Avery’s Point Of ViewThe soft bubbling of stew filled the kitchen, a gentle, almost hypnotic rhythm that echoed my heartbeat. I stood barefoot in front of the stove, humming an old melody I didn’t even recognize. The tune danced lazily from my lips as I stirred the pot, watching warm steam curl around me like a misty lover wrapping itself around bare skin.The scent of roasted garlic, wild onions, herbs Kaiden had handpicked himself from the garden... it all mingled into something intoxicating. Comforting. Like home. Like a life I never thought I’d be allowed to have.Sunlight streamed through the wide kitchen windows, golden and thick, kissing the countertops, slipping over the wooden floors, and catching in the coppery strands of my hair. The beams painted streaks of honey across my skin as I moved, sleeves rolled up to my elbows, the hem of Kaiden’s shirt brushing dangerously high up my thighs.His shirt.It drowned me, and yet I felt more naked in it than I ever had wearing nothi
Avery’s Point Of ViewI exhaled slowly, brushing my fingers along his collarbone, feeling the steady thrum of his pulse beneath my touch. His skin was warm, like sunbaked stone, and his body radiated heat even through the sliver of space between us.“I was having a peaceful moment,” I whispered. “And now you’re having me.” He caught my wrist and kissed the inside, slowly. “You were humming. Happy. I like you like this.”“I like me like this.”“I love you like this,” he murmured into my skin. The words hit harder than I expected. I blinked up at him, lips parting. He smiled, soft but wicked. “Don’t go all misty-eyed on me, Snowy.”“I’m not misty-eyed. I’m just…”“Falling for me harder?” he teased, nudging my nose with his. “Already done. You were asking to be kissed.”“Was I?” His voice dropped, dark and dangerous. “You always are.” I laughed and smacked his chest, but it was hopeless. My heart was a mess of fireflies in a jar, wings fluttering with no rhythm, just wild chaos.Something
Avery’s Point Of View“Time they see that you’re alive.”I stared at him, my breath catching in my throat. “You’re not a secret. You’re not hidden. You’re mine, Avery. And it’s time the whole world sees that.” My fingers trembled in his grasp, and for a long second, I just blinked at him, the words echoing in my ears like a drumbeat.“Kaiden…” I whispered, my voice barely there. “And also,” he added, his voice dropping into something deeper, something almost primal, “it’s time they know you’re my mate. My Luna.”I felt the world pause.My chest tightened, lips parting in a small gasp as the full weight of his words slammed into me.“Your… Luna?” I echoed, wide-eyed. He nodded slowly, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. “It’s not just about going back. It’s about announcing it. All of it. You. Me. Everything they never expected.”I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. Not just alive. Not just returned. But standing at his side as his equal. As the Luna of the pack th
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewI stepped onto the main path of the pack and immediately felt the shift in atmosphere.The air buzzed not from power, not even from anticipation, but from the sheer awareness of my presence.Eyes turned. Whispers started.The moment I passed by the warrior training field, every single one of them halted mid-motion. The clang of swords stopped. Feet paused mid-stride. Heads turned. “Your Highness,” a young she-wolf stammered, dropping into a bow. The others followed suit, some in shock, others in stiff, respectful awe.I gave them a short nod, acknowledging their greetings, and continued towards the Pack Hall. But none of them moved until I was already halfway down the path.Even in my absence, the pack was in perfect shape… buildings maintained, patrols running in rhythm, no air of disarray or neglect. I knew who to credit, even if my pride didn’t want to admit it. Caspian.He’d held it down like the true beta he was. Efficient, strict, and downright obsessive a
CHAPTER NINETY-TWOKaiden’s Point Of ViewThe weight of the Elders' eyes pressed in like a tide, steady and ancient. Their bows lingered, but as I gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment, they slowly straightened, murmuring among themselves.“Your Highness… truly,” Elder Varo said, his voice a rasp of disbelief and reverence. “After all this time…”“You grace us,” another added, placing a palm against his chest. “The Pack is honored by your presence once more.”I sat atop the throne, shrouded in shadow, one leg crossed over the other, forearms resting lightly on the golden arms of the seat. My presence demanded silence and they gave it, trembling beneath the weight of it.Only once the final syllable of their greeting faded into the air did I speak, voice low but steady, each word dipped in command.“You may rise.”One by one, they shuffled to their designated seats in the stone semicircle, robes billowing behind them like fading shadows. Their movements were precise, dignified but I coul
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe silence after Dalton’s humiliation still clung to the air like smoke. I remained standing at the foot of the throne, arms loosely at my sides, gaze sweeping over the Elders seated before me.None dared speak first.Good.I allowed the silence to stretch, to remind them all who commanded this room—not just by title, but by right. When I finally moved, it was with the slow, deliberate grace of a predator who had already decided the outcome of the hunt."Now," I said, voice low, "let us proceed."Lucia, the eldest among them, cleared her throat lightly. "Your Highness," she began cautiously, "regarding the Luna... have you considered the arrangements for her presentation?"A few Elders nodded eagerly, desperate to move away from the tension Dalton had dragged in. Elder Roman spoke next, voice slightly strained. "It is customary, Your Highness, that the Luna be presented with all honor and grandeur befitting her station.""And perhaps," Elder Winona added quickl
