Alaric's POVThe tension in the room was thick, almost suffocating. Ranon’s words hung heavily in the air, and I could see the doubt flicker in Elowen’s eyes. That seed of uncertainty he had planted had taken root, and it tore at me. I hated that he was able to get to her, even just a little. She was mine, and I would do anything to make her believe in that.Her gaze shifted from the door where Ranon had left to me. The vulnerability in her eyes cut deeper than I wanted to admit. I hated the feeling of not being able to fix it instantly, to make her see that I was everything she needed. “Elowen…” I whispered, my voice soft but firm, urging her to look at me.She turned slowly, but there was still a wariness in her expression, something I hadn’t seen before. It hurt more than I was willing to admit, but I couldn’t let it show. I had to be strong for both of us now.I reached for her hand, gently pulling her closer. The moment she was within arm’s reach, I wrapped my arms around her wa
Elowen's POVThe kiss lingered between us, soft and tender, but with an intensity that was undeniable. Alaric’s presence seemed to engulf me completely, and for a moment, I forgot about everything—about the tension with Ranon and Theron, about the doubts and fears swirling in my head. There was only him and me, and it felt like a sanctuary in his arms.I leaned into him, needing the comfort of his touch, the warmth of his body pressed against mine. His hands gently cupped my face, his thumb tracing the outline of my cheek as if memorizing every inch of me.“Elowen…” His voice was a low murmur, filled with raw emotion. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ll never hurt you. I’ll protect you.”I closed my eyes, letting the sound of his voice wash over me, grounding me. But as much as I wanted to believe his words, the doubts still lingered in the back of my mind. The warning from Ranon, the way Theron’s anger had felt so real—could I really trust him? Could I trust anyone, after everything t
Elowen’s POV The next day, the Academy halls buzzed with their usual energy, but for me, it felt different. I walked beside Alaric, his presence a steady comfort. He didn’t say much, but his hand lightly brushed against mine as we walked, a silent reassurance. We entered the courtyard, where students were scattered around—some chatting in groups, others rushing to their classes. As much as I tried to ignore it, I could feel their stares, their whispers following us like shadows. “Look at her,” one girl murmured to her friend, her voice just loud enough for me to hear. “First, she’s the rejected Omega, and now she’s latched onto him?” Her words stung, but Alaric’s hand found the small of my back, grounding me. He leaned closer, his voice low but firm. “Ignore them. They don’t matter.” I nodded, though my chest tightened. It wasn’t easy to brush off the judgmental glares and biting comments, but Alaric’s presence made it a little easier. As we entered the building, I spotted Ranon
Theron’s POV The night stretched endlessly as I sat in the shadows of my room, the scent of rain still lingering in the air. My wolf was restless, snarling and pacing within me. He had been furious ever since I’d seen Elowen with Alaric. She had looked so... content. I clenched my fists, the image of her smiling at him, leaning into his touch, searing itself into my mind. My wolf howled in protest. She’s ours. Not his. Not Ranon’s.But she didn’t see it. She didn’t feel the bond the way I did. Ranon’s words echoed in my mind, taunting me. She’s his mate now... maybe she deserves whatever Alaric has planned.A low growl escaped me. No. She didn’t deserve that, no matter how much she hated me, no matter how broken our bond had become. I stormed out of my room, grabbing my jacket as I made my way to the garage. The mansion was quiet, everyone lost in their own schemes and lies. As I climbed into my car and sped into the night, my thoughts were consumed by one name: Elowen. -
Alaric’s POVHer soft whisper reached my ears, and it sent a shiver down my spine. Alaric. The way she said my name, laced with vulnerability and trust, made my wolf stir with satisfaction.I turned to her, my eyes locking onto hers. Her lips trembled slightly, her breath uneven. She was so close, and the mate bond pulsed between us like a living thing, demanding attention.“Elowen,” I murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She didn’t pull away; instead, her eyes fluttered shut.I couldn’t resist any longer. Leaning in, I captured her lips in a kiss, pouring everything into it—passion, possession, and something softer I barely understood myself. She gasped against my mouth, and I took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, my hand cupping her cheek as I tilted her head slightly.She melted into me, her arms wrapping hesitantly around my neck as the kiss grew more fervent. My wolf growled in approval, satisfied that our mate was responding to us.When we finally pulled a
Elowen’s POV The morning light streamed through the curtains, warming the room with its golden glow. I stirred in bed, the faint sound of birds chirping outside pulling me from my dreams. A gentle hand brushed a strand of hair away from my face, and I opened my eyes to see Alaric leaning over me, his expression soft and tender.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.“Morning,” I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.Before I could fully process, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. It was warm and unhurried, the kind of kiss that made me momentarily forget everything else in the world.“Stay here,” he said, pulling back just enough to speak. “I’ll bring you coffee.”I blinked up at him, my heart swelling at the simple gesture. “No, I’ll make coffee for us,” I insisted, sitting up and brushing the sleep from my eyes.He smirked, his hands slipping under the covers to grip my waist. “You? Make coffee? I’m not sure I trust you
