Valerian Pov: I tried—gods, I tried—to hold back my laughter as my little mate glared at me like I’d just insulted her bloodline. She shoved at my chest, trying to push me across the threshold of her room like I was some stray mutt that had wandered in.“It’s not funny,” she snapped.It absolutely was. Especially the way she huffed, cheeks flushed, lips still slightly swollen from our kiss. A kiss I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about since it happened.I let the laugh slip out anyway. “You’re adorable when you’re mad.” she froze when she heard it, but I don't regret saying it, it was the first thought that came to mind as I stared at her across the door frame. The imprint of her still burned on my lips, her scent tangled in my clothes. I could still feel the way her body molded against mine like she was made to fit there.I wanted more.God, I wanted all of her. Her touch, her voice, her taste—I wanted to drink her in like she was the only thing keeping me alive.I could still
Valerian Pov:She was curled toward me now.Despite her stubborn insistence hours ago—making a dramatic show of claiming the farthest corner of the bed, spine stiff, arms folded like a fortress—she’d turned in her sleep. At some point during the night, her body had betrayed her resolve. Her knees nearly brushed mine beneath the sheets, her breath warm against my chest.I wasn’t sure when my fingers had found her hair.But they had—absentmindedly winding a lock around my knuckle, again and again. It was soft. Softer than I’d imagined—though I’d never admit to imagining it at all.I felt at peace watching her. I didn’t know when that started, but here I was, fingers gently twirling a strand like it was the most natural thing in the world.A frown crept across my face. My gaze drifted to the door, fingers still tangled in her hair. I withdrew them slowly, as if the strands might protest. Something flickered in my expression—there and gone—before I sat up.Quietly, I slipped out of bed, r
Valerian Pov:I Somehow, during the night, she'd ended up sprawled on top of me, her body soft and warm, tucked perfectly into mine. One of my arms had wound around her waist in sleep—or maybe not by accident—and now she lay there, her cheek resting on my chest like she belonged thereI lost track of time watching her, and now it's almost done, but I didn’t sleep. Couldn’t. Not when she was this close, breathing softly, lashes fanned against her cheeks. I spent the hours memorizing every angle of her face, the way her brows pinched slightly like she was dreaming something bothersome, the subtle pout of her lips. She’d probably frown at me, if she knew I spent the whole night watching her.Her lashes fluttered. She stirred.Her lips parted in a soft yawn as her eyes cracked open, blinking blearily against my bare chest. I watched the exact second her mind caught up with her body—when the realization dawned that she was lying on me.But then… she shocked me Instead of scrambling off, s
Alina Pov: The moon filtered through the trees, casting a pale glow over the treetops. Crouching on a thick branch, I peered down at the pack guards below, my chest pounding as they followed the false trail I had left earlier. They were close, their heavy boots crunching against the fallen leaves.I grinned. Idiots.All they had to do was look up, and they'd find me. But instead, they drifted farther from their target. Fooling them had been easy, I had masked my scent, leaving them no way to sniff me out. Even if they tried, they would never find me.I stifled a laugh at the frustration on Zack's face. He had been so sure he would catch me before the third day, but here we were, already nearing the end of the second. Just a few more hours, and I would have my freedom. As the guards disappeared into the distance, my mind drifted back to my last conversation with my father-the Lycan King. ****"Why? Why do you forbid me from leaving the pack?" I demanded.My father sat behind his desk
**Alina's POV**Blood splattered across the ground as the vampire's lifeless body crumpled, his severed head slipping from my grasp. The metallic scent clung to the air, thick and suffocating. I barely had time to breathe before another lunged at me, claws slashing through the night. I sidestepped, raking my own claws across his throat. A gurgled hiss escaped him as black blood oozed down his chest.A shift in the wind warned me of another attack. Instinct kicked in. I spun, catching the vampire’s wrist mid-strike. A wicked smile curled my lips as I yanked, his arm ripping clean from the socket. He didn’t even get the chance to scream before my fangs sank into his throat, tearing it open in one vicious bite.Adrenaline surged through me, igniting something primal and raw. This was nothing like training with my father, my brother, or the pack warriors. This was real. This was intoxicating.Another vampire lunged. I twisted, dodging his claws, and caught his hand before he could retract
Alina pov: I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my heart pounding in my chest. Earlier today, I woke up to find myself back in my pack’s forest, lying on a tree branch. Every wound I had sustained was gone—completely healed, without even a scar. That was impossible. I should still be healing, or at the very least, have some marks left behind. The only evidence that last night even happened was my torn clothes, still stained with blood and dirtThat, and the mark.I had been mated. Marked by a vampire.The realization sent a cold shudder through me. I had washed up in a nearby lake and changed into the spare clothes I always kept hidden in the forest—just in case I shifted and needed a fresh set. Then, I had made my way back to the pack house, trying to push away the growing dread curling in my stomach.My father wasn’t happy that I won, but he gave me his word—I had my freedom.I should have felt victorious. I should have felt smug at the frustrated look on Zack’s face. Instead,
Alina's POVShe led me to where the wolves were gathered before bidding me goodbye. I stood there, staring at them—ten in total. My father had arranged this so I wouldn’t be lonely, but honestly, it was pathetic. Either way, this would be my last day with them, so I might as well enjoy it. We headed into the forest, a particular one I loved. At its heart lay a maze-like layout, making it perfect for the game I had in mind. I glanced at Kieran. At just nineteen, he was already towering over me. “Last day, huh?” Kieran murmured, his gaze lingering on a particular girl in the group. His voice was barely above a whisper. “Finally free to explore,” I replied with a light chuckle. “I know you all had better things to do, but thanks for keeping me company all these years.” “Don’t go getting sentimental on me,” he said, narrowing his eyes before taking a deep breath and shutting them. “Even if you only joined because of a certain someone,” I teased, calling the rest of the group over.
