VESTA’S POV I strolled through the bustling pack grounds, the sounds of laughter and chatter filling the air around me. It was a vibrant community, alive with the energy of its members, and I found myself drawn to its lively spirit.As I passed by the training grounds, Beta Dom fell into step beside me, his easy smile a welcome sight. He had become a familiar presence in my life, a steady companion amidst the tumult of change."Good morning, Lila," he greeted me warmly, his voice tinged with genuine affection. "Ready for another day of training?"I returned his smile with a playful grin of my own. "Always ready, Dom," I replied, my tone light and teasing. "But first, let's grab some breakfast. I hear the cooks have outdone themselves this morning."Together, we made our way to the pack dining hall, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. The hall was alive with activity, pack members bustling about as they prepared for the day ahead.As we settled into ou
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POV I paced the confines of my chamber, the weight of anger heavy upon my shoulders. The relentless turmoil within me seemed to grow with each passing moment, an insatiable hunger gnawing at the depths of my soul. The training grounds offered no solace, no respite from the tempest raging within."Release the prisoners," I commanded, my voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Bring them to me."The guards hesitated, uncertainty flickering in their eyes, but they obeyed nonetheless. Four men emerged from the depths of the dungeon, their faces etched with a mixture of fear and determination. They knew the stakes, knew the price they might pay with their lives.The first man stepped forward, his stance defiant despite the shackles that bound him. He was an alpha, a traitor to my kingdom, imprisoned for his crimes against the crown. His eyes burned with a fierce determination, a silent challenge echoing in the air between us."Let the duel begin," I intoned, my voice de
VESTA’S POV The sun was already high in the sky when Dom approached me with a worried expression etched across his face. "Lila, I need to attend an important meeting in the pack," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "But Diana is feeling under the weather, and I can't leave her alone."I nodded understandingly, offering him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Dom. I'll take care of Diana for you," I replied, my tone filled with sincerity.Relief washed over his features as he clasped my shoulder gratefully. "Thank you, Lila. I truly appreciate it," he said, his voice heavy with gratitude.With that, he hurried off, leaving me alone with Diana. The little girl sat on the couch, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. I smiled warmly at her, determined to make her feel at ease in Dom's absence."Hey there, Diana," I said, my voice gentle and reassuring. "How about we spend the day together?"Diana's eyes lit up with excitement as she nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POV As I sat in the grand chamber, surrounded by my newly appointed cabinet members, the topic of discussion veered towards a subject that had long been avoided—choosing a Luna. The suggestion hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the void that had lingered within me for far too long."It's time, Your Majesty," one of the cabinet members remarked, his tone laced with a sense of urgency. "The kingdom needs a Luna to stand by your side, to support and guide you."I listened in silence, masking the turmoil that churned within me. Only Alpha Callum knew the truth—that I had already found my mate, a secret I had chosen to guard fiercely, even from my closest advisors. They had no business knowing that the goddess had given me amate and i pushed her away, or that I am in fact still paying heavily for it while my mate could be anywhere right now, making sure I don’t find her. "I agree," I finally replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil that raged within. "A Luna is essen
VESTA’S POV As Dom and I strolled through the tranquil streets of the pack, the cool breeze whispered secrets of the night, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings. His voice broke through the silence, stirring thoughts of the uncertain path that lay ahead."What are your plans for the future, Lila?" Dom inquired, his gaze steady as he awaited my response.I shrugged nonchalantly, my lips curving into a playful smile. "Honestly, I haven't quite figured that out yet," I confessed, my tone light with the weight of possibility. "For now, I'm just taking things one step at a time. No need to rush into anything."He nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful as we continued our leisurely stroll. The moon cast its gentle glow upon us, illuminating the path with a soft radiance.Changing the subject, Dom steered our conversation toward lighter topics, the rhythm of our banter flowing effortlessly between us. I regaled him with tales of the mischievous antics of the children in
TIA’S POV The scent of lilies hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the earthy musk that had permeated Dad’s office for as long as I could remember. My throat tightened, the dam threatening to burst. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the tears back, but they spilled over anyway, tracing hot tracks down my cheeks. “He wouldn’t have wanted you to cry, Tia,” a gruff voice said from behind me. I didn’t turn around. I couldn't. Acknowledging anyone right now felt like an admission of defeat, a confirmation of the gaping hole his absence had ripped through my life. “He wouldn’t have wanted this either,” I choked out, my voice thick with unshed tears. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating. I knew who it was – Derek, my father’s Beta, the practical rock to his impulsive storm. He probably thought I needed a voice of reason, someone to pull me out of this self-pitying spiral. But reason was the last thing I craved. “He did what he thought was best,” Derek continued, his voice so
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVThe rhythmic clack of Marcus' cane against the polished marble floor grated on my nerves, a counterpoint to the symphony of whispers that filled the throne room. My advisors hummed like agitated bees, their hushed voices swirling around me. "Your Majesty," Marcus began, his voice a steady anchor in the swirling sea of sound. "The situation in the Northern Pack grows dire."A flicker of irritation flared within me. "I am aware, Marcus," I said, my voice flat, devoid of emotion. My sightlessness rendered me a prisoner in my own palace, forced to rely on the fragmented reports and filtered information others deemed fit for my ears."But with all due respect, Your Majesty," Marcus continued, his voice unwavering, "ignoring their pleas for assistance is seen as…uncharacteristic."Uncharacteristic. A curious choice of words. Was I supposed to be moved by the plight of a young, inexperienced alpha, especially one who had spent most of her life flitting about the periphery
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVThe familiar scent of lavender and woodsmoke filled the air, a comforting anchor in the storm brewing inside of me. Nana, my guardian and the only person who dared to speak to me with such blunt honesty, stood before me, her frail frame a stark contrast to the imposing stone walls of my chambers."A ball, Your Majesty?" she scoffed, her voice raspy with age but laced with a sharp undercurrent of disapproval. "Is that truly the best idea you can conjure?"My jaw clenched. I loathed feeling like a child being lectured. "It is a necessary measure," I said, my voice clipped and formal. "My advisors believe a public display of…openness will attract potential candidates."Nana let out a snort, a sound that somehow managed to be both disrespectful and endearing. "Openness? You, who shroud yourself in shadows and silence, suddenly crave openness?"Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken tension. Nana wasn't wrong. But the gnawing emptiness within me, the void left
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