Alaric’s POVI couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was sitting by the fountain, her back slightly hunched, her long hair falling like a curtain around her face. Elowen. The girl who was supposed to be my mate. But she didn’t look at me. Not once. It was like I didn’t even exist to her. I stood in the doorway of the packhouse, watching her from a distance. She was scribbling in a notebook, her shoulders tense, her gaze fixed on the pages. And the moment I took a step toward her, she tensed even more. It wasn’t the first time this had happened. Every time I tried to approach her, she seemed to shrink into herself, as if trying to escape me. The pull between us should have been undeniable—powerful, magnetic—but every time I tried to bridge the distance, she pushed me away with invisible walls. My wolf growled restlessly in my chest. Go to her. She’s yours. I resisted, fighting the urge to rush toward her, to grab her and demand that she acknowledge me. But I could see the way she
Alaric’s POVI pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. Her expression was still clouded with doubt, but there was something different in her gaze now. Something I hadn’t seen before. A flicker of hope, of belief, maybe even trust. It wasn’t much, but it was enough."Elowen," I murmured softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I know this bond is terrifying for you. I know it feels like it’s all happening too fast, but we don’t have to rush anything. I just want you to know that I’ll be here. Whenever you need me."Her lips parted, and for a moment, I thought she might say something, but she only nodded slowly, a faint tear lingering on her cheek. I wiped it away with my thumb, my heart aching as I saw how fragile she still was, how much pain she carried behind her brave facade.“I’m not asking for you to love me right now,” I said, my voice steady but soft. “I’m asking for a chance. A chance to show you that you don’t have to be scared of us—of me. I won’t force y
Alaric’s POV I could feel Elowen’s hand trembling in mine, but as I gently threaded my fingers through hers, I didn’t want to let go. It was a silent promise, a vow to show her that she wasn’t alone, no matter what anyone else said. We were walking away from the chaos, away from the whispers, away from the hurtful words that had been thrown at her. I could sense her reluctance, the fear that still lingered in her, but I wasn’t going to push her. I just wanted to be there for her, even if she wasn’t ready to lean on me completely yet. I kept my grip light, giving her the freedom to pull away if she wanted, but I didn’t think she would. She didn’t pull away. We walked in silence for a while, the only sound our footsteps against the pavement. I could feel her nerves, her heart beating a little too fast, and I hated that she was scared. But I knew that over time, I would make her understand that she didn’t have to be scared of me. When we reached my house, I stopped in front of the
Elowen’s POVDinner was quiet, almost peaceful. The meal Alaric had made was simple—roasted chicken, some vegetables, and bread—but it was delicious. I tried to focus on eating, though my mind was still racing. His kindness was overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to process it. After everything that had happened, the chaos, the bullying, and the constant reminders that I wasn’t supposed to be here, I had never imagined this... a night like this.We ate mostly in silence, with only the occasional soft murmur from Alaric, asking if I wanted more of something or if I was comfortable. It wasn’t forced, though. He didn’t push me to talk. He just let me be.When dinner was over, we cleaned up together, and then Alaric led me to the living room. It was cozy, the fire still crackling softly in the fireplace, and the storm outside raged on, the sound of rain pounding against the windows. I felt a strange sense of calm, but at the same time, the storm inside me didn’t quiet.I wanted to ask him
Elowen's Pov The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, stirring me from sleep. I blinked slowly, the world around me coming into focus. And there he was—Alaric—lying beside me, still lost in his dreams. I stayed still, not wanting to wake him, but my eyes couldn’t help but trace his features. Even asleep, he was breathtaking. His dark lashes cast faint shadows on his cheeks, his jawline sharp yet softened by the stubble from a night unshaven. His lips, parted slightly, held an effortless allure. How could anyone look this good without even trying? A memory from last night stirred in me, warmth flooding my chest. He had been there for me, his steady voice and strong embrace chasing away every shadow of doubt. The way he’d wrapped his arms around me, the way he’d held me like I was the most precious thing in the world—it still lingered, wrapping around me like a second blanket. I reached out, hesitating for a moment before brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
