VESTA'S POVLaughter bubbled up from my chest as Dom fumbled with the takeout boxes, spilling a rogue spring roll onto the counter."Seriously, Dom," I teased, wiping a tear from my eye. "You're about as graceful as a baby giraffe on roller skates."He scowled playfully, finally wrangling the containers into a precarious tower. "Hey, at least I didn't burn the rice again," he said, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips.We settled at the kitchen table, the aroma of spicy noodles and sesame chicken filling the air. It wasn't exactly a five-star meal, but with Dom beside me, even cafeteria food would have tasted like a Michelin-starred masterpiece."So," Dom began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I was thinking…""Thinking?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Dangerous territory, babe. You might hurt yourself with all that deep thinking."He chuckled, swatting playfully at my arm. "Okay, okay, but seriously. We've been dating for a while now, living in this shoebox apartment…""Hey!" I mock-
VESTA'S POVDisappointment gnawed at me as the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky. Dom had promised a picnic lunch by the serene lake, a chance to escape the city's clamor and steal a few quiet moments together. But here I sat, the blanket spread out on the soft grass, leftover sandwiches drying in the picnic basket, and Dom nowhere to be found.Hours bled into one another. I'd tried calling him numerous times, but his phone remained stubbornly silent. Worry gnawed at my insides, a cold, unwelcome feeling. Dom wasn't one to flake. We had plans, and he wouldn't just disappear without a word.Finally, unable to bear the suspense any longer, I gathered the picnic basket, my smile strained and brittle. The idyllic setting mocked my churning stomach. Back at the apartment, a heavy silence greeted me. Dom still wasn't there.Panic surged through me, icy tendrils wrapping around my heart. Rushing downstairs, I bumped into a young girl with bright, inquisitive eyes. "Diana?" I blurted, reco
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV The oak doors swung open with a heavy thud, and Delta Zane, my most trusted enforcer, stalked in, his face grim. Relief washed over me, momentarily eclipsing the dull ache in my lower back from sitting through the interminable cabinet meeting."Target acquired," Zane announced, his voice clipped."Excellent," I purred, leaning back in my plush chair. "Did you encounter any… inconveniences?"Zane's lips thinned. "The extraction was smooth. No witnesses, no complications.""Good. Very good." I steepled my fingers, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. Vesta wouldn't know what hit her. After all these months of running, she'd finally be back where she belonged – by my side."Anything else, Alpha King?" Zane asked, his posture rigid."No," I said, dismissing him with a wave of my hand. "You've done well, Zane. Get some rest."He inclined his head curtly and exited the room, leaving me alone with the silence. Anticipation crackled in the air, a delicious counterpoint to
VESTA'S POV The scent of woodsmoke and damp earth mingled with the nervous sweat prickling my skin. Dom had been missing for two days, and the pack was in a frenzy. Alpha Theodore had declared a search party, scouring every inch of the territory bordering the dreaded Shadow Ridge, where rogue wolves were rumored to roam.I forced a smile as Diana, Dom's little girl, clutched my hand, her big brown eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Bye, Lila," she mumbled, her voice thick with emotion. "Bring Daddy back, okay?""You bet, sweetheart," I promised, kneeling to hug her tightly. "Your dad is strong. He'll be home soon."A pang of guilt stabbed at me as I watched her retreating figure disappear into Sarah's embrace, Dom's sister. Sarah, with her fiery red hair and a scowl permanently etched on her beautiful face, had barely acknowledged me since Dom's disappearance. I couldn't blame her. Dom wouldn't have vanished into thin air.Back in my room, the silence pressed down on me, suffocating.
