whispers, a sea of wide eyes staring at me in disbelief, as if I was a mirage in some barren desert. But the loudest sound was the pounding of my heart in my ears, beating like a wild drum against my ribs. His intentions were clear from the start; his warning the day before was a foreshadowing of this plan. But I wouldn't fall for his manipulative offer, especially after already turning him down once.I pulled my hand away, crossing my arms. "Boris," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me.As I was once again preparing to decline Boris's advances, a voice shattered the tense silence in the room."Oh how wonderful!"All eyes turned towards the entrance, silhouetted in its archway stood a woman of formidable stature— Trisha Gravemaw, Boris' mother. A woman in her late fifties, clothed in a dark green dress that hugged her tall and lean figure. Her presence was powerful, commanding respect from eve
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-As the cheers and howls resonated through the grand hall, I stood beside Boris, my gaze fixed on the crowd. His arm snaked around my waist possessively, his grip tightening with each cheer. Fear and dread pooled in my stomach, but I forced a serene mask onto my face. I was Luna now, an Alpha female of the pack, whether I liked it or not.My gaze fell upon my father, his expression filled with worry and concern. Though the mirthful cheers echoed around him, he remained stoic, his eyes locked on mine, echoing my turmoil. Leon sat beside him, trying to maintain a façade of confidence while his eyes, too, mirrored anxiety.I tried to offer a reassuring smile, but it fell flat.Once the applause subsided, Boris leaned into me—a chilling reminder of my new status—and whispered in my ear. His warm breath fanned against my neck, making my stomach churn with unease. "You have made the right choice, Wilhelmina," his voice coated with a smooth confidence that did nothing
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-Hours later, the sun had set, and I finally made it back to my house. Trisha's lessons had been grueling. She spoke at length about diplomacy, patience, and leadership. About strength without arrogance, about compassion without weakness. Her words echoed in my mind as I opened the front door.The living room was occupied by my father, mother, Weldon, Dermon, and Raina. They all had concerned expressions on their faces, filled with worry and anxiety."Wilhelmina," my mother's voice quivered as she rose from the chair, her eyes scouring me for possible signs of distress.I forced a smile, one that would hopefully mask the turmoil swirling inside me. "I'm fine," My voice echoed throughout the quiet room, bouncing off the wooden walls and heavy curtains. For a moment they didn't respond, their eyes so deeply engrained with worry that my return seemed to make no difference.Dermon hastily rose from his seat, "You aren't fine. The look in your eyes and the tone of y
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-Nearly a week had passed since the disastrous meeting. I spent my days alone in my room, trying to heal my wounded ego. The image of Boris' cruel and mocking expression, replaying the humiliating defeat over and over again. Trisha, my future mother-in-law, had been busy telling everyone that I was Boris' Luna and that our wedding was to be arranged in the near future. Just the thought of spending the rest of my life with Boris made me feel sick.I had never felt so trapped in my life. The suffocating pressure of what was being planned for me, the c
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-Severa and I ventured further, the subtle perfume of flowers filling my senses as we entered our local park. A cobblestone path wound its way through fields of vibrant green, meticulously maintained beds of flowers, and towering trees that provided a comforting canopy overhead. The park was a world away from the gloomy confines of my room, bathed in the gentle glow of the evening sun.Families were scattered about, children played games while their parents watched fondly from benches. A slight breeze stirred the leaves and ruffled my dress, bringin
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-I sat listlessly at my vanity, staring at the vase of red roses my soon-to-be husband had sent. The flowers stood tall and proud, their petals unfurling like a lover's promise, but they offered her no solace. The reality of my situation seeped further into my mind as the fresh scent of the roses tainted the air, reminding me of the prestigious life I would soon be entangled in. My heart throbbed within the cage of my ribs, akin to a bird desperately trying to escape its confines.M
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-The following day, the sun began its ascent and its rays peeked through the parted curtains, illuminating the opulent suite. I rose early, my sleep having been restless and disturbed. The room, although majestic in design with its high ceilings and lavishly draped windows, felt empty and too large for one person to inhabit. The ornate furniture was made of rich mahogany and the bed was luxuriously dressed with velvet quilts and silk pillows that were fluffed to perfection. On the walls, priceless art hung in ornate frames that told stories of battles won and lost, of love found and squandered.
