Lucas’s POVElara’s eyelids flutter open, and for a moment, she seems confused, her gaze drifting around the room until it finally lands on me. Her eyes widen, she’s afraid. “Elara,” I whisper, keeping my voice low. “I’m right here.”She tightens her fingers around mine—a weak grip, but enough to tell me she knows I’m with her. I can’t tell if she’s trying to speak or if she’s just holding on, anchoring herself to something familiar. I let her be, watching the way her breathing steadies, the way her gaze clings to mine as if she’s afraid I’ll disappear.“Lucas…” she breathes, so quietly I have to strain to hear her. I lean in closer, her name barely leaving my lips.“I’m not going anywhere, Elara. I promise.”Her fingers tighten just a little more, as if that was what she needed to hear. I sit by her side, letting her grip anchor me as much as it anchors her. For a while, I forget the rage simmering inside me, the thoughts of who did this to her and how they’re still out there, hidin
Lucas’s POV“Search the western tunnels again!” I barked, my voice echoing against the stone walls of the cave. I paced in tight circles, the frustration rising in my chest like a caged beast. “Michael can’t have vanished completely. He’s out there somewhere, and we need to find him.”One of my warriors stepped forward, brow furrowed with concern. “My Lord, we’ve scoured every inch of this place. It’s like he simply disappeared.”“Then keep looking!” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. “I won’t rest until we find him. Elara is fighting for her life. Every moment wasted could mean the difference between her recovery and… and something far worse.”“Understood.” The warrior nodded and hurried off, rallying the others to search the southern ridge this time. I could feel the heat of desperation gnawing at me. I’d never imagined I’d be hunting a human like this, and yet here I was, consumed by a need to protect Elara.Just then, my father appeared at the entrance of the cave, his figure bl
Lucas’ POVI sprinted towards the house along the path, feeling my heart pounding in my chest. The betrayal of my father and its consequences became less significant over time. Elara was at the top of my list. The deceit of the doctor lingered in my thoughts, causing me great fear. What has happened to her? I needed to find her.I burst into the house, forcefully passing through the doorway without hesitating, causing the door to swing open. Elara plagued my mind with images of suffering, harmed by someone amidst this tangled web of lies. I wasn't bothered by the turmoil nearby; all that mattered was ensuring she was safe."Hey, Elara!" I yelled loudly, my voice bouncing off the walls as I ran quickly to our room. The door opened, showing a well-made bed with neatly folded sheets. The view struck me as hard as a slap on the face. She wasn't here. Fear crept up from my stomach, contorting and constricting, constricting my chest."Where on earth is she?" Feelings of panic rushed through
Elara’s POV“Lucas, I’m okay. You don’t have to worry,” I pleaded for the hundredth time.“I have to check for myself.”“And you want me to take off my clothes just so you can make sure your sister didn’t harm me?” I raised a brow, hoping he’d hear how ridiculous that sounded.“I just need to be sure, please. I’m holding my breath, thinking this isn’t real. That I lost you, and this is some damn nightmare where I still have you. I won't touch you; I just need to see. No scars, marks, injuries. My Lycan can scan you, show me whether any poison is left with you, amongst any other new problems.”“But why didn’t your Lycan wolf see the poison before?” I asked, suddenly curious. While all he said was somewhat sweet, the thought of being naked in his presence, just standing so he could inspect me, was scary. I was not scared of him; I was scared of him. In that hazy coma, I felt like I was in heat. My thoughts were filled with Lucas. He infected my mind like a disease. All I wanted was for
Lucas' POVI held her close, my hands instinctively sliding over the damp, smooth surface of her skin. Every curve under my fingertips, every delicate line, felt like it was carved into memory, a sensation I knew I would carry with me. The water trailed down her shoulders, tracing paths along her back as I pressed her closer, feeling her heartbeat fluttering against my chest. It was like she was all that mattered in that moment—just Elara and me, our world narrowed to the soft hiss of water and the sensation of her in my arms.As I leaned in, our breaths mingled, her lips parted, meeting mine with a softness that nearly undid me. The warmth of her mouth tasted faintly sweet, the water carrying the essence of her, fresh and perfect. My hands slid to her waist, pulling her as close as possible, every inch of her pressing into me, feeling fragile, like something rare and precious I had the responsibility to protect.She sighed softly into the kiss, her arms slipping up to circle my neck,