Elowen's POVAlaric stepped out of the car first, his movements smooth and deliberate. My heart pounded as I watched him walk around to my side, pulling the door open with a quiet click. His hand extended toward me, a small, reassuring smile playing on his lips."Come on, Elowen," he said, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of authority.I hesitated for a moment before taking his hand, the warmth of his fingers grounding me. He intertwined them with mine, his grip firm yet gentle, and helped me out of the car. The cool air hit me, but it wasn’t the chill that made me shiver—it was the sight in front of me.The courtyard of the academy was packed. Students lingered by the fountain and along the stone pathways, but all eyes seemed to be on us. Ranon and Theron stood near the entrance, their postures tense, their gazes locked onto us like a hawk tracking its prey. Theron’s jaw tightened, his sharp features carved into a mask of displeasure. Ranon’s lips pressed into a thin lin
Elowen's POVThe tension followed us like a storm cloud as Alaric led me past the crowd and into the academy’s grand halls. The buzz of whispers and hushed conversations trailed behind, the echoes of their disbelief lingering in the air. My face burned, and my pulse raced, but Alaric’s grip on my hand kept me grounded. "Keep your head up," he said, his voice low but firm. "Don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing you doubt yourself." I nodded, swallowing hard, but my gaze instinctively darted toward the reflective marble floors and the intricate carvings along the walls, avoiding the stares I could still feel. The kiss had stirred something in the air, something volatile. I couldn’t shake the sensation that we’d crossed a line, one I wasn’t ready for. "Alaric!" Theron’s voice rang out behind us, sharp and furious. His footsteps echoed as he stormed toward us, his long strides closing the distance quickly. Ranon followed close behind, his expression cold and calculating, the tensi
Theron 's POV My breath came out in sharp gasps as I stormed through the empty corridor, my boots echoing against the marble floors. The rage burned inside me like wildfire, relentless and consuming, tearing through every shred of control I had left. Her hand in his. Her smile directed at him. His kiss on her lips.The images replayed in my mind, each one more unbearable than the last. I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails bit into my palms, the pain doing nothing to calm the storm within me. She’s mine. My wolf snarled, his voice a guttural roar in my mind. He was fighting me, pushing against the walls I’d built to keep him contained. She’s ours, Theron! And you’re just standing there, letting him have her! "I don’t care!" I growled aloud, my voice echoing in the empty hall. Liar, my wolf snapped. I reached the far end of the corridor, stopping only when I could feel the cold stone wall against my hand. Without thinking, I slammed my fist into it. The sharp jolt
Elowen's POV The night came too quickly. I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection with a mixture of dread and defiance. My black dress clung to me like a second skin, accentuating every curve. It wasn’t flashy, but it was enough to make a statement—strong, untouchable, and in control. At least, that’s what I told myself. My wolf stirred impatiently, eager for what the night promised. I hated her for it. The bond between mates was relentless, and no matter how much I wanted to keep Ranon at arm’s length, a part of me craved him in ways I couldn’t ignore. A sharp knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I straightened my spine, forcing the emotions down, and crossed the room to open it. Ranon stood on the other side, his presence filling the doorway. He wasn’t wearing his usual leather jacket. Instead, he’d dressed up, a dark button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves, revealing his strong forearms. His hair was slicked back, but a few rebellious strands
Elowen's POV The game room felt oppressive the moment I agreed. Ranon’s smirk lingered on his face like he had already won—not just the game, but me. My heart thundered in my chest, though I forced myself to appear calm, composed. If he saw even a flicker of weakness, he’d exploit it mercilessly. “Don’t look so nervous, Elowen,” Ranon said, his voice low and mocking, laced with just enough amusement to irritate me. He moved closer, leaning his cue stick casually against the wall. His gaze never left me, sharp and predatory, like he was savoring the moment. “You agreed. I’m not forcing you into anything.” I held his gaze, refusing to flinch under the weight of his stare. “I’m not nervous,” I snapped, my tone sharper than I intended. “I’m just trying to figure out if you’re all talk or if you actually mean it.” His laugh was soft, yet it rumbled through me like a warning growl. “Oh, I mean every word,” he murmured. His hand reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair away from m
Elowen POV The loud crack of the cue ball hitting the cluster of solids and stripes reverberated through the dimly lit room. I paused at the doorway of the academy’s game lounge, my eyes drawn to the figure leaning over the pool table with practiced ease. Ranon. His sharp features were illuminated by the golden overhead light, his black hair falling slightly into his eyes as he lined up his next shot. He radiated confidence, his every movement deliberate and precise. I shouldn’t have stopped. Shouldn’t have even looked at him. But something about him—about us—always pulled me in like a magnet. “Enjoying the view?” he drawled without looking up, his voice smooth like velvet, yet tinged with a teasing edge. I rolled my eyes and stepped closer. “Hardly. I was just wondering how long you’d take to finish this game. From here, it looks like you’ve been struggling.” That got his attention. He straightened up and turned to me, his lips curving into a slow, wicked grin. “Struggling?
