*Zander*"Zander, I need to have a word with you," Maddox's voice echoed with concern as he stormed into my room, his footsteps echoing off the walls after I evaded our conversation in the pack's office."Not now, Maddox," I dismissed him with a sharp edge to my tone, my gaze fixed on the file before me."I'm not letting this slide, Zander. We have to talk," he insisted, his tone firm, unwavering.Huffing in frustration, I turned to face him, my jaw set with tension."You want to talk?!" I growled, my voice low and intense. "Fine, let's talk. What's on your mind?""Why did you allow Selena to go with that cunning Vampire King?" he questioned, his eyes burning with intensity."Isn't it obvious, Maddox?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over. "He's Selena's mate, and I have no right to hold her back.""No!" he bit out, his voice sharp with disagreement. "She's our Luna, and you're her mate first. You have every right to stop her, to fight for her," he countered, his words laced with co
*Selena*I didn't have any plan or strategy, but I knew I needed to work it out before time slipped from my hands."I need to do it," I muttered to myself, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me."How are you going to do this?" Arena's voice cut through my thoughts, tinged with frustration.Suddenly, something clicked in my mind."I have a plan," I chimed in confidently."What plan?" she purred through the mind link, her curiosity piqued."His first love!" I exclaimed, the realization dawning on me. "I mean, his first mate, Arabella. He would have loved her more, and if he finds her back, he will definitely choose her over me and eventually reject me," I explained, the words tumbling out in a rush."I just need to find out about Arabella," I whispered, deep in thought. "And let him realize that I am not her. Maybe..." I trailed off, a sense of hope flickering within me. "Maybe I can bring her back.""But she died thousands of years ago," Arena countered.My wolf was ve
*Selena*Harper remained steadfast and fiercely loyal to her king. I understood that extracting information from her would prove to be a daunting task. Yet, I refused to concede defeat; determination fueled my persistence."But why?" I furrowed my brow, attempting to coax her into cooperation. "Harper, you need not fear anyone. As your future queen, I assure you of your safety," I reassured, reaching out to touch her shoulder. However, she evaded my touch and busied herself with her tasks."I possess no knowledge of the king's personal affairs. His private life is closely guarded, and he divulges little to none of it," she explained impassively, finally turning to face me. "If you seek answers, why not confront the king directly?" she challenged.Ah, a clever response indeed."I thought about it," I shrugged, feigning innocence. "But he didn't tell me. Perhaps he thought I'd be jealous if he discussed his former lover with me." I smiled coyly. "But I'm not jealous. I'm curious and eag
*Selena*Once again, disappointment washed over me like a tidal wave. It was the second time that day my hopes had been mercilessly dashed. Unsure whether Cassandra spoke the truth or wove a web of lies, one thing was unmistakable—her unwavering loyalty to Damon."Is there anyone else who can provide information about Arabella?" I queried, my desperation thinly veiled."I remain intrigued by the depths of your desperation, my Queen," Cassandra remarked, her lips curving into a smirk as she regarded me skeptically with her piercing gaze. "What compels you to unearth the past? Shouldn't you find solace in having the most powerful Vampire as your mate? Rest assured, whatever transpired in the bygone era holds no sway over your future. You and the king are destined for happiness, leaving the past firmly behind you.""But I believe that the beginning of a new relationship should be based on truth, and hiding is equivalent to lying," I retorted firmly.Her gaze softened momentarily before s
*Zander*"Alpha, I have called the urgent meeting at the last minute because it was necessary," Maddox informed me as I listened to him while reading the reports."Hmm! Did everyone gather?" I asked, closing the file and standing up as we headed toward the conference room."Yes, Alpha," he replied.As Maddox said, alphas from different packs of the north had gathered. I threw an intent glance at everyone and found eager eyes watching me with curiosity."As you all know," I started addressing the room, "we have gathered here to discuss the issue of rogues. The problem is escalating, and these rogues are growing stronger with each passing day. We need to find a solution because, according to the latest intelligence, they have amassed a formidable army."The alphas nodded in agreement, their expressions grim with the weight of the situation. I could sense the tension in the air as we contemplated the threat posed by the rogue forces."We cannot allow them to continue unchecked," I contin
*Zander*As I was about to leave, Maddox came by my side."Alpha, we have a message," Maddox informed me, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. I nodded, and he showed me a video message on his phone. The screen displayed the rogue king, a cowardly figure hidden behind a mask, his voice dripping with malice as he delivered his demands. He taunted me, informing me that he had my son and wanted to see me. I handed the phone back to Maddox and turned my gaze towards the vast expanse of the clear sky above. But ominous signs loomed on the horizon, as dark clouds began to gather, threatening to obscure the sun's rays."Let's prepare to fulfill the wishes of the rogue king and go to meet him," I declared, my voice resonating with determination."What?" Avery gasped, her surprise evident in her voice. "Are you really going to meet him?" Her tone shifted suddenly, filled with worry. I offered her a calm smile."Yes," I replied, meeting her gaze steadily. "He has my son, so I have no choice b
