Lily's POV“Stay away from me!” I yelled at him.“No bitch. I give the orders and you follow.” He replied and with that, he lurched at me, gripping my arms and throwing me on the bed.“Let me go, you pig.” I struggled and screamed with all I had, which earned me a slap from him. I recoiled in pain.“Now that is how to treat a useless slave.” He sneered and set himself on top of me. His eyes gleamed with lust and desire.Just as he flipped over my skirt, he stopped and listened. We heard grunts and low voices from outside my door.At that moment, when his guard was down, I drew a dagger hidden in his boot, and using all the strength I had, I flipped him over and pressed the blade to his throat.“You move, I'll let my hands slip,” I said firmly.And that's when the door was flung open and there stood Marcus. “What is going on here?” He asked with a frown.Realizing my position was incriminating, I let the dagger fall out of my hand and I took a few steps backward.“You little bitch!” Smi
Lily’s POVI walked a while with Clara before we arrived at the garden again. Clara’s excitement over showing me her father was admirable. Shawn and I were like this a lot of times too.“We should see him soon.” She smiled. I smiled back. “Have you been out here in the garden before now?” She asked.“Yes, I have. I recently walked the grounds.” I replied holding my basket in hand.“Then you must have seen my father.” She squealed excitedly.“I guess I have,” I responded. She laughed and walked a bit faster. I could see my younger self in her, but I had to make a promise to myself.I had to stay strong so I could leave this place in one piece and make a comeback. I had to avenge my parent's death, I also had to avenge the death of every member of the Silver Shade pack.“We are here,” Clara announced as she hurried off towards a lone path. Her black curly ponytail bounced to her movements.I embarked on another stroll around the now somewhat familiar garden. We passed that nice spot with
Marcus's POVAs I went back into my chambers, rage consumed my mind at the sight of what I had seen.Smithson's intentions were clearly not good but what I do not understand is why.Smithson had clearly loathed her and destroyed her pack. He had several slaves and servants pleading for his attention, so why would he want to touch what was already mine?I was vexed and needed some unwinding. I couldn't go to the beer house at the moment because it could lead to a confrontation with Smithson.I could kill him this time. I decided to go out for a stroll. Looking out my window, I noticed it was almost dinnertime. But I went out anyway.I stepped out of my chambers and made my way down towards the hallway. Arriving at the balcony overlooking the banquet hall, I saw Lily.She was dressed in work clothes, she had an apron on, and she held a little basket with some cucumbers and berries. Her nails were dirty and her face was worn out.“What the hell do you think you are doing?” I asked her c
Marcus’s POVI wanted to give her a good response, but I stopped myself. “This is my mansion, so I can do whatever I like and you have no other choice than to obey me,” I replied with an icy tone.“Great! I am seated, what next?” She asked, her voice dripping with disdain.“You eat,” I instructed.I had tried to eat without her, but her stomach kept making little sounds that could not escape my ears.my wolf made sure of it.She sat down quietly as though she was not hungry and with composure began serving herself some food. After dishing out what she wanted, she picked up her spoon and stared at me for a few seconds as though considering her options before finally eating.I sighed in relief. She had barely eaten in days since she had arrived in Mistwood Creek. I made a silent promise to myself to abolish quite several rules binding the slaves to their masters.“You should prepare yourself in the morning.” I began and she slowed down her eating. “Clothes would be waiting for you in yo
Marcus’s POV “Master Marcus, we are going to be late if we do not leave now,” Winston said as he walked up to me.Since I had gone to her room, I had expected her to hasten up, but she decided to take her time. It was already bad enough that she was joining us, but it would be worse if we got delayed because of her.“Go up to her,” I told Winston.I feared that if I went back in there, we may not even come out at all. I had fought so hard to suppress the desire to claim her lips in mine when I was in her room and seeing her in her undergarments only made it worse. “She is already here, Master Marcus,” Winston said into my ears.I turned in the direction of the stairs and saw her standing at the top of the stairs. She looked almost unrecognizable, except for her fragile frame that gave her away.The brown hair brought out the hue of her brown eyes and seeing her with short hair made her look more attractive.“Let us go,” I said as I immediately took my eyes away from her. Th
Marcus’s POVWe galloped around the four corners of Crimson Valley and made my markings around the borders so anyone coming into Crimson Valley would know they were trading my grounds.Once we were done, I came down from the horse and taking a stance, I howled loudly it almost sounded like a roar.This solidified my claims on Crimson Valley. I climbed back on the horse and strode back to where my men stood.“Should we check on her now or we should head back to Mistwood Creek,” Winston asked.I brought her here so she could visit her home and check if her brother made it out. Part of me wanted to leave her behind, but my innermost desire wanted her with me.“We would stop by the village,” I said to all my men. They nodded and we steered our horses in the direction of the village.If she wanted to come back with me, then she would be waiting for me, but if not, then I would turn my back like she never existed.I kicked my horse and it quickened its pace. I went farther ahead of my men
