Ivy's POV"I, Cassian Ansaldo, Alpha of the Dark wood pack, take you Ivy Elsher as my mate and Luna," The words fell from his lips simply. Cold. Nonchalant. Emotionless.My teeth sank into my lips so I could stop them from trembling.God, it hurts like hell. Everyone said this was going to be the most beautiful day of my life but why don't I feel like it? Why do I feel suffocating while standing opposite to my mate on the stage? I want the ground to swallow me up. I want to cease my existence. Knowing that the person who's marrying me doesn't love me makes my head spin. This is a nightmare. A terrible nightmare.I took a deep breath, the chill night air filling my lungs as I did so. His scent wafted into my nostrils, making me shudder.It was a full moon and the night was beautiful. The place was decorated with red roses and curtains. Colorful lamps spread their beautiful light everywhere. I've never seen such a beautiful setting before. It must be mesmerizing for everyone else he
I stared at myself in the mirror. The new dress that I had changed into looked beautiful. It looks like something that was made specifically for me. I took a tissue and tried to fix the smudged mascara around my eyes. My aura is already pitiful. I need to at least look presentable.A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I said before taking a deep breath. The door opened, letting the calming Jasmine scent reach me. I turned back to see Luna Evelyn standing there with a small smile. "I came here to get you. Do you need any help?" I looked down and threw the tissue in the trash can. "Can you help me run away?" It was a dumb question I know, but at that moment that's what I felt. I wanted to run away.Thinking about being in a loveless marriage like this makes me feel sick. "Oh, dear…" Luna Evelyn whispered, her shoulders slouching. She walked up to me and pulled me into a hug. "I know you feel like everything is falling apart. I know that feeling. I have been t
"So about your honeymoon–""There is no honeymoon," Cassian interrupted his mother halfway through.Stella frowned. "What are you saying? You are a newly wedded couple. You should enjoy some time away from all these pack things. It's for the better—""Mom," Cassian said sternly. "I told you. There's no honeymoon." Mr. Ansaldo, Cassian's father, cleared his thoughts, sensing the awkward conversation. "Darling, let the kids decide these matters. It's better not to push these things. Let them move at their own pace." I smiled back at him when he glanced at me for a few seconds. "For now, it's better if we give some time to our new Luna to get familiar with the pack." Stella sighed in disappointment before she put a smile on her face. "That is right. I should have thought about this. I will introduce you to the pack members today and we can spend some time with them to get you familiar with them. There are a lot of girls your age in our pack. Maybe you'll find a good friend." She gleam
I was thankful to all the gods that exist because I didn't have to see my mate's face first thing in the morning. The bonehead alpha had already risen before me and went out for his training. It was a peaceful morning and the fact that Stella told me that I would be able to make friends today was the icing on top. I really want to make friends. Getting to know people and learning from them is something I look forward to doing a lot. I need to be better for this pack. "Mom?" I called as I entered my mother's new room to check on her before going to meet Stella."Ivy?" I heard her voice. It sounded a bit weaker than before."Mom, are you okay?" The change in her voice is enough to send me into panic mode. "I'm fine, dear. I just woke up so I have a sore throat." She laughed.I still didn't feel convinced. I'm on the edge every time I think about her. Her health is getting worse day after day. She tries to hide it from me but I can see it. Her trembling every time she tries to stand u
"Oh, umm…it's not so bad. You'll find it beautiful when you get used to it. There are a lot of amazing things in the woods that we won't be able to see unless we bond closely with the forest. It's truly an amazing place," I grinned."So you got no education?" Jackson raised a brow."I did. You can get education anywhere, you know?""How? You didn't go to school? Or were there schools in the woods that we don't know of? Is it something we can't see unless we bond close to the forest goddess?" Ryle laughed, causing his friends to follow. I let out an awkward chuckle. "No, there weren't any schools there but I did learn a lot of things. Education is learning. You and I might be learning different things but it's both education so it's the same," "Luna, not to offend you," Liya laughed, covering her mouth. "We're talking about actual education." My smile faltered. "Oh,""Yeah, like do you know biology, physics, and chemistry? We were taught science. It's not the same as using sticks an
"These are the clothes my mom bought for me even though I don't like this style at all. She thinks I'll change one day and wear the dresses she buys for me," Ruth rolled her eyes before she picked out some colorful clothes from her closet. "I don't have many clothes for you to try on. These are the only ones I think will suit you. The others are clothes that are my style. It won't suit you since you're someone who'll look best in a soft girl aesthetic." I tilted my head as she talked. I don't understand much about style. I always thought of clothes as something worn to cover your nakedness and keep you warm. I never really looked at it as an accessory until I came to this pack.Meeting new people really changes your whole perspective on life.I don't understand what she meant by soft girl aesthetics. Does she think I'm some kind of defenseless soft girl? "I'm not a soft girl actually. I know how to fight. My father taught me. I can easily take down men who are double my size," I said
