Elara's POV Lucas gently guided me into our bedroom. I felt relieved being with him. His hand never left my back, guiding my every step. It’s as if he was scared I’d disappear on him. I glanced up at Lucas. He looked as strong, muscular and handsome as ever, but there was something softer in his expression—something I hadn’t seen in a long time. His eyes met mine, and in that moment, I realized how much I needed him. Not as the Alpha who commanded respect, but as the man who held my heart, who could make me feel safe when the world was falling apart around me. I sank down onto the edge of the bed, my body aching with exhaustion. The soft mattress beneath me felt like heaven, but even as I sat there, my mind was racing. The day had been filled with too many close calls, too much fear. But now, being here, in our space, with Lucas beside me, I could feel the weight of everything starting to lift. Lucas lingered by the door for a moment, his gaze locked on me, as if making sure I
Lucas’ POVI’ve never been one to watch someone sleep. In fact, I haven’t had any peaceful sleep since my first shift. Each time I close my eyes, I see Emma. I hear my father’s words, the lessons he hammered into me for years: *Strength is survival. Emotions are weak. Weakness gets you killed.* Tonight was no different. Sleep wasn’t an option, but for the first time in a long while, I felt... still.I sat on the sofa in my bedroom, watching my mate, Elara, sleep until the first light of dawn crept through the curtains. The steady rise and fall of her chest, the soft murmur of her breath—it all seemed so foreign to me. Her face was peaceful, completely at ease. It was a kind of peace I’d never known.But I wasn’t built for peace. My world was chaos, constantly shifting, and no matter how calm the moment seemed, I always expected the worst. That’s how I survived.A knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I stood, careful not to disturb Elara, and made my way over. I opened the
Lucas’ POVThe scent of blood filled the air. Metallic, sharp, it clung to the walls of the dungeon like a thick fog. I stood outside David’s cell, the heavy door was slightly ajar. I could already hear his shallow breathing, I could smell the fear coming from him. .This wasn’t the first time I had interrogated a traitor, but this was different. David had been one of my most trusted soldiers, a pack member who had fought for our survival, bled for us. Yet here I was, ready to rip his secrets out piece by piece, to uncover the truth by any means necessary. A truth he was clearly hiding.Aurelio stood behind me, his face impassive, awaiting my command to begin. I stepped forward, pushing the door open. The hinges groaned, a sound that mirrored the weight of what was about to unfold. David sat in the middle of the cold stone room, his wrists chained above his head to the ceiling, his feet barely touching the ground. His face was swollen, already bruised from the earlier "talks" we’d ha
Lucas’ POVThe interrogation room reeked of blood and sweat. The metallic scent clung to my skin as if it was trying to remind me of who I am—what I am. David was still slumped over in his chair, unconscious but alive. Wolves heal fast, but this particular wolf wouldn’t be able to stand for a while. Not after what I’d done to him.I looked down at my bloodstained hands, frowning slightly before rubbing them together as if I could erase the evidence of my cruelty. It was easy to lose myself in these moments, to become the monster everyone expected me to be. It came naturally, the rage, the violence.But not today.A soft knock at the door broke my thoughts. The sound was hesitant, as if the person on the other side wasn’t sure whether they should disturb me or not.“Aurelio,” I called, knowing instinctively that it was him. He always knocked like that—polite but cautious.I opened the door, finding him standing straight and alert, his usual demeanor, though there was a weariness in his
FlashbackAlone! Despised and Rejected. That is how I saw myself. That Is how they all saw me. I was the pack reject, or, the fancy word, an omega. The lowest of ranks among the wolves and the most worthless.“You should have just died with your parents, freak!” Mia repeated, kicking me while I was down.“I don’t get why you’re still here. Your parents were traitors!’’ Mike added.“You don’t belong here.” Jennifer said. “You’re not one of us, you’re a pathetic excuse of a werewolf.’’“You’re weaker than a human. You disgust me!’’And the insults were hauled, one after another. I’m not sure for how long they kicked my stomach, or how many times I was punched after they encouraged me to get back up. The truth is, after you're beaten while down, then you learn a lesson. You get used to staying down. To take a beating.“Alright, come on guys.’’ Mistress Maggy called out, approaching from a distance. “That’s enough.’’ She said, pulling Jennifer, her daughter, away. She stood next to the ot
“What’s worse than being an omega?’’ The question echoed in my mind as I ran. The cool breeze did not feel relaxing against my skin anymore. The tears that stained my eyes dried off, clotting on my face and leaving an indentation of how much I had lost. I stopped in my tracks, staring back at the distant white line that marked our pack boundary. Now, it would be but a distant memory in my mind. A place of horror and pain. Banished with nothing. Rejected for being a nothing. My parents died for nothing. All my life, I have seeked the approval of pack members that have barely seen me. I have been hated, spat on, misunderstood, tortured, overwhelmed with chores and always a people pleaser. Am I worth anything more? I pick up the pace and I start running again. This time not looking back. Trying to forget where I had come from and what had happened. But the words of Alpha Gale are still repeating in my head. My life was over. there was nothing left for me anymore. I approach a lit
