Late afternoon, Grace and Ethan prepared to leave. Grace sighed, adjusting the strap of her handbag on her shoulder.“I hate driving in the dark,” Grace muttered, pulling her jacket tighter around her as she gave Daniella a firm hug. “I swear, these roads turn into a horror movie set the moment the sun dips.”Daniella laughed, though she felt a small pang of sadness as her friend prepared to leave. “I’d tell you to stay the night, but I know Roy would come banging on my door, demanding to know what I’ve done with his wife and son.”Grace smirked. “He’s hopeless without me, and we both know it.”Dalton, who had been standing beside the car with Sophie clinging to his hand, chuckled. “That’s the price of being indispensable.”Grace rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. She leaned down, planting a kiss on Sophie’s forehead. “Be good to your mum, okay? And stop terrorizing Ethan.”“I do not terrorize Ethan!” Sophie protested, but Ethan, standing behind Grace, made a face that said otherwis
The next morning, Daniella drove Sophie to school. The drive to school had become a comforting routine, a pocket of time in which mother and daughter shared silly jokes and favorite songs. The little girl sat in the backseat, swinging her legs, her tiny fingers playing with the hem of her school skirt. There was a thoughtful silence between them, one that Daniella had grown to recognize. Sophie was thinking, which meant questions were coming.“Mummy?” Sophie’s voice was soft, hesitant, yet filled with the natural curiosity of a child.“Yes, sweetheart?” Daniella glanced at her through the rearview mirror, offering her a gentle smile.Sophie hesitated, her little brows furrowed as she toyed with the straps of her backpack. “Who is my daddy?”Daniella sucked in her breath, she knew sophie would ask the question someday but she never expected it to be so soon. Her hands tightened around the steering wheel as her heart pounded against her ribs. She had always known this moment would come,
The rumours started as hushed murmurs, slithering through the pack like a venomous snake, growing louder with each retelling. At first, it was only a few sympathetic ears—women who had always resented Mrs. Garvalle’s iron grip on the pack, men who had long desired a change in leadership. But Matilda was clever. She didn’t just let the rumors take root naturally; she watered them, nurtured them.Matilda had been clever about it, never uttering the words herself in public but letting others do it for her. Her maid, Jane, had been instrumental—discreetly slipping money into the hands of pack members with grievances against Mrs. Garvalle. Those who already bore resentment, those who had long grumbled about the matriarch’s iron-fisted rule, took the bait eagerly, fanning the flames of discord.“She was pregnant with Liam’s heir,” one would say in hushed disbelief.“Didn’t you hear? She lost the baby because of the Luna,” another would add, eyes darting around for eavesdroppers.“She was pu
Alpha Liam took a step forward, his towering presence now looming over her. “I will not have you turn my pack against itself. And I certainly won’t have you defaming my mother to satisfy whatever twisted game you’re playing.”Matilda’s smirk didn’t waver. “Are you threatening me, Alpha?” she taunted, tilting her head, amusement flickering in her expression. “Oh, how terrifying. You forget, my father is a better Alpha than you will ever be. Maybe if you had his spine, you wouldn’t let yourself be led around like a leashed dog.”Liam’s eyes darkened, his wolf howling beneath his skin. His patience was wearing thin, fraying at the edges and about to snap. “If you think,” he said slowly, each syllable a warning, “that mating with me gives you the right to harass, bully, and defame my mother, you are gravely mistaken. This ends now, Matilda.” His hands curled into fists at his sides, a desperate attempt to restrain the rage coursing through him. “If you continue acting unreasonably, I will
Some minutes after matilda left, Alpha Liams phone rang. Liam barely glanced at the screen before snatching it up, his patience already frayed from his earlier encounter with Matilda."Hello?" he snapped, his voice edged with irritation."How dare you maltreat my daughter?" The voice on the other end was deep and seething with fury.Liam stiffened, recognizing it instantly. Alpha Seth. A growl rumbled low in his throat. Had he seen the caller ID, he would have ignored the call altogether. But it was too late now. Hanging up would only worsen matters. He could already picture Matilda, crocodile tears in her eyes, playing the role of the wounded victim while her father swallowed every word whole."I should have known," Liam muttered, running a hand down his face in frustration. "What lies has she fed you now, Seth?""Lies?" Seth spat the word as though it burned his tongue. "I heard your mother and yourself have turned my beloved daughter into your personal punching bag. Your marriage
“You’ve just committed a direct act of aggression against my pack,” Liam growled, his voice low and venomous. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You’ve broken the governing bodies’ ruling—attacking an allied pack is treason. I’ll ensure you are dealt with swiftly.”Alpha Seth’s chuckle was slow, deliberate, and brimming with condescension. “You’re focusing on the wrong problem, boy,” he said, his tone dripping with mockery. “Instead of flapping your mouth about consequences, perhaps you should be more concerned with the infiltrators within your own pack. I already have the upper hand, whether you like it or not.”Liam clenched his jaw. He hated the way Seth spoke to him, as though he were a mere pup trying to play at being Alpha. He had fought for his title, had bled for it. No one, not even this arrogant old wolf, would dictate his rule.His mind raced as it filtered through his security reports, the recent disruptions within Hollow Pack. Could it be possible? No—Seth was bluffi
