Maya’s Point of View“Alpha!! I bring bad news”As I stood before Kaiden in the grand council room, I poured every ounce of effort into my performance. My voice quivered at just the right moments, my hands trembled as I gestured to the blood-stained dress, and my eyes brimmed with unshed tears. I painted the picture vividly: the rogues, their brutality, my futile fight to protect Avery against herself but had no choice than t kill her.But Kaiden... his reaction wasn’t what I expected.He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable, arms crossed over his broad chest as if he were watching a tedious play. He didn’t interrupt, didn’t ask questions, didn’t even narrow his eyes in concern. He just sat there, his gaze cold and distant, as though my words were nothing more than white noise.My heart thudded painfully as doubt began to creep in. Why wasn’t he reacting? Why wasn’t he furious, commanding his warriors to act, to hunt down the rogues who had dared step foot in his pack?
Maya’s Point of ViewThe moment I stepped into my room, I bolted the door behind me and leaned against it, my breath shallow and ragged. My reflection in the mirror was unrecognizable, pale, shaken, and drenched in fear.I sank to the floor, burying my face in my trembling hands. If Kaiden found out the truth, then it was over. Everything I had worked for, everything I had schemed for, it would all crumble, leaving me at his mercy. And Kaiden had no mercy for traitors.I couldn’t let that happen.By nightfall, a plan had formed, though the thought of executing it churned my stomach. Dren needed to be silenced, and there was only one way to get to him, through the dungeon guard.The filthy bastard.I dressed simply, a dark cloak covering my figure as I made my way to the dungeon. The night air was cold, biting against my skin, but it wasn’t enough to numb the dread gnawing at my insides.The guard’s quarters were dimly lit, the flickering light of a single bulb casting long shadows acr
Maya’s Point of ViewThe day I had dreaded more than any other had finally arrived. The air in the pack’s hall was heavy, almost suffocating, as I stood among the crowd of pack members, my heart hammering in my chest. My hands were clammy, my palms slick with sweat, and I found myself constantly wiping them against the folds of my dress.Kaiden had called for a public gathering, a rare and significant event. This wasn’t just another meeting; it was the day he had promised to root out the traitor. A cold shiver ran down my spine. I could feel eyes shifting in the crowd, whispers brushing against my ears like ghostly accusations.When the grand doors opened and Kaiden stepped into the hall, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The Alpha King’s presence demanded obedience, reverence. Everyone, myself included, stood and bowed deeply, murmuring, “Your Highness.”His power rolled off him in waves, so palpable it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.He strode toward his throne a
Kaiden’s Point of ViewAvery sat across from me, her fragile frame wrapped in a thick blanket, her pale skin glowing under the dim light of my chamber. To anyone else, she might have looked frail, but to me, she had never seemed more radiant. Her silken hair cascaded down her back like strands of starlight, tempting me to reach out and let my fingers tangle in its softness.But I held back.She wasn’t ready. She had yet to acknowledge me as her mate, and I didn’t want to do anything that might scare her away. So, instead, I clenched my fists and listened intently as she recounted her ordeal with the rogues, her voice soft but steady.The more she spoke, the harder it became to maintain my composure. The thought of anyone laying a hand on her made my blood boil. My wolf growled low in my chest, demanding retribution. But I forced myself to remain calm for her sake.“…and then I passed out, I don’t know what happened after that,” she finished, her hands trembling slightly as she rested
Kaiden’s Point of ViewAs soon as Caspian and Laura left, the room felt quieter, almost too still. Avery shifted slightly in my lap, her movements hesitant, like she wasn’t sure if she should be there. Then, with a soft sigh, she tried to stand.I tightened my grip around her waist, gently pulling her back down. “Stay put, Snowy,” I murmured, my voice low but firm.Her body stiffened for a moment, but then she sighed again, this time in reluctant obedience. She settled back against me, though her posture was still a bit stiff. I smirked at how hard she was trying not to appear comfortable.After a moment, she turned her head to look up at me, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Why didn’t you just go after her?” she asked, her tone cautious but inquisitive. “You know she’s the culprit. Why not end it now?”I tilted my head slightly, studying her. The way she spoke, so earnestly, so unaware of the complexity of power and strategy, made her seem both naïve and endearing. I allowed a small
Kaiden’s Point of ViewThe memory played vividly in my mind, starting with Avery. The moment I brought her home and laid her in my chambers, tending to her wounds, I knew I couldn’t delay. Once she was stable, I left her to rest and made my way to the dungeon.The rogue had been barely conscious when I arrived, his body slumped against the wall, his shoulders brutally disfigured where his arms had been severed. His blood had pooled beneath him, but his eyes still held a flicker of defiance.I stepped into the cell, my boots clicking against the stone floor as I approached him. He looked up at me, trying to muster a sneer, but his pain betrayed him.“Who sent you?” I asked, my tone calm, almost conversational.The rogue said nothing, his jaw tightening as if to steel himself against what was coming.I chuckled, low and dark. “It seems like you've forgotten who I am?” I leaned closer, locking eyes with him. “I am the Alpha King. I don’t need to try to get the information out of you. But
Julian’s Point of ViewThe wind howled through the desolate fields, carrying with it the stench of death and decay that clung to everything like a curse. I stood in the heart of the devastation, my chest tightening as I looked at what remained of my once-thriving pack.The vibrant greenery that once symbolized life and strength was gone, replaced by charred earth and skeletal remains of trees. Every step I took on the scorched ground was a grim reminder of the destruction I had brought upon my people.The packhouses that had once stood tall, filled with laughter and warmth, were now nothing but crumbling ruins. Their walls, blackened by fire, seemed to mourn the lives lost within them. I walked through the remnants of what used to be home, my boots crunching against shards of glass and splinters of wood. The air was thick, suffocating, heavy with despair.“How did it come to this?” I murmured, my voice barely audible over the howling wind.‘You know how, Julian,’ Dexter growled in my
Julian’s Point of ViewI couldn’t take it anymore. The sight of the ruins, the devastation, the ghosts of my mistakes, each one clawed at me, suffocating me with guilt. My legs felt like lead as I turned away from the shattered remnants of my pack and headed back to my house. The walk felt like an eternity, the silence deafening except for the whisper of the wind and the echoes of Dexter’s sharp words in my mind.By the time I reached the confines of my room, I was utterly drained. My body ached, not just from exhaustion but from the weight of everything pressing down on me. I sat heavily on the bed, my elbows resting on my knees as I buried my face in my hands. My mind wouldn’t stop spinning, replaying every decision, every failure, every face I’d lost.With a deep sigh, I lay back on the bed and closed my eyes, hoping for even a moment of peace.Minutes passed. Or maybe it was hours, I couldn’t tell anymore. I was teetering on the edge of unconsciousness when I felt the bed dip. M
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