Diana The full weight of my actions last night crashes down on me. I had completely lost control, screaming accusations at Alpha Dominicus, attempting to harm myself... My cheeks burn with shame as I recall the things I said, the way I acted. And the bond – oh goddess, the mate bond. How could something that’s a blessing for everyone turn out to be a curse to me? Does it come as a bundle with the curse of being wolfless? And it is a curse isn’t it? Of course it is! He is going to reject me too. I’m sure of it… But what if he doesn’t? What if as he tried to say yesterday, he truly does want me as his mate? But with the way I reacted… My mind races, conjuring up worst-case scenarios. What if Alpha Dominicus decides I'm too unstable, too damaged to be his mate? What if he rejects me after all, not because of my lack of a wolf, but because of my emotional outburst? The thought sends a fresh wave of pain through my chest. And what about the pack? If word gets out about what happened, a
DianaAs I reach the bottom of the stairs, I hear movement near the kitchen door. Pierre, the cook, emerges with one foot already out the door, clearly in a rush."Oh Diana! Hey!" he exclaims, his round face lighting up with a smile. "I'm running right now. I noticed that you didn't come down to eat with us so I kept yours in the fridge!" His words tumble out in a rush, his French accent more pronounced in his haste. "Just pop it in the microwave and heat it up! Gotta go!"Before I can even process his words, he's gone, the door swinging shut behind him. A small part of me is relieved that he was too preoccupied to notice my disheveled state. I'm not sure I could have mustered the energy to speak or explain myself.I shuffle to the refrigerator, my movements slow and mechanical. Opening the door, I spot the plastic container Pierre mentioned. I pull it out without bothering to check its contents. Food is food, and I can't bring myself to care about what it might be.The microwave hums
Diana I clamp my hands over my ears, whimpering pitifully. "Stop... please stop," I beg, trying desperately to block out the voice. But it's fruitless. The voice is in my head, and there's no escaping it.It laughs in malicious glee, its cruelty seemingly knowing no bounds. The laughter echoes in my mind, growing louder and more insistent with each passing moment.And then, abruptly, the voice changes tack, its tone becoming conspiratorial: "But maybe you're right... maybe he does like you. Maybe he is willing to take you as you are..."My heart beats faster, a glimmer of hope starting to bloom despite my best efforts to squash it. But the voice isn't finished:"But why should you do that to him? Why should you punish this good man with a mate like you? You cannot contribute anything and will only be a burden to him and his pack. You cannot rule beside him."Each word feels like a truth I've always known but tried to deny. The voice presses on, relentless in its assault:"Why would yo
DominicusThe sun beats down mercilessly as I stand vigil outside Diana's diner, my senses attuned to every sound from her room above. My wolf paces restlessly beneath my skin, urging me to go to her, to comfort our mate. But I hold firm, remembering her anguished plea for me to leave last night."Not yet," I growl softly to my wolf. "We wait until she's ready."The mating bond, now recognized by both of us, pulses stronger than ever. My instincts are more attuned to her, making this self-imposed separation all the more challenging. But I must respect her wishes, her need for space. Even if it feels like I'm tearing myself apart in the process.Throughout the day, the sounds from her room remain muted, save for the occasional shuffling as she uses the bathroom or ventures downstairs for food. The relative quiet should be reassuring, but a nagging feeling gnaws at my gut. Something isn't right.The mall calls- they are ready to deliver the purchases I made yesterday and I have to force
DianaThe soft morning light filters through the curtains, gently rousing me from sleep. I blink languidly, my mind still hazy with sleep. As consciousness slowly creeps in, I become aware of the warmth cocooning me, my blanket wrapped snugly around my body. Unlike yesterday's unsettling awakening - the initial numbness, today, a true sense of calm washes over me, my emotions surprisingly steady.Memories of last night flood back, bringing a flutter to my heart. Dominicus had been here, his presence a balm to my fractured psyche. I can almost feel the phantom touch of his fingers running through my hair, his gentle scratches against my scalp. The memory of being held against his chest, enveloped in his comforting scent, brings a warmth to my cheeks.In the quiet moments before dawn, I vaguely recall the press of lips against my temple, the careful way I was tucked into bed. My eyes scan the empty room, a twinge of disappointment settling in my chest when I realize he's gone. But even
