Gianna’s POVI slipped out of the room as quietly as possible, carefully closing the door behind me. Kate stirred slightly but settled again when I tucked the blanket around her. My heart twisted at how peaceful they looked, oblivious to everything that had unfolded.The scent of food hit me as soon as I stepped into the hallway … eggs, something savory, and a faint hint of coffee. My stomach growled reminding me I hadn’t eaten since before everything went to hell. When I reached the kitchen, I froze in place. I should have expected the sight before me. Really. I was almost used to it two years ago. Damn. I can’t believe it’s been that long either!King stood at the stove, his back to me and very much shirtless. The muscles in his back rippled with every movement as he flipped the eggs, the light from the window casting shadows over the sharp planes of his body. Had he grown bigger or was it my eyes?I hated that my eyes lingered. And that new tattoo… black ink curled over his l
Gianna’s POV“That tray is for Gianna.” The head of the maids called glaring at me from the door. I quickly went towards the tray that is filled with tall champagne glasses filled with amber liquid. I took deep breaths then started towards the door waiting for the head of the maids to move before I passed. “And I dare you to do anything stupid.” She gritted in my ear as I passed. I held the tray tightly as I walked further into the ballroom that is filled to the brim with men and women in all sorts of outfits. Some are funny while others are downright creepy. It is a masquerade ball and everyone is allowed to dress like humans do during Halloween. That was what the Alpha Kings requested for their annual celebration taking place in our pack this year. Every year, one pack is selected to throw an annual party for the Alpha Kings to appreciate their dedication and commitment to keeping the werewolf realm safe from other creatures. Since I was born, it has never happened. Not once.
Kane’s POVI groaned as my brothers tried their best to wake me up. I’m usually a heavy sleeper, and I just wanted to get a bit of rest before we arrived at the Silver Moon Pack, but it seemed like we were there already."You better get dressed if you want to be at the party," Keith said, staring down at me."Why don’t we just postpone it?" I groaned, sitting up and blinking away the remnants of sleep."Don’t answer him," Klaus grumbled, standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his hair.Rolling my eyes, I got up to get ready as well. It was only a few hours before we’d be off to another pack. This life gets exhausting, but being an Alpha King has never been easy.Standing in front of the grand mirror in our private suite, my brothers and I adjusted the final touches of our matching tailored suits. With our identical features—dark hair styled perfectly, stormy gray eyes holding the same intensity, and smooth olive skin—we were the definition of power.Of course there is no other lik
Gianna’s POVI woke up disoriented but the rough hands of the maids that dragged me earlier from the ballroom was too painful. Their fingers are digging into my arms as they forced me to sit up. I blinked but everything was still hazy. My body ached, the bruises from Blair and Olivia’s stinging slaps still fresh on my skin but the pain in my chest was worse. Alpha Eliot’s rejection is burning my insides. As soon as the maids realized that they had succeeded in roughly waking me up, they wasted no time and started stripping me off the stained uniform I was wearing. My eyes widened in embarrassment that someone is going to see me naked. No one ever has. I tried to fight them but their shape commands and tighter grips on me had me shutting up and within moments I found myself stark naked in the cold shower. The water hit my skin like needles but the maids didn’t care. They scrubbed me with efficiency that was more like torture, my eyes blurring with tears. “You’re lucky, you know.” O
Kane’s POV Without a word, we turned around and stormed back into the harem, our eyes darkened with a primal intensity. The women inside, who had adjusted their net lingerie and prepared themselves in hopes of catching our attention, shrank back the moment they saw our faces. They could sense the shift in the atmosphere. A few moments ago, we were indifferent, disinterested. Now? We were livid, out for blood. We ignored them, completely focused on finding the source of that scent, our mate. My heart pounded as our eyes scanned the room, senses sharp and wide open. Then I saw it, a small figure where the scent grew sweeter. Limp, half-hidden behind an overstuffed cushion. I moved first, pushing the cushion aside to reveal a young woman, unconscious, fragile, discarded like she meant nothing. My breath caught in my throat. It was her. She was the one our wolves had recognized as our true mate. Without hesitation, I bent down and scooped her into my arms, cradling her gently again
Gianna’s POV I woke up slowly, my head pounding with a dull ache that was somewhere less than before. I winced as I shifted feeling the throb with each movement. My eyes fluttered open and I became very much aware of three enormous figures hovering over the bed I was lying in. What are these men doing here? “Easy, easy.” One of them said quickly, his deep voice soothing though gruff. “We are not going to hurt you.” I stared at them then blinked rapidly trying to make sense of what I was seeing. Three incredibly handsome identical men were standing around me, their expressions a mix of concern and something I couldn’t quite place. They are scary. They were massive, their broad shoulders and muscular frames filing the space around the bed. Each of them had the same dark hair and piercing gray eyes, a stark contrast in the dim light of the room. “Who… who are you?” I stammered, my voice shaky and barely audible. The one closest to me offered a small, reassuring smile. “We’re th
