*Selena*
**Four years later**
I stared helplessly at the stack of cash in my hand. We had half a month to get by with this meager amount, and it would be incredibly difficult.
"Ugh!" I groaned, running my hand through my hair before placing the cash back in the box where I kept it in my room.
My bank account was already empty, and without a proper job, I had no idea how I would provide for my family next month. Austin's birthday was just three months away, and the thought of failing him made me feel like a complete failure as a mother. My baby boy had asked for a game as a birthday gift, and I couldn’t even afford to give him that.
Damn it. I felt so miserable, and my fate seemed even crueler than my circumstances.
I worked multiple part-time jobs, barely earning enough to cover our basic necessities, let alone any luxuries. The weight of my failures bore down on me even more because Austin wasn’t just any child—he was a prince, an heir, and carried alpha blood. It broke my heart to see him endure a life of poverty because of my inadequacies.
Austin possessed a wisdom far beyond his tender age, and his physical stature surpassed that of his peers. As a born Alpha, he exuded an air of authority, appearing much older than his mere three years. Many mistook him for a five-year-old, captivated by his maturity and commanding presence.
With his father’s features reflected in his appearance, Austin was the spitting image of him. His dark hair, pointed nose, sharp jawline, rosy lips, and sun-kissed skin were unmistakable reminders of his heritage. Yet, it was his piercing blue eyes that stood out the most—a striking feature that seemed to hold a world of depth.
“Mommy, is the breakfast ready?!” Austin’s voice broke through my sad thoughts, pulling me back to the present. A warm smile spread across my lips as I turned to see the light of my life.
I tousled my son's hair affectionately while flipping the omelet sizzling in the pan. Once it was done, I carefully plated the fluffy omelet and set it on the table.
“Finish your breakfast like a good boy,” I gently urged him, my tender smile lingering as I turned to tackle the rest of the household chores.
When I left the Moonglow pack, circumstances forced me to abandon my education and let go of my dreams of pursuing higher studies. My uncle and the baby growing inside me depended on my support. To make ends meet, I took up employment, working shifts at restaurants and general stores. However, the income was barely enough to get by, let alone provide a comfortable life, especially with the additional expenses of my pregnancy.
But, my talent for computers had always been exceptional, particularly hacking. In search of financial stability, I began working as a hacker on the secretive dark web. It allowed me to earn some quick and modest income.
But for days, I couldn’t find a single hacking assignment. Darn it, it felt like all the odds were stacking against me at once, threatening to make my already miserable condition even worse.
In hope to find a new hacking job, I opened the dark web. As I navigated through the depths of the web, a message caught my attention, arriving from an unidentified sender. It contained an enticing proposition—an opportunity for a significant hacking project, accompanied by a lucrative sum of money.
*Hi, we can discuss the assignment.* I sent a reply promptly.
The temptation of the immense sum was so enticing, and I was in desperate need of money. I waited impatiently when a message box suddenly appeared on the screen.
*Security system of the Moonglow pack.*
The reply from the other end made my breath hitch.
That was an insane assignment, and who the hell was so desperate to die that they wanted to hack the system of the Moonglow pack? That Alpha Zander had himself made that system, and he was an expert. I had training under him when… when we were married. I knew it was impossible to invade the security of the Moonglow pack, and that includes all the details of the North. Hacking the Moonglow pack’s security means gaining access to all the details of the security for the entire North and risking the safety of the whole region. No. I was in desperate need of money but not a fool to accept an offer of my own demise.
*Sorry, I can’t do this.* I quickly typed the reply and was about to sign off.
*I can increase the offer and pay you even more if you're interested. But I really need your skills for this job.*
The reply came swiftly, accompanied by an additional zero at the end of the amount.
He was offering me ten million for this project. It was an absurdly high figure, but the task at hand carried grave risks. What he wanted me to do was very dangerous and if I were to be caught, my life would be forfeit.
*Apologies, but I can't take on this job.* I texted back without a moment's hesitation.
*Don't rush into a decision. I can add one more zero to the amount and pay you the entire sum upfront. Take your time to consider. I'll be waiting for your reply.* His message came through before he quickly signed off.
Holy shit!
A hundred million!
But was this amount worth risking my life and everything I had kept safe for so long?
With that kind of money, I could live a peaceful life without having to work and even start my own computer business. The person behind this offer must be immensely powerful and influential, seeking my expertise to breach the world's most intricate security system.
It felt like staring into an abyss with no bottom.
Incredibly dangerous.
Unbelievably treacherous.
With a frustrated groan, I forcefully slammed my laptop shut, distancing myself from the enticing allure of dangerous possibilities.
