Theron’s POVThe storm still raged outside, relentless and unforgiving, much like the chaos in my mind. Camille lay beside me in the car, her chest rising and falling steadily as she tried to catch her breath. Her fingers trailed lazily over my arm, but her touch felt distant, almost foreign.I leaned back, staring out the rain-streaked window, the weight of everything crashing down harder than the thunder outside. I could feel the storm in my chest, the battle between what I wanted and what I knew was wrong. “That was… intense,” Camille murmured, her voice soft and teasing. She shifted closer, pressing her body against mine as she draped an arm over my chest. “I could get used to this.”I didn’t respond. My wolf was growling low in my mind, furious and restless. This isn’t right, he snarled. She’s not our mate.I let out a frustrated breath, my fingers gripping the seat beneath me as I tried to push the thoughts of Elowen away. “I don’t care,” I muttered under my breath, earning a
Elowen's POV I stared out the window, my sketchbook lying forgotten in my lap. The steady hum of rain against the glass mirrored the restless whirl of my thoughts. Alaric. His name was a drumbeat in my mind, relentless and consuming. The way his fingers intertwined with mine, his protective gaze, the warmth in his rare smiles—I couldn’t stop thinking about him. And yet, it terrified me. I was so caught up in the spiral of emotions that I didn’t notice anyone approach until a voice cut through my thoughts. “Elowen.” I jumped, clutching the edge of the table. My heart raced as I turned to see Ranon standing there, holding two steaming mugs. “Ranon,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. “What are you doing here?” He raised a brow, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Relax. I’m not here to cause trouble.” I frowned, my suspicions immediately rising. “Then why are you here?” Without answering, he placed one of the mugs in front of me and took the seat across the tab
Elowen’s POV The rain came down in torrents, soaking me to the skin as I wandered aimlessly through the academy grounds. The storm mirrored the tempest inside me, each drop falling like a piece of the pain I couldn’t hold back anymore. My thoughts were a jumble—Ranon’s sudden attempts at kindness, Theron’s anger, and Alaric…always Alaric. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? His piercing eyes, the way his touch sent shivers through me, his calm yet commanding presence. It was maddening. The thunder roared overhead, and a bolt of lightning lit up the sky, illuminating my surroundings. I didn’t care where I was going. My feet moved without purpose, my body trembling from the cold and the overwhelming ache in my heart. And then, I felt it. Warmth. Stability. Before I could process the sensation, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me back against a firm chest. The world seemed to stop for a moment, and I froze, my breath caught in my throat. His scent hit m
Elowen’s POV The warmth of Alaric’s embrace seeped into my skin, soothing the turmoil that had been brewing inside me for weeks. His strong arms encircled me as if nothing could tear us apart, and for a brief, blissful moment, I allowed myself to forget everything, the chaos, the heartbreak, the doubts. It was just him and me, standing together beneath the shelter of the walkway, with the storm raging outside and the world feeling like it had melted away. His hand gently stroked the back of my head, his fingers threading through my damp hair as if trying to ground me, to assure me that he was here. "You’re not alone in this, Elowen," he whispered against my hair, his voice low and steady. "I’m right here." I closed my eyes, inhaling the scent of rain and Alaric, the two blending together in a way that made me feel calm yet restless at the same time. My wolf stirred within me, content in his presence, but I knew the tension between us hadn’t fully dissipated. There were still so man
Elowen's POVThe tension between the three of us crackled like the lingering storm outside. I could feel Ranon’s eyes on me, scrutinizing every inch of my being, as though he was trying to piece together what had happened just moments ago. Alaric’s body was still close to mine, protective, his stance rigid as if daring Ranon to say something he wouldn’t like.Ranon’s jaw tightened, his lips curling into a humorless smirk. “I see you’ve been busy, brother,” he said, his voice laced with mockery. “Didn’t think you’d stoop to sneaking around like this.”Alaric didn’t flinch, his hand brushing mine subtly in reassurance before he stepped forward. “What do you want, Ranon?” His tone was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade.Ranon’s smirk widened as he crossed his arms. “Oh, I was just taking a stroll. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon you two… so cozy.” His gaze flicked to me, lingering just long enough to make me squirm. “You really don’t waste time, do you, Elowen?”I s
Theron’s POVI should have known. The storm had settled, but my insides churned with fury as I sped toward Alaric’s territory. Ranon’s words echoed in my head like a taunt: “She’s with him. Your precious mate, wrapped around his finger, probably in his arms right now.” I clenched the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles whitening. Every word from Ranon’s smug mouth was poison, but the image he’d painted of Elowen and Alaric together was enough to make my wolf howl in agony. How dare he touch what is mine? My wolf growled low, restless and wild, demanding we claim her, show her who her true mate was. But another part of me, the rational part, reminded me that Elowen despised me, that I’d done nothing but push her further away. But Alaric? He had no right to her. By the time I reached the edge of Alaric’s estate, my anger was a live wire, sparking and crackling with intensity. I parked hastily and stormed toward the mansion, ignoring the guards who eyed me warily. They wouldn’t
