Selene's POVMy back was pressed against Prince Roman’s chest. I could feel every bit of him, the rise and fall of his chest, his breath tingling the skin on my exposed shoulders and the rhythm of his heartbeat.The closeness was…unnerving. No man had ever stood this close to me—not in a way that felt like it could swallow me whole. And yet here he was, hovering over me. I bit my lips as my thoughts flashed unhelpfully back to last night—and his lips on my skin. ‘Get it together, Selene,’ I chastised myself. I’d never felt small around anyone before. I was five-seven, after all, taller than most she-wolves. And yet Roman was something else entirely. Standing behind me, he was like a mountain, easily towering over me at what had to be six-foot-three. I could feel his chin just barely resting against my hair. And then, to make matters worse, he leaned down just enough for his breath to tickle my ear. “Don’t be afraid,” he murmured softly.My first instinct was to throw a biting r
Selene's POV“What?” I almost choked. Roman was imprisoning me here in the packhouse, lavishing me in nice things, all so I could carry his child? “I don’t understand…”But before I could finish, Roman’s hands came down on my shoulders. It might have looked like he was just being affectionate, to everyone else. But I knew better. He gripped my shoulder; it was a silent warning for me to stay calm and play along. He turned back to the elder saying, “Elder Rand, Selene is more than willing to have my baby. You have my word.”My jaw dropped and my eyes flitted around the table at the elders. More than willing? How could he say that? None of this was my choice, not even close. Yet, I understood why he’d done it. He was protecting me; I could see that now. Clearly, this “mission” of theirs was the only thing keeping me alive. I had to agree to have his child or face their wrath. My only reason for not being put to death was because I was supposed to get pregnant for Roman. Roman’s han
Selene's POVReady? Of course I wasn't ready! I knew what he was asking and I wasn’t even the slightest bit ready! I’d never even kissed a man, let alone…did the thing that got you pregnant. It was a foreign concept to me, one that made my mind reel and my cheeks burn hot with embarrassment. But he was so close I could barely breathe. His face moved toward mine, inch by inch, and my stomach bubbled as excitement and fear twisted up inside me. I should’ve been pushing him away, stopping this before it even began. But something about him held me there, like my body was ignoring every protest my mind threw up. His hand gripped my waist, pulling me closer, and his lips hovered, barely a breath away from mine. No. I couldn't allow this. This was completely wrong. Just before his lips touched mine, I finally found the strength to push him back. “No!” I practically shouted and then and I put both hands to my temples, trying to keep my head from spinning. What was I even doing? I
Selene's POVTonight was the Masquerade Mating Ball—the grandest, most dazzling event of the year—and everyone whispered with excitement.Well, all of them whispered except me. I hadn’t received an invitation.This was very upsetting for me. The Mating Ball was where many wolves found their mates. Only singles between 16 and 18 were invited to the ball, and invitations were sent out three days beforehand. If you didn't get an invitation, you'd be ridiculed. I’d never received one, so I’d been the laughing stock of the pack for the past three years now. The other she-wolves bullied me. They called me names in derisive tones and whispered about me behind my pack. ‘No invitation for Selene - AGAIN,’ I heard them smirk and snicker. ‘What did she expect? Why should she be invited? She doesn’t even have a wolf!’It hurt my heart to hear their taunts and giggles at my expense. It was true, though. I didn’t have a wolf. When I turned 16, I eagerly waited for my first shift, but it never ha
Selene's POVWhy? That was the question on my mind as I stared at the invitations. Why hadn’t I seen these before now? These invitations were supposed to go to my guardian and then be handed over to me. I stared at the invitations, my fingers gripping the edges so tightly the paper began to curl. I realized there was only one explanation. My mom. As my guardian, she received these invitations. But she never gave them to me. Instead, she hid them from me, buried under sweaters in my closet.But why would she do that? I’d always tried so hard to be a good daughter, to listen to her and follow her rules, even though it meant excluding myself from all the other wolves. It was crushing sometimes, the loneliness I felt as a child. I longed for friends, to go to school, to do all the other fun things that other wolves my age did. I endured the constant ridicule of the other wolves because I had no friends, and I did it to keep the peace with my mom. I never complained about how bad thin
Selene's POVI choked back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. Jason’s betrayal cut like a knife right through my heart. I wanted to run home and pretend like I’d never seen him. I struggled to breath, taking in air in huge gulps while my hands shook. I didn’t know what to do. Jason hadn’t seen me yet. I could still get away before he did. I was mortified and humiliated. I’d trusted him! I’d given him my heart, believing that he loved me, only to have him crush it! But before I could decide what to do next, Cynthia made her entrance. She swept into the room, her long, elegant, emerald gown swaying as she waltzed right up to Jason. All eyes were on her as she made her way across the floor, including Jason’s. He fixed her with a gaze full of intense heat. The way he looked at her? It was as if she was the only she-wolf in the world. He smiled as she approached and extended his hand to her. Cynthia gently placed her hand in his and a soft smile graced her lips. I watch
