AVA'S POV. I woke up at the hospital, and my head was still spinning. I tried to stand up from the bed but a sharp pain in my head sent me back down. Anna walked in just in time, she was holding two cups of coffee. “Ava you are awake,” she smiled, walking closer. “Hey,” I said, trying to sit up. “Oh,” she muttered, dropping the coffee on the bedside table and helping me up. “What happened?” I questioned, holding my aching head. “The last thing I remember was asking that guy to back off.”It has been almost a month since the rape incident happened, and I couldn't bring myself to tell Jennifer and Arthur had completely abandoned me. All I could rely on was Anna, she took me around the city and different parties just to get my thoughts off the guilt, pain and rejection that filled my heart. “You fainted,” she explained. “You are lucky that wasn't some rough party, someone brought you here.”“Who?” I frowned. “A cute guy,” she smiled, handing me a cup of coffee. “The doctors said
ARTHUR'S POV.I sat quietly on my chair in my office, trying to take my mind off work a little, but the clicking of Elena's heels made it difficult for me to concentrate. She moved back and forth across the office. Her face was etched with anxiety as she bit her fingers. Finally, she stopped, folding her arms tightly. “Why aren’t you worried, Arthur?” she demanded. “How can you sit there so calm when everything is falling apart?”I leaned back, my eyes fixed on her as I tapped my fingers on the table. She of all people should know the answer to that, the elders can't do much, taking me off the throne would require more trouble than leaving me on it and this was something known to everyone. “The elders aren't fools, you figure out the rest.”Her eyes narrowed. “Really? You have heard what Oliver’s been doing, haven’t you? Half the council already supports him. He’s twisting everything against you. And you’re sitting there acting like it doesn’t matter?”I nodded slowly. “Let his sch
AVA'S POV.The forest was silent, except for the whisper of the wind threading through the trees. My wolf's ears twitched as the cool air carried a faint scent, earthy, musky, undeniably him. Arthur.My heart beat loudly in my chest as panic surged through me as his massive form emerged from the shadows. Even in his wolf form, his presence was scary, sleek fur, sharp golden eyes, and an aura of dominance that made every nerve in my body scream danger. This was the Devil Alpha. His pack was known for ruthlessly eliminating impure wolves like me. He saw me.I froze, my breath caught in my throat as his gaze pinned me in place. Slowly, he began to shift. Bones cracked, fur receded, and within moments, there stood Arthur in his human form. His chiseled frame gleamed under the moonlight, his expression unreadable but his eyes…those piercing eyes…held a power… unmistakably hatred, that made me shrink back.I tried to shift back into my human form. My mind screamed for the change, but my b
AVA'S POV.Arthur sat in the living room, his legs crossed as he patiently waited for my mother to come downstairs. It had been two days since the encounter in the woods, I couldn't help but wonder if he had finally come here to kill me or wanted an explanation on why my mother kept me despite knowing the rules. “Wait in your room until I call for you,” she instructed. I hesitated, wanting to eavesdrop, but her stern expression left no room for argument. I nodded and retreated to my small room, closing the door behind me.I paced in my room, my mind racing. What could they be talking about? Arthur didn’t look like a man on a mission to kill, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t come to destroy what was left of my life. I walked to the door placing my head on the door, my hearing senses weren't as sharp as other wolves, I could only hear things close to me and they were downstairs, it didn't matter how much I tried, I wouldn't still get what I wanted. Minutes felt like hours before the s
AVA'S POV.The days after Arthur’s visit were anything but peaceful. His words stayed with me, repeating in my mind like an echo. I couldn’t forget the way he had begged me, the pain in his voice and eyes. It was so different from the Arthur I thought I knew. But my mother made it worse, always pushing me to see his side, making it look like I was the problem. Arthur raped me, why aren't we talking about that? Why are we talking about why I rejected him, not how it started?“You are being difficult, Ava,” she said, arms crossed as she leaned on the counter, her voice filled with frustration like she had said this too many times. “Arthur wouldn’t have come here to beg if he didn’t mean every word.”I sighed, stirring my tea without looking up. “It’s not that easy, Mom. Maybe he loves me, but what about the baby? What kind of life will they have if the pack rejects me?”“Arthur would protect you,” she reassured me. “Take it from someone who worked in the pack, I know Arthur, the pack
Arthur’s POVI was talking with Amelia when my phone rang. Her laugh trailed off when she saw the way I froze, staring at the screen.“What’s wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.“It’s Ava,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.“Ava? The Ava?” Amelia asked, her voice filled with disbelief.“Yes,” I muttered, picking up the phone. My heart raced. Ava never called.“Hello?” I said cautiously.“Arthur, let’s get married.”The words hit me like a thunderbolt. “What?” I blurted, unable to believe I had heard her right.But she didn’t repeat herself. The line went dead before I could say anything else.I stared at my phone for a moment, my mind drawing a blank. Did she really say that? Could she have meant it?“Arthur, what is it?” Amelia asked, her brows furrowing as she tried to read my expression.“She said…” My voice trailed off as I tried to process. “She said she wants to get married.”Amelia’s jaw dropped. “Ava said that? After everything?”I nodded slowly, still unsure if I had