The phone rang twice before Beta Adam picked up, his voice sharp and alert. “Alpha, I was just about to call you. There’s a situation at the farmland—an explosion. I’m overseeing it now.”“I know,” Liam said, his voice tight. “Leave it and come to my office. Now.”There was a brief pause, the sounds of shouting and urgency in the background. “Alpha, with all due respect, this is serious. We need to assess the damage and—”“I said now, Adam,” Liam cut him off, his tone brooking no argument. “Hand it over to someone else. I need you here immediately.”His Beta hesitated for a second before exhaling sharply. “Understood. I’ll have Gamma Lucas take over.”Liam could hear Adam turning away from the chaos, issuing rapid orders. “Lucas, you’re in charge. Secure the perimeter, report any unusual findings, and make sure the fire doesn’t spread. Keep the warriors on high alert until I return.”Gamma Lucas’s voice crackled faintly over the line. “Understood. I’ll handle it.”Liam ended the call,
Murmurs passed through the elders. One of them, Elder Reginald, leaned forward. “This urgency better be justified, Alpha,” he said. “This better not be another political affair concerning—”“This is far beyond politics,” Liam cut in sharply, his patience thinning. “This is a direct attack on our pack.”A hush fell over the room.Liam took a breath, steadying himself before he spoke the words that would change everything. “The explosion today at the farmland was no accident. It was orchestrated by Alpha Seth.”Gasps rippled through the room. Some warriors exchanged alarmed glances, while others clenched their fists. The elders, however, remained still, their expressions darkening. They were wise enough to know that Seth had always been a dangerous man, but this was outright provocation.Elder Vaughn narrowed his eyes. “You are certain of this?”Liam nodded grimly. “He told me himself.”More murmurs. A few of the warriors visibly stiffened. Vaughn exhaled through his nose, his fingers t
The day of the Luna ceremony arrived with the first golden rays of the morning sun stretching across the Hollow Pack’s vast lands. It was a day steeped in history, one that had been celebrated for centuries in honor of the mate chosen to stand beside the Alpha, to bring unity, strength, and prosperity to the pack.The venue had been prepared days in advance, set before the sacred Moon Goddess Shrine, a towering marble structure veined with silver, standing proudly in the heart of the pack's sacred grounds. The shrine was built centuries ago by the ancestors, honoring the divine spirit that guided their kind. It was a place of reverence, surrounded by towering oak trees, their gnarled roots pushing through the earth like the veins of time itself. A river ran nearby, its waters glistening like liquid silver under the light of the sun. Ancient symbols, carved deep into the shrine's stone walls, whispered of prosperity, fertility, and the unbreakable bond between mates.For generations, t
The low hum of the pilot’s voice crackled through the cabin speakers."Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent into New York. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing."Matilda stirred from her slumber, groggy from the indulgences of the previous night. Her temples pulsed with the dull ache of too much champagne, too little sleep, and an overdose of self-satisfaction.Jane, ever the dutiful maid, hovered close, waiting for instructions."We’ll be landing soon, Ms Matilda," she said softly.Matilda let out a sigh, stretching before running her fingers through her slightly tousled golden curls."I need to change," she muttered, rubbing her tired eyes. "I refuse to step foot in New York looking anything less than spectacular.""Fetch my gold sequin dress. The one with the slit," she ordered, her voice slightly hoarse from the night of partying in Paris. Jane scrambled to retrieve the garment from the carry-on.Matilda’s movements were meticulous as she reapplied he
Matilda sat across from Liam in his study, her manicured nails tapping rhythmically against the polished oak desk. She was dressed immaculately, as always, her emerald-green dress hugging her curves, her blonde hair cascading in perfect waves. A woman who knew the power of appearances."I’m going to Paris," she announced, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.Liam, who had been reading over some pack documents, barely glanced up. "For what?"Matilda’s smirk deepened. "To get my Luna gown, of course. And the jewelry to match. I will not be wearing anything less than perfection for my ceremony."Liam exhaled, setting down the paper in his hand. "You could find a dress here. We have designers—"She scoffed. "In this town? Please. The future Luna of the Hollow Pack deserves the best. And that means the fashion houses of Paris, not some local seamstress who stitches prom dresses."Liam studied her for a moment. He was a man of few words, but Matilda could see the irritation flickering in