"What's troubling you, Selena? You seem agitated," Uncle inquired, his gaze filled with concern. He was elderly and had grown weaker after surviving the war. He couldn't assist me financially or with household chores.
"Oh, it's nothing, Uncle! I have an interview today. Will you look after Austin for a while?" I smiled, asking him a genuine question, not revealing the reason behind my irritation from the tempting offer I had received.
In the dark web, I was known as C-tech. Our real identities and faces remained hidden, while payments were discreetly transferred to our dark web accounts. We could withdraw the funds in cash, maintaining our anonymity. So, how did he find me, and why did he need only me to do this job? A strange coincidence, if it was one!
"Of course, Selena. But are you sure you’ll get a decent job? You dropped out of school," Uncle reasoned.
"Let me give it a try, Uncle. What if they really can see my incredible skills in computers and hire me without a degree?" I shrugged with hope in my heart.
Uncle had been a pillar of support in raising my son, Austin. Whenever I couldn’t be at home due to work commitments, he was there, ensuring Austin's well-being.
"You’re right, Selena. You should try. Don’t worry about Austin. He’ll be fine with me. You focus on getting a high-paying job," my uncle reassured me.
I nodded, grinning with encouragement. Yes, I could do it. I had to get a decent, well-paying job ASAP—for Austin’s future.
Uncle reached for the remote control, an air of boredom evident on his face. "It's the same old news again! Let's switch channels and see if we can find something more interesting," he grumbled, flipping through the various options until he stumbled upon a set of headlines that caught his attention.
"Alpha King, Zander Blake, to wed his childhood sweetheart, Avery Wright, next month. Preparations for the grand event are already underway," announced the news anchor, his voice capturing my full attention. Every fiber of my being became acutely aware of whom they were discussing.
My eager, yet treacherous, gaze fixated upon the television screen, and the sight that greeted me stole my breath away.
Alpha King, Zander Blake!
The very image that had haunted my sleepless nights and tormented my heart appeared before me. He was the architect of my wretched existence, the cause of my misery.
Despite the passing years, the despicable man still exuded an irresistible allure. In fact, during that three-year absence, he had only grown more striking and captivating. His sculpted physique emanated dominance, a mere glimpse of his imposing build enough to instill fear in anyone. His short, dark hair was slicked back, emphasizing his sharp features, while his piercing blue eyes seemed to penetrate the screen, as though he possessed the power to see through it.
His perfectly tailored suit clung to his form, emphasizing his chiseled chest and showcasing the defined contours of his rock-hard eight-pack abs. It was no wonder women yearned to throw themselves at the feet of this cruel and heartless Greek God. The first time I laid eyes on him, he captured my heart effortlessly. Little did I know then that it would be the worst decision of my life, a stark reminder that appearances could be deceiving.
He appeared blissfully content in his new life without me. Of course, he would be ecstatic with his chosen mate, the one he was now preparing to marry. I tore my gaze away, my attention drifting from the news. The news anchor delved into intricate details about the extravagant wedding and the opulent ceremony that would seal their bond as Alpha King and his future Luna.
A twinge of pain gripped my chest, and I attempted to push the thoughts aside. Perhaps three years and my immense hatred for him weren't enough to erase him from my memory.
Everything was still fresh in my memory, haunting me even as I attempted to forget. From the day I married until the moment I escaped my cruel husband, the memories were etched into my mind like deep scars. Despite my efforts to move on, painful recollections threatened to consume me, and the urge for revenge surged, overtaking every other emotion. But above all, I had a greater purpose—to ensure my son, Austin, did not suffer because of the burning fire of revenge within me. As much as I longed for retribution against my ex-mate, Alpha King Zander Blake, I refused to put Austin's well-being at risk.
But the truth was, taking down the invincible Alpha King was no easy task. It required a foolproof plan and abundant resources to challenge the mightiest, most merciless, and seemingly indomitable ruler. The rumors of his heartlessness were undoubtedly true, and I feared he wouldn't even hesitate to kill his own son if it served his pride and ambitions.
