Lagertha’s POV “So, tomorrow is the big day, huh?” Lila asked with a smile, and I nodded, feeling excited but also nervous about it. “Are you nervous?” she asked, and for a moment, I couldn’t say a word. Then, I told her the truth by nodding. “Sit,” she offered, gesturing to the chair across from her. I took the seat, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my dress. “Is it about your mate? Are you scared of whom it might be and whether he’ll accept you?” Lila asked gently. I let out a slow breath and nodded. “I mean, who would want to be mated to me?” I murmured. Lila scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous, Lagertha. It’s true the pack doesn’t treat you well, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re beautiful and special. Any man lucky enough to be your mate wouldn’t dream of rejecting you.” I narrowed my eyes. “You really think so?” “I know so,” she insisted. “Besides, you don’t have to panic. Just like me, you might not find your mate tomorrow. He might not even be from this pack.”
Alpha Theo's POV The door to my study creaked open, and Oscar stepped inside, his expression laced with concern. “You are still up?” he asked sounding worried. I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “Did you get what I asked for?” Oscar nodded but hesitated, glancing at his wrist as if checking the time. “It's 9 PM, Theo. Midnight is just a few hours away…" He trailed off, but I already knew where this conversation was headed. In exactly three hours, Lagertha would turn eighteen. She would get her wolf—and she would feel our bond. No ceremony was needed; she would simply know. “Theo," Oscar pressed. “What are you going to do when she finds out?” “Nothing,” I responded without a second thought. “I have already made my decision. All that I’m waiting for is for her to feel our bond and walk into this office. I will tell her straight up that I can’t accept her and then tell her my plan.” I made the words sound so simple, yet my heart was tearing apart, and my wolf was howling i
Lagertha’s POV I couldn’t sleep! Sleep refused to come. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as the clock ticked closer to midnight. 11:50 p.m.—just ten minutes until my eighteenth birthday. Ten minutes until everything changed. I forced myself to stand, pacing the room to shake off the suffocating anxiety. I was scared, worried, and terrified to turn eighteen. Turning eighteen would change a lot of things in my life, and I was so worried about what life had in store for me. I was no longer worried about getting my mate. In fact, I didn’t want to have a mate—not because I didn’t want one, but because I was terrified of meeting him. I was terrified that he would reject me because of my parents' sins. Sucking in a deep breath, I forced myself to stop pacing. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum, each beat louder than the last. The clock on the wall ticked mercilessly, each second dragging me closer to the inevitable. Would I shift? Would I even have a wolf? What if some
Lagertha’s POV “Shut the door and have a seat.” I froze. For a moment, I wasn’t sure I had heard him correctly. My heart pounded against my ribs, my wolf howling in protest at the cold command from our mate. Alpha Theo’s forest-green eyes bore into mine—unreadable and cold. I swallowed hard, my hands trembling as I reached for the door, shutting it softly behind me. Taking slow steps forward, I lowered myself into the chair opposite him, my legs weak beneath me. The room was eerily silent except for the ticking of the clock and the sound of my own erratic breathing. Alpha Theo sat with an impassive expression, his fingers steepled together as he studied me. He wasn’t acting like a man who was seated before his mate. This was not how I had heard it should be. I had heard that once mates meet, they go crazy over each other—some can’t even take their hands off each other. But my mate? Alpha Theo sat comfortably in his chair, his usual cold, expressionless look on his face.
