Jo had been wandering the hallways of the demon kingdom, lost in her thoughts, when she found herself outside Victor's room. She hadn’t planned on visiting him, but something drew her to the door. She hesitated, her hand hovering just above the handle. She could sense something was wrong. The air around the door felt thick with a strange energy, almost suffocating.She heard a low, pained whimper from inside. Her heart clenched.Victor? Without thinking, Jo pushed the door open and stepped inside.The room was shrouded in darkness, but it wasn’t just the absence of light. This darkness felt alive, pulsating, almost like it was breathing. And there, in the middle of it, was Victor, doubled over in pain, his hands clutching his head.“Victor!” Jo’s voice trembled with concern as she rushed to his side. She could see his body trembling, sweat glistening on his brow. He looked up at her, his eyes a mixture of pain and something else—fear.“Jo…stay back,” he managed to gasp out between brea
Jo exhaled slowly, her voice a low murmur.“I don’t know why it failed.”Evie blinked. “You mean… it wasn’t Victor?”Jo’s eyes flicked to the firelight, shadows dancing over her scarred cheek. “I gave it everything I had. My intentions were real—raw, even. I didn’t walk into that chamber planning to lie, and I wasn’t afraid of the truth. That Goblet should’ve accepted us.”Sarah studied her carefully. “But it didn’t.”“No,” Jo said softly. “It didn’t.”The former Queen tilted her head. “So… you think it was him?”“I don’t know.” Jo leaned forward, bracing her elbows on her knees. “That’s the part that haunts me. Maybe it was Victor. Maybe it was me. Maybe it was both of us carrying too many secrets, too much shame. The Goblet doesn’t care about feelings—it cares about truth.”Sarah’s voice was quieter now. “Do you regret it?”Jo’s eyes sharpened. “No.”The room held its breath.“I don’t regret what I gave him. Or what I told him. I meant every word. Even the parts that scared me,” she
The dream returned.Same shore. Same call. Her feet drifted forward without thinking, the cool sand pressing between her toes as that sound—faint and familiar—drew her in. It was gentle, almost like a lullaby, but there was something sad buried in it. Like someone was calling her... and missing her at the same time.The waves rolled slowly and steady, their rhythm syncing with the tight, quiet thud of her heart.And then—suddenly—the light broke through.It wasn’t warm or cold. It was blinding. A pure white form emerged from the waves, and as Jo blinked against the glow, a figure began to shape.Someone familiar. Someone long gone.But before she could name them—before she could scream or fall to her knees—the dream shattered, pulling her back into darkness.Jo woke with a soft gasp, her body tangled in sheets, her heart racing like a war drum. The dream lingered like salt on her lips as if she really was just at the ocean, blinded by the light.What were these dreams? And why did th
PrologueIt was one of those dull, cloudy mornings in Dark Slayer Pack — not quite raining, but the kind of grey that made everything feel a bit heavier. Jolene sat on her bed, legs tucked under a blanket, flipping through the final pages of her well-worn vampire novel. Her heart raced with anticipation; she was getting close to the climax.Forbidden books always hit harder. Especially vampire ones, completely banned in the werewolf realm. That only made her obsession with them more delicious.“Jo!” someone shouted from outside her room.“Damn it,” she muttered under her breath. She quickly dog-eared her page and slid the book under her pillow just as the door burst open.“Our Alpha’s expecting important guests soon,” said Polly, practically bouncing with excitement. “We have to start the preparations!”Polly, her black hair swishing as she moved, clapped her hands like a child on sugar. She was Jolene’s roommate — and perpetually high on life.“Oh! And the warriors are returning today
Chapter 1- Proposition *Flashback*"And what happened to the father bear, Mumma?" eight-year-old Lucy asked, her big blue eyes wide with curiosity.Her mother, Wilma, chuckled softly and tucked the unicorn blanket around Lucy’s small frame. “Sweetheart, we’ll finish the story tomorrow. It’s way past your bedtime.”She pressed a kiss to Lucy’s forehead, brushing back her curls with a familiar, gentle hand.That was the last time Lucy saw her mother alive.The next morning, she woke up to chaos. Loud voices, heavy footsteps, the air thick with panic.Still half-asleep, Lucy tiptoed out of her room and froze at the sight in the hallway. A tall man, dressed in black, stood over her mother, stabbing her again and again.“Mumma!” she screamed, racing toward them. But the man didn’t even glance her way. He slipped out the back door and disappeared.Lucy dropped to her knees beside her mother’s bleeding body. Wilma’s breaths were shallow, crackling with every second that passed.Then came the
“What in Moon Goddess’ name... is this true?” Lucy gasped, covering her mouth with both hands in shock.“Yes. Well... that could be the only plausible explanation,” Jo said, rubbing her temples in an attempt to ease the throbbing headache blooming behind her eyes. “I try my best to cover my scent in all my clothes and belongings. But when I gave you my spare clothes earlier... I forgot. And I didn’t expect you to come out to the kitchen so fast.”“But if you really are Alpha Jayden’s mate, why not just tell him?” Lucy chirped, her blue eyes shining brightly — a light Jo had never seen in her before. It made Jo smile weakly. “Even if we’re omegas, a mate bond is sacred. It's above all werewolf laws.”“Lucy, it’s a lot more complicated than you think.” Jo’s voice softened. “And it’s better if you don’t know the full story. I’m just asking you to play along. Pretend to be Alpha Jayden’s mate for a while. I’ll give you all of my scented clothes, and we’ll drag this out long enough to make
