*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," I mocked, relishing the opportunity to challenge his ego. "But it seems beneath your grand persona to engage in conversations with low
*Selena* "Selena, more wine, please," Avery ordered in her sweet voice, the look of victory was evident 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!Startled, Zander and
*Selena*My leg bled as the pain seared through my body. Unable to see the rogue wolf lunging toward me with bared fangs, I covered my eyes, anticipating the last lethal attack.But then, a bloodcurdling howl pierced the night air. It was a cry filled with pain and fury. A cry that seemed to reverberate through my very bones. As the chilling howl echoed, a powerful growl followed, vibrating with pure dominance and aggression.Summoning every ounce of courage left within me, I dared to open my eyes. What I saw made me gasp in astonishment and relief. Standing between the attacking rogue and I was a massive black wolf, his robust frame pulsating with raw energy and its fur gleaming under the pale moonlight. It was Lyon, the enigmatic Alpha.I could recognize him even in the dark. He was so huge and so powerful that no match of his was in this world. The aura that oozed out of him was otherworldly.Lyon bared his teeth, revealing razor-sharp fangs, as he locked eyes with the rogue, who w
*Selena*The next morning, I woke up early and made my way to the kitchen, only to find that a meeting had already been called by the matron, Eden. I glanced around and noticed the omegas had gathered before their schedule, their faces displaying a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I didn't know what was going on as I was away from the pack house yesterday evening and night. I spotted Lola and beckoned her to come over. Lola glanced at Eden before drifting toward me. "What's happening?" I whispered in my clipped tone while keeping my gaze on Eden. Lola sighed, her face reflecting a mixture of frustration and weariness. "The matron called us all in. The Alpha King’s sister and their mother are returning since his sister has just graduated. And I heard there's going to be another prestigious guest arriving this evening. The matron warned us last night that we must prepare for a grand royal feast and ensure the entire pack house is spotless and welcoming. She made it clear that the
*Selena*"Arabella?!" The hot Greek God gasped, his sculpted features contorted with astonishment as his eyes locked onto mine.I found myself momentarily frozen, unable to tear my gaze away from his intense, bright blue eyes. There was something captivating about him, something that made me feel both exhilarated and strangely familiar, even though I was certain we had never met before."Selena?!" Lola's voice rang out, with a deep throat-clearing voice in the background that made us come out of our trance, breaking through the hazy bubble that had formed around the mysterious stranger.She hurried to my side, her eyes wide with bewilderment as she took in the scene before her. Her gaze darted between me and the striking stranger, clearly searching for answers. She turned to me, her voice filled with confusion, "Who is Arabella?" Her words only added to the whirlwind of confusion that had enveloped me. I was just as perplexed as Lola as to why this stranger was addressing me by a na
*Selena*Sitting in my dimly lit room, I could feel the anticipation building as I opened my laptop. The anonymous client of mine hadn't contacted me in two days. The screen flickered to life, and within seconds, a text message appeared from the anonymous client. My heart glinted with hope as I read the words:* Help is there. Get back into action.*I leaned back in my chair, absorbing the gravity of those few words. Tonight was the night, the moment when I had to prove my worth by breaking into the world's most secure system. It was a challenge that only a genius hacker like myself could undertake. With a sense of determination burning in my chest, I knew I had to seize this opportunity.Time seemed to slow down as I glanced at the clock on my desk. I could feel the nervousness trying to rise in my heart again, but I pushed it down with the realization that I had help in the pack house who would handle the cruel Alpha King from reaching me. Midnight approached the critical hour when
*Selena*I shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of the evidence of my arousal that surely lingered in the air. The flush that colored my cheeks intensified, a vivid display of my embarrassment at the thought of him discovering my desires."It is healed," he declared, finally releasing my finger with a slight pop.The contrast between his cold personality and the soft whisper of his voice sent shivers down my spine. As my attention shifted from the overwhelming sensation he had ignited within me, I noticed that the pain was gone. My finger appeared as if it had never been burned, the skin restored and unblemished.Taking charge effortlessly, Zander promptly switched off the gas burner. The ramen was ready. Trying to regain composure, I mustered the strength to speak."Umm... I will serve it quickly. Please have a seat," I offered, attempting to keep my voice steady, though it still trembled with the aftershocks of our intense encounter."No need. I am getting late for the patrol shift,
