*Poppy*All eyes were focused on a snarling, angry Seamus, who had risen from his seat, dug his claws into the table before him, and glared murderously at Easton and me. "I don't have to tell you what that reaction means, do I?" Easton asked the Council members, staring at our scene with mixed emotions. Seamus, the current Alpha, and I, the challenger, were the main focus of their attention. Some were wiping their foreheads in surprise, others were writing something vigorously in their notes, and a few were looking at Seamus with such contempt that I almost burst out laughing with happiness.'Damn right, princeling. Let's take down that shitty mate of us.' Iris shouted her encouragement as she howled in joy in my head at Seamus's reaction.My heart was pounding, and I was still trying to cool down after that scene Easton put on me and the intended kiss, but I gazed at Seamus, who wasn't expecting me to play dirty. His fur was almost bristling, and his eyes were narrowed in anger and
*Poppy*I stumbled out of the Council Headquarters, my mind a foggy void, my legs unsteady, and my heart thudding so violently that I couldn't discern reality. The next thing I knew, I was seated in the car, Easton's laughter reverberating around me. Like a rushing river, his words failed to breach the invisible barrier that had enveloped me.I felt as if I were trapped in a hermetically sealed bubble. Glancing at my hands, clasped tightly on my lap, I saw them shaking. Looking up through the window and watching the warm sunshine, my mind was whirling with emotions. I could hardly believe it—I had won the case against Seamus, and justice had finally been served.Relief washed over me, knowing I had fought tirelessly for what was right and had come out victorious. It was a victory that echoed with the sound of justice served. But beneath the surface, bittersweet nostalgia and lingering pain threatened to overshadow my triumph. Memories of happier times with Seamus flooded my mind, and
*Poppy*Easton's words echoed in my head like a mantra, encouraging me to fight, rebuilding my self-esteem, but above all, strengthening my belief that this duel would be the final stage in my life, cutting myself off from Seamus, Larch Groove Pack, opening the way for me where I can build my future with a clean slate.That short stop in the park was exactly what I needed—a breath. I needed to catch my breath and distance myself from what had just ended. I never thought that when I finally got the freedom I wanted, instead of being thankful for the end of suffering, I would be mourning my former lover and those beautiful moments we had together. But in that moment, the park was a sanctuary, a brief respite from the storm of emotions.That's why I had this panic attack; I forgot that Seamus used to be a loving and caring man who cared for my every need as if I were his queen. What happened to him? I don't know. But I don't want to find out. That stage is behind me now, closed. This rea
*Poppy*I ran without looking back. Luckily, I hadn't decided on any uncomfortable heels but ankle boots with a light heel. Thanks to this, I could quickly move between the thick bushes and the thorny undergrowth of the forest. My heart was pounding as I heard the sounds of cutting metal from behind me. I knew our transport was ruined, and my route to the Larch Groove Pack had become complicated.'Speed up, or let me run. He's already changed.' Iris urged me, ready to transform and run her fast dash towards safety.The problem was that I didn't want to change into Iris. I didn't know Easton very well, but I knew enough from Logan to know that his brother could get furious when provoked and take full advantage of it. He never said anything wrong about him to me, but I guessed that this seemingly calm man could turn into an uncontrollable beast when provoked. I sped up and turned left, hoping to find civilization to hide from him there.I know from history, stories, and teachings pass
*Rose*I purred as I cuddled into Tanner's firm and warm chest after so long. I hugged him tighter, inhaling his unique scent, which I had missed so much. He grazed his fingers over my bare shoulder, and the spark that created our contact made me moan in delight."I can't believe you're here. I was in such a dark place when I thought you were dead, and the rest after that agonizing pain is blank." he sighed, blowing breath on my hair, and I felt his pain through our bond."I don't even know what I did during that time. Maybe I was a monster like Seamus. Oh, Goddess, I probably was." He worried, and I lifted myself on his chest and looked at him over the cascade of my messy hair."Don't do that." I shook my head and held his face, leaning down, "Don't compare yourself to that man. You are not him." I denied it and leaned lower to kiss his cheeks, "You were not yourself gently. Whatever you did, they made you do this. He. That Alpha lied to you to make you believe I was dead and used yo
