As I stood there, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I noticed them – my foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, and my long-lost brother, Henry, standing among the crowd. It had been years since I last saw them, and I never imagined I would reunite with them under these circumstances. But there they were, their faces etched with a blend of emotions, just like mine.As I reached them, my foster mother, Mrs. Brooks, was the first to react. Her eyes welled up with tears, and before I knew it, she was in my arms, hugging me tightly. "Veronica, my dear girl," she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion. "We never stopped thinking about you, never stopped loving you. We're so sorry for what happened."Tears welled up in my eyes too, but I quickly blinked them away. "I know, Mom," I whispered, using the title that had always felt right for her. "I understand. Life had its way of pulling us apart, but I'm here now, and that's what matters."My foster father, Mr
Veronica's POV"Mom, for the umpteenth time I'm telling you that I can't accept that fragile human as my mate!" Jason barked angrily as he paced around the large sitting room."Jason, she's your mate destined by the moon goddess. You can't just reject her because she's a human and not a werewolf like us" Mrs. Perry said calmly, shifting slightly from where she sat. She was a short petite woman with blonde hair."Mom, are you even listening to me? How do you expect me to get married to that 5'1" girl with brown, boring eyes and a freckles-stained face? She's too fragile! I bet she can't even lift a crate." Jason retorted, squeezing his face in disgust as though the thought of my face irked him."I need a strong and bold mate. This pack deserves a powerful Luna. I need someone who can support me if the pack is under an attack and not some weak, powerless human" He added, raising his voice a pitch higher this time."Keep your voice down!" Mrs. Perry replied sharply. Jason was visibly sha
Jason's POV:I can't believe the moon goddess mated me with a mere human and just to make matters worse, my mate is not just a human but the fragile and spoilt Veronica Brook. The slightest thought of that irks me.I'm going to be the Alpha after my dad and if there's a Luna that this pack needs, it is definitely a strong Luna just like my mom."Everyone will be here soon, and I want you to be of your best attitude. Even if you're going to reject your mate, at least show some respect to her parents and the members of the pack who'd be coming to the event tonight" mom said, looking slightly annoyed.I paced around the large living room nervously. I could hear Veronica's heartbeat loud and clear. By her rasped breath, I could tell that she was scared and probably about to cry. I could feel it. The mate bond was too strong coupled with my heightened sense of hearing.Urghh! How much I hated the thought or sight of weakness. Why would the moon goddess mate me with a weak human?I could he
"Wait, are you suspecting that I pushed my sister off this cliff?" Henry scoffed. "Veronica is missing because of you, Jason. You made a public disgrace of my sister and my family, yet you have the guts to get mad?" Henry's eyes widened as he made the last statement. "My sister is missing and probably dead because of you and I hope you live with the guilt for the rest of your life, Jason!" Tears were brimming at the corners of his eyes. I was torn between anger and confusion. A few seconds ago, Henry was acting like a psychopath who killed his sister. Now he's playing the victim role and accusing me of killing his sister. I badly wanted to land this motherfucker a blow on the face but I knew that would incite even more trouble for me. The pack members already see me as the heartless alpha who led his mate to her death and I don't want any more stares and accusing fingers. Slowly, I let go of Henry's collar regardless of the sinister feeling I had about him. I can't do anything to
Tyler's POV:As I drove to the shore of the sea that was situated in the heart of Nightshade Pack, I couldn't help but feel uncertain. I was blindly relying on my dreams and instincts but there was no harm in trying anyway. I am the Lycan King and I'm strong enough to defend myself in case of any danger.Staring at the vast ocean, I began to question my decision. How would I find someone I barely recognized? But I could strongly feel her presence, she is here and somehow, I have to find her. As I stepped out of my car and onto the shore, my boots sinking into the wet soil with every step I made, I felt the salty sea breeze fill my lungs. My eyes scanned the expansive beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of my daughter, Veronica. She had been lost for so long, and my heart yearned for her every day.But as the hours ticked by and the sun started to dip below the horizon, my hope began to fade. I was about to turn back, the weight of defeat heavy on my shoulders when I caught sight of some
Veronica's POV:I woke up to the sound of beeping machines and the faint scent of antiseptic. My eyes fluttered open, and I found myself in a hospital room with white walls and a single window. It took me a moment to realize where I was, and when I did, I couldn't remember how I got there.I tried to move, but my body felt heavy and unresponsive. Panic set in, and I frantically searched for some clue as to what had happened to me. My gaze fell on the flowers on the bedside table, and I saw a card that read, "Get well soon, Veronica. Love, Mom, and Dad."Veronica. That was my name. But who was Mom and Dad? Why couldn't I remember them?As if on cue, a nurse entered the room and saw that I was awake. She smiled warmly and checked my vitals, and walked out quickly. Only to re-enter with a man dressed in white whom I suppose to be the doctor."How're you doing Veronica?" He questioned, smiling broadly."Where am I? What happened to me?" my voice was barely above a whisper."My name is Dr.