Elowen's POVThe academy halls buzzed with the usual chaos, but my thoughts were miles away. The moments with Alaric felt surreal, yet every time I thought I could trust him completely, Ranon’s and Theron’s words crept back into my mind.Alaric was perfect—too perfect. It was almost unnerving.I shook the thought away, focusing on walking to my next class. As I rounded the corner, my steps faltered.There he was.Ranon stood by the lockers, his broad shoulders tense, his jaw clenched as if he were deep in thought. The sight of him sent a chill down my spine. I told myself to keep walking, to ignore him, but as if sensing my presence, his eyes snapped to mine.“Running away again, little Omega?” His voice was sharp, but there was something behind his tone—something that made me pause.I took a steadying breath and straightened my shoulders. “I’m not running, Ranon. I’m just trying to avoid unnecessary conversations.”He pushed off the locker and strode toward me with that predatory gra
Theron’s POVThe drive to the restaurant was quieter than I expected. Sarah sat beside me, looking out the window with a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. She was clearly happy I’d agreed to this dinner, though my wolf was restless, pacing in my head.She’s not Elowen, my wolf growled.I know that, I snapped internally. This wasn’t about Elowen—or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself. I just needed a distraction, something to pull me out of this madness.When we pulled up to the restaurant, I stepped out and walked around to open Sarah’s door. She slipped her hand into mine as we entered, her fingers soft and warm against my calloused palm.“This place is beautiful,” she said, looking around at the elegant chandeliers and soft lighting.I grunted in response, not really caring. My mind was already elsewhere.The hostess led us to a table, and as we walked through the dining area, my entire body went rigid.There they were.Alaric and Elowen.They were seated at a tabl
Elowen’s POV I stormed down the hallway, my breathing uneven as I tried to shake off the weight of his words. His voice, his touch, his confession—it was too much. He didn’t deserve to have this kind of power over me, and yet he did. “Damn you, Alaric,” I whispered under my breath, wiping the tears from my cheeks. I reached the academy courtyard, where the rain had finally begun to lighten. Students milled around, their eyes darting to me, their whispers following my every step. It didn’t matter. Let them gossip. Let them judge. Nothing they said could hurt me more than he already had. But my steps faltered when I saw him again. Alaric. He was leaning against one of the tall stone pillars, his dark eyes locked onto me the second I stepped outside. His expression was unreadable, a mix of longing, regret, and something else I couldn’t place. "Elowen," he said softly, his voice cutting through the noise of the courtyard like a blade. I froze, my fists clenching at my sides.
Elowen’s POV The hallway felt like it was closing in around me as I stormed out, the taste of Alaric’s kiss still lingering on my lips. My hand trembled as I pressed it against my mouth, trying to erase the memory of his touch, his intensity, the vulnerability in his voice when he said he couldn’t stay away. I hated him. I had to. He was my enemy, the man who had humiliated and broken me countless times. But that kiss—it wasn’t just heat or passion. It was something deeper, something that scared me more than all the pain he had ever caused. The rain outside had started again, but I didn’t care. I pushed through the heavy doors of the academy and let the cold droplets soak me. The chill grounded me, gave me a focus as my emotions threatened to spiral out of control. "Elowen." His voice followed me, deep and commanding, but this time it wasn’t filled with anger. There was a softness in it that made my chest tighten. I didn’t turn around, refusing to let him see the turmoil he w
Elowen’s POV The tension from the hallway still buzzed under my skin as I walked briskly toward the nearest exit. The cool air from the rain earlier seemed like the only thing that could calm me. My fingers trembled, but not from fear—it was the adrenaline, the fire still coursing through me after everything that had just unfolded. "Elowen!" I ignored the voice calling my name, the sharp tone unmistakably his. I quickened my pace, my boots clicking against the polished floor. “Don’t walk away from me,” Alaric growled behind me, the commanding power in his voice making my steps falter. I stopped but didn’t turn around. “What do you want, Alaric?” I asked, my voice cold, trying to mask the storm of emotions threatening to break loose. Suddenly, I felt his hand on my wrist, firm yet not painful. He spun me around to face him, his towering frame inches away from mine. His dark eyes burned with something I couldn’t quite place—anger, frustration, and something deeper, more dange