When I woke up, the hardest part was slipping away from the strong arms that held me. The handsome stranger, who still looked amazing wrapped in just sheets, had a tight grip on me, like he was afraid I'd leave.I did not know what he’d want from me after last night. Flashbacks of it still make me clench my thighs. After successfully slipping past his iron grip, I collect my clothes, putting them on in a hurry.. The soreness between my legs certainly did not help with anything. But I remembered Alpha Gale, and how he wanted to make me his slave. I need to run before the same thing happens with him. When I slip past the door, I tip toe slowly across the hallway, making sure that the guards who’d fallen asleep could hardly hear me. Finally, when out of the empty tarven, I make a run for it in the opposite direction I’d come from, heading into an uncharted territory of bushes and trees. Suddenly, a voice from behind rutles me. I turn around, only to catch a glimpse none other than Alph
Horror had spread over his face, his expression indicated this was not what he wanted. He stood up, taking a step back abruptly. His eyes grew wide as they met mine again. "That's impossible.'' He let out, clenching his fists. "You don't believe me?''"Why would I ever believe you?'' His voice reverbrated through the empty space between us, catching me offguard. "You're a whore, and now you're trying to trap me with a pregnancy that is not even mine. Tell me, who is the father of that child?'' His words caught me offguard, they echoed in my mind like a sounded gong."Wha...What do you mean? I'm not a...I'm not a ...""A whore? Come on now? You don't expect me to buy into that innocence of yours.'' He said, his voice pumped with malice. As i looked at him, i began to wonder what had changed so quickly. "Just because you want nothing to do with this baby gives you no right!''"SILENCE!'' His authority enamated from his body, his voice, like a spell, took over me. I lost words, or the
Lucas’ POVThe interrogation room reeked of blood and sweat. The metallic scent clung to my skin as if it was trying to remind me of who I am—what I am. David was still slumped over in his chair, unconscious but alive. Wolves heal fast, but this particular wolf wouldn’t be able to stand for a while. Not after what I’d done to him.I looked down at my bloodstained hands, frowning slightly before rubbing them together as if I could erase the evidence of my cruelty. It was easy to lose myself in these moments, to become the monster everyone expected me to be. It came naturally, the rage, the violence.But not today.A soft knock at the door broke my thoughts. The sound was hesitant, as if the person on the other side wasn’t sure whether they should disturb me or not.“Aurelio,” I called, knowing instinctively that it was him. He always knocked like that—polite but cautious.I opened the door, finding him standing straight and alert, his usual demeanor, though there was a weariness in his
Lucas’ POVThe scent of blood filled the air. Metallic, sharp, it clung to the walls of the dungeon like a thick fog. I stood outside David’s cell, the heavy door was slightly ajar. I could already hear his shallow breathing, I could smell the fear coming from him. .This wasn’t the first time I had interrogated a traitor, but this was different. David had been one of my most trusted soldiers, a pack member who had fought for our survival, bled for us. Yet here I was, ready to rip his secrets out piece by piece, to uncover the truth by any means necessary. A truth he was clearly hiding.Aurelio stood behind me, his face impassive, awaiting my command to begin. I stepped forward, pushing the door open. The hinges groaned, a sound that mirrored the weight of what was about to unfold. David sat in the middle of the cold stone room, his wrists chained above his head to the ceiling, his feet barely touching the ground. His face was swollen, already bruised from the earlier "talks" we’d ha
Lucas’ POVI’ve never been one to watch someone sleep. In fact, I haven’t had any peaceful sleep since my first shift. Each time I close my eyes, I see Emma. I hear my father’s words, the lessons he hammered into me for years: *Strength is survival. Emotions are weak. Weakness gets you killed.* Tonight was no different. Sleep wasn’t an option, but for the first time in a long while, I felt... still.I sat on the sofa in my bedroom, watching my mate, Elara, sleep until the first light of dawn crept through the curtains. The steady rise and fall of her chest, the soft murmur of her breath—it all seemed so foreign to me. Her face was peaceful, completely at ease. It was a kind of peace I’d never known.But I wasn’t built for peace. My world was chaos, constantly shifting, and no matter how calm the moment seemed, I always expected the worst. That’s how I survived.A knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I stood, careful not to disturb Elara, and made my way over. I opened the