Theron’s POV I was pacing my room, my thoughts a whirlwind of rage and frustration. Alaric’s face flashed in my mind, his calm demeanor, his subtle smirk as if he had already won. My wolf growled, furious, echoing my own emotions. He’s a double-faced bastard, I thought bitterly. One moment, he’s giving me advice, acting like the older brother who wants to help. The next, he’s stealing what’s mine, Elowen. “She’s supposed to be ours,” my wolf snarled. “And he’s playing with her, loving her. He doesn’t deserve her.” I clenched my fists, the anger building in my chest. Alaric had been my ally once, but now, every move he made felt like a betrayal. Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the nightstand, snapping me out of my thoughts. I grabbed it, half-expecting another infuriating update about Alaric and Elowen. Instead, the screen displayed a familiar name: Sarah. I hesitated for a moment before answering. “Yeah?” “Theron!” Sarah’s voice was bright, cheerful, and completely out of plac
Theron 's POV I entered my mansion, the familiar scent of polished wood and leather greeting me. The quiet was comforting, but something was off. As I walked toward my room, I found the door slightly ajar. The soft light from within illuminated the space. I stepped inside and froze. Sarah was sitting on my bed, looking effortlessly beautiful in her short dress. Her eyes met mine with a soft, almost teasing smile. “You’re late,” she said with a wink, her tone playful. I couldn't help but appreciate her presence—there was something comforting about her, something that filled the room with warmth. I found myself stepping closer, my footsteps slow, deliberate. “Had some things on my mind,” I said quietly, my voice betraying the weight of the day. She tilted her head, watching me as I took a seat beside her. The tension I had been carrying seemed to lift the moment I was next to her, but I still felt something nagging at me, something that didn’t sit right. I took her hand in mine,
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
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
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. -
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
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
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 POV The night passed in a blur, and I woke up the next morning feeling the weight of yesterday's conversation lingering heavily in the air. Alaric had promised me his love, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to believe him. But the words of Ranon and Theron echoed in my mind like a constant, nagging reminder. What if they’re right? What if I’m just a pawn in this game between them? I shook my head as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale, my eyes tired. I could still feel the warmth of Alaric’s embrace, his arms around me, as if he were holding me together. But I couldn’t help the creeping doubt that tugged at my heart. I had no time to linger on it. I had classes to attend, and life at the academy seemed to move on, despite the turmoil inside me. The moment I stepped into the hall, I was greeted by a familiar, but unwelcome face—Ranon. He stood across the hallway, his arms crossed, a smirk on his face as if he had been waiting for me.
Theron’s POV The Academy corridors were quiet, the faint hum of conversations in distant classrooms the only sound. I spotted Elowen walking ahead, her delicate figure framed against the sunlight pouring in through the windows. She seemed lost in thought, her head bowed as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. A part of me hesitated, my wolf clawed at me, demanding that I stay back, that I give her the space she clearly wanted. But I couldn’t. Not when I knew she was being manipulated by Alaric, my own brother. “Elowen,” I called out. She paused, turning slowly to face me. Her eyes met mine, and I felt the familiar sting of her disdain. “What do you want, Theron?” she asked, her tone tired and guarded. I walked up to her, stopping just a few feet away. “We need to talk.” She crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. “We have nothing to talk about.” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I know you don’t trust me, and honestly, I don’t blame you. But thi
Ranon’s POVI stormed down the corridor, my mind a whirlwind of anger and resentment. Her words echoed in my head, sharp and unforgiving. "Alaric loves me, and I love him. He’s everything you’re not, kind, patient, and respectful."Respectful? Patient? As if that’s what makes a true mate. She didn’t see it. She didn’t see me, the fire I could bring into her life, the passion that could consume her whole."Pathetic," I muttered under my breath, cursing her for the power she held over me. How could she choose him, out of all of us? Alaric, the golden boy who always played the hero. She didn’t understand that behind his perfect façade, he wasn’t as innocent as he pretended to be.My wolf snarled in agreement, growling, "She’s blind. But she’s ours."“She doesn’t want us,” I spat, shoving my wolf down.But I couldn’t stop myself. I turned on my heel, my feet carrying me back toward the library. I wasn’t going to let her walk away from me, not like that, not with those hateful words linger