Odessa was restless. The day was about to come to an end. Keegan's journey was the next day and she couldn't help but worry he'd want to go with Thessaly. The very thought sent a tremor of outrage through her.She couldn't allow the machinating crone get such satisfaction. Perhaps, she could try to convince the Alpha to go without a female companion. She set off for his chambers but found only Kalaril in, standing before a table and sharpening a Wic'ca blade against a whetstone. Kalaril only paused for a second to regard her as she stormed in. He returned his attention to the blade."Where is the Alpha?" Odessa's angry eyes looked around as she removed the veil from her face. "Not in - obviously," Kalaril muttered, not sparing her a glance. Odessa huffed at his arrogance. Despite being the Alpha's first Mistress, Kalaril had never offered her an ounce of respect. Hell, he had no respect for anyone other than Keegan! Man was as blunt as a butcher's cleaver, and she disliked that
"What brings you here, brother?" He asked with a furrow between his brows, standing in the doorway.Keegan proceeded into the room, forcing Malkar out of the way as he brushed pass his shoulder. Malkar grunted his disapproval, then shut the door.The flickering torchlight cast long, grotesque shadows across the richly furnished room. Malkar was clad in a loose silk robe. But with the goblet on his table, Keegan could tell he'd been drinking before his arrival."Is there something you require of me?" Malkar's voice was laced with icy politeness, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within him.His brother had never spared him a 'friendly' visit. The very few times he'd come to his room was when he was there to confront him. And right there, Malkar had a hint on what tonight's confrontation was about."You're out of wine, it seems," Keegan said in a grumbling tone when he picked up the goblet and discovered it was empty."I am sure there is plenty where that came from. All you have
Kalaril reached Keegan's Chambers and after a while, they headed for the South wing where the horses as well as the others waited. "Are you alright?" Keegan suddenly asked. He'd noticed the difference in Kalaril's demeanor the instant he stepped into his chambers. His Beta was often a man of a cold demeanor - like himself. Still, Keegan could tell when he was being different."I'll be fine," Kalaril muttered under his breath. It was clear to Keegan he didn't want to talk about it. And well, he knew how to respect issues like that. As they reached the south wing, the bustle of activity greeted them. Horses snorted, pawing the ground impatiently, while Keepers hurried to and fro.Keegan reached for his big white horse, double - checking the reins and all but paused when his sight fell on something unpleasant. Ahead of him was Sheera and Ulric - walking side by side while talking and laughing about what-not. Keegan could not comprehend the disgust he felt in that moment. What was s
Once, Keegan glanced at her before looking away. "She's my companion, Jenger. Enough about her." There was a hint of impatience in his voice. Sheera swallowed tersely. She wondered if Keegan reacted that way because he was possessive or simply because he was too embarrassed to discuss her. Jenger flashed a warm smile at her - which she shyly returned. "Let's get you settled in. I've had your rooms prepared."Taking the lead, he walked them into the central hallway. ....High above, on a secluded balcony overlooking the courtyard, stood Prince Gareth, heir to Alpha Rivan, one of Jenger's guests.His hands were holding onto the railing as he leaned forward, his friends beside him. "Keegan brought someone new today. Who is she?" He asked thoughtfully.He'd been watching her from the moment they dismounted their horses. "Never seen her before," One of his two friends replied. Gareth was a year older than Keegan. And bad blood had always existed between them long before Keegan becam
"What in Hades?" Eamon mumbled from behind. Silence like no other descended and was only broken when Jenger reached forward to welcome them. "My joy is boundless, Alpha Myron! To think you could travel the long distance to honor my invitation leaves me speechless.""Your father was more than a friend to me, Jenger. Anything to honor his Pack," Myron chuckled heartily. He was a man built like a bear with a voice to match. His gaze swept across Keegan's group. Sensing the curiosity, Jenger stepped in. "Please, meet Alpha Keegan - my long time... acquaintance, and...""The renowned Alpha of the North," Myron finished with a broad smile. "I've certainly heard the name. Just the face I hadn't seen. It's a pleasure meeting you."It had taken Keegan a lot of effort to keep his eyes off the cousin. "Pleasure to you as well...whoever you might be," Keegan responded, his underlying arrogance clear. Jenger visibly stiffened. "Uh... I trust your journey here was pleasant?" Jenger asked, d
