Rune’s POVIt had been a week. Seven days since Alora vanished without a trace. Seven days of endless searching, of following dead leads, of placing bounties that seemed to fall on deaf ears. Seven days of feeling like I was slowly losing my mind.During the day, I put on a front. I played the part of the strong, composed Alpha that everyone expected me to be. I commanded the pack with the same authority as always, issued orders, handled disputes, and oversaw the daily operations. No one could see the cracks in the facade, the fissures that were slowly but surely spreading beneath the surface. They didn’t know that each time I gave an order, my mind was screaming for something else… someone else.But at night, when the house was quiet and the pack was asleep, I crumbled.It started with the silence, the suffocating quiet that settled over my room like a thick fog. The absence of her presence, the emptiness of the space where she used to be, gnawed at me relentlessly. I would sit on
Rune’s POVThe tension in the room was palpable as I stood before Dylan, my eyes burning with an intensity that could set fire to the very air between us. He was the last person I had seen with Alora, and I could still picture them together, her soft laughter, the tears glistening in her eyes, the way she had looked at him. It has haunted me every second since she vanished.I didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Where is she, Dylan?” My voice was low, laced with a fury that barely concealed the storm brewing beneath the surface. He looked at me with an expression that was a mix of confusion and guarded calm, but I could see the unease in his eyes. He was trying to keep his composure, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. He knew what this was about. “I don’t know where she is,” Dylan said, his voice steady, but there was something off, a slight tremor, a hesitation that made my blood boil.“Don’t lie to me,” I snarled, taking a step closer, my fists clenched so tightly t
Alora’s POVThree weeks. That’s how long I’ve been living in the human world, and I can say without hesitation that humans are better, far better, than werewolves. Or, at the very least, they’re better than the werewolves in my pack. The simplicity of their lives, the absence of pack politics, the way they go about their days without the constant weight of hierarchy and dominance, it’s a refreshing change. When I first arrived, I stayed at a modest motel, not far from the edge of town. It was nothing special, just a place to lay my head while I figured things out. But soon, I realized I needed something more permanent, a place I could call my own. So, I started looking for an apartment nearby. It didn’t take long before I found one, a cozy little place in a quiet neighborhood, just a few blocks from the motel.The landlord was a kind woman in her late fifties, with a warmth that reminded me of the mothers I’d read about in human novels. She had this way of making you feel at home
Third Person’s POV The witches of the coven had been watching Alora from the shadows ever since she made her escape into the human world. They followed her every move, cloaked in secrecy, their whispers carried only by the wind. To them, Alora's departure from the pack was a victory in itself. She had finally broken free from the chains that bound her to a world of cruelty and torment. They knew that her presence in the human world would make her stronger, more resilient. It was only a matter of time before she realized her full potential, potential that the witches had been patiently waiting to cultivate."She has finally escaped," whispered Elysia, the elder witch with silver hair cascading down her back. Her voice was filled with a mixture of pride and anticipation. "Our queen is out of their grasp."The other witches nodded in agreement, their eyes glinting with dark satisfaction. They had long despised werewolves, viewing them as nothing more than savage beasts who dared to cl
Rune’s POVThe days without Alora dragged on, each one more tortuous than the last. The emptiness she left behind gnawed at me, a constant ache that no amount of work or distraction could dull. I would find myself staring out of my office window, my mind wandering back to the last time I saw her. The image of her smiling at Dylan haunted me, a bitter reminder that she was somewhere out there, out of my reach. Weeks passed, and with them came a growing sense of dread that something was terribly wrong. It wasn’t just the void Alora had left in my life; it was the pack itself. I tried to focus on my duties, to manage the pack as best as I could, but things were starting to unravel. The first sign was subtle, a few packs reaching out, stating they were reconsidering their alliance with us. It was unusual, but I didn’t think much of it at first. After all, alliances could be fickle, and I was confident that I could smooth things over.But then, more packs followed suit. The rejections
Alora’s POVThe morning light filtered through the windows as I breezed into the kitchen, the familiar scent of sizzling bacon and fresh bread wafting through the air. It had been a few weeks since I started working at the restaurant, and every day felt like a small victory. The kitchen was alive with the clatter of pots and pans, the hiss of steam, and the soft hum of conversations among the helpers. Maria’s Place. That’s what the restaurant was called, named after its owner, Maria, who had been running the place for as long as anyone in the neighborhood could remember. It was a quaint little spot, tucked away on a quiet street, but ever since I started working here, it seemed like the whole town couldn’t get enough of it.“Morning, Alora!” one of the helpers called out, a grin spreading across his face as he flipped a pancake onto a plate. “Morning!” I replied, tying my apron around my waist as I joined them at the counter. The morning rush was already in full swing, and the en
