LUCIAN"Because if you don’t tell me right now, I swear to the goddess, you’ll never see your family again.” Her eyes widened in terror. “I—I swear…” Before she could stammer another lie, the silence of the night was shattered. “The Beta of the Bloodfang Pack is back…” I glanced at the clock. 4:00 AM. Was it dawn already? Suddenly, a blast of trumpet echoed through the air, cutting through the peace of my office. The fucker was back. And he had to be dramatic. I turned to Maren just in time to see a strange expression flash across her face. Wait. Was that… relief? Suddenly, she turned on her heels, bolting for the door like the fucking coward she was. I snapped out of my chair so fast it nearly tipped over. "You little shit!" I roared, lunging after her. "Get your ass back here and tell me why the fuck you smell like Aria!" She didn’t stop. Her footsteps pounded against the wooden floors as she flew down the hallway, and I was right behind her, fucking boiling. How dare she
LUCIAN“Even at that, Maren!” Tobias scolded impatiently. “You of all people should have dissuaded her the moment she came to you.” I barely spared them a glance. My patience had already worn thin. Without another word, I broke into a jog, heading straight for the training grounds. “And to you, Lucian!” Tobias called, quickly following. “What the fuck is going on? Why wasn’t this rogue put to death? Why is she so fucking important?” A slow smile curled on my lips. “When you see her,” I said, almost amused by his questioning. “you’ll understand.” Suddenly a bloodcurdling scream reached my ears. Who could that be…? My chest clenched as the recognition hit me. If it was coming from the training grounds…Aria. I could only imagine the horror she was going through. I didn't think of stopping one bit as I ran. My legs pushed forward with brutal force, and my heartbeat thundering in my ears.What was going on down there?I squinted but all I could see was the empty yard. Where the fuck w
LUCIAN He didn’t like the scent of that bastard’s blood. “Lucian, I’m fine,” Aria said, her soft voice wrapping around me like silk. “But your eyes…” she trailed off, staring at me in confusion. I quickly turned my gaze to the window in front of me. My reflection stared back. Shit. My eyes were red again. It was the urge to rip that bastard apart that clawed at my chest. Control, Lucian, control. Then, I shot a glare at Maren. She jumped, dropping her gaze. I should have slapped some sense into her but there was no time for that. I turned away and walked back to Aria. She was still curled up with frail arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her torn clothes barely covered her trembling form. I crouched down, brushing my fingers against her shoulder. When she flinched, a sharp ache ran through my chest. It was hard not to look at her pale neck. The sight of it called to me, an unspoken invitation. But for the sake of her dignity, I ignored it. Instead, I silentl
ARIA Being manhandled like this should terrify me. The sheer force behind his grip… he didn’t hesitate to slam that bastard’s head into the floor—it should make me fear him. But I didn’t. I should be trembling, but all I felt was satisfaction. A sick kind of gratification at his definition of punishment— at the blood that dropped from his knuckles… It shouldn’t make heat pool low between my thighs. Why was his anger so intoxicating? Why did the violence in his hands feel like justice? Goddess, Aria, what the hell is wrong with you? This was toxic—every thought, every thrill that shot down my spine. And yet, I couldn't stop. Before long, Lucian began to sniff the air hungrily. I froze. Could it be that… he sensed my arousal? Then, to my absolute horror, a low, knowing chuckle rumbled from his chest. He knew. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperate to vanish into thin air. But Lucian wasn’t done. “I didn’t think you’d enjoy the spank that much,” he murmured wi
ARIAI tried to fight, but he easily pinned my wrists to the cold ground. "Stupid bitch," he snarled, his breath hot and foul against my face. "You shouldn't have made this easy for me." Ea—easy? Panic clawed up my throat. His words meant one thing alone—he had expected my plan. He knew I’d try to run away. My chest heaved. Shit! I struggled, but his grip only tightened, his knee pressing against my thigh. "Alpha Darius won’t even know the goods have been… damaged," he whispered darkly. Then a sick grin curled his lips. "As long as I don't leave marks on your body…” I thrashed harder, but it was useless. He was too strong. He leaned closer, brushing his oily nose against my neck. I snapped my head to the side in utter disgust. That was a mistake. Because he suddenly stilled. "Hm…" He hummed, flaring his nostrils. His lips parted slightly as he inhaled deeply. Oh no. A slow groan rumbled from his throat. "You smell… so good," he slurred, something rabid in his tone—like a starv
ARIANot without catching a glimpse of his expression before it shut completely. That was for yesterday's embarrassment. I could see the cloud of smoke over his head. Meanwhile, Aaron set his bag down, already moving toward me to check my injuries, but the cool guy’s eyes never left me. His gaze was unsettling. Not threatening, but sharp, like he was studying something far more complex than just a beaten-up omega. It made me a little nervous. Then, just as Aaron started fussing over me, the cool guy finally spoke. “Lucian.” His voice was calm yet firm. “We need to talk.” My spine straightened. Lucian was… in here? I turned sharply—only to find him standing in the doorway, arms crossed, leaning casually against the frame like he owned the damn place. I scowled. “You—” Lucian grinned. “Miss me?” I did not miss him. Not even a little. Aaron was already by my side, his medical bag open, hands moving efficiently as he reached for supplies. But I wasn’t looking at him. My gaze had be
