Sage
“Sage! Please come out, sweetling. It’s important!” I hear my guest call to me through the door.
“Leave me alone!” I bite back.
I’m still mad at him for the disrespectful comments he made earlier. Even if I do go weak in the knees at hearing him call me “sweetling.” Suggesting I’d let Cassius or any Alpha use me as a sex toy was a step too far.
I may be inexperienced, but I read romance novels. I know what a “fuckboy” is, and it’s not Cassius. Implying I’m too stupid to know the difference is just insulting!
“Please!” He’s scratching at the door now and his voice is closer, his tone pleading. “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. It wasn’t my intention. But we really need to talk.”
I crack the door, peeking through the thin strip of space to find him just on the other side of it, staring back at me with those slate eyes, unreadable emotions swirling in them. I sip air in short little gasps. Why does being so close to this man make me feel so . . . warm? I have to fight the urge to fan myself.
“There you are, sweetling.” He murmurs, deep and rumbly, and I feel it in my core. But his next words douse the building fire. “I think we might have a problem.
“I heard a noise outside so I looked out the window. I only saw her back but someone with long black hair was running into the woods. I think she may have heard us talking or even seen me. I could be wrong, but the woman's clothes were nicer than anything the wolves in this area are wearing. I can’t think of a reason anyone from the inner circle would come this far out if they weren’t looking for something specific.”
“Oh no! If she tells someone, they’ll come for us. No one can find you here!” I pace the room, my voice rising as I speak. “What do we do?”
“Hurry back to the packhouse and pretend like nothing happened. Just go back to work as you normally would” He suggests. “Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself.”
“Okay! I’ll go now!” I say, already heading for the door.
But he grabs my wrist and pulls me back so hard I smack into him, bouncing off his chest. “Stay safe, sweetling.” He cautions, looking in my eyes as he kisses the back of my hand.
He seems to come back to himself, dropping my hand like it burned him. I don’t have time to think about why that might be, dashing out the door to begin my mission.
I’m almost to the packhouse when sirens blare all around me. Uniformed warriors storm into the yard and fan out everywhere. I duck behind a tree, listening to their general barking orders.
“Rogues have breached the border! I want everyone on alert. Try to bring them in alive!”
I whirl around in a panic, heading back the way I came while dodging the guards who seem to be everywhere. People are pouring from their homes with their weapons poised, the whole pack on high-alert. My body aches and I’m out of breath, but I don’t stop.
I can’t let them catch my new friend. For both our sakes.
Alaric
“What’s going on?” I jump to my feet when my little savior bursts through the door.
Some of her wounds are bleeding, the scabs torn open. She’s only just starting to heal and obviously pushed herself beyond the limits her wounded body could handle.
“Rogues!” She spits out between ragged breaths. “They’ve breached the border. The guards are combing every inch of Blackthorn land, hunting the intruders. You have to go before they find you here!
“Please! If they find you here, you’ll be killed. I would die if anything happened to you. You’re my first real friend and I can’t lose you!”
She flings herself into my arms and I rub her back awkwardly, doing my best to soothe her. I’m not the least bit scared of what this pack’s Alpha or his guards might try to do to me. But I’m also not ready to reveal who I am or why I’m here, so it’s best I go before that becomes a necessity.
But for some reason, the idea of leaving her behind doesn’t sit right with me. An Alpha is meant to care for his pack, no matter who they are. And this Alpha is clearly doing a shit job of that.
She clings to me so I hug her tighter, careful not to crush her broken ribs, hoping it’s comforting enough that she’ll be willing to let go. Instead, her little fists twist into my shirt and she sobs into my chest. It melts the ice around my stone-cold heart the tiniest bit.
I don't understand why I’m so drawn to her, so reluctant to leave, but I know I have to. “You’ll be alright, sweetling.” I reassure her. “Be careful. Keep yourself safe, okay?”
