Kaiden’s Point Of View"Avery… please… please don’t leave me!"A bone-crushing pain exploded in my chest.And then, I was back.Gasping.Panting.The vision ripped away, but the terror still clung to me. My hands were still shaking as I ripped my teeth from her skin, staggering back.Avery collapsed against the wall, dizzy, breathless.Her violet eyes searched mine, dazed, confused."Kaiden?" she whispered, her voice weak.I stared at her, at the mark on her neck… At the faint trickle of blood. And all I could see was her lifeless body, drowning in red, cold blood.My chest tightened.My breath hitched.No. No, no, no."I… I have to go," I choked out, stumbling backward."Kaiden, wait…"I didn’t.I turned and ran.Away from her.Away from the vision that haunted me.Away from the terrifying truth that hit me like a dagger to the chest. If I stayed with her… if I let this fire consume me… I would be the one to destroy her. And that was a fate worse than death.My breath came in ragged
Avery’s Point Of ViewI was still pressed against the wall, my body trembling, my breath shallow. My lips were swollen from his kisses, my skin hot from his touch.But it wasn’t just the way he had touched me. It wasn’t just the way his lips had devoured mine, the way his hands had explored every inch of my skin, leaving behind a trail of fire.It was what he had done.He marked me.A shiver ran down my spine, my fingers instinctively brushing over the tender skin of my neck.The bite was still fresh.The tingling sensation it left behind was impossible to ignore.But… why?I wasn’t his mate.I had known that from the very beginning.So why would he mark me?Did he finally accept me as his chosen mate? Did he want me as his Luna? My heart pounded in my chest at the thought, my fingers tightening over the mark. Then why did he run? The question hit me like a slap, knocking the breath from my lungs.Had he regretted it? Had he finally realized what a mistake it was? Had he finally reali
Avery’s Point Of ViewMy breath caught. A memory flashed… The vision… The pain… The wolf… The word that had left my lips. Mate. I gasped.And the voice finally spoke the words that shattered my reality.‘I am your wolf, Avery.’‘I’m Lynexia.’ The room spun. I staggered back, my breath hitching, my hands trembling.My wolf?No. No, that was impossible. I had never… I never shifted. I had lived my entire life believing I was nothing.But this… This wasn’t normal. I could hear her… Feel her. Like a second heartbeat inside of me. A part of me. My head spun, the walls around me seeming to close in."You’re lying," I rasped, shaking my head violently. "This can’t be true—this can’t—"‘It is true,’ Lynexia cut me off. Her voice was calm, but there was something beneath it… something ancient. Something powerful.‘You are not just human, Avery.’I clenched my fists, trying to breathe. Trying to think. Trying to understand. But it was too much. Too damn much. "You’re wrong," I whispered. "You h
Avery’s Point Of ViewWould he feel the bond now, the same way I did?Would he be searching for me, too?The idea sent my pulse racing, my heart hammering wildly in my chest. I had to try… I had to do something.The pull was unrelenting. I didn’t know where I was going, but I trusted it. I trusted the bond. I stepped outside, the night air cool against my skin, and for a moment, I hesitated at the entrance of the house.This was reckless.This was dangerous.I should have stayed inside, should have thought this through, should have done anything but this. But… I needed to find him. My heart pounded with every step I took, my feet carrying me forward as if they already knew where to go. I didn’t question it. I just followed.The pull was faint at first, like a whisper in my veins, a tug in my chest that urged me forward.And then it intensified. The further I walked, the stronger it became, until it was an undeniable force, guiding me into the heart of the forest.The towering trees st
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewBlood dripped from my fingertips, soaking into the grass beneath me. I didn’t even remember when I did it. Didn’t even feel it when my claws tore into my own flesh. I only knew one thing, I’d rather die than be the one to hurt my mate.The pain, the self-inflicted wounds, were nothing compared to the war raging inside me. I had thought that staying away would keep her safe. That keeping my distance would be enough. But the bond… The fucking bond. It refused to be ignored.I had pushed. It had pulled. I had fought. It had clawed back. Now here I was, slumped against a tree, my breathing ragged, my vision blurred.Weak.Pathetic.I closed my eyes, but then a scent… Her scent. It crashed into me like a tidal wave, invading every cell in my body.Fresh roses… soft and delicate.Vanilla… warm and intoxicating.And something else… Almond, honey, and wild fruits.A scent so uniquely hers, so dangerously addictive that it made my pulse skitter. Slade, stirred. His restl