ARTHUR'S POV.The grand doors of the palace stood tall ahead. I didn’t slow down as I shoved them open. A deep rumble echoed as the doors parted. Behind me, Amelia followed quietly behind me. Inside, the council room was filled with low voices. The Elders sat around the long, curved table, their faces serious. The room was full, packed with important wolves from every corner of the pack. At the head of the table, where I used to sit, sat Oliver. He lounged in my chair, trying to look in charge. But as I entered, his confidence cracked just a little. His eyes flickered with unease.The second I stepped inside, the voices stopped. The room fell silent immediately, Everyone turned to me. My boots thudded against the marble floor as I strode to the center.“What’s going on here?” I demanded, my voice filled with venom. I didn’t look at anyone but Oliver, who sat there pretending he wasn’t intimidated. Amelia stayed by the door, arms crossed, watching everything.Elder Hargrove, the olde
ARTHUR'S POV.The hall was packed and buzzing with whispers. Wolves from every rank in the pack filled the room, their voices low and filled with worry. On one side of the hall, the Elders sat in their robes, their faces serious and stiff. On the other side, the pack members stood together, their emotions clear, some hopeful, others angry.I walked forward, my boots making a loud sound on the stone floor. The noise made people turn in my direction. Beside me, Amelia moved quietly, her sharp eyes scanning the room. At the front was Oliver, a grin spread across his face, looking as smug as ever. The way the Elders looked at him, full of approval, only made him seem more pleased with himself.Elder Hargrove, slowly stood up, darting his eyes to everyone in the room before turning to me. I don't know what Oliver might have done to make the elders turn into a bastard child but I would make all of them regret their decision.“Today, the pack gathers to decide its future. A vote will determ
AVA'S POV. I watched Lady Eleanor step out of the palace, the maids walking behind her, rolling out her bags. She barks orders at them to hurry up while she walks slowly like a snail. I am just glad her episodes are over. I took in deep breaths, forcing the biggest smile I could offer, before walking up to her. “Lady Eleanor,” I called gently, waiting for her to respond but she didn't.She paused, turning her head slightly but not fully facing me. I stepped closer until I could see her expression, she was filled with rage. I swallowed hard, flickering my eyes away. Hope I wasn't the one who got her angry. I certainly wish I wasn't the one that got her all worked up. “I wanted to say…” I hesitated, clasping my hands nervously. “I hope you can forgive me. And I hope you find peace and happiness in the new mansion Arthur arranged for you.”Her lips curled into a faint, turning to me. “Peace, you say? You’re too kind, Ava.”“It’s not kindness,” I said softly, meeting her gaze. “It’s
Arthur’s POVThe warm glow of the desk lamp spilled across the dark surface of my desk, lighting up the mess of papers, maps, and notes on the table. I glanced at Charles who stood near the tall window, staring out at the moonlit courtyard with his hands behind his back, a small smile playing on his lips. “Everything is almost back to normal,” he muttered, inhaling deeply. Before I could respond, the door creaked open and Aaron, my Gamma walked in. “My Lord,” he bowed as soon as he got to the table. “My apologies, I got the message late.”I exhaled deeply, nodding my head as I leaned back on the chair. “Ava is safe now, so that's what matters at the end.”He adjusted his sleeves, looking uneasy.“Give me the report,” I commanded, locking eyes with him. “There is a report right?” I frowned. Aaron stepped forward, his tone grim. “Well, my men and I have been secretly combing the town and the palace. We have checked all the elders' and servants' houses as requested but nothing has l
AVA'S POV. I sat on the couch, my fingers nervously tracing the rim of my teacup. Across from me, my mother sat in an armchair, the steam from her tea curling into the air.Her sharp eyes, usually filled with locks on me as she studied me. Goodness knows what is going on inside her head.“So do you want to talk about last night," I said, breaking the awkward silence darting my eyes from Anna and my mother. “I must say, I am shocked,” she said at last, her voice tinged with pride. “You have finally gotten your lost wish, you shifted, Ava. After all these years… you have become a wolf.”I gave her a small, shy smile. “I did.”For a moment, she said nothing more, her expression unreadable. Then, leaning forward slightly, she asked. “People said it was abnormal for an impure wolf to shift…” I paused, turning to her, and locking eyes with her. "It seems that your restless teachings paid off.” “Okay,” she blurted out waving her hand before dropping the teacup on the table, she turned to
Arthur’s POVI woke to a dull ache in my head and my back felt like I had been carrying a big load all through yesterday and torn apart and then stitched back together. As my vision cleared, the first thing I saw was Ava sitting beside me. Her face was streaked with dried tears, but her eyes sparkled with relief when they met mine.“You are awake,” she whispered, a faint smile appearing on her lips. “What… what happened?” My throat was dry, my voice shaky. “When you told me that you became the devil wolf during the first full moon, you didn't tell me that you actually turned into a beast,” she joked. “Did I hurt you?” I questioned grabbing her hands to inspect her body. “Almost,” she shrugged. “But you didn't.”“Ahh,” I growled in pain as I clutched my head, the memory of last night flooding back, hitting me like a storm. I closed my eyes, guilt gnawing at me. “Did I hurt anyone?”She shook her head. “Charles tried to stop you. Amelia too. But they’re fine, just a few scratches.