“I’ll try.” She agrees, leaning away to give me a shy smile. Then her nostrils flare and her smile fades, “Do you smell that? What is that? It almost smells . . . electric, like the electricity in the air before a thunderstorm.”
Shit! I don’t even realize I’ve let my aura slip out until her eyes glaze over, her expression a little dazed. It would be overpowering for a young omega like her, especially one without a wolf. I reel it back in before she gets too overwhelmed.
I let her go and step away. I don't know why I lost control, but I can’t risk it happening again. “I don’t smell anything.” I lie, then send her away. “You better go now, back to the packhouse where it’s safe. If there are rogues wandering these woods, you shouldn’t be out here alone.”
She hesitates for a minute, then finally agrees with a reluctant nod. I stand there watching as she walks away, wondering what it is about the tiny girl with the delicate features and strange, violet eyes that calls to me the way she does. My emotions are locked down tight. I never lose control, but I did today, with her.
Shaking off the concern those thoughts bring, I head back inside. In the end, it doesn’t matter. I’ll probably never see her again. Grabbing what remains of my tattered jacket, I head back across the Blackthorn border, towards home.
SageBy the time I reach the packhouse, a crowd has gathered. The Alpha stands outside on the stone steps, the imposing stone façade of his home adding to his aura of power. The dead bodies of three rogues lay on the ground at his feet, an offering from his loyal guards. The pack waits with bated breath to hear him speak, to explain these frequent invasions and his plan to stop them, to keep our people safe. I press up on my tiptoes, trying to see over the throng of people. Cassius stands next to his father. And by his side, a self-important smirk on her face, is Daphne. As far as chosen mates go, Cassius could do so much better. Everyone knows she only wants him for his money and power. I don’t know how he can’t see it.He should be with someone who loves him for who he is on the inside. Someone who would make sure he knew everyday how wonderful he is, not use him for what he can give them. Not that Daphne would ever let anyone get close enough to show him the appreciation he dese
Sage “C-, C-, Cassius. Th-, Thank G-, G-, Goddess!” My teeth chatter so hard my jaw aches, making speech difficult. But despite the bone-chilling cold, my heart warms at the sight of him. “P-, p-, please, h-, help me!” “Oh, little bird. What have you done?” He tsks as he closes the cell door behind him. His tone is almost giddy and there’s an excited glint in his eye that makes my stomach swoop nervously. The friendly, caring Cassius, the one who always has an easy smile for me, is nowhere to be found. My eyes dart around the small space but there is no place to hide. Just a concrete room, bitterly cold and empty. “N-, nothing.” I stammer as I shrink away, scooting into the farthest corner. “I s-, swear!” “That’s just not true, now is it?” His calm words belie the violence I see simmering just under the surface, waiting to be unleashed. “I don’t want to hurt you, little bird. But I’ll have to if you won’t tell me the truth.” I don’t believe him. He wants to hurt me, is going
Alaric My footsteps were heavy as I’d left Blackthorn territory earlier. With every step I’d taken I’d felt a tug in my navel, like a hook drawing me back . . . to her. I’d refused to give in, staying focused on my mission, protecting my identity. But then I felt something snap, a powerful force unfurling within me that even I couldn’t deny. And I knew what it meant, knew I had to go back for her. I turned back, sprinting, hoping I wouldn’t be too late. I could feel her distress, her agony and terror, as if it were my own. I’d almost been too late, but I can’t allow myself to consider what could have happened. I’m here now, and ready to rain down hell on every wolf bold enough to think they could touch what’s mine! I unleash the full strength of my aura, so powerful, it brings the entire crowd to their knees. Even the Alpha cannot stand against me, though I see the fury that knowledge brings flaring in his eyes. But even more satisfying, is the fear etched on the face of his pompo
