Before the Callisto's became the alpha pack of Peskington, the Mazzeos, revered as the last azure pack, ruled over it. Then, in an ungodly massacre, the Mazzeos are displaced, and the Callisto's reigned as the head of the five families. As the last azure, Elyssa Mazzeo abandoned her family name, only returning years late to attend the Moon Ball where the alphas converge once a year, to finally get her revenge. But the goddess has other plans for her chosen. After her race through the Labyrinth, and torrents of revelations, she realizes she's a pawn in a game between the gods and the dark. When forced to pick a side, will the hunter become the hunted? Will she pursue her revenge or allow destiny to run its course?
View MoreBehind every great fortune, there is a crime.
And Lucian Callisto’s crime was the massacre of her entire pack. If she hadn’t snuck out to Aubrey’s party that night, Elyssa Mazzeo would be dead too, burnt to a crisp with her entire pack in the Mazzeo estate. That warm October morning, she lost her family, her identity, and her inheritance, and was forced to roam the wilderness on the outskirts of Peskington as a lone, bitter wolf.
As Elyssa stood in front of the full-length mirror in her loft in the Ember Tower. Her brows creased in a frown as she pushed her rage into the dark recesses of her mind. The time had finally come to have her revenge.
“Are you sure Zuker got our names on the list? I don’t want to be drag out of the Callisto compound by my hair,” Taylor asked as she strutted to Elyssa’s side in her blue body-con ball gown.
“Tay, if Zuker said we’re in. We’re in.”
Zuker was one of the few people she trusted, few? She shook off the scoff, he was the only one she trusted. After wandering the Labyrinth outside the city following the loss of her family, his pack had taken her in; no questions asked. The two of them had come a long way together, and while she cared for him, she had no interest in unnecessary entanglements, particularly with any wolf who wasn’t her mate. Like her parents, she believed the goddess marked mates, and she would wait for hers no matter how long it took.
She adjusted her black one shoulder mermaid sequin dress that hugged her curves, and the only jewellery she wore was her mother’s sapphire bracelet that matched her eyes. From the dresser beside her, Elyssa grabbed the studded gold clutch and headed for the door.
“You look incredible, El.”
Elyssa flashed her an intentional smile; she knew. Getting around the Callisto mansion wouldn’t be easy, and she needed all her charms to reach the section where the alphas would be. Even with Zuker’s connections, they could only get so far without a reputable name. The wolf-sphere had long forgotten her family’s name, and she couldn't even bank on using it; it could get her killed.
“So do you, Taylor.”
Taylor’s dark shoulder-length hair swayed as she spun in front of the mirror, giggling like a school girl. Elyssa regarded her with a smile, sometimes it was hard to believe she was a twenty-four-old school teacher who was obsessed with attending the annual Moon Ball hosted by the alpha family of Peskington.
Taylor said, “I hope to snag a prestigious mate tonight! I don't know if I'll be lucky enough to get in again.”
Using her fingers, Elyssa smoothed her long, wavy red hair, then allowed it to fall in a centre part that framed her face.
“I have my sights set on the one.” Elyssa grinned. “Come on, our ride’s here.”
She drummed her fingers nervously on her clutch as she led an eager Taylor out of her loft and down the elevator. Neither Taylor nor anyone else knew who she really was. To them, she was just another unmated wolf looking for a high society mate and an end to her miserable life, but it was far from that. She wanted to make Lucian pay for what he did.
The chauffeur held the door open for them as they reached the limo Zuker had arranged for them.
After climbing in, Elyssa took a deep breath, gripping her clutch as her heart pounded. The car pulled onto the road, and she glanced at Taylor reapplying her lipstick from her black purse. The closer they got to the Moon Ball, the more nervous she became. This had been her goal for eight years now; avenging her pack had been her lifelong goal, so why was she anxious now?
“Everything okay, El?” Taylor’s cheerful voice snapped her out of the haze of nervousness.
