*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
*Poppy*My smile was still etched when Eason swerved the car onto the road to the main entrance. Without waiting for the guards to open it, he sped up and forced it to open. I squealed and closed my eyes out of fear and excitement, but Easton only howled as he drove further into the land.Of course, as expected, our entry caused alarm and panic, which only made us laugh even more. We had just invaded the pack, and we knew there was nothing they could do to us for it. Easton sped up and turned on the music from his phone connected to the panel again, and the sounds of "Sabotage" exploded from the speakers again. Easton opened all the windows and treated our companions to our eccentric entrance. The way through the alleys flew by at a dizzying pace, and we shouted the lyrics from the bottom of our hearts, nodding our heads and getting into the rhythm. We were escorted by several giant werewolves in their animal form, growling at us warningly. Easton didn't dare stop. When the row of tre
*Poppy*I didn't have time to look inside the pack house because I was exhausted. The whole day today, although short, was exhausting for me, and all I could think about was a hot shower, a nice dinner, and a warm, comfortable bed. Still holding me under my arm, Easton and I climbed up to the second floor, where the guest rooms were, and I went to the last door on the right, where there was an apartment with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. On the way, we stopped by the master Omega's room and picked up both sets of keys. The woman's face was priceless because she instantly paled when she looked at me. She looked like she had seen a ghost, and she probably had. Who knows what nonsense Seamus had told them while I was gone? I knew her; she was one of the two deputies of the previous head omega who somehow managed to climb the ladder, and now they call her Luna. I am filled with rage every time I remember her betrayal. It hurt more than Seamus's. Amanda Slone, now twenty-eight yea
*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
*Poppy*For the past thirty minutes, three handsome princes have been discussing my situation fervently, even though I'm sitting right next to them, hearing every word they say and wondering why no one has let me out and allowed me to contact my daughter. I have some rights, don't I? We may not be subject to the human justice system, but for God's sake, I have the right to a lawyer, to remain silent, and to make one phone call. Unfortunately, I've been denied that for the past three days. I'm not going to sit here idly wondering when and if I'll be able to hear my daughter's voice and see her sweet, smiling face. I got up from the small bed, walked toward the silver bars, and cleared my throat loudly. Unfortunately, my attempt to get the attention of the three powerful Lycans failed, and each of them began to discuss various matters, interjecting words whose meaning was a mystery to me. Well, yes, I have not learned to speak Italian or Mandarin. Spanish is the only language I have lea
*Poppy*“ How did I end up here? “ I wondered as I sat in the barred cell, pulling at my hair. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. This wasn't how my case was supposed to end. This wasn't how my life was supposed to unfold, for fuck's sake. What the hell had gone wrong?! I shouted these questions like a catapult, creating an even bigger mess. I lifted my head and stared at Easton, pacing back and forth, tearing at his hair as I did, questioning our situation. His footsteps could already make a path the size of the Great Wall of China. Chairman Pullman glared at me as if I'd killed his cat with a hammer. Where had he even come from? And how on earth did he manage to convene some extraordinary council that was supposed to decide my fate? When did my life turn into a series of endless disasters?"What will happen to me? I mean, what could be a punishment for this?" I asked quietly, pondering how to escape this impasse. Easton paused and glanced my way. His eyes were eerily stormy as i