STARLETTEThe moment Maximus reached us, he pulled me to his side, his arm tightening around my waist with a possessive grip. His gaze held a steely edge as he glared at Silas, who only smirked in response, as if he hadn’t just been shamelessly flirting with me.“Good evening, Alpha,” Silas greeted, sounding almost amused.“Good evening,” Maximus replied, his voice strained and his jaw muscles visibly tensed. “I thought you weren’t going to make it.”Silas gave a casual shrug. “I encountered some unexpected delays.” He spread his arms wide in a grand gesture. “But here I am. I knew how important this meeting was, so I had to make sure I attended.” He glanced at me, “Would you keep my Luna company while I discuss with him?”Just then, a red-haired woman appeared by Silas’s side. Freckles dotted her face, giving her a delicate look. I raised an eyebrow as I took in the scene. Silas had dared to flirt with me while his own Luna was nearby. The audacity was astounding.“Good evening,” she
STARLETTEThe moment Gabriel vanished, Amelia was released, and she collapsed to the ground, letting out a rapid succession of coughs. After catching her breath, she looked up, her eyes widening in horror as she sprinted over to Lucius. Tears poured down her cheeks as she hugged his form.“No!” She let out a screeching scream.I stood frozen, unable to process everything that had happened. It felt like a dream—a dark, twisted dream that I desperately wanted to wake up from. I shook my head repeatedly, hoping to shake away the horror, but the reality only became sharper. Lucius had truly been trapped in his wolf form.A tremor coursed through my body, and my first instinct was to go to the only person who could bring me comfort."Max..." I mind-linked him, my fear pouring through my voice. "Where are you?" His voice echoed in my mind, laced with urgency. He could sense the terror in my voice. "You’re mind-linking the whole pack. Try to focus only on me when you answer."I pressed my
MAXIMUSSomehow, I was worried about Lucius, and helping him had become one of my priorities. Even though our relationship was far from perfect, he was still my blood. Starlette stared at Amelia, curiosity in her eyes. “What do you plan to say when we get there?”“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I just want to say something that would make him feel even a fraction of the pain I’m feeling right now.”I suddenly felt something weird within me—pity. The more I looked at Amelia, the more I understood the pain she was passing through. I didn’t need a special announcement to know that Starlette’s theory was indeed correct—she was Lucius’ mate. And having one’s mate go through such a difficult situation takes a toll on the other. If anything ever happened to Starlette, I would lose my mind.Sighing heavily, I took a step closer to Amelia. “I get how hurt you are,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “But it’s best to avoid doing anything rash. If we let him know that we’re aware, it could co
STARLETTEWithout a second thought, I asked Iris to take over, my chest squeezing so tightly that I could barely breathe.“Max. What happened?” I quickly asked.“What do you mean?” He asked, confusion lacing his tone.“You’re—you’re—” I stammered, trailing off as I realized I was overthinking. The trauma of witnessing Lucius being trapped seemed to have taken deeper root than I had anticipated. I shook my head and forced a smile. “Nothing. I just didn’t expect to see you shift.” He took careful steps forward, his wolf nuzzling affectionately against Iris. “Nile wants to run.”“Me too!” Iris howled excitedly before spinning around and darting off. “Catch me if you can!” she called after them. “Piece of cake.” Nile yelled back as he began chasing after us. Iris glanced behind her and realizing he was gaining on her, pushed herself harder. She sprinted faster than ever, taking sharp turns to outmaneuver Nile. Her speed and agility were impressive, her joy infectious as she danced thr
STARLETTEI stirred in bed, reaching out instinctively to cuddle with Maximus, but my hand met only the cool sheets. The empty space beside me made my heart sink for a moment, and I snapped my eyes open, scanning the room. He was nowhere to be found. Stretching, I yawned and mind-linked him. “Working already?”His voice came through immediately, warm and teasing. “She’s awake—my sleeping beauty.”My lips curled into a smile. “I wanted to have you all to myself today.”"Well, I could drop everything and come to you right now. All you need to do is ask."I giggled, shaking my head even though he couldn’t see me. “As tempting as that sounds, I know you have to work. Someone has to keep the pack running smoothly, and these are my people now too. I care about them. So, I’ll see you later.” He chuckled. “I love you.”“I love you too.” I replied before cutting off the mind link. Sliding out of bed, I grabbed a robe and wrapped it around my body. I felt no need to change into a proper outf
AMELIAThe moment I got home, I grabbed my grandmother’s grimoire and began to comb through it with fervor. There had to be something in there—some ancient spell that could free Lucius. The more I searched, the more frustration gnawed at me. No matter how many pages I flipped through, I couldn’t find a single spell for releasing a human form trapped within its wolf. The only related spell I came across was the one I already knew—the one designed to free a wolf bound within its human form. The frustration ripping through me filled to its brim, and I flung the grimoire across the room, groaning in my hands. I hated this!The door to my room creaked open, and my father stepped inside. “Ah, I was right. I sensed my princess’ presence and decided to—” He froze mid-sentence, the color on his face draining the moment he saw my state. What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone laced with concern as he strode over to me. “I need help!” I exhaled shakily, running my fingers through my hair, frustrati
