MAXIMUSI made the first move, shoving Lucius’ chest hard enough to make him teeter backward.A smirk tugged at his lips. “Do you really want to do this?”In response, I pushed him again, unsheathing my sword and pointing it at him. “Fight back, or I kill you like a chicken.” Groaning, I swung my sword toward him. Before it could land, he parried the attack with his blade, the sharp clank of metal ringing in the air.And so the fight began. Both of us attacked fiercely, our swords clashing violently. I didn’t hold back, giving him no room to breathe. I fought with the ferocity of a soldier facing a true enemy. I could feel his hands growing weaker by the second. I knew I was winning, and just needed a little more push. I pressed my advantage, hammering his sword relentlessly, aiming to completely weaken him until I yanked the sword off his hand.My plan worked, and I succeeded in knocking the sword off his hand. His eyes widened as he watched the sword hit the floor, and I took that
STARLETTEI have not been able to get what Gabriel said before life was taken from him off my mind. He could have said that as a desperate means to save his life. But what if he wasn’t actually lying? What if he wasn’t working alone? What if we weren’t as safe as we believed? These nagging doubts refused to leave me, gnawing at my sanity. I needed answers. So, I decided to ask Lauren. The old woman said Gabriel had sent Lauren to her, so she must have been in contact with him. She might know something.When I reached Lauren’s room, the guards opened the door for me without question. I stepped inside without knocking and found her reclining on the bed. She was propped against the headboard, a book covering her face.“Lauren.” I called, and only then did she gently lower the book from her face, revealing a calm and gentle expression. It was so unlike the Lauren I knew that I nearly stumbled in surprise.“There are some questions I need to ask you,” I began cautiously. Deep down, I kne
MAXIMUS“You might want to come and see what is going on.” Lucius’ voice came through the mind link.What is it? Are you itching for another fight? I’ll be sure to beat your ass this time. Not even if you retreat.” I groaned, annoyance thick in my throat.“No. No one is talking about fights here. The whole pack is gathered at the pack square. I am here. John, Lauren’s father, is here too.”At the mention of John, I sprang to my feet, urgency coursing through me. My strides quickened as I rushed to the pack square. The sight awaiting me only confirmed Lucius’ words—the entire pack had assembled, and standing at the forefront were Starlette, Lucius, and Lauren’s father. Starlette’s face was clouded with confusion as she glanced between the two men.“What’s going on here?” I demanded, my voice a low growl as I approached them. Stopping directly in front of Lauren’s father, I fixed my blazing eyes on him, brimming with murderous intent. “Your threats won’t work on me.”“I made an offer, A
MAXIMUSWhat Gabriel had said before he took his last breath all came pouring through my memories. I thought it was just a bluff, but could he have been telling the truth? Could he really not be working alone? Did he have another offspring we didn’t know about? Because the person in the pack at the moment had to be in their bloodline for the candle to have lit up.I mindlinked all the pack warriors. “Warriors. Look around the pack for any outsider. Now!”“Is the pack under attack again?” one of them asked.I sighed, thinking for a moment before replying. “No.”I didn’t want to alarm them and spark unnecessary panic in the pack.“Move. Now.” I added.My gaze returned to my mate. “I will go and join them in the search.”“Me too.” She quickly said.I wanted her to remain inside, safe. But knowing the mate that I had, I knew trying to stop her was pointless. She would want to take part in protecting the pack.“Okay.” I nodded, exhaling sharply. “Make sure to stay by my side at all times.