Selene's POVMy breath hitched in my throat. This man looked so unlike any other man in the room. He literally towered over every man-wolf, larger and more imposing than any Alpha I’d ever seen. The music still played in the background, but no one was listening. Every pair of eyes were locked on him, mine included.Suddenly, his oppressive aura eased, just slightly, and the trembling that gripped us all subsided. My muscles relaxed, though not entirely.He came towards me, his gaze locked on mine. It was a probing, hungry gaze, as if I were the only thing in the room that mattered. Everything else—the crowd, the music, the grand hall—was mere backdrop. My pulse quickened, and instinctively, everyone took a step back as he advanced. He approached, closer and closer still. My breathing became shallow and erratic. His eyes were so intense, for a moment, I tried to avoid it, afraid I might offend him if I gazed back. Yet a part of me—a part I didn’t understand—longed for it. Longed for
Selene's POVI struggled nervously, and the man quickly set me down. I felt panicked as my mother continued to glare at me. The handsome stranger must have sensed my panic because before I could bolt in any random direction, his hand shot out and grabbed mine. “What are you—” I barely got the words out before he started moving, pulling me through the ballroom like a man on a mission. The crowd parted for us as we made our way to the back door. I didn’t resist. Why would I? He looked like he had a plan, and my plan consisted of, well, nothing. Plus, his grip was surprisingly reassuring and firm, and I liked the way his hand felt in mine. It was crazy and I knew it, to follow this strange, dangerous man out of the ballroom blindly. But there was something about him - something that I couldn’t refuse. We slipped through a side door and burst out into the cool night air. The moon was almost full and it shone brightly as we sprinted into the forest. His hand remained in mine as he
Selene's POVReady? Of course I wasn't ready! I knew what he was asking and I wasn’t even the slightest bit ready! I’d never even kissed a man, let alone…did the thing that got you pregnant. It was a foreign concept to me, one that made my mind reel and my cheeks burn hot with embarrassment. But he was so close I could barely breathe. His face moved toward mine, inch by inch, and my stomach bubbled as excitement and fear twisted up inside me. I should’ve been pushing him away, stopping this before it even began. But something about him held me there, like my body was ignoring every protest my mind threw up. His hand gripped my waist, pulling me closer, and his lips hovered, barely a breath away from mine. No. I couldn't allow this. This was completely wrong. Just before his lips touched mine, I finally found the strength to push him back. “No!” I practically shouted and then and I put both hands to my temples, trying to keep my head from spinning. What was I even doing? I
Selene's POV“What?” I almost choked. Roman was imprisoning me here in the packhouse, lavishing me in nice things, all so I could carry his child? “I don’t understand…”But before I could finish, Roman’s hands came down on my shoulders. It might have looked like he was just being affectionate, to everyone else. But I knew better. He gripped my shoulder; it was a silent warning for me to stay calm and play along. He turned back to the elder saying, “Elder Rand, Selene is more than willing to have my baby. You have my word.”My jaw dropped and my eyes flitted around the table at the elders. More than willing? How could he say that? None of this was my choice, not even close. Yet, I understood why he’d done it. He was protecting me; I could see that now. Clearly, this “mission” of theirs was the only thing keeping me alive. I had to agree to have his child or face their wrath. My only reason for not being put to death was because I was supposed to get pregnant for Roman. Roman’s han
Selene's POVMy back was pressed against Prince Roman’s chest. I could feel every bit of him, the rise and fall of his chest, his breath tingling the skin on my exposed shoulders and the rhythm of his heartbeat.The closeness was…unnerving. No man had ever stood this close to me—not in a way that felt like it could swallow me whole. And yet here he was, hovering over me. I bit my lips as my thoughts flashed unhelpfully back to last night—and his lips on my skin. ‘Get it together, Selene,’ I chastised myself. I’d never felt small around anyone before. I was five-seven, after all, taller than most she-wolves. And yet Roman was something else entirely. Standing behind me, he was like a mountain, easily towering over me at what had to be six-foot-three. I could feel his chin just barely resting against my hair. And then, to make matters worse, he leaned down just enough for his breath to tickle my ear. “Don’t be afraid,” he murmured softly.My first instinct was to throw a biting r