Alina Pov:Vampires infiltrating the pack and attacking our members wasn’t a minor issue—especially not the day before Nicola was set to take over. It was already being seen as a bad omen. So tell me why, in the middle of all this chaos, Jeremy couldn’t wipe that stupid grin off his face.“I’ve always thought those leeches needed a clean-up,” he said with a smirk. “This just gives us a solid reason to act.”Mother shot him a look, arms crossed“This isn’t something to be excited about, Jeremy. People were hurt.” I added, remembering how badly wounded the wolves were or my fate in the double forest Jeremy’s expression shifted, just slightly. “I know. But we need to act fast. First, we need to figure out how they got past the barrier and into the pack without Father being alerted. If they got in once, they can do it again. And we can’t assume those were the only ones.”Father’s brow furrowed. “You’re suggesting there’s a traitor.”“I’m saying it’s a possibility,” Jeremy replied. “Someo
Valerian Pov:I Somehow, during the night, she'd ended up sprawled on top of me, her body soft and warm, tucked perfectly into mine. One of my arms had wound around her waist in sleep—or maybe not by accident—and now she lay there, her cheek resting on my chest like she belonged thereI lost track of time watching her, and now it's almost done, but I didn’t sleep. Couldn’t. Not when she was this close, breathing softly, lashes fanned against her cheeks. I spent the hours memorizing every angle of her face, the way her brows pinched slightly like she was dreaming something bothersome, the subtle pout of her lips. She’d probably frown at me, if she knew I spent the whole night watching her.Her lashes fluttered. She stirred.Her lips parted in a soft yawn as her eyes cracked open, blinking blearily against my bare chest. I watched the exact second her mind caught up with her body—when the realization dawned that she was lying on me.But then… she shocked me Instead of scrambling off, s
Valerian Pov:She was curled toward me now.Despite her stubborn insistence hours ago—making a dramatic show of claiming the farthest corner of the bed, spine stiff, arms folded like a fortress—she’d turned in her sleep. At some point during the night, her body had betrayed her resolve. Her knees nearly brushed mine beneath the sheets, her breath warm against my chest.I wasn’t sure when my fingers had found her hair.But they had—absentmindedly winding a lock around my knuckle, again and again. It was soft. Softer than I’d imagined—though I’d never admit to imagining it at all.I felt at peace watching her. I didn’t know when that started, but here I was, fingers gently twirling a strand like it was the most natural thing in the world.A frown crept across my face. My gaze drifted to the door, fingers still tangled in her hair. I withdrew them slowly, as if the strands might protest. Something flickered in my expression—there and gone—before I sat up.Quietly, I slipped out of bed, r
Valerian Pov: I tried—gods, I tried—to hold back my laughter as my little mate glared at me like I’d just insulted her bloodline. She shoved at my chest, trying to push me across the threshold of her room like I was some stray mutt that had wandered in.“It’s not funny,” she snapped.It absolutely was. Especially the way she huffed, cheeks flushed, lips still slightly swollen from our kiss. A kiss I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about since it happened.I let the laugh slip out anyway. “You’re adorable when you’re mad.” she froze when she heard it, but I don't regret saying it, it was the first thought that came to mind as I stared at her across the door frame. The imprint of her still burned on my lips, her scent tangled in my clothes. I could still feel the way her body molded against mine like she was made to fit there.I wanted more.God, I wanted all of her. Her touch, her voice, her taste—I wanted to drink her in like she was the only thing keeping me alive.I could still
Alina pov:I slammed the door shut behind me and leaned against it, breathing hard.My heart was racing. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking.I slid down to the floor, pulling my knees to my chest, trying to ground myself. But the second I closed my eyes, it was him again—his hands, his mouth on mine, the way I wanted him so badly it scared me.My chest tightened. I sucked in a breath.It didn’t help.Another breath.Still no relief.I was supposed to close my eyes in these situations, taking one breath after the other and calm my nerves, but I could not do thatmy breathing surfaced faster, my heart pounding so viciously, my eyes stung, maybe it was all a dream, yes, a nightmare that felt more real than the others that was all But then I could still taste him on my tongue and his scent was deeply mixed with mine My throat was constricted, like I was choking on air. My limbs tingled with panic, cold sweat prickling down my back'Alina- Kaia calls, trying to reach me, but I increased the
