The words scraped raw against Sheera's throat, each syllable a fresh wound from the pain of revealing one of her most burdensome secrets. Now, she felt empty. Vulnerable. Weak.
Keegan's grip loosened in her hair. The flames of anger in his eyes dwindled to embers, replaced by a mask of surprise.
For what felt like an eternity, the only sounds were her whimpers and the ragged breaths she took between sobs. His gaze remained fixed on her, even as fresh tears coursed down her cheeks.
"What did you just say to me, Sheera?" His voice, now softer, sent a shiver down her spine.
"I'm sorry," she sniffled. "I know it is wrong, but I was defenseless against my heart, Alpha. I found myself wanting you, liking you, even when I know you can never be mine and I can never be yours. I am simply a hunter's daughter paying for her father's crime and would be dumped as soon as you've had your fi
Odessa was seething with rage.She stormed towards the Alpha's quarters but was halted by the Keepers guarding the entrance."The Alpha is not in his bedchamber, Mistress," one of them informed."But Sheera is there, is she not? I desire to see her," Odessa snapped, her hands clutching the overflowing fabric of her dress."I am afraid you can't. The Alpha has instructed us not to let anyone in. His prisoner is not to receive visitors."Odessa's cheeks flushed a serious red. By the sky, this had to be a joke!"Prisoners are kept in the dungeon, not in his quarters!" She couldn't stop herself from yelling our the words. "How could he... How could he punish her by letting her stay in his chambers!?"The Keepers remained silent, unmoved by her anger.Her chest heaved as she struggled to control her emotions. Her beast was almost coming to the surface. The contemptible swine couldn't even execute out a proper escape! And as if the Alpha going after himself wasn't enough, he decided to puni
Her throat went dry instantly. She opened her lips to speak but feared the only sound that would come out would be choked gasp. By Hestia, she could hardly breath! Her skin suddenly felt like it was scorching."You're supposed to remove every piece of ornament before a bath," Keegan added, his eyes scrutinizing the necklace as his finger idly rolled it between his fingers."I... uh..." She paused, coughing to clear the lump in her throat. "It's um... I have just become accustomed to wearing it always, Alpha. It was gifted to me by my grandmother before she passed away, and I keep it on to feel her presence with me."She feared Keegan could hear the frantic beeping of her heart. She had no control over the fear that gripped her. "Hm," he mumbled, still focused on the necklace. "It doesn't get damaged by water. And I worry it might weaken if I keep removing it and putting it back on. I wouldn't want to lose it, Alpha," she added quickly.Slowly, Keegan's finger drifted from the neckl
The courtroom erupted into chaos. Kalaril and the Keepers charged at the lady, but with a simple gesture, she sent a powerful wind that sent them crashing into walls and pillars. All the while, her gaze remained locked on Keegan, who stayed seated, watching her with an unnerving calm. There was confusion etched in her face. She'd been casting the spell long enough for it to take effect, yet nothing had happened to Keegan. He seemed untouched by her powers. Keegan didn't know what was happening, and neither did she. He rose to his feet and the lady lowered her hands. Panic flickered across her face. She looked around, searching for any weapon she could control to hurt him since she couldn't directly. Her eyes settled on a blade strapped to one of the Keepers. With a wave of her hand, she ripped it free and sent it flying toward Keegan - but it missed. Keegan stepped away from the table, his eyes burning with fury. The lady summoned another blade and directed it at him, but Kalaril
His question made Tabitha feel stupid. She felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks, her gaze dropping to the cold stone floor beneath her feet.Kalaril took a step closer. "I am a man who can care for himself, Tabitha. I have no need for your concern."His words were harsh and biting. Tabitha's heart ached as he brushed pass her."Why do you hate me so much?" She whipped in his direction, her question bringing him to a stop."What did I ever do wrong, Kalaril?"She wasn't supposed to call him by his name, but in that moment, she wanted him to know she spoke to the man who had once been her closest friend, not the Beta who now treated her with such disdain."I... I understand that you've been raised to a high position and I am but a servant," she pressed on, her voice breaking slightly. "But is that reason enough to treat me
Keegan's brows were furrowed. "What are you speaking of? There, you must be mistaken. Because as you know, the witches are our enemies. I have never befriended one, nor will I ever.""I know, Alpha. I know," Mortha bobbed. "But that is the only sensible explanation. Even a witch cannot resist the power of another witch, unless she intentionally defends herself. Based on my knowledge, a situation as that which you experienced can only happen if you're being veiled by a higher witch. A very powerful one. It is very possible you will have no knowledge of it. But something like a contact with this witch, or something similar, can provide you some protection."Her words seemed to create more puzzles as she spoke. Did it mean a witch was intentionally protecting him? But why? Who could it possibly be?Or perhaps, Mortha was mistaken. ****†It was night when Ulric reached the designated spot outside of Howling Ridge. He dismounted his horse, his boots crunching on the fallen leaves, his ai