*Zander*Avery averted her eyes, but it wouldn't lessen the sins she had committed. Elijah had killed my father, and he would pay for his deed, but Avery... I never thought she would betray me. She was my best friend, someone I had known since childhood. I had always counted on her for everything; I even used to discuss every problem with her. But what did I get in return? Betrayal."Why, Avery?!" I bit out, the hurt and anger evident in my voice. "I thought you were my best friend. I trusted you more than anyone else. I believed everything you said. So why did you betray me like this?" I yelled, my voice echoing with pain and disbelief."Zander... I am... sorry," she murmured, her voice barely audible as she bowed her head in shame. But her apology did little to quell my anger; I couldn't bring myself to believe that she truly regretted her actions."How could your sorry bring back the people I've lost because of your sins? You have committed sins, not crimes, and for sins, there is
*Selena*"Sir Nicholas, I have an urgent need for information regarding Damon," I stated, my voice betraying the urgency of my request. Time was of the essence, and I could ill afford any delays.Nicholas regarded me with a knowing look, his lips curling into a mysterious smile. "Of course, my dear. I am more than willing to assist you," he said, his tone laden with intrigue."Follow me," he commanded, gesturing for me to accompany him. "Where?" I asked, furrowing my brow in confusion."To a place where you can find all the answers to your questions," he replied cryptically, leading the way. I followed him through a long, dimly lit corridor adorned with ancient hand-painted portraits hanging on the walls.We entered a dimly lit room located three layers down in the basement, and the atmosphere felt unsettling. I could sense something off in the air. While vampires typically exuded a dark aura, this energy was different. As I stepped further into the room, the door closed behind me au
My heart pounded so loudly in my chest as I recalled my vision of Zander as the Dark Alpha.Oh, Moon Goddess, why this confusion? Why was I being tested so relentlessly by life? I closed my eyes, trying to focus, hoping to summon another vision—something, anything—that could offer clarity. But nothing came. Was it something that happened on its own? Could I not control it?Oh Goddess! How much more did I have to learn about this new identity, this new life? And yet, here I was, burdened with a mountain of problems to face all at once. What was I supposed to do?I rubbed my head in frustration just as the study door was yanked open, and Zander’s commanding presence filled the room.“What are you doing here, mate?” His deep, threatening voice sent a shiver down my spine as his piercing eyes locked on mine, each step he took toward me brimming with raw dominance."I came here to learn more about your pack, Alpha," I replied softly, breaking eye contact and looking away so he wouldn’t see
I watched as a male omega handed Zander a T-shirt. He nodded in appreciation and walked off with Maddox, who had also finished his session for the day. Blair turned to me with a mischievous smile, her eyes glinting with playful intent."So, how was it?" she teased, winking at me knowingly."What? Your alpha brother is a good trainer, you know," I said, trying to dodge her question, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks."Oh, yeah?!" she laughed. "Tell me something about it!" Her grin widened as she shrugged nonchalantly, clearly enjoying my flustered state.Before I could muster a reply, Anne's voice cut through the moment like a sharp blade. "Selena, how shameless you are!"Startled, I turned to find her standing behind me, her face contorted with fury."What's wrong, Anne?" I asked with genuine concern, though her anger made me uneasy."What's wrong?" she spat, her scowl deepening. "What's wrong?! Huh?" Her teeth clenched as she stepped closer. "You snatched my fiancé, and now he's can
I swear I saw the possessiveness swirling in his blue orbs as he stepped closer.“As you wish, mate,” Zander's voice turned husky, his possessive eyes raking over me as he grabbed my wrist and led me to the training area.By now, everyone had gathered around the practice area where their alpha was going to train me. Meeting his eyes with confidence, I grabbed the hem of my white top and was about to pull it over my head when he grabbed my hand.“Don’t!” he ordered sharply. “You can practise in these clothes.”I smirked. Two could play this game, Alpha.He didn’t bother covering himself in front of the hungry eyes of the she-wolves, yet he wanted me to stay modest. Such a hypocrite.“But my clothes will get muddy,” I pouted, letting my voice drop just enough to hint at the mischief dancing in my mind.“They won’t,” Zander replied curtly, his gaze narrowing. “I’ll be careful.”Oh, my Alpha—pretending not to care but still caring. It was adorable, really.“So,” I murmured, tilting my hea