Lucy finally reached her basement room and paused, taking in the grimy scene. Dust floated thickly in the stale air, clinging to the cracked walls. Insects crawled freely across the floor — and sometimes even across her skin. Once, she would have screamed. Now, she barely noticed.She bent down and grabbed a few pieces of clothing, her movements mechanical. Sitting down on the edge of the creaky bed, Lucy stared blankly at the room she had been trapped in for so long.Everything was changing so quickly. After years of nothing but misery... could she really be free in just a few months?Her hand trembled slightly as she remembered her small pouch. She had hidden it deep inside an old dusty vase. Her tiny savings — enough, she hoped, to buy herself a real start.Lucy crossed the room and reached inside the vase. Her fingers brushed the rough fabric just as footsteps echoed down the basement stairs.She stiffened."Well, well. Looks like the dumb bitch is packing to go somewhere," Gina’s
"What an annoying guest," Jo thought bitterly as she stalked back toward the kitchen. Not only did he have the audacity to wander alone through a foreign pack, but he also insulted her cooking. Royal guards and generals — always bursting with ego and pride. It was no secret Jo hated them with passion.When she reentered the kitchen, the chaos had only worsened. Polly was darting around, barking orders at the overwhelmed omegas."Polly, you need to slow down," Jo said, trying to soothe her friend. "You’re going to make all the omegas cry with that tone."Polly paused, pressing her fingers against her temples. "I just found out the royal visit’s been extended for a week," she muttered, exasperated. "They were supposed to stay one night. Now I have to prepare more rooms, assign extra omegas — it’s total chaos. I know you wanted Lucy to rest, but... I really need more hands."Jo sighed. "Alright, fine. But assign Lucy with me, okay? We'll manage."Polly raised an eyebrow, watching her a
The dream returned.Same shore. Same call. Her feet drifted forward without thinking, the cool sand pressing between her toes as that sound—faint and familiar—drew her in. It was gentle, almost like a lullaby, but there was something sad buried in it. Like someone was calling her... and missing her at the same time.The waves rolled slowly and steady, their rhythm syncing with the tight, quiet thud of her heart.And then—suddenly—the light broke through.It wasn’t warm or cold. It was blinding. A pure white form emerged from the waves, and as Jo blinked against the glow, a figure began to shape.Someone familiar. Someone long gone.But before she could name them—before she could scream or fall to her knees—the dream shattered, pulling her back into darkness.Jo woke with a soft gasp, her body tangled in sheets, her heart racing like a war drum. The dream lingered like salt on her lips as if she really was just at the ocean, blinded by the light.What were these dreams? And why did th
Jo exhaled slowly, her voice a low murmur.“I don’t know why it failed.”Evie blinked. “You mean… it wasn’t Victor?”Jo’s eyes flicked to the firelight, shadows dancing over her scarred cheek. “I gave it everything I had. My intentions were real—raw, even. I didn’t walk into that chamber planning to lie, and I wasn’t afraid of the truth. That Goblet should’ve accepted us.”Sarah studied her carefully. “But it didn’t.”“No,” Jo said softly. “It didn’t.”The former Queen tilted her head. “So… you think it was him?”“I don’t know.” Jo leaned forward, bracing her elbows on her knees. “That’s the part that haunts me. Maybe it was Victor. Maybe it was me. Maybe it was both of us carrying too many secrets, too much shame. The Goblet doesn’t care about feelings—it cares about truth.”Sarah’s voice was quieter now. “Do you regret it?”Jo’s eyes sharpened. “No.”The room held its breath.“I don’t regret what I gave him. Or what I told him. I meant every word. Even the parts that scared me,” she
Jo had been wandering the hallways of the demon kingdom, lost in her thoughts, when she found herself outside Victor's room. She hadn’t planned on visiting him, but something drew her to the door. She hesitated, her hand hovering just above the handle. She could sense something was wrong. The air around the door felt thick with a strange energy, almost suffocating.She heard a low, pained whimper from inside. Her heart clenched.Victor? Without thinking, Jo pushed the door open and stepped inside.The room was shrouded in darkness, but it wasn’t just the absence of light. This darkness felt alive, pulsating, almost like it was breathing. And there, in the middle of it, was Victor, doubled over in pain, his hands clutching his head.“Victor!” Jo’s voice trembled with concern as she rushed to his side. She could see his body trembling, sweat glistening on his brow. He looked up at her, his eyes a mixture of pain and something else—fear.“Jo…stay back,” he managed to gasp out between brea