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVThe gilded doors slammed shut with a bang, the echo bouncing off the high, vaulted ceilings of my office. Nana, bless her fiery spirit, had just finished delivering a tongue-lashing that would make a lesser man flinch."Piff!" she'd huffed, her tiny frame radiating enough fury to rival a simmering volcano. I clenched my jaw, forcing a smile. Nana had been by my side since I was a pup, practically raised me after everyone left me. Yelling at her wasn't an option, even if every muscle in my body tensed with the urge to roar back."Nana," I began, my voice carefully measured, "we both know Vesta is my fated mate. Whether she likes it or not, she'll be Luna Queen by my side.""Like it or not?" she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Lucius, you can't force someone to be your mate! You tried that once, remember how well that ended?"My smile faltered. Ayra, the she-wolf I'd foolishly chosen as Luna, still festered in the dungeon, her betrayal a constant thorn in my
AYRA'S POVI was locked in the dungeon for what felt like an eternity. The damp walls, the cold stone floor, and the dim torchlight were my constant companions. It had been almost a month since Lucius discovered my plot, and he hadn't bothered to come see me since then. Not that I expected any compassion from him; after all, he was the one who threw me in here in the first place. I feel like a fool knowing that all my scheming and careful planning have gone up in the flames because of someone I trusted betraying me. It had to be Tiara who leaked my secret, I thought we all shared the same hate for the foolish alpha king but alas I was wrong as hell. Nana, the old sage of the palace and Lucius's favorite advisor, came to visit me. I was shocked to see her, wondering what business she could possibly have with me. "Ah, Ayra," Nana greeted me with a sad smile. "I see you're still holding on to hope." I scoffed bitterly. "What hope is there left for me?" Nana sighed, her wise eyes s
VESTA'S POVSeven days. Seven agonizing days since Alpha Theodore had told me to be patient, that the search party would find Dom. But patience was a luxury I didn't possess. Every sunrise felt like a punch to the gut, every sunset a reminder of another day wasted while Dom remained missing. I couldn't take it anymore. The pack center, once a haven, felt suffocating. The concerned glances, the hushed whispers – they all chipped away at my already fragile resolve. Packing my bag felt like a betrayal, a rejection of the life I'd built here, the home I'd found. Ellie, my ever-reliable patrol partner, found me by the window, a half-packed duffel bag at my feet. Her normally bright brown eyes were clouded with worry. "Lila," she began hesitantly, "what are you doing?" I forced a smile, the gesture feeling brittle on my face. "Just packing a few things," I mumbled, avoiding her gaze. "Are you leaving?" The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fear. "I..." I trailed off, unab
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV A satisfied smirk played on my lips as I leaned back in my chair, the evening sun casting long shadows across my office floor. Beta Marcus, his ever-reliable presence, stood before me, clearing his throat."Well, Marcus?" I prompted, my voice laced with an underlying impatience. "Do tell, did our wayward Luna grace us with her presence?""Indeed, Alpha," Marcus confirmed, a hint of amusement flickering in his brown eyes. "She arrived just as you predicted, a little worse for wear but otherwise unharmed."The news sent a thrill coursing through me, a delicious mix of anticipation and control. Vesta was back, just as fate, and my careful planning, had ordained. A small, traitorous part of me yearned to see her, to witness the fire in her emerald eyes and the defiance that had always simmered beneath the surface.But I wouldn't give her the satisfaction. Not yet. "Excellent," I replied coolly, steepling my fingers in front of me. "Have her taken to the private halls on
LuciusI traced Vesta’s scent to a horrid looking place. But I couldn’t care less, all that was on my mind was where to find my Luna. I kept on following the trail of her scent and it lead me deeper into the unknown.As I pushed forward, the scent of my mate intensified, mingling with the odor of the unknown wolves. A low growl rumbled in my chest, a warning to any who dared stand in my path.Finally, the path opened into a vast underground chamber and in there, stood two figures. I recognized the unmistakable scent of Vesta clinging to them. But something was wrong. Their movements were jerky, and their eyes glowed with emerald light.“Vesta!" I roared. "Where is she?"The figures turned towards me, their heads snapping in unison. A guttural growl erupted from their throats. Their glowing eyes never left me. Their lack of response, their wolf appearance, sent fury coursing through me."Where is my mate?" I repeated. "What have you done to her?"Another guttural growl was their o
VESTA'S POV Even while I knew I and Elara were cooked, I was still defiant. I challenged him, I said all sorts of disdainful remarks towards him and for a moment, I saw fear. But he wouldn't let a naive pup like me unravel it all. "Don't be foolish, Vesta," he hissed. "I've worked too hard for my position. A few more lives, even yours, are a small price to pay for ultimate power." Darius didn't care about the pack, not truly. It was all a game of control, a desperate scramble to maintain a power he never rightfully earned. And if that meant silencing anyone who threatened to expose his treachery, then so be it. “You think fear will silence me?" I retorted, my voice laced with newfound steel. "You underestimate me, Uncle." Darius's smile vanished completely, replaced by a menacing scowl. "Perhaps," he said, taking a menacing step forward. "But underestimation can be a very effective tool." A signal was barked, and the two guards flanking him lunged forward. Before I could react, t
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV With I and Mayra in the same castle as Vesta, I knew Vesta was definitely going to observe my relationship with my sister. She had spoken to me about family and bonding. She made me understand that family is forever even if they can be dickheads. I was reluctant to have ‘that talk’ with my sister but Vesta had convinced me to do it. With a gentle nudge and a smile, she left us alone in the library, a silent encouragement to bridge the gap that separated us. Mayra, frail but determined, reached out a hand, her touch hesitant yet filled with longing. I clasped it in mine. "I'm so sorry, Lucius," she said, her voice cracked. "For everything." "There's nothing to apologize for, Mayra," I replied, my voice cracking as well. "We were just children, caught in the crossfire." A gentle smile touched her lips, in that moment I saw a glimpse of a vibrant young woman I remembered. "Do you remember the stories Mama used to tell us?" she asked. I nodded, I felt bitte
