My eyes fluttered open, mu vision swimming as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. The room was unfamiliar—bright sunlight streamed in through sheer curtains, casting warm, golden light over the tidy space. The faint scent of herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the clean, earthy smell of wood. I blinked, my body aching as if I had been put through a grinder. Slowly, my senses sharpened, and I could recognize the voice calling my name. "Astrid! You’re awake!" Maya’s relieved face came into focus as she leaned over the bed, her soft blue eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "Oh, thank the gods. We didn’t know if you’d make it." "Maya...?" I croaked, my throat was dry. Maya nodded, brushing damp strands of hair from my forehead. "You’ve been out for two days. Running the highest fever I’ve ever seen. Alice thought..." She hesitated, biting her lip. "She thought we might lose you. I have never seen her this worried all my life.” I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot thro
The warmth of the morning sun filtered through the windows, a golden glow settling over the quiet room. I sat on the edge of the bed, gingerly brushing my fingers over the fresh mark on my neck. It ached faintly, a reminder of the reckless decision I’d made two nights ago. I had survived—but just barely. Maya’s words still echoed in my mind. *You need to be careful. Keep it hidden.* I had taken her advice to heart. Wrapping a scarf around my neck, I secured it tightly, covering the angry, crescent-shaped bite that felt like it radiated heat. I couldn’t risk anyone else seeing it—not yet. The scent of freshly baked bread drifted into the room, and my stomach growled in response. Two days of unconsciousness had left me ravenous. But more than that, it left me desperate for normalcy. The past few days had been a whirlwind of pain, revelations, and emotions I wasn’t ready to confront. I needed something grounding. Familiar. **The Kitchen** The clang of pots and pans greeted me as I s
You'd think not having a wolf is the worst thing that can happen to anyone, a cruel game played by the moon goddess that marks you as different, weak and unwanted … because it is a constant reminder that you're incomplete. But, have you tried enduring an endless, intense monthly heat cycle – a nightmare that begins when my body betrays me every month, turning me into a walking beacon of arousal – Try putting yourself in my shoes every month when my body would scream for a mate that exist but is the most unattractive, annoying yet sexily handsome, with a scent so thick and sweet that it makes everyone around me turn their heads each time a just an inche close to him . My monthly heat cycle wasn't just unbearable, it was a curse that earned me a well-deserved title of a 'Wolfless deviant back at my pack.” So, if you think you're going through the worst of luck … try living with this fire burning brightly inside you: alone, unloved, unwanted and just a simple plaything for your mate.
Kael’s eyes were locked on mine, burning with an intensity that made my knees feel weak. The air between us was suffocating, thick with tension and unspoken words. My body betrayed me further, trembling as another wave of heat rolled through me. I pressed my back against the counter, desperate to put any distance between us. “Kael,” I whispered again, my voice shaky. “You shouldn’t be here.” His lips curled into a wry smile, but his golden eyes didn’t soften. If anything, they grew darker. “Shouldn’t I? Or is it that you don’t want me here?” I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “I… I can’t do this. Not tonight.” Kael stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. I could feel the heat radiating from him, his scent wrapping around me like a vice. My hands gripped the edge of the counter so tightly that my knuckles turned white. “Don’t lie to me, Astrid.” His voice was low, a growl simmering beneath the surface. “You think I can’t feel it? Smell it?” My cheeks burned with humiliatio
The moment I stepped onto the top of the staircase, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath. The soft hum of conversation faded into silence, heads turning in unison toward me as though I had unknowingly commanded their attention. My heart pounded in my chest, but I kept my chin high, pretending that I was oblivious to the weight of their gazes. The gown I wore wasn’t mine—I couldn’t afford such finery—but Maya had insisted, practically dragging me into the shimmering fabric. Changing my initial red option to look different, I chose a deep midnight blue, the color of the sky just before the full moon rises, and it clung to my body like a second skin, accentuating curves I usually tried to hide. The fabric sparkled faintly under the chandelier’s light, tiny crystals sewn into the material catching every glimmer. A daring slit ran up one leg, revealing just enough skin to make me feel exposed but powerful at the same time. My hair was styled in loose waves, cascading over my shoul
Who the hell was he to tell me what to do? I angrily stormed back into the hall, scanning the crowd for a potential victim of my assault just to prove a point. At that moment, I could feel the heat of Kael’s gaze burning into my back. His claim of ownership, his arrogance—it lit a fire in me, but not in the way he assumed. If he thought he could control me, he had another thing coming. I scanned the room, my eyes narrowing until I found him—Caleb, a strikingly handsome warrior from one of the visiting packs. His dark hair fell in soft waves around his sharp jawline, and his green eyes sparkled with mischief. He was standing near the drink table, laughing at something another warrior said. Perfect. I strode across the hall, my determination turning heads as I made my way toward him. My heart pounded in my chest, not from nerves, but from the sheer audacity of what I was about to do. I didn’t care. If Kael thought he could dictate my life, he needed to see how wrong he was. Caleb