Alaric “No! She’s a Blackthorn Omega. She stays in Blackthorn!” Cassius protests. “But he-, he hurt me.” Sage whispers, a shiver wracking her tiny form as she clings to me tighter. A growl rumbles in my chest and the Alpha shudders. “Please, Sire, let us discuss this in private.” He pleads. My instinct is to deny his request, to refuse him anything he desires. But as I glance down at Sage, her face buried in my chest, I realize she’s suffered enough embarrassment in the eyes of this pack. “You may dismiss the pack. But your son and the beta female stay.” I enjoy the flash of fear in her eyes when she realizes she’s not escaping me so easily. I shift Sage in my arms, careful not to touch the weeping wounds on her back as I make her more comfortable. An impatient snarl slips out as I wait for the Blackthorn Alpha to disperse his pack. I need to get this nonsense over with so I can take my sweetling home, ensure she gets proper medical attention. “You have no claim to this wo
Cassius He fucking took her! Sage is my mate! Mine! She belongs to me! I may not want her but I get to decide what happens to my property. Nobody else! Not even the fucking Lycan King! I’ve known she was mine since the day my wolf was born. Viper mooned over her for ages before I finally convinced him she’d never be ours. But for the longest time, he fought me on it, refused to let me show her the contempt I felt for her. How dare the Goddess saddle me with a wolfless omega! Eventually, he’d accepted that she’d never have a wolf, that he’d never have his other half, and allowed me to reject her. But not before I had a little fun with her first. When I finally revealed she was my mate, I wanted her to feel how much I despised her, how much her own fated mate loathed her pathetic existence. I left a masterpiece of torn flesh on her back, carved my disgust for her into her skin. My rejection was to be the last thing she heard before she died. It was perfect! Until he came along and f
Sage I’m not sure why I feel more homesick with every step we take away from Blackthorn. My life has been nothing but abuse and misery in that pack. But that's all I’ve ever known. At least there, I knew what to expect. I should be thrilled about the new adventure ahead of me. I’m moving to a new pack. And not just any pack, I’m going to be living in the Royal pack! Surely I’ll be safe there, at least. But no matter how exciting that prospect may be, it doesn’t erase this gnawing pain in my heart. I had a mate! But he didn’t want me, loathed me so much he was willing to watch me die after stripping the flesh from my back with his belt. How could someone do that to the one person the Goddess created especially for them? If that’s what it’s like to have a mate, then I don’t want one! Not that it matters, no one would ever choose a wolfless girl like me anyway.I thought Cassius was my friend. Now I realize I can’t trust anyone. Even my handsome stranger lied to me, let me think he wa
Alaric I’m pretty sure the fragile creature in my arms is going to be the death of me. And not just because we have rogues chasing us. She weighs next to nothing, not impacting my speed at all. It’s not her weight that’s the problem. It’s her proximity. She may be tiny but she’s naturally curvy and the way she’s clinging to me, her full tits pressed into my chest and her thick thighs wrapped around my waist, the warmth of her pussy against my abs, if I wasn’t turned on before by her sassy mouth, I certainly am now. My cock is like solid steel. Running is painful, my hard-on squeezed uncomfortably with every stride. But I keep going, knowing I’m all that stands between Sage and certain death. I see the river up ahead and making a split-second decision, I jump in. I dunk us completely, Sage coughing and spluttering when we come up for air. “W-, w-, why, w-, would y-, you d-, do that?” She struggles to talk, her teeth chattering from the cold. The water is freezing, and though I b
Sage The woman in the driver’s seat glares at me like I’m the dirt on her fancy shoes. I don’t know her but I can’t help but sulk over her judgmental sneer. I’d actually hoped things could be different in Alaric’s pack, that people wouldn’t treat me like an outcast. Apparently that was too much to wish for. “Eris, what are you doing here? I thought Garrett was meeting me.” Alaric’s tone is borderline frosty, showing no particular emotion toward the woman. Which oddly makes me feel a bit better. I’m not sure why I care. Between her snooty attitude and his bossy personality, they probably deserve each other. “I volunteered,” She beams at him, batting her eyelashes. “There’s been more reports of attacks and disappearances while you were gone. Garrett was busy training a new group of warriors and was happy to let me come instead.”I could swear I hear him mumble something along the lines of “going to murder him” as he climbs into the backseat but I can’t be sure. He reaches over to b