In his room, Kalaril waited impatiently until he heard someone knock. With a grunt, he reached for the door and discovered Mora smiling warmly on the other side. She was gorgeous by nature. Had the kind of face that would entice a man to go back for more. "Hello, Beta." Her eyes seemed to twinkle when she called him that. "You are here. Please, do come in." He moved aside to allow her entry. During dinner, while the Alphas had engaged in endless conversations, Mora had been more concerned with getting Kalaril's attention. She had refilled his plates and wine goblet when they were nearly empty. Kalaril had been irritated, of course, and thought to stop her. Then, he realized she could be a vital key in getting what he wanted. So, in spite of the difficulty, he had paid her attention. "Mora, is it?" He had enquired. Mora's cheeks crimsoned the instant he had spoken to her for the first time. "Yes, Beta." She'd replied. Kalaril noted with a flicker of surprise that she already
"Wish I did! Father doesn't even care anymore. As long as he's out there not causing harm to the Pack, he can be gone for as long as he wants," Mora slurred.Kalaril threw more questions but unfortunately got nothing else. Mora and her father didn't care much for Cleon, which kept them oblivious to his hidden agenda - if he had any. If he was even the very one they suspected.When he had nothing else to ask, he let Mora have what she'd come for. He let her take pleasure from his body. ****†****†Sheera stood in the center of the room, the moonlight filtering through the high windows as she awaited Keegan's instructions. It was late at night. And despite her treacherous body longing for him, she desired rest. Yet, she has no choice when he sent for her. A shiver danced down her spine as Keegan emerged from the inner chamber, the silky black robe clinging to his broad frame.By the Rood, she hated him in his casual outfits. He looked too good in them. Too gorgeous. Charming. Similar
Sheera, along with the seven other women, spread out in the center of the sun-drenched field. Ahead of them was a line of weathered wooden boards, matching their numbers. Keepers came up and handed each of them a bow and quiver filled with arrows. The crowd was bustling with excitement. It wasn't everyday a lot of them got to see something as unique as that. Coin purses clinked as wagers were laid, many of them presuming who would be the winner. A while later, when it was certain that each participant had everything they needed, Jenger's Beta came up to address them. He stated the rules for winning, which was them having to shoot as many arrows as possible on their board before the end of the given time. When the time is up and the drum rolls, they were to seize shooting. Then, the arrows on each person's dartboard would be counted and the participants with the highest amount will move to the next stage. In total, there would be three stages. "Best of luck, Sheera," Valda sudden
Keegan chuckled, glancing up at her with a half-smile before returning his gaze to the flowers he trimmed, plucking a rose with meticulous care."You only impress someone when you want them to like you. That'll mean they actually have a choice. But for you, Sheera," he plucked another blossom, examining it briefly. "You don't have a choice. You're stuck with me either ways."Sheera huffed. "You are joking, young man, if you think you have me in bondage here. Because you see, All I have to do as a lady is scream and a thousand men will come to my aid."Keegan turned from his flowers, dropping the small blade he'd been using as he strode over to her. His hand slipped around her waist, pulling her close. A small smile flickered on her lips."You must be totally clueless, lady in distress, that we're the only ones here for miles. You're, indeed, stuck with me."He leaned in, giving h
The sun warmed Thessaly's face as she stood at the balcony, staring down at the flurry of activities. Her hand was on her belly, caressing it even if it was still flat. "Must be so lonely for you, right?" Odessa said, joining her. Thessaly rolled her neck and let out deep breath, her hand still on her belly. "Go away, Odessa. I'm not in the mood to talk.""I mean, imagine being pregnant for a man who ran off with a witch that killed his mother," she tsked. "How pathetic that that lady is more important than you and your son."Thessaly looked at her, offering her beautiful smile. "I'm not bothered. Unlike you, I am used to being ignored by the Alpha."Odessa cocked a brow. "Is that so?""Yes. And if you ask me, I'd say you are more affected than me. I am sure you've been having sleepless nights about it. It is you who fell low, Odessa."Odessa glared at her for a moment, before her glare melted into a laugh. "Oh, Thessaly," There was still laughter in her voice, but it was thin, col
Time drifted by, and by the time Sheera gathered herself enough to search for him, the sun had dipped low on the horizon, casting shadows that stretched long and still across the land.She found Keegan by the lake, seated and seeming lost in the rippling waters. For a long time, she stood behind him, simply watching.Alright, he looked frigid and detached, she didn't need anyone to tell her he was battling with his thoughts. She'd cried enough, her eyes swollen, the sting of it numbing her.She didn't know which was more painful—the memory of what she'd done to the Luna, or the realization that even now, after all she'd caused, the Alpha still cared for her in some incomprehensible way.Luna Valkyrie may have been a torment to her, but she was still Keegan's mother, his family, his blood. She didn't deserve to die that way, especially not by Sheera's hands.Sheera's anger b