Sheera was deep asleep when she felt a pair of hands on her legs. It was her last night in the Alpha's room. Throughout the day, she had tried to force herself to feel happy about the prospect of regaining her freedom, of returning to her own room. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, a part of her was saddened by the thought being away from Keegan.Her sleepy eyes fluttered open as the hands moved, their touch dragging her from her dreams. She gasped when she discovered it was the Alpha.Her eyes widened in shock. Since the previous day, after the attack, he had barely paid her any mind. Now, there he was, in the dead of the night, undressing her.He was shirtless, the power rippling through his muscles stealing all the breath from Sheera's lungs.In that instant, she understood it didn't matter whether she wanted this or not, whether she was tired or asleep. Keegan owned her and wou
Sheera flinched at the sudden discomfort, feeling the strange liquid soaking through her skirts. Ayita gasped, her eyes, and quickly lowered her head. "Oh, my! Such clumsiness! Please, forgive me, Sheera. I did not mean to," she apologized "Oh, it's fine. Thank the moon it wasn't hot," Sheera chuckled. She patted her on the shoulder before continuing on her way. Ayita glared at her as she left. She hadn't reacted to the Moly. So... she wasn't a witch?She returned to Odessa to report her findings. "Are you certain she wasn't merely concealing it?" Odessa asked."No witch is strong enough to endure the pain of Moly, Mistress. The pain would have been strong enough to bring her to the ground."Odessa's mind churned with thoughts. So, she wasn't a witch. Why did she feel there was something else, tho? Hidden beneath the surface?****†****†Kalaril escorted Keegan to his chambers as they discussed the imminent arrival of the Alphas of the West which would be happening in two days.
"What is your name?" He asked."Tabitha, my prince.""Hm. Beautiful enough."While she stayed still, he circled her, taking in her form. Then, he wrapped his hand around her waist."I have gold, enough to make your life easier. Behave, and you shall have some of it."Tabitha's cheeks flushed with both embarrassment and anger. What in Hades? She jerked away, straightening her dress."You can't do that, my prince," a frown was etched on her face.Bara huffed. "Why not? You are not mated to anyone, are you? This is an offer you should jump on.""But I do not want to. If you'd excuse me."She stepped back toward the door. Before she could escape, Bara reached out to her, tugging her backSpinning her around to face him, the crack of his palm against her che
The revelation was a blow Keegan had never anticipated. It struck him so fiercely in the heart, he felt as though the very air had been stolen from his lungs.Releasing his grip on Kalaril, he stumbled backward, his hands clenching into fists beside him, needing to hold tightly to something. His horse stood nearby, and he gripped its saddle tightly, his knuckles white, as if it could somehow anchor him in the swirling storm of confusion. The images form that night came flooding his mind - Sheera bleeding from the eyes and nose. It never was a dream. Every bit of it had been real. Sheera was a witch. ......Sheera knew she was running out of time. She was still bleeding, and while she could easily heal herself with a spell, she decided to cast a spell that could buy her some more time. Living amongst wolves as a witch had sharpened her instincts to a razor's edge, leading her into countless researches and study. Using the blood that dripped from her arm, she recited a spell under
The horses thundered beneath them, kicking up dirt as they raced through the dimming evening light. Keegan, Kalaril, Zandov, and four Keepers pushed their mounts to the limit, Zandov riding ahead with an almost reckless determination. Keegan's heart burnt with fresh rage as he thought about catching the witch. It was likely the same witch that had killed Sebastian's son, the same witch that had been wrecking havoc in his Pack. He was already thinking of the many ways he would make her suffer, make her yearn for death - which he'd gladly give in the end. He understood that Zandov enjoyed killing witches, but on this one, he'd have to let it go. As they rode through the darkening landscape, something gnawed at Keegan's mind. It was a thought that made him freeze momentarily, provoking an abrupt thump in his chest. His brows gathered together in a frown as Zandov's words from earlier replayed in his head. 'I can smell her. Whatever guise she had on is gone.'His mind went to the nec
"Have you been relieved of your duties?" Those were the words she heard that jerked her around to see him striding towards them. Her eyes widened like saucers as she regarded him. Kalaril followed closely behind him. Sheera's heart resumed it's usual drama. Seeing him made her weak in the legs, in a way she couldn't explain.His long gold hair wasn't in braids today but fell freely on his shoulders. His silver eyes had her frozen in place. How could a man be so unnaturally handsome? Sheera would never stop to wonder. "Welcome, Alpha," she lowered her head, thankful her voice didn't crack under the weight of his presence.Keegan's eyes bore the cold, hard edge of steel. "I believe I asked a question," he said in a tone that was hard enough to cut through rock. It effortlessly caused Sheera to shiver. "N...Not exactly. I've been...""I asked her to join me," Ulric interrupted, stepping forward. "I plan to inform Livia about it later."Keegan's eyes, hard as ice, never left Sheer
