MERIDA I stuttered.I couldn't believe what I had just heard . I prayed silently that it was from me , that I heard him wrongly, that my hearing was faulty.If it was true that he was speaking to someone at the other end,a woman obviously , then I definitely don't know this man I was mated to.Why now ?Why hadn't he showed me that he had no feelings for me , not an atom of love .Does that mean that there was actually mate number sixteen and that he was speaking to her .*...don't forget*I heard that too.I moved back a little , I wanted to run away to pretend that I didn't hear him speaking to the woman at the other end .He loves her , obviously , he was smiling.I don't know what to do right now , I can't break down in tears and I couldn't feel pity for myself even when I tried to .I had to stick with him , being here by his side was better than going back to Frostclaw Pack.There was peace, a sense of belonging , I got to see other people not standing weeks locked down in th
LUKAN.I heard the master of ceremonies' voice but something held me from going in . Tying me down , his voice calling out again.I just couldn't. No.Not after the last time , not after what happened to Nahla.Out of all the women who I had a relationship with, she was the only one I had led before the council , and had touched the orb together , the rest had ended right there at the pack house or the restaurant where we had gone on a date.Telling them that I didn't wish to continue because I found out that there wasn't The One and I just couldn't proceed with it.They were heartbroken, tears streaming down their cheeks begging me to consider , sending messages and calls but I just couldn't.And Merida was the second woman too , dancing with Merida would make me remember Make me see Nahla in her.Shit I took a sip from the wine flute.How can two people look alike ?The resemblance , it wasn't deep but it was there.The love I had for Nahla can never be replaced by any woman.I kno
LUKAN I gripped the reins tightly, feeling the power of the horse beneath me as it galloped through the open fields. The wind whipped against my face ,but it wasn't enough to drown the store brewing in my mind. I had come out here to clear my head ,but my thoughts refused to be quiet.The pack . My future. Her.All of it weighed down on like an anchor I couldn't shake off. I was born for this life, trained for it. Yet, right now , everything feels... wrong ."Lukan ."I didn't need to look to know who it was. Lemuel , my cousin. His voice was casual , too casual for the tension in my chest. I slowed my horse down finally, pulling to a stop , as Lemuel approached, his hands in his pocket like this was just another day but it wasn't, not for me"Riding , huh ? didn't think you were the type." he said with a grin , trying to start a small talk. I didn't respond , dismounting instead and feeling the ache in my muscles , as my feet touched the ground . I needed a moment but I didn't see
ZAYNAI slipped the cucumber slices off my eyes and tossed them onto the tray beside the bathtub, stifling a yawn as I stretched lazily.The steam from the hot water filled the bathroom and I savored the warmth seeping into my skin.Wrapped in a fluffy robe with a towel turbaned around my head, I felt like a queen , relaxed , luxurious and best of all —alone.My gaze shifted to my red painted nails , admiring the smooth polish. Maybe I should go shopping today . I deserved a little indulgence after the week I had had.A new hat, perhaps? Something wide brimmed, dramatic. Maybe the girls could come along ,we could turn the whole pack upside down ,shop for hours ,spend a ridiculous amount of money on things we didn't even need. That was always fun.Just as I was getting lost in the fantasy of retail therapy,my phone rang.I frowned, glancing at the screen.Lemuel.I rolled my eyes in silent frustration. What now? It wasn't like he had anything important to say . Still , appearances matt
ZAYNA Shopping with my girls was always an event. We didn't just stroll into a store , pick out an item and leave. No , when Zayna and her friends went shopping, we took over the entire space.The moment we entered the biggest mall in Nightbane pack, I could already feel eyes on us. And I loved it.There where three of us , myself Rina and Sophie. Rina was the quiet , cunning one while Sophie loud and bubbly was the perfect contract. Together we made the kind of trio that no one could look away from. We walked in sync, like a well rehearsed performance . Heads turned as they should and I could feel the admiration and every rolling off the onlookers"So what's on today's list ?"Sophie asked her blonde curls bouncing as she spun around in excitement."Hats,"I said simply, flashing a smile ."I need something dramatic.""I should have guessed,"Rina added with a smirk." You are always so extra ,Zayna."I smiled at a little jab ."Of course, I was extra .Why settle for being ordinary whe
ZAYNAThe driver rounded the corner and got the door open , I was just too tired to acknowledge his presence.I swung my legs and handed the bags of designers to the maids who took them in.As soon as I got in ,the warmth of the large and magnificent living room welcomed me.Home at last I had never had a shopping as tiresome as this one.Thanks to Lemuel who kept calling me every now and then as if I had stolen his kidney.There he was my dad , Beta Thaddeus watching the evening news about everything going on in the pack."Daddy!" I squeaked running over to give him a hug ."I came back home from the meeting and you were nowhere to be found."I rolled my eyes and bit my lower lip." I went shopping, Dad,haven't done that in a month."Before he could speak , I trudged upstairs to my room."Catch you later, Dad." I raced upstairs to my room where the maids had already arranged my purchases neatly on the bed . I kicked off my shoes ,threw myself on the bed and grabbed my phone. For the