“I’m shaking,” Elyssa said, holding out her manicured hand to Taylor.
Taylor took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It will be okay, Elyssa. You look amazing. Don’t be surprised if an alpha snatches you up.”
As Taylor laughed, Elyssa nodded, smiling. Right, Taylor’s interest in this ball was a mate, nothing else. She squeezed Taylor’s hand before turning back to watch the road. Her fear was unfounded, and she was glad Taylor was here with her; her bubbling personality was exactly what she needed to remain calm.
Taylor gasped as she pointed to the large, majestic castle ahead. “We’re here. It’s massive!”
Their car was now on the queue to enter the Callisto’s compound, and she almost retched in rage this close to the enemy's lair. She relaxed her grip on the clutch again, afraid she would crush the weapon inside. They reached the stunning round curb of the driveway faster than she had expected, and climbed out.
Despite her efforts to deny it, the compound was spectacular; beautifully lit and grand. Taylor took her hand as she stared around in awe, and guided her along to the waiting line at the entrance.
Her heart throbbed as they neared the front of the line, where the concierge stood welcoming guests in. Elyssa looked around, tugging on her earlobe as an unfamiliar sensation crawled over her. The closer they got to the front, the harder it became to breathe, and it got unbearable fast.
“Taylor Wrubel and Elyssa.” She heard Taylor introduce at the head of the line, while she took pause to try to catch her breath.
This wasn’t panic, it was something else that drowned out the sound, like she was underwater. Wheezing quietly, Elyssa looked around the compound as the air thinned, before peeking a glance at the three black tuxedoed men in front of them. A pair of fiery amber eyes that knocked the little air left out of her lungs fell on her, and Elyssa grabbed Taylor’s arm for support.
Taylor turned to her with a whisper. “Are you all right, El?”
Mate.
Gritting her teeth, Elyssa squeezed her eyes shut. Clearly, she wasn’t fine. In the face of the pounding wind and the overwhelming feelings that weakened her legs, she struggled to stay upright.
“Allow me,” he said, snatching her from Taylor with torrid hands of fire that jolted her. “Welcome to the Callisto’s compound, Elyssa. I’ll escort you in.”
Mate.
Taylor grinned at him, “Such a gentleman.”
Elyssa froze in his arms, staring at his unreal amber eyes as her heart beat unnaturally against her chest. Stepping to her side, he held out the crook of his arm to her. A nod from Taylor goaded her to go along, and she slipped her hand into his.
In silence, they entered the castle, walked through the foyer, and headed straight to the ballroom. It took all her control not to glance over at him when his sandalwood scent overwhelmed her. Into the hall, Taylor followed in behind them, and when they reached the centre, the room turned to them.
“A dance, since you’ve got everyone’s attention.” He turned to her with a smile.
But Elyssa still couldn’t find her tongue, or form words. Her eyes slithered quickly over him, as she wondered who he was. Maybe if she asked, she’d know.
“I’m certain you can talk.” He held out his hand to her, and she glanced at his palm before squinting.
After a long silence, Elyssa finally said, “You did not introduce yourself.”
Taking her hand in one hand, he slipped the other around her waist, and spun her into a slow dance.
“Elyssa, I do not believe there’s anyone in Peskington who doesn’t know who I am.”
Her jaw clenched as she stared up into his eyes, that close to him, she could almost taste his virile scent. The thought of nibbling on his naked skin, or having him nibble on hers, clouded her mind and she shook her head to clear it. Her gaze drifted away from him, and she turned to watch the others on the floor; except there was no one else. The guests stood watching them from a distance, away from the dance floor.
“Why isn’t anyone else dancing?” Elyssa murmured against his chest.
Although she was wearing one of her highest stiletto heels, she barely reached his shoulders. Elyssa looked up into his eyes when he didn’t respond.
“It’s the Moon Ball. The alpha opens the floor.” He smiled into her eyes.
