Elara's POV Today was supposed to be an ordinary day. I was meant to run simple errands, mind my business, and make it back to my little corner without incident. I wasn’t aiming to be noticed, especially by the pack members who always made it their mission to remind me where I stood—or, rather, where I didn’t. But sometimes, I wondered if staying out of their way only made them seek me out even more.I pulled my hood up and ducked my head, hoping the less they saw of my face, the better. The market was busy, filled with laughter and chatter, and I hoped the noise would hide my presence. I had to pass by a group of wolves, talking loud and carefree, completely absorbed in their own conversations. My steps were quiet, deliberate.But luck wasn’t on my side.“Hey, isn’t that Elara?” The voice was sharp, familiar. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was—Mira, the pack’s reigning queen bee and self-proclaimed guardian of everyone else’s business.I ignored her, quickening my steps.
Elara's POVThere was a silence so thick you could almost hear everyone’s heartbeat without even trying. Andrew Galway’s gaze cut through the crowd like a blade, cutting away the jeers and smirks, leaving only the raw tension hanging in the air.Mira, who’d been so confident a moment ago, faltered. She tried to recover, her voice losing a bit of its edge as she said, “Oh, Alpha Galway, it’s nothing. Just… handling a bit of discipline.”Discipline. The word tasted bitter as I repeated it in my mind, feeling the sting of gravel still digging into my knees. She really would say anything to cover herself, twist anything to suit her version of the story. And if I tried to argue, to explain, she’d only use it against me. I knew how this game went; I’d lost too many times before.Andrew didn’t seem convinced. His eyes moved from Mira to the others still gathered around, lingering on each of them just long enough to make them uncomfortable. There was something different about him, a low power
Elara's POVI stared at Andrew, my heart pounding in my chest, feeling as though the ground beneath my feet had just crumbled away. He was really doing this, claiming me, offering me a place in his pack. It felt surreal, like something out of a dream, so unexpected that my mind couldn’t fully comprehend it. And yet, here he was, standing before me with an air of calm resolve, as if this decision was as natural to him as breathing.“Gather your things now!” he commanded, his voice steady and firm. “Meet me at Alpha Dorian’s cabin in half an hour.”I opened my mouth to speak, then closed it, utterly lost for words. The reality of the moment was too overwhelming. My thoughts swirled in a chaotic mix of disbelief, hope, and terror, each emotion crashing against the other like a turbulent storm. I nodded mutely, unable to form a coherent response. Andrew didn’t wait for another word; without a glance back, he turned and walked away, his confidence unshakable, something only an Alpha could
Elara's POV The path to Dorian’s cabin was quiet, except for the sounds of my hurried footsteps crunching against the gravel. My heart still hadn’t stopped racing since Andrew had made his announcement in front of everyone. Part of me was nervous, still wondering why he’d choose me when the rest of the pack would gladly turn a blind eye if I disappeared. But another part of me—one I wasn’t ready to admit to—felt a sliver of excitement, hope even, at this sudden twist in my fate.I kept walking, trying to make sense of it all. What did Andrew really want with me? It couldn’t be simple kindness; no Alpha would risk his reputation for that. But for now, that mystery was buried under the urgency to get to his cabin and see what came next. Each step brought me closer, until finally, I could see it—a small, dark cabin nestled away from the rest of the pack’s lodges.As I approached, the faint sound of voices drifted from inside, one of them unmistakably Andrew’s, his tone low and steady. I
Elara's POVI stared at him, the weight of his words pressing down on me like the iron jaws of that trap had on my leg. Kill Andrew? It sounded impossible. The Alpha, my supposed mate, the one who’d given me a fleeting taste of hope before snatching it away with his plans? My thoughts spun wildly, clashing against the memories that kept replaying in my head.“What if he’s only taking you for his own reasons, reasons you don’t understand?” Lora had asked, her voice trembling with both fear and worry. “Elara, once you go, you may never be able to come back.”And then there were Andrew's own words, still ringing in my ears: “She’s perfect for my plans.” Plans I wasn’t privy to. Plans filled with manipulation and betrayal. I clenched my fists, the nails digging into my palms. Could I really do it? Could I kill him?The shadowed man’s smile deepened, cutting through the thick silence. “I see the conflict in your eyes, Elara. But you know the answer already. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’
Elara's POVI awoke to an unknown scent of leather and heat, my head pounding as if I had been hit with a heavy object. For a fleeting moment, I remained motionless, trying to piece together what had happened. Bits of memories flooded back— the wicked spirit’s smile, his threatening demand, and then... Andrew's men.The room was luxurious yet cold. Heavy red drapes adorned the windows, blocking any hint of sunlight from seeping in. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting flickering shadows on the dark wooden walls. It took me a moment to grasp that I wasn’t alone.He was present.Andrew occupied a distant corner of the room, a single chair positioned to face me directly. He rested his elbows on the armrests, fingers intertwined. His intense gaze penetrated me, devoid of warmth and filled solely with a cold, calculated intent. I found it hard to breathe. Just seeing him always stirred up conflicting feelings— confusion, anger, and a desire I was unwilling to face.“You’re awake,”