*Rose*The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the backyard where little Gemma was playing. I sat on the bench, sipping my chamomile tea and watching her chase after a playful puppy from one of her newest friends. The girl's laughter, a symphony of pure joy, filled the air as she ran around, her pigtails bouncing with each step. The parents of Gemma's new friend sat across the playground from her, watching their daughter play happily with her dog and the new werewolf girl. Today, I promised to look after Gemma while Amara and her mother, Andrew, again set out to find his sister, Azize.Too many things that need to be added have started to play out. From what I've gathered here, Azize is the most accomplished warrior among all the inhabitants. Her killing technique is unmatched, and her dizzying precision has become so legendary that she has been given the nickname Taipan Reaper because no one kills as quickly and effectively as she does. And that's where my question com
*Poppy*As we ventured onto the familiar road, the first mile leading to my hometown, my heart raced with anticipation. The sun, high in the sky, cast a bright light over the treetops, creating a magical scene that marks the beginning of our journey. With the road stretching ahead like the path to a lion's cave, we advanced, armed with nothing but our courage and determination. In the background, my daughter's sweet voice, wishing me a safe journey, was a constant source of motivation.Like a coiled spring, Iris remained silent, seemingly conserving all her energy for the confrontation awaited us the next day. I, too, resolved to focus solely on the task at hand, not allowing any thoughts of my former home to distract me until the final, decisive moment.After organizing the car in the middle of nowhere and dressing up Easton, we resumed our journey to the Larch Groove Pack in complete silence while covering the remaining distance in less time than expected. Easton didn't have to say
*Poppy*The tension in the car was palpable, a volatile mix of anger, disbelief, and disappointment. It was as if these emotions were tangible, ready to ignite the air between us. Their clash was a prelude to the storm that was about to break."That was your father, wasn't it?" Easton asked, although he probably already knew the answer judging by my face."Yes, but I don't want to talk about it. Please, not now." I replied, trying to keep the sobbing coming with great strides under control before venting to it after parking the car.Easton respected my wish for silence, but his curiosity was evident in how his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. He was brimming with questions, but he held them back. Thankfully, our journey was short, and the cabin we arrived at, nestled by the river bank, was a welcome distraction.I remember it as a primitive wooden hut where patrolmen used to sleep during night watch. Although it was not of the highest quality back then, what stood before us no
*Logan*I stood beneath the sprawling branches of the ancient oak tree, the air heavy with the scent of pine and earth. Evening light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows at my feet. I was supposed to concentrate on my connection with Gunnar and regaining my memories, but my attention wandered relentlessly.In the distance, laughter rang out, and my gaze instinctively followed the sound. There, standing with her head thrown back in joyous mirth, was Allegra. Her black hair glinted under the fading sunlight, forming a halo of warmth around her. I felt an almost magnetic pull towards her, one that had been igniting over the past few days. Every shared conversation, every stolen glance, deepened the connection between us, and my heart raced with each interaction."I can't believe you actually tried to climb the tree to impress the k
*Poppy*I stood at the edge of the clearing, feeling the wind tug at my hair as I watched the sun dip below the horizon. The vibrant hues of red and orange painted the sky, but the beauty of the scene did little to soothe the turmoil in my heart. Beside me, Tanner, Rose, and Albert gathered; their murmurs were a blur of background noise as I wrestled with my thoughts. I glanced at Logan, standing with Allegra, their voices mingling with the faint rustle of leaves. It pained me to see them together, their laughter lighting up the evening air while I felt heavy with secrets.Since the discovery of our bond - of our connection that transcended our friendship - everything changed. I felt the pull to our shared destiny, the magnetic thread tying my soul to his. Now, everything seems to turn to ashes, taking my last hope with it. Iris doesn't even react anymore, locked in her tight membr
*Poppy*I stood at the entrance of the grand living room in the Piemontesi house, a familiar yet foreign feeling washing over me as I stepped across the threshold. Iris stirred, agitated, making my nerves skyrocket. What was that strange sensation at the back of my neck? Was it nerves or something entirely different? I wondered as I walked inside, holding Gemma's hand, with Dante and his sister by my sides.As I caught sight of Amara in Andrew's arms, a rush of happiness surged through me. I hurried forward with Gemma, my heart swelling as I reached out to hug my newfound best friend. "My sweet girl," Amara whispered, squeezing the life out of me. Despite the lack of oxygen, I felt relief upon returning to where I felt safe and peaceful."You had us worried, young lady! You better have a better explanation than making new friendships to bring us