Lily's POV As soon as we arrived at Mistwood Creek, I hurried away from Marcus and his men with my bag.I had gathered my mother's potion book and took with me some herbs that were in bottles. I was going to begin my revenge and there was no stopping me now.I had to do this before going to find Shawn. I knew he was alive.I removed our family painting and hung it where I could see it clearly. It would serve as my motivation.All through our ride back, I had feared Marcus would ask his men to search my bag, but they did not. I could not help but wonder at what fool he was.I took my father's perfume bottle and kept it close to my bed. I took the dried herbs and potion books and hid them among my clothes in the closet.As I stepped out of the closet, I met Amelia standing in my room with a smile on.Not again.“I'm sure you have heard of the upcoming banquet,” Amelia asked, walking slowly across the room.“Yes, I have,” I replied, monitoring her movement.“Good, because I brought inst
Lily's POV The day of the banquet had finally arrived. The halls were set, drinks were brought and music and performers were already present and doing what was meant for them.It was a big event that demanded a lot of attention from everyone because even Marcus was nowhere to be seen. Or was he avoiding me?Early in the morning, I heard a knock on my door. I hurried out of bed to check who it was. I unlocked the door and Clara stepped in.“I heard you would be serving with us tonight so I hastened over here. I hope you do not mind?” She asked, wearing her usual bright smile.“That was so thoughtful of you Clara,” I replied, truly grateful for her thoughtfulness.“Who would you be serving?” She asked as she settled into my bed.“Lord Darkwood’s table,” I replied unenthusiastically. “Are you the one serving Marcus?” I asked curiously.“I wish. I will be serving Queen Laurent.” She replied.That would make reaching the royal table easier. No one would suspect a thing. I had to make sure
Shawn's POVThe grand hall of the beautiful mansion was bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows.I sat in a chair close to where Sean and Clara sat. Marcus was about to be crowned King of the Wolves.“If you need anything tell me okay,” Clara said as she checked where I was wounded."Hmm, thank you, Clara,” I replied.Thanks to Lucas, I got more preferential treatment from Clara.The hall was filled with members from the four packs. The Twilight Ridge werewolves, led by Marcus, and Luna Crest led by a little girl who I barely knew. The Silvershade pack is led by me and the Bloodmoon pack is led by Shadowvale.Finally, all the pain, struggles, and fighting have been put behind us. As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on Marcus, standing tall in front of the hall.Beside him stood Lily, his marked bride, her eyes bright with happiness. Their children stood with them, looking around with wide-eyed wonder.The ceremony began with the eldest seat, s
Marcus’s POVTime passed in a blur and we have been having a happy season and time together. Every morning was beautiful to behold and every night was as peaceful and pleasurable as I had imagined it.Finding Lily was like I finally found my missing rib.My official coronation was the next day and I had lots of preparations to make, as well as make a courtesy visit to the villages and each pack.“What are you thinking so much about, my love?"I rolled my eyes. “Don't ever say that again Winston else I'll cut off your tongue,"“What? I was only trying to bridge the gap since she's out with Clara," He replied.“You should do that as your chubby self, rather than mimic your queen," I replied, faking anger.“Fine, I'll shut the door after me and send word to have her come back,” He replied, also feigning vexation.“Silly man," I said and we both laughed.By noon, we were all complete for lunch. It was beautiful to have the mansion this lively.“Mother, Aunt Clara taught me how to create w
Lily's POVDamn! I have been such a fool.I ran without considering where I was going. The pain was just too much to bear. I had pushed Marcus away despite my growing attraction to him because I also blamed him for everyone's death.But he was the one only trying to clean up his father's mess. “Arrggh!" I yelled into the sky.I don't know how or why, but it started to rain. The rain started as a drizzle, but it quickly turned into a downpour. I stayed in the rain and cried.Each step I took splashed through the forming puddles, and the cold rain soaked me to the bone. I barely noticed.“Lily, wait!” Marcus’s voice called out behind me. I didn’t stop. I couldn’t face him, not after everything I’d done.The memories of our past and the hurt I must have caused him played in my mind. I kept walking, but Marcus caught up to me, grabbing my arm and spinning me around to face him.“Lily, please, talk to me,” he said, his voice filled with concern and desperation.I yanked my arm free, the a
