SHADOW “Zack, what are you doing here?” I was surprised to see him in the parking lot. “I’m the designated driver for today,” he excitedly said before he went to the driver’s seat to start the car. “Oh.” I suddenly felt shy. Zack was a good guy, after all, but I didn’t want him and everyone to get the idea that their Alpha was giving me privileges. They hated me already, and I was afraid I would end up poisoned by my haters. I was literally an outcast who just jumped into an assistant to the Alpha. The number one those gossipers could ever think was that I was in bed with the leader of the pack. Just like right now, these female werewolves were shooting me daggers. “I think I’d rather work in the office,” I told the Alpha as he finished his phone call. “Don’t make it a habit of defying my orders, Shadow. And don’t make me repeat myself. If I say you’re joining, you’re joining me.” I gulped as I nodded, and that was when he noticed the reason for my discomfort. With just a singl
CALIFF “Are you sure she’s ready for this?” Kindra asked. “It wouldn’t be fair for everyone if she will be given a long time to prepare,” Duke answered his mate, sitting next to him. The pack started filling the bench before the football field, where the challenge would begin in a few minutes. Was I worried that she wouldn’t win the challenge? No. I would be more worried for her opponent that Lyon would pick a name that Shadow was challenging. I had confidence in her, and so did the enforcer. “This is gonna be fun.” “I’m worried, Cal. She’s been a rogue for a long time, and two days training with Zack is nothing compared to our enforcers who have trained since they were pups.” “We’ll see.” “What if she won't win?” I looked at Kindra as she began tapping her knees. “She will be omega like everyone else.” “And that is okay with you?” Duke asked. “Yeah. Fair is fair.” “I thought you two have a thing. I heard you went to the city to buy her clothes.” “Because she doesn’t have
SHADOW I ran away. I thought I had it under control. I felt ashamed of myself that I almost killed Tor in front of everyone, and I just proved them right, showing them my true nature that I was nothing but a savage and filthy rogue in their eyes. I lost my only chance. I ended up threatening the guard if he wouldn’t let me enter the confinement. I wanted to be alone right now because I knew my days were over. I would be banished, or worse, they would kill me if Tor wouldn’t heal. My wolf took control when I was threatened, and she felt my pain. I cried in the corner of the room. I was supposed to have a pack now if I only control myself. I missed Kent. I wished he was here right now, telling me everything would be okay. “Go away. I need to be alone.” When the door unlocked, I wiped my tears from my face. I smelled the sweetest lavender wafting in the room instead. “May I come in?” I thought I heard that voice before. I lifted my gaze. “Oh, my Goddess. Luna.” I rose to my fee
CALIFF I watched Shadow writhe in bed. She was probably dreaming about intense sex. She grasped the bed sheet, gripping it tight as she bucked her hips, and her head threw against the pillow, exposing her neck. As her chest rose and fell, her lip caught between her teeth, and then she moaned. Her thighs pressed together and spread them apart, seeking friction. A low growl erupted from my chest, thinking she was dreaming of sex with another man. However, I could have made her dream come true if I hadn’t controlled my wolf. I groaned as the scent of her arousal grew strong enough to make my dick harden in my jeans, but my mind warned me to proceed with caution. My pulse raced as my body responded to her motion. And no woman had ever affected me this way, even women who flirted and seduced me to get to bed with them. What I had with Everlee was nothing but sex, but something with Shadow that made me crave her, even if I hadn’t tasted her. And her smell was so addicting and alluring,
SHADOW “Oh, Shadow. You look amazing.” I wanted to roll my eyes, but it came from Elder Eleanor. Califf took much of her look. They had high cheekbones and expressive eyes. I realized she had hidden something behind them. She didn’t look so much happy. “Thank you. You are beautiful tonight, Elder Eleanor.” I felt like I dressed like a slut tonight because the dress was handpicked by my asshole Alpha. I mean, who watched someone sleep? It was creepy, and not to mention, I had an intense, mortifying dream of us having sex in the wild grass. “Thank you, dear.” Then she looked around. “Where’s the host for tonight?” “Right here, Mom.” His mother looked so proud of him. Who wouldn’t? Despite being an asshole, werewolves respected and feared him, not because he could tear someone apart if they defied his order, but because he was trustworthy and reliable. It was hard to rule a pack with more than one hundred fifty werewolves, and he still put food on the tables. “You look handsome, h
SHADOW No one should have experienced what kind of hell I’d been through at a young age. I lost everyone I loved that night, the only family I considered in that attack, and I hadn’t succeeded in killing the one responsible for that bloody slaughter. And now I just lost my identity— I didn’t know myself. I didn't know who I was anymore. I missed my old life. I missed Kent and hadn’t spoken with him unless my prohibition was lifted. “I’m not. It’s the truth. Every pack needs connections because we’re not in a very peaceful world. The attack from envious packs is imminent, and it’s good to have friends and good relationships with other packs is a great help. Alpha Califf needs everyone’s loyalty.” “Are we talking from experience?” “Before my parents died in that horrible attack, we lived in peace and harmony. We’re not as big as this pack, but everyone is happy with working with humans. The Alpha was married to not of our kind. She left where she came from and gave up everything to
