“Kneel, dog.”Two words spoken in my mother’s voice and the dormant memories come hurtling toward me at full speed. I can clearly feel the lick of the whip on my back, the cigarettes put out on my skin, the way her dagger separated my flesh…And the guilt coursing through me when one of her clients brought my body to climax./“Get to your feet, Nikolaos! You cannot let her win!”/ Knox urges me, but his voice becomes fainter and fainter until I can see his mouth moving with no sound coming out.Shameful thoughts keep me prisoner even as I hear Mia call to me, begging me to get to my feet. But how do I tell her these thoughts are like silver chains holding me down and forcing my submission? How do I explain that I can clearly remember - no I FEEL everything I went through at her hands?I thought I was over the fear; I thought Mia’s love had pulled me out of the depths, but I was so, so wrong. My soul is still ruined and my mind is still trapped in the past. Right now, I am not the Alpha
I look over at Niko with a frown on my face. We’ve stopped in front of the gilded gates where the Elders supposedly live and from what he’s told me, they don’t know he’s here. I suspect he’s about to retaliate for what happened, but I cannot be sure. “Are you going to tell me why we’re here?” I ask, a sliver of unease slipping down my back. “You haven’t mentioned a thing and to be honest, this is all freaking me out.” It’s nearly 8 PM; the Gammas are on foot, Maxim is overseeing things back home and Ares is asleep on the backseat in his little chair. Why would he have the Pente out here with us if it wasn’t an infiltration? What does Niko have planned? Niko reaches over and touches my chin. “Do you trust me?” I scoff. “What kind of question is that? Of course, I trust you!” I say, then he leans over to place a kiss on my lips. “Then trust me now. No matter what you see or hear in there, trust me and my words,” he says cryptically and gets out of the car. Walking over to where Are
I don’t know how long I’ve been laughing for, but I can no longer feel my cheeks. My sides ache from trying to breathe while laughing, one side of my face is smeared with frosting and the glitter bombs they shoot at me have my hair all tangled up. Doubled over, full of cake, and laughing at Niko looking confused at the sight in front of him. It’s the afternoon of the autumnal Equinox, and I along with the Pente brides have decided to get to know each other better. They’ve moved onto the pack lands and are staying in the mansion with us until they’re married to their partners. Maxim still hasn’t returned after going out to look for his missing bride, but Niko doesn’t seem worried about it. Me, on the other hand, I am not sure if I’m worried about the bride or Maxim himself. I get up and walk towards him, throwing my arms around his neck. “Hello, my love,” I greet him in a cheery voice. “I didn’t expect you back until later this evening.” “The meetings wrapped up sooner than expect
-Anika/Anya-The blinding lights of the stage hit me even harder than my captor did an hour ago. All eyes are on me as I stand in nothing but a low-cut chiffon dress, barefoot, and with a face full of makeup to cover my cuts and bruises.“Don’t do anything to her face, assholes!” one of my captors had said, but the damage had been done. All because I had been too out of it to notice what had been done to me… What they would still do to me.I landed in Las Vegas yesterday, ready to celebrate my 21st birthday with a few close friends. Everything was perfect until we reached our final hotel bar crawl. We ordered glasses of champagne, and when I got up to head to the bathroom, a hand clamped around my mouth, and darkness took me before I could scream for help from Liev, my personal guard.Guards, you ask? Well, my name is Anya Popov, and before my abduction, I was the only daughter of a Russian Alpha Pakhan - a mafia princess for a better term. The only difference is I’m human - a flaw to
I may be the daughter of an Alpha but I am no one’s sold bride.The second my Papa told me he’ll be giving me to the Alpha in the East, I knew my life would no longer be mine. I started planning my escape; saving money and knowing the only open window will be when I get taken to be paraded in front of the Alpha. I didn’t have a choice in this; I would never have a choice of my own again. I’ll belong to one of his men and there was nothing I could do about it because it’s ‘for the good of the pack.’Does my Papa take me for a fool? I can’t let this happen, I would rather die, and live as a homeless wench than be someone’s little toy. He should have known better since I have my Mama’s rebelliousness. The Herrera fire lives on in me even if he tried to train me to be gentle.Now here I am, hiding in a dingy motel with the hope that the Alpha doesn’t send anyone after me.Not that I think he will; I’m sure he has plenty of other brides he can choose from. I’ll give it about a week or two
How hard can it be to find a fucking woman in a small town?! I’ve scoured all the motels, b&bs, and hotels, but there’s no sign of Xiomara Montesino. It’s been almost two weeks since Niko sent me out to find this woman but I had no idea where to start. After a warrior brought me an item of Xiomara’s clothing I thought it would be easier to find her - how fucking wrong was I?She wanted to disappear and did a good job of it; no scent or sound of her anywhere here and even two towns over, she was nowhere to be found.Her sweet jasmine and lavender scent is nothing but an annoying temptation with no full-bodied woman attached to it. I know how she looks because of a picture Niko sent and I could see the fire and defiance in her hazel eyes. She’s no timid lamb, that’s for sure.But damn, she’s beautiful. Even as I wanted to reject her beauty and what she would come to be once I found her, her scent called to me and what a combination those two were. I don’t want a wife; I don’t want to
