When I arrived at Eugenia’s boutique, I grabbed a few outfits, just enough to hide my real reason for being there. Eugenia looked confused as I hastily picked out clothes without even looking at them.“Didn’t King Elijah allow you to wear colors other than black?” Eugenia asked. “Take your time, my queen.”“Any of these will do. It doesn’t matter to me.”“You’re in such a hurry. Where are you going this time?”“I only have until dinner,” I replied.Eugenia looked at the clock on the wall. I still had more than an hour since Vincent had dropped me off.“Is there something you want to talk to me about?” Eugenia asked as if she could sense my true intentions.I couldn’t lie. “Yes, actually, there’s something important I need to know. Although I doubt you’re going to tell me.”“What is it?”“How Elijah became king. Because I have a feeling he wasn’t the rightful heir to the royal line, was he?”Eugenia’s face grew uncomfortable, turning pale as if caught off guard. She seemed conflicted.
Elijah arrived on time, and I don’t think he suspected anything. After a small talk with Eugenia and saying goodbye, we returned to the mansion.The drive back was silent between Elijah and me. My mind was utterly consumed by the story from the past, and it was absolutely shocking. I had never imagined that Elijah was actually descended from a half-Omega.No wonder Elijah was always so hard on me. He kept reminding me that I couldn’t be weak. I finally understood—Elijah didn’t want me to end up like him or his mother, who had been poorly treated.“Do you still think about what I said?” Elijah asked out of the blue.I shook my head. “No.”I heard Elijah sigh but didn’t bother to look at him. Sometimes, the pain crept in and made me even sadder. Sitting here alone with him was suffocating.Why wasn’t Vincent the one to pick me up? Why did it have to be Elijah?I hated this constant emotional turmoil. One moment, Elijah would be kind; the next, he would be angry, and worst of all, he wou
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
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
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
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
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
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
Right at midnight, I heard the faint sound of a wolf howling. Whether it was a sign from Bishop or Michael, I didn't know, but it immediately put me on high alert as I rushed to the cell door. There was no sign of anything, not even footsteps echoing down the narrow corridor. Just silence. Suddenly, more howling erupted, sending shivers down my spine. An attack—that's what I gathered from their warning cries. But why? Why would Michael and Bishop go to such lengths to stage an attack just to get me out of here? A faint smell of smoke reached my nose, followed by distant sounds of chaos that grew louder. What the hell was going on? I heard hurried footsteps entering the cell block, and then I saw Michael panting heavily. "This was your plan? To cause a riot?" I asked. Michael's face was as pale as the moon, and he shook his head frantically. "There's an attack by rogue wolves! They're attacking the palace!" he shouted. My eyes widened. "Rogue wolves
"Yes, I did," Elena replied bluntly.I stood up, and anger immediately surged through me. "Are you too much of a coward to admit what you did, Beta Elena? That you had to blame me?"I should've brought a recorder so everyone would know that Elena was the one who poisoned Catherine. I was the only one hearing her confession, and it all felt pointless.My teeth clenched, and my hands balled into fists. If we weren't in this cell, I would have beaten her to a pulp. I never feared Elena, even though she was Elijah's sister."I could admit everything, but I'm not the one who needs to leave this place, Delilah. You're the one who needs to get out of this palace." Elena crossed her arms."You hate me that much?""I don't care about you. I care about my brother's position. Do you understand?"Elijah's position? What did she mean? Bishop once said that Elena always had her own agend
The guards took me out of the cell a few hours later. I didn't know precisely how long it had been, but the sky was dark when I looked out the window on the way to the hall. All the royal alphas, along with Wanda and Bishop, were already gathered there. I was ordered to kneel before the empty throne, my head bowed low.The doors to the hall opened again, and I caught Elijah's scent. A shiver ran down my spine as he passed me. I could feel his anger, though I couldn't tell who it was directed at. Elijah took a seat on the throne and stared at me intently."You poisoned Queen Catherine, I've heard. Delilah, how many more times are you going to cause trouble?" Elijah asked.I swallowed hard and shook my head. "Even if I protest my innocence, the accusation will stick to me. So, my king, I've accepted whatever sentence you decide."Wanda cleared her throat. "Just have her beheaded, father."What? Beheaded? If I were really to die, she and Catherine would be the first to come after me. An
