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
“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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
STARLETTEIt was a new day, a beautiful day. I hadn’t felt this free and happy in a very long time, knowing the pack wasn’t in danger anymore. We did it! The look on that man’s face when the blade sliced through his neck, with blood gushing out, was so sweet. I had never felt this satisfied and excited about anyone’s death. He died in the same way that old woman—Dorcas—had died. The poetic justice made it even more satisfying. He was slaughtered like a chicken, just the way he deserved. It was a pity that his daughter had to witness all that.Nina had been taken back to the witches’ territory by Kaelin and Amelia. They promised to monitor her closely to ensure she wasn’t complicit in her father’s heinous deeds. Although I doubted her involvement—her demeanour seemed innocent—one could never be too sure. Trust was a fragile thing, and the most dangerous villains often hid behind innocent façades.Anyway, today felt different. As I strolled through the pack’s territory, a profound sens