Next chapter, we will go on to see Alpha Magnus’ POV. What has he been up to after rejecting Diana?
Alpha Magnus I stand before the full-length mirror in my spacious bedroom, adjusting my tie with practiced precision. The silk slides smoothly through my fingers as I tighten the knot, a perfect Windsor. Today is no ordinary day; we're expecting a delegation from another pack, and appearances matter.As I shrug on my tailored suit jacket, a sharp knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. "Enter," I command, my voice steady and authoritative.A young Gamma steps in, bowing his head slightly. "Alpha, the delegation from the Plena Luna Pack has arrived. Alpha Darius is among them."I nod, my face impassive. "I've heard. I'll be there shortly."Without another word, I stride out of my bedroom, my footsteps echoing through the halls of the pack house. The Gamma scurries after me, struggling to keep pace with my long strides.As I approach the conference room, I can sense the tension in the air. I push open the heavy oak doors, revealing a room filled with my most trusted pack members. My
Alpha Magnus The world around me blurs as I struggle to comprehend what just transpired. Natasha Silvanus, the woman I had chosen to stand by my side, had just uttered a word that shattered everything I had planned. Mate. The word echoes in my mind, a cruel taunt that mocks my carefully laid plans. I've known Natasha for years. Daughter of Alpha Lucien Silvanus, she comes from a bloodline of powerful Alphas. Her beauty is matched only by her strength and intelligence. I've seen her take on pack warriors twice her size and emerge victorious, a feral grin on her face. She exudes confidence and raw sexuality that draws others to her like moths to a flame. In my mind, she was the perfect Luna. Strong enough to lead my men, but not strong enough to challenge me. The only reason she wasn't next in line to be Alpha of her own pack was the cruel twist of fate that saw her born after her elder brother, who manifested the Alpha gene first. But in every other way, she was an Alpha thro
Alpha Magnus The cool night air does little to soothe the inferno raging within me. I stand on the balcony, my hands gripping the metal balustrade so tightly that it bends under my strength. The conference room I left ten minutes ago lies in ruins, a testament to the fury that had consumed me. Now, as I stare out into the darkness, my mind races with thoughts of betrayal and vengeance. The sound of the office door opening breaks through my brooding. Footsteps approach, and I don't need to turn to know who it is. Her scent, once a comfort, now only serves to stoke the embers of my anger. My jaw clenches, muscles working beneath the skin as I fight to maintain control. Natasha comes to stand beside me, her presence a mix of familiar and foreign. The nervousness and uneasiness radiating from her are palpable, filling the space between us with an uncomfortable tension. "Magnus," she begins softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know you're angry, but we need to talk about th
Alpha Magnus The night air suddenly feels colder as my words hang between us. I watch her face carefully, searching for any sign of wavering, any hint that she might be receptive to my suggestion. “What do you mean… what exactly are you implying, Magnus?" Natasha asks, her voice laced with caution and a hint of disbelief. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to say. "I'm saying you have a choice, Natasha. You could reject him." The effect is immediate and visceral. Natasha physically recoils, her eyes widening in horror as she takes a step back. "Reject my mate?" she gasps, her voice a mixture of disbelief and revulsion. "Yes," I nod, maintaining my composure despite the turmoil churning within me. "Have you lost your mind?" she exclaims, her voice rising. "How can you even suggest such a thing?" I raise an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "It's an option, isn't it? One that solves our current... predicament." Natasha's face contorts with a mixture of disgust a
DianaIt's been just over a week since I last saw him, and the longing in my heart grows stronger with each passing day. Every morning, I wake to find a fresh lilac-colored flower (I still don’t know what it’s called) waiting for me, its delicate petals a reminder of his presence in my life. The gifts haven't stopped either, each one more thoughtful than the last.But today, something is different. As I stir from my slumber, my eyes fall upon not just the usual flower, but a box sitting beside it. Curiosity piqued, I reach for it, noticing a note attached. The handwriting is unmistakable – powerful and commanding, just like him. My heart races as I read his words:"You look beautiful when you sleep. This box contains a new phone for you, already set up. I hope you like it."My hands tremble as I pick up the box, hardly daring to believe it's real. It's a brand I recognize, the latest model that I've only ever seen in shop windows or in the hands of wealthier customers at the diner. On
DianaWhen I walk into the diner, all eyes are on me. I can feel the weight of their stares, taking in my outfit and makeup that's so different from my usual uniform and bare face. For a moment, I feel self-conscious, but then I see the smiles spreading across their faces."Well, well, well!" Joe, one of our regulars, calls out with a grin. "Looks like our Diana's got herself a hot date with her mystery man!"A chorus of good-natured laughter and whistles follows his words. I feel my cheeks heat up, but I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips."You look beautiful, honey," Ellen says, coming around the counter to give me a quick hug. "Now go on, don't keep that man of yours waiting."I give her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Ellen."She shoos me towards the door with a wink. "Have fun!."As I make my way through the diner, I can't help but feel a surge of pride. These people have seen me at my worst—tired, stressed, covered in coffee stains. But today, they're seeing a different
