Leo stood at the front of the main gate, his posture straight and commanding, as though he were a living statue carved from the stone of authority itself. His hands were clasped firmly behind his back, his eyes fixed on the approaching figure. Beside him was Ethan, who stood with an equally serious demeanor, his sharp eyes scanning the scene with a mixture of scrutiny and concern.Behind them also, a contingent of guards maintained their positions, their expressions betraying nothing but readiness. The air was tense with anticipation, each member of the pack aware of the significance of the visitor about to arrive.Isabella soon emerged from behind them, her presence purposeful. She stood at first on a spot but soon maneuvered to Leo side, her gaze immediately drawn to the distant figure on the horizon. As she took her place next to him, the space between them felt charged with unspoken emotions. Her heart fluttered nervously, a blend of excitement swirling within her. Her affection
Marie felt her breath hitch as her eyes landed on Aiden, her usual composure faltering. She had heard of Aiden's cruelty but seeing him in person was an entirely different experience. All she could notice was his striking presence. But it was his eyes that held Marie captive–icy blue and piercing, like the ocean under a winter sky. They were simultaneously cold and alluring, pulling her in despite the danger they seemed to promise.Marie turned to compose herself, reminding herself that she was here to serve Isabella, not to get lost in the presence of a man who was far beyond her reach. But even as she attempted to focus, her gaze kept drifting back to Aiden. He stood tall, exuding an effortless command that made everyone around him feel small. Marie had never seen anyone so perfectly put together, though she had always admired Leo but Aiden was entirely different. He was so naturally authoritative and she found herself caught between admiration and an unspoken yearning that she kn
Ethan wagged his head slowly hoping that Leo would notice him with the side view of his eyes in an attempt to caution him not to flair up. But neither Leo nor Aiden moved an inch, not any part of their bodies.Isabella also silently wished that no fight would start between the both of them. Aiden, whose eyes were locked with Leo soon curled his lips into a faint smile, a gesture that was less friendly and more taunting as if to say. “I see you.”Leo's blood boiled at the sight of that smile. It was the same smile that had haunted him ever since that fateful day–the day of their fight, the day everything changed. The memory flashed in Leo's mind like lightning: the heated words, the exchange of blows, the sting of betrayal that stoll burned as fresh as the moment it happened. Aiden's voice soon broke the silence, cutting through Leo's like a knife.“Leo.” Aiden's voice was calm, almost casual, but there was an edge to it, a sharpness that Leo could not ignore.Leo’s throat tightened a
Marie, whose mind was still caught in the chilling grip of what had just transpired, could feel her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest, each beat echoing with a mixture of fear and embarrassment. The image of Aiden's piercing blue eyes lingered, seared into her memory and no matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling of being completely exposed under his gaze.Marie finally took a seat in the room, resting her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. She glanced at Lucy, who was still visibly shaken, her face pale and her eyes distant. Marie's own nerves were frayed, and she desperately needed to make sense of what had happened. “Lucy…what just happened back there?” Marie asked, her voice unsteady. “I—I froze. It's like… I don't even remember what I was supposed to say. Did I do something wrong?”Lucy, too, was struggling to regain her composure. She clutched her arms around herself, as if trying to hold her own trembling in check. She wanted to respond, to fi
The grand hall was filled with the low hum of murmurs and the gentle clinking of silverware as everyone settled around the round table. The room was dimly lit by the warm glow of chandeliers, casting flickering shadows against the stone walls. At the distinguished table in the center sat Alpha Eric, with his commanding presence, exuding an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore. Beside him but distant away by the right, Aiden sat with his usual composed manner, his piercing blue eyes surveying the hall with a cold, calculating gaze. Leo sat on the other side of his father, on the left, tense but outwardly calm, his posture rigid as if bracing himself for what the evening might bring. Next to Leo was Ethan, who had been granted the rare privilege of sitting at the Alpha's table, a proof of his loyalty and status as Leo's most trusted guard.Isabella, sat across from Leo and Ethan as she was beside Aiden, her eyes darting anxiously around the hall. She was doing her best to ma
The air in the grand hall grew tense as Aiden swiftly rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and hurried, drawing eye to him. He looked down at the dark red stain that marred his perfectly tailored black slacks. His expression remained inscrutable, a mask of calm that concealed whatever thoughts were brewing behind those piercing blue eyes. Aiden's silence was more fearsome than any outburst could have been, and his gaze remained fixed on Lucy, who stood trembling inside before him.Alpha Eric, seated at the head of the round table and conversing with a guard, soon noticed Aiden’s sudden movement and the way eyes seemed to be drawn toward him. He looked from Aiden to Lucy, seeing that Lucy was standing before him with her head bowed, his brow furrowing in confusion.“What's going on here?” Eric asked, his voice cutting through the silence. He scanned the faces around the table, seeking an answer, but none was forthcoming. Isabella, seeing what had happened, stiffened, her eyes
