NinaScarlett’s gifts felt like a searing poison on my skin. Each carefully selected item was a calculated insult - a reminder of her distinguished superiority, her attempt to reconcile me with expensive trinkets.My fingers traced the delicate silver bracelet, my nails digging into my palm, transforming the gesture of admiration into a silent show of rage.My body still ached from Jack’s brutal encounter, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the strategy taking shape in my mind.I dressed carefully, choosing a deep burgundy dress that concealed my bruises.When the maid knocked, interrupting my seething thoughts, I took a moment to compose myself. My reflection in the mirror showed a woman perfectly poised, betraying nothing of the volcanic fury churning beneath the surface.“Who?” I asked.“It’s me, ma’am,” Sarah, the maid who’d delivered Scarlett’s gifts, replied.“Enter,” I called, my voice smooth and gentle.“Is there something you need?” I asked, not bothering to look d
AlishaThe sight of Nina standing so close to Scarlett sent an uncontrollable wave of disgust rolling through me. I forced myself to stay composed, though every instinct screamed to rip her facade apart.Her sweet-talking words were insincere, like poison dripping from her lips.Scarlett, naive as ever, couldn’t see through the lies. I could, though. I had learned to recognize the venom of a viper in sheep’s clothing long ago.My fingers clenched into fists beneath the dining table as I watched Scarlett embrace her. It was the same embrace that once offered me solace during my darkest days. Now, it was wasted on someone like Nina. A schemer who thought she could worm her way into Scarlett’s trust and steal everything from her.“Sister," I called out sharply, my voice slicing through the air. Nina turned to me, her expression softening into a mask of false concern. I couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. Did she really think I couldn’t see through her act?She started to speak, but I silenc
Alisha The room felt suffocating after Scarlett left, her scent lingering in the air. A mix of confusion, hurt, and that damned unwavering trust. My wolf paced beneath my skin, her agitation making it impossible to stay still. Each step across the hardwood floors echoed in the silence, matching the thundering of my heart. How could Scarlett be so blind? Nina wasn’t just a threat. She was a viper wearing a sister’s skin. And Jack? My wolf snarled at the mere thought of him. He wasn’t just some ordinary guard. Every instinct I possessed screamed danger whenever he was near, his presence like oil slicking across my senses. A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see David, Scarlett’s loyal beta, standing in the doorway. His expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. “I heard the commotion,” he said, stepping inside. “What happened?” I hesitated, unsure of how much to divulge. David had always been a steady presence, but even he seemed to hold Scarlett
ScarlettThe quiet hum of the night settled over the packhouse, but sleep was far from my grasp. Alisha’s words churned in my mind, relentless as waves crashing against a stubborn shore.“She doesn’t see what’s right in front of her!”I pressed my hand against the cool window glass, gazing into the darkness where our pack’s territory stretched endlessly. Tonight, the vast expanse felt suffocating. Within me, my wolf stirred uneasily, sharing my disquiet.Nina’s tear-streaked face flickered in my mind, so vivid it could have been real. The bruises that marred her pale skin, the tremble in her voice when she begged for sanctuary—how could all of it be a lie?And yet…My wolf’s disapproval rumbled through me. Trust your instincts, Scarlett. You’ve always known what she is.My fists tightened, muscles coiled with tension as instincts whispered caution. They had betrayed me before, but something felt different this time. Nina’s apology wasn’t just words; it carried genuine remorse. Her tra
ScarlettThe packhouse dissolved into controlled chaos, medical staff rushing in, their footsteps echoing urgently through the hallways.Nina’s trembling body consumed my entire focus, her fragile form seeming to collapse inward, overwhelmed by whatever Jack had begun to reveal.“Out,” I commanded Jack, my voice a low growl that brooked no argument. “Now.”Jack retreated, his expression a mixture of something unreadable - guilt, perhaps? Calculation? I couldn’t quite place it. Alisha followed close behind him, casting a quick, inscrutable glance over her shoulder.The doctor, a middle-aged wolf with graying temples and kind eyes, approached Nina. His hands were gentle but professional as he began examining her. Her breathing remained ragged, shallow gasps that seemed more emotional than physical.“Luna,” he said softly, “perhaps we should move her to a more private space.”I nodded and gently picked up Nina, who felt light and fragile. A stark contrast of the sister I remembered from
ScarlettThe sun had barely risen when I felt Nina stir beside me. I hadn’t left her side all night, keeping vigil in the medical wing as she drifted between fitful sleep and silent tears. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the sterile room.“You didn’t have to stay,” she whispered, her voice hoarse.“I wanted to.” I squeezed her hand gently. “And I’m not going anywhere.”A ghost of a smile crossed her face, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Those remained distant, haunted by memories I couldn’t erase. The urge to hunt down Lucas and his father burned in my chest, my wolf pacing restlessly beneath my skin.A soft knock interrupted my dark thoughts. Dr. Josh entered, his presence calming and professional.“Luna,” he nodded to me, then turned to Nina. “How are you feeling this morning?”Nina’s fingers tightened around mine. “I... I don’t know.”“That’s perfectly normal,” he assured her. “Your body has been through significant stress. I’d like to star
