The shrill ringing of his phone cut through the oppressive silence. He stared at it for a moment, his mother’s name flashing on the screen. With a sigh, he pressed the answer button and brought the phone to his ear."Liam," his mother’s voice was sharp, clipped with barely restrained fury. "I take it you've seen the papers?"Alpha Liam said nothing. He had no words, no strength to argue."Of course you have. Everyone has. The Garvalle name dragged through the mud because of that—that woman." The venom in her voice was palpable. "I always knew she was trouble. A two-timing gold-digger with no morals, no honor. And you—blind and foolish enough to believe she ever cared about you."Liam inhaled deeply, but still, he said nothing. His fingers curled into a fist on the desk, his knuckles turning white. He had no patience for this.His mother, undeterred, pressed on. “She played you, Liam. She had her sights set on your status, on your wealth. And all the while, she was sneaking around wit
Jessica stretched lazily, letting out a yawn as she placed her phone down. “Matilda, darling, let’s have a late breakfast,” she said. “I am famished, and i missed breakfast as I was in a hurry to get here before my brother left for work.”Matilda smirked. “Of course. I always have time for family.” She picked up her keys, twirling them between her fingers. “Let’s take my car. I feel like driving today.”Jessica nodded approvingly as they stepped out. Matilda’s sleek black car sat waiting in the driveway, polished to perfection. She slipped into the driver’s seat effortlessly, revving the engine as Jessica settled in beside her.As they cruised down the road, they remained in comfortable silence. That was, until they passed a particular store. Matilda slowed the car, a twisted smile creeping onto her lips. “Look, Jessica,” she drawled, tilting her head towards the elegant storefront. “Daniella’s precious little dream. The place she thought would solidify her pathetic independence.”Jes
The atmosphere inside Joshhill stores had come back to normalcy, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos stirred by Matilda and Jessica. The store employees, though initially shaken, had resumed their tasks with quiet diligence, assisting customers with the precision and warmth that Daniella demanded of her staff. Business was thriving despite the uninvited spectacle from earlier, and for a brief moment, Daniella allowed herself to believe that the day could end without further incident.Then, the doors swung open, and a group of men entered, clad in stiff suits with badges pinned to their lapels. Their expressions were as rigid as their posture. The room quieted as the staff and customers turned to observe the newcomers. One of the senior staff members, noticing them first, exchanged a wary glance with another employee before stepping forward.“Can I help you?” the store manager Gregory asked, his voice measured.They produced an identification badge. “We’re from the State Quality Con
Daniella stormed through the grand entrance of Garvalle Enterprises, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. Heads turned, and hushed whispers rippled through the office as employees, both new and old, recognized her. She didn’t pause to acknowledge them. She had no time for pleasantries or awkward reunions. There was only one thing on her mind—Liam.Liam’s assistant, Anna, rose abruptly from her desk, eyes widening in alarm. “Miss Thornhill—”“Move,” Daniella ordered, not even breaking her stride.Anna hesitated, but before she could protest, Daniella had already pushed open the heavy mahogany doors to Liam’s office.The force of her entrance sent a stack of neatly arranged documents fluttering to the ground.Liam looked up, startled. For a fleeting moment, shock flickered in his piercing eyes, but it was gone just as quickly, masked by a slow, knowing smirk. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin, exuding the infuriating arrogance that made Danie
The shrill ring of Daniella’s phone sliced through the quiet of her car as she drove back from Garvalle Enterprises, her hands tightened against the steering wheel. She barely glanced at the screen before answering."Dalton," she greeted, her voice taut.“Hey, just calling to remind you about tomorrow.” He kept his tone light, casual. “I hope you haven’t forgotten our date.”There was a brief pause, and Dalton sat up straighter.“I just got back from Liam’s office,” Daniella admitted, her voice carrying a tight edge. “I… I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it.”Dalton felt the sharp prick of jealousy before he could suppress it. “Liam’s office?” He kept his tone neutral, but something in his voice must have given him away. “What were you doing there?”She knew that tone. Dalton was trying not to sound affected, but the jealousy was there, simmering just beneath the surface.She hesitated. She hadn’t even planned on telling him. Not because she wanted to keep it from him, but because
As soon as Daniella stormed out of his office, Liam stood frozen, his body rigid with an anger so volatile it clawed its way up his throat. The door slammed shut behind her, the force of it rattling the glass panel, but he barely registered the sound. His fists clenched at his sides, his nails biting into his palms. His breathing was ragged, uneven, a battle between fury and restraint.Then, without warning, he exploded.A snarl tore from his throat as he swept an expensive glass paperweight off his shelf. It shattered against the wall, shards flying in every direction. The rage inside him was uncontrollable, a wildfire burning through his veins. His office—a pristine, commanding space—became a war zone in a matter of seconds. A lamp crashed to the floor, and books were yanked from their shelves and hurled across the room. His desk chair toppled over as he kicked it, sending it rolling into the corner.His security team, seasoned as they were, exchanged wary glances but made no move t
