Veronica's POV:
"Chloe, watch your words." I heard my dad growl, his expression was aggressive and I could see his eyes glow red. "Veronica is part of the royal family and you must treat her as one. If you feel uncomfortable about her presence in the palace then you should leave and go back to your pack."Malia was taken aback by Tyler's words. "My king, isn't that a bit harsh? Besides Chloe was just concerned about your health.""Concerned?" Tyler blurted out angrily. " Where was she when I lay unconscious on the hospital bed? She was parading around with her uncultured beta wolf friends and showing off entitled wealth."It was obvious that my dad already had a pent-up grudge against Chloe and couldn't help but explode at the slightest inconvenience that just happened. Chloe bowed her head in shame as my dad went on with his tirade."You should teach your mother how to act like royalty and if the settings of this home do not sit right wLucas POV:I dismissed Matilda immediately and headed to the palace. My little hide-and-seek game has been exposed and I had to find a plausible excuse that would sweep her off her feet. Turning towards the hallway that led to my room, I met Parrish coming in the opposite direction."Hey man, what are you doing in the palace?" I asked, surprised to see him walk into the palace on his own freewill because Parrish wasn't the political kind of person "Your Majesty," Parrish greeted. It felt odd because he barely speaks to me formally. "What the fuck is going on. You know what, let's go inside my room and talk," I quickly said, gesturing at my room's door. We walked into my room and Parrish mouthed a 'what the fuck' in surprise as he looked around the large and sparsely furnished room."So much simplicity for a Prince, yeah?" Parrish mocked, a wide grin spread across his face. I inhaled deeply as I took off my training clothes and
Veronica's POV:It was getting dark and after I spent an hour crying out my heart, I headed back to my room. As I got into my room, I walked into the bathroom and slumped into the bathtub, and sank into the warm water that seemed to briefly wash away my sorrows. I couldn't believe that Lucas could betray me in such a way. I loved him with every fiber of my being and offered my body to him on a platter but he chose to be with Matilda, a mere pack warrior.Anger boiled in my stomach as I recalled the events of the day. I blinked away the tears from dropping. I have cried a lot today and I was having a throbbing headache. I heard a soft knock on the door but I felt too numb to lift myself from the bathtub. I had found solace in the little confinement of the bathtub and I wasn't willing to leave yet."Who's there?" My voice croaked. Somehow, I expected it to be Lucas. Despite how much he hurt me, I still wanted to see him again and maybe hope that he will apol
Lucas' POV:I couldn't believe my eyes when I stared at the message notification from Matilda which read:"I know all your dirty little secrets with Veronica and how you and the queen intend on killing Veronica. I'm sure you don't want anyone else to hear your secrets. You know where to find me"My heart pounded against my chest as I walked out of Veronica's room and through the dimly lit palace hallway, ignoring the confused stare I got from Veronica's lady-in-waiting. I walked to my room and picked up my car keys and a pair of white joggers. My stomach knotted in anger and fear and as I headed to the garage, I aggressively brushed past a palace servant and the tray he held in his hand came crashing on the floor but I didn't spare him a glance.I climbed into my car and kicked the engine to life, my heart thumping loudly as I gripped the steering wheel tightly and drove out of the palace gates. I got to the entrance of the dense forest where I an
Matilda's POV:As I clung to Lucas in the branch of the sycamore tree, the darkness of the dense woods enveloped us. Our naked bodies pressed close, seeking comfort and solace in each other's arms. We had been caught in a moment of passion, but now we were hidden, waiting, listening.Footsteps approached, and my heart pounded in my chest. Lucas and I exchanged worried glances, our breaths coming out in shallow gasps. We strained our eyes to see through the darkness, and as the figure drew closer, I recognized him - Parrish, Lucas' friend.My grip on Lucas tightened as we watched in horror. Parrish was dragging a smaller guy by the scruff of his neck. I could barely make out the guy's face, battered and bruised from the blows Parrish was landing on him at intervals. Parrish suddenly transformed into his wolf form, his fur bristling with rage, and the smaller guy followed suit. The two wolves circled each other, growling and snarling, their eyes gl
Veronica's POV:I saw Matilda heading in my direction and I couldn't stand the thought of acting inferior before her. I won't let her snatch Lucas from me. I walked up to her with a forceful smile on my face."Hi, Matilda, it's been a while," I said, stretching my hand for a handshake. She was taken aback by my sudden friendliness and stared at me in surprise. After a few minutes of hesitation, she composed herself and genuflected briefly."Your Highness," she greeted, bowing in respect."Where's the King?" I asked, looking at her with disdain. My intentions were simply to make her feel small and insignificant in every possible way. "He's in a meeting with Jason," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd be on my way now if you don't mind.""Sure, you should leave right away," I retorted, stepping aside as she brushed past me in a hurry. "So you don't try to seduce the Prince again."She paused in her tracks
Veronica's POV:"Veronica, I've been waiting for this moment," he said softly. "You know how much you mean to me, and I would be honored to be your mate."Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile back at him. His words filled me with a sense of reassurance and happiness."But, Veronica," Lucas continued, his tone serious. "I want you to be sure about this decision. It's not just about tradition or duty. It's about love, and being with someone who truly makes you happy."I appreciated his honesty and sincerity. I knew that Lucas cared for me deeply, and I had always felt a strong connection with him. But at the same time, I couldn't ignore the nagging doubt in the back of my mind."I understand, Lucas," I said softly. "I do care for you, but I want to be sure that our feelings are genuine and not just influenced by the expectations of the festival."Lucas nodded understandingly, and I could see the sincerity in his eye
Lucas POV:I hesitated for a moment before deciding to call Parrish. We hadn't talked since our last meeting, and I wanted to check in on him. As I dialed his number, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness. I didn't know what to expect from our conversation, but I knew I had to try."Hello?" Parrish answered on the other end."Hey, it's Lucas," I said. "How are you doing?""I'm hanging in there," he replied. "What's up?""I was thinking we should meet up and talk," I said. "Maybe at Sinema club?"Parrish hesitated for a moment before agreeing. "Okay, let's do it. When are you thinking?""How about tonight?" I suggested."That works for me," Parrish said. "I'll see you there."As I made my way to the club, my nerves started to get the best of me. I wasn't sure what I was going to say to Parrish, but I knew I had to talk to him about Veronica.As I walked into the Sinema club, the dimly lit interior engulfed me in a haze of smoke and the scent of alcohol. I scanned the room, se
Veronica's POV:As I walked into the palace sitting room, I immediately sensed something was off. The Queen, Lucas, and Chloe were all huddled together, whispering in hushed tones. They looked up in surprise as I entered the room, and I could feel their eyes boring into me."What's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light."Veronica, dear, we were just discussing some palace matters," the Queen said, trying to sound reassuring.I wasn't convinced. "Is everything alright?" I pressed, my heart beating a little faster.Lucas finally spoke up. "Veronica, let's go talk in your room."I nodded, grateful for the chance to speak to him alone. As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a knot forming in my stomach. What could they have been talking about that they didn't want me to hear?Once we were in my room, I turned to face Lucas. "What's going on?" I asked again, my voice barely above a whisper.Lucas hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Veronica, I don't
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