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
DianaHe gently cradles my face in his palms and tilts my head to face him. In this position, we're at the same height. He looks into my eyes and gently uses the pads of his thumbs to wipe away my tears.It's all too much for me, and I can't help but continue to cry. Every single thing in this house is what I had picked out, from the biggest furniture pieces to the smallest decorative items. And this master bedroom - it was the one place he had been so particular about when we had been shopping. The store hadn't had the curtains I wanted, and he had made sure I chose from catalogs. And now those curtains from the pictures are hanging beautifully on the windows.It really is overwhelming. It all comes rushing back - over a week of daily gifts, thoughtful presents, flowers, handwritten notes, and the most public courting I had only heard about in fairytales. And now... this powerful Alpha had renovated his entire house to cater to my wants and preferences."Is this why you didn't come t
Diana As Dominicus pulls back from our embrace, his eyes meet mine with a mixture of tenderness and determination. "I think it's time we addressed those questions of yours," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "The sooner we clear things up, the better." Before I can even process his words, the world shifts around me. In a fluid motion that leaves me breathless, Dominicus switches our positions. Suddenly, I find myself perched on his lap, his strong arms encircling my waist. The transition happens so swiftly that all I can do is let out a startled gasp. He pulls me closer, guiding my head to rest in the crook of his neck. The familiar scent of him- envelops me, instantly soothing my racing heart. A contented sound rumbles through his chest, a mix between a hum and a purr that vibrates against me. The intimacy of our position isn't lost on me, and I feel a blush creeping up my neck. "I've missed holding you like this," he growls softly, his breath tickling my ear. I remain still,
DianaI don’t say anything. I can’t—because part of me agrees with him.He searches my face, voice cracking.“I already lost your mate. And for 13 years, I believed I lost my child too. I won’t lose you.”The silence between us stretches again. The grief in his words coils around my ribs like a vice.After a long moment, I exhale.“I promise,” I say softly, reaching for his hand, “we’ll talk about this. We’ll figure it out. But right now… let’s go back inside. There’s still more Eleanor has to tell us.”He looks at me for a long moment. Then, finally, he nods.We walk back together, quiet and heavy with unspoken thoughts. Inside, the room is just as we left it—Dominicus and Eleanor still seated, their faces somber.Billy crosses his arms as he steps in, his tone dry but edged in steel.“Might as well just leave her with the humans. She was safe there. Let her stay hidden.”Eleanor tilts her head slightly.“Yes, she’s safe,” she says calmly. “But for how long?”He frowns but doesn’t an
Diana The room goes quiet. I blink in confusion, taken aback and not understanding why he’s so angry. My brows furrow as I watch him in confusion. He seems to be getting more furious by the second. It’s a fury I don’t think I have ever seen on him before. My mind races a second more and it clicks. My heart stutters before dropping to the pit of my stomach. I hadn’t thought of that. Not fully. Shit! Blood drains from my face and I suddenly feel sick. Billy asks again, slower this time, the words like steel. “Who the fuck did you say was gonna fight him?” Eleanor’s expression crumples into something close to guilt. She looks down. I bite my lower lip. Dom’s brows draw together. Billy’s voice is calm but dark. “Three people, right? That’s what you said?” He points at Dominicus. “One is the Amadeus Alpha. He’ll fight the physical battle.” Then he points at me. I flinch. “Second is the Castellanos Alpha and Priestess. That’s you.” I can’t meet his eyes. “And the third…
Diana He starts pacing toward the door like a man possessed. I glance outside—the sky is pitch black, the moon high and silver. “Billy,” I say gently, “it’s late. Why don’t we go tomorrow?” But he shakes his head, already reaching for the doorknob. “I can’t wait. Who knows where she is? What kinda situation she’s in? If she’s far, the sooner I leave, the sooner I’ll reach her—” Eleanor lifts her eyes to Dom in a silent signal. Dominicus stands immediately, moves forward, and catches Billy by the shoulders before he can bolt. “Wait,” he says gently but firmly. “Where are you going? You don’t even have the tracker yet. How will you find her without it?” Billy blinks. “Right. Right, right.” He lets himself be guided back, still jittery, heart pounding in his chest. He turns to Eleanor again, eyes wide and pleading. “Then give it to me. The… the thing you said. What is it?” “I’ll make you a Scrythorn,” Eleanor replies. “It’s an ancient charm, carved and imbued with s