Lagertha’s POV I stared at him, searching his face for any sign that this was a cruel joke, but his expression remained impassive. My fingers trembled as I reached for the files, flipping them open. Each page contained a name, a pack affiliation, and a brief description of the man’s status. It was like I was some sort of business deal, being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall again. I clenched my jaw, swallowing back the anguish in my throat. “You can’t be serious.” He finally lifted his gaze to mine, and for the first time, I saw something beneath the cold mask he always wore. Pain. Guilt. Or was I just imagining it? “You wanted to know what happens next, Lagertha,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. “This is what happens next. You choose.” I gripped the edges of the file so tightly. “You can't force me to marry any of these men.” His lips pressed into a thin line. "This is for your good, Lagertha. You will g
Alpha Theo’s POV Everything in me screamed to go after her—to hold her, to tell her the truth, to make her understand that whatever pain she was feeling, I felt it too. It was torture to stand before her and reject her. Torture to breathe in her intoxicating scent, to have her so close yet not able to touch her. It was torture to see the tears in her eyes and know that I was the reason for them. But the most agonizing part? Knowing that I was about to give her away to another. It felt like handing over the most precious jewel in my possession to someone else, someone who might cherish it more than I could. Someone who wasn’t bound by the chains of hatred and the past. “You are a fool.” My wolf growled, his anger suffocating. He had been restless all night, growling, howling angrily at my choices. But, as always, I ignored him. I sighed, consumed by thoughts of her. Was she still crying? Had she soaked her pillow with tears? Did she hate me now? But this was for the best. It had to
Alpha Theo's POVI wanted to pull her back and tell her that I was never going to allow her to get married to Oscar. She could choose any of the men, and I would be able to live with it, but not my best friend… not him.“Theo… is everything okay?” Lila asked, concern lacing her voice. I sighed, turning my back to her. My wolf was howling in fury, sending a splitting headache through my skull. “Theo, please talk to me," she pleaded, placing a hand on my shoulder. I stood rigid, debating whether to tell her the truth. It was a risk. If she found out, she might tell our parents, and that could land me in trouble. “Are you in love with Lagertha?” Lila suddenly asked. I neither confirmed nor denied it. Lila sighed. “Theo, I noticed the way you look at her. You might pretend to others and make them think you hate her, but I know that you like Lagertha. I see the way you look at her when you think no one is watching,” Lila said, sounding so sure about it, and I didn’t bother to deny it
Lagertha’s POV I reached my room and leaned against the door, trying to catch my breath. My heart was still pounding, and my mind raced with everything that had happened. “Well done, Lagertha. You did well,” I murmured, offering myself a moment of encouragement. I stood there for a while, willing my pulse to slow, before finally pushing away from the door and sinking onto my bed. I kicked off my shoes and stared at the floor, my thoughts circling back to Theo—what I had said to him and the way he had reacted. If Lila hadn’t walked in when she did, I had no idea what would have happened. A sudden knock at the door made me jerk, but I quickly relaxed as a familiar scent filled the air—Mother Agatha. She always smelled like dried coffee, a scent I could recognize anywhere. The door creaked open, and she stepped inside, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Happy eighteenth birthday, dear Leggy,” she said cheerfully. A small smile tugged at my lips as I stood up. In her hands
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to every single one of you. Your support means the world to me—whether through your kind comments, your generous gifts of gems, or your encouragement through coins. Each gesture has filled my heart with motivation and joy. A very special shoutout to **Elisa Arianne** for her wonderful gift of gems—your support truly touched me. Another big shoutout to **Girl Alone**, **Tee**, and **Sylvia Cisneros**—thank you for your generous gifting and encouragement throughout this journey. To my day-one readers, and to those who joined in halfway and still got hooked — I see you, I appreciate you, and I might just name a character after you one day! And to those legends who stuck with me from chapter one to the very end… I owe you cookies. Or at least the juiciest plot twists in the next story! I’m learning, growing, and plotting even more drama, love, chaos, and surprises — and I promise, the next story will be even better. I promise
Still thrusting inside her, Theo moved over to the left crook of her neck and licked it. Then he took out his fangs and sank them into her. Lagertha exclaimed in discomfort, but Theo kept sinking his fangs in until he got a taste of her blood and marked her. Slowly, he pulled away and began licking the spot he had marked while his wolf howled in pleasure. Initially, Lagertha felt discomfort, but through the licks and continued thrusting inside her, the pain was later replaced by pleasure and her wolf was purring. “Mark me,” Theo grunted as he pulled away from her neck, taking his fangs in. Lagertha swallowed. She leaned forward, her lips finding the spot where his neck met his shoulder, her teeth grazing his skin. She bit down, sinking her fangs into his flesh, marking him as hers. Theo groaned, his body tensing, his hands gripping her tighter as he felt the bond form, the connection between them strengthening. “That is it,” Theo moaned in pleasure while she licked her mark, and
Theo pulled his fingers out slowly, and Lagertha bit her lip at the emptiness that followed. A soft gasp escaped her as his thumb gently brushed over her sensitive nipple, sending a shudder through her body. He shifted his weight, settling between her legs, and her breath caught when she realized what was about to happen. “Say it again, my love,” Theo murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with warmth and vulnerability that only she ever got to hear. “Please… I want to hear you say it.” Lagertha hesitated, her chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. She wanted this—she had never wanted anyone the way she wanted Theo. Her heart was full of him. Still, there was a trembling in her soul, a fear of how deeply she was giving herself. But his presence grounded her, and the love in his gaze made it impossible to pull away. “Please,” she whispered, her voice trembling with desire and trust. “Make love to me.” Something softened in Theo’s eyes. He leaned forward and press