Elara's POVAfter Andrew exited the room, the only sound accompanying me was the metallic jingle of the chains binding my ankles. I found myself fixated on the cold, unyielding door, my mind simmering in silent frustration until the weight of exhaustion finally pulled me into an uneasy slumber. When I stirred awake, a jarring realization struck me—I was no longer in the familiarity of my bedroom.The atmosphere around me was sharp and numbing, a biting chill creeping into my bones, and a metallic scent hung heavily in the air, evoking the unsettling aroma of blood. As I blinked to clear my clouded mind, I took in my surroundings with growing unease. I was inside a sprawling cavern, its rocky walls looming overhead, lined with an array of weapons—swords and daggers reflecting the harsh light, their edges glinting ominously.This space felt all too familiar from the fleeting moments of consciousness I had experienced when I was first dragged through its entrance, but now, under the cruel
Elara's POVI couldn't get the confrontation with Andrew out of my brain. In a weird way, he'd cut me open and left all my insecurities bleeding, but there was still more, hints of something unsaid, of something in his eyes. I couldn't tell if it was pity or frustration, but it was a ghost, following me as I stepped through the pack house.I tried to keep my head down, avoiding the prying eyes of the others. My status as the outsider, the cursed wolf, stayed with me like a scar. Even breathing wrong around these wolves could spell disaster. But Andrew’s words stuck with me: “You’re not strong enough.”Much as I hated to admit, maybe he was right. Perhaps I was too weak for this world. But what was the alternative? Grimshade pack had taken everything I had before I came here. All I had left was to survive, and I wasn't going to let anyone take that, too.I got lost in thought, and almost didn't catch the low murmurings from one of the meeting rooms. The door was ajar, the voices in the
Elara's POVThe deep, frightening growls sent a shudder through the night air as they echoed through the silence. Every sound tore at my nerves, making me grip the blade Andrew had given me so hard that my knuckles went white. Amid the creeping terror, the cold steel seemed to be the only solid object keeping me grounded. Jacob. Like an evil whisper, the name slide across my mind. I felt sick to my stomach to see him here, confidently standing in the moonlight. His presence was overwhelming, not just threatening. Both the glitter in his piercing eyes and the sneer that flashed on his lips conveyed a terrible enjoyment. I straightened my posture. I wouldn't let him intimidate me.Andrew stood in front of me, a shield of raw muscle and simmering rage, his broad shoulders blocking my view of most of Jacob's pack. His protectiveness should have reassured me, but it only highlighted how unevenly matched we were. The glowing eyes surrounding us moved in sync, a combined reminder of how ou
Andrew's POVElara's slow breaths blended with mine, and her body warmed against my chest as the night surrounded us in a cocoon of silence. I sketched languid patterns on her back, my thoughts swirling with feelings I couldn't quite understand. The soft crackle of the fire in the hearth was the sole sound, an unsaid witness to this delicate moment. Her fingertips lightly brushed against my arm, sending a shudder through me.“What are you thinking?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.I hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me. “That you...are everything I didn’t know I needed.”Her lips curved into a small smile as she tilted her head to look at me, her deep eyes catching the glow of the firelight. “Good,” she replied simply, her fingers grazing my jawline as if memorizing the contours of my face.For a moment, it felt like time had stopped, like we were the only two people in the world. The room was a paradise, a fleeting relief from the problems t
Andrew's POVElara's whispered words, Your turn, had that ring in my ears. I was thrilled, something really unexpected. It wasn't only her tone, breathless and full of need, but it was the look in her eyes. This combination of mischief and full-blown confidence, like she knew just what she wanted and wasn't going to allow me to stop her, remained in my mind.For a moment, I froze, caught between surprise and something far deeper, a heat that spread through me like wildfire. I wasn't used to this. I wasn't used to someone else taking the lead, but there was something intoxicating about the shift in power. She moved closer, her fingers roaming over my chest, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.Her lips hovered over mine, not a kiss, but close enough to steal my breath."Elara," I breathed, her name a pleaI couldn't quite disguise."Shh," she whispered back, her fingers pressing gently against my lips. "Let me."And I did.She leaned in, her lips skimming my jaw and then lower