Veronica's POV:A few minutes after Beatrice left the room, I began walking cautiously around the room. Touching the pieces of furniture and hoping that an object in the room might strike a cord and help me regain my memories but my efforts were futile. I walked to the window and drew the curtains open, I marveled at the sight of the beautiful garden. Everything in this place speaks a high volume of royalty and wealth.Exhausted, I step into the luxurious bathroom, the tiles cold beneath my bare feet. I pause to take in the opulence around me - the golden fixtures, the ornate mirrors, the plush towels neatly folded on the heated rack. It's all so familiar yet foreign at the same time.As I turn on the taps, the water cascades down in a soothing rush, inviting me to step inside. I slowly ease myself into the bathtub, relishing the warmth enveloping my body. I close my eyes, letting my mind drift as I soak in the fragrant bubbles. For a moment, I forget about the looming banquet, and t
Veronica's POV: I walked back to the dining area and settled into my seat and resumed eating. The table was silent as though something had happened in my absence. I poked my food with a little appetite as I felt discomfort tug at my subconscious mind. The silence was threatening and I really hoped that someone would say something. Gratefully, someone spoke up. It was Chloe, the Queen's mother. She sat right opposite my direction at the dining table with an air of regal elegance. Despite her advanced age, she carried herself with the grace and poise of a much younger woman. Her short, silver hair was neatly styled and her makeup was impeccably applied, emphasizing her sharp cheekbones and piercing gray eyes. Her stern expression never wavered, as if she were constantly sizing up the people around her. "So tell me, Tyler, is she a beta werewolf or is she just ordinary like her—" she began but was quickly interrupted by Tyler. "Mom, she barely survived and was just discharged from th
As I stood there, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I noticed them – my foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, and my long-lost brother, Henry, standing among the crowd. It had been years since I last saw them, and I never imagined I would reunite with them under these circumstances. But there they were, their faces etched with a blend of emotions, just like mine.As I reached them, my foster mother, Mrs. Brooks, was the first to react. Her eyes welled up with tears, and before I knew it, she was in my arms, hugging me tightly. "Veronica, my dear girl," she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion. "We never stopped thinking about you, never stopped loving you. We're so sorry for what happened."Tears welled up in my eyes too, but I quickly blinked them away. "I know, Mom," I whispered, using the title that had always felt right for her. "I understand. Life had its way of pulling us apart, but I'm here now, and that's what matters."My foster father, Mr
Veronica's POV:The palace corridor stretched before me, its grandeur a constant reminder of the responsibilities that now rested on my shoulders as the Luna of Nightshade pack. Yet, despite the regal surroundings, an uneasiness gnawed at my heart, a magnetic pull I could not ignore. The mate bond with Jason, my first mate and Alpha of Crescent pack, was too powerful to suppress any longer.With a deep breath, I made my decision. It was time to visit Crescent Pack and meet with Jason, to confront the feelings that had been tugging at my soul since the day of my coronation.As I stepped outside the palace, the cool breeze of the evening greeted me, carrying the scent of the forest and the promise of a new beginning. My entourage, including Draco, my ever-loyal companion, and a group of trusted guards, accompanied me on the journey.The path to Crescent pack was familiar, as it was the same route I had taken before, but this time, it felt different. Emotions surged within me like a torr
Veronica's POV: As Malia lay crumpled on the floor, her once formidable presence reduced to a broken figure, a solemn silence fell over the throne room. The weight of her actions hung heavy in the air, and the kingdom braced itself for the consequences that awaited her.My father, Tyler, the lycan king, stood tall and resolute, his voice ringing out with authority. "Malia," he declared, his tone laced with disappointment, "you have betrayed the trust of this kingdom and tarnished the honor of our bloodline. Your actions have brought pain and darkness upon this kingdom. For your crimes against the crown and its people, henceforth, you are stripped of your royal title and sentenced to the dungeons."Malia's once haughty demeanor had crumbled along with her monstrous form. She lay on the floor, broken and humbled by the events that had transpired. "Take her away," my father commanded.With his command, the guards swiftly moved forward, their grip firm as they encircled Malia and hoiste
Veronica's POV:The lycan king turned to Malia, his gaze piercing and stern. "Malia, you will have the opportunity to defend yourself, to address these accusations. But if they are proven true, there will be consequences.""Yes," I interjected, my voice steady but resolute. "I have proof, Father. I have gathered evidence, witnesses who can testify to the truth of my words."With a determined expression on my face, I turned to Melissa, my trusted lady-in-waiting, and beckoned her forward. With a graceful step forward, Melissa presented a small voice recorder in her hands, its sleek design gleaming under the palace's golden light. I held my breath, knowing that the contents of that recorder held the key to unraveling the web of deceit that had ensnared us for far too long.Turning to the lycan king, I spoke with unwavering resolve, my voice projecting strength and conviction. "Father, it is time to shed light on the darkest corners of our kingdom. Melissa has captured conversations, con