The sunlight seems harsher than before as my eyelids flutter open, and my head feels like I drank four bottles of dirt-cheap wine. What happened to me last night? Am I coming down with a cold or something? Must be; I’m smelling sandalwood when I should be smelling mold.Well, something is making this motel’s bed and sheets feel extra soft, and I groan while stretching. Only when I inhale deeply and open my eyes, do I realize that I am, in fact, not back at my shitty motel.¿Qué mierda?I’m in an expensive-looking bedroom; a four-poster bed including lush velvet draping, warm browns, soft reds, and decadent creams. This would be how I’d decorate my room if my Papa didn’t want everything in sterile black and white. But that awe soon gets replaced with terror, because I don’t know where the hell I am. I jump from the bed, throwing off something heavy and gasping when I look down at my ripped t-shirt. Damn it, I don’t remember what happened last night! Did someone…was I raped?I lift u
I move back from Xiomara and lean against the wall. The gravity of what I’ve just said seems to sink in and she crosses her arms over her ample chest. “So, in other words, I am your prisoner,” she says, jutting out her chin in defiance and I can’t help but chuckle.“Are you forgetting that your father gave you away? You’re more like a gift, but one I didn’t exactly ask for,” I say and grit my teeth. This seems to make her eyes narrow at me. “What is that supposed to mean? If you do not want me, there’s always an option to return to sender,” she says, and I’m not sure if she’s actually being serious, but I burst out laughing anyway.“Oh, Bambi, do you think that’s possible in your position? You’re the daughter of an Alpha, an important chess piece that your father needs to move so his pack can advance,” I say and walk towards her. “You can be lucky you were given to me and not some warrior with an affinity for violence.”She sucks in a breath but maintains her defensive position. “Yo
Epilogue Armata / Levi Six months have passed since Calista and I tied the knot, and now it’s time to take her home to my pack. I can sense her nervousness as we drive toward the estate, her hands fidgeting slightly. I reach over, taking her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, Princess,” I say, trying to ease her anxiety. “You’re going to fit right in. They’re going to love you.” She gives me a small, nervous smile. “I hope so, Levi. I just want to make a good impression.” “Where’s that kick-ass attitude from when I met you, hmm?” I tease her with a wink, and she hits my shoulder lightly. “Don’t make fun of me! This is all new to me, okay!” she says, biting her bottom lip. I sigh. “I know, baby, I’m just trying to make you smile.” As we approach the estate gates, I feel a familiar sense of homecoming. I squeeze Calista’s hand again as we drive through, her grip on my hand tightening slightly. When the car pulls up to the main pack house, my heart swells
CalistaAs Levi and I drive towards the hotel for our mini honeymoon, my mind races with a mix of emotions. I’m excited, of course, but also undeniably nervous. The idea of what’s to come, this new chapter with Levi, is both exhilarating and intimidating. Levi, with his rough edges and protective nature, has opened up a part of me I didn’t even know existed. He’s shown me that beneath the façade of the spoilt heiress, there’s a tenderness, a vulnerability that I’ve never exposed to anyone else.As we pull up to the hotel, it’s like stepping into a dream. The hotel is elegant and understated, its ambiance a perfect reflection of our relationship.Walking into the hotel room, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. The room is beautiful, a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The soft lighting and the plush bed seem to beckon us, promising a night of intimacy and connection.Levi pulls me close, his front to my back as his lips brushing against my ear. “Are you okay, Princess?” he wh
Armata / LeviThe day of our marriage officiation is a mix of nerves and understated excitement. Calista didn’t want anything big, which initially struck me as odd. She just wanted it to be a simple affair, something intimate and personal. In a way, it suits us – no grand gestures, just a true union of hearts and souls.Standing in the small, elegantly decorated room, a sense of anticipation courses through me. Today, Calista and I are taking a significant step forward, embarking on a journey fraught with challenges but one we’re both fiercely committed to.The door swings open, and Alpha Nikolaos strides in, his presence as commanding as ever. But it’s the man following him that stops me in my tracks – Liam; my brother, not by blood, but in every way that counts. We haven’t seen each other in months, and his appearance here, now, is both a shock and a profound relief.“Liam!” I exclaim, my voice a mix of disbelief and joy.“Fuck, Levi!” Liam responds, his voice echoing my own warmth.