We had a car full of things when we got back to the packhouse. After buying me clothes, Ruth took me to buy shoes and other necessary things that she said I would need.Some of the pack members helped us move the things into my room. Stella was the one to see me first."Oh, my goddess!" She gasped when her eyes landed on me. "You look so gorgeous! I couldn't even recognize you!" She let out a laugh before she came to hug me. "Ruth, are you sure you brought the same person back?"I shook my head. She exaggerates too much.Ruth laughed at her joke before she turned to me. "It's the same person, Stella. I can guarantee," "What did you guys buy? I want to see it all," Stella looked at the bags we were carrying."We bought a lot of things. Come on, let me show you," ***I let out a heavy sigh as I fell onto the bed. Today was exhausting. We did a lot of things and it feels like I fought a war. But my hair and body smell so good from using the things we bought. And the pajamas Ruth sele
Ivy's POVIt's almost dawn and they're still not back. Stella told me that they went patrolling the northern side of the pack because they spotted traces of rogues or hunters there. Stella sat on the couch with a glass of wine in her hand as she let out a sigh for the nth time. She tries not to show her worry but it's obvious from her nervous fiddling. Her mate sat down next to her."Relax, dear. You know him. He has always been like this. He's going to return just fine. It's not the first time he's done this," He tries to calm her."I know but I can't help it. He's my son. I'll always be worried about him…" She shook her head, chugging the wine down in one go. "I told him to stop his hunt. Why won't he listen?""He is an alpha, my love. He's territorial over his pack. They came into our territory. I would have done the same." Stella raked a hand through her hair while the former alpha continued his efforts to calm her. I nervously shifted on my spot not knowing what to do.Is he sa
Third person POV The summer sun beat down on the pack as they gathered in the woods on the edge of their territory, their excitement building as each moment passed. Today was the day they'd release two prisoners who'd been separated from their mates for five long years. It was a rare sight—nobody had ever survived that long apart from their mates. The pack's curiosity was mixed with awe. Countless discussions going in the background as to how these two had managed the unbearable pain of separation.Cassian's scowl deepened, his discontent palpable. The alpha's hope was clear: he wanted the prisoners to die in prison. That’s how it should’ve been. The pack's healers whispered among themselves a lot of things, suggesting different reasons for the pair's remarkable endurance—perhaps they weren't true mates after all. Maybe the rogue had deceived Liya, manipulating her into believing a false bond. Beside the alpha, Ivy snuggled her two-year-old son closer, and moved towards her mate, w
[3 years later]“Oh wow, where’s my little Alexi off to, so early in the morning, hmm?”I paused when I heard Stella’s question. My brows shot up as I looked up from my book. Did she just call my pup’s name?I took another bite out of my half-eaten apple and turned around, only to be greeted with the sight of my mate standing there with our pup on his shoulder. Alexi looked at her grandma with a blinding bright smile as she exclaimed. “Papa taking me forwest!” “Your Papa’s doing what?!” I stood up like my ass caught on fire as soon as I heard it, forgetting for a second that I was halfway pregnant. I put a hand on my protruding belly and narrowed my eyes at my mate.Cassian looked away and stared at the wall like he suddenly saw a ghost pop out of there. The little one gasped immediately, slapping a hand over her mouth before she looked down at her father. “Papa! Mama here! Run!” she said, gripping Cassian’s hair tightly.“Don’t you dare move!” I glared at my alpha who gave me a ne
My legs trembled with each step towards the cabin, and I soon lost my balance. But before I could even flinch, Cassian's strong arms encircled my waist, sweeping me up in a gentle yet firm grasp. I gasped, clutching our pup tightly to my chest. "Cassian, our pup!" I shouted, prompting a deep chuckle from him. "You and our little one will always be safe in my arms," he whispered, his nose nuzzling my cheek with a reassuring smile. We swiftly arrived at the cabin, and Cassian carefully set me down on the bed. Ruth and Lily followed us inside, worry etched on their sweaty faces. "Ivy, are you alright?" Ruth questioned, eyes scanning me and the pup worriedly. "Tell me if you’re feeling pain anywhere," Lily added. I offered them a gentle smile and shook my head. "I'm all right," I reassured them. Now that I have my mate and pup beside me, unharmed, I feel better than ever. I looked up at Cassian only to see him looking around the cabin with a frown on his face. Cassian's expr
