Emma sat in the quiet of her room, her mind a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. She couldn’t shake the image of her hands wrapped around Kale’s throat, his desperate struggle, the look of betrayal in his eyes. It had been so real, too real that she couldn’t ignore it. Her chest felt tight, her breathing shallow as she curled into herself. She had run away from them, from the only people who had truly stood by her, because she was afraid. Afraid of what she might do.“What if one day I lose control?”The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Could she really live with herself if she ended up harming the people who meant the world to her? How long would she have to suffer this torment before she was free? Before she could trust herself again?Her fingers clenched against the fabric of her dress.“I need to stop thinking like this. I need to control it.”But no matter how hard she tried, the fear gnawed at her, whispering in the back of her mind that it wasn’t a matter of if, it was a
Inside her room, warm and golden under a worn-out chandelier, Emma sat with her friend, their quiet laughter defying the atmosphere.“I’m so excited for you, Emma,” Teena said suddenly, her cheeks flushing brighter.“Why?” Emma asked, surprised by the sudden declaration.Teena turned to her, face glowing with excitement. Clutching the hem of her silk gown, she waltzed around the room in an exaggerated circle. “You’re going to the ball!” she exclaimed. “There’ll be so many nobles there. Maybe you’ll even find your mate!” Grabbing Emma’s hands, she gasped in excitement. “This could be it!”Emma’s expression didn’t mirror her friend’s enthusiasm. Slowly, she pulled her hands away, the spark of excitement slowly leaving Teena’s eyes.“Emma?” Teena called with a soft and uncertain voice.“I don’t think I want to go,” Emma admitted, her voice sharp. “Look at me. I’m nowhere near attractive. No one even likes me, so what’s the point of it all?”“That’s not true! I like you,” Teena interrupte
The heavy doors groaned as they slowly creaked open, flooding the dark, oppressive room with a stream of light. Emma, crumpled against the cold stone wall, shielded her eyes from the sudden brightness. Her hands, bruised and trembling, rested limply on her lap. For hours, she had banged against the huge doors, the relentless effort peeling the skin from her palms.The bright light spilled over her face, revealing delicate features smeared with dust and streaked with tears. Her once-luminous hair clung dimly to her skin, yet even in her exhausted state, an undeniable beauty lingered in her fragile frame.As Emma’s blurred vision adjusted, a familiar silhouette stood in the doorway, and her heart sank. Ever.Clad in an ornate gown that gleamed in the light, mocking Emma’s despair, Ever smirked as she stepped inside. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction.“Well, well,” Ever drawled, tilting her head in mock pity. “Look at you, Emma. Such a mess.”Emma, too weak to stand, clenched her fists
Inside her room, Emma paced like a caged animal, her heart pounding with fury. Today was the day of Ever’s mating ceremony with the Sutherland Alpha.She clenched her fists. Ever had won every other battle, but Emma wouldn’t let her win this one.The lock clicked sharply, and Emma realized she was trapped again. They had locked her in, just as they always did. For a moment, despair threatened to overwhelm her, but something deep within her stirred.Her wolf.A growl rumbled in her chest as a sudden pull of strength coursed through her veins. With a furious cry, she slammed her body against the door. And soon it came open, there was a storm and it greeted her like icy needles as she ran into the night, her feet pounding against the ground. Her breath came in sharp gasps, but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t.The forest was dark but she didn’t care. She continued to run toward the clearing where the ceremony was taking place. Different scents filled her nose but her focus was solely on th
Chapter 4Emma lay crumpled in the dirt, the cold ground pressing against her cheek. Everywhere was silent, only the sound of the bird and footsteps could be heard Her body trembled as sharp pain spread through her ribs where someone had kicked her. She blinked slowly, trying to open up her eyes completely but the view she met made her shut her eyes down almost immediately. “What do we do with her?” a rough voice said cutting through the silence of the environment. It came from one of the men standing over her, fear crept in and she wiggled praying inwardly for the ground to open up and swallow her.“We should finish her off. She’s already half-dead,” Another voice answered, lighter but no less cruel. Emma’s chest tightened. She wanted to speak, to plead, but her mouth felt dry, and every breath burned. She shifted slightly, and the pain shot through her like fire.“No,” a third voice cut in sharp and desperate. “Why waste her? We could… you know, have a little fun first,” he title
Emma opened her eyes with a start, feeling a sharp headache hitting her. Her eyes caught the environment she was in. Everything seemed blurred, but one thing didn’t fail her ears; the constant beeping of a machine. She tried to open her eyes fully, but they felt heavy.With a deep breath, she finally opened them. The white ceiling and the white walls were the first things that caught her sight. She breathed repeatedly, unable to comprehend what was happening or where she was.She tried to remember how she got there, but everything seemed blank. Whenever she tried to recall, everything seemed to collapse, and she suddenly felt a huge headache.She relaxed her body, closing her eyes in an attempt to calm herself.She could smell the scent of the room, it smelled of antiseptic.Confusion clouded her mind. How had she gotten here?She groaned softly, attempting to push herself upright, but the dull ache in her head made her falter.The door suddenly creaked open and a nurse walked inside,