*Dante de Gallo*The sun was setting over the quaint Valley of Piemontesi, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape. I stood by the window of the small coffee shop we passed yesterday on our way to the vampire's mansion, and the memory of Poppy's bright smile while entering this mysterious town, hiding its secrets, popped into my head. It was a cozy place, and even the omnipresent vampires looking around me furtively did not take away its charm.Poppy spent the night with her daughter, who radiated joy at seeing her mother and offered her undivided attention. Allegra and I quickly retreated to the background, dealing with the mansion's hosts as they inquired about rooms- a first for us. As royals, we’re always served first, never last, and certainly never left to handle things on our own.It was quite an experience, particularly when
*Dante de Gallo*The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the forest path leading to Poppy's home. I sat close beside her. My sister Allegra was in the front passenger seat of our SUV, her laughter mingling with the sound of silly reels she watched on her phone and the soft murmur of music. The tranquil sounds of the radio were a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions stirring within me. With every moment, I couldn't shake the sensation that Poppy was meant for me, that she was my mate. Yet, the lack of recognition from my lycan Aldo gnawed at me like a persistent ache I couldn't ignore.I have no idea how I convinced her to join me on the trip back to her daughter's. Still, perhaps a huge part of it was thanks to my younger sister Allegra, who not only charmed Poppy with her colorful personality but also, thanks to her ability to subtly but effectively man
*Poppy*The day of the funeral dawned heavy with unspoken grief and uncertainty. The air was thick, and a heavy fog was rolling over the river's surface as the Larch Grove Pack members gathered at the pier. Their eyes cast downwards, and their hearts were burdened with the loss of their Alpha, Seamus. I stood among them, my shoulders squared, forcing myself to remain composed despite the wave of turmoil. It had only been a matter of days since Seamus's death, and now I faced the moment of farewell.The makeshift altar at the end of the pier was adorned with wildflowers and tokens of respect, symbolizing the bond shared between Alpha and his loyal followers. Torches had been placed around the pier, ready to flicker to life and send Seamus off in a blaze of tribute when the time came. I could hear the low murmurs of those in attendance, their whispers punctuating the profound silence
*Poppy*I stood at the helm of the Larch Groove Pack, the warmth of the sun streaming through the expansive glass window of what had once been the grand hall and now was my makeshift command post. The air was thick with tension as I surveyed the faces of my pack members, their expressions a mixture of uncertainty and expectation. This wasn't just a new chapter but a complete rewrite of the history that had plagued them for far too long.Clearing my throat, I took a deep breath, channeling the strength of my daughter Gemma's memories, my mentor Gamma Tanner's wisdom, and the resolve hinted at in the dungeons. "We have a priority," I declared, my voice steady and unwavering. "The water supply—our lives depend on it. I'm demanding an immediate change of the w
*Poppy*The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow that filtered through the trees of Larch Grove Pack. I gazed over Easton's shoulder and saw Prince Nanyou standing solemnly among the gathered members of the pack, his princely demeanor calm yet authoritative. I finally learned his name after mistakenly calling him Nintendo once, and I almost burned with shame for misspelling it. Luckily, he was understanding, but Princes Dante and Easton made fun of me every time they could.Given the recent events that have deeply affected everyone, it was evident that the pack required a leader, a guiding voice amid the turmoil following Seamus's death. Today’s meeting was specifically held to reveal the verdict reached by the three royals."Thank you all for coming," Nanyou began, his voice resonating through the clearing where they had co
*Poppy*I took a deep breath as I settled into the worn leather chair beneath the dim light of the small room. The weight of the past days felt as heavy as the bars that kept me locked in the dungeons—the unrelenting reminder of the turmoil that had engulfed my life. Today, however, I had the chance to reach out to the most important people in the world—my daughter, Gemma, and my trusted friend, ex-Gamma Tanner.I set my phone on the table, the screen flickered to life with a steady pulse, and I dialed Tanner's number. The signals went one after another as I watched my reflection on the screen, waiting for the call to connect. As it did, anticipation filled the air. Just hearing Gemma's voice would be worth my treacherous journey."Mom?" Gemma's bright voice broke through the static, and I felt relief. Seeing her smiling face, with its blue eyes and blond pigtails, made me choke on my sobs, and I clapped my hand over my mouth."Sweetheart!" My voice blended warmth and care, and my hea