Cassian moved like a lightning, the pipe held up to deliver the final blow, but Liya was quicker. She flung herself in front of her mate, shielding him with her body while she pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. “Alpha, please! Please, I-I beg you to spare my mate!” Cassian let out a low and menacing growl, his eyes darkening as he snarled, “Move, omega. Move, or I'll make you!” The pipe in his hands hovered inches from Liya's face, his arm trembling with restraint while he warned the girl. I took a step forward, worry taking over my mind. He looked seconds away from attacking her and I didn't want my mate to lay his hands on an omega even if she's a betrayer. It wouldn't set a good example for the pack. Enemy is an enemy but still, she doesn't have the strength to fight him back. That'll be an unfair combat.“Cassian, if you kill him, she'll also die,” I warned, trying to reason with him. But Cassian's anger was unyielding.“I don't fucking care,” he snarled, his eyes b
Cassian's grip on the pipe faltered, his arms frozen in mid-air as our gazes clashed. He turned to me with a deep scowl etched on his face. I swallowed thickly, my throat constricting with fear. His wolf was livid, its fury palpable in the air, and my omega instincts trembled in response. Our pup whimpered softly, sensing Cassian's displeasure, and I instinctively pulled the little one closer to my chest. Cassian's slow, deliberate steps towards me were like a ticking time bomb, each footsteps echoing through the silence, making my heart race with nervousness.Cassian's golden eyes bore into mine, his gaze piercing as he stopped in front of me. “What are you doing here, omega? You should be resting.” I flinched when his bloody hand rose to touch me. Cassian froze for a moment, taken aback by my reaction. I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes before he caressed my cheek with a gentle touch, his fingers tracing the curve of my face. Oh right, his wolf is in control.Cassian's frown deepen
I stared at her like a fish out of water. Letting go of the man who killed my father? Can I….Can I really let go? Can I really do something like that? No….No…. I’ll cut his head off! Then I’ll stab him repeatedly, watching as life drains from his body. I'll make him suffer just like he made my parents suffer.I’ll make sure he’s dead a hundred times over and I'll erase his whole existence from the face of earth.That's what I will do."So please...please spare my mate's life. We'll accept any punishment, just don't take him away from me. I beg you, Ivy, have mercy. Tell Alpha Cassian to not take his life. I'm not asking for forgiveness, just a chance for my mate to live. You know what it's like to love someone, to want to protect and care for them. You have a mate and a pup, don't deny me the same chance at happiness. Don't take away my chance to be a mate and mother,” Liya's words poured out in a desperate plea, her sobs echoing through the room. My grip on my pup tightened as I s
My pup's distressed cries filled the room, refusing to subside even after I lavished the little one with gentle kisses. I could hear the commotion outside as Cassian dragged the rogue out. My mate's fierce growls and the rogue's defiant snarls still echoed in my mind as Lily rushed to my side. Her usually steady hands trembled as she pressed a cool cloth against my neck, trying to stop the flow of blood from the wound.Fear danced in her eyes, and I knew she was desperate to ask me something, but the trauma of witnessing two alpha wolves clash had left her and the other omega helpers shaken. I couldn't blame them–the potent pheromones of two angry alphas were overwhelming for anyone, especially omegas. As Cassian's mate, I had some kind of a unique shield against their intensity, but the others didn't share that protection.Liya thrashed around in Ruth's grasp, desperate to break free, but Ruth's grip was unyielding. With a swift, merciless slap, Ruth sent Liya crashing to the ground,
What the hell? For a moment I actually felt bad for the girl for being trapped in a toxic bond with a man like this even though I'm not really in a position to feel empathetic for the people holding me and my mate captive.Cassian's eyes flashed with anger, his hand twitching as if he was about to grab the gun from Liya's trembling hand. But the rogue's piercing glare froze him in place, a silent warning that kept him restrained - for now.“I did all this for you and I'm still useless?! I followed you through everything and left all I knew only for you to say that I'm useless?” Liya’s voice tumbled out in a desperate plea but Silas cut her off with a snarl, low and menacing.“Urgh! Shut the hell up, woman. Eyes on me, Alpha Cassian. I can't wait any longer. I've delayed this long enough. Say your goodbyes to your mate and pup,” The man warned, his voice dripping with so much malice that it made a shiver run down my spine.“Release my mate, you fucker.” Cassian growled, his voice bare
Ivy's POVIt was suffocating. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood, the putrid scent of the rogue's hand clamped over my mouth, and the distressing pheromones of the omegas in the room, made my stomach roil with nausea. My thoughts were a jumbled mess, but my eyes were fixed on my precious pup, clinging to me for comfort. The overwhelming urge to protect my child was the only thing that kept me grounded. Just as I was spiraling into despair, Cassian's low, menacing growl snapped me back to reality. My mate stood there, his eyes blazing with fury, his alpha pheromones thick and potent, filling the cramped cabin with an almost palpable force. I instinctively pulled my baby closer, the primal urge to shield and defend my pup coursing through my veins as my motherly instincts kicked it. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, my wolf and I felt torn by the conflicting desires to shield our pup and surrender to Cassian's protective presence. But now, both my mate and child