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