An alpha! He would be able to get her into the lounge where the alphas converged. This would be easier than she thought.
“Boss, a moment.” A young man whispered from beside them.
After slipping away from her, he curtsied. “Enjoy the party, Elyssa,” he whispered with a coltish grin.
Her name rolled off his tongue like a lover’s caress as he followed after the man who’d come calling, and she stared after him, hypnotized. She was roused from her trance by the guests’ applause, and Taylor scampered to grab her hand almost immediately.
“Oh my God!” Taylor whispered in delight. “He’s so unreal, who is he? Dish.”
He was her mate.
“I have no idea.”
Elyssa took Taylor by the hand and led her away from the prying eyes of the guests, who were now returning to the floor. Though she had looked forward to meeting her mate for a long time, it was such an inconvenient moment.
After what she intended to do here tonight, she was certain that he would reject her.
While Elyssa would have preferred to ride with Zuker instead of Rita to the Ewing compound, she went with Rita. She was not surprised to see Keith and Jared downstairs either. Lucian was very sweet, and just thinking about him made her smile. Watching the cars go by, she wondered how he was doing, as she found it difficult to feel him despite their link, even though she wanted to.Their car screeched to a stop along the quiet streets of Boulder Row, and Rita and she braced themselves. Keith cursed as he gazed out at the pack of wolves blocking their path from the passenger seat, then he unbuckled his seatbelt.“Don’t confront them.” Elyssa interrupted him before he could step out of the car. “Who are they?”“They are part of the resistance, Luna,” Keith said. “That tattoo on their necks is the crest.”When Keith called her Luna, she caught Rita’s sideways glance and felt uncomfortable. Rita had d
Elyssa snuggled into Zuker’s warmth, and he cradled her closer. Listening to him ramble on about the wolves and the gods, she smiled. Even though her intention had been to listen to this, Zuker was so close to her and drowning her in his scent that she could not focus on anything else.“You’re not listening, are you?”Looking up, she found his brow arched in question, and she laughed loudly as he shook his head at her.“I was. Please continue.”Intent on paying attention to him, she drew back from him and slid to the edge of the couch.“What’s going on over there? Come here.” He waved her over, and she refused with a shake of her head.Zuker closed the space between them, wrapping his arm around her waist and pinning her against him. With a gasp, her arms found his chest and slowly slid around his shoulder as she gazed at him.“I think I’m okay with having two mates, bu
“Something happened when I went to the Ewing compound ahead of you.” Taking Lucian by the hand, Elyssa led him to her living room and lowered into a couch with him. As he waited for her to tell him what was going on, his brow furrowed into a deep frown. Meanwhile, she wondered when Zuker would join them. “What is it?” “Lucian, you need to understand things as I do know, so you know it’s no one’s fault; mine, his or yours.” “Don’t tell me you slept with him.” Lucian tightened his grip on her hand, and when her gaze fell to it, he slipped his hand away from her. “Go on.” “Do you know anything about the war between the gods and the dark?” she asked. On the couch, Lucian reclined, then he adjusted. “I am aware. My bloodline is adamantly opposed to the light, my forefathers pledged us to the dark. How do you know about that?” “My parents were both pledged to both sides.” Elyssa huffed, stunned by how stuck she was in the middle of a
A confused Elyssa sat with her legs crossed in the white expanse, unsure of what was happening or what to do next. With no awareness of her physical surroundings, she wondered how Zuker and Lucian were doing. The two of them were probably at each other’s throats, and it was likely Zuker had revealed their match to spite Lucian. More than anything, she needed to be out of here, wherever it was, to make sure Zuker did not tell Lucian anything. “That is why you are here, Elyssa.” Her eyes snapped open at the echo of the voice within the expanse. Jumping to her feet, she looked around for anyone or anything. “What am I doing here? What is this place?” she asked. “Your mates must work things out and accept that you belong with them, both of you.” A churning of bells echoed in his voice, and Elyssa laughed at the absurdity of what he said. “Lucian would never accept such a thing.” “If he won’t conform, he will be removed. He
