"Where's Violet?" My dad was quick to ask as he settled into the sitting room. He wasn't looking much different from when last I had saw him. Aside from the fact that he was aging from day to day.
This was exactly what I was trying to prevent. I hated moments like this, where he would have to question me like a child.
"Dad, I'm old enough. I'm no longer a child. I'm old enough to make decisions for myself!" I yelled, my head pounding. My dad was a man of control; he loved being in control, and when he said something, he wanted it done his way. He was mostly the reason why I had to marry Violet.
"You're old enough to make decisions, and yet you have to make a stupid one. I didn't ask for any story. Where is Violet?" His voice boomed through the room. I could tell he was losing his patience.
"She's gone!" I looked away; the word was hard to say. Heaven knows I didn't intend to let her go. That was a choice she made on her own.
I watched as his face fell with disappointment.
"I'll give you two days. Two freaking days to bring back Violet and take that woman away, or else..."
"Or else what?" I didn't know where the bravery came from, but I was done with being Daddy's boy.
"Or else... Whatever you see, you take it!" He grunted. He was shocked at the nerve I had replying back to him.
I knew my father was a man of his word, but I didn't feel threatened. I was already mad at myself, my wolf was also mad at me, and now my dad.
I sighed as I watched him walk away without saying another word to me.
"You're just getting started," Kai mocked.
"Oh, shut it!" I snarled at him.
---
Violet's POV
Mason had offered to walk me home after insisting that I wouldn't be strong enough to handle Nina. And here we were, deeply engaged in conversation as we walked. Surprisingly, he possessed a charming sense of humor, complementing his handsome appearance.
"So, tell me, where did you stay before you moved to town?" He queried, flashing another smile as he stared at me.
His look was charming, friendly, and welcoming. I didn't even realize how hard I was smiling back at him.
"Um... I was staying with a distant cousin of mine in New York," I lied. Of course, I had to tell a lie because no one from the Redmoon pack would tolerate knowing I'm from the Silvermoon pack.
"Oh, that's nice. I do travel to New York on certain occasions. I've visited like eight cities there," his response made my heart beat erratically. If he often visited New York, then... I hoped he wouldn't ask me questions I couldn't answer.
"So, where do you stay in New York?" There came the question I dreaded so much. I hesitated for a moment.
"Uhmm... Rochester?" It sounded like a question as I blurted it out.
"Rochester!" I confirmed, blinking rapidly. Thanks to the geography class I had back then in high school, else I was screwed.
"Oh, Rochester, that's nice. I visit there quite often," his response made me think twice. Who was this guy?
"Are you by any chance a globetrotter?"
He chuckled, revealing those pearly whites.
"You can say that again. I'm actually a businessman, so I do travel widely. Just for business purposes," he explained.
"That sounds exciting! Traveling for business must offer you a unique perspective on different cultures and markets."
"And how about you?" His question sank deeply into my soul.
What about me? I do Luna for a living, controlling the entire Silvermoon pack, and assisting the Alpha. But well, that was the past, and it was time to move on.
"Me? I'm a chef..." I lied again, well, that can't be an entire lie because I cook exquisitely, and it was a course I studied back in university. So, it wasn't really a lie.
"Oh, that's nice. I'm hosting this event. So, I'll be needing your service. What do you say?" He winked at me.
"I can't say no if money is involved, and I get paid according to what I deserve,"
"Well, so tell me, what's your charge?" He asked again.
"We'll discuss that on business terms, Mason," I smiled at him, then halted as we reached the entrance to my grandmother's house.
"So, we are here. Thank you for your help," I smiled at him, then collected Nina and waved goodbye as I took her back to her stable.
"Who was that fine young man? I only saw his shadow," Mama's voice startled me as I turned to face her.
"Oh, that was Mason. He helped me with Nina; she almost threw me to the floor, but Mason helped me," I recounted the experience to her; the incident was still fresh in my head.
"I told you about Nina; her lineage is ancestral. That's the reason I don't want to sell her off yet. You could lose the baby if you keep doing something strenuous," my grandmother's words made me realize that if Mason hadn't been there to catch me, then I might have fallen to the ground and perhaps lost the baby. The realization made me gasp.
"I'm sorry, Mama, I won't do that again."
"It's okay. Anyway, you need to visit the Manor today. The Alpha king is back from his travels, and you need to be introduced to him as a new member of the pack," Mama explained.
Of course, as Luna, I knew that every new member that moves into a pack must be introduced to the Alpha King, just in case of intruders.
"Okay, I just need to freshen up then," I muttered as I walked inside.
"You just have to do as I say, and all will be fine," Mama's voice echoed after me as I got inside the shower.