Elowen’s POV The next morning, I walked into the academy with my head held high, my mother’s words echoing in my mind. They fear you because they know your potential. For the first time in years, I didn’t feel like the weak, humiliated girl they wanted me to be. Today, I wasn’t going to let anyone step on me. Not anymore. The hallway buzzed with students, the usual murmurs and whispers filling the air. As I strode down the corridor, all eyes turned toward me, some lingering longer than usual. I ignored them, focusing on my newfound determination. And then she appeared—Lisa. Her sickly sweet voice rang out as she stepped into my path, her perfectly manicured nails clutching a notebook she held as though it were a weapon. “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence,” Lisa sneered, her lips curling in that familiar condescending smirk. “The academy’s favorite little charity case.” I stopped, my eyes locking onto hers. “Move, Lisa.” My voice was calm, steady, but
Elowen’s POV I stormed out of the academy, my thoughts a swirl of anger and determination. I couldn’t stand it anymore—the triplets, their arrogance, their smug faces. They didn’t understand what I was capable of. But I was about to make them. The path through the woods was familiar, almost comforting in a way. The thick trees shielded me from the world, and I welcomed the solitude. I needed to think, to plan my next move. I was done being the victim. It was time to take control of my own fate. As I approached the secluded cabin where my mother had stayed in hiding all these years, I felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. The resentment toward my father, the betrayal, the isolation—I felt it all. But I couldn’t afford to let those feelings overwhelm me now. I had a bigger purpose. I knocked three times on the heavy wooden door before it creaked open, and there she was—my mother. Her eyes, the same as mine, held a depth of wisdom and sorrow, but there was a quiet strength in them
Elowen’s POV The sun was setting as I walked through the academy grounds, the golden light casting long shadows across the path. My thoughts were racing, but my mind kept returning to one single point: revenge. Everything had led to this moment, to the game I was about to play. No more hesitation. No more fear. It had been a day since I stood before the triplets, made my bold statement, and I could feel the change in the air. The tension was palpable, swirling around me like a storm ready to burst. The whispers had intensified, and I knew they were watching. But the look in their eyes now wasn’t one of control or superiority—it was uncertainty. And that... that felt damn good. As I made my way to the training grounds, I could hear their voices before I saw them. Ranon’s deep tone, Alaric’s mocking laughter, and Theron’s quiet words that I couldn’t quite make out. I didn’t need to know exactly what they were saying. I could feel their eyes on me, following my every move as I approa
Elowen's POV The tension in the air was thick as I made my way through the halls, my heels clicking against the marble floor. The whispers continued behind me, but I paid them no mind. My focus was on one thing only: the game I was playing, the plan I had set in motion, and the power I was slowly reclaiming for myself. Every move I made, every word I spoke—it was all a calculated step toward my ultimate goal. And today, I’d made a significant move. Ranon had been quiet ever since our encounter, his silence telling me everything I needed to know. The way he looked at me, the way his gaze lingered longer than it should have—he was intrigued, and that gave me the upper hand. As I turned the corner toward the courtyard, I saw him again. Ranon. This time, though, he was with his brothers. Alaric, Theron, and Kael were standing in a tight circle, their postures stiff and their conversations muted. But as soon as I entered the space, their heads turned. The moment I laid eyes on th
Elowen’s POV The morning came, but it didn’t feel like the start of a new day. It felt like the beginning of something darker, something powerful, something that would change everything. I stood in front of the mirror, taking in the reflection staring back at me. I had chosen my clothes carefully today. A tight, black leather jacket clung to my body, showing off my curves. My shirt underneath was dark and fitted, and the jeans hugged my legs just right. I wanted to show them—show all of them—that I wasn’t the fragile, broken girl they thought I was. My makeup was bold, my lips a deep shade of crimson, my eyes smoky and intense. I wanted to make an impression, leave a mark. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smirk. This wasn’t just a new outfit. This was a declaration. "Let them look," I muttered to my reflection. "Let them all stare." I left my room and made my way to the academy, the sound of my boots echoing in the empty halls. My heart raced in ant
Elowen’s POV As soon as the door shut, sealing me off from the outside world, I felt the dam inside me break. I rushed to the bathroom, needing the small, confined space to hold myself together, but the second I caught my reflection in the mirror, I shattered. My face was pale, my eyes red-rimmed, and my hair was still damp from the rain. The girl staring back at me looked like a stranger—lost, broken, and utterly defeated. I gripped the edge of the sink, my knuckles turning white as I tried to steady myself. But the pain was too much, the emotions swirling inside me too overwhelming. “What’s wrong with me?” I whispered, my voice cracking as tears blurred my vision. I sank to the tiled floor, pulling my knees to my chest as the sobs I’d been holding back finally escaped. It was all too much—the betrayal, the lies, the endless cycle of pain and confusion. Why couldn’t they just leave me alone? Why did they all have to worm their way into my heart only to twist the knife dee