The moment the man mentioned his name, Emma’s body shook. She didn’t know why a stranger would go out of their way to save her. She didn’t understand exactly why. The man looked genuinely helpful and genuinely happy for her.“Can you tell me the reason why you saved me, if I may ask?” she questioned, maintaining eye contact with the man.“Of course, I have no reason,” he replied. “I saw you stranded on the road, and that is why I decided to save you. I don’t have bad intentions toward you. You don’t have to stress yourself. All you have to do is keep your mind at peace. Recover quickly so we can leave the hospital. Or do you like staying at the hospital, sleeping like this?”The man asked, and Emma wiggled her head in response. Even though the man was a stranger, the way he communicated with her, the way he conversed with her, made her feel at ease.The doctor opened the door and stepped inside, his eyes smiling at Emma.“Are you two having a private conversation, or should I excuse m
Immediately after she set foot in the man’s house, Emma marveled at it. The house was beautiful, a big mansion with various types of decorations. Everything in the house seemed special and specific. The walls were painted white and decorated with gold accents. She stared at it as if she were in heaven.The man noticed her reaction and cleared his throat, gaining her attention. Emma quickly wiggled her head and shifted her focus to him.“You are welcome to my home. I hope you recover quickly,” the man said.“Yes, I hope so,” she replied.The man led her to an empty room and told her to rest properly while he went to the kitchen to prepare food for her.Emma was shocked and asked, “Can you cook?”The man smiled. “I’m not going to brag. I’ll prepare the food, and you can judge for yourself if I can cook or not.”Emma smiled back and said, “Okay, no problem.”The man gestured toward the bed before stepping out and closing the door. Emma stared at the door and muttered, “I hope this isn’t
Emma sat in the quiet of her room, her mind a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. She couldn’t shake the image of her hands wrapped around Kale’s throat, his desperate struggle, the look of betrayal in his eyes. It had been so real, too real that she couldn’t ignore it. Her chest felt tight, her breathing shallow as she curled into herself. She had run away from them, from the only people who had truly stood by her, because she was afraid. Afraid of what she might do.“What if one day I lose control?”The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Could she really live with herself if she ended up harming the people who meant the world to her? How long would she have to suffer this torment before she was free? Before she could trust herself again?Her fingers clenched against the fabric of her dress.“I need to stop thinking like this. I need to control it.”But no matter how hard she tried, the fear gnawed at her, whispering in the back of her mind that it wasn’t a matter of if, it was a
“You will apologize!” she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. “How dare you raise a hand against your own blood? Against Lily?” The Luna’s voice was sharp and furious, slicing through the room like a whip.Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, her entire body shaking with barely contained rage. The tension in the room thickened, pressing down on everyone like a heavy weight especially Emma who likes a lost puppy. But Kale and Jayden stood firm. They did not cower under their mother’s fury, nor did they bow their heads in submission. Instead, their expressions remained cold, their bodies unmoving.“No,” Kale said, his voice calm but unyielding.Jayden crossed his arms over his chest, his stance just as firm. “We won’t apologize.”The Luna’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Excuse me?” She raised an eyebrow. “We won’t apologize for defending Emma.” Kale’s gaze didn’t waver. The Luna let out a harsh breath, frustration clear in her facial expression. “Defending her? From what? The tr
The walk to the Luna’s chambers felt longer than it should have. Emma could feel the weight of the twins’ stares on her. Jayden walked close on one side, his expression unreadable, while Kale was on her other side, his usual smirk absent for once. It was strange to see them this serious. It made her stomach twist with unease. As they reached the large double doors of the Luna’s quarters, the maid stopped and bowed. “Only Lady Emma may enter,” she said hesitantly, clearly nervous under the twins’ sharp gazes. Emma took a breath. “It’s fine,” she murmured, mostly to herself. Jayden placed a firm hand on her wrist. “If she says anything, if she does anything, you call for us. Understood?” Emma met his gaze, seeing the rare concern in his eyes. It sent a strange warmth through her chest. “I will,” she promised. Kale sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Don’t let her mess with your head.” Emma nodded before stepping forward. The doors creaked open, and she slipped inside. Th