CalistaClutching onto Levi as we sit in my father’s office, I feel a whirlwind of emotions raging inside me. My heart is still racing from the shock and relief of seeing him return, and the realization of how much I’ve missed him hits me like a tidal wave. I refuse to let go of his hand, needing his grounding presence as we face my father together.“Calista, Levi,” my father begins, his tone serious, “you both seem to have reached a decision.”I tighten my grip on Levi, my voice steady despite the tears that had just subsided. “Yes, we have. We accept the proposal.”My father’s gaze shifts to Levi, his expression scrutinizing. “Levi, you do understand that this means Calista will be leaving with you to join Alpha Nikolaos’ pack?”Levi meets my gaze for a brief moment, his eyes searching mine for any doubt. Turning back to my father, he replies with a firm resolve, “Yes, sir. We’re aware of what this entails, and we’re prepared for it.”My father leans back in his chair, his eyes neve
Armata / LiamRiding back towards the mansion, the steady roar of the bike beneath me is the only thing keeping my racing thoughts at bay. These past two weeks without Calista have been a relentless hell. Every day felt longer than the last, each moment stretching into an agonizing eternity. Being away from her didn’t just bring clarity; it fucking intensified everything I felt for her – every longing, every goddamn unspoken word.I replay our moments together in my head, over and over. Every laugh, every intense stare, every godforsaken time she looked at me and didn’t even realize how much she affected me. Being away from her wasn’t just about missing her physically – though I ached for that too – it was the profound, gut-wrenching yearning for the connection we have. The way she challenges me, pushes me, fucking complements everything I am..Every night away was a goddamn battle against the urge to just say ‘fuck it’ and come back to her. Lying awake in the cabin, I’d think about
CalistaThe following morning, I wake up with a sense of purpose, my mind clear and my decision made. I know what I want, and it involves Levi. Despite everything surrounding us, my heart is certain. I want to be with him, not because of any arrangement or obligation, but because of how I truly feel.As I get ready for the day, I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at the thought of seeing Levi, of telling him my decision. I wonder how he’ll react, whether he’ll share my feelings, whether this could be the start of something beautiful and real between us.Heading down to breakfast, I expect to see Levi waiting for me, as has become our routine. But instead, I find Marcus, one of Levi’s men, standing by the door.“Good morning, Marcus. Where’s Levi?” I ask, trying to hide my disappointment.Marcus seems a bit uncomfortable, shifting on his feet. “Good morning, Miss Calista. I’m not sure where Levi is. He asked us to accompany you for the day.”My heart sinks a little. “He’s no
Armata / LeviAs Calista dresses and heads back towards the mansion, a sense of foreboding settles over me. Watching her walk away, a part of me wants to follow, to keep her close. But I know she needs this space, this time to think and decide for herself.I stand there for a moment longer, lost in thought. The simplicity and honesty of our interaction in our wolf forms, it’s a stark contrast to the complexities of our human lives. Out here, in the wild, things are clear, primal. But back there, in the world of duties and expectations, everything is muddled.Turning away from the path she took, I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. I need to think, to plan. Whatever Calista decides about us, about her father’s proposal, it will change things. And I need to be ready for that.I take out my phone, contemplating calling Liam again. He’s been a grounding presence in the chaos of my emotions. But I decide against it. This is something I need to work through on my own.As I walk ba
CalistaTwo days have passed since that conversation with my father and Levi, and the weight of their words still presses heavily on my heart. In need of clarity and space to think, I find myself drawn to the edge of the forest, where the natural world always seems to offer solace.I stop at a secluded spot, away from prying eyes. The transformation is something that always brings me a sense of power and freedom. I close my eyes, feeling the familiar tingling sensation as my body begins to change. My bones shift and reform, my senses heighten, and my skin gives way to a thick, white fur. The transformation is swift, a fluid transition from human to wolf.As my white wolf form takes over, I feel a release from the human complexities that have been burdening me. I take a deep breath, the scents of the forest filling my nostrils, and I begin to run.The ground feels different under my paws, more alive, as I dart through the trees. The wind rushes past me, and I relish in the freedom and
Armata / LeviI watch Calista walk away, her figure retreating into the distance of the house. The conversation we just had with her father lingers in my mind, a storm of emotions and possibilities. Needing a moment to myself, I head outside to patrol, a routine that offers a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos.Standing under the open sky, I pull out my phone, my thumb hovering over a contact I haven’t reached out to in a long time.The one person who might understand the turmoil I’m feeling. I hesitate, my mind racing with doubts. We haven’t spoken much since... everything happened. I know I shouldn’t bother him, but right now, he’s the only one who might understand.Finally, I dial his number, the familiar ringing echoing in the silent night. When he answers, his voice is laced with surprise. “Levi?”I take a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. “Hey, Liam. Yeah, it’s... it’s been a while, I know.”He laughs, a sound that eases some of the tension in my chest. “You could say t