DianaAs we drive along the smooth streets, my curiosity continues to gnaw at me. I can't help but ask again, "Where are we going? Please, I'm really curious."He chuckles, the sound rich and warm in the confines of the car. His eyes remain fixed on the road, but I can see the corners of his mouth quirk up in amusement. "It won't take long, dulcis. Patience is a virtue, you know."My bottom lip can’t help but jut out at his teasing evasion. Without even turning to look at me, he says, "Don't pout, dulcis." The way he says it, half-scolding and half-affectionate, makes me giggle despite myself.We continue driving for about ten minutes when suddenly, he turns off the main road onto an inconspicuous dirt path leading into a dense forest. The abrupt change in scenery piques my interest even further. Ancient trees line both sides of the narrow road, their branches creating a canopy overhead that filters the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground.I sit up straighter in my seat, cran
DianaAs I step into the living room, my breath catches in my throat. Every single thing in the space is exactly what I had chosen during our shopping trip. The furniture, the appliances, even the smallest decorative items - it's all there, arranged in a way that's both comfortable and stylish.The centerpiece of the room is a large, plush sectional sofa in a soft, creamy color. It looks incredibly inviting, making me want to curl up on it and take a nap. Complementing the sofa are two oversized armchairs in a rich, deep blue that adds a pop of color to the space. A rustic wooden coffee table sits in the center, its natural grain adding warmth to the room.My eyes are wide open as I take it all in, barely able to believe what I'm seeing. The walls are adorned with the artwork I had admired, and soft throw pillows in various textures and complementary colors are artfully arranged on the seating. A large, plush area rug in muted tones ties the whole space together."Let me show you arou
DianaFor the next hour, I sit curled up in Dominicus’s lap, his arms wrapped around me, holding me securely against him. At some point, he lit a fire in the fireplace so the room is warm and toasty. The room is quiet, save for the soft sound of our breathing. The warmth of his chest against my back lulling me.I sluggishly replay his words over, trying to come to terms with everything I’ve just learned. My mother… brave and desperate, staggering into Zervos territory with two newborns in her arms. What were her thoughts during her last moments? Was she scared? Angry? I wonder what she looked like. Do I look like her or like my father. My father… what kind of person was he? What kind of Alpha was he? Castellanos… a name I never knew carried such weight. A pack that might not even exist anymore.My chest tightens as my thoughts shift, unbidden, to Apollo. My twin. My blood. The boy I once clung to for comfort. The boy who abandoned me time and time again.I blink back the sting of tea
DianaOur eyes meet, and I see it—the same grim conclusion reflected in his golden gaze.Only if they’re all dead.The words echo in my mind, cold and final. A shiver runs down my spine as the weight of that possibility presses against my chest.After all, isn’t that what happened to Dominicus’s pack?But the Amadeus pack… that had been a singular, devastating incident. Could there really be another pack that suffered the same fate of being wiped out completely?Dominicus doesn’t speak. His jaw clenches tightly, his expression unreadable. I know he’s thinking it too, even if he doesn’t say it out loud.Finally, the silence becomes too much. My voice is soft, but it trembles with conviction. “The only way… would be if they’re all gone.”He looks at me sharply, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. “We can’t be sure,” he says, his tone strained. “Maybe there’s some other… extenuating circumstance. Something we can’t imagine.”But even as he says the words, I can tell he doesn’t
Diana“They weren’t like the Amadeus,” he says. “Where my pack was blessed with overwhelming physical strength, agility, and reflexes, they were… ordinary. At least in terms of strength.”“Then what made them important?”He shakes his head. “I don’t know. But whatever it was, it was vital. So vital that they went into hiding to protect it.”“Hiding?”“They erased their existence from history. No one knew where they were, not even the Amadeus Alphas. It was said they held the key to the survival of the supernatural world—and perhaps even the human one.”I stare at him, trying to wrap my mind around it. “But wouldn’t it have been safer for them to stay with the Amadeus? To have your pack protect them?”“No,” Dominicus says firmly. “Who’s to say even the most honorable wolves couldn’t be corrupted one day? If an Amadeus decided to take what they had, who would protect them then? They couldn’t take that risk. So they hid.”My voice is barely a whisper as I ask, “What was the name of this
