JackThe cold stone beneath me felt more like a coffin than a cell. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking, and no matter how many times I racked my brain, the memories refused to surface.There was nothing but a void where the night should have been - a black hole swallowing my mind, mocking me with its emptiness.I couldn’t have done it. I wouldn’t. Sarah was kind, cheerful, always looking out for Nina, even though we don’t talk. The sight of her broken body haunted me, even though I couldn’t remember seeing her like that.My gaze wandered to the faint bloodstains on my hands, and my stomach churned. How had they gotten there?Scarlett’s voice replayed in my head, calm but unyielding: If you’re innocent, the truth will come out.Was that hope or a warning?I leaned my head back against the wall, staring at the ceiling as doubts clawed at me. Nina believed in me, but did Scarlett?And the evidence... it was damning.A growl built in my chest, low and guttural. It wasn’t fair. Whoever had done
Author’s Note:I apologize for any confusion. There has been a mix-up with chapters 77, 78, 79, and 80. I’ve made some corrections to these chapters, so I kindly request that you re-read them to ensure you have the correct version of the story. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
ScarlettThe scent of rain lingered in the air as I stepped into the quiet confines of my office. Papers were strewn across the desk, a chaotic array of reports and photographs from the scene of Sarah’s murder.Each piece told a fragment of a story, yet the full picture remained maddeningly out of reach.My wolf, Ray, growled low in my mind, her frustration mirroring my own. Something doesn’t add up, she said. Jack doesn’t feel like the killer.I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “And yet, the evidence says otherwise,” I muttered aloud.David’s voice echoed in my memory from earlier that day. “Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment, Luna. The pack’s safety comes first.”He was right, of course. As Luna, it was my duty to uphold justice, to ensure that no one - Alpha, Beta, or rogue - was above the law. But the more I examined the evidence against Jack, the more I felt the weight of doubt pressing down on me.The knock at the door broke my train of thought. “Come in,” I call
NinaThe room felt cold, not from the air, but from the weight of my actions and the knowledge of what I had done.My hands trembled as I pressed them into my lap, fighting to keep my breathing steady. Scarlett would be back soon, and I couldn’t afford to lose my composure. Not now.I had always been good at playing the part of the victim. My sister’s protective nature made it easy. A trembling lip, downcast eyes, and a quiver in my voice, and Scarlett would do anything for me. She had no idea who I truly was or what I was capable of.Poor Sarah. She had no idea either.Sarah had become a hindrance. Her unwavering loyalty to Scarlett had become a problem. The way she shielded Scarlett made me feel disgusted. This wasn’t about Sarah - the poor, innocent maid of Scarlett. Scarlett’s precious maid.But none of that mattered as much as Jack.Jack had been my real problem.This was about Jack. My so-called mate. The one who had dared to try to control me, to bind me under his authority lik
NinaScarlett’s revelation echoed in my mind, refusing to fade. Jack’s innocence had been proven - but how? My plan had been meticulous, every detail perfect.I paced frantically across the room, gnawing at my fingertips until they were raw. My thoughts spiraled out of control as I searched desperately for answers.I had to think. Had to breathe. Had to figure out what went wrong.The evidence I planted was excellent—Sarah’s blood on Jack’s clothes, his DNA under her fingernails. Each detail was meticulously placed to ensure his conviction.But something gave me away. Something in that damned autopsy report exposed the truth.“We need to act fast.” The wolf inside me snarled, its fury burning through my veins. “Or they’ll discover the truth - that you’re the one who killed Sarah.” The beast’s words carried the weight of our shared secret, heavy with the knowledge of what we’d done.I groaned and pressed my palms against my temples, sick of the wolf’s relentless voice. Her constant pres
JackNina’s scent lingered long after she left, a bittersweet reminder of her visit. Jasmine and rain... and something else I couldn’t quite identify.My wolf stirred restlessly, both comforted and troubled by her presence. Her warning about my planned execution still rang in my ears, each word laced with tears and terror.I couldn’t believe the mess we were in, or that she still wanted to stay behind. Why would she risk it? She had every reason to run with me.But she didn’t.I paced the confined space, my footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. Each step matched the rhythm of my racing thoughts.The weight of Sarah’s death still sat heavy on my conscience - even if I couldn’t remember doing it, the evidence spoke for itself. At least, that’s what I’d believed all these months.“You’re overthinking,” I muttered to myself, running a hand through my tangled hair. “Nina’s trying to save your life. She’s your mate. You felt the connection.”But had I? Really? The question nagged a
