“Line up girls! the Alphas and their Beta’s will be here today to pick a bride or a slave. So pray to the moon goddess that you’ll get picked or that’s another year for you here!” Madam Claudia shouted, banging the baton on the cell bars. “Who do you think will be here today?” Ruby, one of the girls in my room asked, happily pulling her dress over her head. “I hope I get picked. Better to be a slave to one wolf than a whore to all.” Renee snorted. She was another girl in the room and my worst enemy. "You” she called, briefly looking up to met my gaze “get your scurrying self over here and clean my boots. At least one of us needs to be clean today," she continued painting her nails while loudly chewing gum. I rolled my eyes, muttering under my breath. I walked over to her bed and bending forward to grab her boots from under the bed. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Huh?” She hissed in my ear, pulling my hair harshly. “Renee, you’re hurting me,” I whined, holding down
“Alright girls, file out.” Madam Claudia called from the hallway. “Astrid, sit. Let me brush your hair, you look like a tangled mess.” Aria said to me. Aria was the oldest she-wolf in the house of the lost. She has been here for eight years and house of the lost has only stood for nine. She was brought here as a girl, got her first blood here, and shifted in to her wolf form here. She was more like a daughter to madam Claudia, we all know that madam Claudia loved her like family, but no one has ever spoken about it. She had just turned 22 and has never been picked. I didn’t understand why, because she was very beautiful, her red hair glistened under the morning sun, like a burning fire and one could get lost in her ocean blue eyes. I sat in front of the mirror in the room, she came up behind me holding her brush. “Hopefully someone picks you today, or rather pick Renee. I can’t deal with her dirty character anymore.” She said, as she gently pushes the brush through the strands
“The selection is about to begin. Cast your eyes on the ground girls!” Madam Claudia said from the far end of the hall, her voice echoing. There was a little whispers, then there was silence. All you could hear were the slow pairs of boots walking on the paved floor. I looked down, my chest thumping against my skin. “Breath Astrid, or you’re going to collapse.” Aria whispered from my side. I nodded, taking deep breaths and exhaling, what was going to be my fate? Would I rather be picked than stay here for the rest of my life. Oh Selene if you can hear me, please be less cruel to me today. I prayed, hoping that at least I wouldn’t get noticed, and just maybe I could escape the cruelty of Renee if only she gets picked today. Then a pair of boots stopped in front of me, my breath caught in my throat. The shoe was a brown leather, one you could only see on the feet of the rich. It smelled like it had been polished a million times over that morning and I wondered if it was
I walked into the dark room my chest thumping against my skin. “Pack your things, you have leaving today.” Madam Claudia spoke. “What?” I gasped. The man in the chair had his back to me but I cold feel the cold aura the was coming from him. I’ve been bought? “Don’t let me repeat myself Astrid, pack your things.” Madam Claudia answered. “Ye…yes ma’m.” I stuttered turning my back to them and walking out of the room. I got across the hall without much hassle from Renee and her friends but my happiness was short lived. I pushed open the bar door to the room, and entered. The bar doors were remade last moon when one of the girls was caught bent over by a guard in her room while her roommates stood outside waiting. I had never seen madam Claudia as angry as she was that day. She roared and turned to her wolf form, slashing the man from behind. His dead body dropped on the girl, blood and skin splattered everywhere. Well that was a warning to all of us. And we never heard
I don’t know how long I was asleep but the carriage came to an abrupt stop, causing me to bump my head against the window Frame. “Ow.” I jerked awake, rubbing my head. We arrived at a cozy inn as the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow. Alpha Kael opened his eyes, his gaze piercing through me. "We'll rest here for the night," he said, his deep voice stirring me awake from my half-sleep. I rubbed my eyes, taking in the rustic inn's wooden sign: "Moonlight Haven." The carriage door swung open, and Kael stepped out, offering his hand. I hesitated before taking it, his grip firm but not ungentle. Inside, the inn was warm and inviting. A fire crackled, casting flickering shadows. Kael led me to a private dining room. A feast awaited: roasted meats, steaming vegetables and fresh bread. "You're malnourished," he observed bluntly. "Eat," he commanded, his tone tight. "We leave early." I took a spoonful of food into my mouth, still very cautious of his presence in the room
As the gate swung open, I caught my breath. The Red Moon Territory's grandeur stunned me. Towering spires and majestic architecture stretched toward the sky. Alpha Kael descended from the carriage, his movements fluid. "Out," he ordered. I followed, smoothing my dress. A sea of faces awaited. Wolves of all ages, dressed in finery, lined the courtyard. Their curious gazes settled on me. Alpha Kael's stern expression remained unchanged. "Stay by my side." I nodded, falling into step beside him. As we entered the grand hall, whispers erupted. "The new one." "From the House of the Lost." "Alpha Kael's acquisition." My cheeks flushed. At the hall's center, an imposing figure stood: an older wolf with piercing blue eyes. "Alpha Elijah," Kael said, bowing slightly. Alpha Elijah's gaze swept over me. "Welcome, Astrid. You're a rare find." His words sent shivers down my spine. "Dominique, your generosity is renowned," Elijah continued. "Sharing your... acquisition with u
As I soaked in the warm bath, Maya's words lingered in my mind. "Different." What did that mean? And what lay ahead tonight? The water's warmth seeped into my muscles, relaxing my tense body. Maya chatted softly, her voice distracting me from my worries. "You'll love the dress we picked out for tonight. It's one of the finest in the territory." I nodded, giving her small smile. As I finished bathing, Maya helped me into the a robe. The cotton fabric hugged my body in the most comfortable snuggle, shimmering in the candlelight. Sophia entered the room, giving me a bored look. “You need to eat before we take you out there.” “ I’ll get someone to arrange something quickly,” Maya said, tuning out of the room. Megan scoffed, sitting on the bed with her legs crossed. “Sit, let’s do something about your hair,” Sophia commanded. I slowly walked over to the vanity, pushing back the chair adorned with red velvet and gold just like the one in the carriage. I took a seat and
We walked through the dark hallway in silence, following the noise and chatter from where I presumed was the grand hall. Each step I took made my throat tighten, the food in my stomach kept threatening to come back up to my mouth. I rubbed my free hand around my throat, gulping. We arrived at the stairs, I could see the hall from were I stood. It was packed. The were three very large and very long tables positioned in the hall. The noise instinctively died down as they sensed my presence in the room, a thousand eyes turned in my direction. “Come on,” Sophia urged, walking in front of me. I took a step down the huge staircase, I felt like a toy on display. Laughing inwardly, I rolled my eyes, well that wouldn’t be a first. I finally got to the center of the stairs, everyone’s features were visible now. Their eyes silently cursing me, glowed in yellow and blue, the women looked at me in anger and jealousy while the men looked at me in irritation and disgust. Some of them w
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.