MERIDA. Ever since they had a fight, I haven't seen Lukan but I have seen Lemuel once before getting on his bike and zooming out of the pack house but that was yesterday. As usual I had woken up late. I guess my body is trying to adapt to living here in Nightbane pack. I had a quick bath and when I came downstairs for breakfast I was late again. Julietta lifted an eyebrow when she saw me but said nothing. I knew that she was still angry with me. I made a mental note to explain to her everything that happened at the mating ceremony when breakfast was over. "Where is your husband?"she asked, her tone laced with something I couldn't place my fingers on. It sounded so icy like she was expecting both of us to walk into the dining hall hand in hand ,kissing and laughing . "Morning,mother." Lemuel said walking in at that moment, his hair looked kind of ruffled making him look handsome, I quickly looked away that was not the reason why I was here. "Umm.." I stuttered." He'll
MERIDAI didn't know what to feel , anger , sadness, indifference.I glanced over my shoulder to see the door slam in my face .There was no use standing here ,staring at the office with its white walls and the smell of antiseptic drifting into my nose.I waited for a few minutes before turning around and walked out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind me.It suddenly became quite boring here , it really sucks. I went out and the sun rays fell on me. I inhaled the sweet smell of the wet grass which brushed slightly against my skin as I took a walk. It was better this way. It was actually the first time I was going out alone with no one watching me or giving me a particular time to be back. Though it felt so good , to be able to do whatever you want and not to have some people yelling and scolding you for every little mistake. I guess I was walking on slippery grounds and I have to be very careful about the things I say and do. Zayna wasn't the only one I had to fight of
LUKANThe ballroom emptied in chaos,voices whispering and eyes watching as Merida and I made our way to the car. I kept my face blank, my emotion locked away. I had done what I wanted to do and now I felt at ease .Kara and Zayna were gone, their betrayal had been exposed, and the rest of the pack that weren't present would hear every detail by morning.The air inside the car felt heavy.Merida sat quietly beside me, her gaze fixed out the window. For amoment, I wanted to speak, to say something that would lighten the weight pressing on us. But what could I say? She was in shock, everyone was in shock.Behind us, Lemuel, Dean, and Julietta followed in another car.The convoy moved through the streets to the packhouse , the soft hum of the engine the only sound. My mind was far from the quiet road, replaying the night's events.In few minutes , we arrived at the Packhouse, the scene before us was shocking. The everywhere buzzed with activity. Guards whispered among themselves, and mai
LUKANThe atmosphere in the room felt so thick and stifling.Everything had happened so fast and sudden and the worst part was that Zayna was dead Her lifeless body lay sprawled on the icy, blood-soaked floor, her face calm in death was the stark reminder of the happiness she once had. The heavy weight of shock and grief hung heavily in every corner of the hall. Some women were already beginning to sob a d some were too scared to leave the hall.My wolf stirred restlessly within me, a mix of fury, sorrow, and an urgent desire for revenge, to have Beta Thedeus punished for all the nonsense he had caused. Something in me wanted to find the culprit myself and deal with them. They tried to kill me and because of that Zayna was dead even though she didn't deserve any of this.Even though I was feeling really angry, I knew I had to stay calm. There was a big problem coming, and it wasn't too far from where I was but I had to stop it.“You!” Beta Thaddeus's angry voice shattered the ten
LUKANThe ballroom felt heavy with the tension and everything I had revealed, no one could say a single word it felt like the world had suddenly come to an end . Beta Thedeus and his bastard son felt like vanishing together with every member of the council who had supported him.The chandeliers twinkled above, showing the tension that filled the hall. Everyone was waiting patiently for my words, their gazes filled with curiosity, suspicion, and a hint of fear. Glasses held half drunk in their hands, eyes casting dirty looks at Beta Thedeus and his daughter Zayna.In the crowd, Zayna's expression was one of forced composure, and her shaking hands showed how scared she was, she was never expecting any of this She was clearly weighing her options, her eyes flicking between me and the assembled pack members.I approached her slowly, the sound of my boots sending sounds on the marble floors that made her shiver . “Zayna,” I started, my tone firm and precise. “I have something to ask