Jo sat stiffly on the edge of the opulent bed, her gaze fixed on Belial. The dim light filtering through the heavy curtains cast long shadows across the room.Belial's presence suddenly became commanding, his dark armor and intense gaze making the room feel even colder. There was only seriousness in the air now.He took a deliberate step closer to Jo, his voice dropping to a low, grim tone. "There is something you need to understand about the demon kings, Jolene. Victor killed Hades because his madness turned to the point of no return. Hades wanted Sea kingdom's most precious weapon, and Victor had a change of heart after meeting you. However, I am now worried about what this means for Victor.The madness is a truth that haunts every ruler who sits upon the throne of the underworld."Jo’s heart quickened, her thoughts racing as she tried to grasp the gravity of Belial’s words. "What are you talking about? What truth?"Belial’s eyes, sharp and unwavering, met hers. "The madness. Every d
Victor stared at Jo dangerously. If looks could kill, Jo would be six feet deep already. Before the siren could decently cover herself in front of the crowd that was now gathering, Victor snapped his fingers, and instantly the warrior next to her started grasping for air, his hands around his neck as if something invisible was choking him, robbing him of air. 'Victor, stop', the siren pleaded for the warrior who she knew was probably a victim of Pat's evil plan. 'Fuck this Jo', the demon king mumbled. 'You care about this warrior so much?'. Jo knew it was a wrong move because the warrior's body suddenly went still. She knew he was dead, so she dared not look at the body lying next to her. Tears were welling up in her eyes, this was not how she imagined her 18th birthday to have been celebrated. Damn it. She did not even want to have a celebration in the first place. 'Everyone who dares lay their eyes on my soon-to-be bride will have it ripped out of their socket. OUT!', Victor
Victor did not know when and how this has happened but Jo was the only one he could think of every single day. Before he even realised, he had fallen hard for the siren. Jo’s voice that sounded like melodies had drawn Victor to her, and he had fallen for her enchanting voice, her vibrant red hair, and the way her eyes held the depths of the ocean. But now, as Victor’s words echoed through the night, Jo’s world shattered. His confession hung heavy in the air, like a curse that could never be undone. He had killed his own father—the reigning demon king— Jo’s voice trembled as she whispered, “Why, Victor? Why would you do such a thing?” His eyes, once filled with tenderness, now bore the weight of guilt. “Because I love you, Jo. More than my own life. The former King Hades had ordered me to kill the entire royal family of the sea world on the day we were supposed to be married.” Jo’s heart clenched. 'Why would Hades want such thing and to wait till the wedding day? If he wanted to, he
The island was chilly and breezy. Jo looked around and realised she was alone again. And then she heard that serenading sound that had been calling for her, yearning for her and haunting her. She wanted to know where it was coming from. It sounded so eerily familiar like she had heard it before. As she felt the soft shoreline sand beneath her bare foot, she knew she was getting close to that sound. It was coming from inside the Islands. But every time she tried to get closer, she would always…………Jo woke up panting. She had the same dream again. Ever since Belial’s attack, she had been having the same recurring dream of a serenading sound calling for her. But every time she tried to get close to it, she would wake up. Damn her luck.Not wasting any more time, she quickly got up and checked today’s date on a nearby table calendar. Her heart sank realizing that the day of the fairies’ departure was getting closer and closer. They were leaving in three days. It almost felt like a part of
'Marriage?', Lucy repeated her mate's words. Perhaps she misheard because none of this was making sense. Caleb massaged his temples and tried to maintain a calm posture. This was not like Caleb at all. He has always been the goofy type, and it felt weird to see him all so serious. 'Yes. Unfortunately, most Alphas have arranged marriages with other pack leaders to bring strong alliances, keep pure lineages, and build long-lasting relationships. I have been sworn to marry the daughter of Alpha Ramos from the Fawn pack'. Caleb chose his words carefully, knowing this would not be taken well.'Well, have a happy marriage life. I hope you have strong pups. Don't you dare dirty the pure Alpha lineage by considering someone like me, "Lucy said sarcastically and turned to walk away when Caleb yanked her right into his arms.'I don't care about the lineage, not one bit. You could be a vampire for all I care, and I would still love you and let you suck all of my blood', Caleb's words were makin
Suddenly there was no more running.No more sleeping with one eye closed.It was safe now. ...Jo slowly tried opening her eyes, she was finally discharged from the pack hospital and back to her guest room. Dante had been busy with his meetings and tightening the pack borders, but he would try his best to check in on her. She blushed thinking about the kiss they shared under the dome. Nothing more has happened ever since. Dante has really been respectful of her boundaries and giving her space.Jo was still walking on eggshells, not sure if this is really meant to be. Dante was married and that was the biggest barrier to everything right now. Even if he did not love Olivia or see her as his wife, they were still lawfully wedded. And Jo was pretty sure, Olivia would not take the news of her being Dante's fated mate well. Or maybe she already knew? Jo could not tell.At least she did not have to pretend with Dante anymore about being an omega. Infact, their mate bond was growing ever