The banquet passed in serene peace, and I felt relieved when it was over. After Eugenia took her leave, I freshened up and stared at my reflection in the dressing mirror.I wasn't sure what I'd gotten myself into, but I didn't feel at ease. Elijah's scowling face kept flashing through my mind. Maybe he was the source of this relentless tension in my life.Why does he keep glaring at me when I've done everything he told me to do? I didn't pick a fight with Elena; in fact, I think I handled it elegantly. Isn't that the kind of Luna Elijah wants? A queen who has poise, dignity, blah, blah...It gives me the creeps if I have to be some kind of perfect doll.The bedroom door swung open without a knock, and I knew it was Elijah. He hadn't even taken off his suit; he had just loosened his tie and walked straight towards me. I stood up and turned to face him."I did what you asked, didn't I?" I blurted out before Elijah could say anything."And you think that was impressive?"I frowned. "What
Elijah left the mansion for a few days, and I felt much freer without him here, watching me like a hawk. I should read the books Vincent left for me and have them finished by the time Elijah returns. But reading about manners, psychology, and how to analyze others is not my cup of tea.Instead, I've been spending time with the maids, chatting in the garden, or, like now, baking soft cookies. It's so relaxing, and I love it."You really should read those books, my queen. What if King Elijah decides to test you?" Flo asked, looking worried."He'll probably just ask me for a summary. There isn't a wolf alive who can remember every page of every book," I replied unperturbed.Tris gave a wry smile. "But King Elijah does."Really? That's scary.We heard hurried footsteps coming down the hall, and then Kat's pale, worried face appeared in the doorway. She was breathless and looked utterly freaked out."Beta Elena is here!" Kat announced in a panic.I froze. What is this witch doing here?"Q
My head felt a little light after I had eaten and enjoyed a few pieces of Turkish delight as my sweetest escape. This wasn't normal. Had I eaten too much candy?My stomach hurt, too, and I wasn't sure why. Now, a cold sweat had begun to break over my skin.I tried to sit up as the nausea overwhelmed me, but my vision was blurred. What was happening to me?My breathing was uneven; something was definitely wrong with my body. I needed help!I was so weak I could only crawl to the door. But it felt so far away I couldn't make it any further.Elijah, where are you? Elijah! Help me!...Two hands, warm against my body, lifted me up, and I caught the scent of musk with a hint of lemongrass."Delilah! Delilah!"The voice echoed in my ears. Who was it? Was it Jeremy? No, that voice..."Elijah?" I whispered.My eyes slowly opened, and Elijah's worried face came into focus."Elijah?""You're going to be okay! Just hold on," he said.I heard a commotion around me, and then someone forced a drink
A few days after I started to feel better, I was told to rest most of the time. It was boring, especially since Elijah only gave me books to read. Twice as boring.But today, after I finished breakfast in my room, Elijah walked in. I almost jumped off the daybed at his sudden appearance. He didn't say hello; he just sat down next to me."You're feeling better, aren't you?" he asked.I nodded. "Yes, I think so.""I've asked Eugenia to send you a proper dress."We looked at each other for a moment before I quickly looked away. Frankly, being under Elijah's gaze was uncomfortable, especially when he was in such a calm mood."When the dress arrives, get ready because we're going out," he continued."Where are we going?""To the castle. I have something to discuss with the royal wolves." He sighed. "It concerns you, too, so I need you by my side."I couldn't help but nod, even though a strange uneasiness overcame me. I would have preferred to avoid these royal wolves altogether, but how co
The maid looked nervous, unsure of what to do, and I froze, afraid to touch the appetizer before me.What was Elena going to say? Was she going to tell the royal wolves here that there had been an incident at Elijah's mansion? No one was supposed to know!Suddenly, Elijah dipped his spoon into my soup bowl and tasted it. His action caused everyone to stare in amazement.Elijah made a soft, polite sound of approval and looked at me. "It's okay, Delilah. Go ahead, you can eat," he said.Elena sighed, clutching her spoon tightly. "You were careless, my king.""Thank you for your concern for Delilah." Elijah nodded. "But there's no need to worry."I looked at the king, amazed that he would go far for me. If someone had poisoned the food with wolfsbane and it affected me, my death wouldn't change much. But what if something happened to Elijah?Elena was right—he was too careless.Why was I suddenly worried about Elijah? He wasn't anyone special to me. In fact, he was my master, and I was j
“My queen, you must eat.” Flo looked at me with a worried expression. “If you don’t, you’ll get sick.”I shook my head. “I’m not hungry, Flo. Just take the food back.”“But, my queen...”“Please. I don’t want to eat.”Flo didn’t dare argue. She just nodded and carried the tray out of the room.When my mind is in turmoil, I lose my appetite. I’d rather stay in my room until my feelings settle. It’s not that I want to be dramatic and get sick.I know my limits; I’ll eat if I’m hungry.The door opened again, and when I looked over, Elijah stood in the doorway, carrying a tray. He seemed slightly annoyed as he approached me and set the tray down on the table with a bit of force.“Refusing to eat?” he asked.I didn’t answer, instead turning my attention to the window I’d asked to keep open. At least looking out kept me from feeling too trapped.“Did you lose your voice?”“I’m not hungry,” I replied softly.“Delilah...”“I know I’m useless, or whatever you want to say. Please, my king... I