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV Everything going on with Vesta was unfortunate. As much as I wanted her to be with me in my castle so we could make love from dusk till dawn, I had to give her the time and space she needed to heal. I didn’t know much about what had happened back in her pack but I do know it had something to do with her uncle. One morning, Vesta walked up to me in the study. “Lucius, the night my parents died, do you have any idea what happened?” She asked me, she appeared almost lifeless. As though she had been troubled with something heavy. “I wasn’t there. I have little to no knowledge of what happened that night.” I confessed. “How can I trust you! Everyone has been lying to me, why are you any different?!” She yelled. Vesta's words hit me like a physical blow. The raw pain and accusation in her voice felt like a betrayal. But I could understand her pain. “Believe me, Vesta, I had nothing to do with your parents' death." "How can I believe you?" she cried, her voice
VESTA'S POV In the days that followed, I was conflicted by my emotions. I was uncertain, the truth was a constant torment in my mind. I couldn't shake the image of a dark figure, a glimpse from a night etched in blood and loss. Was it Lucius after all? Or was I clinging to a fabricated truth, a narrative constructed by years of resentment? Determined to uncover the truth, I embarked on a relentless quest for knowledge. Every spare moment found me looking through anything in hardcover the pack library. My fingers tracing the worn spines of ancient tomes. My frustration built with each dead-end. Until one dusty afternoon, buried beneath a pile of forgotten scrolls, my fingers brushed against a hidden compartment in an old leather-bound book. Inside, resting amongst brittle parchment and faded ink, lay a single, folded letter. My heart pounded in my chest as I carefully unfolded the yellowed paper, the words written upon it swimming before my eyes. It was a desperate plea, a despera
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV I wondered why she hated me. Every time I looked at Vesta, the raw pain in her eyes was a constant reminder of my own shortcomings. Two years. Two years I'd watched Vesta fight our bond with every fiber of her being. Two years of clenched jaws and strange stares, a constant reminder of the past I desperately wanted to amend. Vesta sat by the window, her back was rigid, her silence a wall I desperately wanted to breach. With a deep breath, I approached with a bouquet of wildflowers clutched tightly in my hand. “Vesta," I began. "May I come in?" I was greeted with silence. I was beginning to get frustrated but I forced it down. This wasn't about me. This was about making amends, however flimsy they might seem. I pushed the door open further, stepping into the room. "I brought you these," I stated, extending the bouquet towards her. They were violets and lilies, her favorites. It was a long shot, a gamble, but her reaction was worth the risk. Surprised crossed her
VESTA'S POV I practically skipped into the pack house, my heart humming a happy tune. Elara, who was by the window, looked up, her brows raised in amusement. "What's gotten into you?" she teased. "Elara, you won't believe it!" I gushed, practically bursting with the need to share. "Lucius and I… we went for a walk." "A walk?" Elara said, her voice laced with curiosity. "That's it?" I blushed furiously, but couldn't contain my excitement. "Well, it wasn't just any walk," I stammered. "We talked… for hours. And then…" I paused dramatically, unable to wipe the silly grin off my face. "He kissed me, Elara." A gasp escaped Elara's lips. "He kissed you?" Her eyes widened in surprise. "And… and you?" "I…" I confessed hesitantly, "I kissed him back." Elara's face broke into a wide smile. "Oh, Vesta!" she squealed, clapping her hands together in delight. "That's amazing! I knew there was something simmering there." The memory of the kiss sent a shiver down my spine. "It was… unexpected
VESTA'S POV All of a sudden, the outrage I felt towards Lucius seemed petty. After that gift, he was a powerful Alpha, sending me such a heartfelt gift, and all I could do was shut him out. Elara, who had watched me open the book again, spoke up softly, "It's beautiful, isn't it, Vesta?" I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. "He put a lot of effort into it," Elara added. "Maybe you should cut him some slack." Her words echoed in my mind. Perhaps she was right. Lucius had his flaws, his controlling tendencies were a constant source of irritation, but this… this was different. This was a man reaching out, trying to forge a connection. “Give him a chance?" I said, trying to mask my feelings. “Think about it," Elara urged. "Flowers from so far away? Jewelries, trinkets. A book, that obviously means something to you? He's clearly trying." Maybe, just maybe, it was time for me to reciprocate, to meet him halfway. Later that evening, as I sat by the fire with a steaming
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV I watched with satisfaction as the messengers I'd hired left the castle grounds, a precious package safely in their hands. Inside? Another token for Vesta – a stunning emerald bracelet this time, a subtle nod to her captivating eyes. A smile played on my lips. Perhaps, with this one, she'd finally relent, finally acknowledge the depth of my affection. "Alpha Lucius," Marcus barged into the room, his usual stoicism replaced by a flicker of urgency. "We have a situation." My smile faded. "What is it, Marcus?" "News from Vesta's pack," he replied, stepping closer. "Our scouts report… peculiar developments." Intrigued, I leaned forward. "Peculiar?" “Yes, Alpha. It seems the women and young girls… they've been seen wearing expensive jewelry. Gold, diamonds, even silver." A frown etched itself onto my face. Jewelry? I’ve been sending boxes of the finest jewelries to Vesta. Could news of my generosity have spread so quickly? Perhaps word of my extravagant gift had in