Half-brother. A Rogue forever.Those words burned at the back of my mind as I stared at the Rogue who saved me to my left and my fiancé to my right.Though the name didn’t fit the wild, untamed image I had of him. Speaking of wild, that dream I had a few nights ago flashed before me. My cheeks heated at the memory of his naked body alone. And yet the Rogue, who was dressed in the most civilized attire I thought a Rogue could wear, is seated beside me at Alpha Azriel's table as though he once belonged here.“It’s good to finally meet you, Alexander,” my father spoke. It seems he was more interested in the Rogue who saved me rather than his own daughter’s well-being.Sure I look calm and unbothered so I wouldn’t wonder why my father remained oblivious to my turmoil, but...The Rogue who had saved my life was no mere Rogue. He was my fiance’s half-brother, and somehow, I found it troubling.Beta Homer squinted his eyes at me, at us, and that made everything more messier than it should be
I stiffened at the familiar scent wrapping me as I turned to face him. His expression was unreadable, but his voice was low, meant only for my ears.“I saw you with Alpha Azriel earlier.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle between us. “In the garden.”I blinked, my throat bobbing. But I kept my flinching to a minimum.I pretended it didn’t bother me. “So what?” I arched a brow.Beta Homer’s lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile, but not a smirk either. “I won’t tell anyone,” he said, studying me. “But only if you come back to me—if you mend what’s broken between us.”A bitter laugh escaped me even before I could stop it. “You think you can...blackmail me?” I asked, shaking my head repeatedly. “There’s nothing left to mend, Homer. We’re done. Just because you broke up with Lazel doesn’t mean you can come crawling back to me.”His jaw clenched at my ruthlessness and straightforward words. For a brief moment, I saw an ember of something dark in his gaze—pos
Rhiannon’s POVDinnertime has come as the night finally awakened. I still can’t shake the feeling of what Alpha Azriel and I shared and conversed.“Behave yourself, daughter,” Alpha Dorian nudged me by the elbow. “Smile.”“I am—I’m smiling,” I almost said in a growl, my shoulders straight as my back.As we march down the entrance door, the grand dining hall of the Moonborn Pack buzzed with lively conversation as my pack, the Moonbeam Pack, found our seats on the table with Alpha Azriel’s Warriors and pack officials and the Alpha himself.I, obviously, sat beside my fiancé. It was awkward, to be honest. I subtly roam my eyes upon his black and blue coat and his neatly combed dark hair. He sat at the head of the table, my father across from me. Rowan and Catrin, for the Moon Goddess’ sake, sat beside him like a couple who haven’t yet announced their relationship to the world.Not that they are a couple but...they looked more cute and happier than me in my seat. Azriel barely landed a gl
I further moved away from my hiding spot, my heart beating like crazy. I clenched my fists, determined not to let the whirlwind of emotions show on my face.“Alpha Azriel,” I called, my voice steady despite the heat rising in my chest. My brows furrowed. “You knew I was here?”He smiled, handsomely and darkly. “Of course.” He took a deliberate step closer, his gaze never dropping from mine.”Your sweet scent gave you away. It’s very distinguished from the flowers.”I bit my lip. “So you two meet here in the flower garden so that no one can scent you?”“Precisely.”I scoffed. “Too bad. Your cover was blown up because your lover is too loud.”Azriel's eyes narrowed, lingering on my face. “You surprised me,” he murmured. “Only a few can speak in that tone before me and walk away.” He tilted his head. “Bold enough to confront me after spying on something private. I admire that.”“I wasn’t spying,” I snarled. “I excused myself because I wanted some fresh air.”“As if I’d believe that?”“I
Even with Alpha Azriel’s disappearance, my father didn’t look bothered. Perhaps they’re already done discussing what they need to discuss and the Alpha excused himself for either personal reasons or social reasons. I bet it was both.The cool breeze swept through the packgrounds as I wandered alone, my feet moving without thought. I’m sure my father and the others were still engaged in political discussions with the rest of Alpha Azriel’s pack officials, and Catrin had remained as she was enchanted by a charming Beta who sat beside her.As I filled my lungs with fresh air, the garden stretched beyond the main party. Winding paths of cobblestone led into a secluded area filled with blooming flowers and fountains trickling with crystal water. I’m far enough that I can no longer hear their chattering and clinking of glasses, and I’m glad of it.I don’t know my directions as I walked so I just let my feet guide me wherever it takes me, my mind still clouded with thoughts of Homer, of Laze
My heart was still pounding when my father and brother arrived. I hold tightly onto Catrin as we make our way to lunch, arranged to look like a garden party in the packhouse’s backyard.Catrin glanced toward a nearby treeline and then back at me. “You sure you're not imagining things? You've been through a lot.”“No, I’m not,” I sighed. “Besides, I didn’t see him in those trees. It was near the packhouse’s entrance.She lifted a brow, skeptical whether to believe me or go along with my mumblings.“I know what I saw,” I whispered firmly, though doubt still flickered in my bestfriend’s eyes.“Perhaps you’re just hungry?” she smirked as she took a bite from the bread. “Hunger does that.”I rolled my eyes as I grabbed myself some food to eat. Just as I was about to open my mouth and take a bite, the Beta announced: “The Alpha Azriel is here.”I cursed silently beneath my breath and my father glared at me to behave properly before my fiancé. My brother, however, threw me a smile that I cou