MAXIMUSA scalding fury consumed me. Just when we thought it was over, we hadn’t realised it was only the beginning. Maybe I should’ve listened to what Gabriel had tried to say instead of letting Lucius kill him. I never imagined there’d come a day when I’d regret Gabriel’s death.“Warriors, prepare yourselves,” I commanded through the mind link as I unsheathed my sword. “The Invisibles are here. Gather all the salt you can find.”Glancing at Starlette, I muttered, “Go inside. Take Amelia with you.”“No!” she snapped defiantly, her face set with determination. “I’m not going anywhere. We fight together—side by side. This is my pack too, and I want to protect them as much as you do.”This wasn’t the time for this argument.“You don’t even have a sword, Starlette,” I sighed, exasperated.Without missing a beat, she walked over to a nearby warrior and grabbed his sword. Turning back to me, she lifted it, her gaze unyielding. “I have one now.”I shook my head. Stubborn woman.After tellin
STARLETTE“Lauren is missing.” Maximus announced, and I snapped my gaze to him, my eyes widening in disbelief.“What?” I exclaimed as I tried to wrap my head around how that could be possible. She had guards by her door. At all times. Or, maybe… the guards left there to join in the fight against the invisibles? Nevertheless, she had to be found, if not for anything, but because she was one of the very few people who could give us information on Gabriel’s supposed partner. Whoever the witch who appeared to us was, she looked powerful and capable of burning down the north. They had to be stopped at all costs before another attack was launched.“Listen, warriors. Somehow, Lauren had managed to escape. I want every one of you to search thoroughly for her. She has to be found.” Max passed an urgent SOS to the warriors through the mind link.“I could try casting a location spell on her.” Amelia offered.“That would be well appreciated.” Max said.And so, we all rushed to Lauren’s room becau
STARLETTEThe man struggled beneath me, attempting to break free, but I delivered a sharp blow to his head. He let out a pained scream, clutching his skull with trembling hands.I mind-linked Maximus immediately. “There’s an intruder in your office. Get here now.”“What? Who is it?” His voice was sharp with worry.“I don’t know. Just hurry!”“Stay away from him but don’t let him out of your sight. I’m on my way.” He said before ending the mindlink.Moments later, the door flung open and Maximus barged in, fury burning in his eyes as he took in the sight of the man under me. Only then did I finally lift myself up off him, allowing Maximus to grab him by his collar and yank him up to his feet.The alpha king glared at him, the intimidating look causing the man to shiver.“A warrior.” Max snarled. “What were you doing in my office?”He shook his head vigorously, his lips trembling with fear. “Nothing. Nothing. I didn’t come here to do anything.”“Who sent you?!” Max growled, tightening h
STARLETTEMy reason for going to Maximus’s office was to work, but thanks to the intruder and the scorching moment between me and Maximus, no work was accomplished. The next day, however, my office was fully set up, and I was ready to begin my official duties as Luna.I took a moment to admire the space. It was beautiful—just the right size, not too big or too small. The walls were painted white, but the furniture and décor showcased a harmonious blend of white, ash, and red. Just the way I wanted.“So…” Bella clapped her hands together, her eyes scanning the office. “Shall we begin?”I had asked her to be my assistant, knowing she could empathise with the maids' struggles and provide valuable insight into what could help them the most.“Yes,” I said with a tight smile, nodding as I picked up a pen and notepad. I settled behind my desk, ready to jot down our ideas.Bella sat across from me, her expression thoughtful. “What will happen to the maids once the system is abolished? Will th
VIOLETI didn’t know how, but I sensed his presence the moment he got to this pack and I had been waiting for him ever since. I was so happy and relieved that Axel was here, even though I still held a bit of resentment due to his betrayal.“You don’t look good.” Axel said, worries flooding his face as he sat on my bed and held my hand in his. “What is wrong?”“My Dad said a witch had hexed me.” I told him.“What? Why?” He asked, confusion saturating his features. That, I didn’t know either as my dad had refused to give me the full details. He always hid things from me, even though it concerned my health.I shook my head. “I don’t know either. But he mentioned that it was the Witches’ clan leader’s doing.”“Kaelin?” He said, confusion evident in his face. “Why would he hex you?”“I don’t know either.” I sighed. “I guess my dad got on his wrong side.”“And he wouldn’t say what it is that is between them. Or what condition Kaelin was giving to ensure your release.” Axel said, more of a
AXELI hadn’t been able to get Violet off my mind since she lost consciousness. Orion even wouldn’t stop howling in pain, desperate to see his mate. When her parents were informed, they arrived within a few hours and didn’t hesitate to transfer her to the hospital in the south. Now, I was in the dark about her health status and nothing could be more frustrating than that. I couldn’t be more glad that my dad had invited me to tag along for the Alpha King’s summit that was to take place in the south. That was my opportunity to check up on my mate.As planned, I was picked up from school and joined them as we travelled to the south. Uncle Lucius, kade and Tom were also with us. We arrived at the south and we were led to a grand hall where other Alpha Kings with their Betas and Gammas also joined us. “I welcome you all and thank you for honouring this invitation.” Silas said, darting his gaze between everyone in the room. “What I have called you here for is really important.” “It
VIOLETAfter Axel left, my feral side was activated, and I growled loudly, desperate to go after him, but Daisy held me back. Using all the strength I could gather, I pushed her away and made for the door. But before I could reach it, she cast a spell and used magic to hold me in place.I had almost forgotten that she was a witch.“Daisy, let me go now! I need my mate,” I growled, struggling to break free. “Don’t let me hate you.”“No, I think you will thank me when you are back to being yourself,” she replied, shaking her head.“Daisy, please,” I cried, frustrated.“Let’s help you get better,” she said as she approached me and undid the spell.I tried to run away once I was free, but she held my hand, looking me straight in the eyes. “Violet, look at me. You know I care deeply about you. And I will not lie to you. Trust me on this one. You don’t want to go after Axel.”“But I need him, Daisy. My body calls for him,” I blurted.“It is normal when you are in heat. You can do whatever y
