Julian POVOriginally converted from an abandoned factory workers' dormitory, the camp's dorm rooms had charm but lacked proper soundproofing—a fact I discovered only after we returned to our respective rooms for the night.As I lay on the bed, I could hear Cecilia opening the wardrobe, dragging the stool, and humming a tune. At this moment, it all still seemed surreal to me. I couldn't believe that she was in the room next to mine now, and I could easily meet her.'Can you please stop eavesdropping? You're behaving like a real freak!' Zevin scoffed at me."The hell! I'm not eavesdropping, okay? It's not my fault that the soundproofing here is bad!"'Liar! You clearly perked up your ears and eavesdropped just now. Why don't you just make a hole in the wall? That way, you can even peep at her.'Just as I was about to retort, Cecilia mind-linked me from the next room. "Why is there no bathroom in the room?""This place used to be a workers' dormitory, so there's only one communa
Cecilia POVWaves of pleasure washed over me under Julian's kiss and touch, rendering my attempts to resist ineffective. My legs weakened, threatening to buckle under the intensity of the sensation. Julian lifted me effortlessly by the waist and carried me out of the bathroom. Instinctively, my arms wound around his neck, and my fingers tangled into his long, black hair.After carrying me back to the room, he laid me gently on the bed. He unwrapped the towel from me like he was opening a gift. I shrank back somewhat sheepishly under his fiery gaze."Relax. You traveled for 24 hours by train to come to me, so let me reward you properly," Julian whispered in my ear.He took my nipple into his mouth and sucked it gently. Then, he held my ankles with both hands and spread my legs. His kisses slowly trailed down along my breast, waist, and stomach. A warmth spread through my lower body, urging me to clamp my thighs together. However, he held my legs firmly."You're so wet," he purr
Cecilia Julian stopped his movements and got off me. Then, he kissed me gently on the lips."We're not done yet. Wait for me." He winked at me before putting on a robe from the closet and opening the door.I quickly pulled the blanket over myself, but the room was filled with the unmistakable scent of our lovemaking.When Julian opened the door, a man stood at the threshold. He was about half a head shorter than Julian but boasted a more muscular build, appearing to be around the same age.The room's simplicity offered no place to hide, and our eyes met the moment he looked in. He quickly shifted his gaze away. "What is it?" Julian asked."I called you several times, but you didn't answer," the man complained. He sneaked another glance in my direction before turning back to Julian. "She needs to leave first. We can't talk with her here.""Come in. This is Cecilia. Whatever it is, you can say it in front of her," Julian said. Then, he looked at me and introduced the man. "This
Cecilia POV I quickly took a shower and changed my clothes before going to see Zara.Zara and Lamar's room was just below mine. Thus, it was easy to guess that Julian had intentionally placed my room next to his.Zara's curtains were drawn, and Lamar was busy installing new ones for her."She said the light was too bright, and it was affecting her sleep, which was why she made me take down my curtains and put them up here. What kind of selfish friend is that?" Lamar complained to me."It's just a curtain! Why are you being so petty?" Zara threw a pillow at Lamar. "Show me the video," I demanded, cutting straight to the chase. Small talk was the last thing on my mind."It's pretty brutal, so brace yourself," Zara cautioned as she retrieved her phone and navigated through several screens. A chorus of screams bled from the speakers as she handed the device to me.The video displayed a grim scene: several men were chained in a dark, empty room. They were naked and being beaten.
Cecilia POVThe location of the two wolves was swiftly determined with a quick call to their former comrades. After a modest lunch at the barracks, Julian's subordinates ushered the apprehended werewolves into the room."Where was this video shot? Who are the people being mistreated?" Julian approached them, playing the video. Instantly, their heads drooped, the earlier smugness on their faces giving way to dread."It was shot in a prisoner camp. The victims are war captives from the Western Kingdom," replied one of the taller men. He glanced nervously at Julian, quickly adding, "It wasn't me! I didn't film it. Alex did— he's one of Freeda's guys. "Just two days ago, he was boasting online about how tough he is. I couldn't stand it and snapped at him, and that's when he sent me the video.""Do you think abusing war prisoners is something to boast about?" I interjected sharply. I was appalled that such brutes could be considered soldiers."No, absolutely not," the shorter man
Cecilia POV"Go back? To the Lotus Pack?" I looked at him, surprised."Yes. Hogan has already sent reinforcements, so there's no need for concern anymore. You handled things well this time, and I'll ensure Hogan acknowledges your contributions." He patted my shoulder, carefully avoiding any more personal gestures in public.In that fleeting moment, a twinge of disappointment hit me—it seemed our relationship couldn't be acknowledged openly."But I don't want to leave. We've just unearthed new clues about my family's murder."Truthfully, it wasn't just the case that made me want to stay; I was also worried about Julian's safety. Still, I held back from voicing all my concerns."It's too risky for you to stay. Once the war kicks off, I won't be able to ensure your safety," he argued."I promise I won't be a burden. I'm an Alpha, too," I said, offering him a reassuring smile.Julian hesitated for a moment before giving in. "Alright. But if the situation escalates, I'll have Mario
Cecilia POVThe neon lights washed the bar in a soft haze, the pounding music syncing with the turmoil in my heart.I unbuttoned the top of my shirt in a futile attempt to relieve the frustration within me. My friends laughed and drank nearby, but their joy couldn't scrub away the image of Julian with those twins.I wondered what they were doing right now."Why should I care?" I muttered, swirling the liquid in my glass aimlessly."Can I buy you a drink?" a deep voice interrupted my thoughts.As I looked up, I was startled to see a tall and handsome man standing in front of me. He had golden hair and high cheekbones. Although he was smiling, his icy eyes seemed to peer directly into my soul.I paused, eyeing my half-empty glass, but before I could respond, he was already signaling the bartender."Another one for her," he said, turning back to me with a smile that momentarily quickened my pulse."You seem like you could use some fun tonight," he remarked as he handed me the
Julian POVSeeing Cecilia's jealous expression earlier had doused my anger in an instant.I had called her more than ten times that night, but she didn't answer. I then realized she had left her phone in the room and was nowhere to be found.When I noticed Zara and Lamar were also missing, it became clear Cecilia had likely joined them. Still, sneaking out and breaking orders wasn't like her. After all, she had always adhered strictly to rules.The possibility of her being jealous of those twin sisters hadn't crossed my mind.The next morning, after a meeting with several generals, I asked Mario to linger as the room cleared."Did you bring in those twin sisters to drive Cecilia away intentionally? She has been a significant asset to us. Why do you harbor such hostility toward her?" I demanded."I don't hate her. I'm just preparing her for the reality of what it will be like when you find your mate," Mario responded nonchalantly, his demeanor unrepentant."I've waited over tw