For seven days, Sheera and Keegan journeyed, stopping only at nightfall for food and rest. They could count the words they'd spoken to each other the whole time. Most of the time, it was "we're stopping for a break." Or, "You can eat this."Or other little customary statements. Sheera was still on edge, and there was a part of her that wondered if the Alpha had only saved her from the execution because he wanted to kill her himself. Because why else would he save her? He didn't have a reason to. On the second day when they'd left Howling Ridge, Keegan had removed the chains and Moly ropes from her. Gradually, her strength and power returned. On the seventh day, they got to their destination—or Keegan's, rather. It was a place that was so beautiful, it left Sheera stunned for a moment. It was a cottage by a gleaming lake, a small farmstead complete with a modest barn and a bustling coop of hens. The serenity of the scene left Sheera breathless, the place resembling a world remov
Silence blanketed the crowd as every gaze turned to Keegan. They looked up at him as he stood on the raised platform, their ears itchy."The lady before us is a witch," Keegan began, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd. "And I was aware of it."Gasps ripped through the crowd, necks craning as Keegan's words struck them.He continued. "For long, I knew of it but did nothing. I protected her, kept her close to me, even though I was aware she was a threat to the Pack."She wanted to leave. Severally, she sje tried to escape me. But I was selfish and wouldn't let her go. I let my feelings for her get in the way that I overlooked the danger and kept her close."Whispers stirred among the people, his confession coming as a betrayal to them.Kalaril stepped closer to him, shock carving deep lines into his face."What're you d
"Is it hot enough?""Yes, thank you."Malkar took a long swig, enjoying the taste of the steaming spicy soup. He exhaled, running his eyes around the vast space before him. It was nothing like where he came from, but it was beautiful. "You said you've been traveling for long now," the man seated beside him asked. "More than a week," Malkar answered, taking another taste from his bowl of soup. "Where are you coming from?"He hesitated, blinked and took another sip from the bowl. "I'd rather not say."It's been a rough journey for Malkar. He'd managed to get to the south. He was ambushed on the way and all his valuables taken from him. For two days, he'd gone hungry. He stopped by a market, hoping to steal something without being caught. But they did, and he was beaten by a mob. It was the old man beside him that had helped him, brought him to his tavern and served him a hot bowl of soup.Malkar hated that his life had been reduced to something so insignificant. Being banished and
"How have you been?" Thessaly asked, her voice soft. When Sheera tried to speak, she realized how heavy her throat was. She swallowed against the dryness. "What are you doing here?" Thessaly shrugged. "What does it look like? I'm visiting." She pointed at the food. "Not hungry?"Sheera was starving. They had brought her food only once since her imprisonment."You don't have to worry, Sheera. I didn't poison it." Thessaly's lips curled up. She plucked a piece of steak from the plate, taking a deliberate bite. "See? It's safe."With a hunger sharpened by days of deprivation, Sheera devoured the food, her fingers trembling as she ate, barely tasting the meal as she tore through it. For the moment, all else faded."You know, me and you are alike in many ways," Thessaly began. "I was looked down upon where I come from and really did suffer. I didn't grow up with my family. The people I grew up with, they hated me and treated me like a slave." She looked down, a shadow of old pain crossi
Keegan looked at her with shock, and something akin to disappointment. Betrayal. Only then did the weight to Sheera's actions settle in on her. Her breath lodged in her throat, her mind reeling with images of the Luna being stabbed by her. The people, the places she'd set on fire.The Luna!Her hands trembled, the blade clattering to the ground.The look in Keegan's eyes - it wasn't of anger or hatred, but of pain. Hurt. He looked at her as though, she had wounded him.Two keepers approached, carrying the Luna. Sheera dropped to her knees when she saw that it wasn't just the Luna but her corpse. She had killed her!"No..." A sob rose in her throat, her entire body wracked with guilt. The world seemed to blur around her.Keegan's mother. She killed her! She killed her!She buried her face in her palms, crying profusely. She was a monster.
Sheera regained consciousness, not knowing how long had passed. At first glance, she discovered she was in a dim, cramped room that smelled of stale air and dust. Rough stone walls surrounded her, and cold, uneven floors pressed against her palms.Her head throbbed with the ache of fresh wounds. She felt... different."You!" Someone growled behind her. Sheera turned swiftly to find Luna Valkyrie on the floor, mere steps away. Her eyes flared in shock, her mind reeling. The Luna was hurt, her neck bleeding. "Explain this! What are we doing here?"Valkyrie barked. Sheera was as confused as the Luna, but she was more terrified of the blood running from her neck. Ohgods. Ohgods. Ohgods. She couldn't be here. She couldn't be here. She scrambled to her feet, running to the door, but it wouldn't open. And without her wolf strength, she couldn't break it open. She turned to the Luna, breathing heavily. "You... We need to break the door. You need to get out of here."Valkyrie rose slowly,