STARLETTEI woke up squirming and whimpering, wondering what had happened to me and why I felt so incredibly weak. Then, his overwhelming, sweet scent hit me, soothing my heart and soul. I instinctively buried my nose against him, pressing hard into his warmth.My eyes burned as I struggled to open them. It took a while, but I opened them eventually. "You're awake," he said softly."What happened?" I asked. And then, memories of the events in the woods flooded my mind. My eyes widened in shock, and I gasped. Breathing out a sigh of relief, I whispered, "I'm alive."But I felt weak—so weak. The wolfsbane's effects still clung to me and it was so frustrating."Lauren..." I tensed at the thought of her."Shhh." He placed a soothing hand on my shoulder. "Relax. She won't be able to hurt you anymore.""What did you do to her?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper."She's under room arrest. And her accomplice... well, he no longer has a head.""There's something I need to tell you," I began
STARLETTEThe days leading up to our meeting with the witches dragged on painfully slow. We anticipated the meeting, wondering how it would turn out. Though we were tensed, what made it easier was the love and affection I and Maximus shared within those days. We got to know each other better, but my chest felt heavy knowing I still had secrets in store. The baby. I was surprised that the doctor didn’t detect the pregnancy when he examined me. Bella was just as puzzled. Perhaps he knew and chose to keep it to himself."Are you sure you don’t want to stay behind?" Maximus asked as the car started to move.Following us were three vans filled with heavily armed men.I smiled sweetly. “I’ll be fine, Max. Stop worrying about me and focus on what we have ahead of us. Just stay calm, and try as much as possible to not turn it into a fit of rage.”“As you wish, my queen.” He leaned in and captured my lip in his, sucking my bottom lips before gliding his tongue against mine. My body filled wit
LAUREN I was frustrated, bored out of my mind, and dying slowly. The Alpha wouldn’t let me see anyone, not even my father. I wasn’t allowed to attend Jeremiah’s burial. Did he even have a burial? I wondered. My chest ached so much from the pain of losing him. I couldn’t even tell anyone that he was my mate. Thankfully, I hadn’t allowed him mark me; if not, the pain would have been unbearable. Alone in the room, it felt like I was sinking deeper into a suffocating hole with no way out. There was no one to talk to, no one who cared. Every time a guard, a nurse, or anyone else entered my room, they responded to my questions with silence. I was slowly losing my mind. I cried every day, and each day I considered killing myself over and over again. But I was too much of a coward and couldn’t bring myself to do it. Suddenly, the door swung open, and I turned to see Maximus marching in. I scrambled out of bed and rushed toward him, but quickly halted when a deep growl escaped his throat.
STARLETTEI had already leapt out of bed, ready to go search for Maximus wherever he was, when the door swung open and he slipped inside. “I swear I was just about to go looking for you.”“Missed me that much?” He chuckled as he moved closer to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. He pressed a warm kiss to my neck, causing me to shiver. “I missed you too.”“How did it go?” I asked curiously as I pressed my body against his, wanting more of those sweet kisses. “You know, she didn’t admit to anything. I had expected that anyway. I just wanted to try.” He murmured, trailing his delicious kisses up to my temple before pausing. “Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” I asked. I knew how devastated he was by the fact that Lauren’s pup might not be his. “You are already making me feel better.” He whispered into my ears, and warmth surged through my body. “Your presence is enough.”He suddenly pulled away, and a frown crossed my face. “It’s been a long day. I need to sho
STARLETTEThe mark formed beautiful crescents on my neck after the wound healed, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. The stronger, more magnificent bond that had developed between Maximus and me was even more beautiful. I loved my life now. It was just... perfect. It was high time I told Maximus about the baby. He loved me, without a doubt. There was no reason to keep it a secret any longer. Besides, Bella had been bugging me nonstop to tell him. “You’re distracted,” Tom said when his blade nearly cut through my thighs, but I was quick enough to jump back, evading the attack.I was on the training ground with him, practicing. I wanted to be prepared to defend the pack when the time came. If I was going to be Luna, I had to act like one.“I have a lot on my mind,” I told him as I lifted my sword and pushed forward with it.“What’s on your mind?” He asked.There was no way I was going to tell him. “The safety of the pack.”“Women shouldn’t have to worry about that.” He groaned, our blade
STARLETTEI quickly stepped forward and blocked Maximus’ path, trying to calm him down before the situation escalated into a bloodbath.“Max, you need to control yourself. Please.” I pleaded, worried.“Starlette, get out of my way.” He growled, his intensely furious gaze still fixed on his brother.“No.” I insisted. “Please. Just stop. I beg you.”He glanced at me, his eyes glowing red with rage. “Please.” I pressed as I stared at him pleadingly.He shut his eyes closed, and when he reopened them, the blazing red had faded, returning to their usual blue shade, though they were still clouded with darkness.I turned to look at Lucius. His eyes had also returned to normal. I started to move toward him, but Maximus pulled me back to his side.“What was that all about?” I asked him, my voice a mixture of anger and concern.He looked at me for a second, or maybe longer, before sprinting into the woods without giving me a response. I couldn’t place the look in his eyes, but I could tell he
