Lucien’s POV“Gather all the meat we’ve hunted. We leave for the pack by dawn,” I said, my voice carrying over the quiet hum of the camp.Ryder and the others immediately set to work, their movements quick and practiced. The past four days in the woods had been grueling, but productive. The pile of game—rabbits, deer, and wild boars—was a testament to our efforts. Winter was on its way, and the pack needed every ounce of food we could bring back.I turned and headed back to my tent, pulling aside the heavy canvas flap. Inside, the air was warm, a small brazier glowing faintly in the corner. I poured a small measure of whiskey into a tin cup and sat down heavily on the cot.“Four days out here,” Thorin, my wolf, mused, his voice echoing in my mind. “We’ve done well. Better than I expected.”“Luck was on our side,” I replied, taking a sip. “Not a single beast after that first night.”“Luck?” Thorin huffed. “That wasn’t luck. We would’ve torn anything else apart.”I smirked. “Would we? Y
Lucien’s POVDamien’s smirk lingered like the stench of a rotting carcass, his eyes glittering with cruel amusement. I stood firm, fists clenched, watching every shift in his stance, every flicker in his gaze.“You have something I want,” Damien repeated, his tone dripping with mockery.I narrowed my eyes. “Spit it out, Damien, before I lose what little patience I have.”“Ah, such hostility. Must we always resort to threats?” He chuckled, taking a deliberate step closer. Ryder shifted beside me, his blade inching higher, but I held out a hand, signaling him to stay put.“What is it you’re after?” I demanded.Damien’s grin widened. “Seraphine.”Her name hit me like a slap. My wolf, Thorin, surged to the surface, a growl rumbling in my chest. She is mine. My Luna. My mate. How dare he even say her name?“You’re testing my limits, Damien,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.“Oh, am I?” Damien feigned innocence, placing a hand over his chest. “I’m merely stating facts, Lucien. Seraphine
Seraphine’s POVThe barking of dogs echoed through the air as the hunting party returned. Their excited yelps mixed with the steady clatter of hooves on the dirt path. I could hear the hunters shouting commands to control the animals, their voices blending with the cheerful chatter of men celebrating a successful hunt.I stood by the window, peeking out through the slightly parted curtains. Lucien was at the front of the group, his broad shoulders squared, his face stern yet calm. His black cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, and the pack seemed to follow him with a sense of pride and purpose.But all I felt was a searing, gut-wrenching hate.It wasn’t just a fleeting annoyance or a passing disagreement. No, this was something far deeper—darker. A fire blazed within my chest as I watched him. Everything about him—his presence, his self-assured stance—felt like an insult. His confidence wasn’t just confidence; it was a taunt, a silent challenge aimed directly at me, igniting emotion
Lucien’s POVI went to my office and sat down heavily in my chair, staring at the polished surface of my desk. The hunt’s success should have left me satisfied, but my mind was clouded. Something felt wrong—off, even—and I couldn’t shake it.What’s going on? I thought, drumming my fingers on the wood. My wolf, Thorin, stirred in my mind, his presence steady but intrudign into my thoughts.“Why is this troubling you? Get it off your mind!” Thorin’s deep voice growled, his irritation evident.I sighed, leaning back in my chair. I can’t, Thorin. It’s… complicated.“Complicated? Since when do you let complications get the better of you? You’re Lucien, Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack! Speak it.”I hesitated before finally saying, It’s Damien.Thorin growled low, a sound of displeasure. “That rat. What did he say this time?”He came here while we were on the hunt. Had the audacity to stand on my land and claim that Seraphine… my Luna… was supporting his cause.Silence fell in my mind for a
Lucien’s POV“Chill out, man!” I shouted back at Thorin, pacing the room with growing frustration.“You’re snapping at me now?” Thorin’s growl echoed in my mind. “What’s next? You gonna howl at the moon in frustration? Pull yourself together!”I stopped mid-step, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Listen,” I said, my voice strained but calm. “I love Seraphine. I know she loves me back just as much—probably even more. She’s just having a hard time expressing it. You know why.”Thorin scoffed. “Oh, please. Do enlighten me, Alpha Wise-and-Lovesick.”I sighed deeply, sinking into the chair behind my desk. “She’s been through so much, Thorin. You know her past. The way she was mistreated—manipulated, betrayed—it shaped who she is. It’s not easy for her to trust, to open up completely. That’s why she’s reserved. It’s her defense mechanism.”Thorin laughed dryly. “Really? That’s what you’re telling yourself now? That she’s reserved because of her past?”“Yes!” I snapped, slamming my palm agains
Seraphine’s POVI hurried back to my room, my heart pounding like a war drum.“Damn!” I whispered harshly to myself, slamming the door shut behind me. Leaning against it, I took a shaky breath, trying to calm down.“That was so close,” I muttered, staring blankly at the ceiling.I had gone to Lucien’s office to drop off the attic key. I figured he’d still be out with his hunting pack, and I could slip in and out without anyone noticing. But when I opened that door and saw him sitting there…“Fuck!” I groaned, pushing off the door and rushing into the bathroom.The cold water hit my face like a shockwave, but it did little to settle my nerves. I grabbed the edges of the sink, staring at my reflection. My damp hair clung to my cheeks, and my eyes were wide with panic.“Did he notice how much I was shaking?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Did he see when I hid the attic key behind my back?”The memory replayed in my mind. I had shoved the key into my pocket so quickly I wasn’t su
