Veronica's POV:As I stormed out of Lucas's room, my cheeks still stinging from the slap, I needed some fresh air to calm my racing heart. I walked through the ornate hallways of the palace, trying to collect my thoughts and push away the anger and hurt that consumed me.Just as I turned a corner, I came face to face with Matilda, who wore a sly smirk on her face. She leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, and her presence exuded a certain confidence that irked me."Well, well, look who it is," Matilda sneered mockingly. "Princess Veronica, all dolled up and ready for another dramatic episode."I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of irritation at her mocking tone. "What are you doing here, Matilda?" I asked, trying to maintain my composure.She chuckled, her voice dripping with condescension. "I have an appointment with Lucas but who knows? Maybe it's more than just business," she replied, raising an eyebrow. "But judging by that look on your face, I see that you've already had q
Jason's POV:As I watched from my hidden corner, my heart sank at the sight of Lucas slapping Veronica. I couldn't fathom the depth of their sibling relationship, how it could reach such a low point. Thoughts raced through my mind, wondering what kind of tension and animosity had built up between them.My focus shifted as Veronica stormed out of the room, her eyes filled with hurt and anger. I held my breath, waiting to see what would happen next. To my surprise, Matilda appeared before her, her demeanor oozing with arrogance and disrespect."Well, well, well, if it isn't the princess herself," Matilda sneered, crossing her arms defiantly.Veronica's eyes narrowed, but she maintained her composure. "Watch your tone, Matilda. Remember your place."A cold smirk spread across Matilda's face. "Oh, believe me, I know my place very well. Unlike you, I don't need a crown to feel important."I couldn't help but shake my head in disbelief. Matilda's audacity was astounding, mocking Veronica's
Jason's POV:It was my father, the imposing figure of the Alpha himself. His presence filled the corridor, casting a shadow that seemed to darken the very essence of the space around us. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice like thunder.I stumbled over my words, trying to find an explanation for why I was there, but the words seemed to stick in my throat like a lump of coal. "I-I was just passing by, father. I didn't mean to-""You were eavesdropping, weren't you?" he accused, his eyes flashing with anger.I felt like a deer caught in the headlights. "I- I didn't mean to-"My father's eyes narrowed as he studied me, his gaze piercing me like a thousand daggers. He seemed to sense that something was wrong, and his face grew even darker."You know better than to listen in on other people's conversations," he scolded. "That is not how an alpha behaves."I felt a lump form in my throat as I struggled to articulate my speech. "I'm sorry, father. I didn't mean to-""I don't w
Lucas POV:I was still in shock after what transpired between me and Veronica. I had let out my anger and frustration and slapped her. I couldn't believe that my father went behind my back to crown a frail human as the Luna of Nightshade Pack. Veronica stared at me with a tear-stained face and blinked twice, just to be sure that she wasn't dreaming. I didn't feel the slightest pity for her as I watched her storm out of the room. I slumped onto the couch that sat beside my bed, rubbing the crease that was beginning to form on my forehead while my chest rose and fell in anger.My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Matilda's voice in the hallway. Matilda's voice reeked of disdain and mockery as she spoke to Veronica. Her speech was incoherent since the palace walls were built with a soundproof system. After a few minutes, the conversation died down and Matilda walked into my room, dressed in her warrior attire. I couldn't help but smile as she walked towards me, her hips swaying sedu
Lucas' POV:I lay on my bed and waited for the moon to rise in its authoritarian position in the sky. My mind drifted to what I had seen earlier this noon. The throne was slowly slipping through my fingers and the only card I have right now was Veronica but I had let my anger get the best of me, now I wasn't so sure if she would confidently announce to everyone that I'm her mate. I heaved a sigh of frustration as I stared at the ceiling, hoping that Veronica will be gullible enough to fall for my lies.Soon, I heard a knock on my door, and a palace guard informed me that it was time for dinner. I nodded, feeling exhausted from the day's activities. As I walked down the stairs towards the dining area, I could hear the clinking of utensils and the sound of voices as my family and members of the pack sat down to eat. I had a feeling that this would not be a pleasant dinner, given the events of the day.As I entered the dining room, I saw my father and the queen sitting at the head of the
Lucas' POV:My heart leaped at her words, and I couldn't resist any longer. Her soft moans were like music to my ears and I couldn't help but kiss her harder, wanting to feel her every inch. I trailed my hands down her back, feeling her curves and her warmth under my touch. Every nerve in my body was alive with desire, and all I wanted was her.As we finally broke the kiss, we both panted for breath, our bodies pressed tightly together. I looked down into her eyes, and I knew that I would do anything to protect my heirship of the throne, even if it meant two-timing between Veronica and Matilda. "Stay with me tonight," Veronica whispered as I brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "I want to be with you tonight, and always."I nodded, a soft smile playing on my lips, and I knew that everything was going perfectly to my plan. I just needed to play my part well and in a few days, I'll be the next Lycan king and my stepsister's mate.I drew her closer to my embrace. Despite her dis
Lucas' POV:As I walked down the hallway, my mind was racing with different thoughts. Who could it be? Was it one of the palace guards? Was it Matilda, trying to sabotage our relationship? Or was it Jason?I approached one of the palace guards and asked if he had seen anyone suspicious around the area. He shook his head and replied, "No, Your Highness. Everything has been quiet."I continued my search, checking every nook and cranny of the palace, but I found no one. As I made my way back to Veronica's room, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Who was spying on us? And why? I hope we don't get caught in our little naughty act.When I got back to the room, Veronica was sitting on the bed, looking worried. "Did you find anything?" she asked."No, I didn't," I replied, "but I won't stop until I find out who it is." Veronica nodded, "I know you won't. But please be careful, Lucas. I don't want anything to happen to you. Besides, it might not really be anyone. Maybe it's just a figment of yo
Lucas' POV:Jason's questions threw me off balance but I kept my cool and kept stuffing my mouth with grilled meat and vegetables. How much I hated those veggies! Veronica was in high spirits as she chatted with Mom and it made me uncomfortable. The full moon festival was starting today and I felt extra nervous because this celebration would determine if I become the next Lycan king of the Nightshade pack."Lucas," my dad's voice thundered, jolting me out of my thoughts. "I believe we have everything put into place."I put down my cutlery and looked up to meet his gaze. "Yes, Dad. Everything has been put into place. We have put security in strategic places and I believe that the royal dishes and every other thing that has to do with the kitchen has been taken care of," I said, taking a glance at Veronica who sat quietly across the table."Veronica, regarding what we discussed, have you made up your mind?" Dad asked, breaking the silence again. "Yes Dad," Veronica smiled nervously as
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