*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
*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?
His movements became more urgent as he unbuttoned the shirt I wore—his shirt. His tongue flicked over the swell of my breast, drawing a gasp from me as my body instinctively arched beneath him. But suddenly, a sharp knock on the door shattered the moment, jolting us both back to reality.“Someone’s knocking on the door,” I murmured, trying to squirm free from his hold, though it seemed he had no intention of stopping.“Don’t listen,” he groaned, his hand gripping my other breast as he pushed the fabric of the shirt lower, revealing more of me to his hungry gaze.My breathing hitched as his lips found my hardened nipple, drawing a shiver through my body. “What if... what if it’s Austin?” I managed to whisper, my voice trembling. Memories of our baby boy coming into our room in the mornings flashed through my mind, making my heart race for an entirely different reason.Zander lifted his head slightly, his lips still hovering over their target as he whispered, “I have Blair and Mother to
“You’re not serious, are you?” I snapped, narrowing my eyes in annoyance.Zander watched me for a moment, his expression confused, before realization dawned on him.“Why can’t I sleep here? It’s my bed,” he shot back, his tone calm but firm.I blinked at him in disbelief as he walked to the other side of the bed, sat down, and stretched out his long legs. He leaned back, adjusting his pillows with casual ease.“But… but you said you wouldn’t come closer,” I muttered nervously, clutching the cover tightly to my chest.He glanced at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. His blue irises sparkled with mischief, and in that moment, I knew I was in trouble.“The bed is big enough, and I’ll stay on my side,” he declared, his tone laced with playful arrogance. “I promised I wouldn’t touch you, and Alpha Zander is true to his word.”His confidence, combined with that mischievous glint in his eyes, made my heart race.I narrowed my eyes, not buying his convincing act for a second. Without a word,
I sat on the edge of the guest room bed, glancing around. Everything here felt so familiar, yet at the same time, it felt like I didn’t belong. What had happened in such a short time that made me feel so lost in what was once my home? Or... was it even my home anymore? I let out a sigh, still wrestling with the unanswered questions swirling in my mind.Zander left for the pack office to handle some work with Maddox, and Blair took Austin with her. As if things couldn’t get more complicated, I discovered that my father, stepmother, and half-sister were also here when I returned. Now, I had to live with them in the pack house as well.To my shock, none of them remembered me—not even my own father. To make matters worse, they all seemed to despise me the moment Zander introduced me as his mate. Their resentment stemmed from their desire for Anne to be with the alpha king instead.What luck I had.Slumping back onto the bed, I stared blankly at the ceiling, trying to quiet my thoughts. Su
Though Mother wasn’t pleased with my decision, she refrained from voicing her disapproval. She knew that no amount of arguing would change my mind, especially after the council had formally sealed the agreement.Zander approached me, holding Austin’s small hand, and my heart ached with the overwhelming need to embrace my son. Maddox and Blair followed closely behind, their expressions unreadable.“Austin, this is Selena,” Zander said gently, crouching to meet our son’s gaze. “She’s going to live with us now.”Austin’s curious eyes studied me with a mix of confusion and innocence. I offered him a soft smile, silently praying that some part of his heart would recognize me—perhaps just a trace of the bond we shared, the blood and flesh that connected us, would make him realize who I was.“Why will she live with us?” Austin asked, tilting his head toward his father.His words pierced through me, and I sighed deeply, the weight of despair settling over my chest. My baby boy didn’t recogniz
I followed Selena silently toward the council courtroom, my eyes fixed on her back. It was as though I were trying to see through her, to reach the depths of her soul—but it was a futile attempt.Lyon was just as restless as I was and the uncertainty of what Selena would announce as her decision before the council made both of us anxious. Selena entered the courtroom first, her steps graceful yet determined. I followed a few paces behind, watching as she moved with quiet confidence and grace. She took her seat beside the High Priestess, while I settled into a row just behind her. Despite the physical distance between us, I could sense her awareness of my presence. Her subtle shifts in posture and the faint tension in her shoulders told me she knew I was there.The council head entered the courtroom, and everyone rose in respect. He was an elder of the werewolf community, a figure of immense authority and wisdom, with over two centuries of experience. Known for his unparalleled powers
*Zander*I knew the moment she averted her eyes that she had made up her mind to reject me. The thought of losing her was terrifying, a fear I couldn’t even put into words. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last.But when our lips finally met, I felt the resistance she had been holding onto dissolve. The mate bond between us surged to life, undeniable and overwhelming. Lyon growled in my head, so overcome with love for our mate that he wanted to take over, to mark her, to make her ours forever.Goddess, the moment I saw her in that silvery bridal gown, I had wanted to do this. She looked so breathtaking, so irresistibly stunning, I couldn’t think of anything else. I wanted to forget about the trial and take her to the wedding hall, marry her, make her my wife, mate with her, impregnate her, and make her have my pup. Catching her lower lip between my teeth, I tugged harder, unable to get enough of her. She moaned softly, and I deepened the kiss, our lips overlapp
"Alpha King Zander is already betrothed to Alpha Albert’s daughter, and Queen Selena is promised to God Kaelvor. It’s only fair to proceed with the planned arrangements and not disrupt them simply because the Alpha King suddenly realized he is the mate of our queen," the High Priestess argued firmly in my favor. She cast a sharp, instructive glance my way, urging me to speak. But I remained silent, unsure why I felt compelled to hold my tongue."High Priestess, how can you say that?" Zander retorted, his tone filled with fury. My gaze lingered on the imposing figure of my mate, the Alpha King, as tension filled the air. A deep unease settled in my chest, knowing that a conflict between my mother and my mate was brewing. If it came to a confrontation, whose side would I even take?"You know what a mate means to us werewolves!" Zander’s thunderous voice echoed through the hall, his words cutting through the murmur of the council like a blade."The times have changed, Alpha King," my mot
*Selena*The wedding was halted, and when I was summoned to appear before the Council for my trial, I didn’t even have time to change out of my wedding dress—a traditional royal attire of the Lunar Realm.I glanced down at the silver blouse, its snug fit and intricate embroidery catching the light. The flowing silk skirt swayed gracefully around my legs as I moved and its elegance was undeniable. A delicate veil, pinned at the crown of my hair, trailed behind me, secured by a crescent moon clip. The diamond jewelry I wore sparkled brilliantly, perfectly complementing the attire and completing the regal look.I must have looked like the most beautiful bride today because Zander’s gaze hadn’t faltered for even a second since it landed on me. His expression was one of pure astonishment, his eyes wide and unblinking. My cheeks grew warm, and I was certain they were flushed as red as a ripe tomato. His gaze roamed over me, slow and deliberate, filled with raw hunger.I fought the urge to s
Author’s POV.“Mother, why can’t I save the realm without marrying a god?” Selena argued, frustration lacing her voice.“Because marrying a god will multiply your powers,” the high priestess replied calmly, though her tone held a firm finality. “You are not a complete goddess, Selena. You only carry the essence of the Moon Goddess as her descendant.”“But what about my mate? I’ve been married to him, and we have a son,” Selena questioned defiantly as her voice trembled with emotion.They called her the queen of the realm, worshipped her as their goddess, but as others continued to dictate her life, she felt less like a queen with authority and more like a pawn in their game.“He has forgotten about you,” the high priestess reminded Selena. “They all have forgotten you, even your son. If it weren’t for the mate bond, Alpha Zander would never have acknowledged you, Selena. You don’t matter to them, to Alpha Zander. So it’s better you stay here and fulfill your duty as the queen of the L