Ava's pov.I stood still, my legs shaking as I glared at Arthur. I actually did it, I shifted into my werewolf form, I have been trying to even do a howl ever since I knew I was a wolf and I still couldn't do it but now I actually did it…I changed into a werewolf. I glanced around, everything seemed new, I could hear the hammering heartbeat of the people around and the flapping of wings from a long distance, my eyes were sharper and clear…almost too much. “She shifted,” someone whispered, breaking the silence.I barely had time to think about what they’d said because Arthur, or rather his wolf, shook the dirt off him and turned to me. His golden eyes glowed, but they weren’t the eyes of the man I knew. They were filled with something dark. He stared at me, clearly he didn’t recognize me.Before I knew what was happening, the beast lunged forward. I moved in time, leaping to the side as his claws swiped through the air where I had been standing. A deep growl came out of me, surpr
AVA'S POVThe night was cold and the wind made me shiver as the full moon shone brightly, the hoot of owls was heard in the distance and sometimes howls were also heard. The elders stood in a circle around me in the forest, their sharp eyes on me. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it would leap out of my chest. This was the moment of life and death, a small leap could lead me to my death and it could also save me. I took in deep breaths staring at the moon, my hand clutching my bulging stomach as I closed my eyes. “Moon goddess,” I whispered. “I have never doubted you in my life…you are a mother, please hear my cry and protect my child…that's all I ask.”“Ava,” I heard Anna's voice, I slowly opened my eyes, and she stared at me with a faint smile, her eyes glistening with tears.Lady Eleanor sat on the side, watching me closely. Her smirk cut through me. I knew she was more than happy to be here to witness my fall. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes to block out the stare
ARTHUR'S POV. The full moon shone brightly through the high, narrow window of the dungeon, casting long shadows over the cold stone walls. I woke up with excruciating pain, it felt like my body was about to rip to pieces. It was my wolf, fighting to be free. I glanced around, but no one was there. Elena dared to attack me, has she gone mad too?I looked at the chains, trying to break free but I couldn't, I felt weak. Elena must have drugged me with wolfsbane, she knew it wouldn't kill me but a particular dosage was enough to weaken me…for a while. “Elena,” I yelled, my voice echoing in the dark chamber. Immediately the door creaked open and she walked in. She looked at me for a while. It was almost as though she was scared, well she should be, because immediately I got out of there, I swear I would teach her a lesson. “Arthur,” she said, walking closer but stopped just out of my reach. “What do you think you are doing?” I snapped, the chains clinking as I lunged forward. “You
ARTHUR'S POV. The days felt longer than ever, each one filled with fear, it seemed like time decided to move faster or skip a day. Today was the full moon, the day Ava’s fate would be decided. If she could change into her wolf form, she would survive. If not… I didn’t want to think about that.I paced the castle halls early in the morning, unable to sit still. I was really worried. Ava insisted that she wanted to prove herself to the pack but what exactly does she want to prove? That indeed she was an impure wolf or she cast a spell on me?Ava was just so stubborn, I still don't understand how I can't control her at all and why does she makes things difficult for me. My heart tells me that I fell in love with her because she was different but that is just nonsense…she clearly has a choice to save her life but no, she wants to probe herself. Fuck, at this point, I knew I was in for a big trouble. I looked at the palace walls, brushing my fingers on the wall lightly, memorizing tha
AUTHOR'S POV. I ran out of the room immediately, my heart hammering loudly in my chest, I swallowed hard leaning on the back of the door, closing my eyes for a brief moment. What was wrong with me? This was too early, this had never happened before…at least not until the full moon day. Ava opened the door immediately, I turned back, and my eyes widened in alarm as I stared at her frozen. She stared at me for a while, before reaching for my hand, a mixture of shock and curiosity etched on her face. “Arthur, what happened to you? Did you have a nightmare?”I remained silent, my mouth open slightly as I stared at her, my mind drawing a blank, I didn't want her to know the truth but how long could I keep my darkest secret from her?“Come,” she instructed, closing the door behind her. “Let's go for a walk.”“Why?” I suddenly asked, my deep voice sounding like a child. She turned to me, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Well, I also used to have nightmares growing up, Anna told me to