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
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
“Starlette!” My father’s thunderous voice growled, jolting me awake.Fear gripped me by the throat as I sat up, wondering what I had done again. My father hated me; that was a known fact. He believed I was the cause of my mother’s death since she died giving birth to me. And to add more salt to the injury, I turned out to be an Omega, which made him hate me even more.My sisters, Maeve and Sabrina, didn’t treat me any better. They bullied and taunted me for a living, making me wake up every day wishing it was my last.I hated my life!“You useless bitch. Get up!” He growled again.My eyes still heavy with sleep, I scampered out of bed and stood before him, cowering.“Yes, father.” My lips trembled, fearing what he might do to me with the blazing rage flickering beneath his eyes.Perhaps lock me up. Or hit me?I didn’t even know what I had done.“How many times have I told you that I am not your father?!” He bellowed, taking an intimidating step forward.I recoiled, picking my finger
The Alpha King was my mate!The best thing that had ever happened to me in my twenty years of life. The moon goddess didn’t hate me after all.The mate bond was as they said. So beautiful, pure, and extremely strong. I felt like I was being pulled by a magnetic force, and all I wanted to do was bury myself in his arms. The Alpha King’s arms.I had been dreaming of a day like this to come—a day I'd finally be free from the loneliness and misery I was enveloped in. The day I’ll find someone who’ll love, cherish, and protect me at all costs. The day I’ll find my mate.And he wasn’t just anyone. He was Alpha King Maximus. King of the seven kingdoms in the north. Aren’t I just the luckiest?“An Omega?!” His voice echoed through the hallway, and the disappointment laced in his voice was palpable. “The moon goddess has got to be kidding me.”Before the bat of an eye, he was already next to me, his large palm seizing my neck and pushing me violently to the wall. I struggled to breathe, gaspin
Realizing that I was doomed and had nowhere to run to again, I transformed into my humanoid form, fearing what would happen to me next.Alpha Maximus also effortlessly transformed into his humanoid form, revealing a sturdy physique sculpted with powerful muscles. His broad shoulders and defined chest exuded strength, while a trim waist accentuated his masculine allure.His manhood, oh my.My eyes roamed his body, ogling at his incredibly sexy masculine form.He towered at an impressive height of about 6’5”, his luscious caramel brown hair cascading in loose waves. His chiselled face was adorned with neatly grown beards. His piercing blue eyes effortlessly swept me off my feet.For a moment, the Alpha King was lost in the daze of staring at me in return, but quickly collected himself, his signature frown masking his features again.“Alpha.” The beta’s voice suddenly sounded from behind.That was when it occurred to me that I was naked, and I quickly covered my breasts with one hand and
MAXIMUS.I lost complete control. My wolf surfaced, and all I knew was that I had to protect her at all costs. It was certain that I was being punished for all my past sins, because how could an Omega be my mate?Firstly, the soothsayer prophesied that she—Starlette—was the only one who could give me an heir. Secondly, she turned out to be my mate. Double punishments.I would have sent her back if she wasn’t the only one capable of bearing pups for me.After all, a king needs an heir.Let’s just hope the damned Omega’s gene doesn’t dominate my Alpha genes.“Mate?!” Lauren exclaimed, her eyes flickering with a combination of surprise, contempt, and jealousy.Now I have a lot of explaining to do to my woman. Lauren and I had been lovers since we were teens. She was a beta and would make a perfect Luna. I could never leave her for an Omega.“Let’s take this somewhere else.” I exhaled sharply. I didn't want to have that conversation in front of the pack members.“No, I–” She began, but I
STARLETTE.I leaned against the door as I watched them continue to make out. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. I watched them, and I couldn’t help but desperately wish that I was the one my mate was kissing.As he cupped her breast and kneaded it over her shirt, images of it being my breast that was being smooched flashed over my head, and a soft moan escaped my lips.I placed my hand on my boobs and began to subconsciously rub over them.Alpha Maximus turned to look at me, and I quickly yanked my hand off my breast, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. He could smell my arousal. I was sure of it.He promptly looked away and continued doing things with Lauren—things he was supposed to be doing with me.What was wrong with me? I mentally scolded myself. I was supposed to be disgusted, but here I was, getting wet. My wolf, on the other hand, was displeased with what was playing out before us and was furiously howling in pain.“Ahh, I love it.” Lauren moaned. She looked at me over
“Good morning, sleeping beauty.” Bella’s voice beamed, jolting me awake. I slowly opened my eyes to see her opening the blinds, and I quickly shut my eyes as the rays of sunshine hit them. Turning to the other side, I opened my eyes again. I looked around the room, hoping to see Maximus, but he wasn’t in sight, and that left me wondering where he went. I didn’t even think he returned yesterday night. I was awake for a long time, waiting for him to return and thinking about the things he did to me before sleep swept me away. I wondered why he touched me, arousing me, and then suddenly stormed out of the room afterwards. Did I do something wrong? Or could it be part of his torture scheme?Bella abruptly yanked the blanket off my body. “Wake up, Miss. It’s time for breakfast.”“I’m awake.” I sighed as I lazily sat up. “Have you seen him this morning?” I asked Bella. I didn’t need to mention his name for her to know who I was talking about. “No, I haven’t.” She replied before turning
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
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,
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
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
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