NinaThe scent of him clung to my clothes as I hurried through the darkened corridors, my heart thundering against my ribs. Pine and earth... and something I couldn’t pin my hand on.Something that made my wolf curl her lip in disgust. Each step echoed against the stone floors, a rhythmic reminder of my performance in Jack’s cell.I wiped away the fake tears, a smirk replacing the concerned expression I’d worn moments ago. Every step away from him felt like a victory.My plan was working perfectly, like pieces on a chessboard moving exactly where I needed them.“You did well,” my wolf purred, preening with satisfaction. “He believed every word from you.”“I know he will.”“He believes you’re staying to bond with your sister.” Red’s lips curved into a dark smile. “Such a fool.”Of course he did. Men like Jack were so easily manipulated by a few tears and trembling lips.The fool actually believed I was truly his mate. He believed I wanted him as a mate and that I wanted to stay behind t
FinnThe small gasp that escaped Scarlett’s lips sent a wave of satisfaction through me. Even after all this year, I could still surprise her.My fingers remained gentle but firm around her wrist as I pulled her closer, letting her catch my scent – the crisp scent of my cologne and coffee from endless business meetings still clinging to my clothes.“Miss me, Luna?” I whispered, my voice rough with emotion after months apart.The silver glow of the moonlight filtered through her window, illuminating her face with a mix of shock and joy.“Finn, is that you?” Her free hand reached up to touch my face, fingers trembling slightly as they traced my jawline. “How... when did you get back?”I caught her exploring hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “About an hour ago. The company’s quarterly review finally wrapped up.”My wolf, Storm, stirred within me, desperate to reconnect with Ray after our long separation. Through our mate bond, I could feel Ray’s answering call, her presence warm and f
FinnSince my wolf couldn’t help, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for her, wrapping my arms around her trembling form.The moment our skin touched, a shock of energy jolted through me, but I held on.“Scarlett,” I murmured, pressing my forehead to hers. “Come back to me, darling.”Her body convulsed once, twice, then she went completely still.The glow in her eyes flickered.Then, she collapsed.I caught her just in time.Her body was limp, her breathing shallow. I could feel her heart pounding too fast beneath my palm.Panic gripped me. She is dying.“Shit,” I muttered, scooping her into my arms. I ignored the pain in my ribs as I sprinted toward the pack healer’s house.“Luke!” I barked the moment I burst through the doors. “Help her!”Luke, the Crescent Pack’s head healer, rushed forward immediately. He took one look at Scarlett, and his eyes darkened.“Lay her down, Alpha,” he said.I did, placing her on the cot as Luke began working immediately. His hands hovered over her, his brows
FinnThe early morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine as I stood in the training grounds, watching my mate.Scarlett.She had come so far.When we first started training, she could barely hold her own against me. But now, she was a force to be reckoned with.Each strike she threw was sharper, her footwork more correct. She was pushing herself past exhaustion, beyond every limit her body screamed at her to stop at.And damn, if that didn’t make me proud.I watched her, my mate, the woman I loved, pour every ounce of herself into this fight.Her beautiful eyes shone with determination, and the sweat glistening on her skin only made her look fiercer.Oh my goddess, she is freaking hot right now.“Again,” I commanded, and she lunged at me.I sidestepped easily, my instincts kicking in before I even had to think. She was fast, but not fast enough. Not yet.“Faster, Scarlett.”She gritted her teeth, frustration clear in every fiber of her being. I could feel her an
ScarlettThe wind howled across the training grounds, carrying the scent of damp earth and sweat.My muscles screamed in protest, my breaths coming in desperate, ragged gasps, but I refused, refused, to stop.I had always been weak in the past, trapped, humiliated, cast aside. But not anymore. Never again.Finn’s voice filled the air as he shouted, “Again.”I swallowed down my exhaustion and lunged forward, aiming at him.He dodged with infuriating grace, but those deep blue eyes gleamed with something I craved more than air—approval.“Faster,” he commanded. “Faster.”I gritted my teeth and pushed harder. I threw another punch, pouring my rage and pain into it, but he easily caught my hand in his.In the blink of an eye, Finn flipped me, landing a crushing blow to my belly before throwing me to the merciless ground.A scream tore from my throat, raw and primal, as I clutched my middle.“Are you okay, love?” he asked as he hurried to my side. “Honey.”I clenched my teeth so hard I thou
ScarPain flared in my throat as I swallowed, every breath a reminder of his grip around my neck. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to keep eating.If I stopped now, he would see it as rebellion, and I wasn’t in the mood to suffer more of his wrath.Dickson watched me like a predator, his golden eyes gleaming with twisted satisfaction.Pathetic.Bile rose in my throat, and I set the bowl down, my stomach twisting violently. I needed to think, to find a way out of this.Running wasn’t an option, not yet. He was too strong, and with his rogue warriors surrounding the place, I wouldn’t make it past the gates.But I wouldn’t be his captive forever.I forced myself to meet his gaze. “Satisfied?” I asked, a smirk plastered on my face.His lips curled into a sneer before he spoke. “I think I prefer you like this, obedient.”I clenched my fists. Obedient? If he only knew how badly I wanted to rip him apart.“Get some rest,” he continued, rising to his feet.“Okay.”Dickson chuckled, brus