ScarlettThe silence after Alisha’s departure was deafening, her words pressing heavily on my chest. Alone in the dimly lit office, I allowed the storm inside me to brew. Doubt clawed at the edges of my resolve, but I shoved it away.I couldn’t afford to second-guess myself. Not now.A low growl escaped my lips as I turned to the map hanging on the wall, my eyes tracing the borders of my territory. My pack was my family, my responsibility. No one - Alpha Patrick, Lucas, or their damned spies - would threaten what I held dear.A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. This one was softer, less urgent.“Come in,” I called, my voice steady.Alisha reentered, her expression softer, but her tone still carried a note of warning. “Sister, I didn’t mean to challenge you earlier. I just…” She hesitated, then sighed. “You’re the strongest person I know, but even you can’t face this alone.”I folded my arms, my wolf bristling at the implication. “And what would you have me do? Sit idly by whi
Nina I waited until Scarlett’s footsteps faded before letting the trembling in my hands cease. The frightened, traumatized sister’s act dropped away like a discarded cloak, replaced by a smile that would have shocked my dear, protective sister to her core. Jack’s familiar scent reached me before he slipped through the medical wing’s window, moving with the silent grace that had made him such a valuable ally. “Ever the convincing actress,” he murmured, pulling me into his arms. I laughed softly against his chest. “You should have seen her face when I clutched her dress, begging her to believe me about the mate bond.” My fingers traced patterns on his shirt. “Our mighty Luna, so eager to protect her broken little sister.” “The same sister who watched her suffer years ago?” Jack’s voice held dark amusement. “Scarlett’s always been ruled by her heart. It makes her powerful, but oh so foolish.” “She actually stayed by my bedside all night.” I pulled back to meet his gaze, shaking my he
NinaThe guards’ iron grips left bruises on my arms as they dragged me across the cold stone floor. Their claws dug into my skin – not enough to draw blood, but enough to remind me of my newfound powerlessness.The Alpha’s command still rang in my ears.I was being thrown into the pack’s holding cells like yesterday’s garbage. The Alpha hadn’t even looked me in the eye when he gave the order. His face remained impassive, carved from stone.My legs scraped against the rough ground, my once-elegant dress now torn and dirty. The indignity of it burned hotter than any physical pain. How dare he? How dare Damon treat me like some common criminal?This wasn’t what I dreamt of. I was supposed to be the queen. The queen of this pack. Yet he threw me here without blinking his eyes.A bitter laugh escaped my throat, drawing warning growls from the guards.It has been a week. One miserable week since they brought me to this place, yet my worthless sister hasn’t bothered to appear. Just like all
Finn“Alpha!” The guard’s panicked voice echoed through the hall. “It’s Jack, sir. He’s not well. Something’s terribly wrong!”My chest tightened. If anything happened to Jack while in my custody, it would mean war with Stone Ridge Pack. “Show me,” I commanded, already striding toward the door. Lucas fell into step beside me, his face carved with worry.The prison air hit us first, thick with the metallic scent of blood and something else, something wrong. Jack’s agonized groans guided us to his cell, where we found him writhing on the floor, his body contorted in pain.“Jack!” Lucas rushed forward the moment the guard unlocked the cell. He dropped to his knees beside his Beta, hands hovering uncertainly over Jack’s trembling form. “What happened? What’s wrong?”Jack’s only response was another gut-wrenching groan. His eyes rolled back, sweat beading on his forehead. Whatever this was, it wasn’t natural.Lucas’s hands moved swiftly, pulling a small bottle from his pocket. The liquid i
ScarlettThe cold stone walls of the “other wing” seemed to press in on me, suffocating me with their silence.The maids had left quickly, their heads bowed in shame or fear, I couldn’t tell which.My body trembled, but it wasn’t the chill of the room that sent shivers down my spine.It was him. My mate. The man I once thought I could trust. The man I foolishly believed might stand by me.I hugged my arms to myself, replaying his words. “Don’t forgive me.” His voice had cracked, raw with pain, yet laced with a cruel finality that left me shattered.How could he? How could he be so blind, so consumed by his anger that he would cast me aside?Nina’s cries echoed in my mind. She was innocent, at least of the betrayal Finn accused her of.I had seen the desperation in her eyes, the trembling of her voice. She wasn’t lying.But Finn didn’t believe her.And now I was paying the price for daring to stand up for my sister.I paced the small room, my heart warring with itself. Part of me wante