Veronica's POV:I could swear that Lucas was beyond shocked to see me standing before him. The look on his face resembled that of one who had seen a ghost just a few minutes ago."Vee… is… is that really you?" Lucas stammered as the expression on his face shifted from shock to a mixture of curiosity and disbelief. A victorious smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I drew near, and leaned in close to Lucas, my voice a mere whisper that only he could hear. "I've returned to reclaim the throne," I breathed, a touch of mischief dancing in my eyes.The words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in intrigue. Lucas's expression flickered between astonishment and intrigue, the weight of the revelation sinking in. I could almost taste the anticipation that radiated off him, mingling with the lingering sparks of our past.But before our silent exchange could continue, the grand doors of the throne room swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Tyler, the lycan king, accompanied by Malia
Lucas' POV:I walked briskly through the corridors of the palace, my mind preoccupied with the matters discussed during the council meeting. The council meeting had just concluded, and I was making my way toward the solitude of my royal chambers when I heard my mother's voice calling out to me."Lucas, dear, we need to talk," she said, her tone both gentle and firm. I turned around, my brows furrowing in confusion, and walked back to where she stood."Of course. What is it, Mother?" I asked, curiosity tinged with a hint of confusion. There was a seriousness in her eyes that made me wonder what could be so important.She smiled warmly. "Let us talk in the privacy of the royal chambers. There's something we need to address."She motioned for me to follow her, and we made our way to the familiar doors of the royal chambers. As we entered, the air grew still, and the air of the room seemed to grow thick. I took a seat, my mother joining me, her expression composed yet filled with a sense
Veronica's POV:The room was filled with a bittersweet ambiance as I carefully folded and packed our belongings, preparing for our journey back to the palace. Draco stood by, watching quietly, his eyes betraying a tinge of sadness as he observed me gathering our things.I folded a few clothes and placed them neatly in the suitcase, my mind racing with memories of our time together in this cozy home. It had been a place of solace and love, where Draco and I had built a beautiful life for ourselves and Zoey.Draco's voice broke the silence, filled with a mix of longing and restraint. "Veronica, are you sure about this? Leaving everything behind?"I turned to face him, a bittersweet smile gracing my lips. "Draco, I've thought long and hard about this decision. It's not easy, but I can't ignore the call of my responsibilities any longer. The palace is where I belong and it's about time I go back and reclaim ownership of the throne."His gaze softened as he reached out, his hand brushing a
Veronica's POV:As the months passed, my determination to master and control my wolf form grew stronger. I spent countless hours in the secluded clearing behind our house, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, honing my abilities and exploring the depths of my newfound power.On this particular day, the sun bathed the clearing in a warm golden glow as I stood at the center, my focus solely on the task at hand. My body felt energized, ready to embrace the challenges that awaited me.I took a deep breath, the crisp scent of the forest filling my nostrils, and closed my eyes, allowing the sounds of nature to envelop me. With each inhale and exhale, I envisioned myself tapping into the primal energy that resided within, ready to be unleashed."Focus, Veronica. Trust in yourself," I whispered to myself, my voice carrying the determination that burned within me.I began with a series of stretching exercises, my limbs moving fluidly as I prepared my body for the intense training that lay
Veronica's POV:As the werewolf lunged toward Zoey and me, a surge of unfamiliar energy coursed through my veins. Time seemed to slow as I felt a profound connection to the primal instincts within me. My eyes, once filled with fear, now blazed with a fiery crimson hue. At that moment, I knew I had tapped into a power I had never before experienced.Before my very eyes, my human form began to shift and contort. With a deep breath, I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to the forces coursing through my body. I felt a peculiar sensation as if an invisible force was pulling and molding my very being. My heart pounded in my chest, matching the erratic rhythm of my breath.Suddenly, my bones began to shift and crack, contorting under the strain of an unknown power. Waves of agony coursed through me, mingling with a strange mix of fear and exhilaration. I tried to understand the inexplicable transformation that was overtaking me, but my thoughts were drowned out by the overwhelming intensity