Maya’s Point Of ViewThe rain was tapping against my windowpane, a soft, persistent rhythm that filled the heavy silence of my room. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a muted golden glow across the room, stretching long shadows along the walls. I sat there on the edge of my bed, my arms wrapped tightly around my knees, staring blankly at the floor.I should've been sleeping. I should've at least tried to rest. But Kaiden’s face haunted my mind, those dark, emerald green eyes, the set of his jaw, the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world that mattered. Damn him. Damn him for getting under my skin, for making me feel this way.I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the memories away, but it was no use. Every breath I took, every beat of my heart seemed to echo his name. A sharp knock shattered the stillness. I flinched violently, my heart leaping into my throat. My head snapped toward the door. I sat frozen for a second, staring at it as if it might burst open at
Maya’s Point Of ViewThe words hit me like a slap. The mist around us seemed to freeze in place. I just stared at Dal, blinking, my breath hitching in my throat as I tried to make sense of what I had just heard.A ball. Next week. The Alpha revealing his Luna. To the entire Aethoria.My mind reeled, staggering under the weight of it.Wait… Wait, wait, wait.Kaden was back. Kaden, the man I had loved with every breath in my body. The man whose absence had carved a hollowed-out ache inside my chest so deep it sometimes felt like I wouldn’t survive it. The man whose name had been the only thing keeping me tethered to the ground during the darkest nights.And now… Now he was back, and his first act was to announce his Luna? Not just to the pack… no, that would have been bad enough, but to the whole of Aethoria? The entire kingdom?"How?" I whispered hoarsely, almost to myself. "How is that possible?"The air grew heavy, pressing down on me until it felt like I was drowning in it. I swayed
Maya’s Point Of ViewI couldn’t breathe for a second. The humiliation. The rage. The molten fire ripping under my skin, threatening to consume me whole.I would not let her win."He told me himself!" I snapped, my voice slicing through the thickening tension like a blade. I stomped forward so violently the designer let out a startled yelp, clutching her clipboard to her chest like a shield."He said I'm the only one fit to stand beside him!" I screamed, trembling with fury, my hands clenched into fists so tight my nails bit into my palms.Laura stood there, arms folded, completely unbothered. That damn smirk… that infuriating, mocking smirk, curled across her lips like she already knew the ending of a play I was fumbling through."Probably just trying to chase away a clinging little parasite," she said lightly, voice dripping with boredom, as if I was less than a fly buzzing near her ear.My blood boiled over."You…" I lunged at her, reckless, blinded by white-hot rage, my hand swingi
Maya’s Point Of ViewI watched, lounging like royalty, as Laura finally… finally, lifted her delicate hand and waved dismissively toward the designer. "You may attend to her," she said, her voice smooth but clearly edged with something cold. "I’ll wait."The designer hesitated, looking between us, visibly torn. I smirked wider, crossing my legs slowly, deliberately.As it should be. The future Luna didn’t wait for anyone.I rose from the chair in one graceful, commanding movement, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Every movement screamed power. Entitlement. Destiny."Come along now," I said breezily to the poor designer, who scurried ahead of me like a frightened rabbit. Jenna and Tasha, who had waited in the corridor, immediately fell in step beside me, their eyes shining with excitement.I tossed a look over my shoulder, giving Laura a smug little wave. "Pity," I said, voice dripping with faux sympathy. "You’ll get used to waiting behind me soon enough." The way La
Maya’s Point Of ViewWe cranked the volume up even louder, the music roaring through the house like a living thing. The maids wisely disappeared, or maybe fled, leaving us alone to bask in the madness. Wine flowed like water. Laughter echoed through the halls.We danced, wild, reckless dancing in our designer clothes, hair flying, glasses sloshing, makeup smudging, not caring about anything but the rush, the pure high of victory. At one point, Jenna climbed onto the coffee table, waving her glass over her head and shouting, "Long live Queen Maya!"Tasha and I howled with laughter, nearly collapsing onto the floor. I flopped down into a chair, breathless and giddy, my chest heaving. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Tasha plopped down beside me, still giggling, and leaned close."So," she said, voice dropping conspiratorially. "When's the big announcement?" I smirked. "Soon," I said, swirling the wine in my glass lazily. "I want it to be a moment. Big, public. No doubt left in anyon