FinnScarlett’s voice wavered with uncertainty. “I don’t know about that, Nina. How did Jack become your guard? Did you know he is the Beta of Stone Ridge Pack?”Nina’s response trembled with desperation. “No, sister, I didn’t know. He was the only one who showed me kindness. When everyone else ignored me, he became my friend. He fed me when no one else would. Please believe me, I had no idea he was their Beta.”The next words shattered the tension. “I believe you, Nina,” Scarlett whispered, her voice soft with conviction. “I know you are innocent.”My scoff cut through the moment like a blade. “Since you believe her so well,” I sneered, masking my inner pain behind a cruel smile.In one swift motion, I threw Nina to the floor. Her horrific scream echoed through the room.Scarlett lunged forward, but David’s iron grip held her back. He kept her firmly in place, preventing any intervention.“Guards,” I commanded.Instantly, they materialized at my side, heads bowed in immediate submiss
FinnThe room crackled with violent tension. “Who’s here?” Scarlett demanded, her grip on Nina loosening.“Luna,” David called, drawing Scarlett’s attention to him. “The Stone Ridge Pack is here, and they’re here for their Beta.” He paused, shifting his gaze to Nina, who was still on the floor. “Jack.” I exploded. “What the heck is going on?” I roared, my anger boiling. I knew Nina was bad news. Having her here was a disaster waiting to happen. I glared at her.The amusement lingered on her lips, but she quickly composed herself when our gazes met. No matter how fast she tried to hide it, I could see right through her. This fucking bitch. “Damon,” my Luna called, her voice shaking. “I—”“You don’t have to talk,” I growled, making her shiver. Immediately, I knew I’d made a mistake. Why did I let my emotions get the better of me? I exhaled sharply, composing myself as I stepped closer to her. “I need answers from your sister, and I don’t want you to interrupt, Luna,” I added, my to
Finn“Good morning,” I said, watching my mate stir in my arms. “Time to wake up, beautiful.”A blush colored her cheeks as her eyes fluttered open.“Morning, my love,” Scarlett murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.The gesture drew a low rumble of contentment from my chest. Even after all this time, she still had this effect on me.“Sleep well?” I asked, returning her kiss.“Perfectly.”We lingered in bed, savoring each other’s warmth until I finally spoke. “I need to get ready. I have to see Jack today.”Scarlett tensed beside me. “Jack?”I nodded. “Yes, Jack.”“Why?” Her voice had grown wary.“To interrogate him again. The last time I went to see him, I wasn’t satisfied with what he told me. So...” I studied my mate’s face, watching for her reaction.Scarlett had insisted Jack was innocent, but as Alpha, the final judgment rested with me. I hadn’t mentioned my previous visit to her - I couldn’t bear having her think I doubted her judgment.“You went behind my back?” Her voice
In the darkest corner, he stood motionless, his fingers tracing the edge of a recent photograph of them.The image captured Scarlett with her beautiful hair catching the sunlight, and Damon with his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.His breath hitched, a sound somewhere between a growl and a sob. Hatred burned in his chest like acid, eating away at whatever humanity remained.How dare they be happy? How dare they build their perfect little life while his lay in ruins around him?“Look at you both,” he whispered, his voice rough from disuse. “So perfect. So innocent.” His fingers dug into the photograph, creating deep creases across the smiling faces.His dark eyes narrowed as he studied their features. “If only they could see what I see; the destroyers, the thieves, the architects of my destruction.”Memories flooded back: how he had spent a lot of money to acquire her, yet she was stolen from him.He gritted his teeth together, hatred oozing off him as he gazed at the picture
NinaI slammed the door behind me, fury coursing through my veins as the image of them together burned in my mind.My sister’s soft moans, his hands on her body, their passionate kisses. It was torture. Pure, unadulterated torture.“Damn you, Damon,” I whispered, my nails digging into my palms until they nearly drew blood.The way he’d looked at me, with such contempt, such dismissal... it made my blood boil.And yet, beneath that anger lay something else, something I refused to acknowledge: desire.I hadn’t meant to fall for him. He was my sister’s mate, for Moon’s sake. But from the moment I first saw him, something inside me had shifted.The raw power that emanated from him, the dangerous glint in his eyes, the way he carried himself. Everything about him called to my wolf in ways I couldn’t explain.And now he was flaunting their relationship in front of me, deliberately torturing me with their intimacy. He knew. Of course, he knew.Alphas could sense these things, could they not?
NinaI lifted my head, an apology forming on my lips, but the words died in my throat.The man before me commanded attention without effort, tall and striking, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold depths I couldn’t fathom.He carried himself with the natural authority of someone who didn’t need to demand respect; it was freely given.Idiot. That is Alpha Damon. My wolf’s voice cut through my thoughts like a blade.I was completely captivated by his presence. He seemed perfect in every way. It felt like fate that we were meant to be together.Of course, only he deserved me. How could anyone else compare?I struggled to keep my emotions in check, but a gentle purr slipped out, revealing the intensity of my feelings even as I tried to stay composed.“I’m sorry, Alpha Damon,” I managed, struggling to keep my voice steady under his gaze. I had meant to sound confident, but his presence made it impossible.“What brings you here?" His tone was cool and controlled, but there was a hint