Emma pressed her back against the door, her heart still racing. Her hands trembled slightly as she touched her burning cheeks, still feeling the ghost of their lips against hers. What had she gotten herself into? The twins had always been a mystery to her, cold and distant at first, their attention fixed elsewhere. But now? They were relentless, teasing, chasing her in ways that made her feel flustered and uncertain. And the worst part? She didn’t hate it. Emma groaned, running a hand through her hair. She needed to clear her head. A knock at the door startled her. She jumped, gripping the handle as she tried to steady herself. “Who is it?” she called, hoping her voice didn’t betray how shaken she was. “It’s me,” a familiar voice replied. Tyler. Emma quickly composed herself and opened the door. He stood there with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “Can I come in?” Emma hesitated before stepping aside, allowing him in. Tyler walked in, his sharp eyes scanning
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. Emma shifted beneath the blankets, her body still sore, a dull ache lingering in places she hadn’t expected. She squeezed her eyes shut as the memories of last night rushed back, Jayden and Kale, their lips on hers, their hands mapping her skin. Jayden tongue on her clit, Kale's lips on her nipple. Heat surged through her body at the thought, embarrassment creeping up her spine. “What the hell was that?” she whispered, burying her face in her pillow. She wasn’t supposed to let that happen. She should’ve pushed them away, scolded them, or something. But instead, she had stood there, stunned, her body betraying her as they stole breath after breath from her lips. A groan slipped from her lips as she turned over, willing the thoughts away. But the warmth spreading through her wouldn’t leave. She went to the bathroom, splashed water on her face, anything just to make the memory erased but instead
Emma let out a deep sigh as she stepped out of the bathroom, her body still damp from the hot shower. Steam curled around her as she wrapped a towel securely around herself, tucking the edge between her breasts to keep it in place. The night had been exhausting, her mind clouded with everything that had happened with Ever, the twins, and the suspicions surrounding her sister. She ran a hand through her wet hair, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her thoughts were a mess, but she wasn’t going to let Ever win. Not again. Just as she turned toward her closet, the door to her room suddenly burst open. Emma gasped, clutching her towel tightly as she spun around. Jayden and Kale stood in the doorway, their eyes locking onto her instantly. Their presence filled the space, their towering forms radiating something intense, something primal. “Wh-what are you doing here?” Emma stammered, backing up slightly, her fingers gripping the fabric of her towel. The twins stepped inside, cl
Ever stormed out of the packhouse, her heels clicking against the pavement, her face twisted in frustration. The cool night air did little to ease the heat of her anger. Her mother, rushed after her, confusion written all over her face. “Ever, slow down!” Her mother called, struggling to keep pace with her daughter’s hurried steps. “What’s gotten into you?” Ever barely spared her a glance. “Nothing.” Her mother frowned. “Nothing? You insisted we come here, and now you’re dragging me out like we weren’t just welcomed inside. What happened?” Ever rolled her eyes, inhaling deeply to keep her patience in check. She couldn’t let her mother see how much Emma had gotten under her skin. “I just wasn’t feeling well,” she muttered, keeping her gaze forward. Her mother sighed, reaching out to grab Ever’s wrist. “You seemed fine before. Tell me the truth, Ever. Did something happen with Emma?” Ever jerked her hand free, her eyes flashing with annoyance. “Why do you always assume I’m the p
Ever’s fingers twitched in her pocket, gripping the stolen toothbrushes as she forced herself to remain calm. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to breathe evenly. Jayden’s sharp eyes bore into her, scrutinizing her every movement. “I didn’t take anything,” Ever insisted, her voice perfectly steady, though her pulse hammered in her ears. Jayden scoffed, taking another step forward. “I don’t believe you.” Ever let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head as though she was exhausted by the accusation. “I don’t know why you’re acting this way. I was just looking around. If I knew you’d be this paranoid, I wouldn’t have even left the room.” Jayden didn’t flinch. “Then empty your pockets.” Ever’s jaw clenched, but she quickly masked it with a wounded expression. “Jayden, really? Do you think so little of me?” Before Jayden could respond, the door creaked open, and Emma stepped in. Her sharp gaze flickered between Ever’s stiff posture and Jayden’s tense stance.
The rumors about everything happening in the pack hadn’t missed Ever’s ears. She had been ecstatic when she first heard that Alpha m hated Emma now, believing it was what Emma deserved. That weak, pitiful girl had stolen attention that didn’t belong to her for far too long. But Ever’s joy faded when she learned what had happened the previous day. That changed everything. If Emma truly had the twins and the Alpha on her side, it meant she wasn’t as alone as Ever had hoped. It meant Emma had protection. Ever clenched her fists. No. She wouldn’t let this slip through her fingers. She needed to act before things spiraled out of her control. After pacing in her room for nearly an hour, Ever finally came up with a plan. It wasn’t enough to sit back and hope Emma’s misfortune continued. No she had to make sure of it. She went to find her mother, who was sitting on the porch, enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sun. Her mother was blissfully unaware of everything happening in the