Maya’s Point of View“Arghh!” I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls as I grabbed the nearest bottle from my vanity table and hurled it across the room. The glass shattered against the wall, the sharp sound only fueling the fire raging in my chest. I didn’t stop there. One by one, I swept everything off the vanity, perfumes, brushes, and jewelry sending them clattering to the floor.How could he? How dare he?My breath came in short, furious bursts as I paced the room, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug painfully into my palms. The scene from the party played over and over in my mind like a nightmare I couldn’t escape. Kaiden, my Kaiden, had humiliated me in front of everyone, because of her.That lowlife. That nobody.I gritted my teeth, my jaw aching from the pressure as I fought to contain the whirlwind of emotions tearing me apart. “He made me kneel,” I muttered under my breath, the memory igniting a fresh wave of fury. “In front of everyone… for her.”Who the hell
Maya’s Point of ViewThe world seemed to shatter around me.I stumbled back, my knees giving out as I fell to the ground. My breath came in shallow gasps, my vision blurring with disbelief. My mind screamed that this wasn’t real, that it couldn’t be.‘He’s never kissed me’The thought was like poison, seeping through my veins as a bitter memory surfaced.It was months ago, in Kaiden’s chambers. I’d gone there under the pretense of spending the night with him. I’d thought that maybe, finally, we could be closer, that he might see me the way I’d always wanted him to.I had leaned in, my heart racing, desperate for a kiss, a connection. But before our lips could meet, he pushed me away, his expression cold and unyielding.“Don’t.” His voice was harsh, almost cruel. “I don’t want this, Maya.”The sting of rejection had burned, but his next words cut even deeper.“You should leave.”The memory was like a slap in the face, bringing me back to the present. My gaze snapped back to the stables
Avery’s Point of ViewI was brushing Star’s coat, humming softly to myself, when I felt a light touch on my shoulder. Startled, I jerked back, nearly dropping the brush. Spinning around, my breath caught.There, standing just inches away, was Kaiden. His piercing eyes held mine, a playful glint dancing in them. How did he get so close without me noticing? My mind raced, but my body betrayed me, freezing under his intense gaze.“Kaiden?” I managed to whisper, my heart pounding.He smirked, the curve of his lips sharp enough to slice through my resolve. “Miss me, Snowy?”Snowy. That nickname always sent a strange flutter through my chest, no matter how much I tried to ignore it.“What are you doing here?” I demanded, clutching the brush like it was some kind of weapon.“Isn’t it obvious?” he said, leaning casually against the stable door. “I came to see you.”I gaped at him, struggling to form a coherent thought. “You… You shouldn’t be here. What if someone sees us?”Kaiden’s smirk deep
Kaiden’s Point of ViewI smiled faintly as the memory of the stables played in my mind. Avery’s laughter had been soft, genuine, and the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, it was something I couldn’t forget. The feel of her lips on mine sent a wave of warmth through me, making me exhale deeply."You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?," Slade’s voice echoed in my mind, teasing and smug."Not now, Slade," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose."Oh, no, no, no, no. We’re talking about this, you don’t get to shut me out. You kissed her, Kaiden. How does it feel to hold our mate, hmm? To taste her lips?"I groaned, wishing I could shove his voice out of my head. "She’s not our mate."Slade snorted. "Keep telling yourself that, you stubborn fool. That bond you’re feeling? That pull? That’s not just some fling, Kaiden. That’s fate.""It doesn’t matter," I replied sharply. "Even if there’s something there, she’s not marked, and I can’t…..""You’re scared," Slade interrupted, hi
Avery’s Point of ViewI sighed as I walked down the dark path, the crisp night air biting at my skin. I had just left Aliyah’s place, a familiar comfort in her cheerful chatter still lingering in my mind. But now, as the silence pressed in around me, I couldn’t shake the growing unease settling in my chest. Shadows stretched ominously across the ground, and the silence seemed to weigh heavier with every step I took.The moon hung high, casting a faint silver glow over the dirt path. Shadows stretched and shifted as I moved, but it wasn’t until I heard the faint sound of footsteps that my heart jolted.I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Slowly, I glanced back, squinting into the darkness. Nothing. The empty path stretched out, bathed in moonlight, but there was no sign of anyone.I let out a nervous chuckle, shaking my head. “Get a grip, Avery. You’re just imagining things.”But as I took another step forward, I heard it again, closer this time. The sound of heavy, deliberate fo
Kaiden’s Point of ViewThe blood surged through my veins like a storm, a relentless tide that threatened to drown me. I could feel it thrumming beneath my skin, pulsing with a dangerous rhythm that demanded destruction. My breaths came in jagged pants, each inhale sharp and painful.I stared down at the broken chair beneath my hands, the splintered wood a reminder of how little control I had left. The curse was winning. The urge to kill, to destroy, clawed at my mind like a beast trying to break free. I knew if I stayed, the pack would be in danger.“I can’t stay here,” I muttered, my voice a low growl. If I stayed, someone in the pack would die. I knew it, and so did the beast clawing at my mind, urging me to let go.I stormed out of the pack house, my feet carrying me into the woods. The towering trees loomed above, their dark silhouettes casting shadows that matched the chaos inside me. The farther I ran, the louder the mantra became, a sinister whisper that grew into a deafening r
