LeonardoEverything changed when I grew. I got stronger. Strong enough to protect myself. Strong enough to step over their blood towards the throne.Strong enough to tear out the hearts of those who crossed me. Strong enough to eliminate anyone who threatened what was mine.I had sworn never to show weakness again. To maintain power, I needed to be merciless. The bodies of treacherous women who had approached me with hidden daggers and poisoned smiles littered my past.Throughout my life, only my mother had ever shown me genuine love. Everyone else came with agendas—assassins sent by enemies or manipulators seeking to exploit my position.“Leonardo,” a voice called, soft as silk against my consciousness. “Are you with us?”I tried to open my eyes, but they were heavy.“My king,” another voice penetrated the darkness. “Can you hear me?”With tremendous effort, I forced my eyes open. The world swam in a blur, but the voices reached me with perfect clarity.“Is he responding?” someone as
Alaric“Alaric, do you truly think this will work?” Elena asked, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across my chest.I couldn’t suppress a scornful laugh. How could it possibly fail when the Alpha King himself had shown such interest in Scarlett?If I had known she would turn out to be such an amazing asset, I wouldn’t have gifted her to Dickson. I would have given her directly to the King. By now, I could have been enjoying royal status.My eyes drifted to Elena, my beautiful yet simple-minded stupid Luna. Without the memory-altering potion clouding her mind, she wouldn’t be this gentle and kind.I remembered all too well her incessant complaints about Nina’s situation; her tears, her accusations, her demands that I intervene.I had no choice but to clear off her memories. The only memories left for her now were that Nina was living happily with Lucas.That was all I wanted her to know. I blocked all other news, especially the bitter truth about Nina’s suffering in their pack.That wo
PROLOGUEMy legs trembled as I stood before him, the mate bond between us shrieking in agony at his next words.My heart stopped. In that single word, I heard my sentence being passed.“I reject you! I will never accept you as my Luna!”The force of his rejection slammed into me like a physical blow, shattering my soul. Just hours ago, these same lips had whispered sweet promises against my skin. These same hands had touched me with reverence. Now, Alpha Finn Foster looked at me as if I were something rotten, something despised. Something he hated with a passion.“Alaric Blackstone’s daughter,” he spat the words like venom. “You deceived me.”My mate, the man the Moon Goddess had destined for me, the man who had held me in his arms just a night before, now glared at me as if I were a curse upon his existence. All because I was the daughter of his enemy.I wanted to tell him I hadn’t known—hadn’t known he was my father’s enemy, hadn’t known anything beyond the overwhelming pull of our m
Scarlett’s POVIt was a day like any other, and I was buried in chores when the heavy door creaked open. My stepmother, Luna Elena, strode in, her eyes sharp and lips curved into that cruel smile she wore so well.“We’re going to the ball,” she declared with authority. “And you’re coming with us.”The words hit me like a slap. “What?” My voice barely escaped my lips. A ball? For people like me? It seemed impossible.“Are you deaf?” she hissed, taking a step closer. “Or should I carve it into that thick skull of yours?”“No, Luna— I mean, yes— I mean… why?” I stammered, my thoughts racing. A ball was for nobles and alliances—people who mattered. People like Nina, her perfect daughter. The werewolf kingdom didn’t even know I existed. I was just a secret kept behind closed doors, a stain hidden from the eyes of others.“You dare question me, b*tch?” Her glare burned into my skin.“I’m sorry,” I whispered, head bowed, hands trembling.Her voice turned icy. “You think I want to parade you
Scarlett’s POVHis husky voice made me tremble. “What is your name?”“Scarlett,” I replied softly, and to my surprise, a smile crept across my face. A sudden surge of warmth coursed through me, surprising in its intensity, as if I were reconnecting with a forgotten part of myself.“Finn,” he said, a matching smile lighting up his eyes. “Call me Finn.”“Finn,” I repeated, savoring the sound, letting it roll off my tongue as if it were a name I was meant to say.He stared at me, his deep blue eyes piercing through the walls I had built. They weren’t just beautiful; they were magnetic, drawing me in, making it impossible to look away. I felt my heart flutter, my breath catching as I tried to memorize every detail of his face. It was like he was trying to see beyond my brokenness, searching for the person I could be.“You look beautiful,” he whispered.I blushed. “Thank you. You look handsome as well.”Without saying a word, he reached for my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. His
Scarlett’s POVThe morning sun pierced through my closed eyelids, awakening me with a pleasant ache in my muscles from last night’s passion. A smile crept onto my lips as I reached for his warmth on the silk sheets. I curled closer to him, feeling my heart race in the peaceful afterglow, his alpha presence making my omega instincts purr. The memory of his touch still lingered on my skin. The places he kissed and the fiery trails his touch left across every inch of me still made my wolf purr.It was real. I had finally found my mate. Someone who could love, cherish, and stand beside me. Someone who could save me from my agony and straighten my omega wolf. I had found that person.He was mine. My fated mate.The memory of meeting him last night was still vivid. The way he gazed at me across the ballroom, the instant connection that sparked between us. We didn’t even need formal introductions before our wolves recognized each other. Mate. The attraction was undeniable.His scent lingered
