RAPHAELI pushed Delicia away from me. Her eyes widened as she curled on the ground. Grabbing a curtain, I tossed it over her, saying, "I don't want to see that.""Is it because of that wretched-looking bitch? You never had any problems seeing me in nothing. You've really changed, and I don't think I like the new you, Raphael," Delicia remarked.I scoffed, glaring at her. "I changed? I believe you mean you changed because you were never this way!""I didn't change. You are trying to push me away and have rejected me because of her," Delicia yelled."That's because we can never have anything together. We're not mates. You're not mate material," I said bluntly, though harsh.I paced to the window, sticking my head out. "Fuck it!" I growled, then stared back at her."Why are you trying to make my life miserable? What do you want from me? Did Mom ask you to do this?"I walked up to her, gripped her shoulder, hoisted her up, and shook her. "Tell me, what the hell did she give you? Any brib
CINZIA POVI bristled. "Who does he think he is, coming in here and commanding everyone like we're his loyal subjects?"I yanked the towel from the closet handle, wrapping it around my hair before heading to the vanity chair."He's the king, child," Rhea said.She had rejoined me after the king had left to finish bathing me.Plus, she'd warned me about how to talk to him, but it was irritating. How was I supposed to converse with a jerk who hid behind curtains, never wanting to be seen?Maybe I shouldn't care about his appearance, but I did. After all, he bid on me, and I needed to ensure he seemed sane.Right now, he didn't talk like a sane person, leaving me with only his appearance, which I believed I'd never see."I'm a princess too, Rhea. Don't forget that. I shouldn't be treated any way people feel like.""He doesn't recognize that. No one does here. You're not in your pack anymore. Your title as a princess is just something on your arms."Rhea pointed to the trident with a crown
CINZIA POVI swallowed hard, eyes widening along with my mouth. I felt like a fish out of water, but I didn't care. The hybrid king wasn't what I expected.He was visible, but I could barely see his face—it was wrapped in a large yellowish cloth. Only his anthracite eyes and straight Grecian nose were visible, along with his rich golden skin.I couldn't understand why his face was covered, and I recalled my earlier speculation. Maybe he was hideous, or perhaps those he had harassed left permanent scars. I tried to imagine scars running across his face, but all I saw was an overly attractive man despite the scars.My eyes reluctantly moved from his compelling eyes to his skin, inked with tattoos. I couldn't read them, but they might represent his pack and other things. In my world, packs were identified by tattoos and badges.A large thunderbolt adorned his chest with lightning above it against a cloudy sky. His muscles were toned, and they flexed as if he purposely did so for my admir
CINZIA POVThe rich tones of charcoal and burgundy welcomed me as I stepped into the room. Pausing by the door, I surveyed my surroundings, anticipating something different, at least. Raphael's mysterious nature had never hinted at such extremes.The room, spacious enough to be called a dining room, was illuminated by eight candles strategically placed in each corner. Despite the chandelier overhead, the candles served as the primary light source. A mahogany table dominated the center, adorned with silver candelabras and a bouquet of blood-red roses as centerpieces.While I knew I wasn't alone in the room upon entering, Raphael was nowhere in sight. If he intended to arrive late, he shouldn't have urged me to come earlier. Surprisingly, I had beaten him by a few minutes, thanks to Rhea's insistence on hurrying me along."Cinzia," his voice cut through the quiet room, and I spun around to find him, his hand reaching for my arm. "Come," he urged, materializing before me."Raphael," I m
CINZIA POVAnyone with senses would have left as soon as they stepped out of the dining room, but I couldn't make myself do it. Running was the thought that invaded my mind, yet I couldn't bring myself to run.My hands fell to my sides, and I breathed in and out, staring at the ground. I avoided looking at him; what would I see if I did?Nothing anyway."I won't kill you, and you're too rigid," he murmured. "Relax, Cinzia.""If you're not going to kill me, where are you leading me? This isn't the entrance," I said, glancing around at my new surroundings.I couldn't determine exactly where we were, but it seemed to be some kind of basement. Or was it not? I didn't know, and I didn't like the eerie feeling that surged through me as I glanced around.Were there torture weapons here? I wondered. Was he planning to use them on me? The thought of him using horse whips and other torture tools crossed my mind, and I couldn't shake it away.The room I was in mirrored the dining room, but it wa
CINZIA POVLooking at Raphael briefly and waiting for him to say he was joking and only wanted to see my reaction, but he said nothing.In fact, his eyes kept narrowing at me as if he was finding it hard to believe as much as I was."Mate?" I asked, leaving his embrace.Staring at my wrist, I noticed my super healing had kicked in, and the bruises had started to fade. Likewise, it was beginning to heal."Yes, Cinzia, you are my mate," Raphael repeated.Unable to help myself, I tossed my head back and let out a burst of laughter. "That's easily the funniest thing I had ever heard. What the hell is that supposed to mean?"Raphael stalked towards me, gripping my healing wrist, causing yelp from me.He pulled me towards the wall and caged me with both his hands, "I should ask you that, Cinzia."His voice was cold. Was he suggesting I had done something?He definitely was.I shoved him, glaring. "What do you mean by that? You asked me out to the balcony, and whatever happened to the door,
