ROSANNE'S POV
I had not left my room in a week, unable to shake off the feeling of depression that had settled in. Every time I thought about how my dreams had been washed away, a fresh wave of grief hit me.
I stood at the window, lost in thought, when a knock at the door brought me out of the daze. I turned to and my gaze met Anita. "I'm sorry to intrude, Miss, but Alpha said it's time to get introduced to the pack."
I couldn't help but feel a little nervous, OK, scratch that i was very nervous. I had barely seen anyone since I moved here, and the thought of facing the pack seemed scarier than it should be.
"I'm not ready," I stuttered, turning back to the window.H
Anita's voice was soft yet loud "I'm sorry, Miss, but Alpha said you are to come down or be dragged down."
I took a shaky breath, nodding reluctantly. "Awesome, let's go."
As Anita led me to the pack house, my heart raced with anticipation. The room was filled with pack members, all foreign faces. I searched for Mikhail, but he was nowhere to be found.
Xavier's voice echoed through the building, making me jump. "Everyone, please welcome Rosanne Domino!" he announced, pointing at me. "She will be the breeder for the Alpha."
My eyes widened in shock. Breeder? I was meant to be his Luna. Everything started to piece together in my mind. I was never meant to be the Luna. The weddung was all fake.
The room began to spin, and I felt like I was going to pass out.
I tried to slip out quietly, my heart heavy with confusion and heartbreak. But my escape was short-lived, as I crashed into someone.
I let out an apology as i tired to steady myself but a stinging slap connected with my cheek. I held my cheek, shock and pain radiating through me.
Looking up, I met a pair of green eyes filled with disdain. "Watch where you step next time," she sneered, her gaze raking over me.
The room fell silent, except for the murmurs and snickers that seemed to echo in my ears. My face burned with humiliation.
"Why would you do that?" I asked, still holding my cheek.
The green-eyed woman smirked. "I said sorry." She glanced around, clearly enjoying the attention. "Oh, come on, don't act like you don't deserve it, whore."
My eyes flashed with anger, and before I could stop myself, I raised my hand and slapped her back. "Say that again, and I'll have your tongue," I yelled, my voice echoing through the room.
The pack members looked at me with disgust and disdain, their faces twisted in revulsion. I realized, in that moment, that I was truly alone here.
Days blended together in a haze of hostility and rejection. The pack members made it clear they hated me, and they took great pleasure in showing it.
I learned that the blonde girl I clashed with was none other than the Gamma, beloved by all. She was the pack's darling, and many hoped she'd become their future queen.
I let out a disgusted grunt, thinking about my fight with her. Of all people, I had to go and pick a fight with the pack's sweetheart.
Anita's gentle voice broke the silence. "Miss, it's time for lunch."
I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to face the pack again. But something inside me clicked, and I decided to eat in the dining hall.
As I entered, my heart sank. Irene, the Gamma, sat alongside Alpha Mikhail and his brothers. The tension was palpable.
I thought of turning pack but i had too much pride to do so. I took a deep breath and joined them, trying to ignore the eyes all over me.
Irene broke the silence, her voice dripping with malice. "So, Rosanne, is it?"
I nodded curtly. "Yeah."
Irene's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, I've heard rumors that you trained a lot."
My instincts screamed warning, but I played it cool. "Yeah, I did."
Irene's smile grew wider. "Well, would you care to join me in a sword fight... just for fun?"
I sensed a trap, but before I could decline, Mikhail intervened, his twisted grin making my skin crawl. "You will spar with her."
I cursed under my breath, knowing I was in trouble. "OK, I'll spar. When is it?"
Mikhail's voice was laced with amusement. "Right now, or you don't want to?"
I wanted to say no but decided against. "Sure, let's do it."
We walked to the training grounds, Irene leading the way. She flashed a confident smile, her blonde hair shining in the sunlight. Grabbing two swords, she tossed one at me. I caught it, positioning myself for the fight.