Dinner was ordered, and I, along with the other maids, promptly went to the dining room and set the dishes on the table. As we left the room, Elena walked past us, entering first, followed by Catherine and the Lunas on their way to the dining area.We maids lined up neatly to let them pass. The Lunas looked at me with disdain; they knew who I was, the fraud.How long will that label stick to me? If they knew the truth, these Lunas would bow down to me."Or maybe they'd try to eliminate you," Lona muttered. "You're a descendant of a pack that was destroyed. More like wiped out on purpose."I ignored Lona's words and followed the other maids back to the kitchen. Once there, I quickly searched for my bag and was relieved to find it still there. There was no way it could have been lost or stolen. I decided to leave it where it was."Hey, what's your name?" one of the maids called out."Delilah.""Come join us in the kitchen. We need a break, too," she invited warmly.I sat awkwardly in a
The air duct seemed endless, narrow, and stifling. Sweat poured down my body, but curiosity overcame fear and exhaustion. I saw a speck of bright light ahead—it must be the end. I pushed open the air duct cover and crawled out.I found myself surrounded by a wood. This must be outside the palace walls. There was no visible path, but I noticed a patch of grass shorter than the rest. It looked trampled, probably the intruder's trail."Stop! We must return to the palace, or you'll be in trouble!" Lona warned."But this is my way out, isn't it? If I'm going to escape, now is the perfect time.""Don't be ridiculous! We don't know what lurks in these woods! Don't be reckless!"I took a deep breath. "Okay, okay..."There was no way I could wander through the woods like this, even in daylight. But at least I'd found the way of the intruders. No wonder they escaped so easily. Who would have thought there was a secret passage in the laundry room?I climbed back into the air duct and returned to
"Camden, Arlington, Fergus, and Orson."Michael said the names without hesitation. Regardless of whether his suspicions turned out to be true, he couldn't afford to voice them recklessly. He could lose his head for it if he accused someone without proof.And that was the problem—evidence. What kind of evidence did Michael have?The royal wolves had immense power. They could twist the truth to their advantage, and a young wolf like Michael could be easily disposed of."Do you have solid proof to accuse them?" I asked."Not yet. But I've pieced things together from the last decade's events." Michael rubbed his chin. "I do my homework, Deli."Did Michael seriously say that? I don't understand why he should bother thinking about the traitor. Was Bishop's discussing this with his youngest son? Until Michael was obsessed with it?"You're playing detective because your life is boring. Before you start making accusations, you should have something solid.""I will. It's just a matter of time."
The following day, at dawn, I carried a basket of laundry from the Queen's chamber to the outer part of the palace.I passed through the gates that led to the Bishop's chamber and his family's residence and headed for the garden. His chamber faced the garden, and I tried to remember which window belonged to Michael's room."Which one is his room?" I murmured, scanning the row of windows."Try the one that's open," Lona suggested. "You could climb in.""Good idea.""In case you get caught and beheaded, maybe I should say farewell now," she added sarcastically."That won't happen."I set the basket down near the bushes and climbed up the ledge. It wasn't too tricky; I could do it.After a few minutes, I reached the open window and inhaled a familiar scent. Michael!I slipped inside and found Michael fast asleep on his bed. I hurried over to him."Michael," I whispered, shaking his shoulder.His eyes fluttered open, and our eyes locked for a moment before he jerked awake."Shit! What are
Returning to the maids' quarters and celebrating this small victory felt satisfying. As I left the hall, I caught sight of Catherine's sour expression, and it felt so good to see her utterly defeated."You're asking for trouble," Nana said worriedly. "Queen Catherine could come after you, Delilah.""I only did what I had to do," I replied."You shouldn't have defended Gema."Of course, hearing Nana's words, Gema and Cassie immediately fell silent. Especially Gema, whose face turned red with suppressed anger."You're the one who caused the trouble, so you should take responsibility for it!" Nana accused. "Queen Catherine will be watching all of us now, and it's all because of you!""I had already accepted my fate when Queen Catherine ordered me to lie, Nana!" Gema snapped. "But Delilah stood up for me! Now I know who my true friends are and who aren't!""I'm not against you! But your actions have put us all in danger!"The tension between them escalated, and I quickly stepped between t
I awoke with a dull ache all over my body, yet it felt strangely satisfying. My sleep had been deep, dreamless, and restful.And now I was fully aware I was in the King's chamber. Then, the memory of me trying to seduce Michael, only to end up with Elijah, hit me like a thunderbolt. Had I lost my mind?"Welcome home," Lona's voice echoed in my head. "You're finally awake.""What happened?""It seems Catherine tried to slip a stimulant into Elijah's tea. Next time, just throw it out. You never know—it could be poison.""That was an accident, Lona. I never meant to drink it myself if it hadn't stopped Cassie."I let out a small sigh and touched the empty spot beside me on the bed. Cold. Elijah was gone.Heat rushed to my face as flashes of last night came flooding back. Even though my consciousness had been hazy, I could still remember everything. Our bonding had been intense—pleasurable, even. I couldn't say it was beautiful, not under the influence of that cursed potion.But it had fe