VESTA'S POVThe air between Dom and me crackled with tension as we continued to avoid each other, a careful dance of avoidance that we had perfected over the past few weeks. I had made a conscious decision to distance myself from him, needing time to sort through the mess of emotions swirling inside me before I could face him again. It wasn't easy, but I couldn't risk my secret being exposed, not when the consequences could be so dire.Instead, I threw myself into my work, finding solace in the familiar routines of pack life. Ellie, my partner in crime, kept me company, her easygoing nature a welcome distraction from the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.As we made our way to the hospital to check on the victims of the recent fire, I couldn't shake the sense of unease that gnawed at my insides. What if I ran into her again? The woman who had seen through my carefully constructed facade and threatened to expose me for the fraud that I was.As Ellie and I entered the bustling hospital
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVThe weight of the crown felt heavier than usual upon my brow as I paced the length of my chambers, my mind consumed with thoughts of Ayra. I had made a decision earlier that day that had surprised even myself – inviting her to move into my personal wing. It was a move that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows, both within the pack and beyond.But something about Ayra had unsettled me in recent days, a nagging feeling that whispered of hidden agendas and veiled intentions. I couldn't shake the sense that she was up to something, something that could pose a threat to me and my reign.I paused in my restless pacing, casting a wary glance at the door as it swung open to reveal Nana, the old sage who had served as my advisor for countless years."Nana," I greeted her with a nod, grateful for her presence in the midst of my turmoil. "What brings you here?"She regarded me with a knowing look, her eyes sharp and penetrating. "I wanted to discuss your decision to invite Ayra int
VESTA'S POVThe aroma of simmering spices filled the air as I bustled about the kitchen, preparing dishes for the alpha's get-together dinner. It was an opportunity to showcase my culinary skills and, more importantly, to bond with the other women of the pack. I had volunteered to help with the cooking, eager to make new friends and forge stronger connections within the community.In the bustling kitchen of the pack house, pots clanged and sizzles filled the air as I worked alongside the other women, preparing dishes for the alpha's dinner. Despite the flurry of activity, an underlying tension simmered beneath the surface, palpable and thick.I chopped vegetables with practiced precision, my focus intent on the task at hand. But despite my efforts to keep a cheerful demeanor, I couldn't shake the feeling of eyes boring into my back, a sensation that sent a shiver down my spine.Glancing up, I caught the icy glare of one of the women across the room. Her expression was sour, lips pursed
VESTA'S POVThe silence of the night enveloped me as I prepared to retire to bed, the weight of the day's events heavy on my mind. But before I could slip beneath the covers, a loud knock echoed through the silence, startling me from my thoughts.Curiosity piqued, I made my way to the door, my heart pounding with apprehension. Who could be knocking at this hour? Pulling open the door, I was met with the sight of Ellie standing on my doorstep, tears streaming down her face."Ellie?" I exclaimed, concern flooding my voice as I ushered her inside. "What's wrong?"She collapsed onto the couch, her sobs echoing through the room as I wrapped my arms around her, offering what little comfort I could. I drew her a bath, the sound of running water filling the air as I tried to soothe her frazzled nerves."What's wrong, Ellie?" I asked, concern lacing my voice."He threw me out," she choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks. I wrapped my arms around her, leading her to the bathroom to draw her
AYRA'S POVTiara bounced on the balls of her feet, her eyes sparkling as she zipped around my room, picking up discarded clothes and flinging them haphazardly into the overflowing laundry basket. Maki, ever the pragmatist, trailed behind her, carefully smoothing out the wrinkles on a discarded velvet gown.“Isn't this amazing, Ayra?" Tiara squealed, her voice laced with an almost manic excitement. "A royal ball for your birthday! Lucius has never done anything like this before!"I forced a smile, the gesture feeling foreign on my face. "It is...unexpected," I conceded, my voice tight."Unexpected?" Tiara echoed, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean? It's perfect! You'll be the belle of the ball, everyone will be talking about you!""That's exactly what worries me," I muttered, the anxieties that had been churning in my gut for days finally spilling over.Maki, who had been engrossed in meticulously folding a silk blouse, finally looked up. Her gaze, usually warm and friendly, held a f
VESTA'S POVThe scent of pine needles and damp earth filled the air as I strapped on my hunting knife. Ellie, my partner on patrol, was fiddling with the straps on her backpack, her brow furrowed in concentration."Almost ready, greenhorn?" I teased, a grin tugging at my lips.She swatted playfully at my arm. "Just making sure everything's in order, Lila. You wouldn't want us caught unprepared, would you?""Unprepared?" I scoffed, throwing my head back and laughing. "Ellie, darling, we could handle a rogue deer with our bare hands."A loud, insistent rapping on the front door cut through my laughter. Ellie jumped, her eyes widening with alarm. I rolled my eyes, already suspecting the culprit."Just ignore it," I muttered, slinging my backpack over my shoulder and heading for the back door. "It's probably just another lost tourist asking for directions."But the knocking persisted, growing more insistent with each passing second. With a sigh, I retraced my steps, stopping in front of th
AYRA'S POVA sharp rap on my door shattered the peaceful silence of the afternoon. My heart skipped a beat. Lucius summoning me? This wasn't part of the plan. I exchanged a nervous glance with Tiara and Maki, who were as surprised as I was."Come in," I called out, straightening my posture and forcing a smile onto my face.The door creaked open, revealing a stoic-faced guard. "The Alpha King requests your presence in his chambers," he announced, his voice devoid of warmth.My smile faltered for a brief moment, but I quickly recovered. "Thank you," I murmured, dismissing the guard with a nod."Everything alright, Ayra?" Tiara asked, her brow furrowed in concern. "Why would Lucius want to see you now?"I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Who knows? Maybe another fitting for the ball," I offered, even though the thought of another suffocating gown filled me with dread.Maki, ever practical, patted my hand reassuringly. "Whatever it is, you'll handle it, Ayra. Just remember, you're the Alph
AYRA'S POVCrystal chandeliers rained down an ethereal glow, illuminating the vast ballroom in a dazzling display. Tonight was the ball, and the air crackled with anticipation. Despite the churning turmoil within me, I couldn't deny a sliver of excitement. Perhaps it was the intoxicating music or the sheer grandeur of it all, but a thrill ran through me as I scanned the room.Lucius, impeccably dressed in a black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, stood beside me. He was the epitome of a powerful Alpha, his presence commanding respect from everyone in the room. He'd been uncharacteristically attentive all night, fetching me drinks, complimenting my dress (which, admittedly, did make me feel like a shimmering goddess), and even engaging in playful banter with my newfound friends, Tiara and Maki."Enjoying yourself, Ayra?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. We weren't mates, not truly, but tonight, under the artificial warmth of the ballro