Lenora's POV I sat curled up on the cushioned chair of my balcony, my fingers lightly gripping the edges of the book I had gotten from the library. My favorite book by my favorite author, Marietta. The words on the pages blurred as my mind drifted, replaying the events of yesterday. Heat rushed to my cheeks as the memory â Alpha Zade, standing bare before me, his chiseled physique full on display. I could vividly remember how I had turned on my heels and fled faster than I had ever moved, even though the image had already burned itself into my mind. And now, as if summoned by my thoughts, I heard the door open and just then, I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps entering into my room. My heart leaped into my throat. Even without turning, I already knew who it was. Alpha Zade. My powerful mate. I stiffened in my seat, gripping the book as if it could shield me from the presence of the only man who had been occupying my thoughts since yesterday. I didn't dare look
Lenora's POV I woke up the next morning to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains of my room. For the first time in three years, I felt a sense of peace and serenity around me. I suddenly recalled the feeling of excitement that washed over me when Alpha Zade kissed me on my forehead last night. It was a magical feeling. As I continued to think about it, I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the bathroom where I did my usual morning routine and after I was done, I decided to seek out Alpha Zade. I just realized that I didn't thank him for the credit card he had given me yesterday through Beta Karl, when he came to my room last night. Luckily for me, after the tour that Lucia had given me, I could find my way around the estate. Therefore, I made my way there. As I approached Alpha Zade's room, I hesitated for a moment, my hand pausing over the door. After a while, I knocked softly and waited patiently for his permis
Lenora's POV I stared at Alpha Zade's wrists in shock, my breath hitching in my throat as a thin line of blood welled up from the shallow cut he had made. âWhere is your first aid kit?â I asked, but he shook his head as he placed his hands over mine. âYou don't have toâŠ.â He started, but I shook my head. âWhere is it?â I asked in a firm but polite tone. âIt's in the bathroom. The biggest cabinet over the towel rack.â Immediately, I turned on my heels as I walked into the bathroom. Since he had described it for me, it didn't take long before I found it. And shortly, I was in the room with him. I placed the box on the table and quickly brought out everything I needed. My hands trembled as I reached for the bandage on his desk, my mind racing with different thoughts. I couldn't believe that he had gone to such lengths to prove his commitment to me. The sight of his blood, which was spilled for my sake, was overwhelming. âYou didn't have to do that, my Alpha.â I whispered i
Lenora's POV I stood at the edge of the pack house porch, my fingers gripping the wooden railing as I inhaled the pine-scented air. It was my third full day in this new new world yet, it has been the best days of my life. Who would have thought that I'll ever experience such a good time like this? Alpha Zade had left earlier for a meeting with his Beta, Karl and a group of warriors. He had apologized profusely, promising to return by midday, but I had assured him that I didn't mind. Truthfully, I was relieved. I needed time to breathe, to process the mixed emotions from last night: Zade's oath, his vow and the way he'd held me as if I was something precious. Now I was determined to explore my new pack. Therefore, I stepped off the porch and into the heart of the Blood Moon Pack. The pack was full of energyâwarriors spared in a nearby training ring, children running through the cabins laughing and talking, elders sat weaving baskets under the shade of the ancient oak
Lenora's POV The evening air was cool and quiet as I sat with Lucia on a bench. We didn't talk and the silence felt awkward. I had things I wanted to say, but I couldn't. The mean things the warriors said still hurt me and I didn't want to bother Lucia with my problems. Lucia had already done so much for me â confronting them, defending me â and I didn't want to burden her further with my pain. âSee you later, Lucia,â I finally said, breaking the awkward silence. My voice sounded hollow, even to my own ears. It was better to go back to my room alone than to sit here and risk boring her with my thoughts. âIs there a problem, my Luna?â She asked, her tone laced with genuine concern. Her eyes searched mine, but I quickly shook my head, forcing a smile onto my lips. How could I explain the storm raging within me? The guilt, the anger and the grief. It was all too much to put into words. âNot really, Lucia. I'm just feeling sleepy,â I lied, the smile on my face feeling more lik
Lenoraâs POV I couldn't believe my eyes. Standing before me was a woman I had thought I might never see again. Eight months had passed since that fateful day when I found her lying broken and battered on the side of the road, left to die by some unknown stranger. The memory of her frail body, barely holding to life, flashed vividly in my mind. I had rushed to her side, desperate to help and in that moment, I had felt a strange unshakable connection to her. Now, here she was, alive and radiant, her presence alone, commanding the room in a way I could never have imagined. âOphelia?â I whispered, my voice trembling, barely audible over the pounding of my heart. âWhat are you doing here?â She tilted her head slightly, a soft smile curving her lips. Her eyes, warm and loving, met mine. âLenora.â She said with that smooth voice of hers. âIt's been a while, hasn't it?â I blinked, struggling to believe that the woman before me was the same fragile figure I had seen before. I
Zade's POV âWhat is she talking about?â My mother's voice cut through the air, her sharp eyes locking onto mine. I could see the confusion and suspicion in her gaze as she stared at me in close scrutiny. At that moment, I wished I could silence Talia forever and send her straight to the hell she deserved. She was really getting on my nerves. Talia walked forward, unaware of the tension in the air with a calm and self-assured attitude that was really annoying. âYes, Ophelia,â she said, her voice dripping with a pretentious smile. âZade and I are in a romantic relationship. In fact, we are almost done with our engagement ceremony. Zade can't be with any woman except me. That bitchâŠâ she paused as she glanced quickly at Lenora, âShould leave. Her presence is not needed here, because, I, the rightful Luna is here to take my place as Zade's Lunaâ âTell your mother about us, Zade.â She said as she reached for my hand, but I jerked away as if her touch burned. âDon't you dare
Lenora's POV I stood there watching Zade and his mother exchange relieved glances, their bond evident in the way they communicated without words. It was a connection I admired, one I hoped to have with her someday. But I came to realize that despite the calmness that settled over the room, a nagging feeling gnawed at the back of my mind. Talia's words, her venomous tone and the way she had looked at me like I was nothing more than an obstacle in her path, one that she couldn't wait to destroy. It left me uneasy. Merely looking at her, I could tell that she wasn't the type to walk away quietly. And Zade's reassurances, though comforting in its own ways, didn't completely ease my fears. âLenora.â Zade's voice tore me away from my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. He was standing in front of me now, his bright eyes meeting mine. âYou are overthinking again, aren't you?â I forced a small smile, though it didn't reach my eyes. âI'm fine,â I lied, brushing off his concern, bu
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