Dickson“Scar needed a luxurious life if I wanted her to stay beside me. She would truly love me if I could make her happy.” The thought consumed me.I stood up to my feet, about to leave, when someone called for my attention, pulling me back from my swirling thoughts.“King, we saw you coming in with a woman. Who is she?” Curiosity and something darker—hunger?—laced the question.“My mate, your queen, and she is off-limits.” My voice carried a warning that silenced the room, the threat in my tone obvious.With this, I left, their whispers fading behind me like smoke.I went back into the room where she was being kept, the room we would be sharing together as a couple.My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety, causing my hands to tremble as I walked down the corridor.I could still hear her screams as I approached. My hand was on the door handle when I quickly mind-linked my beta.“Henry, bring some food for the queen.”“Understood, sir.”I opened the door to enter, and it
Dickson“Yes,” I replied again before grabbing her shoulder, desperation making my grip tighter than intended.“Please bear with me. After all this, I promise to build you a mansion, no, a palace. But for now, please stay with me.” My voice cracked with weakness I’d never shown anyone before.“No!” she screamed, yanking my hand away with such force it staggered me. “I will never stay in a place like this.”“Scar—” I tried again, reaching for her, fear clawing at my insides.“Do not call me that!” she scowled, her eyes flashing with rage and betrayal. “You should have let me stay in my pack when you knew you had no place to call home.”She paused, tears streaming down her face as she continued, each drop taunting my soul. “You brought me here to make me suffer. How selfish of you. I hate them, but I hate you more. I fucking hate you, Dickson.”Each of her words sent a sharp pain inside me. Why was she talking like this? A cold, sickening dread spread through me. Was she regretting acce
DicksonI could still taste blood in my mouth. The sting of the former Beta’s punches throbbed in my jaw, but it was nothing compared to the satisfaction burning inside me.I had won.Not in the way I expected, my hands weren’t drenched in Lucas’s blood, and I hadn’t torn apart the wolves who had ruined my mate, but I had still won.That bastard of an Acting Alpha was humiliated.The pack he longed to rule didn’t even acknowledge him. The former Beta had dismissed him like an annoying pup.Lucas’s rage had been almost tangible, thick in the air like a storm waiting to break, but he was powerless.His pride had been stepped on by his friend’s father, and his weakness was laid bare. And that, more than anything, made my wolf purr in satisfaction.Scar’s fingers tightened slightly around my arm as we left, her touch grounding me. She was still shaking, but her eyes gleamed with something I had never seen before, revenge.She had stood her ground, unleashed her fury, and made Lucas taste
LucasHe smirked. “Really?” The contempt in his voice was unmistakable.I nodded quickly, desperation clawing at my throat. “Yes.”He turned to face Scar, a cruel amusement dancing in his eyes. “Did you hear what he said? What do you think about that, mate?”Mate! That familiar term of endearment never used for me sent waves of bitterness through my body, jealousy burning in my veins.“This is the best arrangement, Alpha Dickson,” I pressed on, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the fear threatening to consume me. “Consider it carefully. Scar doesn’t have feelings for you; her heart belongs only to me. She loves me.”“What makes you believe I could ever love you?” Scar’s voice cut through the air like ice, dripping with venom. My gaze shifted from him to her, and what I witnessed shattered something within me.Her eyes burned with revulsion, raw hatred emanating from her like heat. She despised me. No, I couldn’t accept this. A desperate hope clung to me. She must be pretending
LucasBefore I could fully process the implications, he was already outside. As I reached the door, my eyes fell upon a scene of pure horror, a sight that would change everything.My Scar.Rage consumed me as I watched Alpha Dickson caressing Scar’s hand. The tenderness in his eyes as he claimed what was rightfully mine ignited a primal fury within my chest.“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Alpha Dickson!” I thundered, channeling my Alpha tone, but he remained unmoved.My authority meant nothing to him. His eyes glimmered with joy as he gazed at Scar.“I have been waiting forever,” he murmured, his thumb tracing circles on her palm, each movement stoking my anger. “I thought the goddess had abandoned me, forgotten to grant me my better half. Yet here you are, such breathtaking beauty.”His fingers drifted to her face, utterly entranced by her. Why him? I should be the one beside Scar, not him.She is mine alone. Even in death, she could only belong to me.“Let go of her now!”