Maya’s Point Of ViewI left the packhouse with my heart soaring so high, it felt like I could float. The moon bathed the grounds in a silver glow, and for once, everything… everything, felt exactly right. The door slammed behind me, and I practically skipped down the marble steps, my heels clicking with sharp satisfaction.I was going to be Luna.Not just some pretty little shadow hovering behind Kaiden. No, I would be his equal, his queen. I would finally take the place that had always been mine by right.I huffed out a laugh, half disbelief, half giddy euphoria, tossing my hair over my shoulder as I made my way to my sleek black car. Sliding into the leather seat, I ran a manicured hand through my hair and grinned at my reflection in the rearview mirror."Finally," I whispered to myself, voice trembling with elation. "Finally, Maya Pierce gets everything she deserves." I revved the engine and sped off, the scenery blurring past me as I drove toward my private house just off the pack
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThirty minutes later, we stood outside in the training field behind the house.The morning air was cool and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of dew-covered grass and the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. The sun was a low, molten gold on the horizon, casting a soft glow over everything, painting Avery’s hair in threads of silver and honey as she stood across from me.Arms crossed, chin tilted defiantly, she was the perfect picture of stubbornness and beauty. Her hair was tied up in a messy braid that somehow made her look even more irresistible. And gods, her outfit. Black, fitted workout clothes that clung to her like a second skin, highlighting every curve, every dip, and line of her body.I could barely focus.She noticed my stare instantly, her cheeks tinging a delicious shade of pink. "Stop staring," she muttered under her breath, fiddling with the hem of her top. I grinned wolfishly. "Not my fault you look so damn edible," I said shame
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe words echoed through my mind long after Slade’s voice faded into the silence.The curse. The darkness.It would come. But so would I. I stared down at the girl sleeping against my chest… my mate, my heart, my reason for breathing, and a fierce, almost primal need to protect her surged through me.No matter what happens, I swore silently. No matter what it takes... I will protect you, Avery. Even if it costs me everything. Even if it costs me myself.Slowly, I shifted, careful not to wake her. I cupped her face, feeling the delicate warmth of her skin under my palm. Her lashes fluttered slightly in her sleep, and she made a small, contented sound that squeezed my heart until it physically hurt.I dipped my head, brushing my lips over her forehead. Then her temple.Then her cheek. And finally, finally, her mouth. I kissed her softly, deeply, pouring every unspoken vow, every desperate promise into that kiss. She stirred faintly, her lips moving against mine in
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewHer hands clutched at my shirt, and she made a small, wounded sound that shattered me from the inside. "I swear it, Snowy," I murmured, moving my lips to her forehead, placing a reverent kiss there. "Even if the world falls apart, I will always find my way back to you.""You better," she whispered fiercely, her fingers fisting tighter against me. "Because if you don’t, I'll come drag you back myself." I laughed, a rough, broken sound, and crushed her closer, my arms aching with the need to keep her safe."Deal," I breathed.We sat like that for a long time, just holding each other, as if afraid the other would disappear if we let go. She pulled back a little after a while, eyes searching mine, vulnerable and fierce all at once."You scared me," she said, voice cracking again. "You idiot." I smiled sadly and pressed my forehead back to hers. "I know. And I'm sorry. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."She blinked, a few more tears spilling free. I
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe night air still clung to my skin as I dashed through the thick woods, each stride devouring the distance between me and her.My heart beat with a wild rhythm, not from the exertion… gods, no, but from the anticipation curling tighter and tighter inside me.I burst through the last stretch of forest, leaves scattering in my wake, and there it was — the small house tucked neatly under the starlit sky, warm lights glowing from inside like a beacon.My chest ached just looking at it. At what waited for me inside. I slowed my pace as I approached the door, brushing a hand down my clothes half-heartedly to knock off the dirt. I gripped the doorknob, twisting it open.The living room was… Empty. The lights were still on. The faint golden hue cast soft shadows against the furniture, the walls, and the forgotten blanket draped over the couch.It screamed of waiting. Of someone sitting up, long past when they should have slept, hoping — praying for someone to walk thr
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe color drained from her face. Her lips parted, a soft whimper escaping as the full weight of her mistake slammed into her. "N-No…" she whispered, stepping back. I stalked toward her, slow, deliberate, every step like a drumbeat of doom."You touched her," I said, my voice low and deathly calm. "You dared to touch what belongs to me.""She betrayed us!" Maya cried, her voice shrill and broken, desperate now. "She betrayed you!""No," I said simply, as if I were correcting a child's math homework. "You betrayed me." The room felt like it was shrinking around her. Her back hit the wall, and she pressed herself against it, as if she could disappear into the stone.Her eyes darted toward the door, calculating, desperate for escape. "Kaiden, p-please," she stammered, her tears falling freely now. "I-I only did what I thought was right! I did it for you!"I loomed over her, my body blocking out the light, casting her in shadow. "For me?" I echoed, almost amused. "Yo