Selene's POVI shuddered. I was intimidated. Why did the elders want to see me? What could the meeting possibly be about? A terrifying thought hit me. What if it was a meeting about negotiating my punishment for attacking their Prince? “Miss Selene?” a maid prodded. “We must hurry. Kindly pick a dress.” Her voice pulled me from my thoughts. I had no choice, I had to attend the meeting. I eyed the stunning dresses. So I might as well look good, right? As I looked through the selection of gowns, my fingers brushed over the fabric. The deep red one caught my eye, and before I could think twice, I’d pointed to it.“This one,” I said softly.“Oh, wonderful choice, Miss Selene,” Gina replied, sharing a smirk with the other maids. “I think a certain someone might find it hard to look away.”I felt a blush rise immediately. “That’s…I doubt it’s anything like that.”Another maid laughed, bringing over towels and leading me toward the washroom. “You’re far too modest. You don’t see what w
Selene's POVHe was not a patient man? The way he said it left a sour taste in my mouth. But before I could decide whether to scream or throw something at his face, he lips brushed over my skin.“W..what are you…” I tried to push him away, pressing against his chest, but his grip was firm. Not painful, but somehow gentle, as his lips trailing down my neck.It started as the lightest graze, just barely there, like a whisper. But as he kept going, each kiss deepened—as if he wanted to leave his mark on every inch of me. And then—damn it—I felt it, a rush of heat that made my skin tingle and sent a shiver up my spine. I did not enjoy the fact that he could make me feel this way when I was trying so hard to hate him. I wanted to pull myself together, to keep my cool, but my body had a mind of its own. He dipped lower, his mouth moving over my collarbone, and a sigh slipped out before I could stop it. I scowled, trying to sound as commanding as I could, though it came out more like
Selene's POVMy eyes flew open in shock. What was he saying? He wanted to have a child? With me?And to add injury to insult, he was so blunt about it. No man had ever spoken to me like this, so unashamed, like he was asking for something simple, like he was ordering tea. But this? The idea itself was...it was impossible. We couldn’t have a child! I’d never even been kissed, for heaven’s sake!But then, as his words settled deeper, the shock gave way to something else—a boiling, white-hot anger. Was he manipulating me? Was he using the slim hope that my mother might be alive to throw me off, to lure me into… whatever this was? “Have a child with YOU?” I shot back, crossing my arms, “Are you serious? You lied about my mother being alive just so you could impregnate me?”He didn’t flinch, just looked at me like he was above it all. “It’s the truth, Selene,” he replied, “The Lycan royal family doesn’t lie.”I searched his face and his eyes stayed locked on mine. It rattled me. There
Selene’s POVWhat? My mother… escaped? She was…she was still alive? There was no way. How was that possible? I’d seen her injuries myself; I’d watched her bleed. I’d heard the crack of her chest when Roman hit her with his hand. I’d watched her collapse onto the ground. It’d even seen the light go from her eyes. She’d been dead. I was sure of it. So how was she… not dead? And even more impossible, apparently, she’d walked out of the room? It sounded ridiculous, even suspicious. I narrowed my eyes at Roman, “What are you trying to pull?” I demanded, “Do you take me for an idiot? You’ve already done more than enough, and now you’re adding salt to the wound with some ridiculous lie?” He didn’t react. He just looked at me, and slowly his hands slid away from my waist. I ignored the emptiness his hands left behind, forcing myself to focus on what mattered—on the fact that he was feeding me this lie.I studied his face, but it was just that same infuriatingly calm, collected look. It
Selene’s POVWhat? He was mocking me now. But his breath was hot on my face as he spoke.I could feel the rise and fall of his chest. I shivered and my heart hammered in my chest. I lost focus. I couldn't speak. I couldn't even think straight. Heat prickled through me and even though it was embarrassing to admit, I felt it in places I shouldn't.No. I had to stay in control. He was a monster. He was the one responsible for ripping my mother from me. My mother.But as much as I tried to hold onto my fury, there was this maddening ache beneath it all. It was a feeling I didn’t want to admit to myself. It was a…Longing. A craving. A red hot desire…He leaned in closer, his breath stirring those tiny hairs on my neck. One of his arms tightened around my waist, pulling me in closer to his chest. I felt his heartbeat against my skin. I felt…something else…down between my legs. His hand inched up—just brushing the curve of my side—I felt his fingers tracing slow, teasing circles on my
Selene’s POVFor a moment, I looked at Roman in confusion. Why was he holding the knife like that? Then I realized the handle was pointed towards me. Did he want me to take it?I glanced from the knife to his face, trying to make sense of this—this—insane situation. My fingers twitched, itching to reach for the weapon, but I couldn’t tell if this was some kind of trap. Why was he giving me the chance to hold a blade?Before I could decide, Roman reached out and gently took my hand. Damn—the touch of his skin jolted through me like an electric shock, igniting every nerve in my body. An involuntary shudder ran down my spine, and I stiffened. I wanted to recoil, to snatch my hand back, but something kept me frozen. I couldn't let him know how a simple touch from him had affected me like this. I shouldn't be feeling this. What was wrong with me? Why was I attracted to this tyrant? This murdered?He moved my hand to the knife, positioning my fingers around the handle, and then his