Kaiden’s Point of ViewI carried Avery back to my chamber, her fragile form cradled in my arms. Her skin was pale, her wounds deep, and every labored breath she took sent a pang through my chest. I laid her gently on the bed, brushing the hair from her bloodied face."You're safe now," I murmured, though the words felt hollow. Safe, but broken because I had failed to protect her in time.I fetched warm water and clothes, cleaning the blood and grime from her body. My movements were meticulous, careful not to hurt her further. She didn’t stir, her breaths shallow but steady. My gaze lingered on her face, even as the scene from the woods replayed in my mind.Her face. Her voice.It had been her…. only her that allowed me to fight the curse. The beast that had consumed me time and time again, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake, I killed anyone and anything in sight, but she made me stop.When I finished cleaning her, I bit into my wrist, the sharp pain a small price to pay. Bloo
Kaiden’s Point of View"She fought me. I had no choice but to kill her."The room erupted into murmurs of approval, several elders nodding their heads in agreement."Well done, Maya," Elder Tobias said, his voice filled with pride. "You’ve done the pack a great service.""Indeed," Elder Marcellus agreed. "Your quick thinking and bravery have saved us from further danger."I clapped my hands slowly, the sound echoing through the hall. Maya looked up at me, confusion flickering across her face."You’re confused," I said, leaning back in my chair. "You expected anger, punishment even. Didn’t you?"Maya hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Alpha. I thought you would be... upset about the girl’s death.""Oh, I’m not upset," I said, my tone light but laced with an edge. "On the contrary, I find this whole situation rather fascinating."Maya’s brows furrowed, but she said nothing."Do you know what I find most interesting?" I asked, my gaze locking onto hers.She shook her head slowly."That someon
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
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe night was heavy with silence, broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind against the stone walls of the fortress. I stood by the massive arched window of my chambers, staring out at the endless stretch of wilderness beyond. The moon was high and full, casting a silver glow across the jagged landscape, but even its light couldn’t reach the darkness pooling in my chest.Avery.Her name was a prayer on my lips, a ghost in my mind. I could almost see her now — curled up in my bed, clutching my pillow, maybe huffing out a frustrated sigh because I hadn’t returned yet. The thought of her missing me, of her arms open and waiting for me when I returned, wrapped around my heart like a comforting flame. I smiled to myself, a soft, fleeting thing that barely brushed my lips.A sharp knock at the door shattered the fragile moment.I didn’t move. I already knew who it was… the guards. Their presence was as loud as a war drum even when they tried to be discreet. Wi
Avery’s Point Of ViewThe weight of exhaustion pressed down on me, my mind foggy and clouded as I settled into Kaiden's bed. I tried to push the worry from my mind, but the darkness in my heart refused to let me rest. I curled up on his side of the bed, inhaling deeply, hoping to feel some sense of peace in his absence. His scent… earthy, comforting, undeniably him, filled my senses, and for a moment, I allowed myself to be lost in it.But the moment of solace was fleeting. My eyes fluttered shut, and before I knew it, I was drifting away.The world around me twisted, fading, until everything seemed to blur together, and the dark void swallowed me whole. I found myself standing in an open field, the wind biting at my skin. The night sky above was suffocating, filled with dark clouds swirling with angry energy. The air crackled, heavy with tension, as if something… someone, was about to come.My heart pounded in my chest, and my stomach churned with a sense of dread that I couldn’t sh
Avery’s Point Of ViewThe cool night air brushed against my skin as I stood just outside the house, staring into the dark abyss of the forest. The trees loomed tall and silent, their branches swaying with the wind. I could almost hear them whispering secrets in the night, the rustle of leaves and the occasional distant howl from creatures roaming the shadows. But none of that registered in my mind. My thoughts were a chaotic swirl of uncertainty, fear, and anticipation.Kaiden still hadn’t come back.I’d been waiting for what felt like hours, pacing through the quiet halls of the house, trying to keep myself occupied with anything other than the growing knot in my stomach. He’d said it wouldn’t take long. He promised me it wouldn’t. So why was it taking so long? Why hadn’t he come back yet? What was keeping him?“What's keeping him?” I muttered to myself, barely louder than a whisper, as the weight of my thoughts pressed down on me like an invisible force.I looked up at the moon, its
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