Gianna’s POV I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the last remnants of anxiety melting away in their presence. After everything Eliot had put me through, the mere thought of staying here under his roof for another night was unbearable. These Alphas… they offered something I thought I’d lost forever. A chance at a new life. A chance at peace. Kane looked at me with a steady gaze. His eyes held a warmth that seemed to soothe my guarded heart, a look that told me he’d stand beside me no matter what. He reached out, his large hand taking mine. “Gianna,” he began, his voice low and gentle, “we want to take you back with us. To the palace. Away from here.” My chest tightened at his words, but it was Klaus who leaned forward, his expression grim. “We know this is a lot to ask, especially with what you’ve been through. But we’re your mates, Gianna. You shouldn’t be in a place where you feel unsafe.” I nodded. I couldn’t wait to leave Eliot’s territory and the painful memories that cl
Gianna’s POVThe days passed with a surreal ease, like I’d woken up in a life I’d dreamed of but never dared to believe could be mine. Each morning, I’d wake up to the quiet of the palace, the sun filtering through my windows, casting everything in a warm, gentle light. My own beautiful room. The Alphas took turns joining me for breakfast, sharing stories from their lives and listening to mine with genuine interest. It makes me nervous that they are this interested in me but I knew this was what mates are supposed to be like. It was strange, finding comfort in a place so unfamiliar, with people who felt both new and achingly familiar at the same time. There was something unique in each of them, yet they shared that fierce protectiveness, that devotion. For me. Kane was the steady, calm one, his presence always reassuring. Klaus had a teasing smile and a way of lightening any moment, while Keith’s gentleness softened the edges of my own fears. I feel like a newborn around them. B
Gianna’s POVI slipped out of the room as quietly as possible, carefully closing the door behind me. Kate stirred slightly but settled again when I tucked the blanket around her. My heart twisted at how peaceful they looked, oblivious to everything that had unfolded.The scent of food hit me as soon as I stepped into the hallway … eggs, something savory, and a faint hint of coffee. My stomach growled reminding me I hadn’t eaten since before everything went to hell. When I reached the kitchen, I froze in place. I should have expected the sight before me. Really. I was almost used to it two years ago. Damn. I can’t believe it’s been that long either!King stood at the stove, his back to me and very much shirtless. The muscles in his back rippled with every movement as he flipped the eggs, the light from the window casting shadows over the sharp planes of his body. Had he grown bigger or was it my eyes?I hated that my eyes lingered. And that new tattoo… black ink curled over his l
Gianna’s POVThe SUV felt like a prison, a rolling cage trapping us on the way back to a place I swore I’d never return to. I sat stiffly clutching Kate and Kayden close to me. Blair was beside me, her jaw set in defiance though her eyes betrayed her exhaustion. Tom and Liam had packed all our belongings without a word, stuffing them into the back of the SUV like it was nothing. Like this was something already planned from the beginning. King drove, his eyes fixed on the road while Tom sat in the passenger seat and Liam lounged in the seat behind them, his gaze occasionally flicking to us like he was gauging our next move. But there was no point in fighting. King wasn’t going to let us go. We all knew that. I leaned back in my seat, the tension pulling at my muscles like a vice. My mind was too drained to even begin to process the whirlwind of the last few hours. It was so freaking exhausted. Tara’s absence, Blair’s argument with King, the children witnessing Tom and King for th
Gianna’s POVBlair stormed out of the room, her red hair wild and her face a mask of hot fury. She was wearing nothing but a robe tied loosely around her waist and the flush on her cheeks made her look like a woman ready to go to war. I froze as she stepped into the living room, her glare sweeping over King, Tom, and Liam before landing on me. She already knew they were here but she looks thoroughly fucked. I heard someone growl angrily but I can’t tell who. “What the fuck is going on here?” she demanded her voice slicing through the tension in the room like a blade. Tom’s head took her in from head to feet, his jade green eyes narrowing as he took her in. Without a word, he started toward her his expression unreadable. Why?“Don’t you fucking dare” Blair hissed, taking a step back. “Where do you think you’re going?” Tom asked coldly, his voice as sharp as broken glass. “Anywhere but here, apparently. Isn’t that why you’re here? To drag us back to your godforsaken world?” Bl
