Alora’s POV Managing the restaurant was a task I had come to love, even with the weight of responsibility growing heavier on my shoulders each day. After Maria's passing, I had taken on the mantle of running the place, a job that required more energy and focus than I had ever anticipated. The days were long, filled with the constant demands of customers, the endless orders from the kitchen, and the steady stream of workers who looked to me for direction. But it was also a task that grounded me, giving me purpose and keeping my mind off other things… things that were better left buried. The restaurant—Maria’s beloved creation—had become my sanctuary. I poured everything I had into keeping it running smoothly, ensuring that her legacy lived on. The staff, most of whom had been with Maria for years, were like a family to me now. They had welcomed me into their fold, trusting my judgment and following my lead. It wasn’t easy, but somehow, we made it work. “Morning, Hazel!” Lucy g
Rune’s POV The alliances that once seemed so unshakable were now crumbling before my eyes, and I was left trying to hold together the fraying threads of our relationships with the other packs. The tension had been growing for weeks, with whispers of dissatisfaction and subtle shifts in loyalty. What had once been a solid network of support was now a web of uncertainty, and it was my responsibility to prevent everything from falling apart. I had spent countless hours in meetings, poring over agreements and trying to understand what had gone wrong. Why were the packs suddenly distancing themselves? I couldn’t afford to let our alliances collapse; the stability of everything we had worked for depended on it. And yet, every conversation seemed to bring more questions than answers. Frustration gnawed at me as I prepared for yet another journey, this time to visit each of the packs in person. The first stop was a pack known for its strength and loyalty, at least, they had been loyal
Alora’s POVMy body jerked awake, but I couldn't move. My chest was heaving, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps as I tried to calm myself. The nightmare was still clinging to me, thick and suffocating, like a shroud I couldn't shake off. My mind raced with the images, the ethereal women with silver hair, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light, their voices whispering things I could barely comprehend.Your Majesty... We will make him pay.The words echoed in my mind, sending a shiver down my spine. I was drenched in sweat, my body trembling uncontrollably. I couldn’t tell if it was from fear, exhaustion, or something else entirely. What was happening to me? Why were these women haunting my dreams, and what did they want from me? I wasn’t their queen. I was just Alora… broken, bruised, barely holding on.The girl everyone wants nothing to do with. The girl her parents abandoned because they found out she wasn’t their biological daughter. Nothing hurts more than this. I tried
Rune’s POVBy the time I finally returned to the pack, my body was beyond exhaustion. My muscles ached, my head pounded, and all I wanted was a moment of peace to collect my thoughts. The journey had been grueling, both physically and mentally, as I tried to salvage the crumbling alliances that once held the pack's power secure. But despite my best efforts, the Alphas I met with wouldn’t budge. They offered polite refusals, their eyes betraying a deeper reluctance, as if something unseen was forcing their hand. It was frustrating, maddening even, to see them speak with a strange mixture of regret and resignation, as if they were bound by chains I couldn’t see.I had barely stepped into the pack house when Sienna appeared, her presence like a viper in the shadows. She was draped in a silk robe that barely clung to her body, the fabric slipping down her shoulders in a way that was anything but accidental. Her lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, a predatory gleam ther
Alora’s POV I stood in front of the mirror, gently running my fingers over my baby bump. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I marveled at the little life growing inside of me. It was surreal, this feeling of anticipation and love that bubbled up inside me. Despite everything, the nightmares, this was something pure, something mine. A tiny heartbeat, reminding me that there was still something good in this world, even if it was just the two of us. I leaned back a little, studying the way my body had changed. My belly had grown more noticeable in the past few weeks, rounding out in a way that made it impossible to hide. Not that I wanted to anymore. This was my baby, my future, and for once, I allowed myself to feel a flicker of excitement. It was about time to start preparing for the little one’s arrival. The thought of shopping for baby clothes, cribs, and all the other necessities crossed my mind. I hadn’t done any of it yet, too preoccupied with the pack’s issues a
Rune’s POV I walked through the dense trees that led to the small wooden cabin tucked away at the edge of our territory, feeling the familiar crunch of leaves underfoot. The air was cool, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, but none of that could ease the knot tightening in my chest. I hadn't visited the Prophetess in weeks, and considering the mess that my life had become, I had a feeling she'd give me hell for it. She was old—probably older than anyone in the pack knew. Blind too, but still stronger than most men. Her wiry frame moved like it carried the strength of three wolves, and no one doubted that the Moon Goddess had chosen her for a reason. Even though she could no longer see, she saw through all of us, and I had always appreciated that about her. No one could lie to the Prophetess.I knocked on the worn door, half-expecting her to shout at me before I could even enter. Sure enough, her raspy voice called out from within, “Took you long enough, pup. Thought you'd
Alora’s POV The nightmare came like a suffocating fog, thick and choking. I was trapped in it before I even realized I was dreaming. My surroundings shifted and blurred, a twisting mess of shadow and light. And there, in the distance, stood Rune. He wasn’t the Rune I once knew. He wasn’t the brother who’d doted on me in childhood, with his warm smiles and protective embrace. No, this Rune was a monster. His eyes glowed an unnatural red, piercing through the darkness. I tried to move, to run, but my body was frozen, as though invisible chains bound me to the ground. Panic surged through me, my breath quickening as I struggled against the invisible force holding me in place. Rune stepped closer, his presence swallowing up everything around me. The closer he got, the darker it became, until the world seemed to disappear entirely, leaving just the two of us. His eyes locked onto mine, and I could feel the weight of his gaze, heavy and cold. It seeped into my skin, curling around
Rune’s POVI woke up the next morning feeling more energized than I had in months. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my chest, and for the first time, I could breathe again. The meeting with the prophetess lingered in my mind, her words echoing in my thoughts. ‘Only Alora could break the curse.”I didn't know the full extent of what that meant, but I knew one thing: I had to find her. Wherever she was, whatever it took, I would bring her back. She must come back home. The surge of energy I felt now was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. It coursed through my veins, igniting a determination that pushed me out of bed and into action. I wasn’t going to wait around for more packs to fall or for the curse to sink its claws deeper into my life. I was going to track Alora down, even if it meant going to the ends of the earth.Sienna had started avoiding me, which was for her own good. In the mood I was in, I didn’t know what I’d do if she crossed my path. I might end
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