Zade's POV I had barely settled into the throne chair when the heavy mahogany door creaked open, breaking the silence of the Grand Hall and my Beta walked in. I was about to inquire about the task I had assigned him, to bring forth all the she-warriors, when the door swung open and they marched in, one after the other, their boots echoing against the hard ground. My jaw tightened as my gaze swept over their faces and I remembered the disrespect they had shown to my mate, their Luna. The memory of her hurt expression flashed before my eyes and a surge of anger coursed through me. My fingers twitched, itching to wrap around the hilt of the dagger at my side. The thought of punishing them for their insolence, of watching the life drain from their eyes, was almost too tempting to resist. "Easy, man. Don't let your anger get the best of you," Nathan's voice cut through the haze of my rage. His words, though soft, carried an authority that even I couldn't ignore. It was as if he
Lenora's POV I woke to the sound of the door creaking open. My hands instinctively rubbed my eyes, brushing the fog of sleep. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the person who had just barged in. Standing in the doorway was a figure I hadn't expected to see. Ever! It was none other than Alpha Zade's brother. What's his nameâŠ.. I trailed off as I tried to recall it, but it was out of reach. âZariel,â Zoey whispered in my head and I nodded faintly, my heart pounding and racing with different questions. I thought Alpha Zade had told the guards never to allow him here. How had he gotten here without anyone noticing? The packâs security was supposed to be impenetrable, yet here he was, standing as if he owned the place. âLook who we have here,â Zariel drawled, his voice dripping with amusement. He stepped further into the room after closing the door behind him. My instincts screamed at me to move, to defend myself in case he had any plans to attack me. Therefore, I shot up
Lenora's POV âWhat the hell is going on here?â He repeated in a low but dangerous voice, each word dripping with barely contained rage. Before I could even open my mouth to defend myself, Zariel stepped forward, his smirk widening as if he had been waiting for this moment. âOh, brother, you are just in time,â he drawled. âYour little mate here was showing me how affectionate she can be. Isn't that right, sweetheart?â He turned to me, his eyes glinting with amusement. My blood boiled. âThat's a lie!â I snapped my voice trembling with anger. âZade, he's lying. He forced himself on me! I didn'tâŠ..â Zariel cut me off with a laugh. âDon't be shy, Lenora. You were practically begging for it. Isn't that why you called me here? To entertain you while your mate was busy playing the good and perfect Alpha?â I felt my stomach churned, bile rising in my throat. How could he twist the situation like this? How could he make it seem like I had wanted any of this? My hands clenched into
Zade's POVWith a scowl on my face, I walked in, following my Beta as he pushed open the heavy oak doors of the courtroom. The elders seated on the high-backed chairs, looked up at me. Then in unison, they rose from their seats. âGreetings, Alpha. Greetings Beta,â They chorused in unison but I didn't bother to acknowledge their greetings. Instead, my scowl deepened as I strode towards the throne chair. I sank into the chair, my fingers drumming against the armrest as I surveyed the room and their faces. âWhat brings you here?â I asked, my voice low and filled with an irritation that I wasn't even trying to hide. My raised eyebrows dared them to waste my time. Pedro, the council leader, stood, his aged frame trembling slightly as he cleared his throat. âGreetings, Your MajestyâŠ..â âSkip the formalities, Pedro.â I cut him off in a sharp tone. âGet to the point. Why are you all here?â I asked even though my Beta already told me their reasons for being here. He hesitated, his e
Zariel's POV With a proud smile on my face, I walked into Elder Pedro's house, hoping for nothing but good news. I wanted to hear that my brother had given up and agreed to step down from the throne, for me. But that smile on my face disappeared as soon as I saw how crestfallen the old man looked. âElder Pedro?â I called out, but there was no response from him. Instead he just sat there, looking so dejected, like someone who was mourning the loss of his loved one. Wait a minute! Did someone die? I thought to myself as I got closer to where he was. I waved my hands across his face and that was when he took notice of my presence. âZariel, what are you doing here?â He asked in a sharp tone and I creased my brows in confusion, as I wondered why he was sounding that way. He didn't sound like this earlier! âWhat's going on? Why do you look so broody?â I asked, but he hissed. âThat doesn't answer my question, Zariel. What are you doing here?â He slapped me and I had to stop myself fr
