Beta Marcus I continue to pace, my mind working furiously. This pack, it seems, will not help me. Just a pack of spineless cowards, the lot of them. But I won't let their weakness stop me. I can't. The need for vengeance burns too strongly, an all-consuming fire that threatens to reduce me to ashes if I don't act. I stop abruptly as a thought strikes me. My eyes narrow, a plan beginning to form in the depths of my twisted mind. Yes... if this pack won't help me, I'll find someone who will. Someone who doesn't shy away from the dirty work, someone who give me the sweet taste of revenge. I turn towards my phone, my hand reaching out. The device sits innocently on my desk, unaware of the dark plans it's about to be used for. As my fingers close around it, a grim smile spreads across my face. The fates, the universe- whoever it is, may think they've stopped me, but they've only delayed the inevitable. One way or another, Diana will pay for what she's done to me. And when she does
Beta Marcus He cuts me off, his voice sharp. "No amount of money is enough for me to trespass on that lunatic's territory. One has to be alive to enjoy money, you know. There's no point in getting paid if I'm just going to die right after. I quite enjoy my life as it is, thank you very much." Agitation claws at me. I can feel my chance for revenge slipping away. "You don't even have to do it yourself," I argue. "Send some of your men." He scoffs. "That won't work. I'm not like an Alpha who can physically command his pack mates to do his bidding. There's no bond between me and my men, no trust or love. We're all selfish, hardened criminals, together purely for mutual benefit. I keep them in line with rewards and fear, but no amount of fear or money can make men like these walk willingly to their deaths." His voice takes on a mocking edge again. "I have a reputation to maintain, you know. If I start giving out missions that are guaranteed death sentences, my men would stop liste
Diana"You're WHAT?!" Ellen's voice rises an octave, her eyes widening in shock.Beside her, Claudia's jaw drops, her usual bubbly demeanor replaced by stunned disbelief. "Moving in with that Dominicus? Already?"I shift uncomfortably under their intense gazes, suddenly feeling like I'm under interrogation. I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words to explain."I know it seems fast," I begin, my voice soft but steady. "But it feels right. Dominicus and I... we have a connection that's hard to explain."Ellen, her kind face creased with concern, places a gentle hand on my arm. "Diana, honey, are you sure about this? You've only known each other for a few months. I know he has been nothing but sweet, what with him courting you properly and all… but still…that's not a lot of time to really get to know someone."Claudia nods vigorously, her blonde ponytail swaying with the motion. "Ellen's right, Di. I mean, he's dreamy and all, but moving in together? That's a big step. Are yo
Diana When I wake up the next morning, as I blink away the remnants of sleep, a splash of color catches my eye. There, on my bedside table, sits a delicate lilac-colored flower, its petals still dewy with morning freshness. A smile tugs at my lips as I reach out to pluck the blossom from its resting place. Bringing it to my nose, I inhale deeply, savoring its sweet, subtle fragrance. The thought of him leaving this tender token of his affection, fills me with a warmth that spreads from my chest to the very tips of my fingers and toes. Rising from my bed, I pad over to where the flower vase stands proudly and add this morning's flower to the bouquet, marveling at how they've gradually transformed into a lush, fragrant display. As I gaze at the flowers, my mind drifts to the day ahead. Excitement bubbles up within me at the thought of spending time with Claudia. It's a novel feeling, this anticipation of a day filled with feminine camaraderie and new experiences. A knock at my doo
Diana I stand frozen, staring at the impressive facade of Claudia's home, my mind struggling to reconcile this grand house with my bubbly, down-to-earth friend who works alongside me at the diner. The question, ‘If you're rich, why are you working at the diner?’ almost tumbles out but I quickly stop it. What if just like I told Dominicus, she’s working because she enjoys it? The question is an instinctive reaction to what I’m used to. Back at the pack, you would never find high ranking wolves doing such menial jobs. It was beneath them. However, I remind myself that this is not my Pack. And Claudia is not an stuck up, arrogant higher ranking wolf. Claudia's usual effervescent demeanor falters for a moment. She looks away, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features before she meets my gaze again. "I'm not rich," she says, her voice uncharacteristically quiet. "My parents are." The weight in her tone tells me there's more to the story, but I can sense her reluctance to discuss
Diana As I step into the walk-in closet, my breath catches in my throat. The space before me is nothing short of magnificent, a room that could easily grace the pages of a high-end fashion magazine. The closet stretches out, seemingly endless, divided neatly into two sections - his and hers. My eyes roam over the rows of designer clothes, each piece more beautiful than the last. Silk blouses, tailored suits, flowing dresses in every color imaginable. The shoe collection alone is enough to make my head spin - elegant heels, comfortable flats, and sturdy boots, all arranged in perfect order. In the center of the room stands an island, its surface gleaming under the soft lighting. As I approach, I realize it's filled with jewelry - delicate necklaces, sparkling earrings, and watches that probably cost more than I've ever earned in my life. I pace slowly by the cabinets, my fingers trailing lightly over the fabric of the clothes. The textures are rich and varied - soft cashmere, crisp
Diana The drive to Deming is filled with a nervous excitement that bubbles in my chest. As we leave the familiar streets of Garnet City behind, I watch the landscape change through the car window. Deming, though only an hour away, feels like a different world entirely. Just like Garnet City, Deming is equally a purely human town. However, that’s where the similarities end. Where Garnet City is quaint and nestled in nature, Deming pulses with urban energy. Tall buildings reach for the sky, their glass facades reflecting the afternoon sun. The streets are busier, filled with a diverse mix of people hurrying about their day. As we navigate through the bustling streets, I can't help but marvel at the sights and sounds around us. Probably because of the college, there are a lot of students with backpacks slung over their shoulders hurry along the sidewalks, while suited professionals weave between them. Before long, we're pulling into the parking lot of Deming Community College. The ca
Diana "Let's go check out the campus. After all, you'll be spending quite a bit of time here. We should make sure you like the ambiance." I nod, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation swirling in my stomach. As we set off to explore the grounds, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder. Just this morning, returning to school had been a distant dream. Now, here I am, about to tour a college campus - possibly my college campus. The campus of Deming Community College unfolds before us like a miniature city. Dominicus and I stroll hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of academic life. The main quad bustles with activity - students lounging on the grass, buried in books or engaged in animated conversations. We pass by the library, an imposing brick building with wide steps leading to its entrance. Through the large windows, I catch glimpses of students hunched over computers or browsing towering shelves of books. The sight fills me with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
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