Lucien’s POVI just stood there in the garden, staring after her, my heart pounding in my chest. What the hell had just happened? My fists clenched as her words echoed in my head."I don’t owe you an explanation!""Maybe you don’t deserve to."Did Seraphine just walk out on me? My mate? Is she mad?!“I told you,” Thorin, my wolf, growled. “Something’s off with her. You need to stay sharp, Lucien.”“Just shut it!” I snapped, my voice trembling with anger.A few maids were passing by the garden and froze, their eyes wide with concern. “Anything the matter, Alpha?” one of them asked timidly.“Get out!” I barked, my voice like a whip. They scurried away without another word, leaving me alone with my boiling frustration.Thorin growled low in my mind. “You’re making a mistake, Lucien. You should be watching her, not standing here sulking.”“Enough,” I muttered under my breath as I stormed toward the main house.“I’m serious,” Thorin persisted. “She’s hiding something, and Damien knows more
Lucien’s POVRyder was waiting for me outside the hall. “How did it go?” he asked.I shook my head. “They’re meddling where they shouldn’t.”He frowned. “What did they say?”“They think Seraphine’s behavior is tied to Damien,” I said bitterly. “As if I didn’t already have enough to deal with.”Ryder’s expression darkened. “Do you think they’re right?”“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice strained. “But I can’t let this spiral out of control. If they keep questioning her loyalty, it’ll only make things worse.”“What do you want to do?” Ryder asked.I paused, considering my options. “Keep watching Damien. If he steps foot on our land, I want to know immediately. And keep an eye on Seraphine, but discreetly. I don’t want her feeling like she’s under surveillance.”“Understood,” Ryder said with a nod.“And Ryder…”“Yes, Alpha?”“Find out what the pack is saying,” I added. “If these rumors are spreading, I want to know who started them.”“Of course,” Ryder said before heading off.I stood
Lucien’s POVI sat on the edge of my bed, my head buried in my hands. The room was suffocatingly quiet, every object within it a cruel reminder of Seraphine. The scent of her lavender perfume still lingered on the sheets, mocking me. The framed photo on my bedside table seemed to glare at me—a frozen moment in time where she was smiling, happy, alive."Why?" I muttered, my voice trembling with the weight of my emotions.Because you couldn’t save her, Thorin growled in my mind, his voice a mirror of my own frustration.“Shut up,” I snapped out loud.The bed creaked as I stood abruptly, pacing the length of the room like a caged animal. My fists clenched so tightly that my knuckles turned white, the veins on the back of my hands straining against my skin. The walls felt like they were closing in, each step I took bringing me closer to an implosion.You’re wasting time, Lucien, Thorin growled again. All this sulking—it’s pathetic."Pathetic?" I hissed, slamming my fist into the wall besi
Lucien’s POVI stood near the borders of the pack, the towering trees swaying gently in the breeze. The woods stretched endlessly before me, their silence broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. My gaze lingered on the movements, hypnotized. Yet my thoughts were far from peaceful.Seraphine isn’t dead, I told myself for what felt like the hundredth time today.Why are you lying to yourself? came the sharp, guttural voice of Thorin, my wolf. You know she’s gone. Move on, Lucien. You’re no good to anyone like this.“No!” I growled under my breath, fists clenching at my sides. “I can’t move on. I won’t.”You’re being ridiculous, Thorin shot back, his tone edged with frustration. You’re not just some lovesick pup. You’re an Alpha! The pack depends on you, and here you are, mooning over a ghost.“She’s not a ghost,” I snapped, my voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t understand, Thorin. I love her. I can’t let go. It’s like she’s still here, like she’s calling out to me.”Callin
Lucien’s POVI was getting stronger, feeling better these past few days. Guess I’m starting to get over Seraphine. I can do this, I told myself as I walked toward the courtroom. The crisp morning air carried a subtle chill, but I barely noticed. My focus was sharp. Today, the Council had decided to gather, and as Alpha, my presence was mandatory.The grand doors of the courtroom loomed ahead, their carved wood imposing yet familiar. Pushing them open, I stepped inside. The room was already buzzing with conversation, but the moment they saw me, silence fell like a shroud. One by one, they stood.“Alpha Lucien,” they greeted in unison.I raised my hand, a simple gesture that signaled them to sit. They obeyed instantly, their chairs scraping against the polished floor as they settled back down. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the faces of my Council. Each of them carried their own weight of responsibility, but none compared to mine.“So,” I began, my voice steady, “what matters do we