Zander finished training with the male warriors, and now it was time for the female warriors to begin their session. The female warrior trainer stepped forward as Zander walked out of the wrestling ground, accepting a towel handed to him by one of the male omegas on duty at the training grounds to attend to the Alpha and other officers.In the far corner, Maddox was practicing in another training area, and I couldn’t help but notice Blair’s eyes fixed on him.Watching Blair and Maddox’s love story unfold right before me was so sweet; it felt like witnessing a romantic tale come to life.But my happy moment disturbed when I heard the voice of one of the female warriors.“Alpha, can we not have the honor of your training as well? Or is your perfection reserved only for the male warriors?”My eyes darted from the female warrior to Zander, whose expression was unreadable and stern.“Of course, I will train you. For an Alpha, all his warriors are equal,” Zander declared firmly.His words b
*Selena*I thought he would jump at the opportunity after hearing my proposition, but what happened was the exact opposite of my expectations.“You’ll get your laptop today,” he said in a dismissive tone, and I was left utterly shocked.“Are you sure you don’t want anything in return?” I asked, my voice dropping to a teasing whisper as I observed him intently. But he didn’t even glance in my direction.“I’ve had a long day. I want to rest,” he said, his tone detached, leaving my jaw practically on the floor.My mate—Alpha King Zander Blake—refused the kiss. Refused me. He didn't know but I might have been willing to offer more than just a kiss if he had pressed.What was that? Did he hit his head somewhere, or was something seriously wrong with him?Seeing that his mood wasn’t good, I quietly followed him to the room. Without a word, he entered the bathroom, leaving me alone. I stared at the closed bathroom door for a few moments before walking over to the cupboard, selecting his clot
I stood before my pack house, my legs threatening to give out beneath me as my heart and mind waged war against each other.‘Come on, Zander. Do you really think Selena is behind those deaths?’ Lyon growled in frustration. ‘I’m not ready to believe she could do something like that.’I let out a long sigh, a wave of defeat washing over me. I didn’t want to believe it either. But as a ruler, I couldn’t ignore the facts—and the facts were pointing in a direction I couldn't refuse to accept.Taking a deep, steadying breath, I pushed open the doors and entered the pack house. The sight that greeted me eased a fraction of the weight on my chest.Austin’s cheerful laughter filled the room as he sat cross-legged on the floor, his tiny hands gripping crayons. Anne knelt beside him, patiently helping him with his kindergarten coloring assignment. Seeing my son happy melted away some of the stress that had been clawing at me, even if only for a moment."Zander," Anne greeted me with a warm smile
*Zander*I received a mind link from the border security team, alerting me that something was wrong. Without wasting a second, I rushed to the headquarters. The air was thick with tension as I entered, and the grim faces of my team only deepened my unease.“Report,” I commanded, my voice sharp as I approached Freya, who stood examining the scene on the monitors.Freya’s expression was grim. “Alpha, we found several people dead in the peripheral regions. Their bodies were discovered in strange and unnatural conditions.”“What do you mean by unnatural?” I demanded, my brows furrowing.“It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before,” she admitted hesitantly. “At first glance, it resembles a plague, but we haven’t been able to identify the cause or source. The tests are inconclusive.”I clenched my fists, anger boiling beneath the surface. “I didn’t appoint the best team to hear vague explanations, Freya,” I growled, my voice carrying the weight of my frustration. “You’re the best in your fields
Author’s POV.After Selena returned to the Moonglow pack, the High Priestess decided it was time to seek an audience with the Moon Goddess. She ascended to Asgard, the celestial realm where the gods and goddesses convened, their thrones casting an ethereal glow over the star-studded expanse.The chamber was a grand spectacle, with a sky-like dome swirling with constellations, the air shimmering with divine energy. Seated on their ornate thrones were the gods of the realms.Kaelvor’s deep voice echoed through the hall as his piercing gaze fell upon the High Priestess. “Why did you send Selena back? What about the wedding?!” he snapped, his tone heavy with impatience. The High Priestess lowered her hood, revealing a calm yet resolute expression. “I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t stay,” she replied, her voice steady and composed.Sylvara, the serene goddess of wisdom, tilted her head in curiosity, her silver hair flowing like moonlight. “You’re aware the day of sacrifice is drawin
“You're not serious, are you?” I gasped, blinking at him as I nervously leaned back while he leaned closer to me.He chuckled and, oh Goddess, the sound was so deep and teasing. “Why do you look so nervous, mate? I just asked for a kiss. That's it.”“You are… you are shameless,” I mumbled, narrowing my eyes at the clear amusement he was taking in my misery.“If anyone else had said that,” he growled, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an alpha, “they would’ve been dead by now.” His tone softened just slightly, though his gaze remained intense. “Only you can say such disrespectful words to me and get away with it. And still, you don’t understand—you don’t need to be nervous around me.”Such a big ego my alpha had. Me? Afraid of him? Never. I was the queen of the Lunar Realm, a descendant of the Moon Goddess herself. I had no reason to fear him.But… somehow, whenever he was this close, his presence seemed to mess with my resolve. My heart betrayed me, pounding loudly in m