I strolled into the bedroom, already over whatever hot mess was waiting for me this time. And get this - little Miss Cassie's scrawny butt was parked right there on my marital bed, scrolling through her phone like she owned the place.
Seriously, this girl had some nerve shacking up in my private space. For a second, I wanted to rip into her trifling behind. But getting all emotional was exactly what she wanted. So I played it ice cold instead.
I sashayed over, real nonchalant, and said "You're in the wrong room."
Cassie glanced up with that sly grin of hers. "Roy told me to wait up in here 'til he got back. Had some pack biz to handle."
I stopped myself from snapping at her skanky tail. Roy's played-out games were so tired by now. I just kept it breezy: "Yeah well I'm tidying up in here, so maybe continue your wait elsewhere, 'kay?"
Girl took her sweet time getting off my bed, smirking the whole way like this was her territory now. As she slinked past, she whispered all taunting: "Don't stress, I'll keep your man's bed warm for you tonight."
I flashed Cassie a cool smile, masking any irritation I felt. This pup thought she could waltz into my den and take what was mine? She had another thing coming.
"Oh, Cassie dear," I began, my voice dripping with faux sweetness. "You seem to have misunderstood the hierarchy here. You see, I'm still the Luna of this pack, not you."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she tried to play it off with a sneer. "Like I care. Roy hates you anyway."
With a flick of my wrist, I gestured towards the door, never breaking eye contact. "Listen here, darling. If you wanna waste your energy on someone who doesn't give two craps about you or anyone else, then go ahead. Knock yourself out."
She opened her mouth to protest, but I cut her off before she even started. "No, really. Do us both a favor and take that cheater with you. He means nothing to me anymore."
A look of disbelief washed over Cassie's face, quickly replaced by anger. Good. At least now we understood each other.
In a low growl, I continued, "But let me make one thing clear – Roy may be yours, but this pack will always belong to me. Don't forget that."
Cassie's face contorted in anger, my words clearly hitting a nerve. "How dare you threaten me?" she spat. "Roy chose me! you worthless bitch!"
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Her delusions of power were almost pathetic. Before I could respond, Cassie lunged at me, claws extending from her fingers.
Suddenly the bedroom door burst open. Roy stormed in, face twisting when he saw Cassie mid-swipe.
"What the hell!" He bellowed.
I froze, wondering if his anger was aimed at me. But then he grabbed Cassie's arm, wrenching her away.
"Get out!"
Cassie shrank under his thunderous glare. I edged towards the door, assuming Roy wanted me gone. But then I felt his firm grip on my wrist, stopping my exit.
"Not you," he said gruffly. His furious gaze returned to Cassie. "I want her out, now!"
He pulled me closer to him, further from Cassie's claws. She looked bewildered, as if this turn of events was impossible.
Roy pointed his finger sharply at the door. "We need to talk. Leave, now!"
Cassie scowled but didn't dare disobey a direct command from the Alpha. She turned and stormed out without another word, though I could almost see the smoke pouring from her ears.
The door slammed forcefully behind her. I was left alone with Roy, his hand still encircling my wrist.
Roy turned his blazing gaze on me and I braced for impact, certain he was about to take out his temper on my hide. But instead of yelling, he grabbed me roughly and crushed his mouth against mine in a bruising kiss.
I squeaked in surprise, trying half-heartedly to twist away. He wasn't having it though, fisting his hand in my hair to hold me still. I felt his anger and frustration pouring out as his lips slanted over mine, all possessive and demanding. Like he was trying to stake his claim or punish me or who even knows what.
When he finally let me up for air, I managed to gasp out
"Roy, stop..." but he cut me off quick.
"Can it," he growled. "We need to talk and you're gonna listen."
He towed me over to the bed, shoving me to sit as he paced like a caged animal. I watched warily, still tasting him on my tingling lips. Where was he going with this?
"I need an heir," Roy bit out, pinning me with his warning gaze. "It's my right as Alpha. You're still my mate, Abbie, so you will give me a son."
You can't be serious," I began, but he cut off my protest.
Gripping my chin firmly, he tilted my face up to look directly into his burning gaze. "I'm dead serious, Abbie. As the Alpha, having an heir is my right. And like it or not, you're still my mate."
I parted my mouth to object, but his stare was intense and unrelenting.
"Don't fight me on this," he growled, leaving no room for argument. "You are my Luna, bound to me. And it's past time you fulfilled your duties and gave me a son."
Roy took my silence as consent, grabbing my shoulders in his strong grip.