CINZIA POV"Let everything go up in flames!" a voice bellowed, jolting me awake.The loudness ripped me from slumber. I blinked away the haze from my eyes as screams filled the air. Slowly, I climbed down from the bed, moving towards the open window. Peering out, my breath caught as I saw women and men from our pack in frantic motion.Upon closer look, I realized they weren't just running; they were being chased. And the truth dawned on me. We were under attack!The door to my room flung open, and I let out a shriek. I clutched the curtain, using it as a makeshift barrier against whoever was entering. My grip tightened on the flower vase resting on the window sill, poised to defend myself.As my ragged breathing eased, I met the wide-eyed gaze of my mother. She was breathing rapidly, each breath quick and shallow."Mother," I started, moving towards her. "What's happening?"She shook her head and let out another quick breath. Was this an asthmatic attack coming on?Diana Aetos, my moth
CINZIA's POVTWO DAYS LATERTears welled up in my eyes as I gazed upon what used to be the palace of the Royal Wolf Tribe. It was all reduced to rubble.No Alpha, no Luna. Even I, the lone daughter of the Alpha and Luna, couldn't fathom what was happening, let alone control a crowd that had lost hope.It felt surreal, something I hadn't anticipated. I had cloaked myself in a fantasy world to shield myself from the harshness of reality until now.The world seemed cruel, snatching away my parents without a second thought. And now, I was already held captive. Perhaps, my fate mirrored theirs – to be slaughtered. I didn't know for certain, but that was how it felt as rough hands pushed me forward.I grunted, shaking off my captors."Are you alright, princess?"My handmaiden, Rhea, tried to come to my aid, but one of our captors restrained her, delivering a harsh slap to her cheeks. They even spat on her face, threatening her life if she dared approach me.I bit my lip, fighting back the te
CINZIA POVLooking at Raphael briefly and waiting for him to say he was joking and only wanted to see my reaction, but he said nothing.In fact, his eyes kept narrowing at me as if he was finding it hard to believe as much as I was."Mate?" I asked, leaving his embrace.Staring at my wrist, I noticed my super healing had kicked in, and the bruises had started to fade. Likewise, it was beginning to heal."Yes, Cinzia, you are my mate," Raphael repeated.Unable to help myself, I tossed my head back and let out a burst of laughter. "That's easily the funniest thing I had ever heard. What the hell is that supposed to mean?"Raphael stalked towards me, gripping my healing wrist, causing yelp from me.He pulled me towards the wall and caged me with both his hands, "I should ask you that, Cinzia."His voice was cold. Was he suggesting I had done something?He definitely was.I shoved him, glaring. "What do you mean by that? You asked me out to the balcony, and whatever happened to the door,
CINZIA POVAnyone with senses would have left as soon as they stepped out of the dining room, but I couldn't make myself do it. Running was the thought that invaded my mind, yet I couldn't bring myself to run.My hands fell to my sides, and I breathed in and out, staring at the ground. I avoided looking at him; what would I see if I did?Nothing anyway."I won't kill you, and you're too rigid," he murmured. "Relax, Cinzia.""If you're not going to kill me, where are you leading me? This isn't the entrance," I said, glancing around at my new surroundings.I couldn't determine exactly where we were, but it seemed to be some kind of basement. Or was it not? I didn't know, and I didn't like the eerie feeling that surged through me as I glanced around.Were there torture weapons here? I wondered. Was he planning to use them on me? The thought of him using horse whips and other torture tools crossed my mind, and I couldn't shake it away.The room I was in mirrored the dining room, but it wa
CINZIA POVThe rich tones of charcoal and burgundy welcomed me as I stepped into the room. Pausing by the door, I surveyed my surroundings, anticipating something different, at least. Raphael's mysterious nature had never hinted at such extremes.The room, spacious enough to be called a dining room, was illuminated by eight candles strategically placed in each corner. Despite the chandelier overhead, the candles served as the primary light source. A mahogany table dominated the center, adorned with silver candelabras and a bouquet of blood-red roses as centerpieces.While I knew I wasn't alone in the room upon entering, Raphael was nowhere in sight. If he intended to arrive late, he shouldn't have urged me to come earlier. Surprisingly, I had beaten him by a few minutes, thanks to Rhea's insistence on hurrying me along."Cinzia," his voice cut through the quiet room, and I spun around to find him, his hand reaching for my arm. "Come," he urged, materializing before me."Raphael," I m
