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
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