Irene charged at me with incredible speed. I dodged barely in time, my heart racing. Before I could steady myself, Irene's elbow connected with my chest, sending me crashing to the ground.
She raised her sword, ready to strike. I rolled out of the way just in time, dodging her attack. I knew I was no match for Irene's skill and speed. My best bet was to defend myself and hope they got bored soon.
I parried and dodged, my movements strictly defensive. Thirty minutes had passed by, and I was getting nowhere except exhausted. Irene had already given me several cuts, and I wanted to end this
Frustration and desperation clawed at me. I circled the her, my mind racing for a way to out but none came. Losing patience, I decided to attack.
I lunged at Irene, but she was ready. She countered my attack, using her sword to put me in a headlock. Just as she was about to knock me down, I summoned every last ounce of strength and elbowed her in the stomach.
Irene let out a small cry, releasing me. I seized the opportunity, turning to face her. With the last ounce of strength in me, I pushed her down, pinning her to the ground. I placed the sword at her throat, my chest heaving from exhaustion.
ROSANNE'S POV I was forced awake by the loud banging at my door. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Four men stood in my room, their faces stern."Excuse me, please, what's the matter?" I asked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, my body's still aching from the fight."King Mikhail has ordered your presence," one of them replied, their tone firm.I was instantly wide awake, my heart racing. "For what?" I asked, tying the belt on my robe.The ginger-haired guard stepped forward, his expression unyielding. "We have been told to take you there with or without your consent."My eyes widened in alarm. "You're joking, right?" I asked, but no one answered. Instead, they closed in on me, three of the held onto my leg while i squirmed trying to get away. One of them cover my face with a damp cloth that smelled weird. I tried my best not to inhale but i lost. The gas did its job and soon i was out cold. ******* A splitting headache greeted me the mo
MIKHAIL'S P.O.VA week had passed since I'd brought Rosanne to my room, and every night since then had been a repeat performance. We barely spoke, our interactions limited to the lustful urges that drove us together.I'd tried to push her away, to maintain some semblance of control, but my self-control had grown thinner with each passing day. Everything about Rosanne drove my wolf mad - her scent, the soft feel of her hair, the way she was perfect for me.I shook my head, chasing away the thoughts that threatened to consume me. "I need to go for a run," I growled, running a hand through my already scattered hair.My gaze drifted back to the laptop screen in front of me, trying to recall what I'd been working on, I had barely spent three minutes when Irene burst in, her face red and her chest heaving."This isn't a place for jogs," I said, not bothering to look up, my tone dismissive. I was already fustrated enough. I could not handle another contact with this pest."Tell me I'm wrong"
ROSANNE'S POVThe last time I saw or heard anything from Mikhail had been over week. The silence was deafening, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. Despite the fact that I hated him for ruining my life, I was getting used to his touch, to the way he felt around me very night.But now, nothing. No summons to his room, no whispered commands, no gentle caresses. It was as if I'd been deleted from his brain.I couldn't help but wonder what I'd done wrong. Had I displeased him somehow? The only silver lining was that Irene had backed off. She no longer taunted me or made stupid comments. We existed in an uneasy truce, each of us minding our own business. Anita walked in, and I responded before she could even speak. "I'm coming down for lunch," I said, laughing, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over me.As we walked downstairs together, I noticed the mansion was filled with unfamiliar workers. I tried to piece together the reason for their presence, but my mind came up bl
ROSANNE'S POVI walked out of the pack house, my feet carrying me on autopilot. I could tell I looked like a ghost, one without purpose. The pack memebers passed by me but not without giving weird stare. That didn't matter; I was too lost in my own turmoil.My mind was filled with all sorts of emotions: anger, hurt, confusion, and betrayal. I wanted to scream, to release the pent-up rage, but my voice was trapped, silenced by my own shock.When I arrived back at the mansion, Anita was waiting for me, her face filled with pity. She said nothing, which I was grateful for. She escorted me to my room, and I sat down, staring blankly at the wall.As Anita slipped out, the dam broke, and tears began to fall. My shoulders shook, and I wept silently, wondering why it hurt so badly. I had hated Mikhail, resented being forced to marry him. But now, it felt like a part of me had being taken. Just as I thought I couldn't take it anymore, I heard a soft voice whisper. "Wipe those tears, my dear.