"I'm glad we understand each other," he rasped, his mouth finding mine again, more gently this time. I didn't have the will to resist him anymore. At least not right now, with his commanding presence enveloping me.
Despite my better judgment, my body reacted to his touch, craving the intimate connection that only a mate bond could provide. It was infuriating. How could I still want him after everything he'd put me through?
On one hand, I was still pissed off at his nerve, his cocky assumption that he could order me around like I was some kind of broodmare. However, another part of me was unable to suppress the yearning that started to build up inside me due to his caresses.
I loathed having these conflicting feelings towards him while being a redhead who couldn't help but flush bright red at the slightest provocation.
It was then that I sensed the mating bond pulsing softly between us, serving as a grim reminder of our intertwined destinities, our common background. It was a bond that I struggled relentlessly to escape, yet somehow it persisted, lingering stubbornly in the shadows of my consciousness. As much as I wished otherwise, I couldn't turn my back on it entirely.
Roy intensified our kiss and started to explore my body with his skilled hands. I realized that maintaining my self-control was becoming more and more difficult. Even though I was still angry with him, it seemed like my treacherous body yearned for his touch. Our emotions collided violently, creating a whirlpool of confusion inside me.
Roy stripped down, showcasing his muscular build that left all the female wolves weak at the knees. There was no denying his attractiveness, with his defined abs and strong biceps. Many she-wolves were envious of me for being his selected mate. At times, I hated having to face my reflection, serving as a persistent reminder of my own self-perceived shortcomings and fueling my need for external validation within our relationship.
When he came closer to me, I longed to run my fingers along the contours of his muscular form. However, I hesitated, recalling the lingering resentment I held against him. Although I craved physical connection, my feelings toward him remained hostile.
Roy seemed to pick up on my reluctance because he stopped and studied my face, trying to decipher the answer. Softly, he moved a lock of hair off my forehead, and this simple gesture sent an electric current running through my veins.
It was these tender moments that hurt me more than the slaps or taunts.
My mind raced, trying to process the sudden shift in dynamics between us. Just a moment ago, I was ready to tear into Cassie for daring to invade my personal space. Now, I found myself on the receiving end of Roy's demands.
"Calm down, Abbie," he murmured, his tone softening somewhat. "Let yourself relax."
His words caught me off guard. Did he seriously think I could simply switch off my emotions like a light switch?
Yet, despite himself, he added, "I might hate you, but I can't deny the mate bond either."
His words hit hard. Disappointment weighed heavy, yet I shook it off, knowing I deserved better than repeating toxic patterns.
Roy bridged the gap between us, pinning our bare bodies together. His hands explored every inch, inciting unexpected reactions from my uncooperative body. In a low voice, barely above a whisper, he confessed, "Nothing gets me going quite like nailing you does, but hell, it drives me crazy when you deny me."
I pressed my lips firmly shut, resolute in avoiding any additional confrontation. Consequently, Roy clenched onto my arms harshly, tugging me nearer.
"Quit acting like a doll and say something, Abigail!" he growled.
Taking a brief moment to collect myself, I responded calmly, "I never said I'd enjoy this."
Upon hearing my reply, fury sparked in Roy's gaze, causing flames to flicker brightly.
"Get out," He demanded.
Without saying a single word, I followed orders, pivoting quickly and marching intentionally toward the door. Once I was out, the solid wood door slammed behind, reverberating down the corridor. An overwhelming sense of relief flooded me as I gratefully gulped in air.