CALIFF My heart felt like it was ripped off my chest, and I watched myself bleed. My wolf howled in misery even if we weren’t completely rejected. The pain was excruciating until it was unbearable, and I wailed in agony alone. I dashed away from her because I couldn’t allow her to see me as weak and melancholic. I ran towards the woods in human form, but my emotions got in the way, and the pain was so intense. I wanted to hurt myself, but my despair wouldn’t make up for it. No matter how much I tried to control my wolf, I felt my claws coming out, my bones breaking, and my clothes torn to shed. I was already running four-legged. My paws thudded against the ground, digging against the dirt. It was a run for life— my one last run. I reached the tip of the cliff. If jumping off could end my misery, I would have done it, but it was my mistake, and my wolf didn't have to suffer with me. My wolf howled at the beautiful full moon hanging low before us. “I need her.” My body shuddered i
CALIFF And there is more— probably a hundred more. This time, I rolled my eyes, which I didn't do it. “Of course. It wouldn’t be you if you didn’t come prepared.” A small smile appeared on her lips as if she was winning her arguments. “I want that bitch out of my sight, away from you, and if I smell your scent on her, I will rip her throat out of her pretty neck.” I couldn’t help but grin. “Your wolf, or you are the one talking.” “Both. I know she’s a daughter of your ally, but she should know her place. If she keeps coming to you because you are fucking her, I suggest you decide whether to keep me or her.” “Shadow.” I let out a warning growl. “Don’t make me choose because there’s nothing to choose from.” “Well, that’s the nicest thing I heard from you since you kidnapped me,” she proudly said, crossing her arms over her chest. “And we fucked. That was weeks ago. I already ended it up since I found you.” She gulped down. Her eyes met mine. “You knew. Well, sorry to be a disap
CALIFF Three months later I’d never been nervous like this in my entire life— it was a mix of excitement and nervousness, if I was being honest. Standing beside me was my Beta, my best man. Who would be perfect to sand by my side on my wedding day anyway? If not Duke, who would fit for the position? In Moon Goddess’s name, Shadow and I were already bonded forever. In the human world, we became husband and wife, a legally married couple. My heart kept thumping when the music started, and then she appeared with her father and Kent. Her ivory lace wedding gown hugged her body perfectly. Her face was covered with a veil. Shadow was always beautiful in my eyes, and she already looked ethereal, like a true goddess in human form. “Shadow.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Today, this union was special for both of us, for our families, and our pack. Our allies, including the new Alpha of Midnight Storm, Alpha Grady, were also present. Of course, the union wouldn’t be complete without th
CALIFF “Wow.” Shadow’s eyes widened to see half of the pack was on the field where we last had an interrupted picnic date. “When I said a barbecue, I expected something like a backyard barbecue, but this is beyond. Awesome.” A whole cow was already on the fire, patties, sausages, and veggies on the grills, stuck buns on the table, bowls of salad, delis, coolers of beers and other beverages, and tables put together into one long table with flower arrangements. It was like an outdoor cooking show, minus the camera. Families, guys, girls, pups, and even witches were here. It was a picnic party. I didn’t even know what to call it. What I saw was a pack having a picnic because threats were over, and hopefully, it would last for a long, long time. “Welcome to the pack picnic, Shadow.” She chuckled and shook her head. “You didn’t steal a cow from our neighbor, did you, Zack?” “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, Luna.” Zack placed chairs for us. “The owner will skew you
SHADOW “Oh,” they gushed as I showed them the massive stone on my engagement ring. “Oh, my goodness.” Aira’s tiny eyes grew big. “What a huge rock from a huge man with a huge—” “Don’t.” Zarah pressed a finger on Aira’s lips. “Oh, yeah. Their hearing.” “You deserve it, Shadow.” Kindra inspected the ring, and it glittered in the sun. The pool was calling me, but they enjoyed gossip more than getting wet in the pool. “When is the wedding? I want to make sure I have a pretty dress,” Zarah said excitedly. “I don’t know. We haven’t talked about the specific date.” “Because last night you two were busy. You ignored Zarah’s call.” I pressed my lips together because I was guilty. After the proposal, we booked a honeymoon suite, got ourselves naked in the tub with rose petals and amazing scented candles, then we fucked in there, on the bed, and when we woke up, he ate me on the table. I didn’t know how I still had strength left or how many orgasms I lost count of. “Shadow.” Aira snap