ROSANNEStanding before my round mirror became a daily habit.I'd stare at it and mock myself for being ridiculous, for aiming too high and daring to dream. I did the same today, but there was something different: the will to fight for my dream. ‘Pick up the broken shards and begin again. This isn't the end.’ Emerald's voice was loud and clear, but can I really do this? Alone? ‘You have me.’ Her reply warmed up my heart, but I was still conflicted, confused, bothered. Staring down at my flat tummy, I caressed it and felt the smooth skin beneath my palm. Sometimes, I wondered if Mikahli should be aware of my pregnancy. He married me to become his breeder, not a Luna. If he finds out about my pregnancy, I'd be nothing but a machine for kids. He'd fuck me into a mess until the whole pack house Is filled with pups. He doesn't have to find out about this. He wouldn't find out about it. A soft knock on my door pulled me from my reverie. I covered up my tummy with my blue pajamas and tu
MIKHAILMy breeder was quite full of surprises. It took me several nights to figure I didn't want her out of my sight just yet. She was mine to devour, mine to fuck, mine to enslave. Divorcing her meant signing an approval of her freedom—which was unlike me. Luna or not, she belonged to me. She was my property, my tool for pleasure. What made her different from other women was still a complicated puzzle I couldn't understand, but each time she moaned, my wolf—Lex—went berserk. She'd barged into my office in her blue wash jeans and white T-shirt. Determination swirled in her amber eyes like she was damn sure I'd sign those papers, but reality was a game I loved to role with. It hits you hard with a brutal blow. “Why did you shred the papers?” Her voice trembled as her eyes lingered on the papers on my desk. “You asked me to sign them. You asked for a divorce. You brought it up.” Her voice kept rising to a higher octave like she was gradually losing it. Losing her patience. “You….y
ROSANNEImmediately I got back to my room, I slammed the door hard and made a beeline for my bathroom. My stomach turned and twisted. My knees could barely hold my legs. I had no idea if it was due to the scent of the Quiche Lorraine which still assaulted my nostrils, or Mikhail's creepy threats. Either reason it was, my face was buried in the sink, the sound of me puking my guts out filling the air. I felt sick, cheated and used. Splashing some water on my face, I stared at the mirror and tried not to cry. I had clung unto the invisible wings of hope when I took those divorce papers to Mikhail's office. I had thought I'd finally get my freedom and my life back. The mere thought of being away from this suffocating pack made me giddy and excited, but Mikhail shattered that hope. He made my life miserable with every chance he got. I figured he was enjoying this. He made me soar high only for him to crumble my wings and burn them to ashes. Perhaps he never wanted to have a divorce,
MIKHAILThe last time I cried was twenty years ago. I lost my mother at a tender age. During her funeral, she was offered one of the prettiest spaces to be laid to rest, but I didn't want her out of my sight. She loved flowers. Butterflies. Gardens. To make sure she was happy in the underworld, I made a garden myself, filled it with her favorite flowers and asked her to be buried there. Over the years, I only allowed a particular maid to make sure the flowers were watered. I didn't want anyone else in there. But my breeder walked in there. I had seen her touching the flowers like she owned it. Ross smiled with her eyes closed and basked in the warmth of the sunlight. Unlike the rage I felt each time someone trespassed, I was amused, sucked in like a moth to a flame. Strangely, she reminded me of my mother. But I still had to punish her.I'd always have a reason to punish her. Irene kept staring at me, but I had more important things to do: teaching my prey the exact reason pe