I ran my fingertips over a tube of bold red lipstick before applying it to my lips, gazing intently at myself in the mirror. The vivid hue stood out starkly against my pale complexion.My red hair cascaded down to my shoulders in loose curls, framing my face. My dull blue eyes reflected back at me from the mirror with no sign of life or feeling. A smattering of freckles dotted my nose and cheeks, uninvitedly adding some color to my otherwise drab tone.I wasn't the fiery redhead that often portrayed us to be. No, I was far from it. Instead, I carried myself with cold indifference, my demeanor aloof and unfeeling. As Alpha Roy would call it 'As cold as the moon.'The mirror reflected my true nature - a stark contradiction to the stereotype that came with my fiery locks. But I didn't let it bother me. After all, appearances could be deceiving. And this one was no exception."Well, well, look who decided to get dressed up today."I kept my expression neutral as I capped the lipstick and
I tightly shut my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself as another burst of intense pain swept through me. Despite the joyous mood outside brought about by the ongoing Moon Festival - filled with laughter and cheerful tunes - I remained preoccupied with the unyielding discomfort coming from my lower belly.Afflicted by wrenching cramp-like sensations, as if being struck in the womb, I doubled over, earnestly seeking some remedy. Regrettably, avoiding this cyclic predicament seemed unlikely now. As the Luna of the Silver Claw pack, I had duties to attend to so having a break was out of the question.Frantically searching through drawers and cabinets, I rummaged around my bedroom, desperate for any form of ailment. My fingers brushed against empty containers that once held precious painkillers, now depleted due to my own carelessness. Panic set in; without medication, how will I make it through the night?With heavy steps, I dragged myself towards Ethan's quarters. He served
"You look fucking ridiculous teetering around like that." I gritted my teeth at Roy's remark as I carefully descended the staircase, each step sending a jolt of pain through my aching feet. It wasn't a piece of cake in those damned heels – they weren't designed for someone like me who favored practical shoes over stylish torturing devices. But Alpha Roy had demanded that I wear them tonight, asserting they lent an additional dash of sophistication to my attire.Despite hating to give in to his requests, particularly ones as minor but uncomfortable as shoe choices, I knew better than to butt heads with him. We were well aware of who wore the pants in our relationship. Thus, there I was, teetering on high stilts while keeping track of time, eagerly waiting to ditch them and exhale freely.Finally reaching the bottom step, I smiled weakly at Alpha Roy, hoping to appease him despite knowing full well how futile such attempts usually were. At least now I could focus on enduring whatever
Another bruise to hide, I thought as I pressed the pack of ice onto my swollen cheek. Things would only get worse for me the longer I stayed here. Roy was getting impatient for an heir. I would have begged him to impregnate another she-wolf from our pack, who was willing, like Cassie. The thought made me want to throw up.But at least then, he would've a chance at having a child to succeed him. However, I had a hunch that this type of arrangement wouldn't sit well with the Moon Goddess. We, as her followers, hold sacred principles regarding matrimony and familial bonds. The birth of a child outside of the mate bond would be deemed illicit and undeserving of continuing the bloodline of the alpha.I sure as hell did not want to conceive, even if he rejected me in the future. As long as he left me alone. The doorknob turned, and so did my heart. Roy swaggered in, reeking of booze and... whores. I should have just pretended to be asleep, because his once handsome face contorted into a
Panic prickled at the back of my neck as I blinked my eyes fully open, taking in the pile of his clothes strewn across the floor. The stale stink of cheap booze loomed thick in the air. Oh no, not this again."Roy?" The word slipped out before I could catch it, a tiny trembling sound that made me wince. Dead silence. The quiet made the knots in my stomach twist even tighter.I hugged my knees up to my chest, pulling the sheets tighter around me like a shield. A tiny part of me couldn't help but wonder...had he listened for once and gotten the hell out?My mind was racing as I stepped out of the bedroom. There was Roy at the kitchen table, nursing a beer. And draped all over him like a cheap tablecloth was Cassie, that little home-wrecker, batting her heavily made-up eyelashes as she tried desperately to get his attention. She shot me a smug look.Roy looked up and saw me. "Get lost," he said gruffly, pushing her away.Cassie pouted like a toddler denied a toy. "But baby, I thought w
Roy turned busy with pack duties outside the territory regarding some concerning news about Vampires trespassing the borders. Our pack was essentially in the middle of the woods, protected by walls. Somewhere beyond the walls was the vampire's council. They were one of the 'blessed creatures', much like shifters. Although they were small in numbers, they were extremely powerful and a menace.But for now, I was thankful Roy was away.My legs felt heavy as lead as I made my way to Ethan's quarters. Pack duties, that was my flimsy excuse to get away from Roy, but I knew better than Roy would rather spend time with his whores than his mate. I never thought of Roy's mistresses in a beneficial light, but now I was grateful for whoever she-wolf Roy was fucking. As long she kept him busy.I knocked three times.The door creaked open. The next second, I threw myself into Ethan's arms, and he swallowed me in a searing kiss before shutting the door behind him. My heart pounded in my chest so h