Theron’s POVI stood there for a moment, watching her disappear into the dorms. My wolf was howling in my mind, clawing to break free, to chase after her."She’s ours. Why does she fight it?"Because she’s Elowen. Stubborn, infuriating, intoxicating Elowen.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to steady my breathing. The kiss had left me shaken, craving more. She was like a drug, and I was hopelessly addicted.But she was also a puzzle, one I couldn’t quite figure out.I could feel the walls she’d built around herself, the pain she carried like armor. And I wanted to tear them all down, to see the real Elowen underneath.But I couldn’t push too hard. Not yet.Because if I pushed too hard, I might lose her completely. And that was something I wasn’t sure I could survive.---Elowen's POV Next morning the hallway buzzed with the faint chatter of students, but it all faded into a dull hum when my eyes caught sight of him—Alaric. The man who had turned my world upside down. He leaned cas
Elowen’s POVI stormed out of the library after the kiss, my heart racing and my mind spinning. What just happened? That kiss—it wasn’t supposed to feel like this. It wasn’t supposed to make me question everything.I stepped outside into the cool night air, needing to escape the suffocating walls of the academy. The moon hung high, its silver light illuminating the quiet campus. I leaned against a tree, my breath coming in shaky bursts as I tried to gather my thoughts.This wasn’t part of the plan. I was supposed to make him fall for me, not the other way around. I was supposed to stay in control, but every time Theron touched me, every time he looked at me with those intense, stormy eyes, I felt myself unraveling."Pull yourself together, Elowen," I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair. "This is about revenge. Nothing more."But deep down, I knew it was becoming more than that. And that terrified me.The next day at the academy, I avoided Theron at all costs. I couldn’t
Elowen’s POV The days that followed only intensified the chaos inside me. Theron’s kiss had ignited something I couldn’t ignore, but I couldn’t afford to get distracted. This wasn’t about love, or even desire—it was about revenge. It had to be. I had a plan, and I wouldn’t let anyone, especially Theron, derail it. But every time our paths crossed, it felt like the line between playing him and falling for him was blurring. The way he looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and something I refused to acknowledge... it stirred something deep within me. I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn't let him have that power over me. --- The academy was in full swing by the time the weekend approached, and I had the perfect opportunity to push my plan forward. I walked into the cafeteria, head held high, making my way toward the table where the triplets usually sat. The whispers followed me, and I reveled in the attention. They wanted to see how far I’d go, how much of a spectac
Elowen’s POV The days following that kiss were a whirlwind. I knew better than to let my emotions get tangled up in the mess Theron had created. But every time our paths crossed, I could feel the heat between us—fierce, unrelenting, and impossible to ignore. It was almost as if he had become a shadow in my mind, lurking in every corner, whispering in my thoughts. I tried to shake it off, to focus on my revenge, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't quite erase the feeling that I had ignited something in him. And, for the first time in a long time, I was beginning to wonder if I could control the flames I had started. --- The academy was abuzz with gossip. Whispers about the kiss between The Triplet's and me were like wildfire, spreading through every hallway, every class. Alisa was particularly insistent on confronting me about it, but I made it clear that she was beneath me. I didn’t need to entertain her petty jealousy. But today, as I entered the cafeteria, my eyes i
Elowen’s POV I had no intention of letting the day pass quietly, not with everything that had transpired. My thoughts were focused on one thing: making sure Theron also knew exactly where I stood. He wasn’t going to get away with treating me like a puzzle he could ignore or dismiss whenever it suited him. If anyone was going to control the game, it was going to be me. I found him standing near the entrance of the academy, his usual confident posture a bit more tense than usual. His eyes caught mine the moment I entered the hall, and the expression on his face told me everything I needed to know. There was frustration in those eyes—his carefully hidden confusion about me. "Elowen," he said, his voice steady but with an underlying edge. His jaw was clenched, like he was fighting to keep his emotions under control. I ignored the way my heart twisted at the sound of his voice and the slight pull toward him. I had a plan now, and nothing was going to derail me. "Theron," I respo
Elowen's POV As I walked through the crowded hallways, the whispers seemed louder, more eager, more charged. The glances thrown my way were laced with curiosity and a hint of fear, the kind that came when people realized they were witnessing something dangerous. Something they couldn’t predict. I could feel the weight of their gazes, but I didn’t care. Let them stare. Let them talk. The game was just getting started, and I was in control. I caught a glimpse of myself in a reflective surface—my hair perfectly styled, makeup sharp and deliberate. I looked every bit the girl they thought they knew... but there was so much more beneath the surface. More than they would ever see coming. The triplets had no idea what they were dealing with. Ranon thought he knew me, thought he had me pegged, but I had yet to show him the real Elowen. The one who could bring them to their knees without lifting a finger. And today, I would make my first move. When I reached the library, I noticed R