AXELViolet in heat was wild and hot as fuck. She became a hundred times more attractive, and I could barely hold myself back. But taking her in this vulnerable state would be me taking advantage of her, and I didn’t want that. If we were going to make love, I wanted her to be in her right senses. I wanted her to want me when she could think straight. But now wasn’t the time.“Daisy.” I reached out through the mind link.“Yes?” she responded immediately.“Can you come back, please? And grab some ice packs on your way. Violet needs you,” I told her.“Why? What is wrong with her?” she asked, worry evident in her tone.“She’s in heat,” I said.“It’s great that you are with her then. You are the only one that can make her feel better since you are mates,” she responded teasingly.“We haven’t done that yet. And I don’t want our first to be when she’s in heat. She was mad at me before she went into heat, so I know she would regret it if anything happens now,” I explained to her.“Okay.” She
VIOLET“My beautiful daughter,” my dad’s voice beamed from the other end of the line. “How are you? Have you called me to tell me about your first shift? I am glad that your boyfriend, Emmett, helped you through your first shift. I heard you have a beautiful white wolf.”Of course, the bodyguards reported back to him.Axel’s jaw tightened, his knuckles turning white at my dad’s words.“Dad.” I cleared my throat, cutting straight to the chase. I didn’t want to waste any more time engaging in conversations like that with him. “I want to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me.”“What?” he asked immediately.“Are you working with Lila?” I shot the question at him.He went quiet for a moment, then sucked in a breath. “Why do you say so?” he finally asked.“Please just answer my question. Are you working with Lila?” I pressed.“Violet, dear. This is not something you should concern yourself with. Just focus on your studies, okay?” he said.He wasn’t denying it, and my chest
VIOLETMy entire body continued heating up, so was my desire for Axel to rip off my clothes and bury himself inside me.“Axel...” I breathed, as I took his hand and placed it on my breast, urging him to play with it.He pulled his hand away, looking at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. “Violet, you are in heat. You are not thinking straight.”“I know exactly what I am doing,” I retorted, desperation thick in my voice. “I want you, Axel. Please don’t deny me of you. I am all yours. Take me now.”Without hesitation, I cupped his face in my hands and leaned in to kiss him, but he promptly jerked away from me. Tears welled up in my eyes, my heart breaking at the realization that my mate didn’t want me.“Violet...” he sighed.“You don’t want me. You hate me.” Tears poured down my face.“Wait—what? I don’t hate you, Violet,” he said immediately, looking perplexed.“If you don’t, then you will...” I grabbed his shirt and used it to pull him closer, attempting to kiss him again. Bu
VIOLETEver since my first shift, both Onyx and I had felt lighter, but not light enough to escape the sting of Axel’s betrayal. I was relieved that Indie had survived her suicide attempt, and she was even back to attending classes and participating in other school activities.But what I couldn’t wrap my head around was why the both of them didn’t seem to be speaking with each other. I had asked Daisy, but she wouldn’t tell me anything. As much as I disliked the both of them at the moment, I was curious to find out why—but not curious enough to ask any of them.Emmett had been really supportive, always by my side, trying so hard to put a smile on my face. Even after I had made it clear to him that I could never accept his proposal, he didn’t mind. He simply wanted to be with me, to spend time together. Truth be told, I also enjoyed his company.I was hanging out with him when I lost track of time. And when I finally checked what time it was, it was already time for the game the wolves
AXELLila had won. Again. And we had no idea what she was planning. But now we had the hint that she was working with Silas. After we realized our plan had been busted and Lila had shattered the black vase, I wanted to follow my parents back to the pack house to join in solving the mystery from there, but they didn’t allow me. They insisted I stay in school. Truth be told, nothing interested me in this shithole academy anymore.Violet wasn’t speaking with me. She seemed to be really enjoying Emmett’s company now. They were always together, the sound of their laughter being a torture to my soul. I could barely stand this anymore.We were all at the training hall for combat class. They were together as usual, their eyes lighting up as they conversed. It took everything in me not to storm over and kick the motherfucker in his damn balls.“I also don’t know what he is doing with that girl!” I suddenly heard Emily’s voice say as she stood beside me.I sighed, shaking my head slightly. I di
VIOLETI wondered why Emmett’s wolf was so eager to meet mine, but I didn’t press for answers. I simply let his words go. As we ran into the forest, I noticed the two bodyguards hurrying behind us. “Ugh... I hate this,” I groaned loudly. “Hate what?” Emmett asked. I stopped running, taking a moment to exhale sharply before nodding toward the bodyguards. “Them. I hate that they have to be here while I have my first shift.” “We could just go back to the academy and do this some other time,” Emmett suggested. “No,” I quickly said. I wanted to do this now. Onyx needed it. I shot my gaze at the bodyguards, with a hard frown masking my face. “Can you at least make yourselves invisible? Like, keep a distance?” “It’s not safe out here, ma’am. We can’t take our eyes off you,” one of them replied without a single emotion on his face. It was clear that no matter how much I tried, they weren’t going to budge. I exhaled sharply, frustration spreading through me. “At least turn arou