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
Finn Scarlett turned in my arms, pressing her forehead to mine. “I love you,” she breathed, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. “I love you too.” “Ah,” she screamed as my finger gently made its way inside her, beginning to pleasure her. She moaned with delight as my movements started, slow and deliberate, before gradually increasing in pressure and speed. Her moans grew louder and more insistent, filling the room with her desire. “Yes,” she gasped, her hips rising to meet my touch. “Right there.” I smirked, continuing, savoring every sound she made. I could feel her body tightening on the brink of release. But just as she was about to let go, I withdrew my finger and dropped to my knees. Her eyes fluttered open, surprise and frustration flashing across her face as a whimper escaped her lips. She reached out, tangling her fingers in my hair as I leaned forward and began to pleasure her with my mouth. Scarlett’s moans grew softer, yet more intense as my tongue explored her,
ScarlettI woke to an empty bed, the sheets still warm from where Finn had lain. The sound of running water from the bathroom told me where he’d gone. I stretched, feeling the pleasant ache in my muscles.My wolf, Ray, purred contentedly. “Our mate is home.”“Yes,” I agreed, smiling despite the weight of responsibilities that pressed at the edges of my mind. Having Finn back made everything feel more manageable, even if only temporarily.The bathroom door opened, and Finn emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist, water droplets still clinging to his chest. My breath caught. No matter how many times I saw him, he still had this effect on me.“Morning, love,” he said, leaning down to kiss me. I caught the scent of his soap, clean and masculine.“I thought you might have left for pack business already,” I admitted, sitting up and letting the sheets pool around my waist.His eyes darkened with lust as they traced over my exposed skin. “Not without saying goodbye, honey.” He sat on th
FinnI lay in bed with my mate, savoring her warmth against me, when David’s voice echoed in my mind.‘What is it, David?’ I responded through our pack link.‘Alpha, I apologize for disturbing you. When I couldn’t find you in the office...’ His concern rippled through the mental connection.‘I’ll be there shortly,’ I assured him. ‘I needed time with my mate.’‘Understood, sir.’ With those words, David severed the mind-link, leaving me alone with my thoughts. In my arms, Scarlett shifted slightly, her breathing soft and steady.I gazed down at her peaceful face, drinking in every feature of my mate - the woman I’d ached for through all these long, empty months.Storm’s howl resonated through my mind, his joy echoing my own. My wolf couldn’t contain his elation at having her so close, her warmth pressed against us.We’d both yearned for this - man and beast united in our relief at finally having our mate in our embrace.“That happy, huh?” I asked, amused by Storm’s unrestrained joy, his
Scarlett“He wanted my life, I am sure of that, but Nina killed my most trusted maid and pinned it on Jack.”“What a scary child. That child must have inherited Alaric’s rogue blood,” my mother muttered before turning to the speechless Diana. “How could your son do that?”“I don’t know,” she whispered softly. “But he is a changed person. Trust me, Lucy.” She grabbed Mother’s hand with desperate intensity. “He must have been manipulated because she is his mate. The Moon Goddess paired them together. I knew nothing about this, Lucy.”A humorless laugh escaped me. “You’re right, because Nina never loved him. She wanted to get rid of him and snatch my mate away from me.” The memory of Nina’s scheming eyes on Finn made bile rise in my throat.Mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Where is she?” she asked, rising to her feet. “Where is Alaric’s daughter?”“She will be here soon, Mother. You don’t have to worry yourself.”My mother’s face suddenly crumpled, guilt etching itself into
ScarlettI gazed at her, at Lucy, my mother. She was no longer the woman I thought I had lost, but a warrior reborn.She had endured betrayal and emerged as a powerful force, a storm in her own right.And I... I was her daughter.“This changes everything,” I said. “Nina will answer for what she’s done—and so will Alaric. I won’t hesitate anymore.”Finn stepped closer, his hand brushing mine. I met his eyes and saw it there; no hesitation, no wariness.“We’ll do it together,” he said.I nodded. “Together.”We were still talking when someone knocked on the door.“Come in,” I called out. I let out a breath as David walked in.“Alpha,” he greeted with a bow, his eyes darting briefly to my mother before returning to me. “You called for me.”Turning to our beta, I didn’t flinch when I gave my order. “Go to Stone Ridge pack. Tell them Nina’s presence is no longer welcome in their territory. She is to be returned to us—alive.”“Yes Luna.” He bowed his head and left swiftly.I turned back to F
Lucy“You mean...” Scarlett leaned forward, her brow furrowed as she processed this revelation. “You were the real heir to the pack?”“Yes, I was.” I nodded, remembering my father’s disappointment, his warnings that I chose to ignore. “My father disapproved of our relationship, but fate had other plans. We were fated mates, so my father had no choice but to accept him. He introduced him to the pack as his friend’s son and my mate.” I paused, memories rushing back with painful clarity. “No one in the pack knew the truth—except Diana.”“This is… shocking, Mother.”“Yes, it is," I replied, my throat tight with emotion. The bitter taste of past betrayal lingered on my tongue as I continued, “I loved him. I loved him enough to relinquish my position as Alpha so he could take over after my father passed away.”The pain of betrayal resurfaced, causing my chest to constrict. “But he... he repaid my love with treachery. He poisoned me, weakened me, and drove a knife through my heart with his o