From then on, I snuck into Ethan's quarters every time Alpha Roy was away. At first, I felt incredibly bad for what I was doing, but slowly, I relished in the forbidden. It was dark, and the sheer night dress I was wearing under the black cloak was barely shielding me from the cold. I knocked at Ethan's door. But it wasn't Ethan who answered it.My heart froze in place.Eyes stretched wide, I took in the frightening tall form of my mate. "Roy..." Roy's face morphed into a terrifying visage, his eyes burning with a fury that chilled me to the bone. Rage seethed from every taut muscle, his clenched fists trembling as if restraining an eruption of violence. When he spoke, his voice was little more than a guttural growl.If I turned back and ran, would he catch me?"You ungrateful little whore," He gritted out, stalking towards me, like he wanted to snuff the life out of me with those big hands of his. "I... I'm sorry," I pleaded. "Where's Ethan?"Roy's hand shot forward, wrapping it
The chamber fell deathly silent after my outburst. The pack members looked at each other uneasily, shifting their weight from one foot to the other. Suddenly, the doors burst open, and Emma, my mother-in-law, strode in, her face twisted with anger."Have you all lost your damn minds?" she shouted, her voice echoing in the hushed hall."Abigail's been our Luna for years, and she's served this pack with total dedication and loyalty. Yes, she made a terrible mistake, but are we going to throw her out like trash over one mistake?"Alister stepped forward. "A Luna's supposed to be a symbol of loyalty and duty to her pack and her mate. Abigail's actions have brought shame on us all. How can we expect our females to follow her example if we let her stay?"Emma met his gaze, not backing down an inch. "And what about the example our Alpha's been setting? Has he been a real paragon of virtue and faithfulness? We all know the answer to that. Yet we turn a blind eye to it while crucifying Abigail
I dug through the forest, looking for vampire corpses, drunk on whiskey. Not my favorite thing to do. I let Reynard take form, in case we come under attack. You never knew what would come after your blood in these dark corners of the forest. I didn't trust Micheal Black. I could bet all my money that the prick of a Beta wanted Abigail to be as good as dead. So a better choice in finding her would be to get myself on the ground and search for her. Halfway near the border, we caught the scent of something fucking odd. Not odd, but almost foreign. Vampire bodies never decay, because they were immortals, at least, their bodies are, nor did they have scents like shifters or any other creatures did. Their bodies worked differently than hours. The only thing they felt were hunger and lust, real fucking cold-blooded killers. So the chance that the scent belonged to a vampire was pretty damn low. There was a shifter element to it – that familiar musk of earth and animal, the tang of adrenalin
"Where is she?!" My roar shattered the silence in the packhouse. All of the pathetic fools stood there with their little tails tucked between their legs like a bunch of cornered mutts. The Beta, Micheal Black stepped forward for a formal bow. His sly face looked up at me with questioning eyes."I'm sorry to say, Alpha. She is nowhere to be found however--""However WHAT?"He cleared his throat before straightening his back. "We have found her silver chains, discarded near the border, but also... two headless bodies of vampires not very far away."I'd been with that girl for over three years, and I'd doubt if she was even capable of hurting a fly, so ripping two vampires' heads off was out of the fucking question. Maybe some other, much bigger predator must've taken interest in her. My blood curdled. I'd rather have her die than her belonging to someone or something else. The witch's forest wasn't a children's playground, it was a place where the ominous forces of nature festered, so f
I was drifting in this weird fuzzy blankness when something nudged me. Not a gentle nudge, more like a punch to the gut - which shocked the breath right out of me. Suddenly my eyes opened and everything was blindingly white and freezing cold."Abigail." A soothing woman's voice beckoned me. It was the familiar voice of my wolf Bree. It'd been months since I last linked with my spirit wolf. Omegas tend to have weaker connections with their wolves, and mine only emerged when I was in a deadly crisis to protect her vessel from dying. Like, um, right then apparently?Was I dying? Oh crap, was this the afterlife? Maybe... I was dead already and this cold place was hell, but I thought hell was supposed to be hot--"Abigail!"Bree's voice sounded much closer, and a second later I felt something furry nudging my side. I turned my head - very sluggishly, like I was underwater - to see her luminous white shape blending in against the frosty backdrop."Where...are we?" My voice came out in a