ROSANNEMaverick coughed, the sound drawing my attention from Knox, who lay at my feet, blood pooled around him. His heartbeat was faint, in just a matter of seconds he was going to die a slow painful death.Maverick was afraid, his eyes flickering between Axel and me, trying to put as much needed distance between us.I moved away from Knox, my eyes glaring at the man, who had betrayed his people, “What was that promise you made again about my children?” I asked, my blood-stained hand tapping my chin just like he had done a few minutes ago.Maverick winced, his hand holding his rib tightly, hoping to dull the pain that was forming, “Rosanne…” he tried to plead.“Remind me, or should I say it?” I hissed, cutting him off.Maverick stared at the floor, fear etched on his face. I loved this power, the control that I had over him was next to nothing. “Oh! I remember you were going to cut them piece by piece, right?” I mused.I dropped to my knees, keeping my gaze even with his, as I looke
ROSANNEThe warriors barely had time to grasp what was happening, with their swords drawn it did nothing to protect them from the wild beast that had been set free.Axel tore thrown the men, his eyes burning with molten fury as he made sure that they all felt the vengeance of his claws.It was carnage, a scene out of a grotesque book, and I dwelled in it, enjoying it.“Rosanne! Look out!” Ryan yelled, pushing me out of the way as an arrow whizzed past my ear, its tip missing my head in an inch.“Thank you,” I breathed, my heart slamming through my chest.“Just be careful,” he mumbled, picking up a sword as he blocked the next arrow that was shot at us.Axel was surrounded, his eyes fixed on the lost souls that dared to fight him. The only difference about the scene was that, while they were fighting to defend their lives, Axel was hunting to kill.Axel let out a roar, the primal sound of it vibrating through the walls of the room.“Save the rest of your elders,” I commanded Ryan, pick
ROSANNEThe air in the room felt thick with tension, coupled with the tangy smell of blood. Derek was dead, the game had changed right before Maverick’s eyes. Gone was the smug-looking man who thought he had everything under control, now, he was reduced to nothing; kneeling before Knox with his head hung low in shame.Knox stood beside me, the aura around him felt smug, and the large grin on his face showed the obvious truth, he had won and no one could contend with him.“You have the girl and her blood mage, please leave,” Maverick moaned, clutching his hand that Knox had stepped on.Knox chuckled, the dry laugh sounded like a bunch of hyenas roaring in the night, “But I want something more,” he mused, smiling broadly at him.“There is nothing here,” Maverick coughed.“You don’t see it? The land you have accumulated all through these years, the vastness, the fertile grounds, I want it all. And I am sure you have enough ladies to keep my men warm at night, huh?” he mocked.Maverick st
ROSANNETrust is a luxury, and now I have learnt the hard way that it is one luxury that I can’t afford, “I am sorry,” I mumbled in a low tone, my hand pressing his side trying to stop the bleeding.Ryan smiled a bitter smile, his lips paling as he struggled to speak, “I know, you wouldn’t have thought of me any less,” he said.His words were meant to comfort me, but rather they sliced through my chest like a dagger had been plunged through me. I had been so blind with anger that I had failed to see through Maverick’s façade.“We are going to get out of this,” I swore, my voice filled with determination.Ryan’s eyes were closing, from the way he was losing blood, I could tell I was going to lose him, “Stay with me,” I said, my hand gently tapping his cheeks to keep him awake.The silver chain burned into my hand, and I hissed at the pain. Not only was I bound with silver but I was locked in a silver cage, it was like he was trying to make sure that I suffered through my last minutes w
ROSANNEThe elders froze, their eyes wide as they watched Maverick drag me into the room, screaming and kicking.“Let go of me you rascal!” I yelled, my eyes wide as I looked around the room.Just like I had expected, the mole had been the first to move forward, “What is happening?” he asked, looking at me with an unreadable expression on his face.“I am doing what I think is best for my people. Alpha Knox only wants her, I see no reason in trying to harm my people,” Maverick replied.Something struck me, his tone, he addressed me with some much venom in his tone like he hated the sight of me. I must say, he was really playing his role right.“You can’t do that!” the man hissed. “We have a solid plan, a fail-proof one,” he hissed.Something didn’t sit right with me. The mole wasn’t meant to defend me, he should be excited about this plan.“Would you rather, Alpha Knox and his men massacre our people for some bitch?” he spat, his ring digging into my wrist.The man tried to speak furth