Adrian It's been weeks since my father threat, not like I give a damn anyways. I'd put effort in carrying out a search for Violet, but she was no where to be found. Though I was bothered, but I also had my concern laced on Emily. She's my major concern as of now.One Knock. Two Knock. Three!, Yet no response, I opened the door as I walked inside."Emily?" I called out, my heart racing as I approached her bedside. My pulse quickened as I saw her lying there, her body tense and huddled together."You're here," she whimpered, and a wave of calm washed over me."Yes, I am. My dearest Emily," I whispered, gently touching her face. Guilt washed over me as I realized how I had neglected her over the past few weeks, despite knowing full well about her medical condition."I can't express how relieved I am to see you. I thought you had truly left me. I could only see shadows. I feared I'd have to breathe without you by my side... I thought," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion."Em
Adrian's POVThe days that followed felt like pure torture. Ares, my wolf, was purposely ridiculing me. I could hardly focus on anything, my appetite was gone... my thoughts were everywhere and nowhere. It was wearing me out, all thanks to Dad."I have to put an end to this," I thought."Finally," Ares said in a mocking tone which I ignored. Lately, I preferred shorter conversations; they were less draining.Drumming my fingers against my table, I moved my feet aimlessly, my body already becoming restless from my indecisive state. Slowly, an all too familiar emotion began to spread across my chest, causing my breaths to become heavier as I clenched my fist."Damn it!" I cursed, banging my hands against the table."Don't tell me you're going to blame your mishap on your father," Ares said. "I'll advise you not to do anything reckless, Adrian." Gone was his mocking voice; now he sounded serious, but I didn't care. I had bigger fish to fry."In case you've forgotten, I'm at stake of losi
VIOLET It was as though I'd thrown away my courtesy after leaving Silver Moon. I rushed out again and was grateful to spot Mason's back, only a house away."Mason!" I hollered, waving my right hand at him as he halted in his steps. Hurrying out, I quickly caught up with him."Sorry for my manners, I don't know what's gotten over me lately," I sighed, tucking a lock of hair behind my ears. It was very windy."This is the second time you're apologizing," he said observantly, his full eyebrows raised."I know, I forgot to walk you—" I began to ramble."God, no, Violet. It's the other way around, actually," Mason said, letting out a little chuckle. I could feel the color rising in my cheeks. If I was being honest, I was a bit embarrassed."Okay then. I'll see you around," I managed to smile as I lowered my eyes."You too, take care," he said. I quickly turned around, relieved to see him going.The aroma of roasted chicken greeted my nose as soon as I stepped into the kitchen, where my gr
Stretching my legs, I heard a low rumbling sound from my stomach, like a bad engine trying to gear up. Instinctively, my hands stretched to my stomach and I rubbed it lovingly, the thought of a new life inside me bringing a smile to my face.A few months ago, I would have thought it was hunger, but now I was sure it was my baby. My precious baby."How are you feeling this morning? Don't worry, you'll be out soon," I said in a soothing voice to my stomach. I did that every day since I read that babies could respond to their mothers' voices even in the womb."You'll have your great-grandmother and me to take care of you." The thought of his father not being in the picture sounded a bit sad, but what could I do?"I'll take care of you to my fullest, even if it costs me my life," I added, remembering my grandmother's words about Mason. The thought of him ripping my baby away from me made me wrap my hands around my slightly swollen stomach, my protective instincts kicking in."I love you,
"She's new in the pack, let's give her some time to adjust. Please," Mason said in a low, gentle voice that spoke volumes of authority despite its tone.Rhoda, the aggressive lady, gave me a quick glance before nodding reluctantly. Letting out a sigh, I made a mental note to remember I was no longer a Luna and that I wasn't in my pack anymore. I found it difficult to bow to anyone since I was used to people bowing to me and because of that, I ended up causing tension.I sighed again. Glancing at Mason, I felt strangely grateful for his help."Thank you, Alpha," I mumbled as I strode past him, my grandmother now close behind me. I could feel her eyes boring into my head from behind.Acknowledging my apology with a slow blink, he called to his Beta, Hans, a slightly tall man with tired eyes that bore a scar above them and fast legs that made him look like he was in a hurry."Hans, take her to the ballroom and make sure she has everything she needs for preparations," Mason said briskly,
Violet's POVPouring all my attention into what I was doing, I prayed someone would call him away, what was he even coming towards here for anyway? I wondered angrily and in my anger, I mistakenly pricked my finger with a needle. "Ouch!" I winced shaking my wrists, now his cologne was closer, and even with my hair covering the sides of my face I could see him coming, Grandma Charlotte wasn't going to like this one bit. "Watcha doing?" He asked, his head a few inches away from mine, I could hear the smile in his voice. "Nothing," I said too quickly and his brows arched slightly, a glint of amusement he always seemed to possess lurking behind them. Facing him fully, I tucked my hair behind my ear"Fine I'm doing something, a lot actually" I agreed rolling my eyes and he chuckled. "You're doing a great job for sure. I've been watching you for some time and I can only say I'm impressed" I looked up at him and gone was the flirty look on his face ...he was serious and he'd also been