The room was thick with the sound of impassioned moans. Laboured breath mingling with the sound of flesh meeting fresh filled every corner of the room. When their bodies were well spent, Morshella climbed down from the man's body, laying next to him with her head on his chest. "I must confess, Wystan, you do not act your age at all," she was still breathing heavily, drawing an invisible line on his chest. He laughed with satisfaction. "Well, what can I say? Your body is very tempting, Morshella.""And it's going to be yours for a long time. As long as you please, actually."A moment passed. "Do not get me wrong, but I'm afraid you'll have to leave now. My mate only wanted to roam round the woods for a short time. I think she'll be back soon," he said, but Morshella made no move."You know, if only you'd taken my suggestion and agreed to go somewhere far with me, we'd have spent this night together, undisturbed. But you insisted we did it here," he added. Smiling, she lifted her h
The first light of dawn crept into the room, casting a gentle glow on Sheera's face. The warmth of the sun stirred her from sleep. Her forehead crinkled with perplexity. Something didn't feel right. She sat up, touching her face. The dream from the previous night surged back into her mind with startling clarity.Keegan had been with her. His touch lingered on her skin like a shadow, his kiss as vivid as the breath she now drew.Gods, it felt so real...She left the bed and crossed the room, her thoughts a tangled mess of confusion. She sought out Elke who she found in the second room, busy at work with a mortar and pestle, grinding herbs into a paste."Oh. You're awake. How're you feeling, girl?" Elke swept her eyes over her. "I feel better," Sheera replied, though her back still hurt a lot, it wasn't as severe as before.Sheera knew what she was about to ask was silly, but she didn't have a choice. "Um... Did someone visit me at any point, Elke?" Elke paused, her hand stilling ov
"Release her," his voice was low and taut as he gave the command. "Take her to Elke." He turned to Odessa, his gaze as cold and sharp as ice. "With me." Odessa swallowed hard, the fear of what awaited her eclipsing her rage at seeing Sheera set free. She hesitated but then hurried after him, her cheeks burning with shame under the watchful eyes of the gathered crowd. Once inside his room, Keegan moved with binding speed. He seized her throat, and with a force that knocked the breath out of her, he slammed her against the wall. The impact rattled through her bones, and a strangled gasp died in her throat, her eyes widening in shock and pain. His grip tightened, iron-hard fingers digging into her delicate skin. She struggled to breathe. Her lips parted, wanting to plead for his mercy, but no words escaped—only the faintest, pitiful wheeze. "How dare you?" He gritted through clenched teeth, his face inches from hers. "How dare you do that to her?" Odessa wa
Her vision blurred with red, and she felt herself teetering on the edge of something dark and dangerous. She wasn't sure what she might do next if not for the sudden interruption. "Greetings, Mistress Odessa," the maid bowed in respect as the imposing figure of Odessa stormed in, flanked by several stern-faced Keepers.Only then did Sheera snap out of her illusion. She sucked in a painful breath as if emerging from deep waters. Good Hades! What was wrong with her!? What had she almost done!?She was breathing heavily, fear prickling her skin. Something wasn't right. The last time she'd felt that way was when that Keeper had tried to force himself on her months ago, in his room. Back then, she concluded she'd been triggered, but now, she didn't even know what to think anymore. She was so lost in her frantic thoughts that she didn't notice Odessa striding towards her, fury blazing in her eyes. She only snapped back to awareness when a sharp slap struck her cheek, sending her reeling
Otis led Zarek through the winding hall, the scent of damp stone and the faint aroma of meat wafting from the chamber ahead. As they approached, the murmur of low voices ceased. Otis pushed open the door, revealing a room and a table untouched food and goblets of wine. Albany Sebastian and Cyrus Rose on their feet as the two Alphas entered. When news of what had transpired during the Peace Treaty reached Zarek's ears, he sent a letter to Sebastian, seeking a team up. He couldn't see a more befitting partner than a man who was as hurt as he was. Their pleasantries were brief, their formalities clipped and hollow, before they shifted the conversation to what truly mattered. "I should have listened to Laycoan when he warned me not to go for the Peace Treaty," Sebastian began, his jaw tight with the bitterness of hindsight. "Now, he mocks me for my blindness, and I think I deserve it. Keegan took something very dear to me - my most precious possession. He never intended to make peac
Sheera was equally surprised when the Alpha took her to his chambers. She'd expected somewhere far worse, somewhere terrifying. As soon as she stepped into the room, her muscles twitched involuntarily. This room... Being away from it for so long made her realize it was her favourite place. It felt as if her lungs forgot to breath as her eyes darted around on their own. Everything was just like she remembered. The air was thick with his rugged, earthy scent, the very scent she's missed.She was lost, staring at the room and wasn't prepared for being hurled against the wall with such force that her head spun. Her eyes squeezed shut from the impact, and pain shot through her bones. When she opened them again, Keegan stood before her, towering over her like a dark tempest ready to consume her whole. His hand was clamped around her throat - unyielding and merciless.She closed her eyes again, the grunts of pain and protest stifled in her throat. She rekt the walls of her lungs constrict,