LUKANThe grand hall shone brightly under the golden chandeliers, their illumination dancing across polished marble floors and beautifully carved columns. This event was more than a mere ball—it was a display of deception organized by those eager to alter the legacy of my lineage, give my position to someone else.Laughter rose and fell through the hall, deceptively light and the sound of hushed chatters and the clicking of glasses filled the air. Council members raised their glasses in feigned joy,excited to have me discarded or so they thought.At the heart of the gathering was Beta Thaddeus, exuding his usual calm authority. His voice was measured and forceful as he addressed the assembly. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight marks an important moment for our pack. We have long awaited the return of order. This evening, we will crown a new Alpha.” His words hung in the air like a noose tightening around me. My prolonged absence had given them thus them, feeding their ego and stupidi
MERIDAIt was late evening as my personal maids got me ready for the moon meeting and at the same time I felt fear and anxiety surge through me. It was the night of the moon meeting, a significant event, but this one felt particularly heavy. I couldn't have attended if I had a say, going to the moon meeting — a meeting where some old men will have him replaced.I felt angry and at the same time as if I was betraying him. The council would be deliberating a possible successor for Lukan while he was in coma and I wished I could tell Lemuel that there was no need going for the Moon meeting.I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, feeling rather disoriented as a maid worked on my hair, styling it into a sleek twist that flowed gracefully down my back. Another maid stepped into the room, her face serious,very serious.“My Lady .” she said gently. “I need to inform you that Clara is unwell. She’s had a fever all day and hasn’t spoken to anyone. " She looked around her, at the maids
MERIDAThe next day was bright and full of hope,hope that soon everything would be fine.I wore a bright yellow, knee length dress and had my hair curled up, I was even planning on going to the beach today. I had told Lemuel and Dean had wanted to come with us.It was my first time of going to the beach, but I didn't tell Lemuel this, he would probably laugh at me. I smiled at the thought as I settled into the chair opposite Dean .Just as lunch started, one of the maids approached timidly, whispering to Julietta who reached out for a wine flute."Ma'am, your phone… It's an urgent call."Julietta answered the phone, her face shifting to a more serious expression. She spoke quietly, but her body language suggested trouble. "This can't be happening..."A pause.A long one." You can't possibly do this....it's outrageous!"Her grip on the phone tightened, and her knuckles turned white as though each word she heard drained the life from her.Lemuel looked up at her and I wondered what wa
The night was very quiet, like everything was waiting for something to happen. Lemuel and I stood on the balcony, looking down at the garden below and up at the blurry stars. I still thought about what I had told him and it was the best thing I ever did. At least I wasn't alone.My mind and heart were filled with thoughts and feelings, hoping that Lukan could still hear me and a miracle of some sort will happen and he will just wake up.I held onto the chilly metal railing, noticing how it dug into my hands. Helping me to keep calm.“I never… I never told him, Lemuel,” I whispered, struggling to speak. “I never told him how much he meant to me. And now, I fear I might never have that chance.”Lemuel turned to me, his eyes mirroring my pain. “Merida, you know he cared about you deeply. Lukan always felt things intensely, especially about you. He can be arrogant some times but he loves you."Tears flowed down my face as I shook my head. “But I never said it. Not once. I..."I stopped
MERIDAAs soon as I got home , I made a mad dash to thr bathroom and on the shower at full force allowing the hot water wash down me, it felt soothing and refreshing and I welcomed it.I had left my phone with it's broken screen on the bed and no matter how hard I try to gather my thoughts, they kept spiraling.For now I needed to be alone, to gather my thoughts.I glanced at he cracked screen, it reminded me of how my life was falling apart. I exhaled and wrapped my arms around me, suddenly feeling cold."Good evening, My lady." Someone knocked on the door and I knew it was one of the maids"What's it?""Dinner is served." She replied" I'll be downstairs soon." I said dismissing her before she could finish.I quickly changed into something cozy and joined Julietta and the rest at the dinning hall, thankfully they didn't seem to notice my late arrival as they chatted away. Truthfully I didn't feel like having anything to eat. I only wanted to be in the comfort of my room but then t
MERIDAAs the investigator walked out of the café, his figure slowly disappeared among the patrons. He seemed to be in a hurry and I wondered what just happened.I remained there, frozen , feeling puzzled and full of questions in my mind. His face showed me that there was an important piece of information he was keeping to himself. Something he didn't want to tell me.It was at that moment he was going to tell me more about my twin sister, a call interrupted us. He could have just spilled it out anyway before leaving.I wasn't seeing or hearing things, was I ?I clearly saw the name "Zayna" flash on his screen. I felt my heart race. Why was Zayna calling him? I felt a strong feeling of fear that made me uneasy and upset at the same time.I tried to calm myself down, taking short deep breath, but the worry kept getting stronger. There was something off, something I couldn't place my fingers on. I tried to relax, telling myself it was all a coincidence, that Zayna was the Beta's daug