CINZIA POVI swallowed hard, eyes widening along with my mouth. I felt like a fish out of water, but I didn't care. The hybrid king wasn't what I expected.He was visible, but I could barely see his face—it was wrapped in a large yellowish cloth. Only his anthracite eyes and straight Grecian nose were visible, along with his rich golden skin.I couldn't understand why his face was covered, and I recalled my earlier speculation. Maybe he was hideous, or perhaps those he had harassed left permanent scars. I tried to imagine scars running across his face, but all I saw was an overly attractive man despite the scars.My eyes reluctantly moved from his compelling eyes to his skin, inked with tattoos. I couldn't read them, but they might represent his pack and other things. In my world, packs were identified by tattoos and badges.A large thunderbolt adorned his chest with lightning above it against a cloudy sky. His muscles were toned, and they flexed as if he purposely did so for my admir
CINZIA POVI bristled. "Who does he think he is, coming in here and commanding everyone like we're his loyal subjects?"I yanked the towel from the closet handle, wrapping it around my hair before heading to the vanity chair."He's the king, child," Rhea said.She had rejoined me after the king had left to finish bathing me.Plus, she'd warned me about how to talk to him, but it was irritating. How was I supposed to converse with a jerk who hid behind curtains, never wanting to be seen?Maybe I shouldn't care about his appearance, but I did. After all, he bid on me, and I needed to ensure he seemed sane.Right now, he didn't talk like a sane person, leaving me with only his appearance, which I believed I'd never see."I'm a princess too, Rhea. Don't forget that. I shouldn't be treated any way people feel like.""He doesn't recognize that. No one does here. You're not in your pack anymore. Your title as a princess is just something on your arms."Rhea pointed to the trident with a crown
RAPHAELI pushed Delicia away from me. Her eyes widened as she curled on the ground. Grabbing a curtain, I tossed it over her, saying, "I don't want to see that.""Is it because of that wretched-looking bitch? You never had any problems seeing me in nothing. You've really changed, and I don't think I like the new you, Raphael," Delicia remarked.I scoffed, glaring at her. "I changed? I believe you mean you changed because you were never this way!""I didn't change. You are trying to push me away and have rejected me because of her," Delicia yelled."That's because we can never have anything together. We're not mates. You're not mate material," I said bluntly, though harsh.I paced to the window, sticking my head out. "Fuck it!" I growled, then stared back at her."Why are you trying to make my life miserable? What do you want from me? Did Mom ask you to do this?"I walked up to her, gripped her shoulder, hoisted her up, and shook her. "Tell me, what the hell did she give you? Any brib
RAPHAEL"I'm sorry, sire!" Rhea jumped when she saw me by the curtain. I had made my presence known, and she hastily turned her back to me with her head bowed."I'll leave and return later. I didn't realize it was time," she said."No," I replied, my eyes still fixed on Cinzia's beautiful face. She looked back at me, but I could tell she didn't know exactly what I looked like."I'll be back," I assured. "Dress her in the finest attire, fit for a princess."Rhea nodded and bowed. I walked to the door, stealing a final glance at Cinzia. I hoped she was worth my time, as I couldn't keep searching endlessly for signs."Goodness, who do people think they are? That they can simply walk into your private space and issue commands just because they believe they're superior or godlike?"I overheard Cinzia mutter before I left the room. Without saying it, I knew she was trouble, and I wasn't sure I was ready for that.As soon as I reached the throne room, Johnson stammered, "Sire..."I looked at
RAPHAELMy most cherished possession."Ours," my wolf declared, and a fleeting smile crossed my face before it turned into a frown.I tilted my head as the maid grasped her hair, and I let out a sigh."He's on his way," the maid informed."Who?"I didn't realize she was just as clueless. Despite all the hints the maid had dropped, my prize didn't seem to be catching on, and I didn't know how much longer I could linger in the shadows.I had been in the room even before the maid's arrival, having instructed her to prepare the princess. For once, I found myself acting without a clear purpose, a rare departure from my usual calculated approach. It felt strangely impulsive, even for me.But then, I allowed my wolf to take the reins, guiding me here. I didn't protest even when I realized I was trespassing.I knew it was an invasion of privacy, and I shouldn't be prying. She was about to bathe, and I should leave as soon as possible, but I couldn't help myself.Even though I was in the room,
CINZIA POVWe were gathered in the throne hall.By "we," I meant everyone I saw there, including myself. I turned to my side, finding Rhea standing beside me. With a smile, she extended her hand towards me, and I returned the gesture, giving it a gentle squeeze."I heard you were transferred," She said. Raising my brows, I waited for her to explain. She shrugged and said, "Rumors spread faster than you can imagine."I giggled and nodded. I hadn't expected gossiping here. I thought that was exclusive to the Royal Wolf Tribe. Even as a lowly slave, as Delicia had referred to me, I still managed to make people talk.The hall was quiet, but I sensed a presence. I believed it was none other than the hybrid king. The curtains rustled, and I inhaled sharply, feeling a tingling sensation at the back of my neck.Frowning, I stared at my sweaty palms. Then, I turned to Rhea, who was beaming with a bright smile. She wasn't the only one. Everyone around me seemed to share her joy. It was as if I