DianaHe takes a deep breath, his hold on me tightening just a fraction. “I had someone investigate your past,” he begins, his voice steady but low. “Specifically, how you came to the Zervos pack.”My heart skips a beat, and I stare at him in confusion. “Came to the Zervos pack?”I wasn’t originally from there?!He nods, his gaze unwavering. “I also found out about your mother.”The words hit me like a jolt, and I’m suddenly very aware of my own heartbeat. My parents…I’ve always known they were gone. Orphans don’t hold onto fantasies of reunions with parents they’ve never known. But to hear him say it so plainly—to bring them into focus as real people, not just vague figures—makes my chest ache.“What did you find out?” I ask hesitantly.He’s quiet for a moment, as if weighing how much to say. Finally, he speaks. “Your mother appeared at the Zervos pack twenty years ago. She was gravely injured, carrying two newborn babies—you and your twin brother.”Apollo.That name brings a rush o
DianaDominicus grins, stepping out of the car and moving to open my door. “Surprise.”I can’t stop grinning back as I step out of the car. The lights, the sounds, the tantalizing smells—all of it hits me at once. It’s overwhelming in the best way. My eyes widen as I take in the colorful booths, the flashing rides, and the laughter that seems to fill the air. The fair is alive, buzzing with excitement, and it feels like stepping into a dream.“I’ve never been to a fair before,” I say, turning to Dominicus, my voice tinged with awe.He smirks, slipping his hand into mine. “Then let’s make sure tonight is unforgettable, dulcis.”The first thing that catches my eye is the Ferris wheel, towering over the rest of the fair, its glowing lights reflecting in my eyes. I tug on his hand, practically bouncing. “Can we ride that first?”“Anything you want,” he replies, his deep voice warm and indulgent.The ride is magical. As the wheel turns, we’re lifted high above the fairgrounds, the world st
DominicusEllen’s cheerful voice floats out from the diner, breaking me out of my reverie, as Diana steps through the door, her laughter bubbling over like sunshine.I quietly slip my phone back into my pocket.“I know you’re not ready to come back just yet,” Ellen teases, shooing her away with a wave of her hand, “but I figured you needed a little something to take your mind off things for a while. Now that the rush has died down, we can handle the rest just fine.”Diana tries to protest, but Ellen won’t hear of it. “Go! It’s a beautiful day, why don’t you go out and enjoy the weather with your fiancé. You’re welcome to come back anytime, but today? Take the rest of it off.”Ellen looks past Diana to me, her eyes twinkling with playful mischief. “You, young man, better take this girl out and make sure she has fun.”Young man… the words nearly make me laugh. I’m well over a hundred years old and nearly twice her age…I nod solemnly, a faint smirk tugging at my lips. “Understood, Ma’am
DominicusThe phone in my pocket vibrates, and when I pull it out to see the caller ID, my expression hardens instantly. I glance up, where Diana is finishing her shift. Her face is glowing with happiness, and she moves around the crowded room with ease. My dulcis is truly thriving, and watching her fills me with a quiet pride.I quietly rise from my seat, stepping outside. The cool air does little to temper the storm brewing inside me. I move to a spot at the side of the diner where I’m out of sight, and with a swipe of my thumb, I answer the call.“You’ve sure taken your sweet time,” I growl, my voice laced with menace.There’s a pause before the voice on the other end answers, calm but slightly strained. “I apologize, Alpha Dominicus. I went as fast as I could. The information wasn’t easy to obtain.”“You mean to say you’ve been dragging your feet,” I snap.“Not at all,” the voice replies, firmer now. “I had to extract information from a pack I don’t belong to, and secrecy was para
DianaIt’s chaos. Orders are flying in, plates are being passed back and forth, and the noise level is enough to make my head spin. My nerves are still raw as I pick up my first tray and try to navigate the endless stream of orders and movement around me. My muscles are tense, and I feel like every step I take is a disaster waiting to happen.But as the minutes tick by, something unexpected happens. The pace of the diner—the fast, relentless rhythm—pulls me in. Before I know it, I’m moving without overthinking. Taking orders, serving plates, weaving between coworkers, and brushing past customers without sending anyone flying. It feels… natural.Dominicus sits in the far corner of the diner, his presence impossible to ignore. Even in this packed space, the area around him is clear of people—his imposing aura doing what no words could. His eyes are on me, unwavering, as though he’s watching my every move.When our eyes meet, he raises a single eyebrow, the expression so cocky and smug i
Diana “I’m not ready!” I argue, throwing my hands up. “You are,” he counters firmly. “You just don’t realize it yet. And I’ll be nearby the entire time, watching. If anything happens, I’ll step in.” “But—” “No buts,” he says, cutting me off. “You’ve worked hard these past three weeks, Diana. You’ve made progress. Now it’s time to put it to the test.” I open my mouth to argue again but stop when I see the determination in his eyes. He’s not going to budge on this. And a niggling feeling at the back of mind tells me that he wouldn’t care if i broke anyone either. I swallow heavily. “Fine,” I mutter begrudgingly, crossing my arms over my chest. “But if I hurt anyone- it’s on you.” “Sure!” he replies chirpily with a large grin- cementing my suspicions. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his chest. “You’re going to do great,” he murmurs, his voice warm and steady. “I believe in you.” I hate how much those words melt my resolve. Letting out a defeated sigh, I l