Scarlett’s povI felt overwhelming fear as I approached my father’s pack. I knew no one would miss me if I disappeared or died. I was unwanted and hated by everyone, even the man I called my father.I greeted a few people with a “Good morning” as I walked to the pack house, but they responded with a dead glare. I waved it off as I walked inside the pack house.I carefully opened the door, peeking inside to check if my stepmother was around. I prayed I wouldn’t run into her—if I did, I’d surely be punished. I had to hurry to my room, change, and clean the house before she realized I hadn’t been home last night.A small smile crept onto my face when I saw the place was empty. I tiptoed inside, making my way to the hellhole I was given as a room—a place with no bed, no pillow, nowhere to truly rest my head.Yes, I smiled. Just a little bit more, and I could enter my room. But my hope was shattered when I heard her voice—the voice that made my knees go weak. Cold sweat broke out on my for
ScarlettI used to think moonlight was beautiful. Stupid, really, how many nights I spent bathing in its glow, whispering prayers like some lovesick fool. Now, I can’t even look at it. I’ve draped black sheets over my windows, but still, that silver light finds ways to creep in, mocking me with its presence.I had spent so many nights gazing up at that same moon, praying to her. Praying for love. For a mate who would cherish me, who would finally make me feel whole. And yet, what had she given me? Rejection. Pain. Loneliness. The universe seemed to mock me, sending me more suffering when I had thought happiness was finally within reach.I was naïve to believe it could be different. I had wanted to trust her, the moon goddess. All those stories about her watching over us, guiding us toward our destined mates—lies. She hadn’t been watching over me. If she had, she would have seen the heartbreak I endured. The betrayal. She would have known how much I longed for acceptance and love.Inst
Alaric“Alaric, do you truly think this will work?” Elena asked, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across my chest.I couldn’t suppress a scornful laugh. How could it possibly fail when the Alpha King himself had shown such interest in Scarlett?If I had known she would turn out to be such an amazing asset, I wouldn’t have gifted her to Dickson. I would have given her directly to the King. By now, I could have been enjoying royal status.My eyes drifted to Elena, my beautiful yet simple-minded stupid Luna. Without the memory-altering potion clouding her mind, she wouldn’t be this gentle and kind.I remembered all too well her incessant complaints about Nina’s situation; her tears, her accusations, her demands that I intervene.I had no choice but to clear off her memories. The only memories left for her now were that Nina was living happily with Lucas.That was all I wanted her to know. I blocked all other news, especially the bitter truth about Nina’s suffering in their pack.That wo
LeonardoEverything changed when I grew. I got stronger. Strong enough to protect myself. Strong enough to step over their blood towards the throne.Strong enough to tear out the hearts of those who crossed me. Strong enough to eliminate anyone who threatened what was mine.I had sworn never to show weakness again. To maintain power, I needed to be merciless. The bodies of treacherous women who had approached me with hidden daggers and poisoned smiles littered my past.Throughout my life, only my mother had ever shown me genuine love. Everyone else came with agendas—assassins sent by enemies or manipulators seeking to exploit my position.“Leonardo,” a voice called, soft as silk against my consciousness. “Are you with us?”I tried to open my eyes, but they were heavy.“My king,” another voice penetrated the darkness. “Can you hear me?”With tremendous effort, I forced my eyes open. The world swam in a blur, but the voices reached me with perfect clarity.“Is he responding?” someone as
LeonardoAs darkness enveloped me, memories of my mother, Rose, flooded my mind in vivid flashes. These were not distant recollections, but raw wounds that reopened with each heartbeat.She had been my anchor, the only source of kindness in this world. She would whisper reassurances that I was deserving of love, despite my father’s constant assertions to the contrary.But now, all I could see was her bloodied body, her once-radiant life extinguished by the man who should have protected her above all others—my father, Alexander.My mother was the epitome of beauty, not just in her looks - her golden hair and piercing eyes made her the envy of all women in the kingdom - but also in the radiant glow of her spirit.She was the rightful Queen, the beloved daughter of King Hunter and Queen Mia, adored by everyone who knew her, except for the one who had promised to cherish her.My father never cared about her royal lineage. He resented her status, power, and the adoration people had for her