ARIAI just smiled, amused at his reaction but not entirely relaxed yet. To be honest, I couldn’t stop replaying Tobias’s reaction in my head. I tilted my head slightly. “Who was that guy?” Aaron blinked. “Who?” “The guy with gray eyes,” I clarified. “The one who nearly choked on his own breath before dragging Lucian away.” Aaron raised an eyebrow. “What?” A sigh escaped my lips. I wasn't trying to be funny—that was the only way I could describe him. “The guy…” “Oh.” Aaron’s glare softened. He shrugged, already reaching for a bottle of antiseptic. “That’s Tobias Hale, Beta of the Bloodfang Pack and Lucian’s best friend.” He paused. “The last part’s important, but don’t tell anyone I said that.” I raised a brow. “Why?” Aaron just shook his head dramatically. “You didn’t hear it from me.” Oh. I couldn’t help it—the thought of grumpy, brooding, permanently irritated Lucian having a best friend—one who seemed capable of panicking, no less—was ridiculous. The guy looked like he h
LUCIAN “Did you see the mark?” I stayed silent. Tobias’s nostrils flared. “Did. You. See. The. Mark?” My jaw clenched. Tobias cursed under his breath, stepping back like I had physically struck him. He turned his gaze to the ceiling, breathing heavily. “Shit. Fuck. We are so screwed.” I flexed my fingers, keeping my expression neutral. “Not necessarily.” Tobias frowned. “Not necessarily?” He pointed toward the door. “Lucian, that girl… your prisoner, the one you so conveniently refuse to let go—isn’t just some rogue. She’s—” “I know.” Tobias froze, his anger twisting into curiosity. “Then what the hell are you planning to do?” I didn’t answer. Because, for the first time in my life… I didn’t fucking know. ________________Tobias was losing his mind. He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, pacing in frantic strides. His boots thudded against the stone floor of the hallway as he muttered more curses under his breath.Every few steps, he would stop, clen
Aria’s POV I wasn’t sure what I had expected when I opened the door. But it sure as hell wasn’t this. Lucian stood before me, his bare chest rising and falling with shaky breaths with sweat trapped to his skin. His muscles were tense as if he had just fought off something— someone. And then there were his hands. They weren’t just trembling. They were bloody. Oh my Goddess…Fresh blood. He… “Lucian…?”“What the hell happened to you?” Lucian blinked, his eyes unfocused, like he was still trapped in whatever nightmare had just consumed him. For a moment, he looked completely lost. I didn't like that one bit. Then, slowly, he exhaled. “It’s nothing.” Nothing? That wasn't nothing. I narrowed my eyes. “You’re bleeding.” His jaw tightened. “It’s not my blood.” “Then whose is it?” No reply. His lips had pressed together, but he didn’t answer. A sinking feeling settled in my chest. It was obvious that something was terribly, horribly wrong. Lucian had always been col
Lucian's POVI went to bed early.But the darkness found—surrounding me, suffocating…like the arms of an octopus wrapping around my body, dragging me into its endless depths.I gasped for air, but my lungs found nothing.Fuckfuckfuck… not again! My body trembled violently, drenched in sweat, while my hands clawed at the emptiness, desperate for something—anything—to hold onto. Suddenly, a flash of light encroached the emptiness. It fluttered in and out like a dying flame, taunting me with its fucking relief before disappearing again. Then a deep and familiar voice followed.“Lucian.” The sound struck deep inside me, pulling me away from the abyss that threatened to swallow me whole. My father. “Father!” I cried out, blindly. “Is that you?”I missed him so much. “Albena’s birthday is today. Why don’t we go see her?” Albena? Albena… the name echoed in my mind. A bell tolled in the distance, ringing louder and louder until it was brighter.As bright as the sun… laughter. And
ARIAThat he had somehow walked away from a brotherhood of monsters who took what they wanted and left destruction?My eyes squeezed shut. I couldn’t believe that. Not when I still remembered the feeling of being paraded like a prize in front of them. Maren must have noticed, because she quickly changed the subject. “You know, most people don’t get kissed because they ‘smell bad.’” She made air quotes with her fingers. “That’s gotta be a first.” A laugh wanted to break out of me, but it got stuck somewhere in my throat. “I don’t think that’s why he did it,” I said quietly. Maren nodded, her tone turning softer. “Neither do I.” We walked a little farther until we reached the edge of the stone path. The garden beyond was quiet, and getting cold in the late evening air.My thoughts were too loud, my head too full. “Aria.” Maren’s voice broke the silence again. “Can I ask you something?” I gave her a look. “You’re already asking.” She smiled sheepishly, then dropped her ey