"My queen... my queen..."The whisper jolted me awake, and I glanced to my side to see Kat standing beside the bed. She nodded politely, then smiled."King Elijah requests that you dress quickly. I've got your clothes ready," Kat said."What are you talking about, Kat?" I mumbled, still half asleep. "Where are we going?""I'm not sure, my queen. But it's you who will be going, not me."I threw the covers aside and dragged myself to the bathroom. When I looked out the window, the sky was still dark."What time is it?" I asked."Four in the morning, my queen."My mouth dropped open; it was too early. Where was Elijah taking me so early?I didn't protest much and followed the king's orders. Our relationship had improved slightly, so I didn't want to upset Elijah again. I had to minimize the chances of Elijah getting angry.In about ten minutes, I was dressed and rushed out. Elijah was waiting outside with Vincent. As soon as he saw me, Elijah checked his watch, then scoffed irritably."T
Maybe it was Elijah’s kindness a few days ago, but I felt a spark of motivation to do what he suggested. I go into the forest every morning and climb to the peak alone. Though I’m not yet brave enough to take the steep path down, I return the same route and run until I reach the mansion. Slowly, I managed to reach the mansion faster each time. What I’m doing might seem effortless to high-level wolves, but I’m doing my best, even if I’m slower.Afterward, I meditate, believing that quieting my mind and connecting with nature will sharpen my senses. Right now, for example, I can feel someone approaching. The scent of candy—that must be Flo.“My queen?” her call interrupts my concentration.I turn to face her. “Yes, Flo?”“Oh, aren’t you done meditating? I’m sorry to have disturbed you,” Flo says, looking apologetic. “I thought you were done.”“I just finished.”Flo comes over, picks up the towel draped over the back of the chair in the pavilion, and hands it to me.“There are presents
I woke up abruptly and looked around the room. Jeremy’s perfume filled the air. This was his room; I was sure of it. Even though he’d moved to a more spacious place, I knew his scent.But here, in my heart, I didn’t feel anything. Just emptiness.Instead, fear crept in. What about Elijah? Where was he now?I got out of bed quickly, even though my head still felt dizzy. I walked to the door, which was slightly ajar.“You’re awake, Deli?” Jeremy stood and looked at me.I stepped back carefully, my guard up. But Jeremy kept coming closer, trying to grab my hand. I slapped his hand away and stood defensively.“Why did you do that?” I yelled. “Why did you make me leave my King Alpha’s mansion?”“Deli? What did he do to you?” Jeremy’s face filled with worry. “You’re home now. You’re here with me, with all of us. Please, calm down.”Tears welled up and finally spilled over as I began to sob. This wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted everything to be as promised. If things stayed like this, there w
I forced a laugh because Elijah's statement made me feel semi-panic. I don't know if he notices my fake laugh, but this conversation needs to move on quickly. I lean over and kiss Elijah on the top of his head. It was a bold move, but what else could I do?Suddenly, Elijah looked up, pulled my neck, and locked his lips on mine. I didn't have to fake it. In fact, I was very sad that I couldn't help Elijah. My position only temporarily distracted him.Elijah got up without breaking our kiss. We walked hand in hand to the bed, and he carefully lowered me onto it. "I like the smell of your body," Elijah whispered after breaking the kiss. Elijah's finger traced the middle of my chest, and his eyes were still on me. I couldn't escape Elijah's power, like my body was following some buried instinctive desire. Elijah's hand moved to the bulging part of my body, squeezing and pinching. I bit my lower lip and felt the heat overflow. "All right, we're going to sleep now," Elijah said suddenly
Tension filled the air. Watching Elijah and Jeremy's confrontation made me panic. There was no pride in being fought over by two alphas like this—only the certainty of dire consequences. Why is this happening to me? "My king, please." I approached Elijah and shook my head weakly, trying to calm him. "Please, I don't want any trouble here." My eyes flicked to Jeremy, who looked disappointed I had chosen to stand by Elijah. I appreciated Jeremy, but there were more pressing matters to attend to. Jeremy should have understood; I had already explained everything to him. Jeremy had acted rashly, challenging Elijah and demanding to take me back to Pinecrest. But what I wanted was to resolve my issues with Elijah first. Only then could I return to my old pack. Now, instead of resolving the matter with Tracy, a new problem has arisen. "She's not your slave!" Jeremy declared firmly. "Let her go, now!" Elijah's anger flared. "Who said Delilah was my slave? I've said from the beginning that