Elara’s POVThe car pulled away from the manor, and I couldn’t help but feel a nervous excitement bubbling up inside me. Sabrina sat beside me, practically vibrating with enthusiasm as she chattered on, but it was… contagious. Shopping for me usually meant picking up a few practical things or a small splurge when I had some extra money. But I’d never done anything like this, and certainly never with family.After a moment, I looked over at her, hesitating. “I, uh… I should probably warn you. I’ve never really done this before. The whole… shopping thing.”Sabrina laughed, throwing her arm around my shoulders like we’d been sisters forever. “Elara, that’s exactly why I’m here! Trust me, by the end of today, you’re going to be *in love* with shopping. I’ve got it all planned out; we’re going for full luxury. No holds barred.”I managed a small smile. “Guess I have some catching up to do.”She grinned wider, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. “Good, because I am *more than ready* to teach y
Lucas' POVI stepped into the council chamber, Aurelio right behind me. The stench of fear enveloped the room. News about loosing control when Elara had been kidnapped spread like wild fire. My men were afraid of me, the walked on eggshells around me.While I didn’t mind the fear, I hated the doubt. Each word was spoken with second thoughts, no one fully ready to speak their minds, afraid of what I might do. It was tiring. The pack’s council members were already seated around the large table. They were a bunch of old men and woman who had ties to the pack members and these lands. Among them was the high priestess, who could barely meet my eyes. She was afraid of me-feared what I could do. And I relished it. I’d earned that fear, to make them understand that in my world, there was no room for weakness, no room for failure. I didn’t need them. I never had. The pack, the council—they were nothing more than pawns in the grand game I played, and today, they were here to understand just h
Elara's POVSabrina had dragged me from one store to another, each boutique seemingly grander and more opulent than the last. I’d been exhausted by the end of it, my feet aching, and my head spinning from all the attention and finery. Now, I strolled through the palace garden, hoping for a moment of peace to myself. Guilt poked at me as I remembered the driver, dutifully following us everywhere, holding an umbrella over our heads in the sun. I’d felt like some pampered princess, and I hated that feeling. I wasn’t used to people waiting on me, catering to my every whim without a single complaint. Back in the pack, I was the servant. Begging for scraps and food, waiting on my knees to serve. Even the way Sabrina had taken charge, flashing Lucas’s black card and ordering the staff around, had left me feeling strangely out of place. I’d tried not to make a fuss, tried to be grateful, but part of me wondered if I had come across as ungrateful or worse, spoiled.Lost in my thoughts, I hadn
Elara’s POV"We want to make this right," my mother begs. "Let us help you."I cross my arms. "There’s nothing you can do to erase years of pain and suffering.”"We can free you from Amaris," Aunt Isabella cuts in. "A ritual to expel her spirit completely."I look at them, breathless for a moment. If Amaris was gone, I could feel my wolf again. I wouldn’t be worried about my baby. I could go back to Lucas, given I won’t be worried about Amaris taking over and hurting him. I’d be free. I study their faces, looking for any sign of deception. "Just like that? You want to help me after admitting you orchestrated my entire life?""It's the least we can do," Matthew says. "Let us try to fix what we broke."My mother steps forward. "Please, Elara. Let this be our apology."I consider their offer. Part of me wants to refuse anything they suggest, but another part... "Fine," I say finally. "Do it.""We'll need time to prepare the ritual grounds," Aunt Isabella says. Hesitant, I ease up. "Fin
I have lived in many cages. Some with iron bars. Some made of illusions, some built from my own hope, crumbling when I realized no one was coming to save me.I thought I had finally escaped. That with Lucas, I had built something real. But it was all another illusion, another carefully constructed lie.Now, I stand on the edge of another choice—run, as I always have, or turn around and face the ghosts I spent my life running from. My mother, my aunt… they claim they have answers. But why should I believe them? Why should I listen?Because of the baby. Because of the life inside me, the only thing that is still mine.I have no choice but to turn back.I walk into Matthew’s pack house again. My mom is standing over Matthew, reciting incantations to try to heal his burn wounds. When they see me, everyone stops. “I only came because I want to know the truth. It’s the only way to protect my baby.’’ The quiet part I hadn’t said out loud was why. Because I was all alone now. Lucas kicked
Elara’s POV"You need to understand where it all began," my mother starts, while she helps apply ointment on my aunt's wounds. She mutters some incantations under her breath, stretching her hands over my aunt's chest. Yet again, like magic, her wounds disappeared. “Beautiful, isn’t it?’’ My aunt asked. “Scary’s more the word.’’ I admit, setting down the book. “Elara, you don’t have to be afraid of magic.’’ “I don’t want it.’’ I snapped. My mom looks back at me. She approaches me, coming to hold my hands gently. “Don’t!’’ I let out. “I don’t want to hurt you again.’’ “Elara, you’re part wolf, part witch. You’re a reincarnation of Amaris, and you’re carrying a Lycan baby. If you want, you can be the most powerful creature to ever roam this world.’’ “I just want a simple life.’’ I admitted, leaning back against the chair. “My baby deserves a simple life. Can you take the magic away? I don’t want to be cursed like this. I almost killed you for crying out loud.’’ “But you didn’t!’