Elara's POVAndrew's lips were on mine again before I could think. His hands cupped my face, but his body pressed against mine told me everything I needed to know. This wasn't just a kiss; it was an exposition. Every part of me responded, from the trembling in my legs to the heat pooling low in my stomach.When he groaned against my lips, I felt it everywhere. My breath hitched as his hips pressed forward, the hard length of him brushing against my stomach. A rush of warmth spread through me, and I couldn't stop the small sound of pleasure that escaped my throat.I pulled him closer, fingers tangling in his hair as he deepened the kiss. He tasted of the mint tea I knew he always had in the evenings, yet there was something else, more intoxicating and darker."Elara," he breathed against my mouth, his voice hoarse, "I can't—" He broke off, his forehead resting against mine as his hands slid down my arms. His touch left a trail of fire in its wake, and I couldn't bring myself to stop hi
Elara's POVThe kiss was a shock-a storm of emotions I hadn't prepared for. One second, I was standing in my room, trying to ignore Andrew's piercing gaze, and the next, his mouth was on mine, searing and unapologetic. My first instinct was to push him away. My hands pressed against his chest, meeting the firm resistance of his muscles, but then something changed.My fingers betrayed me. Instead of shoving him back, they curled upward, tangling in his hair. His lips moved against mine with a hunger that pulled me in, and before I knew it, I was leaning into him, my body flush against his.The sound that growled from Andrew was low in his throat, vibrating between us, sending a shiver down my spine. His hands had been cradling my face with surprising gentleness; now, they moved lower, skating the sides of my torso until settling firmly onto my hips. Bold, yes, but not rough; a touch possessive in the most scary yet thrilling ways.I gasped into his mouth as his fingers tightened, pullin
Andrew's POVI caught her scent before I saw her. That faint trace of lavender and something totally hers—something I couldn't name but had burned into my memory. It pulled me like a magnet to the hallway outside her room, an invisible hold I couldn’t break even if I tried.Elara.Two days. Two damn days since she'd been discharged, and it was like she'd vanished. Sure, the healers had said she needed rest, but avoiding me? That wasn’t part of the prescription. And she was avoiding me—I was sure of it.The weight of unanswered questions bore down on me as I leaned against the cold stone wall, debating whether to knock. My knuckles hovered an inch from the door, hesitation holding me back. What if she didn't want to see me? What if she had her reasons, reasons I wouldn’t like? But just as I decided to let the moment pass, the door creaked open, and there she was.Her hand rested lightly on the doorframe, her lips slightly parted in surprise. Her hair framed her face, loose strands catc
Elara's POVMy head felt like it was stuffed with cotton, heavy and slow. Voices murmured somewhere nearby, but I couldn't make out the words. My eyelids felt like they were weighed down with something heavy, but I forced them open, blinking against the harsh light.The first thing I was aware of was the scent-antiseptic and herbs mingling in the air. It hit me like a punch to the face, and it didn't take long to figure out where I was. A hospital. No, not just any hospital-a pack infirmary. The faint markings of the crescent moon symbol etched into the beams above confirmed it.What the hell happened?I tried to sit up, but pain ripped through my side, sharp and wicked. A gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it, and my hands instinctively pressed against my ribs. That's when I noticed something else: I wasn't alone.In the corner of the room, hardly seen under the dim light of the lamps hanging from the ceiling, was a figure. First, I had thought him to be one of the healers, but
Andrew's POVCarrying Elara in my arms felt like carrying the world's most fragile treasure. She was too still, her body limp against mine. Blood seeped through my shirt where her head rested, warm and sticky, and I could not tell if it was hers or mine. Every step to the medical center seemed like eternity, yet I moved faster than I ever thought possible.“Move!" I barked as we approached the main hall. Pack members scrambled out of my way, their faces pale as they caught sight of the blood.Greg was right behind me, his claws still out and his breathing heavy. "We've got to get her stabilized," he said, his voice tense."I know," I snapped, though I didn't mean to. My chest felt too tight, my head too full of the memory of her losing consciousness in my arms.As we burst through the doors of the medical center, Mirabel, the head healer, was already waiting, her sharp eyes assessing the situation."Get her on the table, now!" she commanded, her voice rising above the chaotic situatio
Elara's POVMy ears rang as I tried to focus on Andrew's voice yelling my name. My chest heaved with my gasping for breath as my heart pounded against my ribs as if it would burst from them at any moment. Before I could wrap my mind around what had just happened, they came.Someone darted toward us with inhuman speed, followed by two more figures. The attackers didn't hesitate—they lunged with snarls that made the hair on the back of myneck stand up."Stay behind me!" Andrew barked, his voice sharp and commanding as he moved in front of me.Greg was already shifting, his body changing as fur erupted along his arms. Claws extended from his fingertips, glinting in the moonlight. Andrew followed suit, but he didn't transform fully yet, it was just as swift and deadly. The air was thick with the scent of power and aggression, a mix of Andrew's dominance and Greg's vicious anger.I had little time to watch the power they exhibited. One attacker dove directly for me, and I barely dodged, m