I struggled to calm the tumultuous emotions swirling within me, feeling like a storm was about to engulf me. Yet, I couldn't help but steal a glance at my son, who was blissfully playing with building blocks. My heart suddenly brimmed with love and tenderness at the sight of him. After losing everything, Austin had become my reason to keep going. Nothing in this world was more precious to me than him. I was aware that my thoughts could be irrational at times, but I couldn't help being frightened for him. The fear of Zander discovering Austin's existence and the potential consequences consumed me.Suddenly, my breaths became shallow, and panic threatened to overtake me. I struggled to keep it together and reached for a glass of cold water, attempting to regain control. Sitting down, I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the good memories to calm myself.Gradually, my breathing steadied, and my heart resumed its normal rhythm. I glanced at the time and realized I was running late for my
*Selena*To travel to the North, I needed a flight ticket, and with the little money I had, I had no choice but to borrow some from my friends at the bar where I worked. I promised them I’d pay it back as soon as I got my paycheck.With a heavy heart, I said goodbye to my son and uncle before leaving for the Wild Howl Pack.Standing in front of the hotel where my interview for the housekeeping staff position was scheduled, I took a deep breath and put on a confident smile before stepping inside. This wasn’t just any hotel; it was the only eight-star hotel in the world, catering exclusively to the wealthiest clients. The pay was generous, and they didn’t require a degree—just experience.With my background as a janitor and bartender, I felt certain I could land this job. It finally seemed like the goddess had heard my prayers.When I entered the hall and saw at least fifty candidates competing for just ten vacancies, I must admit, I felt a little nervous. But I needed this job desperate
*Selena*Personal omega to his Luna?My ass!“What if I refuse?” I challenged, lifting my chin with defiance.A scowl darkened his face as he narrowed his piercing blue eyes dangerously. My bravado faltered for a moment, and I silently cursed the heavens. Goddess, save me. His alpha aura was suffocating, intense, and powerful enough to crush the small shred of resolve I was clinging to.I instinctively averted my gaze, stepping back in a desperate attempt to escape his presence and catch a breath. But it was impossible. The room felt smaller, the air thick with his intoxicating scent—the same scent that still had the unnerving ability to send my heart spiraling into chaos.“You signed the contract,” his sharp voice cut through the tension like a blade, snapping me out of the haze he always seemed to create.I blinked, gathering my wits. “I signed the contract this morning, yes. But I can still refuse to work, penalty be damned!” I shot back defiantly. Honestly, I didn’t care about the
*Selena*I had planned everything down to the smallest detail to make sure no one would ever suspect me. Playing the part of a humble omega made it easy to carry out my plan without raising eyebrows.I only needed one day to complete the job, and then I’d be gone, leaving no trace behind. The clock bell rang, drawing my attention to the time.It was the moment the security guards were about to switch shifts, and that was my opening. With my laptop in hand, I moved through the hallways quietly, keeping an eye on the clock. I had a mere fifteen-minute window, but for someone with my skills, it was more than enough. Hacking into their security system would be as easy as snapping my fingers.The packhouse was mostly quiet at this hour. Most people had already retreated to their rooms for the night. The usual guard patrols were absent from the hallways, giving me the perfect chance. I moved silently, stepping into shadows and ducking whenever I heard footsteps coming my way. My destination:
I didn't stop there for a moment after that. Running off, I stopped only after reaching my room.Shit! How could he come so early? He spoiled all my plans.I locked the door and took out my laptop, connecting it to the portable wifi I had with me. It was not easy to get detected by server security.*I can't do this. I am going back.* I sent a text to the anonymous client. What happened today made me question whether the amount of money was worth the risk after all.He still hadn't disclosed his identity and wanted me to die for his so-called work. I snorted at the dickhead.*No, you can't back out. You have to do this.* The reply came instantly*I am not so silly to get myself killed.* I replied back, getting frustrated about his dangerous deal.That guy would get me murdered by the Alpha King if I were not cautious.*I am sending there a backup. But you already have someone who will help you there. You don't have to leave the work incomplete.* He texted, and he signed off instantly.