Gianna’s POVI tucked Kayden and Kate into bed, their soft curls tickling my fingers as I brushed them back. Kate clung tightly to her stuffed rabbit, her lips parted as she drifted into sleep while Kayden’s tiny hand rested protectively on her arm. My heart softened at the sight, a warmth filling me that I hadn’t felt in years. When it comes to my children, everything just brightens. I look forward to seeing them after a long stressful day. "Goodnight, my love” I whispered, leaning down to kiss their foreheads. I didn’t mean to linger but my body felt too heavy to move. The mattress dipped slightly as I sat on the edge of the bed, just for a moment, just to rest my tired eyes. Work had been exhausting, as always, and Tara's behavior only added to my weariness. She hadn’t been home since she asked if we were werewolves. I didn’t know whether she was avoiding us or if something bigger was at play. The questions weighed on me but the comfort of my children eased the tension in my
Third Person’s POVBlair pressed her lips together to stifle a moan as Jules moved above her his hands gripping her hips firmly. Every touch, every kiss, every thrust sent waves of pleasure rippling through her, but she couldn’t lose herself completely. Not when Gianna and the kids were asleep just a few doors down. Her nails raked across Jules’s back as she bit down on her lower lip her body arching into him. She realized she loved sex so much in the human world. She’s had enough one night stands but with Jules? He knows just about the right places. "God, Blair" Jules whispered and groaned at the same time with his voice low and strained as he fought to keep his own sounds quiet. "Shhh," she managed her voice shaky but amused. "You’re going to wake them." "I can’t help it" he murmured, his lips brushing her ear. "You drive me insane." Blair smirked and tugged him closer, her teeth grazing his shoulder as she whispered back. “Then keep going." The room was filled with the f
King’s POVThe quietness of the small town was a stark contrast to the chaos that had consumed me for the past two years. I leaned against the cool brick wall of the alley my eyes fixed on Gianna as she stood on the dimly lit street. She looked… peaceful. Happy. Her new dark hair (that they used probably to throw us off, cute) framed her face and her lips curved into a soft smile as she waved to the man who walked away from her his hand lingering at his side as if he regretted letting hers go. Then he turned, kissed her cheek and said something that made her smile. She looks free here. Smiling and grinning like she never had before. I clenched my fists my nails digging into my palms as I fought the urge to storm across the street and rip him away from her. My chest burned with something primal, something I hadn’t felt in years. Was this jealousy? Rage? Or the unbearable weight of guilt? Do I have any right to feel? “Eric huh?” Liam muttered at my side his tone flat but laced wit
Gianna’s POVI was clearing off a table my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Kayden and Kate’s latest antics that really shook me when I saw Tara walk in. It wasn’t her walking in that got my attention. Her movement did. She usually had a spring in her step and a bright smile but today she looked pale and nervous her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Why didn’t I like that look at all. “Hey, Tara. What’s wrong?” I frowned wiping my hands on my apron as I made my way over to her.“Can we talk?” She glanced around as if making sure no one else was listening. “Of course.” I led her to the back where the staff took their breaks and sat down beside her. “What happened?” Tara hesitated, biting her lip. “I… I met this kid at school. He was… weird, you know? He kept saying things about werewolves being real.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “He said his dad was one.” “And what did you say to him?” My heart plummeted a cold rush of fear tightening my chest. “I laughed it off at firs
Gianna’s POVBlair’s laughter rang out in the apartment as she twirled in front of the mirror showing off a figure-hugging dress that screamed confidence. Her date Jules, leaned against the doorway with a smug grin, his tailored black shirt rolled up at the sleeves revealing strong forearms. He works out just fine. He was undeniably handsome… too handsome, really and he knew it. That doesn’t stop him from wanting my girl. “Alright, do we look hot or do we look HOT?” Blair asked spinning on her heels. Yeah don’t ask how she’s adopted the girly life whenever she feels like. I cannot walk with heels for more than an hour but she’s mastered it so bad. “You both look fine. Now can I have some quiet tonight?” I teased giving Jules a pointed look. “Some of us would like to sleep without how do I put this? Audible distractions.” “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, G. But don’t worry. We’ll try to keep it down. Try.” Blair cackled clearly unbothered.I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t hide my smil
Gianna’s POVTwo years later, we had rebuilt our lives in another country. The move hadn’t been easy but staying in the same place after that eerie encounter was a risk I wasn’t willing to take. I told Blair we had to leave and though she hesitated, reluctant to give up the routine and security she’d built for herself and the kids, she agreed. We had no other choice. Tara was the wildcard. Her mother overdosed shortly after the park incident and with no one else to turn t she begged us to take her with us. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea. Adding a human to our already delicate situation felt dangerous. But Blair, ever the soft spot for lost causes thought it would do more harm to leave her behind. “She’s already seen too much,” Blair had said. “If she wanted to betray us she could have done it back there. Letting her come might actually make things easier.” So Tara came. It wasn’t easy at all. Everything we’d built to start fresh somewhere else but it turned out to be the best