Mason's POVI found myself happier than usual. At first, I thought it was because of the upcoming ball, but somewhere deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. Last year, I’d also supervised the ball preparations and had been very restless. Yet today, I was grinning like a schoolboy. There was still something else about today...“Fold it again,” Violet said absently, stretching her hands towards me to grab a pair of scissors.Staring at her for some time, I carefully took note of how gracefully she carried herself. She spoke so carefully, like royalty, and her poise wasn’t something you could miss. It was elegant. Did caterers have a certain elegance to them? I wondered.“Don’t be silly. Of course, they don’t,” my wolf, Finn, said.“I wish we could solve this mystery,” he said, sounding thoughtful. I had to agree.“There’s just something about her,” I said through the mind link. “Like there’s more to her.” Immediately after I said it, I was surprised. When did I start making sappy statement
Inhaling the deep country air, I was grateful for the cool breeze that tousled my hair and the soothing calm sounds from swaying stalks of wheat as they danced to the wind.Breathing in, I let my mind wander off to Emily. It had been weeks since I'd seen her last, my brows furrowed as I remembered my promise to myself. Silently cursing, I wiped my forehead with my palms and sighed.I had little knowledge about her health status at the moment. It was one of those things Emily didn't like talking about, and because of that, she promised me not to ask about it except when we met face to face.Slouching against my seat, I stared up at the white ceiling, wondering what was taking the doctor so long. I'd arrived at home about two minutes ago and was told I couldn't see Emily right away because she was being examined.Trying to reduce my restlessness, which was a result of so many things, but one in particular, my dad's order for me to leave Emily...it was impossible, what he was asking for.
Violet POV I wake up feeling sore but utterly satisfied. My body aches with the remnants of last night, Adrian's touch still lingering on my skin. A soft smile tugs at my lips as I stretch, expecting to feel his warmth beside me. But when I turn, the bed is empty.Frowning, I sit up, wrapping the sheets around me. Where did he go?Before I can call out for him, the door creaks open.Adrian steps in, dressed in only sweatpants, his toned chest bare, his dark hair still damp from a shower. But what catches my attention is the small velvet box in his hands.My breath hitches.He walks toward me with that confident stride, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. My heart starts hammering in my chest."Adrian?" My voice is barely above a whisper.He stops in front of me, and without a second's hesitation, he sinks down to one knee.I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth."Violet," he begins, his voice steady but thick with emotion. "From the moment you came into my life, you've been my greatest
Violet's POVI barely have a moment to catch my breath before Adrian lifts me into his arms, his grip strong and possessive. My body is still trembling, my mind hazy from the pleasure he just wrung out of me, but the hunger in his eyes tells me he's far from done."We're not finished," he growls, his voice thick with desire.I shudder at the dark promise in his tone.Adrian strides out of the pool, his muscles flexing with each determined step. Water drips from his body, soaking me in the process, but I don't care. My fingers tangle in his damp hair, my lips pressing against the curve of his jaw, his neck. I can't get enough of him.His grip tightens around me as he carries me through the pack house, ignoring the startled glances from a few passing pack members. My cheeks burn, but Adrian doesn't slow down. His focus is solely on me-on us.By the time we reach his room, my arousal is pulsing all over again. He kicks the door shut behind him, then pins me against it.His lips crash aga
ADRIAN POV I pulled my finger out from her already wet dripping pussy, and she squirms.My cock aches, hard and pulsing, but I hold back, watching her beneath me. Violet is trembling, her breath coming out in soft, desperate gasps as she squirms against the wall."You enjoy teasing me, don't you?" I murmur, dragging my lips down her throat, my teeth grazing her pulse. Her body shudders, her nails digging into my shoulders."Adrian..." she breathes, her voice laced with frustration.I chuckle darkly. "No, sweetheart. You don't get to say my name like that-not after the hell you put me through."She glares at me, her stubbornness flashing in those beautiful eyes, but the desperation in them is unmistakable. She wants this. She needs this.I press my knee between her thighs, spreading her legs wider, feeling the heat radiating from her core. My fingers glide down her stomach, teasing the waistband of her shorts."I can smell you, Violet," I whisper, my fingers just barely ghosting over