*Avery*Eden stood before me, trembling with fear as she murmured, “I’m sorry, Luna. I failed to perform the task you assigned to me.” Her voice quavered, and I could see the guilt etched on her face. My anger boiled over. The first part of my plan had failed spectacularly, and I hadn't anticipated Zander intervening to save his ex-mate. This only fueled my thirst for revenge, making me more determined than ever.“Don’t worry,” I said, my voice cold and unyielding. “But remember, this should never happen again. I want that little whore to suffer before she dies in misery. I’ll make sure she’s ensnared in a crime so grave that the Alpha King himself will be forced to execute her. Only then will I find peace.” My eyes narrowed as I imagined the cruel end I planned for Selena. She dared to steal my love and would pay dearly for her audacity.“Of course, Luna,” Eden said, her tone dripping with flattery. “You are invincible and the most clever. No one can outwit you. I am always at your s
*Selena*As our gazes locked, a silent battle of wills unfolded. The air between us crackled with an electric tension, mirroring the intensity I had felt during our very first encounter. His piercing, icy stare bore into my soul, unyielding and unwavering."Are you suggesting that I should confine myself to the confines of the kitchen, my every move dictated by reports on the happenings in this pack house?" His voice resonated with authority, tinged with a hint of pride that shone in his eyes like polished steel. "As a King, I cannot be omnipresent, but I have entrusted loyal individuals who assist me in the efficient management of my pack," he declared, his tone laced with the weight of his royal responsibility.A flicker of amusement danced in my eyes as I listened to his self-assured proclamation. "Yes, you are a King, a ruler of great stature," my tone mocked, relishing the opportunity to challenge his ego. "But it seems beneath your grand persona to engage in conversations with l
*Selena* "Selena, more wine, please," Avery ordered in a voice too sweet to be genuine, the look of victory unmistakable on her face.I quickly took the bottle from the counter behind me and promptly moved toward the table.Strictly keeping my eyes only on the glasses, I poured wine when their whispering caught my attention. Though I didn't want to peek, I could see them from the corner of my eyes as they were sitting precisely before me.Avery leaned closer to Zander's chest, whispering something in his ears. Zander smirked, looking at her.Avery's eyes were fixed on Zander's lips as he told her about his trip. She shifted closer promptly, their lips an inch apart. My heartbeat shot up.I was so nervous... and scared that I would make some mistakes, and my hand trembled as the wine overflowed the glass.Shit. I tried to stop liquid from spilling out of it, and my clumsy hand accidentally hit the glass, and it fell, dripping the red liquor on Avery's dress and her thighs.Oh, no!Star
"King Jasper," I murmured, keeping my gaze steady. "What are you going to do with the golden trident?" I asked, trying to read his expression.His face remained unreadable, but his grip on the trident tightened. "This weapon holds immense power," he said. "It can also possess whoever wields it, turning them into its slave. Keeping it in my possession would be too dangerous."I frowned. "Then what do you plan to do?""I can’t just leave it behind for another power-hungry monster to find," Jasper continued. "So I’ve decided to destroy it, rendering it useless. That way, its power will be absorbed back into the universe, never to be claimed again."Hearing his decision, I finally felt at ease. It reassured me that Jasper truly wanted peace among shifters and the entire paranormal world.Jasper placed the trident on the ground and instructed, “Take a few steps back.” We did as he said.He then chanted something in a hushed voice before raising his staff. A beam of light shot out, collidi
I looked around, my gaze sweeping over Alpha Albert, Cassandra, and Oliver. They stood beside Damon, their expressions unreadable—but not surprised. So Selena was right. They had been waiting for us to split up, hoping to take advantage and defeat us separately.I let out a low chuckle, my eyes locking onto Damon. “I also didn’t expect you to be hiding like a coward,” I taunted, a smirk curling at my lips. “The great ancient Warlock King—turns out he’s nothing but a weakling.”Damon’s eyes flared with fury as he slammed his golden trident against the cave floor, the impact sending a faint tremor through the ground. “Shut up!” he snarled. “I’m not a coward! I was waiting for the right moment.”“Whatever!” I snorted, my gaze flicking to his so-called army. “Yet here I am, alone, standing right in front of you in your own little domain—and you still need your pathetic lackeys to face me.”“We’ll see who’s pathetic,” Damon sneered, lifting his trident, ready to strike. But when I didn’t m
We followed the signal through the dense forest near the vampire kingdom. The eerie silence of the woods, broken only by the rustling of leaves underfoot, heightened the tension in the air. Suddenly, the signal flickered and then disappeared completely.“What’s going on?” I frowned, glancing at Jasper.His expression darkened as he tapped the tablet screen, trying to revive the lost signal. “She might have entered a magical zone—an area where all technology and external energies become useless.”I exhaled sharply, scanning the surroundings. “Then how do we track her now?”Jasper’s jaw tightened. “That’s exactly why Damon has remained hidden for so long.” He turned to me, his crimson eyes filled with steely determination. “But I’ll figure it out—I have to.”I could sense the weight of his words. Jasper knew as well as I did that Damon wasn’t just in hiding—he was planning something. He would definitely be desperate enough to reclaim a throne that had never rightfully been his. Sudden