Leonardo“But...” I let my gaze drift around the room as if concerned about being overheard. “Don’t you think she will suspect I was behind it?”He waved his hand dismissively. “No, we won’t make it obvious. I will perfect everything. I have done this before, and I can do it again, my King. I will do anything to see you happy with the woman you love.”“Really?” I couldn’t keep the excitement from my voice.Now there was no need to reveal that I already had Scarlett imprisoned in my palace. I could use this greedy fool to eliminate her mate while keeping my own hands clean in her eyes.“Yes, my King.” His voice grew animated with bloodlust. “All I need to do is plant some treason papers in his pack. Then you can order the palace guards to search his territory. They’ll capture him and rip his head off right there...”He trailed off, his excited eyes meeting mine, seeking approval. “Then we can destroy his pack to eliminate any future problems. You just have to leave everything to me. I
LeonardoEverything is getting interesting. The look on Scarlett’s face as I departed made everything crystallize; it clicked the final piece of the puzzle that had been nagging at me for weeks.She and her father were never close—not from the start, according to my spies. And with the way things stand now, everything is working in my favour.I turned around and left with my Beta.“Where is he?” I asked, walking as fast as my legs could carry me.“In the throne palace,” Giovanni replied, struggling slightly to match my frantic pace.“Good.” We walked in tense silence, the corridor stretching before us like the path to my victory.Upon reaching the throne palace, the guards snapped to attention, their eyes lowered in deference and fear—exactly as they should be.“Here comes the King,” they announced in perfect unison.The massive doors swung open, and I stepped inside, my eyes immediately finding him.Alaric BlackstoneMy soon-to-be father-in-law.He immediately rose to his feet. I cou
Leonardo“This is interesting.”My body went into shock. I flinched violently, my blood turning to ice in my veins. That voice—I would recognize it anywhere, even in the depths of hell itself.My Scarlett.I turned around slowly, composing my features into what I hoped was a charming smile, though my heart hammered against my ribs like a war drum.“Having sex with a whore in the hallway. What a king you are.” Her words dripped with venom.“Who do we have here?” I asked with feigned innocence, desperately trying to salvage what little dignity remained. “My love.”The endearment felt hollow on my tongue as I forcefully pulled Mira’s hand away from me. Disgust radiated through me at the contact I had sought moments before.“My king,” Mira whimpered, her voice small and fearful.I turned back to her, my gaze hardening to steel. Without a single word, I made my message crystal clear: make Scarlett unhappy, and I’ll end your miserable life.Mira’s mouth snapped shut, terror blooming in her
LeonardoThe thought of her consumed me, burning through my veins like molten gold. I didn’t know what to do to make her happy—to make her mine entirely. Scarlett.Even her name tasted like fire on my tongue. She was beautiful, yes, but more than that—she was powerful, radiating a strength that called to me like nothing before. A woman truly fitted to be my queen.My chest ached watching her tears flow for another. Love? What feeble excuse. If I were in her position, I would choose power over love without hesitation.Being powerful means everyone fears you, respects you, worships you. Even those who claim not to love you have no choice but to bend the knee and pretend. Power rules over everything—it always has.“King, I don’t think you should go this far,” Giovanni’s voice cut through my thoughts, laced with an anxiety he rarely showed.I turned to face him, jaw tight with barely contained rage. My Beta—the one man who knew my mind better than anyone—was choosing now to act the fool?
Scarlett“Enough!” I roared, my voice cracking with desperate fury as I thrust myself between the two men. “Enough of all this!”I turned to face Finn, my heart splintering at the sight of his ravaged expression. “Please, Alpha, accept my rejection.”“Why?” Finn’s eyes were wet with tears. “Why did you choose to betray me?”“I didn’t,” I replied with a completed smugness that made me sick to my core. “I was blind before to see my worth, but I know better now. I know who deserves me.” I approached Leonardo with a seductive step.I ran my fingers across his chest in a possessive caress that made my skin crawl with revulsion. “Only Leonardo deserves me. I am powerful.” My eyes fixed on Finn, willing him to see through the lie even as I prayed he wouldn’t. “Beautiful, and I deserve to be the queen.”“Only I deserve to be your mate,” Leonardo muttered, seizing the opportunity to claim me before Finn’s eyes. Without warning, he captured my lips in a kiss so invasive it felt like an assault.
ScarlettI scoffed, shaking his hand off me violently. My skin crawled from his touch, as if contaminated by something vile. “As if I wanted this."“You don’t have a choice, honey,” he said with a smirk that made rage bubble in my chest. Without warning, he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me against him.The possessive gesture made my stomach roil with disgust. He used his free hand to smooth my hair before pressing his lips to my forehead.“You look so beautiful,” he smirked. “You’re finally mine, honey.”“Let me go,” I uttered, my voice tight with barely controlled fury as I stretched my hand out demandingly. “Let me have the cure.”Every second in his arms felt like an eternity in hell.His gaze met mine, holding me in place. “Don’t push it.”“What else do you want?” I snapped. “Tell me.”“Nothing,” he groaned, forging an innocent face as if I was the one bullying him. He stared at me for a while before turning away.When he turned back, he held a bottle identical to the o