The grand hall of the Hollow Pack was adorned with towering silver candelabras, their flickering flames casting elongated shadows upon the polished marble floors. The scent of fresh roses, imported orchids, and ceremonial incense lingered in the air, mingling with the hushed conversations of the distinguished guests who had gathered for the long-awaited union of Liam Garvalle and Matilda Everstone.Alphas from allied packs sat in their designated places, their expressions varying from curiosity to cold calculation. The alliance between the Hollow pack and the Range pack was one of great strategic importance, and every leader present knew that this was more than a mere wedding—it was a binding contract of power and influence.Matilda stood at the threshold, her slender fingers gripping the arm of her father, Alpha Seth. She was the picture of grace, her sapphire-blue gown cascading down her form like flowing water, each intricate detail of the embroidery catching the candlelight. The d
The reception was grand, befitting the union of two powerful packs. The sprawling field had been transformed into a lavish banquet hall under the open sky, illuminated by golden lanterns that flickered like trapped fireflies. The scent of roasted meats, exotic spices, and freshly baked bread filled the air, while a live band played soft, elegant melodies in the corner, adding to the atmosphere of celebration. Tables were adorned with silk runners and golden cutlery, while an elaborate banquet of exquisitely selected meals lay spread across long serving tables. Uniformed ushers moved gracefully between the guests, ensuring that no one’s cup ran empty and that every plate was generously filled.However, despite the grandeur and wedding fever, the absence of Alpha Dalton had not gone unnoticed. “Strange that Alpha Dalton didn’t attend,” one of the older Alphas murmured, stroking his silver beard thoughtfully. “Liam and he were like brothers once. Their fathers built an alliance that mad
The cell door creaked open with a groan that echoed through the narrow corridor, the iron hinges protesting the movement. Arya stepped out, her heeled boots clicking sharply against the damp stone floor. Her posture was elegant, commanding—her chin tilted ever so slightly upwards in that familiar way that made her seem like royalty in a place that reeked of rot and fear.She turned to the guards, her lips curling into a tight smile.“Lock the cell,” she ordered coolly without glancing back. “I don’t want any accidents.”The guards nodded silently and pushed the thick iron door shut with a deep metallic clang. One of them turned the key with a rough twist, and the deadbolt snapped into place with finality. Arya stood still for a moment, watching them with feigned patience, her hands clasped lightly behind her back.“The trial is scheduled, correct?” Arya asked in a silk-smooth tone, as if she were inquiring about afternoon tea, not the brutal torment of another living being.“Yes, my
“Arya…” Elizabeth’s voice rang out, quiet but clear, halting Arya’s retreat.Arya stilled, her hand on the door’s iron handle. “What?”Elizabeth swallowed hard, her voice cracking beneath the weight of pain and disbelief. “Why?”Arya paused mid-step. Her fingers curled around the keys at her hip. She did not turn.“Why what?” Arya asked, her voice smooth and clipped, though it carried an edge.“Why go to such desperate measures to get rid of us?” Elizabeth’s voice trembled with hurt and confusion. “Do you hate us that much? Why pretend? Why go so far? Was all of it a lie?”Arya stood still, her back to the bars. For a moment, Elizabeth thought she might walk away, might ignore the question entirely. But then Arya turned slowly, her brown eyes glowing faintly in the dim torchlight.There was a sneer on her face, cruel and cold, but beneath it, Elizabeth saw something else—bitterness, long-nurtured pain, and something dangerously close to heartbreak.“You really want to know?” Arya aske
The damp chill of the underground cell gnawed through Elizabeth’s thin, torn tunic, and the stench of mold and decay lingered in the air like a curse that refused to be lifted.Chains rattled faintly with her every movement, and little Habibah lay curled in her mother’s lap, her breath warm against Elizabeth’s bruised skin. Elizabeth’s fingers ran slowly through her daughter’s tangled curls, each strand a small comfort against the storm of fear in her chest. For a brief, aching moment, there was silence. Suddenly, the silence broke. The sound of heavy boots echoed down the corridor—slow, deliberate, merciless. Elizabeth stiffened, her hand tightening around Habibah. The child whimpered.A cruel laugh drifted through the air, low and mocking, bouncing off the cold walls like a specter.“No,” Elizabeth whispered, eyes lifting toward the cell bars. “Please, not again.”The shadows moved, shaped themselves into a familiar figure. A woman stepped into the dim torchlight, flanked by three