Lucy“Mother,” she called softly. “Is that you?”My throat tightened, preventing me from speaking. Despite rehearsing my speeches and explanations during the journey, they vanished.Tears streamed down my cheeks, carrying the weight of twelve years of absence, loss, and irretrievable moments. Each sob released the pent-up emotions within me.I had missed wiping away her tears after nightmares, missed teaching her to hunt, missed seeing her eyes light up when she found her mate. I had missed everything that made a mother.I wasn’t a mother. I didn’t deserve to be called one. What right did I have to see her now? I broke down in tears.“What right do I have to be called a mother?" I whispered, my voice broken and filled with self-loathing. I stumbled back, overwhelmed by the weight of my own failure.Then, something miraculous happened. Instead of turning away in disgust, instead of rejecting me as I deserved, Scarlett rushed forward.Her strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me close
LucyWithout blinking or hesitation, Diana launched an attack. “How dare you! How dare you talk to Lucy like that?”“Diana, please stop,” I pleaded, reaching for her arm. The last thing I wanted was violence against those who protected my daughter. “They’re Scarlett’s people.”She whirled to face me, eyes blazing. “But they are treating you rudely,” she spat. “I won’t stand and watch you being treated like that.”With lightning speed, she spun and delivered a powerful kick to one of the guards. He flew backward, landing hard with a pained cry that made me wince.“You...” The remaining guards growled in unison, closing ranks. They launched themselves at Diana, who moved with the fluid grace of a skilled fighter, evading their attacks effortlessly.A smirk played across her lips. “You’re not worth it,” she taunted.She was about to strike again when a howl—deeper, more powerful than anything we’d heard yet—reverberated through the clearing.The very air seemed to vibrate with its author
Lucy“Where is my daughter?” The question burst from my lips, raw and desperate.My hands trembled as I clutched Diana’s arm, my fingers digging into her flesh. “Do you perhaps know where she is?”Diana’s eyes softened with understanding. She nodded slowly, her expression gentle. “Yes. She is the Luna of the Crescent Pack,” she replied, watching me carefully for my reaction.I should have felt relief—my daughter alive, safe, respected, powerful even.But the ache in my chest only deepened, a cavernous emptiness that throbbed with each heartbeat.My beautiful baby. The memory of her infant face swam before my eyes—those wide, trusting eyes, the tiny fingers that had once curled around mine.I swallowed hard against the burning in my throat, my body physically aching with the need to hold her.“Let’s go there,” I pleaded, seizing Diana’s hand. My fingers interlaced with hers, squeezing so tightly I saw her wince. “Please.”Diana’s face creased with concern. “Okay. Okay. We will do that,
LucyRemembering Dalma’s warnings about those who had tried to kill me, I disguised myself, binding my breasts and cutting my hair, adopting the persona of a male healer.The disguise became a second skin as I traveled from village to village, offering my healing skills to any who needed them.While exploring, I met a strong Alpha who saw my skills and wanted me to be the healer for his pack.I hesitated, valuing my freedom and fearing being tied down. I also worried about my enemies tracking me if I stayed in one place for too long.After much negotiation, we reached a compromise—I would serve as his pack’s healer, but maintain my independence, coming and going as I pleased. This arrangement satisfied us both, and for a time, all was well.Years passed, and then, like a bolt from the blue, my memories returned.The shock of it brought me to my knees, the truth of who I was crashing over me in merciless waves.Every moment of my former life played before my eyes in vivid detail—my lov
Lucy (Scarlett’s mother)Many years ago.I tried to open my eyes, but they were impossibly heavy, as if sealed with lead.Every nerve in my body was on fire, the searing pain washing over me like molten metal. Not just pain—this was torment, the kind that makes you pray for death as relief.“Are you okay?” A voice penetrated the darkness, distant and muffled, like someone calling through thick fog. “Can you hear me?”I battled the heavy pull of my eyelids, feeling desperate to escape this fleshly prison. My mind was screaming in frustration, unable to control a body that wouldn’t respond.The voice spoke again, breaking through the darkness with crystal-clear clarity. “Can you hear me?”Of course I can hear you! The words burned in my throat, desperate to escape, but remained trapped inside me. Some invisible force held me down, like being buried alive.Panic surged through me as I gathered every fragment of strength left in my broken body—channeling it into one desperate attempt. Fin
LucasThe blood drained from my face so rapidly I nearly lost consciousness.Even before he stepped into view, I knew exactly who that voice belonged to—the head healer.A wave of betrayal crashed through me, leaving nothing but bitter disbelief in its wake.Why? I clenched my teeth until my jaw ached. Had his word meant nothing?He had sworn to keep my secret, had looked me in the eyes and promised. So why was he doing this to me now?“Who speaks?” the elder demanded. “Show yourself.”“It is I,” came the measured response as he stepped into the circle of judgment.The elders’ expressions changed instantly, their impartial masks falling away to reveal raw curiosity. Their pretense was stripped off.“What evidence do you have that he is unfit to rule us, Healer?” The eldest leaned forward, eyes gleaming with anticipation.“He...” the healer faltered, his gaze meeting mine across the hall.I silently pleaded with him—my eyes begging what my pride would not allow my lips to form. If he s