Elara's POV Lucas gently guided me into our bedroom. I felt relieved being with him. His hand never left my back, guiding my every step. It’s as if he was scared I’d disappear on him. I glanced up at Lucas. He looked as strong, muscular and handsome as ever, but there was something softer in his expression—something I hadn’t seen in a long time. His eyes met mine, and in that moment, I realized how much I needed him. Not as the Alpha who commanded respect, but as the man who held my heart, who could make me feel safe when the world was falling apart around me. I sank down onto the edge of the bed, my body aching with exhaustion. The soft mattress beneath me felt like heaven, but even as I sat there, my mind was racing. The day had been filled with too many close calls, too much fear. But now, being here, in our space, with Lucas beside me, I could feel the weight of everything starting to lift. Lucas lingered by the door for a moment, his gaze locked on me, as if making sure I
The moment I laid eyes on Elara, my heart nearly stopped. She was trembling in Sabrina's grip, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear. Seeing my mate in such distress was like a knife to my chest. My breath hitched, and a primal urge surged through me—a desperate need to protect her from whatever nightmare she had just endured.Without hesitation, I stepped forward, my gaze fixed on the scene unfolding before me. David lay on the ground, a spear protruding from his torso, his life slowly ebbing away as blood pooled beneath him. The coppery scent of it filled the cave, making the air feel thick and suffocating. Elara’s desperate, trembling pleas for help cut through the tension like a blade, her voice barely holding together under the weight of her fear. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to do something, to act quickly before I lost control."Don't touch him," I commanded, my voice cold, hard, cutting through the air like a whip. Sabrina froze, her hand hovering over the spear,
Elara's POVTime seemed to slow as the spear arced toward me, the tip glinting with deadly intent. I closed my eyes, waiting for the worst.But the impact never came. Instead, a sudden force shoved me sideways, and I stumbled, barely keeping my balance. Whirling around, I saw David standing where I had been, the spear embedded in his chest . He crumpled to the ground, his eyes wide with pain."David!" I cried, rushing to his side. "Why did you do that?"David grimaced, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. "I couldn't let him...kill you," he whispered, blood seeping through his fingers as he clutched the spear.Michael, his face twisted with rage, lunged forward, intent on finishing what he'd started. But before he could reach us, Alaric and Sabrina sprang into action. In a blur of movement, Alaric had Michael pinned to the ground, one massive hand wrapped around his throat."You dare attack my son's mate?" Alaric growled, his voice laden with menace. "That was a mistake you won't live
Elara’s POVHe was inches from my face, I could see the anger and hate behind his eyes. “It was you.’’ Michael says, surprising even David. “You’re the reason I’m on this god-forsaken mission, leaving off wild animals and water from a lake. You’re the reason I’m sleeping in a cave like I have no home. You!’’ I wiped my mouth, yet, still, feeling like I wanted to vomit again. I was starting to feel dizzy. “Michael, what are you talking about? What mission.’’ You're insane. Both of you," I said, looking between him and David. "None of you make any sense. You plan is ridiculous. Lucas isn't some puppet you can manipulate. He's dangerous, unpredictable. You have no idea what you're dealing with."David scoffed. "And you do? Face it, Elara. The best thing you can do now is disappear. Save yourself and that baby you're carrying. It's the only way."I shook my head, backing away from both of them. "No. I won't abandon my responsibilities. I won't let more people die because of me.""You
Elara's POVI stood frozen, my heart pounding in my chest as I stared at David, the high priestess' son. He held a spear in his hand, pointing it in my direction, silently warning me to stay put.I touched my belly. "Moon goddess, please protect my baby and me. Save us from this."The air was charged with tension. Behind me, I could hear the human struggling to his feet, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he nursed the wounds I'd inflicted."Going somewhere?" David's voice was cold and unfamiliar. I had only known him as the high priestess' son, but now his presence filled me with dread. Whose side was he on? Was he friends with the human?I took a step back, my hand instinctively moving to protect my stomach. "Please, I need to go back. People will die if I don't."He laughed, a harsh sound that echoed off the cave walls. "Oh, you have no idea.""But I'm afraid you're too late."My blood ran cold. "What do you mean?"David's lips curled into a cruel smile, as if he enjoyed deliveri
Lucas POVThe battlefield is a scene of carnage. Wolves tear into each other, their ferocity unmatched. Bodies litter the ground, the scent of blood and death filling the air. This is the war I’ve trained my men for, a war we should win, but none of it matters to me. I’m not here for victory or glory. I’m here for one reason: to find Elara.My claws slice through Matthew’s soldiers like they’re made of paper. Blood sprays across my face, but I barely feel it. The world around me is a blur of violence and chaos, but my mind is consumed by one thought—*where is she?* I tear apart another of Matthew’s men, lifting him by his throat. His eyes widen in terror as my claws dig into his neck, cutting off his air supply. He’s choking, struggling to breathe, but I don’t ease up. I revel in his fear, his desperation. I want answers, and I’ll kill anyone who stands in my way.“Where’s your Alpha?” I snarl, squeezing his throat tighter. “Where’s Matthew? Where’s Elara?”His lips quiver as blood d