Marcus’s POVI stared around the room and noticed Lord Darkwood's absence and instantly knew that Leila was a distraction from where the real harm was occurring.I turned to Shawn, our eyes meeting for a moment. “We have to find a way through,” I said, my voice low and urgent.He nodded, his expression determined. “I will use my powers, while you support me.”We turned back to the barrier, our combined strength hammering against it. The air crackled with energy, the barrier shimmering under our powers. But it held firm, refusing to yield.Leila watched us, her smile never faltering. “You can’t win, Marcus. This is my game now.”But I refused to accept that. I dug deep, summoning every ounce of strength and determination I had. I thought of Lily, of Raymond and Fiona. I couldn’t fail them.With a final, desperate effort, we pushed against the barrier. There was a blinding flash of light, and suddenly, the barrier shattered, sending us tumbling forward.I scrambled to my feet, my eyes l
Marcus’s POVMy journey back to Mistwood Creek felt longer than I expected it. As I arrived at the villages, the clamor of battle was deafening.I noticed the full moon's glow on my skin and despite it being dark, I could spot all my runes. My fangs were out and so were my claws.I felt energy surge through me and my senses heightened. The tangy smell of blood and dust filled the air and I could make out the faint smell of cedarwood and flowers.I took out the vial and gulped everything down in one go, before proceeding in the direction of the mansion.I was going to find Lily and my kids no matter what.Arriving at the first gate to the mansion, I noticed Shadowvale and his men transformed back to their human form and whatever was left of my knights hurried behind me.“I told you Marcus, I would be back," Shadowvale said with a cold sneer."And I think you should be on your way out right about now,” I replied coldly.Shadowvale laughed and his men joined him. "Do I look like Shawn to
Shawn's POVMartin and I finally made our way out of the village just as the sun was about to set. The sky was colored with hues of orange and purple, and I could see the moon beginning to emerge, just as I was feeling my wolf gradually taking over me.As we passed through some parts of the village, I noticed some doors hung off their hinges, and debris littered the ground. Villagers with fearful expressions hurried past us, whispering frantically among themselves.“What happened here?” Martin asked, his voice hushed as we took in the scene.“Shadowvale,” I muttered, my jaw clenched. “He must have been here.”Martin's eyes widened. “We need to move quickly, Shawn. He was not supposed to attack the villagers.”“It's the full moon’s effect," I replied blankly. “Let's hurry up to him nonetheless,"The further we went, the more signs of destruction we saw. It was clear that Shadowvale had left his mark, and the villagers had suffered for it.“Damn him,” I cursed under my breath, fury boil
Leila’s POVWalking out of the throne room, I made my way back to the townhouse with haste. Lucas had proven to be so much of a headache.He was supposed to be an easy nut to crack, but he proved himself to be smarter than I made him to be.I had gotten Lily back and left instructions with the dark sorcerers of Luna Crest to make sure that Lucas didn't see the light of day.As I approached the townhouse, I saw Maureen waiting for me at the entrance, her face was pale and lacked any form of the usual excitement."Sister," she called out, in a flat and emotionless voice. “We need to hurry,” She said with a tone of indifference.I knew that who would still be feeling offended about Smithson's death, but there was nothing I was going to do about it.“Why is that?" I asked as we made our way inside the house.“There have been some little disruptions in the lower parts of the village and it was only a matter of time before the full attack began,” She replied coldly.I knew what that implied
Lucas's POV Looking at Leila's retreating back left me writhing in anger at her audacity in turning back on her words. I should have known better anyway, once an evil witch, always a wicked witch. I looked away from Leila and her flowing black veil and rested my eyes on the helpless Lily being carried away by the men who were with Leila. "Make sure she is not conscious," Leila instructed them. "The kids?" One asked. "Leave them as they are. Lucas already did that," She replied and turned to face me. Her dark men who surrounded me seemed to be there to restrict me from doing anything reckless, rather than execute me from the plan. "What happened to your integrity, Leila Darkwood," I asked her angrily. "I don't have one, Lucas Hawthorne," She replied with a sinister smile. "I actually don't have all day to spend here chit-chatting with you, so I will go ahead with my question," She knows who the hell I am. I searched her as she spoke and gauged the strength of the men
Marcus’s POVI was still doubtful of her innocence in all this, but for Lily's sake and Grayson's sake, I would give her the benefit of the doubt."Start speaking," I demanded, my voice echoing off the walls.She looked up at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "How is my father?"Really?"Stop playing games with me," I snapped, taking a step closer. "You’ll meet your father if you tell me what I need to hear."Clara seemed to hesitate, her gaze dropping to the floor. After a long moment, she sighed and looked back up at me. "Shadowvale is planning an attack on Mistwood Creek."I felt a surge of anger and concern. "Fair enough," I said. “But that's not all I want to hear and you know it,"“I'm sorry King Marcus, but I don't know who that whirlwind belonged to," She shook her head and I could feel her genuine flow of emotions.“Is there anyone you suspect might be after them?" I asked.“Apart from you, that would be Lucas. He wants the kids, Raymond and Fiona, dead and…” She paused.The