ROSANNEMaverick’s call to action was to storm into the room and expose the traitor. But I knew we couldn’t do that, not when we still needed the upper hand.“This is perfect,” I smiled, snapping my fingers as I plotted out a new plan in my mind.“What is perfect?” Maverick hissed, his eyes burning with hurt from the betrayal he had just discovered. “These men have been with me right from time, and now, one is a mole? That is if the whole crew isn’t corrupted,” he spat shaking his head in disapproval.It hurts, and I knew that. But he had to face it, nothing lasts forever not even friendships and loyalty.“I am sorry about all this, but now isn’t the time to stand and mourn some lost friendship. Now is about making sure that your people are safe,” I said.“What do you have in mind?” he asked, staring at me with slumped shoulders.I wasn’t scared of the way he had subconsciously handed me the reins of leading his group, “The defence plan that we had set up still stands, but rather than
ROSANNENo one was brave when it came to war. No matter how hard you plan or prepare something is always going to go wrong.“You have to go with the women,” I said to Anita, placing soft kisses on my baby's head.Anita shook her head, “Come with us, I can’t let you fight,” she said, tears gleaming in her eyes as she held onto my children.I understood her fear, she couldn’t image me out there fighting, but I had to. I had to step up and protect my children. I needed to prove to them that I could do it. I could be strong.“Anita, they are here because of me, if something happens to me, I need to be sure that they are safe,” I said, my voice cracking as I thought about the possibility of not being around them when they learn how to take their first step.My voice croaked, "You are their godmother, protect them," I said.Axel moved forward, an unreadable expression on his face, “Take care of yourself, I will see you soon,” he mumbled, placing a kiss on her lips.I smiled, watching the wa
ANITAThe door banged open, my heart racing at the sudden intrusion. After my last encounter with Maverick, I had expected him to be the one.“What is going on?” I asked the soldier, my heart racing as I noticed the panicked expression on his face.“Where is Maverick?” he asked, looking around the room.Beats me, the last I had seen of the man was before Rosanne had given birth, and after that, things have been on a hush-hush around here. No one was saying a thing.“What is wrong?” I repeated my heartbeat spiking at the way his hand trembled.“They are coming,” he replied, with a slight tremor in his voice like he couldn’t bring himself to say the name.“Who? What?”“The Golden Rise pack, they are marching down here, Alpha Knox leading the troop,” he said, rushing out of the room.I staggered, my breath caught in my throat, it couldn’t be.The world tilted. It was spinning out of control.“Rosanne!” I gasped, rushing towards the room she had been holed up in.There was no time for ple
ROSANNEThe raw shrilling cries of babies filled the room, it was real, filled with emotions.My children.I groaned, my body groaning in pain as I tried to rise to my feet, through my blurry vision I noticed the nurse from earlier, holding onto my children’s cot, her eyes devoid of the warmth they once had.I couldn’t remember much that had happened after the birth of my third child, the one that had been hiding behind his siblings, surprising the midwife and me. I had thought I was having twins, but the little shocker had decided to finally make himself known.And from how loud the cries were, I knew it was him, my firecracker; Aiden.“Let me hold them,” I whispered, my body still struggling to recover from everything that had happened.I looked around the room, expecting to find Axel or Anita, but I was shocked to find Maverick, standing by the side, his eyes staring at me with untold emotions in them.“Good to see that you are awake,” he muttered, smiling slyly at me as he moved c