Alina By the time I got back, my arms were burning, my feet felt like they’d been beaten with hammers, and I was convinced shopping was a beautifully-wrapped form of psychological warfare—glittery bags, overpriced shoes, and crowds that moved like a tidal wave. And yet, somehow… it was amazing. I’d never seen that many people in one place, all buzzing with energy as they swarmed from one shop to another like it was their life’s mission.When Creys had first suggested it, I’d imagined a dozen possible scenarios. None of them matched reality. It had been louder, crazier, more dazzling—and yes, exhausting. But not the kind that made you regret it. This was the kind that settled into your bones like a reminder: you’re alive. Next time, I’d just have to be more prepared. Because there would definitely be a next time. After dumping the bags in my room, I dragged my aching body down the stairs, heading straight for the kitchen. My throat was dry, my lips chapped—I needed water like I neede
Alina’s POV:The kitchen was surprisingly normal. Wooden counters, a large iron stove, and herbs hanging from the windows like this was someone’s grandma’s house. Not what I expected from a vampire estate.Xavier—the guy Ryan introduced, slim build, perpetual I-don’t-care expression—was already there, perched on the counter’s edge with a bowl in hand, lazily chewing what looked like cereal“Look who finally crawled out of her hole,” he said lazily, “Thought you might’ve fainted after your little performance earlier.” He was referring to the scene I made when I got here— stomping my leg against the wall like a tantruming child, after what happened with Valerian at the cafe, only to turn and find five vampires watching me like I’d lost my mind. I’d muttered a string of curses and bolted upstairs. too upset to feel embarrassed. Dignity? Never met her.Cerys shot him a look. “Don’t be an ass.”“I’m not,” he said, mock-offended, though there was a smile pulling at his lips. This was offic
Alina’s POV:I slammed the door behind me and collapsed face-first onto the bed, muffling a scream into the mattress. My heart was still racing. My skin, still warm. I hated that he had that kind of effect on me—that I’d lost control in that café and nearly...“Kaia,” I whispered. “What the fuck was that?”What was what? Kaia asked, feigning innocence. Her voice was smug and taunting, the kind that gave me goosebumps.You were releasing your sex appeal, I bit back, my voice sharper than I meant.I want my mate, Kaia hisses, How could I control myself when he was sitting right in front of me?I felt anger boil in my chest the longer I listened to her.You— Also, don’t say "you." Kaia interrupts cutting me off before I even formed my sentence. That would be putting all the blame on me when you wanted him too.I almost jumped on a stranger. I stressed the stranger part in case she wasn't getting itYou’re bonded, Kaia replied gently. Your body is reacting to the mark—and to him. That’s
Valerian Pov: I stared at my mate as her eyes snapped back to mine, those large blue irises widening in realization. Her lips were still slightly parted, every intake of her was breath shallow. The haze lifted from her eyes like a switch had flipped.. The human man she’d been looking at wisely turned away, pretending he hadn’t been seconds away from walking over.Good."You should eat faster" my voice came out grunt, the words leaving my mouth like venom.She blinked, then looked down at her half-finished plate, as if she’d only just remembered she was sitting in a cafe.I wanted nothing more than to take her away from this place and from the eyes that were still lingering on her, take her away before I lost control, She may have reined in her allure, but I could still smell it.Waves of it clung to the air, curling around my senses, making my breath stutter with each breath.It was like I’d been drugged with aphrodite I remembered the first time I saw herI was in the forest, tra
Alina’s POVMy eyes fluttered open, settling on the familiar ceiling of the room I’d been given. The sunlight spilling through the window told me it was already late—well past noon. Groaning, I sat up and dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face as flashes of last night came back in pieces. The cave. The venom. And yet... I was still alive.How?I left the room and padded downstairs. The five people traveling with us were already gathered around a table, the quiet buzz of conversation filling the space.“And here comes our sleeping beauty,” one of the guys—red-haired and grinning—called out, drawing everyone's attention. They all turned and gave me warm, surprisingly friendly smiles.“How about we finally do introductions?” the redhead continued. “I’m Ryan. You already know Refeal. This is Xavier,” he said, nodding toward a guy with a slender build and striking purple eyes. “That’s Rory”—he gestured to the large, broad-shouldered one—“and this one here is Lucian