Warning: Explicit Content Ahead. Avery's Point Of View "His smirk was sinful. His emerald eyes burned into mine, dark with hunger, his breath ragged as his hands gripped my waist with a force that sent a shiver down my spine. God, he looked like a man on the verge of losing control. And I wanted him to lose control. I barely had time to catch my breath before he dipped his head again, his lips brushing over the exact spot where his mark already sat on my neck. A low, satisfied growl rumbled deep in his chest, the sound vibrating through me. "Look at this," he murmured against my skin, his fingers tracing over the mark. "Mine." The possessiveness in his voice made my stomach tighten, made my thighs clench around his waist. Then, before I could respond he latched on. A broken gasp escaped me, my back pressing harder against the tree as his mouth claimed me all over again. His tongue flicked, his lips sealed around my mark, and then he sucked. Hard. My entire body a
Warning: Mature Content Ahead Avery's Point Of View A choked cry tore from my throat as my back arched off the bed. My hands fisted in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more, needing everything. He growled against me, the deep vibration sending a fresh wave of pleasure crashing through me. "Look at you," he murmured, his breath hot against my skin, between slow, sinful strokes of his tongue. "Falling apart for me." I couldn't think, couldn't breathe, couldn't do anything except feel. His fingers dug into my thighs, holding me in place, his tongue relentless, teasing, exploring, pulling me higher with each calculated movement. "Avery," he rasped, his voice rough with desire. "So sweet… so perfect for me." I trembled against him, every nerve in my body burning, tightening, begging for more. His fingers traced slow circles over my most sensitive spot, drawing another desperate moan from my lips. The way he played with me, the way he knew exactly how to unravel me, was intoxicat
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe first thing I felt was warmth.Soft, delicate warmth, pressed against me as if she had always belonged there. I inhaled deeply, drawing in the scent that was now imprinted on my very soul—wildflowers, honey, and something purely Avery. It filled my lungs, wrapping around my senses, sending a possessive hum vibrating through my chest.She was still here.Slowly, my eyes opened, greeted by the soft glow of morning light filtering through the canopy of trees above us. The forest was peaceful, the air crisp, carrying only the faint rustling of leaves and distant birdsong. But none of that mattered.Not when I had my mate in my arms.Avery was curled against me, her cheek pressed to my chest, her breathing slow and even in deep sleep. My mark stood out against her skin—a faint, reddish-purple crescent on the curve of her neck where my teeth had sunk in last night.A surge of primal satisfaction roared through me at the sight. I had marked her. Claimed her. And no
Lucas’s Point Of ViewI watched her.My beautiful, furious, broken little Maya.She stood there in the wreckage of her own making, blood dripping from her clenched fists, her chest heaving with shallow, panicked breaths. Her wild eyes locked onto me, full of a rage she barely understood.Good.Let her rage.Let her hate.As long as it kept her tethered to me. Slowly, I pushed off the wall, stepping closer. One slow, deliberate step. Her body tensed instantly, like a cornered animal.Good again."Stay away from me," she barked, voice sharp, but I heard the tremble underneath it. I smirked. Another step.Closer.Closer.Her breathing hitched, nostrils flaring as she scrambled backward, only to slam into the wall behind her.Trapped.Perfect."Why can't you leave me alone?!" she burst out, fists trembling at her sides. "Why are you always... always around me?!" I stopped a mere breath away from her, leaning down so that my face was inches from hers.I watched her pupils dilate, her blood
Maya’s Point Of ViewI stormed out of that cursed boutique, fists clenched so tight my nails dug bloody crescents into my palms. The staff’s mocking laughter echoed behind me, digging into my back like a thousand poisoned knives.I didn’t look back.I couldn’t.If I did, I’d lose whatever shred of dignity I had left, and they didn’t deserve to see me break. The sun outside was blinding, searing my eyes, but I didn’t care.I marched straight to my car, heels stabbing the pavement with each furious step, my breathing harsh and ragged. I could still feel Laura’s hand around my throat, the phantom pain burning hotter with every passing second.‘You’ll regret this,’ Laura, I swore silently. ‘You and every worm who laughed today will regret ever crossing me.’ I flung open the driver’s door and slid in, slamming it shut with a bone-jarring BANG.Just as I jammed the keys into the ignition, the passenger door yanked open. “Maya, wait!” Jenna gasped, her face pale, her eyes wide with fear. Tas
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