71| Golden Lights.AMELIAI blinked repeatedly, trying to make sense of what Father had just said. “What do you mean?”He looked away, facing the window again as he began. “When you were born, we realized how powerful you are. As a newborn who didn’t even know the world yet, you almost set the entire house on fire. It took the efforts of me and five other elders to stop you.”I gasped in shock. He glanced at me briefly and nodded. “Yes, that’s how powerful you were. We knew the destruction such power could bring if left unchecked. So, we decided to take most of it away and leave you with only a fraction.”“Where is that power now?” I whispered, still trying to process what he had just told me.“It is hidden in plain sight. You wouldn’t even know.” He finally moved away from the window, and I trailed behind him as he walked to my bed, picking up the pink teddy bear I had owned since I was a child. I grew so attached to the teddy bear that it was the only one I frequently played with,
STARLETTE“You’re so unbelievably sexy. I can’t emphasize it enough,” Maximus whispered in my ear, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. His strong hand curled gently around my throat as he sought my lips, kissing me ever so passionately as water cascaded down our bodies. We were under the shower and had gone two rounds now, not able to get enough of each other. I could never get enough of him.“Should we go again?” He asked after he pulled away from me, sucking his bottom lip into his mouth.As much as I would love that, we both had a lot of work to do for the pack, and we couldn’t spend the rest of the day making love with each other.I pressed my lips to his. “I wish I could say yes, but...”“Then say yes.” He cut me off, grinning.“No,” I said with mock sternness, laughing softly.“Such a pity,” he murmured. Before I could respond, he lifted me effortlessly by my thighs, his strong arms holding me steady. Turning off the shower with one hand, he stepped out and carried m
MAXIMUSFinally! The one man who had been terrorising my pack, the one who seemed impossible to get hold of, had been caught. I couldn’t be more excited. The joy that ripped through me as I watched him try over and over again to free himself but failed each time was immeasurable. The ever-powerful Gabriel had been rendered powerless. Great. So great.“Kaelin.” Gabriel growled, his gaze fixed on his brother. “Undo this spell. Now.”Kaelin narrowed his eyes as he stared at Gabriel. “How are you so delusional? Do you think I am still that little boy you used to boss around?”“To me, you’ll always be a little pathetic boy.” He growled.Kaelin folded his arms across his chest, a smirk spreading across his lips. “At least it’s not the pathetic little boy who is behind the bars.”Gabriel's eyes flickered with confusion, his frustration mounting. “I am more powerful than you! How could you cast a spell that I can’t break?”“With the help of my daughter, Amelia, nothing is impossible.” Kaelin
MAXIMUSThe walls seemed to close in around me, my lungs straining for air as panic clawed at my chest. Thoughts of what he might do to Starlette swirled in my mind, each one more terrifying than the last, threatening to drive me to the edge of madness.I quickly mind-linked Tom. “Starlette has been taken. Gabriel has her.”“I know,” came his shocking reply. His tone was tense. “I was about to tell you. He’s here with her now, slowly walking her toward the cell with a knife pressed to her neck.”“I am on my way.” I told him before cutting off the mind link and rushing to the dungeon. My heart was beating rapidly, a deep sense of fear creeping through me. I had to save Starlette. I couldn’t lose her—not now, not ever.When I reached the dungeon, the sight before me froze the air in my lungs. Gabriel was there, standing behind Starlette as Tom had said. His grip on her was firm, the blade pressed dangerously against her throat.“Release her. Now,” I growled, my voice low and menacing as
MAXIMUS Oblivious to the fact that Gabriel had also been spying on Dorcas, I had inadvertently revealed our plans. Now, he was aware of the trap we’d set. The element of surprise, our one key advantage, was now out of it. An intense rage tightened my chest, the heat of the fury radiating to my stomach. Of all the things I was angry about, I was angriest at myself. How could I have messed things up like this? I mind-linked Tom. “Gabriel now knows our plan. He knows that we set a trap in the dungeon. But he doesn’t know what exactly the trap is.” “What? How?” Tom asked in perplexity. “I’ll explain everything later. Just pass the message to the witches.” I told him before cutting off the mind-link. I turned to Lauren, my frown deepening. “And you. You also work for Gabriel now?” “Ga—Gabriel?” She stammered, shaking her head vigorously. “No. I would never. I am loyal to this pack. To you. I would never betray you. Never.” Her voice grated on my ears, filled with the desper
STARLETTEGabriel was very powerful, and using his daughter as bait to capture him wouldn’t be simple. I vividly recalled how he had trapped Amelia in an invisible web when he attacked Lucius. She had been utterly helpless, unable to break free or stop him. The same scenario could repeat itself if we didn’t devise an impeccable plan. Gabriel might outmanoeuvre us, snatch Nina, and leave us back at square one. But if caught off guard, everything could go smoothly. So we had to seize the full extent of this opportunity and set a trap that would actually catch him. They were all staring at me now, anticipation etched on their faces, waiting for me to share my thoughts.Clearing my throat, I began. “We could transfer Nina to a dungeon in the Royal Crest Pack. Both of you—” I gestured between Amelia and Kaelin, “—would remain in the dungeon with her, but cloaked. When he approaches her, you’d use the element of surprise to subdue him before he has a chance to react.”Kaelin raised a brow.