*Zander* Selena had left with the High Priestess, and now the world believed we had broken up. To them, she thought I had betrayed her and wanted nothing to do with me. The deception was working as planned, yet the weight of it settled heavily on my chest.I had instructed my Gamma, Ethan, to keep a close watch on Alpha Albert and Anne, tracking their every move. If our suspicions were right, they wouldn’t be able to hide for long. But for now, all I could do was wait.And waiting was excruciating.Hours had passed, and I still hadn’t heard from Selena. The silence gnawed at me like a slow-burning fire. Lyon paced inside me, restless and agitated. Something felt wrong. We both knew the danger lurking in the shadows was closer than ever, and the longer we remained disconnected, the more unbearable the uncertainty became.A sudden mind link broke through my thoughts.‘Austin finally fell asleep,’ Blair’s voice came through, laced with exhaustion. ‘He cried himself to sleep after missin
*Selena*My heart sank at my mother’s sudden appearance. A wave of unease settled in my chest as I took in the solemn expression on her face.“What’s wrong, Mother?” I mumbled, dread creeping into my voice. “Why did you come so urgently to take me back to the Lunar Realm?”She hesitated, her lips pressing together as if choosing her words carefully. “Selena, the day is coming… in three days,” she finally said. “We need to find a way to save the world and to save—” She halted, stepping closer, her warm hand gently clasping mine. There was a softness in her gaze, a deep motherly affection that made my chest tighten. When she spoke again, her voice was barely above a whisper.“You.”A sharp breath left my lips. Three days?! My mind raced, panic clawing at my chest. My hands instinctively moved to my belly, cradling the life growing inside me. Could my baby feel the storm raging inside me? The fear? The uncertainty? I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay strong.I needed time.“What’s g
"What do you want to know, baby?" I tried to coax her, my voice gentle. "I’ve already told you everything about the Dark Alpha."But the fire in her eyes reignited, and I knew I was in deep trouble even before she bellowed—"Alpha King, you better stop giving me lame excuses because I know that’s not true." She gritted her teeth, her frustration palpable. "So, you better start talking!"I sighed, knowing there was no way out of this. "Okay, my Luna," I bowed my head in surrender. "But please, promise me that after knowing the truth, you won’t hate me."Her eyes softened, and the sharp edges of her anger dulled. "I will never hate you, Zander," she whispered with such sincerity that it made my chest tighten. "But I need you to open up to me."Her words struck deep inside my heart, and in that moment, I wanted to bare my soul to her, to tell her everything I hadn't told anyone."I was born with the blessing to be the invincible Alpha and rule the werewolf community. But every gift comes
Just as I was about to step out, Maddox appeared at the doorway, blocking my path.“Luna, wait! Where are you going?” he asked, confusion etched across his face.I clenched my jaw, unwilling to explain.“Luna, I have Alpha’s orders. He told me to stop you—he’s coming home to talk to you,” he said, his tone firm, obeying his Alpha like the loyal Beta he was.I let out a bitter laugh. “Tell him to go to hell. I don’t care what he has to say—I’m leaving, and that’s final.”Maddox exhaled heavily, his expression torn. “Please, Luna,” he pleaded. “Don’t leave without talking to him first.”I glared at him, my eyes burning with the pain I was barely holding in. “Do you even know what he did to me?” I spat, my voice trembling.Maddox hesitated before answering. “Luna, I don’t know what you saw or what you think happened,” he admitted, sincerity clear in his voice. “But I do know one thing—Alpha loves you more than anything. He wouldn’t do something like this to you.”I shook my head, scoffin
*Selena*I didn’t know why Zander had texted me to meet him at this hotel, but I hurried over, excitement bubbling inside me. Maybe he had a surprise planned, or maybe he just wanted us to have some intimate time together. Either way, the thought sent a thrill through me.My heart pounded as I reached the room number he had mentioned. I smoothed down my dress, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door, waiting for him to open it.A few moments passed before the door finally swung open. But instead of Zander, Anne stood in the doorway—her robe barely tied, revealing far too much skin beneath it.My stomach dropped."Oh, Se… Selena…" she stammered, her voice laced with nervousness. She quickly pulled the robe tighter around herself, but the damage was already done.A cold dread washed over me. "What… what are you doing here?" My voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.Anne hesitated before forcing an awkward smile. "I… uh… I could ask you the same thing."I narrowed my eyes. "I
*Damon*"Lord Damon, my witches have been captured by Alpha Zander Blake," Cassandra whimpered, her voice trembling with fear. "I fear the ruthless Alpha King will show them no mercy, and I’ll lose my most skilled warriors."Cassandra had always been loyal to me. Even when I wasn’t in control of the vampire kingdom, she had stood by me, ready to assist in any way, her army of witches at my disposal for any war I commanded."Don't worry, Cassandra," I reassured her, trying to offer comfort. "Their sacrifice won’t be in vain. I will take revenge on Alpha Zander Blake. His downfall is only beginning."She shook her head slowly, her eyes distant, as if grappling with some unsettling thought. "No, Lord Damon," she murmured, her voice softer now, almost a whisper. "I have a feeling... something very bad is coming. I advise you to be cautious when making your move against the Alpha King and his family."I gritted my teeth. How dare this witch try to offer me advice? I resisted the urge to la