Elara’s POV“I promised myself I’d never come back here,” I muttered as Matthew helped me up the stairs leading to the packhouse. “After you banished me, I had no home. Now everyone who used to bully me somehow calls me Luna. Not just that, but they think I’m some witch.”“We have much to talk about, darling,” Matthew said, smiling. “For now, you need rest.”We reached the top of the stairs, and standing at the entrance were faces I never thought I’d see again.“Elara! Oh, darling!” My mother and aunt rushed toward me, their arms outstretched.They hugged me tightly before I could react, their sudden warmth startling me. My body tensed, the touch setting off alarm bells in my head.“Easy there,” Matthew chuckled, stepping in. “She’s pregnant. Don’t crush her.”They laughed, easing away but not letting go completely.“Sorry, dear,” my mother said, brushing my hair back like she used to when I was a child. “I’m just so excited to see you again.”“Me too,” my aunt chimed in, her smile si
"Please don't do this, Alpha!" Sarah drops to her knees before Lucas. Her tears wet the ground. "She's our Luna!"I watch more pack members fall. One by one. Begging him. Pleading for me."Alpha Lucas, we need her," Michael's voice breaks. "The pack needs her."I feel their love wrapping around me like a warm blanket. But it's not enough. It's never enough.Lucas stands before me. Towering. Rigid. I search his face for any trace of the man who held me last night. Who whispered promises against my skin."I love you," I whisper. The words scratch my throat on their way out.He looks at me with empty eyes, my words mean nothing to him. He slams the door in my face. It is the final disrespect, the very thing that makes me regret knowing him. I’ve never had a place I called home that truly felt like home. Back in Matthew’s pack, it was anything but home. My parents left me a tiny house all to myself but the people around it made my life hell. Here, in Lucas’ pack, I had nothing of my own
Elara’s POVI used to catalog my heartbreaks like others collected seashells. Each heartbreak was unique, adding to my growing collection. The silent heartbreaks haunted me most. Like watching other children walk home to loving families while I returned to an empty house as an orphan. Then came the loud heartbreaks. Fists connecting with flesh, my face stuck into mud. Jeers echoing through hallways. Gum yanked from my hair piece by piece.After finding my first mate, Matthew, heartbreak came with rejection. It wasn’t after he called me to his room that night and propositioned me to become his sex slave that I felt insulted. But still, it didn’t come close to this. Standing here now, listening to Lucas speak, I understand something new. All my previous pain feels like gentle rain. This moment is the hurricane that teaches me what it truly means for a heart to break.I realize now, I’ve never known what heartbreak truly feels like until Lucas.He stands in the center of the room, look
Elara’s POV“I used to scrub these floors. Back in my old pack, they'd make me clean the hospital wing after battles, after accidents, after anything that brought real wolves in for treatment. I'd mop up blood and bandages, listening to them groan in pain while nurses rushed past me like I was invisible. Sometimes I'd hear them whisper - *stupid omega, worthless omega, don't waste medicine on her kind*.” Aurelio looked at me, really looked at me. He had nothing to say. “I remember the day I broke my arm. Three younger wolves had caught me alone, wanted to teach the omega her place. I'd dragged myself to the hospital entrance, blood dripping onto those clean floors I'd just mopped. The nurse had looked right through me, told me to clean up my own mess. I learned to set my own bones after that. Living in Matthew’s pack as the bullied omega taught me that services like health care were only available to wolves who mattered. For years, even when seriously sick, I’d clean the floors and
Elara’s POV“You’re nothing,” Mary spat, coming at me with a knife. “An inferior creature. You don’t deserve my son. You don’t deserve to live.” I tried to speak, to defend myself, but the words caught in my throat. I touched my stomach, afraid for my baby.“Oh Goddess, please help me.’’ I cried out, looking above. Mary laughed. “The goddess won’t help you. She abandoned you wolves centuries ago. She grew scared of us. How mighty Lycans had become.’’ My wolf stirred uneasily inside me, but it felt distant. It felt like she was retreating into the shadows of my mind. “Mary, please,” I managed to whisper. “I love Lucas. I would never—” “Silence!” Her roar echoed through the garden, and I flinched. Why wasn’t anyone coming to save me? Where were the guards, the warriors, the maids? Anyone. “Your love is a stain on our bloodline. You’re a mistake, one I intend to correct.” Before I could move, she lunged at me. The dagger was aimed straight at my chest, and I froze. My fight or f
Lucas’ POV“This isn’t possible. You’re dead.” The words came out before I realized I’d spoken them. “Surprise, Alpha. I’m very much alive.” His grin was wide, almost too wide, like he’d been waiting for this moment. “Do you feel it yet? Has the magic kicked in?”The air was tense, everyone held their breaths. I knew what Matthew meant, I just didn’t think the other Lycans did. The sheer number of wolves around us was too much. None of us was at full power. The forest is pumped with witch magic, which in turn weakens us. Each of us can handle fighting about 50 wolves, even while weak. That’s the power of a Lycan. However, something else was off. The magic got stronger and stronger. “Sabrina…” My father cried out. I turned to see my sister slumped against a tree, her hand pressed to her side. Her face was pale, her breathing shallow. She was slipping away, and I couldn’t do anything about it—not yet.“That’s right,” Matthew said, his tone mocking. “I laced my arrows with the same poi