Zariel's POVâTalia?â I called out, my voice cutting through the quiet air of the cafĂ©. She spun around, her sharp eyes locking onto mine, brows lifting in a mix of irritation and curiosity. âYou are ten minutes late!â She hissed, her gaze darting to the delicate wristwatch on her wrist. âWell, well, well,â I clapped slowly, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips as I slid into the seat across from her. âSeems like someone couldn't wait to see me,â My tone was light, teasing, but her eyes narrowed. She didn't look amused at all. âWhy did you call me here, Zariel?â She demanded. I leaned back, feigning nonchalance even though her patience was evident. âThis isnât a good way to talk to your brother-in-law,â I teased again, my smirk widening. She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest.âCut the crap, Zariel. I donât have all day. What do you want?â I leaned forward, my elbows resting on the table, my gaze locking onto hers. âI want to help you,â I said, my voice dropping
Zade's POV âHow did it go?â My mother asked as soon as she saw me walk through the door. I couldn't even answer. I just walked straight to the couch and plop down. Her soft chuckle broke the silence. âJudging from the look on your face, I can tell that it didn't go well,â She said teasingly and I exhaled sharply. Fuck! Those old hags! They'll be the death of me. I should have just killed them, instead of letting them leave the courtroom alive.âThey want me to send Lenora away,â I said, my voice low and strained. âAll because she was once Axelâs mate. They are claiming that she could be a spy, working for Axelâ My mother's eyes narrowed and her lips tightened into a thin smile. âAnd what makes them think they have the right to tell you what to do, huh?â Her voice rose slightly. She crossed her arms over her chest, her protective instincts flaring. âSince when do they dictate who stays and who leaves in your pack?ââIt's Zariel,â I muttered, my jaw clenching. âHe's behind th
Melissa's POV âMom?â I called out as I stepped into my mother's room, but I was only met with silence. The room was strangely quiet, the bed neatly made and that would only mean that she didn't sleep here last night, because if she did, the bed wouldn't still be made up by this time. My heart sank! Where was she? I've searched every corner of the house, but she was nowhere to be found, not even in the garden, her favorite spot in the pack house. For the umpteenth time, I pulled out my phone and dialed her number again, but I was greeted with the same automated messages: âThe number you are trying to reach is unavailable.â I've been trying to reach her through the mind link too, but it's not going through. My chest tightened. Something was wrong somewhere. I could feel it in my bones. None of the maids have agreed to seeing her. Not even Laura. Just where the hell could she be? Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of her room and into the hallway, my mind still racing wi
Talia's POV âMy fiance? What are you talking about, mother?â I really didn't want to believe what she said. I really hoped it was some prank. How could she even say that? âOh, Natalia,â she crooned, as if speaking to a child. âMust I spell it out for you? You are getting married. And you should be on your knees thanking me for it.â âYou must be joking, mother. I never agreed to any marriage. And besides, I didn't have any man in my life apart from Zade,â Her breath hitched, just for a second, before her voice turned to ice. âNatalia, haven't I warned you to stay away from Ophelia and that son of hers, huh? Haven't I warned you to stay away from them? But you never listen, do you?â âBecause you donât own me,â I snapped. âI decide who I love.â A sharp inhale, then her voice dropped to a low whisper. âZade is your brother, don't you get it?â All I could do was roll my eyes. The same old lie and I knew she was only telling me that so I could stay away from Zade but that'
Talia's POV The steering wheel groaned under my grip, my knuckles white with fury. That bitch actually hit me with those filthy hands of hers. And OpheliaâŠ. Ophelia fucking had the nerves to take her side. The humiliation I felt earlier burned hotter than the slap itself. Those snickering maids, their whispers cutting through my mind like a sharp poison. I swear to the moon god, I'll make them regret it. I'll make them feel every humiliation I felt. âArghhh!â My scream tore through the car as I slammed my fists against the wheel. The sharp pain barely registered over the storm raging deep inside me. "Don't think too much about it, Talia. Just takeâ" My wolf started, but I cut her off. "Shut. Up." My voice was like a blade, slicing her off mid sentence. "This is your fault." If she hadnât pushed me into taking that damn photo, I wouldn't have gone to Zade's house and none of this wouldâve happened. "Give me a break, Talia. We both know that I was only trying to help you.