The round table of Eric was filled with an unsettling silence, heavy and tense as Alpha Eric's question hung in the air. All eyes were on Aiden, waiting for his response. He remained quiet, his face composed and unreadable, as if carefully weighing his answer.Slowly, Aiden leaned back in his chair, the faintest smile playing on his lips, a gesture that seemed to speak of amusement rather than anger. His relaxed demeanor only heightened the tension around the table, making everyone's nerves tightened just a little more.Leo's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Aiden closely, every muscle in his body taut with anticipation. He knew Aiden's reputation all too well, the stories of his ruthlessness and the way he dealt with anyone who dared to cross him.And now, Leo's thoughts were consumed with worry for Lucy. He couldn't bear the idea of her suffering because of a simple mistake, not after all that she had gone through. And the thought of Aiden deciding her fate filled him with a
All eyes were on him. The round table of Eric had grown silent and the silence persisted for a moment. Eric looked at him, surprisingly but that didn't stop him from taking a sip from his cup.“Yeah, I've changed my mind,” he said again, his voice firm. “She needs to be punished for her carelessness.” Leo's heart sank at his decision. His hands curled into fists beneath the tables, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He wanted to speak, to defend her but there was no way he could do that, not when his father was around.But the rage inside him was unmistakable. Ethan, sensing his frustration, discreetly reached under the table and placed a steadying hand on Leo's clenched fist. He turned his head to notice Ethan and Ethan made a gesture in which he understood too well.Leo but his lip, his eyes flickered and landed on Aiden. They were locked on him. Inside he was boiling but he forced himself to stay composed.Isabella, seated next to Aiden, could barely hide her satisfacti
Aiden and his men clashed fiercely with Leo's warriors. The sound of fists hitting flesh and the clang of claws echoes through the night. Aiden moved swiftly, striking down anyone who came near him. His strength was unmatched, but the numbers were against him.Leo stood back, watching the fight with cold eyes. A twisted smile played on his lips as she saw his men overpowering Aiden’s men one by one. Soon, only Aiden remained.Despite being alone, Aiden refused to back down. He had already taken down dozens, his movements sharp and precise, but the endless wave of enemy wore him down. Though he breathed heavily and his muscles ached, he didn't stop fighting.Leo's men surrounded him, moving in from every direction. Two of them threw a thick chain around his arm, another around his legs. Aiden struggled but more chains came. They pulled tight, dragging him to the ground. He tried to break free but the weight of the chains and the force of the guards holding them pinned him in place.Leo
Leo stood in his room, his hands clenched into fists as he stared blankly at the wall. His mind raced when the thoughts of the fight. The shame of losing to Aiden, openly, burned inside him, twisting his pride into rage.The door suddenly flew open with a loud creak. Alpha Eric stepped inside, his face was cold with anger. His sharp gaze pierced through the room as he slammed the door shut behind him.“What was that?” His voice sounded harsh. “You had the upper hand! How then did you lose to him?”Leo remained quiet, refusing to answer. Eric took a step closer, his frustration growing.“What did you do? You cheated, right?$ he hissed. “I know you did. You poisoned him—and still, you lost.”Leo didn't flinch. His heart pounded harder. “Answer me!” Eric snapped, raising his hand. Before Leo could react, a sharp slap struck his face, the sting echoing through the room.Leo slowly turned his head back to face his father, his eyes burning with anger. He had endured enough—his father's dis
Eric leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Go on,” he allowed, his tone curious.Aiden didn't pause. “If I win against Leo,” he smiled. “I will take Lucy, the maid that held my hands back there with me.”For a moment, there was silence. The words hung heavy in the air, and the crowd exchanged confused glances. No one had expected such a demand, especially not for a maid. Isabella, who had been sitting quietly, stood up in an instant. A wide smile stretched across her face as excitement flashed in her eyes. If Aiden won and took Lucy away, it would solve everything. Lucy would no longer be a threat to her. But then, is it the best option… what would happen with her and Leo? She thought. And as for Leo, the request struck a nerve. His smile faded as he marched toward his father. Leaning close to Eric, he lowered his voice, hoping no one else would hear.“Don't agree to it,” he hissed frustration clear in his tone. “You can't let him take her.”Alpha Eric remained still for a mome
