ALPHA LUCIUS’S POVI stood in the doorway, the faint light of dawn filtering through the window, casting a soft glow over the room. Vesta lay before me, her features softened in slumber, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. Despite the exhaustion etched on her face, there was a sense of determination that shone through, a resilience that belied her fragile state.Maria's words echoed in my mind, a nagging reminder of the toll that my decisions were taking on Vesta. She had pleaded with me to ease the intensity of her training, to give her body the chance to recover from the punishing regimen I had imposed upon her. But my resolve remained unyielding, a stubborn defiance that refused to waver.Knight's voice echoed in the depths of my mind, a constant companion whose wisdom I often chose to ignore. He warned me of the repercussions of my actions, of the rift that was widening between Vesta and me with each passing day. But I pushed aside his concerns, a silent acknowledgment
VESTA’S POV I arrived at the training ground, the anticipation bubbling within me as I prepared to resume my training. Despite the initial reluctance, I couldn't deny the growing sense of excitement that tingled beneath my skin. Perhaps it was the newfound camaraderie with Delta Maria or the sense of accomplishment that came with each passing day of training.With determined strides, I approached the center of the arena, my mind buzzing with anticipation. The morning sun cast a warm glow across the training ground, lending an air of serenity to the otherwise bustling atmosphere."Good morning, Vesta," Maria greeted, her voice warm and inviting as she approached me. "Ready to pick up where we left off?"I nodded eagerly, a faint smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Absolutely. I've been looking forward to it."As Maria began to outline the day's training regimen, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through me. The prospect of honing my skills and mastering new
VESTA’S POV I trudged wearily through the corridors of the palace, my muscles protesting with every step. Training sessions had left me exhausted, my body screaming for rest. Elliana and Raya flanked me, their voices a low murmur as they chattered about the latest gossip circulating among the omegas. I half-listened, too drained to fully engage.The palace hummed with activity, anticipation thick in the air. The impending coronation loomed over us like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over every corner. I hadn't seen my uncle since morning, his absence noticeable but not unwelcome. He was likely preoccupied with preparations, leaving me to my own devices. Fine by me.Lucius had been conspicuously absent from my training sessions lately, a fact for which I was grateful. I relished the reprieve from his oppressive presence, though I knew it wouldn't last. He was always lurking, always watching, his motives as inscrutable as ever. I wouldn't let my guard down around him, not for a second.
VESTA’S POV I arrived at the dinner hall slightly behind schedule, the weight of apprehension heavy upon my shoulders. Despite my best efforts to prepare, a sense of foreboding clung to me like a shadow, whispering of impending doom. I prayed silently that the evening would pass without incident, though deep down, I knew better.The hall loomed before me, its grandeur a stark reminder of the world I had been thrust into. My handmaidens and the omegas who had aided in my preparation had long departed, leaving me to navigate the treacherous waters alone. But I was no stranger to solitude, no stranger to the cruel whims of fate.As I made my way to the head of the table, a hush fell over the room, a silent acknowledgment of my presence. All eyes turned to me, their gazes a mix of curiosity and expectation. I ignored them, my focus trained solely on the figure seated beside me.Lucius, ever the puppet master, remained unmoved by the display, his attention fixed on the guests before him. I
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POVThe air in my office hung heavy with tension as Tia stormed in, her fury a palpable force that filled the room. Her footsteps echoed against the marble floor, each one a defiant declaration of her intent. I waited patiently, my senses attuned to the simmering rage that radiated from her like heat from a flame."Well, well, well," I drawled, my voice dripping with amusement as she came to a halt before me. "If it isn't the illustrious Tia, come to grace me with her presence."Tia's lips curled into a snarl, her eyes blazing with righteous indignation. "You think this is funny, Lucius?" she spat, her words laced with venom. "You think you can just cast me aside like some common servant?"I chuckled, the sound ringing out like a clarion call. "Oh, Tia, you always did have a flair for the dramatic," I remarked, my amusement unabated. "But let's not pretend you're here out of some noble sense of duty. We both know why you've come."Her fists clenched at her sides, her fur
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POV As the day of the appointment of the new cabinet members dawned, the sun rose over the capital city, casting a golden hue upon the grand courtyard of the palace. The air hummed with anticipation, the energy palpable as citizens from across the kingdom gathered to witness the historic event.I stood at the center of the courtyard, flanked by towering pillars of marble that rose to meet the sky. Despite my blindness, I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down upon me, the gravity of my responsibilities heavy upon my shoulders.Beside me stood Vesta, radiant in the morning light, her presence a beacon of hope amidst the sea of faces that filled the space. She wore a gown of royal blue, the color accentuating the fiery determination that burned within her. As she glanced at me, her eyes alight with excitement, I felt a surge of pride swell within me. She was a worthy consort, a partner in every sense of the word.The courtyard buzzed with activity as dignitarie
VESTA’S POVThe echoes of laughter and music faded into the night as the party came to a close, leaving behind a lingering sense of exhaustion and unease. As the revelers dispersed, I found myself standing alone in the dimly lit corridor, the weight of the evening settling upon my shoulders like a heavy cloak.I turned to find Lucius beside me, his presence looming large in the darkness. His gaze bore into mine, a silent challenge that left me feeling exposed and vulnerable."Come, Vesta," he said, his voice smooth and commanding. "It's time we retire for the night."I bristled at his presumption, the bitterness of our forced proximity souring my mood. But I knew better than to defy him, knew better than to invite his wrath upon myself.Without a word, I fell into step beside him, my footsteps echoing against the marble floors as we made our way to his chambers. The silence between us was thick with tension, a silent testament to the animosity that simmered beneath the surface.As we e
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POV As consciousness washed over me like a slow-moving tide, I became aware of the emptiness beside me, the absence of Vesta's presence a stark reminder of the events that had transpired the night before. The sheets were cool beneath my fingertips, the remnants of her warmth lingering in the air like a fading echo.I blinked against the morning light filtering through the window, the soft glow of dawn casting shadows across the room. Time had slipped away from me, lost amidst the depths of slumber that had held me in their grasp until the sun had reached its zenith in the sky.I rose from the bed with a heavy heart, the weight of my actions weighing upon me like a leaden shroud. Emotions, foreign and unfamiliar, swirled within me like a tempest, threatening to consume me in their relentless onslaught.I felt a pang of sadness gnawing at the edges of my consciousness, a hollow ache that echoed in the depths of my soul. I was not accustomed to such emotions, to the vulner
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