CALIFF“Your dad knew that you were not his, but he loved you like his own till his last breath,” Alexander, her grandfather, said.“How did you know?”“He came to me, blaming Sebastien. They fought on that ground. He almost killed your father. Maybe at that time, Sebastien surrendered and admitted his mistake. I never saw your father again, but his body was brought to me.”“Why Sebastien doesn’t have a family or children?”“He believes his mate was your mother, considering she was mated to his twin. He has this belief that the goddess gave them one mate to share, but your dad didn’t think that way. His rage had taken him to do what he did. And here you are.”“How did they meet?” Shadow was so engrossed with the story of her parents from his grandfather that she forgot she had a date today.“They met here in Italy. Sebastien saw her first, but Samuel had the courage to approach her. Sebastien has been like this— focused, workaholic, uptight, but your dad was the opposite because he kn
SHADOW I was surprised to find out that the modern house of the High Priestess was in London. I was expecting a stone house exterior, but what surprised me more was that she was the same age as Zarah. “Welcome to my humble home, Shadow.” “High Priestess.” “Oh, please.” She swatted her well-manicured fingernails, and the white high-neck dress looked perfect on her. “Just Margaret.” “My mate, Alpha Califf.” “Of course, the werewolf. I could smell the skepticism in you, Califf.” “Forgive me, Margaret. I haven’t been in a witch house before.” “It’s not the real reason, but because you haven’t seen what I am capable of. And your future father-in-law just arrived.” "A future father-in-law?” How did she know? Califf and I shared a look. Just like that, my father walked into the living room in a white suit and tie. “High Priestess.” “Alpha King Sebastien.” They kissed each other cheek, but the way my father put his hand on her back said something else. Califf and I shared a look a
CALIFF “Is this really happening?” The perks of the pack link. Our parents didn’t have to hear what we were saying. Most of us were lucky enough to have shared this dinner, but some who were not didn’t make it tonight. Watching my parents at the same table with Sebastien was still pinch-worthy. He would have almost ripped my father’s throat if Shadow didn’t intervene. Seeing them in a light conversation over dinner was still like a dream. “Excuse me. I hope you all don’t mind if I go ahead and check those in the infirmary, still healing.” Shadow rose from her seat. She barely touched her food. I wasn’t worried about her because we all had been through a lot. We lost a few but still lost members, no matter the number. And it still hurt. “Of course, Luna,” my mother said. Dad nodded. “Please, father. May I excuse?” “Go ahead.” His gaze shifted to me when I also stood up. “I’m joining Shadow.” “I know how you feel. Losing a pack member is like losing a part of you. I’ll stay he
SHADOW My hands shook as I tried to clean off the blood. The crimson water dropped, draining into the sink— it was Zack’s blood. I almost lost a good man today. Zack was my best friend. Despite how we got off the wrong foot, he helped me through tough shits. He was among a few who believed in me and that there was something good in me, even if I was a rogue. I put another soap on my hands to get rid of the blood stain. It wouldn’t just go. I wanted to forget he was hurt even if the witches said he would make it, but it still hurt. If only the witches weren’t there, I would have lost him. I felt Califf came into the room. A moment later, he appeared at the bathroom door but said nothing, gazing at what I was doing. I washed my face if even he already saw my tears. He could feel and get into my thoughts but chose to give me space. “Where’s everyone?” I asked, diverting my thoughts. He lost men today. I knew how it felt, but he was stronger than most Alphas. Instead of killing those
CALIFF I was surrounded by growling, snarling, whimpering, but that asshole just waited there like a coward to finish off what his men started. That was not what a character of an Alpha. Clearly, he wasn’t one. Prowling in his direction, I bared my teeth and zeroed my attention only to him. I wanted to put an end to this. If he thought he would win in this attack, he was mistaken. He didn’t move, he just stood there watching my movement, making his point of dominance and intimidation. When I was close enough, he rushed toward me, ending us slamming on the ground. His anger filled his eyes, but he also underestimated my strength since I had already fought and killed a few of his wolves. Our claws and teeth lashed. I snarled as his claws raked through my shoulder, and damn, it fucking hurt. Overpowered by his little victory, I bit his leg, yanking it hard, finding himself slammed on the ground. Keane’s wolf rose to his paws, circling me, growling in anger, following my movements, a
SHADOWJust after those explosions, I instantly felt everyone’s fear thickened in the air, probably mine too. I wasn’t used to fighting with other wolves to death, but those explosions and the packs of werewolves walking into the compound left me no choice but to defend ourselves.“They’re here.” Just as I announced, the enforcers shifted to their wolves, leaving me and Califf, Duke, and Lyon still standing in human form.As we marched, the two guards opened the gate for us, taking the fight outside. Our remaining six enforcers followed behind us while Lyon and Duke were on our sides.Close to the trees, I caught sight of at least four vehicles parked with large numbers of members standing tall beside Keane, crossing his arms over his chest and showing us what he got.“He’s trying to intimidate us.” I couldn’t help but snort at the ridiculousness of the number of shifters he brought with him against us.“Ten against thirty or forty? I like the odds,” Califf said. His body vibrated wit