“Who was that?” I whispered, as kael pulled me across the room. “Someone you don’t want to mess with.” He answered curtly. I paused, thinking of ho to frame my next question. “Are there any other Alpha Logan’s within the territory?” Kael stopped in his tracks, looking down at me. “Why?” He grunted. I shrugged trying to look less interested, “Nothing, I just want to know.” “Astrid.” Kael growled, pulling me closer to him. “Why the fuck are you asking me about another male?!” I rolled my eyes at him. What was he? Jealous? That’s hardly possible. “I just wanted to know, that’s all.” “Do you like him? Are you attracted to older wolves?” Kael asked, his hand tightening around my waist. Our bodies were in close proximity and I could barely breath, I placed my two hands on his chest, trying to push myself away from him but that only made it worse, as his hand tightened more reducing the intake of sir in my lungs “What are you saying? I just need to know if he was the sam
She looked different. Glowy even, my eyes traveled down to her stomach that was sticking out under the red satin material that she wore. She was pregnant. Something shifted inside me at the realization. “Astrid.” She called again, walking up to me. “Don’t move.” Kael commanding voice reached my ears. I snapped my head back to head, with a look of defiance in my eyes “What do you mean?” I argued. “Don’t move little mouse.” He said againMy heart hammered in my chest as Kael’s voice coiled around me like a chain, unyielding and absolute. His commanding presence bore into me, but i refused to yield, in as much as I didn’t want to break the contact between ours bodies, I had to meet Aria. Turning back to him, her eyes flared with defiance. “Kael, she’s my friend,” i said, her tone firm as i gestured toward Aria. “I haven’t seen her since the day of selection,You can’t just order me around like some puppet.”Kael’s nostrils flared, his crimson gaze darkening. His possessiveness tig
The air grew heavier with each breath, the acrid sting of wolfsbane clinging to my senses. My legs felt like lead, every step a struggle as the poison worked its way into my system. Dominique staggered beside me, his wolf form flickering as his body fought to keep moving. "Dominique!" I reached out, gripping his arm to steady him. "I’m fine," he said, though his voice was strained. "Keep moving. We’re almost there." Ahead, the forest began to thin, the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the trees. But the scent of wolfsbane didn’t let up—it only grew stronger, mingled with the metallic tang of blood in the air. Dominique suddenly froze, his body tense as his ears twitched. "They’re close," he muttered, his eyes scanning the darkness. Before I could ask who, the snap of a branch to our left sent a jolt of fear through me. A low growl rumbled in the distance, and I knew we weren’t alone. "Run," Dominique said, his voice low but commanding. "I’m not leaving you!" I p
I stepped closer, resting a hand gently on Kael's chest. His heart was pounding under my palm, his muscles taut with restrained fury. "Kael," I said again, softer this time. His eyes flicked to mine, and I saw the storm raging inside him. "We can’t risk it. If what Lira says is true, then you can’t come with me. Not yet." His hands gripped my shoulders, his touch firm but trembling slightly. "Astrid, I’m not leaving you. Not now, not ever. If Alice’s wolves try to stop me, they’ll have to fight me for you." "You’re not thinking clearly," I whispered. "This isn’t just about us. It’s about keeping the baby safe. If Alice is our best chance, then we have to follow her rules." Kael’s expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he fought against his instincts. He was torn between protecting me and respecting my wishes, and it was killing him. Maya stepped forward cautiously, her face pale but determined. "Kael, maybe it’s best if you let Astrid go with Lira. Alice’s wolves are... p
The realization hit me like a cold wind. Kael's hands still rested on my stomach, reverent and protective, but the warmth of his touch couldn’t quiet the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. He cared for me, yes. His instincts demanded it—he was my mate, after all. But care wasn’t love. Protection wasn’t love. Kael was bound to me because the universe had decreed it. He was drawn to my scent, to my body, to the bond that linked us like two halves of a whole. But what if that bond wasn’t enough? What if it was obligation that tethered him to me and not something deeper? I swallowed hard, trying to keep the tears from spilling over. *Don’t cry, Astrid. Not now. Not here.* Even as my heart ached, I couldn’t stop myself from staring at him. His face was set in determination, his eyes still blazing with that fierce promise of protection. But love? That soft, vulnerable thing I longed for? I couldn’t see it there. He hadn’t chosen me. Not really. And yet, I had fallen for him