AlexanderAfter some discussion, Merrick provides us with a crude map marking the locations of reported sightings and the disturbance. With daylight still abundant, Dominic and I set out immediately, following the forest paths that grow increasingly wild as we move deeper into territory rarely traveled by royal patrols."This feels like crossing into another realm," Dominic comments as the forest changes character around us—older trees, more undergrowth, a stillness that seems almost watchful.I know what he means. There's a different quality to the air here, a sense of ancient presence. As we continue, I notice something else—a subtle resonance with my healing abilities, like a low vibration just beneath my awareness."There's power here," I murmur. "Old power."We reach the area Merrick marked as the site of the disturbance by mid-afternoon. At first glance, it appears to be nothing but dense forest, but closer inspection reveals signs of recent activity—broken branches, disturbed ea
AlexanderThe reports lie scattered across my desk, each more troubling than the last. For the past hour, I've been reading intelligence summaries from our border patrols—accounts of strangers asking questions about healing bloodlines, mapping remote areas where healing enclaves are rumored to exist, and in one case, pursuing someone through the forest near the eastern boundary."This can't be a coincidence," I tell Dominic, who stands by the window, his expression grim. "Not with the Northern delegation's sudden interest in the prophecy, their questions about Elara's abilities.""You think they're connected?" he asks, though his tone suggests he's already reached the same conclusion.I run a hand through my hair in frustration. "Three reports of strangers in Northern colors sighted near areas where healing communities might be hidden? During the exact week they arrive with prophecy texts mentioning both Elara and me?" I shake my head. "That's not a coincidence. That's coordination."D
SeleneI continue along the garden path alone, considering my next move. Securing Alexander's interest is proceeding well, despite his sister's suspicions. But I need to accelerate our connection without appearing desperate—a delicate balance.Lost in thought, I round a hedge to find Alexander himself seated on a stone bench, reading from an ancient text. He looks up, surprise flickering across his features before he composes himself and rises."Princess Selene," he greets me formally. "I didn't expect to find you here.""Your mother was giving a tour," I explain, "but was called away on royal business. She suggested I might encounter you here." I gesture to the book in his hands. "I hope I'm not interrupting.""Not at all." He hesitates, then adds, "I was actually reviewing the prophecy text your delegation brought."Perfect. "Have your scholars examined it?""They're doing so now." His penetrating gaze studies me. "It's remarkable how well-preserved it is, considering its age.""My a
SeleneI stare at my reflection in the ornate mirror, schooling my features into pleasant neutrality while my mind races. The pull of Alexander's hand away from mine at the Gala last night plays on repeat in my thoughts. The look of confusion, perhaps suspicion, in his violet eyes. I was careless. Too eager. I let my guard drop."Focus," I whisper to myself, adjusting the silver circlet nestled in my braided hair. For this morning's garden tour with the queen, I've chosen a pale blue gown that emphasizes my eyes and complements the royal colors without attempting to claim them as my own. Every detail matters. Every choice is calculated.A sharp knock sounds at my chamber door."Enter," I call, already knowing who it will be.Magistra Vega strides in, her severe gray gown and tight silver bun reflecting her uncompromising nature. My instructor since childhood, the woman who molded me into the perfect instrument for my people's ambitions."Well?" she demands without preamble. "Report."I