STARLETTE I stared at the mirror, the reflection before me almost unrecognizable. The girl staring back at me was transformed. I was dressed in an off-shoulder white dress, adorned with delicate touches of gold. Bella picked it out for me, promising I’d look regal in it. I did look regal in it. My makeup was flawless, and my hair was swept up into a bun with a few loose curls framing my face. Maximus slipped up behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered. “You are the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen. The most beautiful there will ever be.”My cheeks flushed with delight. “Thank you.”“Shall we?” He extended his hand to me, and I took it. Tingles jolted through my body as I turned around and followed him out of the room. A sleek black limousine waited outside, even though the venue was close enough to walk to. Maximus watched me as I slid into the backseat, his eyes never leaving me. Once we were inside, a frown suddenly appeared on his
MAXIMUS The north and the south had always fought over a stretch of land that separated us—a land rich with gold, diamonds, and many other natural treasures. It was originally and rightfully ours, but the South had always been desperate to claim it, fabricating a history that didn’t exist, claiming it was theirs. But we held on to what was ours very dearly, refusing to surrender it to them. They’d laid low about it for a few decades, way before I even inherited the throne. But now, it seems, they want to stir things up again.So it’s no surprise that who Starlette saw in her dream was Silas. I had thought it was just a dream, but now it’s a stern warning to me. Especially now that Silas was offering to do business with the north, offering a deal that seemed too good to be true. Perhaps it was just one of his devious plans. But I was ready for him. “I believe you’re stronger now that you have a mate.” Silas smirked. Yes, the bond between Starlette and me had made me stronger—stronge
VIOLETAs much as I loathed Axel for the hurtful things he had said about me, I hated that he had been suspended, especially knowing it was because of me. The only reason he had used his powers on the guards to leave school was so he could drive me home. He was caught and punished, while I, the one who should have been the main culprit, hadn’t even been discovered. I was on my bed, sad all day. Despite Daisy’s attempts to talk to me, I wasn’t giving her an audience. I hadn’t spoken to her since I found out that she was Axel’s cousin and had hidden it from me all along. “Violet,” she called, attempting once again to get me to talk. I didn’t even spare her a glance. “You know we can’t keep being like this forever,” she muttered. Again, I ignored her. “You are making me feel very sad and guilty,” she breathed. “That was exactly how I felt when I found out that you had been deceiving me all this while,” I spat. “I know. Until when are you going to punish me?” she asked.
AXELFather quickly organized a search team for the missing girl as we all wondered what could have happened. Security in this park was tight, ensuring the protection of all pack members, so what could have gone wrong? The Alpha King allowed me to tag along to the girl’s home, where they said her name was Alice. We got there to meet her heartbroken mother, who wouldn’t stop crying, and her father, who was consoling her. “Alpha!” the mother cried and rushed towards him the moment she sighted Father. “Please help me find her. She is my only child.” “That is why I am here—to help you find her.” His voice was soft as he placed his hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I want to ask a few questions, and you must answer sincerely.” She nodded repeatedly. “I will.” “Okay, please have a seat.” He gestured towards a couch before settling on one himself. “When was the last time you saw Alice?” Father asked her. “Last night. She said she was going to visit a friend and would be back befor
AXELFather stood in the middle of the training grounds, surrounded by warriors engaged in rigorous combat practice. “Alpha Prince.” Various voices echoed in unison as warriors bowed in respect when I approached him. The moment I reached him, he threw a sword at me. I caught it instinctively, but before I could process what was happening, he lunged at me with full force. My reflexes kicked in, and I raised my sword just in time to block his attack. “Easy on me, Alpha!” I groaned. “No one will go easy on you when you become the Alpha King!” he growled as he withdrew his sword, only to immediately attack again. I blocked the attack, our swords clanking against each other. “That’s still a very long time away.” In a split second, he was at my back, attempting to attack from behind, but I was swift enough to turn around and bend over, evading the attack. However, I lost my balance in the process, giving him enough time to knock me over and stand in front of me, his sword pointe
