TESSAWe arrived at the party later than planned. Velmara hadn’t wanted to come with us at all at first and it had taken both Irene and me to reassure her until finally she agreed.“I’m not accustomed to gatherings like this,” Velmara confessed softly just before we stepped inside.When I glanced at her, I caught the flicker of unease shadowing her face.Anxiety was seeping in, dimming her usual sharp composure.I reached out and took her hand firmly, “Hey. Breathe. I’m right here, you won’t be alone.”Her eyes darted to mine, “But I’m not one of your kind, Tessa. What if they don’t just reject me, but also humiliate me in front of all eyes?"Her words sank into me. Velmara never told me anything about the bat treatment from my kind before. And it made me realize then that she must have faced such treatment more than once at the hands of wolves who saw her as other. No wonder she has always closed herself in our presence until now. By taking her to this party, I hope to show her tha
Third Person's POVOdette wished she could stay close to Frederick a little longer, but his cold demeanor felt like a blade that cut through the last of her hope. And when he finally turned away leaving her standing there, her hope shattered. What hurt even more was knowing that his eyes would soon be searching for someone else; the woman who had filled them with warmth just moments ago.Tessa.Odette had seen her earlier across the room. That was why she had tried so hard to pull Frederick away, to distract him. She couldn’t let him look at Tessa.She didn’t want to lose against her.Odette had imagined that tonight when they finally met again, Frederick would show at least some spark of excitement. She had hoped for even a hint of what they once shared, like the night they sealed their bond under the full moon. But she was wrong.It was clear now that Frederick didn’t want her near him anymore. The door to his heart was shut and this time, Odette Laurent no longer held the key.As
FREDERICKIt was a voice I wished never to hear again. My chest tightened as I turned, i hope that my fears were misplaced.But the moment my gaze collided with those unmistakable green irises, that hope crumbled to ash.“Odette..."“Hey. I’m glad you haven’t forgotten me, Frederick.” Her lips curved into that same smile I remembered all too well.A year had passed since the last time we saw each other and in that time I had almost succeeded in burying her memory. Seeing her now felt unreal. My eyes flicked around the space searching for some explanation, but there was no one with her.And then my gaze locked with Tessa's.The way her eyes widened suggested she recognized me too. But before I could speak, Odette’s hand slipped over mine, pulling me back to her.“Frederick, are you even listening? Hey, you’re lost in thought.” She waved a hand in front of my face.“Stop, Odette.” My words are sharp.I turned back toward where Tessa had stood but she was already gone.“Is there someone
FREDERICK.The night of the party.I couldn’t stand waiting any longer for Atlas or Bridget to get ready, I took the car and drove alone to Moonveil Pack. My arrival drew startled looks from the guards posted at the border and again at the gates of the estate. They hadn’t expected me so soon.After I parked, I stepped out and made my way toward the entrance. The silent hall greeted me.Across the space, I caught sight of Darius speaking to his subordinates. His words halted the moment his gaze found me. With a dismissive nod to the man, he broke away and approached.“Alpha Frederick?” His brows lifted, “You arrived so early. The party won’t begin for another hour. But, welcome to my pack,"I nod my head in acknowledgment, brushing aside the sudden thought that Atlas had been right when he said we could afford to leave later. Alpha Darius led me out toward the terrace adjoining the hall. Here was quiet too, the long tables still empty. I was the first guest to come tonight.“Would yo
TESSANerves knotted my throat so tightly I couldn’t bring myself to say a word.“Who’s this?” He pressed again, impatience sharpening his voice.The silence between us stretched. When I was finally ready to speak, something shot in through the open doorway and slammed against my legs. I jolted upright, the phone slipping from my grip and clattering to the floor. Whatever it was skittered across the room before springing onto my bed.“Salem?!”The cat arched its back though its innocent eyes suggested it had nothing to do with nearly giving me a heart attack. I edged toward him, intent on scooping him up but his tail flicked high in warning,“Calm down, boy,” I murmured.That's when the door burst open and Velmara stormed into the room. Her lips thinned when her gaze landed on the cat sprawled across my blankets. Without hesitation, she strode forward, lunging at Salem and sweeping him up in her arms. He yowled in protest against her hold.“There you are! I’ve been searching everyw
TESSAI arrived home when night had already settled in. My body ached with exhaustion after a day full of activity. But despite the fatigue weighing on my muscles, my heart was full. Stepping through the doorway, I crossed the threshold with long strides, calling out for the others. There's only silence. Irene hadn't returned and I assumed Velmara was still out in the woods gathering herbs. But to my surprise, she appeared in the doorway just then.“Hey,” I greeted, letting myself collapse onto the couch. The plush cushions welcomed me and a groan of pleasure slipped past my lips as my back sank into the softness.“You want a massage service?” she offered, settling beside me.“No, thanks,” I replied quickly. The last time she tried her version of a massage, it felt like she wanted to crush my bones.“Where’s Irene?” “Out for a walk.”I frowned. “She’s not usually home later than me.”Velmara let out a dramatic huff. “Exactly. And you know what’s even crazier? She’s been gone since