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-My morning at Gravemaw Manor passed in a blur of silk and lace as Trisha meticulously oversaw the fitting of my wedding dress. Despite the excitement that was supposed to accompany such preparations, a growing sense of unease gnawed at me. All the while, Boris' words hung over my head - a dark cloud poised to pour.When the gilded clock in the corner chimed two, I excused myself from Trisha's relentless scrutiny and made my way to Boris' office. The servants moved like wraiths around the manor, their hushed whispers echoing through vast corridors as I pass
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-It had been about a week since Estrada had overheard her parents' hushed conversation. The memory of their furrowed brows and tense voices was still fresh in her mind, but she couldn't quite recall what they had been discussing. Despite this, she couldn't shake off the lingering worry that seemed to have settled in the house like a heavy fog.As each day passed, Estrada couldn't help but notice the increasing concern and stress etched onto her parents' faces. She attempted to comfort them with small gestures of kindness, but their troubled expression
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The Gravemaw Hounds' territory was basked in warm, golden sunlight under a cloudless spring sky. Giggles echoed through the air as three young girls, 4-year-old Estrada Evercrown and her best friends Bellatrix and Rae Greymane, sat in the woods behind the Greymane family's home.With a firm grip, Estrada held Rae's chestnut locks in her small palms. She skillfully weaved dainty primrose petals from the nearby fields into the cascading brown strands. Her attentive gaze was fixed on creating a stunning floral creation.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-As we moved further away from the council room, I finally broke the silence and elaborated on the situation. "Thorin, keep your distance from Boris. I don't want him discovering that Severa has left her mark on you."Thorin, normally stoic and composed, swallowed at my words. There was conflict in his eyes, a stormy sea of fear and longing. "If you didn't want him to know it was me, why did you tell him?"I paused, feeling my gaze linger on Thorin's visibly anxious expression. "It will make him para
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-Weldon and Thorin exited the room first. I trailed behind them, but paused at the doorway and looked back at Luna Mother and Boris."Also, just so you're aware," I added, drawing their focus. "Due to the ongoing investigation, all ceremonies will be suspended until further notice."Boris leaped up from his chair, his anger evident on his face. "How dare you?" he roared. "I am to be married tonight! Do you expect me to cancel the wedding?!"
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I raised a skeptical eyebrow and asked, my gaze turning icy. "And who do you think is the mastermind behind your beloved cub's strings?"The Luna Mother let out a deep sigh, her frustration evident in her rising voice. "How am I supposed to know?" she asked, shaking her head. "I'm just making assumptions here."Before I could ask any more questions, she fixed her cold stare back on Weldon. "You mentioned Wolf's Bane, did you not? Are you talking about the unfortunate incident where the Luna
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-We walked into the manor. The servants were bustling around us in a chaotic yet coordinated manner. However, I couldn't ignore the palpable tension that hung in the air, likely due to the commotion outside which they had undoubtedly heard and seen."I shall tell my mother and father of what has happened," Lady Basia announced. "Good luck with confronting Boris.""Thank you, Lady Basia," I replied, dipping my head in acknowledgment. Her gaze was steady but I could see the concern in her eyes
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-It wasn't long before we arrived at the Alpha's Estate. As we approached the estate, I could see that there was a disturbance unfolding near the grand entrance of the manor. Outside, the Alpha Father and a group of servants were gathered around a young man who appeared to be enraged. They were trying to calm him down."Sh*t," Weldon mumbled, his brows furrowed."It's that your brother?" Thorin asked, his voice full of concern.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I gazed out the car window, replaying the events of the previous night in my mind. The spot where Wilhelmina had bitten me was concealed beneath the fabric of my shirt, but the fierce heat of it seemed to radiate outwards like a beacon.I didn't sleep a wink last night. My mind was full of thoughts about Wilhelmina, replaying her touch, her seductive whispers in my ear and the sensation of her teeth and lips on my neck.Every time I closed my eyes, I found myself subjected to vivid images o
CHAPTER TEN-WILHELMINA-I woke up in the early hours of the morning, greeted by sunlight. As I slowly opened my eyes, I shielded them from the bright rays. I looked around the room. This wasn't any bedroom I recognized. Where am I, I thought confused. I felt the mattress beneath me move slightly, and I turned my head to look at the other side. Severa was fast asleep, her breathing calm and steady. I'm not alone. If Severa is here, we must be-, I thought.