Elizabeth sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, her back against the heavy, fortified wall of the secret chamber. “Will Papa really come back soon?” Habibah whispered for what felt like the tenth time, her voice barely a breath.Elizabeth gave a small, reassuring nod. “Your father said to stay put. He’ll come for us when it’s safe. We just have to trust him.”Habibah bit her lip, glancing nervously at the heavy steel door that kept them hidden from the chaos outside. The chamber had been built centuries ago as a refuge, and it was nearly impenetrable, soundproof, and sealed tight. Until—A sound broke the heavy silence — the soft, unmistakable creak of footsteps approaching.Elizabeth stiffened immediately. She pressed her hand gently to Habibah’s arm, signaling her to stay silent. Both of them leaned in, hearts pounding so hard it was almost deafening in their own ears.The door handle shifted, moving slightly.Habibah's breathing quickened, and Elizabeth gripped her hand tightl
Three years had passed since little Habibah was birthed and welcomed into the Emerald Pack. In those years, she had blossomed like a rare flower, her laughter ringing like bells across the pack grounds. The pack loved her fiercely — not only because she was the Alpha’s daughter, but because there was something radiant about her, she had a bright and untamed spirit with the gentleness of her mother, Elizabeth, and the fire of her father, Czar.Elizabeth, her mother, watched her every day with quiet awe. Sometimes, she would run her fingers through Habibah’s dark curls and wonder how such a miracle had come into their lives after all the pain they had endured.Czar, the Alpha, was no different. He had vowed since the day Habibah was conceived and born that he would protect her with everything he had—even if it cost him his life.But these were troubled times.The werewolf territories were embroiled in an endless war — pack against pack, hunters against wolves, betrayal seeping into once
Elizabeth basked in the glow of an expectant mother, she could not be more thankful for the peace, joy, and love that found her. She and Alpha Czar counted the days till the birth of their child, until word arrived that the Willow Creek Pack — an ally under Emerald's protection — had been attacked, the news shattered the pack's peace, especially that of Elizabeth. Alpha Czar knew his position and wasted no time. Without hesitation, he assembled his warriors; his vow to all allied packs must be fulfilled no matter the cost or consequences. "Under my watch," he had sworn, "no friend shall fall alone."Elizabeth, heavy with child and only weeks from her due date, had begged him to stay. But duty was a jealous, unyielding master. Alpha Czar kissed Elizabeth's forehead, lingering there a little longer than usual, his hand pressed over her swollen belly. His voice, low and steady as he made her a promise, “I’ll be back before you know it, my love. You and our little one — you’re my world
Czar's parents, welcomed Elizabeth with open arms. Their trust in their son's judgment was unwavering. “He’s never made a decision that endangered this pack,” he told the council once. “If he sees a Luna in her, then so do I.”The majority of the pack mirrored this sentiment, embracing Elizabeth as one of their own.However, not all shared this enthusiasm. A few elders from the high council murmured amongst themselves. They saw her lineage—or lack thereof—as a threat to tradition. A Luna should come from a bloodline of power, they argued. Not from nowhere.“We do not doubt your leadership, Alpha,” Elder Harran had said, rising to speak. “But a Luna must come from strength. Her background is unknown. How can we be certain she is the right choice?”Czar had risen slowly, his frame imposing, his voice calm but razor-edged."Have I ever led this pack into ruin?" he asked, locking eyes with each elder."No, Alpha," they replied in quiet unison."Have I not fought, bled, and sacrificed to k
The forest had always whispered ancient secrets, but Elizabeth had never expected to be part of one. She’d only wanted to explore some of the old trails beyond the marked boundaries. But somehow, she’d wandered too far, drawn in by the haunting beauty of the wild and the unearthly quiet. Trees loomed like sentinels, and the shadows stretched deeper than they should have. Before she knew it, a group of imposing men had surrounded her.They moved with eerie grace and frightening precision, their eyes glowing with something primal. She hadn’t even had time to scream before she was bound and blindfolded, the cold roughness of rope scraping her skin.When the blindfold was finally removed, she found herself in a cold stone cell deep within a prison under the Emerald Pack's stronghold.****************That was the first time Alpha Czar laid eyes on her.He was there for a routine inspection, flanked by two of his guards. His towering figure filled the hallway, his black coat whipping behin
ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO Many, many years ago, before the moon ever looked kindly on the Emerald Pack, before it bore the name that would inspire awe across the territories, it had another name — one spoken only in hushed tones by the old and the haunted. Once, it was a place of shadows and fear, ruled by a tyrant whose reign had withered every shred of hope from the hearts of its people. His name had long since been erased from the histories, not out of ignorance, but out of deliberate intent. The pack had chosen to forget.This alpha, cruel and insatiable in his thirst for power, ran the pack with an iron fist. He saw his members not as family, but as tools — to be used, to be discarded, to be punished. Families lived in fear, mothers whispered warnings to their children, and warriors bore scars not only from outside battles, but from within. The woods that now stood tall and proud were then filled with silent dread.But change, as it often does, came from the unlikeliest of places.He h