After Mrs Garvalles's speech, Alpha liam addressed his subordinates again.“Thank you all for being here,” he said, his voice carrying over the sea of faces. “I know these past few weeks have been trying, but I want you all to know that as your Alpha, my top priority is the safety and well-being of this pack. Tonight, we have taken an important step forward, and I trust that we will continue to stand together. Now, I invite you all to head to the field for a light refreshment.”A roar of excitement erupted from the pack, the tension that had filled the air dissipating into laughter and chatter. The crowd slowly began to disperse, heading towards the open field where tables had been set up with food and drinks under the soft glow of overhead lights.As Liam turned to step down from the stage, the elders of the pack approached Mrs. Garvalle, their expressions a mixture of solemnity and gratitude.“Queen Mother,” Elder Harris began, his voice warm and filled with gratitude, “we thank you
The grand Hall of the Garvalle Pack was almost filled to the brim, the murmuring of voices of pack members echoed off the high wooden beams. Wolves of all ranks including the warriors, healers, scouts, elders, and even the civilians, all stood together, waiting with bated breath. It was rare for Alpha Liam to call for a full pack gathering, and even rarer that it was held under such tense circumstances. The scent of burning wood from the distant farmland still lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the chaos that had erupted not long ago.Liam stood on the elevated stage, his commanding presence highlighted by the bright overhead lights illuminating the hall. His sharp blue eyes swept over the pack, noting the wary expressions, the unspoken fears, and the silent accusations simmering beneath the surface. He knew there were whispers—rumors of internal discord, of power struggles, of betrayals lurking in the dark corners of their home. It was time to put an end to it.Clearing his thr
As the night stretched in the Alphas’ mansion. Liam stood in his office, his fingers pressing into the cool wood of his desk as he tried to organize his thoughts. Midnight was approaching, and with it, a conversation he had dreaded but could no longer avoid. He had sent a mind link to his mother earlier, requesting a private meeting. She had not questioned it, but he knew she had sensed the gravity of the matter. She was too seasoned, too intelligent not to recognize when something was deeply amiss.At precisely midnight, Liam made his way to her chambers. Liam inhaled deeply and made his way down the dimly lit corridor. His footsteps echoed slightly against the marble floors. He entered without knocking, knowing she would be waiting.His mother’s room was warm and elegant, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a golden hue across the polished furniture. Mrs. Garvalle sat on a velvet chair near the fireplace, a book resting open in her lap, though it was clear she had not been rea
Murmurs passed through the elders. One of them, Elder Reginald, leaned forward. “This urgency better be justified, Alpha,” he said. “This better not be another political affair concerning—”“This is far beyond politics,” Liam cut in sharply, his patience thinning. “This is a direct attack on our pack.”A hush fell over the room.Liam took a breath, steadying himself before he spoke the words that would change everything. “The explosion today at the farmland was no accident. It was orchestrated by Alpha Seth.”Gasps rippled through the room. Some warriors exchanged alarmed glances, while others clenched their fists. The elders, however, remained still, their expressions darkening. They were wise enough to know that Seth had always been a dangerous man, but this was outright provocation.Elder Vaughn narrowed his eyes. “You are certain of this?”Liam nodded grimly. “He told me himself.”More murmurs. A few of the warriors visibly stiffened. Vaughn exhaled through his nose, his fingers t
The phone rang twice before Beta Adam picked up, his voice sharp and alert. “Alpha, I was just about to call you. There’s a situation at the farmland—an explosion. I’m overseeing it now.”“I know,” Liam said, his voice tight. “Leave it and come to my office. Now.”There was a brief pause, the sounds of shouting and urgency in the background. “Alpha, with all due respect, this is serious. We need to assess the damage and—”“I said now, Adam,” Liam cut him off, his tone brooking no argument. “Hand it over to someone else. I need you here immediately.”His Beta hesitated for a second before exhaling sharply. “Understood. I’ll have Gamma Lucas take over.”Liam could hear Adam turning away from the chaos, issuing rapid orders. “Lucas, you’re in charge. Secure the perimeter, report any unusual findings, and make sure the fire doesn’t spread. Keep the warriors on high alert until I return.”Gamma Lucas’s voice crackled faintly over the line. “Understood. I’ll handle it.”Liam ended the call,
“You’ve just committed a direct act of aggression against my pack,” Liam growled, his voice low and venomous. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You’ve broken the governing bodies’ ruling—attacking an allied pack is treason. I’ll ensure you are dealt with swiftly.”Alpha Seth’s chuckle was slow, deliberate, and brimming with condescension. “You’re focusing on the wrong problem, boy,” he said, his tone dripping with mockery. “Instead of flapping your mouth about consequences, perhaps you should be more concerned with the infiltrators within your own pack. I already have the upper hand, whether you like it or not.”Liam clenched his jaw. He hated the way Seth spoke to him, as though he were a mere pup trying to play at being Alpha. He had fought for his title, had bled for it. No one, not even this arrogant old wolf, would dictate his rule.His mind raced as it filtered through his security reports, the recent disruptions within Hollow Pack. Could it be possible? No—Seth was bluffi