He leaned in and kissed her again, this time with more intention. His lips brushed hers slowly, delicately, as if he were savoring the moment. Lagertha's hands clutched at his shoulders, her breath catching as he deepened the kiss, his tongue flicking gently against hers before retreating. Theo pulled back just slightly, eyes never leaving hers. “May I?” he whispered, his fingers grazing the thin straps of her gown. Lagertha nodded, her voice lost to the lump in her throat. Theo slid the straps down her shoulders, the sheer white fabric slowly cascading down her body until it pooled silently at her feet. She stood before him, naked, her breath shallow and skin tingling with awareness. The candlelight caressed every inch of her skin, wrapping her in a warm golden glow that made her look otherworldly. Theo's gaze roamed over her body with admiration, not lust—though the heat in his eyes made her shiver. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky. “Even more than I imagined
“Are you nervous?” Lila asked Lagertha, who was standing before the dresser in just a white, transparent, sexy gown. The dress was a gift from Lila. Just a few hours ago, Lagertha and Theo had exchanged vows as husband and wife, and Lagertha had just been crowned as Luna. Guests were still downstairs, music was still playing, when Lila had to drag Lagertha away so she could get her prepared for her first night with Theo. “Yes, I am nervous,” Lagertha responded as she turned away from the mirror and looked at Lila. “But I am excited,” she added with a smile. Lila chuckled and took both her hands. “Coming from someone who has experienced it, I will tell you it is the best experience in one’s life, and especially when you are doing it with a man you love.” Lagertha smiled at Lila, but she was still worried. “What if I don’t match up to his expectations? You know Theo is more experienced with women… What if…” she trailed off. Lila squeezed Lagertha’s hands gently, cutting off her
Lagertha’s POV A big smile spread across my face as I looked through the window, staring at the familiar trees of the pack. It was great to be back home — to be with Theo — who sat beside me, gently stroking my hair. For strange reasons, I could feel he was tense. I couldn’t explain why, but I felt it deep in my bones. Slowly, I lifted my head from his shoulder and looked up at him. Our eyes met, and he smiled. It wasn’t fake, but it wasn’t completely relaxed either. It felt like a smile laced with nerves. “Are you okay?” I asked, worry threading my voice. Theo nodded quickly. “Of course,” he said, placing an assuring kiss on my forehead — but it did nothing to ease the knot in my stomach. Something was definitely up with him. “Are you worried the pack won’t accept me?” I asked, my voice soft. Theo scoffed lightly. “What nonsense. Of course they will. They have no choice, Laggy… You are my mate, and I love you so much. My family loves you too—” Before he could finish his
Lila’s POV Oscar’s home is just a few drives away from the pack house. When we reached his home, his men stationed at each corner of his home greeted us, but we barely responded; all that was in our mind was getting to Oscar’s room. It seemed we were so eager for it. Oscar led me up the stairs and to his room. Reaching his room, we stepped in, and I took in the surroundings. Oscar's room was exactly what I had imagined—clean, simple, but with a distinct masculine charm. A faint scent of cedarwood and something uniquely him lingered in the air, making my pulse quicken. His bed was neatly made, navy sheets stretched tight across the mattress, and a soft glow from the lamp on his nightstand bathed the room in a warm hue. I stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do or say. Oscar shut the door behind us, the soft click echoing in the stillness. I turned to look at him, and he was already watching me—his gaze intense, searching, as if he were trying to figure out what I was th
Lila’s POV I checked my wristwatch and realized Oscar’s flight had arrived. Any moment now, he’d be walking out of that terminal, and just the thought made my heart race. It had only been two days since he left, but it felt like an eternity. I missed him so much it ached. I craved him—his arms around me, his lips on mine. I wanted to feel him again. God, I was horny. My wolf scoffed in me, clearly annoying me even more. Where I stood beside the car, leaning on it with my back, I stood beside the car, leaning against it with my back, trying to stay calm as I waited. Passengers began pouring out of the terminal with their luggage, and my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for him. But suddenly an intoxicating smell hit my nose. My nostrils flared. That scent. It wasn’t just intoxicating—it was maddening, wild, and warm, curling into my lungs like it belonged there. My wolf froze, then jolted forward in my mind with a snarl that shook me to my core. Mate. My body straighten
Oscar’s POV “When are you arriving… I’ll come pick you up myself,” Lila said through the mind link, and I chuckled. “Already missing me?” I teased. “Of course I am… you’ve been gone for two days. And good news—Theo and Lagertha are coming back tonight. Theo has a surprise for Lila, and Mother is helping him prepare it. I want you here before they arrive,” Lila muttered, and I smiled. I was happy with how things turned out between Lagertha and Theo. After my fight with Grey, Ma’am Benita told us the truth—that Theo and Lagertha wouldn’t be going through any surgery because Lagertha could see. They hid it from us. She explained why she did, and I understood. “So what time am I expecting to pick you up at the airport?” Lila pressed on. A smile spread across my face. “I’m on my way to the airport… so in the next four hours, I’ll be arriving in California,” I said. “Good… I will be waiting for you. Have a nice trip back, darling. I love you.” My heart fluttered. “I love you,