Diana That cruel voice in my head, the one I'd managed to keep at bay all day, begins to whisper again. Its words are harsh, merciless, tearing at the fragile peace I'd found earlier. I try to fight it, to hold onto the positive feelings from the day, but it's like trying to grasp smoke. That mental switch flips, and I'm helpless against the onslaught of negativity. As I feel myself sinking, drowning in the depths of my own mind, something abruptly changes. Warm, strong arms wrap around me, pulling me against a solid chest. In an instant, I'm enveloped in a cocoon of safety that can only belong to one person. Dominicus. The moment his arms encircle me, my heart blooms with an joy. Despite my best efforts to maintain emotional distance, I realize just how much I've missed him today. His familiar scent washes over me as he pulls me close, his voice a soothing rumble against my ear. "I just want to hold you," he murmurs, his words a gentle plea. "Please... let me." Just l
Diana Dominicus's words hang in the air between us, his admission that he wants me to like him even without the mating bond sending a flutter through my chest. Before I can fully process this, he continues, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "I'm not a good man, Diana," he says, his fingers gently tracing along my jaw. "My reputation precedes me." A wry chuckle escapes him as he adds, "But you don't know that, do you?" I stare at him, wide-eyed and confused. What does he mean? "You don't know who I am, do you, Diana?" he presses. "What I am?" My mind races, trying to decipher his cryptic words. "You're an Alpha," I answer, immediately feeling foolish for stating the obvious. Dominicus throws his head back and laughs, the vibrations of his mirth traveling through his body and into mine. The warmth of his laughter makes my face flush. "Well, you're right about that," he chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Then, with a sigh that doesn't quite erase his grin, he
Diana "You don't have to answer that now," I say, my voice laced with remorse as I shrink into myself. Another thought occurs to me, and I ask, barely above a whisper, "You were watching me the entire time today weren’t you?” it comes out as a question but somehow I’m certain. He doesn’t answer immediately and just looks at me calmly. “Since when have you been watching over me? Throughout today?” I pause, and my heart clenches painfully, “Since yesterday?” I take a shuddering breath, the image of him just watching me in worry for hours on end, without pause, without rest, physically hurts me. “When… when was the last time you slept?” Dominicus blinks, his eyes filled with a gentleness that makes my heart melt. "That's not important," he says, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it." His dismissal only intensifies my guilt. “To answer your earlier questions-“ I cut him off, "You don't have to answer now." I tug shyly at his shirt, suddenly aware of how self-centered my
Diana They spread out, surrounding me, their eyes narrowing as they focus in on their prey. I can feel the tension building. Their eyes gleam with rage and malice, but I can see the hesitation in their movements. They’re scared now. It’s too late. I drop into a low stance, my body vibrating with the anticipation of the fight to come. My Alpha aura swells within me, filling the space, commanding attention. My grin widens as my pulse races with the thrill. They advance, and I’m ready. The Beta comes at me first, eyes gleaming with malice, his massive claws swiping through the air. I twist and duck under his attack, sweeping my foot beneath his legs, sending him crashing to the ground with a grunt. He howls in fury, but before he can recover, I land a sharp kick to his ribs, hearing the satisfying crack of broken bone. He rolls over, writhing in pain, but he’s out of the fight for now. I lock eyes with the Head Warrior. He’s the one who made that snide comment about Bi
Diana “I’m sorry. But you’ll understand all this someday. But for now, I’m going to need you to come inside with me.” The Elders all look smug and arrogant. The Zervos wolves surrounding me all look tense and ready. As though they’re just waiting for the command before they attack. The tension in the air is palpable. The heavy silence stretches before me, everyone waiting with bated breath for what I’ll do next. My voice is low, “Let me leave,” I say, “Or you’ll regret it”. It’s the last warning I will give. But Magnus just steps forward, his wolves each taking a corresponding step closer blocking me in. The circle is tighter now. I can feel the aura radiating from them—the anticipation, the expectation that I’ll submit. Billy bristles, a warning growl rumbling out of his chest. His eyes are sharp and alert as he keeps an eye on the wolves surrounding us. Well… I already anticipated all this happening before I even got here, but still, I can’t help feeling unhappy.
