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
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVCrystal chandeliers cast a shimmering glow over the opulent ballroom, a thousand facets reflecting the feverish activity below. Maids scurried about, arranging opulent floral displays and plumping crimson velvet cushions. Strings of fairy lights, woven through the climbing wisteria, promised a night of enchanted revelry. Yet, amidst the flurry of preparations, a single figure stood apart – Nana, the King's trusted advisor, her brow furrowed in worry.Lucius, the Alpha King, was nowhere to be seen. Blind since birth, he navigated the palace with an uncanny awareness, a symphony of memorized footfalls and the subtle shifts in air currents his constant companions. Yet, tonight, the familiar rhythm of his steps was absent.Nana, her silver hair pulled back into a tight bun, sighed. With a practiced grace, she navigated the maze of servants, her hand trailing along the cool marble walls. Reaching the palace gardens, she found him. Seated beneath the gnarled branches of an
VESTA'S POVMy ankle screamed in protest as I landed wrong, a searing pain shooting up my leg. I stumbled, dropping my practice sword with a clatter. A strangled cry escaped my lips before I could bite it back.Everything went blurry for a second, then Dom was beside me, his face etched with concern. "Lila! What happened?""I think I…" I gritted my teeth, trying to stand, but a fresh wave of pain sent me sprawling back onto the mat. "My ankle."He knelt beside me, his calloused fingers gently probing the injured area. "It's swollen already. Definitely a sprain, maybe more."Panic bubbled in my chest. A sprain meant recovery time, missed training sessions, a setback in my quest to become stronger. I bit my lip, trying to blink away the tears pricking at my eyes."Hey, hey," Dom soothed, his voice calm and reassuring. "Don't worry, we'll get you checked out by the pack healer."The next thing I knew, I was being hoisted into his arms, bridal style. A blush crept up my cheeks despite the
AYRA'S POVStepping over the threshold, the coolness of the aged stone floor seeped into my paws. Nana, the head advisor, bustled ahead, a whirlwind of crimson silk and booming pronouncements. "Welcome, Princess Ayra, to your new home!" she declared, gesturing towards the vast expanse of the grand hall. Sunlight streamed through arched windows, casting an ethereal glow on the polished marble floor. I offered a curt nod, the silence around me pressing in like a tangible force. Gone were the cacophony of the ballroom, the whispers and curious stares. Here, an unnerving quiet reigned. Nana continued, her voice echoing through the cavernous space, "This is the heart of the palace. The King's quarters lie to the west, the Royal Court resides in the east wing, and your designated chambers are..." she trailed off, her sharp eyes locking onto a specific corridor. My stomach clenched. Could it be...? Following her gaze, I saw it – a heavy oak door adorned with intricate carvings. A sh
AYRA'S POVSunlight speared through the gap in the curtains, painting a mocking stripe across my eyelids. I jolted awake, heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. A quick glance at the ornate clock confirmed my worst fears – I was late. Leaping out of bed, fur bristling with panic, I scrambled into my designated training attire – a simple white tunic and breeches that felt far too restricting compared to my usual hunting attire. The bathroom was a blur of frantic splashing and hurried combing. Reaching the main hall, I skidded to a halt, lungs burning. Nana, the ever-present head advisor, stood by the grand staircase, her crimson robes stark against the pale marble floor. Her face, usually creased in a genial smile, was now a thundercloud. "Princess Ayra," she began, voice laced with icy disapproval, "punctuality is a cornerstone of leadership. A Luna Queen arrives early, not fashionably late." Shame burned through me. "I apologize, Nana. I overslept. It won't happen aga
VESTA'S POVA groan escaped my lips as I shifted on the plush couch, the throbbing in my ankle a constant, unwelcome companion. Three days cooped up inside was enough to drive anyone insane, and apparently, I wasn't anyone. Boredom gnawed at me like a persistent rodent. I flipped through a magazine for the hundredth time, the articles blurring together in a meaningless collage.A knock on the door startled me. "Come in," I called out, tossing the magazine aside.The door creaked open and Diana, poked her head in. A wide grin stretched across her face as she held up a plate piled high with cookies. "Freshly baked chocolate chip," she announced, her voice dripping with delight. "Thought you could use a little pick-me-up.""Diana, you shouldn't have," I protested weakly, but a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. The girl was a baking fiend, and her cookies were legendary.She sashayed in, her eyes twinkling. "Nonsense, Lila. A sprained ankle is no excuse to miss out on life's little
AYRA'S POVSweat beaded on Ayra's forehead, clinging to the strands of hair escaping her braid. The merciless midday sun beat down on the courtyard, turning the flagstones into a shimmering mirage. Her back ached from the endless laps Nana had made her run earlier, and now, forced into stillness, a peculiar mix of boredom and prickling irritation settled over her."Patience, child," Nana rasped from beneath the shade of a nearby willow. The crinkled corners of her eyes, perpetually half-closed, seemed to mock Ayra's discomfort. "A Luna Queen must learn to endure. Not just physical discomfort, but the scrutiny of everyone around her. You will be watched, judged, and whispered about."Ayra gritted her teeth, forcing a smile onto her lips. "Of course, Nana. I understand."Her gaze drifted across the courtyard, landing on Lucius. He stood by the training grounds, his broad back turned to her. A shiver, not entirely from the heat, snaked down her spine. He hadn't recognized her. Not yet. In
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