*Zander*"Mother, Selena is here for personal reasons, and Avery can explain it to you better, as Selena is working under her," I dismissed it furiously."But it is not a wise choice to keep her in this pack, knowing everything about her traitor family," my mother warned, her concern evident."Selena has been cleared of any involvement in her family's crimes," I replied earnestly, withholding the whole truth of her actions.I knew what she had done in the past, and I ignored it because it was not a big crime to help her family financially. She was secretly sending money to her father's pack, though they were involved in many criminal activities. But it was against the law of my pack. When I found out, I burned all evidence of her wrongdoing, not wanting her to be disgraced by her own people as she was their Luna. I did it for both my people and her."We didn't find any evidence linking her to the crimes. It would be unjust to act without proof," I described."Why are you defending her
*Selena*"Zander, I've prepared your tuxedo for the wedding. Please be ready on time; otherwise, Blair will be very upset," I whispered to my mate and husband as he covered the speaker with his hand during a phone call.Today marked Blair and Maddox's wedding, followed by their official mating and marking ceremony. We couldn't manage a formal wedding earlier because so much was going on in our lives and pack, but now everything was settled, and I had planned a lavish week-long celebration for them. Today was their special day, and yet my husband, the Alpha King, was still engrossed in business. I waited, staring at him with annoyance, hoping for a response. Finally, Zander nodded absentmindedly, still engrossed in his call."I understand, King Ralph Yearwood, but we shouldn't lower our guard like this before him," Zander sounded annoyed.I couldn't hear their conversation, but from my husband's expression, it was clear that Lycan King Ralph Yearwood had said something unsettling."Oka
*Anonymous POV*"I need to see the Dark Alpha immediately," Damon demanded, his voice cold and urgent as he faced the guards outside the Dark Alpha's castle.The Dark Alpha was infamous among the shifters, feared as the most malevolent creature. His pack consisted of rogue wolves, trained to be merciless and heartless. The Dark Alpha sought power above all else and delighted in inflicting slow, agonizing deaths on his enemies, savoring their pleas for mercy."Wait here. We need to ask the Alpha whether he wants to see you," one of the guards growled, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Damon from head to toe. Damon grimaced at the appearance of the guards. The guards were filthy and disheveled, a reflection of the brutal environment they thrived in.Damon's lips curled into a sinister grin. "He'll be very pleased to hear what I have to say," he said confidently, his tone dripping with malice.The guard's eyes flickered with suspicion but he turned and disappeared into the shadows of
“Silas Shadowborne’s son?!” Zander’s eyes narrowed into piercing slits as he appraised Jasper. “And you expect us to believe you when your name has never crossed my ears?”Jasper’s voice was tinged with bitterness as he explained, “Damon manipulated our father, forcing my mother and me into exile from the kingdom. I was prepared to return when I learned of Father’s death and Damon’s treachery, but my mother insisted it was Father’s dying wish for Damon to rule. When I heard of Uncle’s murder and Damon’s flight, I returned to confront whoever was plunging my land into chaos.” His gaze swept over us, a glint of disdain flickering in his eyes.“We aren’t causing chaos; we liberated your land from the clutches of your half-brother Damon. Now, we’re striving to restore peace and unity after your king fled in defeat,” I interjected, sensing the tension escalating.“We don’t need your interference, especially not from wolves who deceived and killed my father!” Jasper’s voice thundered, causi
"You... I remember you," my eyes sparkled with recognition as I took in the seer's serene smile."Yes, Luna. It is me again," the seer replied, her voice calm and knowing. "I told you that your belief would lead you out of this dark fog and reveal the truth. And you truly have changed fate because you believed in your love."Her words seemed to weave a spell around us, and in that moment, memories of our first meeting came rushing back to me. I was struck by how deeply meaningful her words had been. Everything she said was true.Though every sign had pointed me toward Damon, my unwavering belief in my love for Zander had broken the curse and led me to my true mate. Fate was altered by the power of belief. I was awestruck by the realization that such a small word held such immense power, capable of averting the inevitable."Thank you for warning me and for your loyalty to the pack. The Moonglow pack will always be indebted to you for your loyal services," I said, my voice filled with g