AXEL“Mom, Dad?” I darted my gaze between both of them. “Why are you here?” “You are in trouble,” Mom spat, her tone sharp and disapproving. “I guess so,” I mumbled. “Axel, you’ve been breaking too many rules, and I can’t allow you to continue this way. I had to call your parents,” Alpha Richard said, his piercing gaze fixed on me. I sighed. “What did I do this time?” “When you were admitted into this school, you were thoroughly warned not to use your psychic abilities. You were banned from using them while on the school premises.” He sighed. “But recently, you have broken too many rules using those same psychic abilities, and the school can’t continue to have you here.” “Am I being expelled?” Chills ran through my body at the thought. I used to hate it here, but now I was starting to find reasons to stay. I didn’t want to get expelled. “Because of your parents, no. You’ll only be suspended. But this is your final warning. If you use your powers again, not even your pa
VIOLETMy body vibrated with anger, and instead of turning around and leaving like I normally would, I confronted him. “What did you just say?” I groaned out as I marched forward. “You heard me right,” he mumbled, averting his gaze. “Axel!” Daisy exclaimed, clearly disappointed in him. He stood up and attempted to leave, but I grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop. “Apologize.” He raised an eyebrow, his expression turning cold. “And what if I don’t?” “Apologize,” I pressed. I desperately wanted him to take back his words and say that he never meant it. As much as I was angry, it hurt me so much that someone called me that—especially him. Without another word, he snatched his arm from my grip and marched out of the café. “Violet...” Daisy called in a low tone, and I turned my attention to her. “How do you know Axel?” I asked, trying to fathom why she was seated with him and having that sort of conversation. “I—uhm...” She took in a sharp breath. “I’m sorry, I should
AXELI thought I had heard Violet’s cry for help, which was why I came running into the forest. I never expected that I would be the one needing help instead. The sharp ache that struck my chest at what I had just seen was excruciating. Without wasting another second, I turned around and left before I did something I would regret. Orion howled in agony, urging me to go and beat up that boy for touching our mate. But I had my pride to protect. I would never fight over a girl—not even if she was my mate. Of all people, why him? Emmett? I tried to imagine how and when they got together, but the mere thought of that as painful.The rage and hurt coursing through me were overwhelming. I stopped in front of a tree and punched it hard, over and over again, until my knuckles were raw and bleeding. But even then, I didn’t stop. I kept going, hoping the physical pain would replace the ache in my chest. It didn’t work. The image of what I had seen kept replaying in my head, intensifying m
VIOLET Mustering every ounce of strength within me, I jammed my elbow backward, forcefully striking his stomach. “That was hard,” he said as he finally released his hands from my eyes. I flipped around, rage vibrating through me. My eyes narrowed when I realized who it was—Emily’s brother. “Abel?” I groaned. “Abel?” he asked, chuckling. “Who is Abel?” Father had gotten his name wrong, and I had stupidly called him that without bothering to confirm. Which made me wonder if Dad had intentionally called a random name, catching me in my lies. I sighed heavily and started swimming toward the shore. “Whatever your name is, don’t ever try that with me again.” He followed. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” I reached for my clothes, and my frustration was palpable in the way I aggressively put them on. What I needed was a moment of quiet solitude to process everything going on—not some dude randomly showing up and scaring the shit out of me. Of course, I would be frus
VIOLETWatching him play did so many things to me, and Onyx wouldn’t stop purring about how hot he was. “I can’t wait for us to have his mark,” she purred. “Oh, please.” I literally rolled my eyes. “That’s never going to happen. He doesn’t want us. And after what happened last night? I don’t even want him.” “Stop acting like you weren’t the one chasing him away in the first place. He’ll come around, I’m sure,” she retorted. “I don’t care,” I shot back. “Oh, yes, you do.” I sighed in frustration. I needed to start getting used to the fact that she was now part of me and knew my every emotion. I couldn’t lie to her or deceive her because she knew it all. Even as I tried to push the thoughts away, my eyes remained locked on Axel until the very end of the game. He was annoyingly hot, and the way he played so effortlessly, so perfectly, sent a thrill through me. With Axel on the wolves’ team, the witches never stood a chance. It was an easy win. The team erupted in celebrat
VIOLET“What have you both been up to?” Zara demanded the moment Axel rolled down the window. Her tone was laced with accusation. “First off, get out of the car. Now.” He stepped out of the car and glanced at me before looking back at Zara. “I’m listening, Axel,” Zara fired on. “I can see that you’ve been the one misleading the innocent girl. Hence why she hasn’t been showing up for practice. Don’t drag her into your mess.” “What?!” he exclaimed in shock. My eyes also widened in shock. How the hell did she come to that conclusion? “Yes?” She shot her brow up. “Prove me wrong if I’m mistaken.” Axel shook his head, clearly at a complete loss for words. “Zara,” I quickly chimed in. “I promise it wasn’t Axel. My life has been hectic recently. That’s why I haven’t been showing up. I promise to be there for the game today.” “I was already considering replacing the manager,” she said. “That won’t be necessary. I will show up. I promise,” I assured her quickly. She gave a