Aiden moved fast, charging straight at Leo. His fist swung towards him but Leo was quicker. He dodged Aiden's punch and struck back with a hard blow to his side. Without giving him a chance to recover, Leo landed another punch on his chest, then his ribs, hitting him from every direction.Each strike pushed Aiden back, weakening him more. Leo's eyes gleamed with victory as he spun and delivered a powerful hook to Aiden's jaw. The force lifted Aiden off his feet. His body twisted in the air before he crashed to the ground with a heavy thud.Dust rose where he fellz and the sound echoed across the field. He landed close to where Lucy and Marie stood. Lucy's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at his body. Around her, the crowd roared in excitement.Their voices filled the air, chanting Leo's name over and over again. Some clapped, others cheered loudly, praising their future Alpha.Eric leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile. He clapped his hands together, proud of his son
The field was crowded with pack members. The full moon hung high above, casting a pale glow over the open space. Excitement and tension filled the air as everyone waited. But the one person they had expected—Luna Ava— was still not there. Murmurs spread through the crowd, quiet questions hanging without answers. Alpha Eric sat at the head of the gathering, his face calm but his fingers drumming lightly against the arm of his chair. His sharp gaze swept over the field, but there was no sign of her. The longer he waited, the heavier the silence became.A figure moved toward him—a guard, stepping close enough that only Eric could hear. He bent his head and whispered something quickly. Whatever the words were, they made Eric's expression tighten. He gave a slow nod before standing up, his towering form commanding everyone's attention. The noise faded as the pack focused on him. “The Luna will not be joining us anymore.” his voice rang out. “There are matters to be handled elsewhere and
Evening settled iber the pack, casting a warm glow as the sun dipped low behind the distant hills. The air buzzed with energy—laughter echoed through the open fields, the scent of roasted meat drifted from the kitchen and every wolf seemed eager for the celebration that would soon begin. Lanterns hung from the trees, flickering softly as pack members hurried about, preparing for the night ahead.Meanwhile, Leo stood near a pole inside the main hall, his sharp gaze scanning the royals, the elders and other representatives from other packs. He had been searching for Ethan, but there was no sign of him. Frustration flickered in his chest as he swept his eyes across the familiar faces—men in black exchanging quick words, young wolves chasing one another in playful bursts, the elders speaking quietly among themselves—but not the one person he needed to see.He sighed quietly, shifting his focus toward the center of the hall. And there he was, that was when he noticed him—Aiden.He was dres
Leo walked with heavy steps, his fists clenching tighter with each stride. The sun was higher now, warming the air, but the heat inside him burned hotter. Isabella's words played over and over in his mind—Lucy was the wolf. And Aiden was there with her.He had suspected something was off for a while. Aiden's movement has always been too careful, too quiet. But without proof. It was nothing more than a feeling. Now, there was no doubt left. Aiden had been helping Lucy and without doubt was the one who unlocked her wolf. He had done it right under his nose, in his pack without leaving a single trace. Leo's jaw tightened as he thought about the night he had smelled blood on Aiden's fingers. He had brushed it off then, convincing himself it couldn't be Lucy. After all, she wasn't supposed to be out of her room. But now, it all made sense. Aiden had been watching her and protecting her this entire time. And what had he been doing—that got him angry as he wished it should be him doing all
The sun hung high in the sky, casting light over the pack's territory and inside her room. Isabella sat on the edge of her bed, her hands gripping the sides tightly. Her mind raced as she replayed everything she had seen the night before—the wolf, the way its growl had echoed through the woods and how right in front of her, it had shifted back into a human. But not just anyone. Lucy.The name twisted inside her like a thorn. Lucy was supposed to be gone. Dead. she had made sure of it when she sent those useless Omegas to handle it. Yet, here she was—alive and stronger than before. That wolf… it was no ordinary shift. Isabella had never heard a wolf growl like that—not even the strongest warriors in the pack. The power in Lucy's growl which was able to shake the trees even the pack itself was in itself stronger. It was different and intense and it made her heart pound.If Lucy was alive, what else had she survived? Had Aiden been protecting her all this time?A shiver ran down her at t
Lucy's eyes burned bright red as she stared at the figure that was distant from her. Her body was still tense, her claws digging deep into the ground, creating marks and shapes as they made contact. The air around her felt somehow heavy, thick with threat and danger. Aiden knew she was thinking straight—her wolf had taken over. Her wolf had never been let out and now that it had, everything around it felt like a threat… she wouldn't want to go back to that state where her wolf was locked.The figure standing a short distance away trembled, her hands shaking by her sides. It was Isabella. Aiden recognized her scent before his eyes fully adjusted. She stood frozen, her face a pale-like color and her mouth slightly open as if she wanted to speak but could not.“Who is that?” she whispered under her breath, her voice barely audible. Aiden could hear the confusion in her tone, the disbelief. She didn't know who or what she was looking at. But sure, she could tell it was something differen