ARIAMaren knew. Oh, hell. The realization slammed into my chest as her suspicious gaze swept over me. Then her lips curled into a smirk. "Wow. It is true.” Her nose wrinkled slightly. "You reek of him." The heat that shot up my neck burned hotter than the sun. "What?" “You forget we are wolves honey…” She cocked her head. "Lucian. I can smell him all over you." Her amused eyes flicked to my mouth, and they sparkled. "And judging by your lips? Yeah. He definitely didn't just give you a friendly peck." Blood rushed so fast to my face, I was convinced I had turned into a walking tomato. Unfortunately, I wasn't like other wolves.I could only perceive the normal. Not the fact that I'd been fucked. "Shut up," I muttered, dragging my hand over my mouth as if I could wipe away the evidence. Maren chuckled. "No can do. You look like you just got thoroughly ruined, and I’m dying for details." The mortification doubled. My entire body was on fire, and I wanted the ground to s
LUCIAN I could still see it—Killian’s hand on her face, his mouth on hers, the way his fingers had grabbed her— A growl built in my throat. And before I could stop myself…I grabbed her face and slammed my lips against hers. Aria gasped. I didn’t care. I didn’t kiss her like a man with patience. I didn’t kiss her like a man with control. I kissed her like a man who had been starving for too fucking long. A man who had spent years resisting the one thing he wanted more than anything. I kissed her in the most sinful way, dragging my tongue into her mouth, tasting, claiming, devouring. She shuddered. Trembled. I swallowed every fucking sound she made, my grip tightening as I tilted her head back, forcing her to take it—to take me. My body was on fire. My mind? Fucked. I wanted her. I fucking needed her. Here. Now. Against the wall, against the floor, against every goddamn surface in this room. She melted against me, soft and submissive, and I felt her hands curl
LUCIAN “If you came all this way, Stormwood, then I assume you have something to say.” Killian chuckled, leaning forward slightly. “Oh, I do.” His eyes flickered toward Aria again. “I came to bring her home.” Aria sucked in a breath. And my fingers curled into fists.No. I forced my fingers to uncurl. Killian wasn’t worth losing control over—not yet. I took a slow breath, then met his gaze with the same blank calmness I used on men who mistook my patience for weakness.“She’s free to go.” The words left my mouth evenly, without hesitation, and yet, the moment they did, something twisted deep in my chest.Aria paled, the blood draining from her face so quickly that for a second, I thought she might collapse. I shouldn’t have noticed. I shouldn’t have cared.But I did. And the sharp ache in my gut was the price of pretending I didn’t.Killian’s smirk widened. “Well,” he drawled, “that’s interesting.”I ignored him. “It’s up to her,” I continued. “If she wants to go with you, she
LUCIAN I’d saved her.Again.Killian Stormwood was a cunning bastard, and dealing with men like him required patience—not frowning. So, I didn’t. When his men walked into the pack house, most of my staff scattered.There was no need for introductions. Everyone knew exactly who had arrived. Killian’s gammas stood out in their usual black overalls and heavy dragon-age boots that looked like they could crush bone without effort.Seriously, overalls?And then there were the worst kind—the ones who walked in smiling.Killian was one of them. A fucking clown.So, when I stepped out of the grand pack house and found him standing on the pathway like he owned the damn place, his men pretending to be calm—like they weren’t about to forcefully drag Aria away—I smirked. Not the polite, political kind I reserved for allies. No, this was the one I gave to predators—men like me.Pleasantries? Nah. The moment he walked out of the waiting room in search of Aria, all pleasantries ended. The real conve
ARIAKillian’s smirk deepened. “Oh, little mate. Time is the one thing I have plenty of.”Maren shifted. “Take one more step, and I’ll slit your fucking throat.”Bold.That was fucking bold, and it made Killian finally look at her. The sheer disinterest on his face made me understand we were losing.“I have no business with you, Beta,” he murmured. Then, to my horror, he turned back to me. His expression softened, something almost… fond in his gaze.“I came for her.”I couldn’t move.“You don’t belong here, Aria. I am your mate—one of your mates.” He cooed gently, but it didn't comfort me one bit. “You know that, don’t you?”A sick feeling coiled in my stomach.“You…” Maren tensed. “Aria, he is your…holy shit.”But Killian was right.I didn’t belong here.I never had. And when he took another step. I forced my feet to stay planted.Don’t react. Don’t let him see you tremble.But my hands curled into fists. The way he’d held out his hand and told me I could have everything if I just st
LUCIAN No. Saying I am royally fucked is an understatement.Where the hell is Tobias?As if summoned by my thoughts, a knock echoed through the room. Then came the familiar sound of measured footsteps. Tobias. He walked in, assuming a casual posture, but the temperature in the room dipped noticeably.Something was wrong.“Alpha.” His voice carried a tone that made my stomach fall. When I finally met his gaze, the grim look on his face didn’t match the unhurried way he moved.I raised an eyebrow. “What?”Tobias didn’t hesitate. “Killian Stormwood is here.”The name barely registered. Killian Stormwood? Who the hell is—I froze.One of Aria’s mates. He’d found her.My gaze dropped to the scattered documents on my desk. For three nights, I hadn’t been able to shake the reality of it—powerful alphas, just like me, chasing after Aria. But they’d come before me.Did I even stand a chance?Barely.Killian Stormwood—the Sunshine Prince. That’s what they called him. Charismatic, diplomatic, a