Lucien’s POV“Alpha. Alpha!”The voice echoed, dragging me out of the chaos in my mind. I blinked, disoriented, my gaze snapping toward the source. It was Mira, the Royal Nurse, standing at the foot of my bed. Her expression was calm, but her eyes held a mix of concern and frustration.“You need to eat, Alpha,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “And take your medication.”I let out a harsh breath, turning my head away to stare at the wall. “I’m not hungry.”Mira didn’t move. “You haven’t eaten all day. If you continue like this, your body will collapse. Again.”Her words sent a pang of irritation through me. I didn’t need the reminder of how I’d slumped over during the courtroom meeting three days ago. In front of my pack leaders, no less. The embarrassment still burned, but it was nothing compared to the weight crushing me from all sides.“I’ll eat later,” I muttered, my voice clipped.“No, Alpha.” Mira stepped closer, her tone soft but unyielding. “You’ve been saying that for day
Seraphina’s POVblinked, trying to steady my breathing as I took in my surroundings. Everything felt surreal, like I had stepped into another world. The trees, the sky, the ground – all of it looked familiar yet utterly alien. The colors were too vivid, the air too still, and an unnatural glow seemed to emanate from everything. A strange energy thrummed around me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.“What is going on?” I whispered to myself, panic rising in my chest. My voice echoed back, unnaturally loud in the eerie silence.“Lucas?” I called, spinning around. “Derek?”Nothing. No sign of them. No sound except the faint hum in the air. My heart pounded in my chest as dread crept over me. “Where are you?” I shouted, my voice trembling.Then came the pain. A sharp, searing ache coursed through my body, forcing me to my knees. My hands clawed at the ground, which felt soft and warm, almost alive. The pain wasn’t physical but something deeper, like it was ripping throu
Seraphina’s POVLucas went quiet for a moment, his jaw tight, his eyes flickering with emotions I couldn’t quite read. Finally, he sighed. “I didn’t mean to piss you off, Seraphina. Okay? I’m sorry.”I crossed my arms, still fuming but softened slightly by his apology. “You’re always stirring up something, Lucas.”“I know, but don’t worry,” he said with an almost maddening confidence. “All of this will be solved. You’ll see.”“How?” I asked, skepticism thick in my tone.“Just follow me,” he said simply, gesturing for me to walk with him.With a deep sigh, I nodded. “Fine.”Derek and Lucas led the way deeper into the woods. I followed them, my boots crunching against the forest floor as the towering trees closed in around us. The air grew cooler, the sunlight dimming as the dense canopy blocked it out. My heart thudded louder with every step, a mixture of curiosity and unease swirling in my chest.“Where are we even going?” I asked.“You’ll see,” Lucas replied without turning, his voic
Seraphina’s POVLucas had insisted I come with him, claiming he had a plan to help me reconnect with my wolf. I had agreed, though doubt clung to me like a second skin. As we ventured deeper into the woods, the air grew cooler, the scent of pine and damp earth more pronounced.“You’re awfully quiet back there,” Lucas said, glancing over his shoulder.“Just thinking,” I replied, pulling my jacket tighter around me. “This place feels… different.”“It’s meant to,” Lucas said cryptically, his lips curving into a slight smile. “You’ll see soon enough.”Derek scoffed from behind me. “You sure you know what you’re doing, Lucas?”Lucas shot him a look. “Trust me for once, will you? Just keep your eyes peeled.”I sighed, my gaze shifting to the trees around us. “Where exactly are we going?”Lucas slowed his pace until he was walking beside me. “To a place I think might help you. But first, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind.”I raised an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”He hesitated,
Seraphina’s POVI couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, the same haunting images returned. Lucien, with his cold, calculating gaze. Ryder, his twisted smirk as if he knew something I didn’t. They loomed over me in my nightmares, their shadows stretching endlessly. They weren’t just haunting my dreams—they were stalking me, taunting me, reminding me of what could come if I faltered.I sat up with a start, my breath shallow and quick. The room was dark, save for the faint sliver of moonlight creeping in through the curtains. I felt trapped, suffocated by the four walls of the cabin.With a heavy sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood. The cool wooden floor beneath my feet grounded me, but it wasn’t enough. I needed air. I needed to feel something other than this overwhelming dread.Wrapping a blanket around my shoulders, I stepped outside. The night greeted me with a gentle breeze, cool against my skin. The trees swayed softly in the wind, their rustling leaves
Seraphina’s POVI’ve been indoors for so long, I thought I’d go mad. The walls of Derek’s cabin felt like they were closing in on me. My guards hovered like shadows, always watching, always waiting. I couldn’t even step outside to breathe without them following close behind.I needed peace. I needed to feel the sun on my skin, the wind in my hair. But most of all, I needed to clear my mind. Derek and Lucas had made it clear they wanted revenge. They wanted blood for what Lucien’s pack had done to my family. But that path felt so wrong to me. How could I strike at the man I… the man I loved? Even if he’d kept the truth about my parents’ death from me. Even if my heart was breaking every time I thought about it.I sat by the window, staring out into the forest, trying to muster the courage to step outside.The sound of the door creaking open broke my thoughts. Lucas walked in, carrying a rabbit in one hand and a proud smile on his face.“Hey, look who finally left her nest,” Lucas said