Diana Billy hasn’t moved. His eyes are bloodshot and shining, and when he finally speaks, his voice is hoarse. “You said you used dark magic, too,” he rasps to Eleanor. “But you’re still here. Still… you. Why couldn’t she do the same?” Eleanor’s face softens. “Because she wasn’t strong enough. Six years of dark magic, even in small doses, is too much. I stopped after one spell. I cut myself off. Let the darkness bleed out slowly over time. But your mate…” She sighs. “She didn’t have that luxury. The curse had corrupted her too much”. But I know the rest. Eleanor is the Primarch Arcana. Stronger than any light witch alive. That’s the difference. That’s why she survived. Billy lowers his head, shoulders slumping. He doesn’t speak for a long time. My chest aches with a pressure that builds and builds until I can barely breathe. All those years, I thought no one loved me. That I meant nothing to anyone. I was wrong. Now I know—my parents, the witches who could have teleport
Diana Eleanor folds her hands in her lap, her face as gentle as ever, but I see the flicker of regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Billy,” she says softly. “What I’m about to tell you might be hard to hear. But I believe it will answer the questions you’ve carried for a long time.” Billy glances between Dom and I, seeing the corresponding seriousness on our faces and sits straighter, “Go on,” he says. Eleanor nods. “Just as I was explaining to Diana and Dominicus, your mate—Myralie—was the one who suppressed Diana’s wolf. It was the only way she could keep her from shifting, and from being found.” Billy’s head jerks slightly. “Myralie?” he repeats, his brow creasing. “You mean… Myra?That her real name?” I watch the flicker of pain flash through his eyes. He once told us he didn’t know much about her. Only her name. And now it turns out… even that was only half true. There’s a bittersweet sadness in his face as the realization sets in. His mouth parts slightly, but no words come. “S
Diana Dominicus stares at her, brows drawn. “So… you’re not dying,” he says, voice low, suspicious. “I’m not dying,” she insists, looking directly at him now. “I swear it.” He holds her gaze for a beat longer. Then, finally, he nods. I feel the tight coil of tension in his body loosen, the faintest ripple of relief coming through the bond. I exhale too, only now realizing I’d been holding my breath. “It’s not fair,” I whisper. The words slip out before I can stop them, soft and aching. Eleanor looks at me with kind eyes, and then gives a small smile. “Magic isn’t a person, dear. It has no consciousness to look into the facts surrounding the incident and decide whether or not it’s fair. It doesn’t think or feel. It simply is.” She sets her teacup down gently, the sound barely audible. “Light magic doesn’t coexist with dark magic. It won’t. The moment I used it—even to save someone—I knew what it meant. My days as the Primarch were numbered.” Her smile turns wry. “The fac
Diana She lifts her eyes, and they shimmer with something like wonder. “I felt it. A divine ripple. Like something ancient had stirred. Like the pattern of fate had twisted slightly on its axis.” Her fingers curl around the porcelain cup. “I didn’t know what it meant. But I knew—something was coming. I didn’t know what, or who, but… I hoped.” She looks at me now. And her expression softens into something almost reverent. “And then, one morning… a girl walked in.” My throat tightens. Eleanor’s voice drops into a hush, as though telling a sacred secret. She gives me a small smile. “A werewolf… a werewolf with a sealed wolf”. “A beautiful girl,” she continues. “Her eyes were haunted and it was obvious she was running from something.” My stomach tightens. Eleanor’s expression softens again. “It took me just one look. I knew exactly who you were. The Castellanos Alpha heir. The one who escaped the massacre. I was… stunned.” She shakes her head with a quiet chuckle, bu
Diana I swallow the lump in my throat. For the longest time, Dom had no one. I’m so glad is finding more family and loved ones. He doesn’t answer. But his eyes shine, and he reaches up, catching her wrist. “You should’ve told me,” he murmurs, his voice thick, “I wasn’t in the right state of mind for a long time, but when I got better-“ She looks at him with weary affection. “Because you’d already suffered enough,” she says softly. “You were just starting to come back to yourself. I didn’t want to pile all this… this heavy, dark mess on your shoulders.” Her eyes flick over to me, and a teasing smile tugs at her lips. “And you had just started falling in love, too. I couldn’t bear to spoil it.” My cheeks warm instantly. Eleanor chuckles. “After nearly a decade of pain and silence, you deserved a little reprieve. Both of you. Watching it happen—watching you fall for each other—it was so cute. And awkward.” I let out a tiny, strangled sound and cover my face with my hand
DianaShe stops in front of him.“The witches at the Castellanos pack…” she says, voice quiet, “they did reach out to me.”I bite down on my lower lip. Hard.“But not to ask me to come. They weren’t calling me for help.” Her gaze flickers to me. “They just wanted me to know what was happening. That the dark witches were there. That the Castellanos were preparing to fall.”Her voice dips, heavy with the weight of regret.“I wanted to go. I swear I did.” Her hands tighten at her sides. “But I knew… I knew if I went like I was, I’d only be a burden.”The words hit like a cold wave.“I couldn’t use my magic properly,” she continues. “It was still tainted. I was still walking that razor’s edge. And if I stepped into a battle like that—drew onto the bulk of magic to battle- the dark magic inside me would’ve stirred violently… fed on the chaos”Her throat tightens.“I would’ve had two choices: fight it or give in. If I had resisted, it would have killed me. If I had given in…” She looks up a