I glared at the feeble little shifter lying motionless in the bed. "Well? What's wrong with the little wolf?" I snapped at Zelda, my maid.Zelda flinched under my withering gaze. Good, she should be afraid. Fear is the only way to keep the hired help in line."Fever, sir."I clicked my tongue. "As expected of an omega, they're too fragile." "Sir..." Zelda began hesitantly. I raised an eyebrow, daring her to continue. She swallowed hard. "The wolf...she has been starved. Forced to live on scraps. Her condition is terrible. If you drink her blood now, it could prove fatal."Fatal, huh? I dismissed the foolish maid with a wave of my hand. She knew better than to linger.Once she had scurried away, I turned my attention to the frail little wolf lying before me. Her tangled red hair was dull and matted. I had already removed the silver shackles binding her wrists and ankles. No need for those anymore. It was obvious she had been cast aside by her pack, left to waste away in the woods. Th
What is this... scent?Fresh blood, but it's different... Shifter blood, belonging to a female no less.The aroma drifted through the night air, teasing my senses with its enticing fragrance. A scent that stirred a ravenous hunger within me. This wasn't the typical mortal crimson that usually graced my palate. No, this was something far more delectable.Stealthily, I stalked through the Witch's forest, my footsteps like whispers against the damp earth. The shadows embraced me like an old companion, concealing my presence from the prying eyes of predators. This was my domain, my hunting grounds, and the inky darkness served as my cloak.The scent grew stronger with each step, beckoning me deeper into the woods.Ah... shifters. Those adorable little mutts. A low chuckle rumbled in my chest. These creatures, so proud and mighty, believed themselves above the food chain. Little did they know, their precious lifeblood was the ultimate delicacy, a rare vintage.Like caviars are for mo
"Bring the chains." Beta Micheal Black barked out an order.A couple of hulking enforcers stepped forward, silver manacles gleaming dully in the filtered forest light. This was really happening - they were going to discard me out here in the wild with nothing."Let's move it, sweetheart," one of them growled, hauling me forward with a cruel yank.I hissed as the cold metal bit into the tender flesh of my wrists, the enchanted silver already burning like hellfire. Michael stepped up, his beady eyes glinting with a twisted satisfaction."Those chains will prevent you from shifting into your wolf form," he drawled, smirking as understanding bloomed in my widening eyes. "Can't have our little Omega Luna--I mean, Ex- Luna running free in the forest, now can we?"I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Without the ability to shift, to tap into my primal instincts and strength, I was as good as dead out here. The forest was an untamed deathtrap for a lone, defenseless woman.But that's exactl
The chamber fell deathly silent after my outburst. The pack members looked at each other uneasily, shifting their weight from one foot to the other. Suddenly, the doors burst open, and Emma, my mother-in-law, strode in, her face twisted with anger."Have you all lost your damn minds?" she shouted, her voice echoing in the hushed hall."Abigail's been our Luna for years, and she's served this pack with total dedication and loyalty. Yes, she made a terrible mistake, but are we going to throw her out like trash over one mistake?"Alister stepped forward. "A Luna's supposed to be a symbol of loyalty and duty to her pack and her mate. Abigail's actions have brought shame on us all. How can we expect our females to follow her example if we let her stay?"Emma met his gaze, not backing down an inch. "And what about the example our Alpha's been setting? Has he been a real paragon of virtue and faithfulness? We all know the answer to that. Yet we turn a blind eye to it while crucifying Abigail
From then on, I snuck into Ethan's quarters every time Alpha Roy was away. At first, I felt incredibly bad for what I was doing, but slowly, I relished in the forbidden. It was dark, and the sheer night dress I was wearing under the black cloak was barely shielding me from the cold. I knocked at Ethan's door. But it wasn't Ethan who answered it.My heart froze in place.Eyes stretched wide, I took in the frightening tall form of my mate. "Roy..." Roy's face morphed into a terrifying visage, his eyes burning with a fury that chilled me to the bone. Rage seethed from every taut muscle, his clenched fists trembling as if restraining an eruption of violence. When he spoke, his voice was little more than a guttural growl.If I turned back and ran, would he catch me?"You ungrateful little whore," He gritted out, stalking towards me, like he wanted to snuff the life out of me with those big hands of his. "I... I'm sorry," I pleaded. "Where's Ethan?"Roy's hand shot forward, wrapping it
Roy turned busy with pack duties outside the territory regarding some concerning news about Vampires trespassing the borders. Our pack was essentially in the middle of the woods, protected by walls. Somewhere beyond the walls was the vampire's council. They were one of the 'blessed creatures', much like shifters. Although they were small in numbers, they were extremely powerful and a menace.But for now, I was thankful Roy was away.My legs felt heavy as lead as I made my way to Ethan's quarters. Pack duties, that was my flimsy excuse to get away from Roy, but I knew better than Roy would rather spend time with his whores than his mate. I never thought of Roy's mistresses in a beneficial light, but now I was grateful for whoever she-wolf Roy was fucking. As long she kept him busy.I knocked three times.The door creaked open. The next second, I threw myself into Ethan's arms, and he swallowed me in a searing kiss before shutting the door behind him. My heart pounded in my chest so h