My body trembled as my eyes locked with Tracy's. I shouldn't be afraid, but the pressure she exerted and the memories of her trying to kill me made my courage waver.Tracy grinned, probably thinking she could meet me and win."King Elijah! This woman doesn't deserve you!" Tracy shouted.Elijah remained calm, his eyes shifting between Tracy and me. Meanwhile, everyone else in the room was muttering, visibly uncomfortable for Jeremy, who stood with the same calm expression as Elijah."And who deserves me?" Elijah asked Tracy.Hearing his answer, Tracy was startled. "Obviously not her!""But Delilah is my mate," Elijah replied. "And you're out of line to accuse my Luna of being a traitor in your pack. Here she is the queen, and you will respect that!"Tracy stammered. "But... but I can explain! Everyone in the pack witnessed it - Delilah ran away because she cheated on Jeremy. She left with another man.""You mean me?" Elijah raised an eyebrow. "I didn't steal Delilah. The truth is much
I was incredibly nervous. Today, the outsider alphas came to the mansion precisely one week after I met Jeremy in Oak Valley. Riddick, along with other alphas from nearby towns—Pinecrest, perhaps—was on the guest list. I wasn’t sure if Jeremy would attend, but deep down, I knew he would show up.“I don’t think you should meet these alphas, Deli,” Aunt Disa said bluntly as she stood behind me and brushed my hair. “I have a bad feeling about it.”“Like what?”“Jeremy might show up.”Of course, Jeremy would be here. He promised to take care of things with the Davenport pack and then return to me.I hadn’t told Aunt Disa about my secret meeting with Jeremy. I just didn’t think she needed to know. She wouldn’t tell anyone, but her body language could give it away. If she seemed uncomfortable around Elijah, suspicions might arise.But maybe I should tell her now.“When Jeremy gets here, I think it’s the perfect time to tell the truth,” I said.Aunt Disa’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Are y
Why is Delilah acting like that? She was staring out the window, lost in thought, and I knew she was hiding something. I couldn’t be sure if she was hurt by my decision. Delilah’s demeanor was too calm. If she was still upset, her eyes would have shown a trace of resentment when I entered the room. But she didn’t. “Vincent?” I called quietly and knocked on the door. Vincent opened it for me, and after I entered and sat down on the daybed, he closed the door and stood nearby. “Delilah didn’t go to the spa, did she?” I asked. “Why do you ask, my king?” “Just answer me.” Vincent nodded. “She met with Alpha Jeremy of the Davenport pack.” Hearing this irritated me a little. How dare Delilah lie to me? Still, I couldn’t barge into her room and demand that she spill her tea. Yet, part of me was afraid that Delilah would reveal everything to that brat of an Alpha. When I saw the Jeremy boy enter the meeting hall, he boldly met my gaze. No wonder—he’d just met with Delilah. It was no
My mind went blank as I tried to explain to Jeremy, but he had already led me into a quiet alley. His breathing was heavy, and he growled softly, his intense gaze sharp and intimidating.“Why?” he asked again.I could have told him everything, but my tongue felt tied, and my body shook. I was in shock and didn’t know what to do. All I could do was hold back tears, but it was useless; my tears flowed freely.“Please, just let me go. I can’t explain right now,” I said.“Did you leave the pack because of another wolf?”“No!” I said firmly.Jeremy grabbed both my arms. “Whose scent is marking you? I can smell it.”“Stop, Jeremy. You don’t know what’s happening to me!”“Then tell me!” he snapped, frustrated. “Just tell me everything, Delilah! By the moon goddess, I’ve always loved you! I want to see you every day and every night!”My defenses crumbled, and I couldn’t stop myself from sobbing. Jeremy’s tight grip turned into a warm embrace. In his arms, I felt the comforting scent of the ho
As dinnertime approached, Elijah returned to the room and went straight to the shower before rushing to get dressed. I sat quietly on the edge of the bed, stealing glances at him. Even though he had already rejected me, watching him like this made my heart race uncontrollably."Is there something you want to tell me?" Elijah asked suddenly, looking at me with a slight smirk. "You've been stealing glances for a while now.""I-I..." Why was I stammering?"You must have something on your mind," he added.I cleared my throat quietly. "May I take a short ride outside the estate? Vincent will accompany me."Elijah nodded quickly. "Yes, sure.""Really?""I'll be attending a dinner with the Alphas soon," Elijah said, changing the subject. "Luna Rita might invite you to dinner as well. If you want to go out, just let her know.""Thank you, my king."Elijah hurried out of the room, leaving me alone. My heart raced at the thought of being invited to dinner. I had no idea what I would talk to R
Elijah seemed serious about his plan. A few days later, he took me to Oak Valley, a small town between Pinecrest and Alderwood.I couldn't understand why he insisted that I come with him. Although this matter had nothing to do with me, I refrained from protesting or questioning his motives.We arrived in Oak Valley, a quiet, peaceful town. Surprisingly, most of the stores were closed for lunch, so the streets seemed almost deserted. Unlike Alderwood, where noon was the busiest time in town, this place felt quiet yet eerily still.We soon reached a large estate in the center of town. From the outside, it was clear that the three-story building, with its classical design, radiated wealth. There was a large fountain in the front yard, and a line of maids stood at attention, waiting to greet us."Whose place is this?" I whispered.Elijah leaned in and whispered back, "A powerful Alpha in this town."The maids led us to a spacious living room in the mansion, where an elderly couple stood t