ADRIAN POV The Rogue Alpha had stopped screaming a while ago. Now, he only groaned, barely clinging to consciousness as his severed fingers lay discarded on the cold floor. Blood pooled beneath him, I barely noticed.I crouched in front of him, gripping his chin and forcing his head up. His swollen, bloodshot eyes struggled to focus on me."I told you," I murmured, my voice eerily calm. "You were going to die a slow, painful death."His lips curled into a weak, mocking smirk. "Just kill me already,?" His breath hitched, his body convulsing from the pain.I narrowed my eyes, my grip tightening painfully. "You're already dead. It's just a matter of when."He let out a hoarse chuckle, but I was done listening. My fist connected with his jaw, the crack of bone satisfying as his body slumped forward.Without another glance, I turned and walked out of the dungeon, slamming the door behind me.The cool evening breeze was exactly what I needed to cool the heat Of battle still pulsing through
VIOLET POV The moment I open my eyes, my first thought goes to Adrian-the mate mark on my neck burning like a reminder.His voice reaches me, low and desperate, as he sits beside my bed, repeating over and over again, "Sit up. Don't die on me."It aches... watching him suffer, knowing his mate, the one he stood beside, waiting so patiently to wake up, didn't even recognize him.The Shadow Alpha... I'm glad he's beaten down. But why am I doing this? Honestly, I don't even know. The plan I made was half-baked, driven by instinct more than logic.But Mason? He's sharp enough to see right through me. He knows I'm just pranking him."You enjoy needling him, don't you?" Mason asks the moment Adrian storms out of the room, his heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway.I turn to look at him, the laughter I'd been holding back finally breaking free. "Did you see his face?" I chuckle, shaking my head. "He looked like he was ready to rip your throat out."Mason grins, lounging back against the
Adrian POV Three days.Three fucking days.But it doesn't feel like just three days of agony. It feels like a lifetime. Like I'm drowning in slow motion, gasping for air while the world watches and does nothing.Harry's been calling me Daddy like he's afraid I'll disappear if he stops. He's been jumping around, tugging at my hand, showing me drawings he made in the hospital's playroom. He even drew one of Violet, him, and me. A perfect little family, all smiles and holding hands.But that's a fucking lie.Because Violet had to pretend.After the doctors explained everything-her memory loss, the gaps in her mind that swallowed me whole-she agreed to go along with the truth for Harry's sake. Not mine. Just Harry's."Daddy, look! I made another one!" Harry beams, holding up a messy drawing of us with stick arms and lopsided smiles. "This is you, Mommy, and me! We're fighting bad guys together!"I force a smile. It feels fake. Stiff."That's awesome, buddy," I say, ruffling his dark hair
ADRIAN POV "Violet, I love you. And I promise to make everything right. Just give me this chance and come back... please." My bears frantically as I say these words. Ares is clawing right at me. It's another day of saying the same words, over and over again.I've battled demons that won't let me sleep. Nightmares. Guilt. Regret. But I refuse to break."I won't give up. No, I can't give up," I mutter, gripping her cold, lifeless hand like it's the only thing keeping me grounded.My body tingles from the contact, the familiar warmth of her skin, even in its fragile state. I miss her, we missed her. Ares and I. Her smiles... How her eyes sparkles... How she looks when she's angry and wants to deliver a warning. The soft looks of her eyes. I fucking miss all of it and more."Sweetheart, please," I whisper, brushing a loose strand of hair from her pale face. "Harry misses you so much. He won't stop talking about everything you taught him-the nasty tricks, too. Like how you'd seize his
Adrian POV It's been two days, and I haven't moved an inch away from where Violet lay. She was all I fucking had.I almost lost her. She almost died. I felt her die."Alpha, you need to rest," Reynold's voice cuts through the silence that was existing I'm the room. I turn my head slowly, blinking at him.Rest? That's an understatement. I don't want to move. I want to sit here, watch her breathe, and make sure her chest rises and falls every goddamn second.The doctor says she's in a coma and will need a few days to recover. I want to be the first person she sees when her eyes flutter open. The first person she calls. The first person to watch her smile again, bright and alive.No. I can't. I won't move from here."What about Alpha Valenwood?" I ask, voice hoarse from hours of silence. He'd checked up on her and had been staying in my pack house ever since."He's still there, bonding with Harry," Reynold reports, his gaze softening. "Speaking of Harry... he hasn't touched a bite of fo
Adrian POV Ares growls inside me, restless and furious. We're holding our mate in our arms, but she's lifeless. Whatever the fucker injected into that syringe had done its job, and now Violet's life is slipping through my fingers. He won't die easily. Not after this."Reynold," I mind-link, voice sharp as steel. "Capture that bastard. I want him rotting in the pack dungeon. No one touches him but me.""Understood, Alpha," Reynold replies, his tone matching my rage.By the time I storm into my pack's hospital, Violet's body cradled against my chest, everyone freezes. Gasps echo through the hallway, but I don't care. My only prayer is that Harry's still indoors, far from witnessing this nightmare."Alpha!" Dr. Lee rushes toward me, eyes wide."Get to fucking work! She's losing breath. She's dying, Lee! Do something!" My voice cracks as I lay her on the bed, the same damn bed I once bled out on.Dr. Lee doesn't waste a second. He mutters commands, nurses scrambling around like clockwork