MAXIMUSKaelin waved the others out of the room, and they silently filed out. The men hesitated to leave, but Kaelin assured them that everything was fine, and that was when they finally left—not before staring at us warily, though. But they weren’t my problem at the moment.I stepped forward, fixing my gaze on the girl. “Nina,” I called firmly.She flicked her gaze at me, her wide, terrified eyes meeting mine. “Where is he?” My voice was sharp and demanding. I didn’t have the patience for games.“Who?” She feigned ignorance.My gaze darkened, my eyes blazing with fury at her audacity. “Would you like to be tortured before we get the answer out of you? Answer now and save yourself unnecessary suffering. You aren’t my target.”“We can’t make conclusions just.” Kaelin said as he stretched his hands towards Amelia, who was now holding a bowl and knife, collecting the items. “Although the magic pulled her towards me, I’ll have to make confirmation. Only then can we be completely sure tha
MAXIMUSAmelia could have teleported us to the witches' lands to save time, but we had driven here and couldn’t simply abandon the car in the south. Hence, we had to make the ride all the way to the witches’ lands. It was at that moment I regretted not bringing a driver along. Although she didn’t have to, Amelia decided to ride with us, journeying with us through the night.Starlette had picked up a book to read, but she slept almost immediately, leaving me and Amelia to keep each other company—in silence.“Amelia.” I called when a thought popped in my head.“Yes?” She answered, lifting her head to look at me from the back seat. ““Lila. She seemed so powerful—maybe even more powerful than you. She could read people’s past and future and even sensed your presence, despite your cloak.“Amelia smirked faintly, her confidence shining through. “She is not as powerful as I am. I sensed her magic, and it doesn’t even come close to mine. I’m much stronger than you realize. But that’s a conve
STARLETTEA daughter? My eyes narrowed as I stared at Lila, who had just revealed that Gabriel had a daughter in the witches’ lands. I was sure we all had the same thoughts running through our minds—to find the girl and use her as leverage to get Gabriel. Although I hated that Maximus had to hand over all his secrets to the mysterious girl to obtain this information, it was a solid lead.“What else did you see? I need a name, description, or anything that could help identify her.” Maximus probed further. “I didn’t get her name, but I know she’s a brunette, has brown eyes, and is petite.” The witch told him. Maximus and I snapped our gazes towards Amelia simultaneously. “Do you think we can get her?” Maximus asked. Amelia sighed, pressing her lips together. “Working with a name would’ve been easier, but finding her isn’t impossible. As long as she’s in our lands.” “Forgive me for asking, but who are you exactly?” Silas asked Amelia, his brows raised. “The clan elder’s daughter.”
MAXIMUSI hadn’t been here in a very long while. But everything, everywhere, still looked the same. I was very skeptical about coming here, but I didn’t was to risk letting any opportunity that could help us in catching Gabriel slip through my fingers. He was getting out of hand, and he had to be stopped.Starlette and I were shown into a spacious living area, where we waited for Silas. Amelia who was cloaked, also quietly sat down in one of the couches. The room felt overly grand, its ornate furnishings clearly meant to impress rather than comfort.We didn’t have to wait for long before Silas showed up with a crown on his head, a face-splitting grin tearing his lips apart. My gaze subconsciously lingered on the crown heavily encrusted with diamonds, wondering if it wasn’t so heavy on his head for him to be wearing it so casually around his pack when there wasn’t an important event. I always used to avoid wearing mine unless it was utterly important. “A king must always wear his crow
STARLETTE“You’re so unbelievably sexy. I can’t emphasize it enough,” Maximus whispered in my ear, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. His strong hand curled gently around my throat as he sought my lips, kissing me ever so passionately as water cascaded down our bodies. We were under the shower and had gone two rounds now, not able to get enough of each other. I could never get enough of him.“Should we go again?” He asked after he pulled away from me, sucking his bottom lip into his mouth.As much as I would love that, we both had a lot of work to do for the pack, and we couldn’t spend the rest of the day making love with each other.I pressed my lips to his. “I wish I could say yes, but...”“Then say yes.” He cut me off, grinning.“No,” I said with mock sternness, laughing softly.“Such a pity,” he murmured. Before I could respond, he lifted me effortlessly by my thighs, his strong arms holding me steady. Turning off the shower with one hand, he stepped out and carried m