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
AYRA'S POVI stumble up the stairs, the world swaying with each step, and the laughter from the already ended party below echoing in my ears. My limbs feel heavy, and my vision blurs at the edges, making it hard to focus on anything except the pulsing rhythm of my own heartbeat.The steps seem to multiply beneath my unsteady feet, and I grasp the railing for support, feeling its cool metal beneath my clammy palms. Every movement feels exaggerated, as if I'm wading through molasses, and I can't help but giggle at the absurdity of it all.At the top of the stairs, I pause for a moment, trying to remember which room is mine. The hallway stretches out before me like a labyrinth, and I sway uncertainly, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over me. With a shrug, I stagger down the hallway, careful to avoid bumping into anybody and finally spot a door that seemed like mine and push it open.Inside, the room is dimly lit, and the air is heavy with the scent of incense. I blink, trying to clear my
VESTA'S POVSweat dripped down my forehead, stinging my eyes as I landed a solid kick on the heavy punching bag. My muscles screamed in protest, but I pushed them harder, channeling my frustration into each blow. Being suspended from the pack warriors was killing me. Training was my lifeblood, the rhythm of punches and kicks as familiar as my own heartbeat.Alone in the training room, the only sounds were the rhythmic thud of my attacks and the ragged rasp of my breath. It was a far cry from the coordinated drills and sparring sessions I craved. But it was all I had for now.Suddenly, the heavy door whooshed open, startling me. Dom, his broad frame filling the doorway, stood there looking mildly concerned."Lila," he said, his voice laced with a hint of worry. "You pushing yourself too hard?"I ignored his question, continuing my assault on the punching bag. Each punch resonated with a dull thud, the sound echoing through the empty room.Dom sighed, his footsteps heavy as he approached
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV A dull ache throbbed behind my eyes, a persistent reminder of the previous night's festivities. The ball had been a roaring success, the pack abuzz with excitement over the upcoming union with the neighboring Silver Moon pack. Ayra, my soon-to-be bride, had been the center of attention, her beauty captivating everyone in the room.But beneath the surface of celebration, a disquiet gnawed at me. Ayra, for all her charm and grace, remained an enigma. The playful facade she presented often felt like a carefully constructed mask. And last night, during our…conjugal duties, the truth had become painfully clear. She had been innocent, untouched.The revelation sent a wave of guilt crashing over me. I, Lucius, Alpha King of the WHOLE REALM, had taken the virginity of a woman I barely knew. A woman who was, by all accounts, not my mate. The act, intended to solidify our bond, now felt like a violation.I pushed myself out of bed, the luxurious sheets slipping away from my c
VESTA'S POVThe aroma of sizzling garlic and herbs filled the air, a symphony of deliciousness that made my stomach rumble. In the cozy kitchen of Dom's family home, I hummed along to the classic rock playing on the radio, chopping vegetables with a newfound sense of belonging. Gone were the days of takeout and microwave dinners in my tiny apartment. Tonight, dinner was a family affair, and for the first time, I felt like I was a part of it."Need a hand with that, Lila?" Diana, Dom's younger sister, called out from the stove, where she was stirring a bubbling pot. Her smile was genuine, devoid of the initial suspicion she'd harbored when we first met."Nope, I'm good," I replied, tossing a perfectly diced onion into a pan. "Besides, this warrior can handle a few veggies."Diana chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Warrior, huh? Sounds like you've been spending too much time with Dom.""Hey, it's contagious," I teased, winking at her. "So, spill the beans. What's on the menu tonight
AYRA'S POV My heart pounded a frantic rhythm against my ribs as the sleek helicopter soared over the snow-capped mountains. Below, a breathtaking landscape unfolded – a pristine lake reflecting the azure sky, a carpet of emerald green meadows dotted with wildflowers, and a meandering river like a silver ribbon weaving through the scene.Lucius, sitting beside me, was a captivating sight himself. His usually stern demeanor had softened into a rare smile, his gaze fixed on the breathtaking panorama. "It's beautiful," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine."It is," I agreed, mirroring his smile. The day couldn't have been more perfect. A picnic lunch on a secluded mountain plateau, a breathtaking view, and Lucius, seemingly captivated by me. It was all going according to plan.The helicopter touched down with a gentle thud, and we disembarked. Fresh mountain air filled my lungs, carrying the sweet scent of pine and wildflowers. Lucius offered me his arm, a g