As the warmth of Kael's body began to fade, I felt his fingers trailing along my arm, his touch gentle but purposeful. His chest rose and fell against my back as we lay tangled together under the canopy of stars. The lake shimmered in the distance, but Kael’s attention was wholly on me."You're different," he murmured, his voice low, almost as if he were speaking to himself. I stiffened slightly, turning my head to glance at him. "Different how?" He propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes scanning me with an intensity that made my heart race. "Your scent," he said. "It's changed. It’s sweeter, stronger... like honey and wildflowers after the rain." His fingers grazed my collarbone, his gray eyes narrowing. "And your arousal—it’s not just wolf. There’s something else in it. Something... primal." I swallowed hard, my throat tightening under his scrutiny. El stirred uneasily within me, caught between curiosity and fear. "I don't know what you're talking about," I said softly, t
In one swift movement, Kael plunged into my mouth, his cock hitting the back of my throat. I need air, I need to breath. My eyes Ayang with unshed tears, his hand gripped my hair tightly, helping in movement. “You are só fucking good, little mouse..” kael moaned, thrusting into my mouth with no care in the word. There was pure hunger and greed in his movement. My hands gripped his thighs to steady me from falling over. I hummed against his cock, wetting pooled between my legs, I knew he could smell it cuz I could too. “Oh! Fucckk!” His head flew back, eyes closed while his waist moved in a fluid manner. I could taste him in my mouth, little drops of pre-cum that coated the tip of his cock. It was heavenly, or maybe I was sick in my head. Kael, sipped his dick out of my mouth, he ducked down and grabbed my chin, pressing it. “You will be a good little mouse, and ducking swallow every bit of my seed that I spill.” He growled. Beads of sweat laid on his forehead, glimmeri
“I want you” I whispered rubbing myself on him, El squealed in excitement with the contact. The moonlight danced across the lake, the ripples casting soft silver patterns on the water. I saw him standing there, waiting—Kael. His back was to me, his broad shoulders tense, as if the weight of the world rested on him alone. For a moment, I hesitated, watching him, unsure if I had the strength for what was to come. But my wolf stirred, pulling me forward. *Go to him.* The bond between us hummed, undeniable and raw. “Kael,” I called softly, my voice carried on the breeze. He turned, and the sight of his face under the moonlight made my breath hitch. His eyes, intense and piercing, found mine, and I saw everything there—his pain, his longing, his love. The tension in his jaw relaxed as he closed the distance between us in just a few strides. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could say a word, his hands cupped my face, and he kissed me. It wasn’t gentle or tentative. It wa
Lucian grinned, his expression twisting with cruel satisfaction. “Brave words,” he said, his golden eyes narrowing. “Let’s see if you can back them up.” The earth beneath him cracked as his men surged forward, weapons drawn and snarls ripping through the night. I felt the hum of magic deep in my core, powerful and untamed, begging to be unleashed. “Astrid, no!” Lira’s voice rang out, desperate. “You’re not ready!” But I couldn’t run anymore. Not now. Not while my friends were fighting for me, risking everything. I clenched my fists, the energy within me coiling tighter, hotter, until it burst free. The air around me shimmered, and the ground shook violently as I thrust my hands forward. Roots and vines exploded from the earth, twisting and curling like living serpents. They lashed out at Lucian’s men, ensnaring them before they could close the gap. Some screamed as the vines tightened, pinning them to the ground or flinging them away like ragdolls. Lucian barely flinched,
The peace of the moment shattered like glass. A thunderous crash erupted outside, followed by shouts and the unmistakable clang of steel. Maya’s hand was on her dagger in an instant, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the room. “They found us,” Elias growled, his voice taut with urgency. He moved to the doorway, his stance tense and ready. “How?” I whispered, my heart racing as dread coiled in my chest. Lira’s expression hardened, her calm demeanor replaced with the fierce resolve of someone who had been hunted before. “It doesn’t matter how. What matters is getting you out of here alive.” Another crash echoed through the air, and the sound of splintering wood followed. Lucian’s men were close. Maya stepped forward, her dagger glinting in the faint light. “We hold them off here. Astrid, you need to go.” “I’m not leaving you!” I protested, but Elias shot me a sharp look. “This isn’t a debate,” he said firmly. “You’re the one they want. If you stay, you’ll only make it easi
Lira’s words echoed in my mind long after the conversation ended, reverberating through the walls of the small cabin that had become our temporary refuge. I sat by the window, staring out into the dark forest, the weight of everything she had told me pressing heavily on my chest. *The last original witch.* It was impossible to wrap my mind around it. The anger I had held onto for so long wavered, replaced by confusion and a deep sense of responsibility I wasn’t sure I was ready for. My wolf, El, was unusually quiet, a reflection of the storm in my own mind. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Maya standing there, her arms crossed and a knowing look in her eyes. “You’ve been quiet all night,” she said softly, sitting beside me. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t even know where to begin.” Maya tilted her head, her sharp gaze piercing. “She told you about your magic.” It wasn’t a question. I nodded, surprised but not entirely shocked that she knew.