Lenora's POV All I wanted at that moment was for the ground to open up and swallow me. I can't believe that he's been standing there and listening to our conversation. I really had no idea that he was there. Heck! I didn't even hear him walk in. And I'm sure as hell that Luna Ophelia didn't hear him walk in either. âIt's not a good thing to eavesdrop, Zade.â Luna Ophelia scolded, though her face beamed with smiles. âI'm sorry, mother, but I couldn't help it, but I was glad that I did.â He winked at her, before taking his attention back to me. âSo tell me, my Luna, do you love me?â I tried to duck my head behind my hair like I always do whenever I was blushing, and as if sensing my next action, his hands came under my chin to stop me. âDo you love me?â He sneered. He wouldn't give up easily, therefore I decided to answer him. âYes, Zade.â I whispered quietly. This wasn't the first time that I was confessing my love for him, but it felt different because Luna Ophelia was right
Lenora's POV âShut up, Talia.â Luna Ophelia hissed through gritted teeth before taking her attention back to me. She took a step closer. âTell me the truth, Lenora, did you kiss him?â I cleared my throat before starting. âFirst of all, Luna, it's not what it seems. I can explain if you want me toâŠ.â âThere is nothing to explain, bitch. You kissed him. I saw everything. I even brought a proof, because I know that you were going to lie about it. You are a two-faced whore. YouâŠ.â Before she could finish her statement, my palms collided with her face. She looked stunned. âDid you just slap me, bitch?â She hissed through gritted teeth as she roughly caressed her face, her eyes almost glistening with tears, but it was gone the moment she blinked her eyes. âOf course, Talia and I will do it again and again if you don't stop talking. Now get out of here.â I snapped. âYou can't send me away. This is Zade's house and I am his first love.â She snapped and all I could do was roll my eyes
Lenora's POV The world narrowed to the heat of his mouth, the roughness of his grip, the shock that froze me in place. It wasnât just an ordinary kissâŠ.it was a claim. A brutal and unapologetic one. âWhat are you doing, Lenora? Come to your fucking senses!â Zoey's screams pulled me out of my head and almost immediately, I tore my lips away from his. And the next minute, my palms collided with his face. âAre you fucking crazy?â I hissed through gritted teeth. He didn't even look remorseful at what he did. Instead he took his hands to his face and palmed it in a tender way. âHow dare you kiss me?â âFuck, that was new!â He winked while licking his lips. All I felt was anger. I wished I could slap him again. âThe next time you lay those filthy hands on me, Derek, I'll make sure you never use them again.â I spat again and I tried to walk away from him, but he held my hands in a way that I couldn't move it. âLet go of me, Derek!â I yelped in pain, but he didn't bulge. Instead
Talia's POV âAre you going to let that bitch go, after embarrassing you before Lady Lydia and that shop attendant, huh ?â My wolf asked me for the umpteenth time, but I couldn't answer. Heck, I couldn't form any words. How could I answer when I was still seething with anger? I was fucking furious and I wished I hadn't walked away without hitting her. That bitch! How could she do such a thing? Well, it's not too late. Was I going to let her go easily after what she did to me? No fucking way! She embarrassed me before Lady Lydia and other people in the mall and I'm gonna make her pay for everything, but how? Zariel has been unreachable for the past few days! He's the only one who can help me out with the best idea for a punishment, but the fool is nowhere to be found. Anyways, it'll be better if he's dead. He's driving me crazy every minute."How about taking a quick break in the meantime? Maybe stop at that canteen? You know, sometimes stepping away is the best way to clear
Lenora's POV The scent of paper and ink wrapped around me like a cloak as I stepped into the bookstore, a quiet refuge from the noisy city outside. The bell above the door chimed softly, announcing my arrival. My fingers trailed along the spines of well loved novels as I made my way deeper inside, my heart already thrumming with anticipation of getting my favourite book. I had spent weeks counting down to this day. Marietta, my favorite author, had announced her newest release on social media, and the moment the announcement went live, I marked the date in my calendar, already eager to get it. âAuctioned To My Alpha Professor.â The title alone sent a thrill through me. Heaven knows I couldn't wait to read it. I couldn't wait to read another masterpiece from her. And now, finally, it was here. The thought alone sent a wave of pleasure and excitement through me. Behind the counter sat an elderly woman, her silver hair pulled into a neat bun, and a pair of medicated glasses pe
Lenora's POV âGood day, ma'am, and welcome to Chrome Heart Shopping mall.â The sales representative said to me as soon as I got into the mall and I smiled softly at her. âGood day to you.â I asked, my eyes darting around the mall in search of anything that might catch my attention. âWhat would you like to get?â She asked me and I took my attention back to her. I might just trust her to show me the best gifts they have here. âWell, I'd like to get some bags, shoes and dresses too.â I answered with a smile as usual. âTrust me, ma'am, you are at the right place.â She smiled warmly at me. âCome with me.â She gestured and I walked behind her. Mara had long gone to the other section to get what she needed. âAwwwn!â I cooed as I saw a necklace that was out on display and immediately it caught my eyes. It reminded me of the Mountain Heart Necklace, the same one that Axel had âstolenâ from Charlotte. âDo you like it, ma'am?â The young lady asked and I nodded. âOf course
Lenora's POV Two hours. Thatâs how long it had been since the guard burst into Zadeâs study, breathless with warnings of a rogue attack. Two hours since heâd vanished into the day without a backward glance. I paced the room, my fingers twisting together. The mind linkâŠ.our lifelineâŠ.remained silent, no matter how desperately I reached through the bond. Where are you? Every second stretched into an eternity. If the rogues had ambushed him⊠if theyâd found a way to sever our connection⊠I swallowed hard. He has to come back. I walked towards Luna Ophelia's direction. âDo you think he's fine?â I asked her for the umpteenth time and she took my hands into hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. âCome on, Nora,â she chuckled lightly. Somehow, I've come to love the fact that she addresses me as Nora. It reminds me of my mom. She was the only one who has ever called me that name. And whenever someone else tried to call me that name, I always got angry, but right now, I wasn't pisse