Lucian’s POVAfter setting her in her bed, Lucian lowered himself to sit beside her and gawked, unable to look away from her. She was in pain, and he had no idea how to help her. The way she’d screamed in excruciating agony crushed him, and given that she was azure royalty and an alpha, the mesh of all that power made it difficult to tell which was hurting her now.He wanted to help her.Yet, it appeared that she didn’t want his help. Just moments after they’d shared the most mind-blowing night together, he managed to hurt her and make her jealous. Goddess, she had been so open and eager for him that it nearly drove him mad. With just one visit to Rita, he had managed to push her to the point where she wanted to distance herself from him and be with Zuker.Then he turned to Zuker who was standing in the doorway. The scent of his anxiety and worry filled the room.“Would you be so kind…?” L
After stepping out of the shower, Elyssa donned a pair of red silk pyjamas and went to Zuker in her living room. She resolved to stay here until she was no longer bothered by Lucian’s inane questions. Then she scoffed, recalling the perverse question he had asked her following his admission of still having feelings for Rita and his reduction of her importance in his life.When he was crazy about Rita, why had he insisted on being with her? A lot more had to be going on, and Ravyn had to reveal it.“You’re fuming.”Zuker’s voice roused her from her thoughts, and she watched him, standing beside her living room window that overlooked the city.“I’m just a little annoyed.”“Is this about the witch or Lucian?” Zuker folded his arms over his chest. “I am upset that you went down that path alone. What if you had gotten hurt?”As she walked up to him, Elyssa smiled ear-to-ear.
The darkness of the path swallowed her, even with the scorching morning sun, and this far down the path, she couldn’t see back into the Callisto compound.But she was not afraid.The wind whipped up with unusual force, and she quickly plaited her hair to prevent it from thrashing over her face. Ravyn’s voice was everywhere, echoing over and over through the dark path, and Elyssa took a deep breath. When she reopened her eyes, she saw the path in front of her clearly, and her brows furrowed in wonder. As her eyes got hot, she raised her hand to calm them down. It was then she noticed the blue glow emanating from her eyes, and it startled her.“The azure eyes,” she exclaimed to herself and continued down the path.Unlike her other gifts, channelling this gift took a lot of energy from her. It caused her eyes to burn badly, and she held her head with a wince. Squeezing both eyes shut, she put her hands out and walked along the path bl
After she slipped away from Zuker, shaking her head to clear it of her new unfounded attraction to him, Elyssa returned to Rita’s side. It wasn’t that she didn’t already have feelings for him, she never acted on them or requited his advances because the goddess didn’t match them. As she channelled her ability, eyes clenched shut, trying not to leer at him, she believed that desire to be with a matched mate was an azure thing. “Anything?” Zuker’s voice boomed over to her, and she shook her head, eyes still closed. Then she pushed him and Lucian out of her mind for a moment; letting go of the doubts that plagued her, and the crippling fear that her life was headed in a direction she had never imagined. Rita’s hand heated up in hers, and Elyssa focused on the sensation. She followed it, or rather directed it, as the sensation spread throughout her body, and once it had settled Ely
As Alfred paced in front of them, Elyssa struggled to avoid looking at Zuker. She craved his presence for some ungodly reason, and it was a bittersweet feeling. Her bond with Lucian made her feel guilty, and she wondered if he felt her particular attraction to Zuker now. She was worried because Alfred and Melissa had no explanation, but they knew precisely how terrible it would be to have Lucian’s mate be matched with their son. It was still necessary for her to see Rita to know that she was recovering well. What she really wanted to do was help Rita recover. Victoria told her the royal azure had multiple gifts; she wondered if her mother’s healing ability was one of them. But a more riveting dilemma occurred, and she hated that she was once again stuck in the middle. “Has something like this ever happened before?” Zuker asked. “
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