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
VESTA'S POVDom was late. Again. Fifteen minutes late, which wouldn't normally bother me, except today all the good equipment was hogged. I scanned the weight room, disappointment prickling my skin. Every squat rack was occupied, barbells were scattered across the floor like fallen soldiers, and the only treadmill available was the one perpetually stuck at a slow jog."Ugh," I muttered, grabbing a stray yoga mat and heading for the corner. At least I could stretch while I waited. Just as I unrolled the mat, Kia, the resident know-it-all, sashayed in, her perfectly manicured nails glinting under the gym lights."Hey Lila," she drawled, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Mind if I borrow those weights?"I raised an eyebrow, noting the empty squat rack behind her. "Actually, yeah. I was going to use them."Kia scoffed, a high-pitched sound that grated on my nerves. "Were? Honey, this gym isn't a reservation system. First come, first served.""Except I was here first," I pointed out,
VESTA'S POVThe memory of Kia's words lingered like a bad smell. Every playful jab, every shared joke with Dom echoed in my head, twisted into something suggestive. The sting of her accusation – that I was throwing myself at him – had burrowed deep.So, today, at warrior training, I decided to play it cool. No more goofy grins or witty retorts. Just a focused silence, a determined glint in my eye. Dom, bless his observant heart, noticed the shift."Lila, you alright?" he asked during a break, concern etched on his brow. "You seem…different."I shrugged, forcing a nonchalant smile. "Just tired. Long day."It wasn't a complete lie. Work had been a slog, but the real exhaustion stemmed from the emotional tug-of-war within me.Training itself was a blur. I pushed myself harder than usual, each lunge, each swing of the practice sword a physical manifestation of my internal turmoil. Sweat beaded on my forehead, my muscles screamed, but the ache in my body was preferable to the turmoil in my