Rune’s POVI stood at the edge of the dais, my eyes scanning the crowd that had gathered to witness this charade. The sun beat down on us, casting long shadows over the pack members below. I knew what they saw when they looked at me, the Alpha, strong and unyielding, in control of everything and everyone around me. But they had no idea of the storm raging inside me.Beside me, Sienna grinned like the queen she thought she was, her smile wide and radiant as she waved at the familiar faces in the crowd. Her brunette hair shimmered in the sunlight, her eyes glowing with an excitement that made me sick to my core. She looked like she belonged here, standing next to me as if this was her rightful place. But every time I looked at her, I felt nothing but a deep, burning hatred.I hate her.The intensity of that hatred has grown with each passing day, feeding off my frustration and grief. It wasn’t just the fact that she was standing here next to me, pretending to be something she could ne
Third Person’s POVSienna reclined on the edge of Rune's bed, her body draped in the finest lace lingerie that hugged her curves perfectly. The soft fabric, delicate and alluring, made her feel powerful, every inch the seductress she knew she was. Her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she glanced around the room, the opulence of it a stark contrast to the simplicity of her usual surroundings. She had never felt more content, more in control, than she did at this moment.The mating ceremony had been completed just hours ago. The pack celebrated, congratulating her on becoming the new Luna, even though Rune had stubbornly refused to mark her neck. She had expected that, of course. Rune was nothing if not obstinate, especially when it came to her. But that was fine. She had time. The bond was sealed, and in the eyes of the pack, they were as good as mated. The mark could come later. For now, she reveled in her triumph. The plan had worked flawlessly, and Rune had no idea just how
Alora’s POVThe next morning I woke up to the scent of roasted meat that filled the cave. It was the fifth day in a row that food had mysteriously appeared, always placed at the edge of the cave far enough away that it seemed like whoever was delivering it didn’t want to intrude. It was always the same, roasted animal meat still warm, smelling so tempting that I couldn’t help but devour it the moment I woke up. It wasn’t elegant, it wasn’t pretty, but I ate like I hadn’t seen food in days because I hadn’t. For the first three days I’d survived on nothing but hope and desperation. The thought that Rune might come back had kept me going but now... now, I was just clinging to whatever kept my body strong enough to move. I need to feed my daughter with the little food I have in my tummy. The sixth day passed the same way food left at the entrance, hot and ready. I wondered if the woman from Rune’s pack was behind it, realizing Rune wasn’t coming back. It was a comfort to imagine that
Alora’s POVI woke up the next morning, the bed cold and empty beside me. Rune was gone. I blinked up at the dim cave ceiling, feeling the chill settle around me as I stretched my aching limbs. I smiled thinking about yesterday night and how Rune took what he wanted without reserve. My whole body was worn out sore in places I didn’t even know could ache. But it was a good kind of exhaustion, the kind that came after the best sleep I’ve had in forever. I hope we can do it again soon to forget all about our future problems. Pulling on my clothes I glanced at Nevaeh, still fast asleep in her crib. Relief hit me like a wave as I noticed her breathing was steady and calm, her tiny chest rising and falling like it should. She is alright. My eyes stung and I had to swallow back the emotion that swelled in my throat. I leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead feeling her soft warmth against my lips. I had almost given up almost thought I'd lose her, and now, here she was alive
Alora’s POV He has so much control this night. I don’t have it but he seem to have tons of it tonight. I tried to steady myself, hands pressing into the rough stone floor of the cave, but he reached out and gripped my wrists guiding them back to hold myself open for him. “Don’t let go,” he murmured, his voice low and commanding. The tone was laced with a hint of danger, one I’d grown both wary of and drawn to. Then, I felt the cool sensation of liquid against me. Is that his… saliva? My pulse quickened as he spread it over my most sensitive areas, each touch deliberate and torturously slow. Before I could even brace myself, Rune’s hands tightened on my hips, and in one swift, powerful thrust, he entered me. The force made me gasp, the shock of it going through me as his body claimed mine entirely. The sensation was overwhelming, his presence consuming, leaving me no room to breathe or think, only to feel. His breath was hot against my neck and his dark whisper sent a thri