Diana Like an arrow shot from a bow, I launch myself to intercept them. One of the Gamma wolves lunges, aiming for my throat, but I’m faster. Time seems to slow. I see it all happening in slow motion—the vicious flash of claws, the rippling muscles beneath skin, the taut tension in the air before the attack lands. With a swift sidestep, I grab his wrist, twisting it behind his back before slamming my knee into his ribs with a sickening crunch. He crumples to the ground, gasping for air as I spin, already shifting my weight to the next wolf. The second Gamma tries to come at me from the left, claws flashing. I pivot, a spinning kick landing squarely in his chest, sending him flying backward. He crashes into the stone pillars of the packhouse’s entrance with a sickening thud, his body folding in on itself. He doesn’t get up. The next moments blur in a whirl of fists, feet, and claws. Behind me, I hear another wolf charging. Without even looking, I swing my fist backward, th
Diana I stop dead in my tracks, my gaze shooting back to Magnus. His voice is apologetic now, his entire demeanor crumbling. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you leave.” Out the corners of my eyes, I notice that some pack wolves are slowly gathering and are staring, obviously curious as to what is happening. After all, we’re standing in front of the pack house, the busiest place in the pack. “You’re under the thrall of that abomination,” he spits the words, expression then twisting into something far more sinister. “I’m going to save you, Diana”, and then in a softer voice, persuading, “And then we can start over.” My full attention snaps back to him. There it is again. That word. Abomination. Until not too long ago, I had been called that too. An abomination. A freak of nature. And now, here Magnus is, calling my mate—Dominicus—my wonderful, strong, perfect mate, the same thing. For what? For suffering from a condition beyond his control? A growl rises in my chest, deep and pr
Diana“As I said, Alpha Magnus, tell me what you made me come all the way here for and do not waste my time.”I feel the weight of his gaze, sharp and unwavering, but I don’t flinch. Instead, I surreptitiously scan the area, looking for the familiar faces I had been expecting. The Council elders should be here—shouldn’t they?Nothing. Not a single one of them.I let out a quiet breath, keeping my expression neutral. So, they’re not here yet? Or maybe they’re hiding inside, waiting for their cue to emerge?I glance back at Magnus. He doesn’t know that I know the Council is here, so I’ll just have to wait and see how he plays it. There’s no rush to reveal anything. Not yet.Magnus swallows, his throat working as he tries to keep his composure. His voice is steady but firm. “What I want to tell you is private, Diana. I don’t want anyone to overhear it. It’s best we go inside to my study. It’s soundproof.”I raise an eyebrow, my lips curling slightly. “You could order all your wolves to s
DianaI step out of the car with deliberate ease, my movements slow, controlled.The moment my boots hit the ground, I feel the shift in the air.The wolves standing outside the packhouse—high-ranking members of the Zervos pack—are staring at me. Not just staring. Gawking. Their expressions flicker with disbelief as their eyes dart between me and the sleek silver sports car I just arrived in.I don’t miss the way they school their expressions a second later, but it’s too late. I already saw it.They weren’t expecting me to pull up in something like this.Too expensive? Too luxurious? Too powerful for the girl they discarded?I fight back a smirk.New present from my mate. Do you like it?But it isn’t the car that truly stuns them.It’s me.I can see it in their eyes the moment they take me in—black jeans, black tank top, leather jacket, boots. Hair straightened and pulled into a high, sleek ponytail. Smoky eyeshadow that makes my gaze sharp, dangerous.Cliché? Maybe.Effective? Absolu
Diana At the northern border of the Zervos pack stands a towering black wrought-iron gate, its intricate design serving as both a deterrent and a symbol of authority. This entrance functions as the official entrance into the territory, the only way permitted for guests to enter. My car rolls to a smooth stop in front of it, the engine purring beneath my fingers- a stark contrast to the tense anticipation thrumming beneath my skin. I glance at the sleek black asphalt road leading into the pack—clean, well-maintained. A stark contrast to the last time I left this place. Back then, I had snuck out through the dense woods like a fugitive. And now? Now I’m driving in through the front gate, in the open. The irony isn’t lost on me. A guard approaches the driver’s side window, his expression serious. His sharp gaze sweeps over me through the glass, assessing. I don’t recognize him. Which isn’t surprising. The Zervos pack is massive, its population even larger. And back when I was sti
Diana Dom seems to be done contemplating. His gaze flicks to Billy. “Billy.” His voice is calm but firm. “If you were the Council, what would you tell Magnus to convince him that Diana would be safe… while I was being taken out?” Billy frowns, thinking. “Well,” he begins slowly, “Magnus was adamant that Diana not bring you with her. And he didn’t seem like he was lying. He really doesn’t want you on his territory.” His expression darkens slightly. “But that clashes with the Council bringing an entire army. That means either they’re expecting you to show up. Or at least, they’re making they are ready for you in case you happen to show”. Dom nods. Billy exhales. “exhales. “So… if it were me, I’d tell Magnus to lure Diana to the Zervos pack alone. I’d use somethin’—somethin’ she can’t resist—as bait.” His brows furrow. “And then, I’d tell him that while she’s there, the Council warriors will head to your territory to take ya out. That way, you two are separated. You’re dead. And Di
Diana Dominicus’s face turns unreadable—cold, calculating. His voice carries the weight of certainty as he says, “There’s a traitor in the Council.” Billy and I both stiffen. Dom’s eyes narrow slightly. “Maybe more than one. But one thing is for sure—the Elder behind Magnus is working with the witches.” He tilts his head slightly. “Magnus is just a pawn.” Billy goes pale. He shakes his head vehemently. “No way.” His voice is hoarse, disbelieving. “Ain’t no damn way anyone on the Council would do somethin’ like that…” He trails off, swallowing thickly before shaking his head again, more forcefully. “No. I don’t believe it.” Dominicus regards him with something almost like pity. Billy scoffs, rubbing his face with a trembling hand. “The Council—workin’ with witches? Dark witches, at that?” His hands drop to his sides, clenching into fists. “That’s high treason.” His disbelief is evident, but I feel it too—the slow, creeping horror of it. Yes, the Council is corrupt. Power-hungr