Alexander Back in my chambers, I relay what I've learned to Dominic as I prepare for the Gala."Two children," he repeats, frowning. "That explains why there's been so much interest in Elara lately.""Interest from whom?" I ask sharply."Various factions. Nothing concerning yet, but more attention than usual." He helps me with the formal jacket, straightening the silver epaulettes. "What do you make of Princess Selene's interpretation?"I consider the question carefully. "It's convenient. Too convenient, perhaps. Her bloodline being exactly what the prophecy requires? The timing of their arrival with this new information?" I shake my head. "But the text itself felt genuine. Those passages about division, about being split apart—they resonated with something in me.""Your nightmares," Dominic guesses.I nod. "And apparently Elara's been having similar dreams.""That's... unsettling."A knock at the door interrupts us. My mother enters, resplendent in a gown of deep violet that matches
AlexanderThe Choosing Gala preparations transform the palace into a frenzy of activity. Servants hurry through corridors with armfuls of decorations, chefs bark orders in the kitchens, and the royal tailor makes last-minute adjustments to my formal attire—a midnight blue suit with silver embroidery that matches the royal colors.I stand still as he fusses with the collar, my mind elsewhere. Since the formal welcoming ceremony yesterday, I've been unable to shake the strange sensation I felt when meeting Princess Selene. Not a mate bond, but something significant. Something that demands my attention."Your Highness?" The tailor's voice breaks through my thoughts. "If you could turn, please."I oblige mechanically, catching sight of Dominic lounging in the doorway."Don't you look dashing," he drawls. "The eligible bachelorettes will be swooning.""Exactly what I need," I mutter. "Unconscious potential mates."The tailor suppresses a smile as he steps back to assess his work. "I believe
LyraThe eastern border of our territory lies closest to civilization—though "close" still means a half-day's trek through dense forest. I travel light, wearing the simple brown clothing that will help me blend in if I encounter outsiders. The herbs Elder Thalia gave me hang in a pouch around my neck, their scent both comforting and grounding.By midday, I reach the ridge that marks our territorial boundary. From here, I can see the sprawling royal lands in the distance, the castle spires just visible on the horizon. I've only seen the castle in drawings—a forbidden place where those who would exterminate us reign.I settle behind a fallen log, prepared to watch and wait. Hours pass with nothing but the usual forest sounds—birds calling, small animals rustling in the underbrush. Just as I'm considering changing position, voices drift up from the path below."—sure they're still in these parts?" a male voice asks. "It's been generations.""The old texts are specific," a second voice ans
LyraI press my hands to Mrs. Hadley's forehead, letting my energy seek out the infection that's been ravaging her body for days. The other healers tried traditional remedies—herbal infusions, poultices, even bloodletting—but the fever persisted. Now it falls to me, as always when conventional methods fail."Easy," I murmur as she whimpers. "I'm going to help you."Closing my eyes, I visualize the infection as a dark cloud in her blood. Most healers in our enclave work with their hands alone, but I've always seen illness differently—not just as something to push away, but as something to transform. I don't just channel healing energy; I redirect the sickness itself.My fingers tingle as I guide the infection, changing its nature rather than fighting it directly. Under my palms, Mrs. Hadley's skin cools, her breathing steadies. When I open my eyes, her face has regained its color, the angry flush of fever replaced by the pink of health."It's done," I tell her relieved husband. "She'll
AlexanderThe training yard is empty at this hour except for Dominic, who's setting up practice dummies with methodical precision. He looks up as I approach, a grin spreading across his face."Well, if it isn't His Royal Grumpiness," he calls. "Come to beat the bad mood out of yourself?"Despite everything, I feel myself smiling. Dominic has been my shadow since we were pups, the son of my father's most trusted warrior, trained from birth to be my Beta. Unlike everyone else, he's never treated me like I'm made of glass—or nitroglycerin."Something like that," I reply, shrugging off my formal jacket and rolling up my sleeves. "I need to hit something that won't complain to the council about it.""Rough breakfast?" He tosses me a wooden practice sword.I catch it with one hand. "The usual. 'Take a mate, fulfill the prophecy, save the kingdom.'""Just another Tuesday, then." He positions himself across from me, sword at the ready. "The Northern delegation arrived.""So I heard." I circle