Alora’s POVIn the dim light of the cave, the raw, primal need in Rune’s gaze felt like a live wire running through the air. He’d never looked at me like this before, with tensed lust, mixed with a fierce restraint that made the moment even more intoxicating. For me, every surge of arousal was fueled by my feelings for him. I wanted him more with each passing second, even as a flicker of nerves darted through me. “Turn around and walk to the bed,” he commanded, his voice gravelly.I turned slowly, letting my hips sway, feeling the weight of his gaze on me, heavy and searing. His need for control, for ownership, was almost palpable, and I knew he was savoring every inch of me.Nevaeh was in a crib by the fire to keep her warmer. I wonder how that strange woman knew but then I’m done questioning the reality I’m in now. “Get on your knees at the foot of it, face down, ass up” he said, voice low.I sucked in a breath, anticipation pooling in my core, and eased into the position, the ro
Alora’s POVHis tone held an edge that was unmistakable, and my pulse raced at the authority in his voice. This was different. This was the Rune that likes to play and doesn’t care we are in a cave right now with our daughter feet away. Rune had always been the one to reach for me first, to take charge by peeling away the layers himself, rough and impatient. But this... this felt like a test, like he wanted me to submit in every situation we were in. “Why…?” The word slipped out before I could stop it, but his expression hardened.“Don’t ask questions. When I tell you to strip, you strip. Now.” He said, his expression blank but heated. I flinched, my body reacting not out of fear but from the raw intensity in his voice. His gaze held me captive, and despite the ache of everything happening around us, the danger that loomed, this moment was our escape. My hands rose to the hem of my silk gown, trembling, anticipation curling in my stomach as I hesitated. The cave’s cool air prickl
Alora’s POVThe weight of everything we’d learned (the prophecies, the warnings, the strange woman with her cryptic knowledge) was too much. I felt like I was drowning under layers of secrets and mysteries, each one pulling me deeper. I couldn’t think straight, couldn’t focus. All I knew was that I needed relief, something to steady me, to quiet my mind and body. And I know where to get it. I know who would take away my worries and make me forget the last few weeks. I lay Nevaeh down gently on the plush bed, brushing a tender hand over her tiny arm, making sure she was safe and breathing steadily. But as I stepped back, my chest was tight, my nerves stretched so thin that I felt like I might snap. Yes, the cave has a little chamber with old stuff inside but very comfortable and warm. Like an old woman’s little haven. Turning, I found Rune’s gaze on me. His presence was a strange comfort in this overwhelming night. Without a word, I stepped toward him, closing the space between us
Alora’s POVHe tensed, a flicker of something crossing his eyes, worry, hesitation. His gaze drifted over to Nevaeh, then back to me. There was a weight to his expression, something more than the usual coldness.“I know what you’re thinking,” I said, my gaze softening at him. “If you’re worried about your pack, Rune, then go to them. I don’t need you to come with me. I just need my daughter safe. You can go back to them, to your responsibilities, if that’s what you want.”They also need him and I can’t keep dragging him down my problems. It seems like everything started with me not knowing my real parents then finding out they were the most powerful beings! He was silent, studying me, and for a moment, I saw the flicker of conflict behind his stoic exterior. But then, he shook his head, his resolve hardening. “I made a promise to you. And to her,” he murmured, reaching a hand out to brush his fingers across Nevaeh’s cheek. “I’ll see this through.”With a soft exhale, he drew me clos
Alora’s POV“The witches have been trying to stir war with the gods because their goddess was banished. They want revenge and they are coming for our mortal lineage.” “There’s more to this than you realize. My curse was not just for breaking a rule. It was to keep you hidden, safe. But I failed in that, and now they know.” “Your father… is a lycan. The last of its kind and that was what attracted me to him in the first place. The gods wanted him because he defied them to become a lycan. They know you carry his blood, a bloodline they thought was wiped out.” She paused, a moment of hesitation. “Your daughter’s life is in danger, but she also holds the key to a power they fear.” A cold dread settled over me. “What power?” She stepped closer, her form half in shadow. “The power to break the gods' own curses. She could free mortals from the chains the gods and will have more lycans in the mortal realm. She could shift the balance. They can’t afford to let that happen.” “So… they wo
Alora’s POVShortly after the Moon Goddess left, the hooded goddess entered. She moved with a quiet, steady grace over the floor. She approached silently, then held out two neatly folded sets of clothes.“Put these on,” she said, her voice soft but leaving no room for question.I exchanged a glance with Rune, and we both dressed quickly, the fabric strange but surprisingly comfortable. It felt odd, the simple act of wearing clothes again, and I sensed Rune’s protectiveness bristling under the surface. As soon as we finished, she gestured for us to follow her through the stone corridor, leading us to a dimly lit chamber. A table was set, two plates filled with food, and though my stomach was tight with tension, I realized how hungry I was. We sat down and ate, though Rune watched her carefully, his suspicion plain.Finally, she turned to him. “I need to speak to her alone.”Rune tensed, his hand drifting protectively toward mine. “If you think I’ll leave her here alone with you—”She