The tears poured down from my eyes as we kissed. I whimpered against my mate's lips, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. I was happy, yet the disbelief lingered—I had almost lost him. It was true that we never truly valued our loved ones until we almost lost them. I had experienced both hell and heaven in those few moments when my mate lay lifeless on my lap, and then he breathed again. I knew better after almost losing him what he was to me, and I would never ignore him over anything. He was everything I needed to live, breathe, and feel alive.“Why are you crying, my mate?” Zander’s brow furrowed in concern as he gently took my face in his large hand. His touch was tender, and his eyes searched mine with a depth of love and worry. I shook my head, trying to smile through my tears, but the emotions choked me, leaving me speechless.I gazed at his beautiful face, the one I had feared I might never see again, and took a deep breath before finding my voice.Tears streamed down my face a
Suddenly, the air crackled with energy, and two divine figures appeared before me. The first was the High Priestess—my mother—and the other, the sacred appearance of the Moon Goddess herself.“Selena, you can't be serious about threatening me, can you?” the Moon Goddess teased lightly, her voice carrying an air of amusement. But her casual demeanor only fueled my fury.“How can you be so indifferent while I am in so much pain?” I challenged, my voice trembling with emotion.“But you chose this path. What more can I do?” she replied with a shrug, her tone frustratingly calm.“Moon Goddess, I love Alpha Zander, and you expect me to accept his death with happiness. Are you truly this heartless?” I scowled, tears streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably.“I thought you would bring Zander back. He is innocent and has nothing to do with this battle,” I pleaded desperately, my voice cracking with sorrow.“He had to die according to the prophecy, Selena. Neither you nor I can change that,” the
*Selena*"Why are you crying for our enemy? He tried to kill me, and so he had to die,” Damon growled, his voice strained from the impact of Selena's powerful blow.“No!” I roared, my eyes flashing with a mix of pain and fury. “He doesn’t deserve death. It’s you who will pay for killing my Zander!” my scream echoed through the room as I unleashed another devastating strike, sending Damon hurtling across the room to crash against a distant wall.“I can’t believe you would defend him over me. I am your mate, and yet you choose to protect our enemy,” Damon snarled, struggling to rise to his feet amidst the wreckage.“No!” my voice boomed, my entire demeanor now a terrifying force of vengeance. “I have loved only one man my entire life, and when will you understand that it’s not you!” my words were a declaration, punctuated by the raw power of my attacks as I closed in on Damon once more.“Then you are a fool, Selena. If you had chosen me, I would have let you live. But you chose death. P
*Selena*As I headed to Harper’s house, a strange feeling washed over me. Some instinct was holding me back, making each step forward an effort. It was as if someone was calling out to me, needing me urgently. I stopped in my tracks and looked behind me. Everything seemed normal, yet the feeling persisted, an invisible force pulling at me, making it difficult to move ahead.I turned around again, my gaze drawn to the garden Harper referred to as the cursed land. Something about it seemed to call out to me, a whisper of unease.Arena, my wolf, was restless. She howled in my mind, "I think we need to investigate that cursed land. It's strange why everyone is forbidden from going there.""You’re right," I replied through our mindlink. "I feel it too. Why is it cursed? We need to uncover the mystery behind it."“What happened? Why aren't you moving?” Harper asked, confusion evident as she stopped and turned back when she realized I had left behind.“Harper, I need to go back to the cursed
*Zander*As the figure emerged from the shadows, the whole picture became clear. The golden trident in his hand was proof that his intentions were far from good.“So, this was a trap for me,” I challenged, raising my head with pride.“I don’t have a problem with you, Alpha. But you were the one who tried to take my mate and started this. Your curiosity has led you to your grave,” Damon mocked, snorting and gesturing around with his arms.“And you call yourself a king?” I taunted. “Attacking from the shadows like a coward.”“Zander, I am nothing like you, and your provocations won’t work on me,” Damon scowled smugly.“That’s right, you are nothing like me. I have Alpha blood and am a real man, not a coward who lacks moral values,” I snarled, baring my teeth.“Moral values?!” he laughed mockingly. “Are you fucking serious, Alpha Zander? What will I get from moral values? They won’t even bring me victory,” he added arrogantly.“A victory is not a victory until it is earned through true s