Colton HayesA man with nothing to lose is a dangerous man.Returning home was a last resort, one I’d established was only logical when I had a concrete plan for revenge but alas, I had lost everything and didn’t see the point anymore. The clock stuck twelve, goosebumps prickling my skin from the chilling breeze.Lucas would have fallen asleep by now, alcohol being his only solace along with the countless women he brings to bed. The years without him had been both peaceful and torturing because memories never fade, I’m constantly haunted by the past.All the lights were off but as soon as I entered, a bottle was hurled at me. I managed to evade it by, crashing into the wall as glass splattered everywhere, cutting into my cheek. “You useless piece of shit.” Lucas slurred, appearing in the hallway.He was obviously drunk, his bloodstream composed of 99% alcohol at this point. Lucas appeared ragged and filthy; the entire house covered in filth that it reeked of rotting garbage. The stenc
Colton Hayes“Since Echo hates being restricted, there will not be a cage for this fight.”The audience jeered, shouting in protest and sprouting insults. Except my focus wasn’t on them, it was on the piles of mutilated and decaying bodies surrounding the arena, the stench of death swallowing me whole.The announcer’s words are muffled to my ears, staring directly at the beast emerging from the gates. Her beastly form was two times the size of an average she-wolf, her fur an unusual shade of blue black that became more prominent under the spotlight.“ECHO!” He shouted, his voice electrifying the audience.Salvia coated her fangs, dripping onto the floor as we closed the distance, a few metres apart. Fear coiled down my spine at her sharpened gaze, cold and predatorial emeralds. Malice oozed from her appearance, each step filled with purpose and murderous intent.Never underestimate a woman.Pure carnage ablaze in her eyes. My stomach twisted with dread at the realization that death wo
Bellatrix SinclairHis eyes grew misty, flooded by a variety of emotions that were seemingly overwhelming him. A slight tremble in his lower lip that he bit to suppress the tears.Approaching them once I ensured the wolf was dead, the audiences outraged voices thundered throughout the arena. A smile curls behind the mask, gaining sweet satisfaction from ruining their fun.“Bella-“Pushing my finger against the mouth of the mask, silencing him from uttering my name aloud. While the Werewolf King was here, they couldn’t figure out his accomplice was a human. That would taint his reputation, and I’m almost tempted to rip off the mask and let him suffer.However, my feelings regarding his moral compass has been questioned by him inviting me here to destroy Nightwolf.Lazarus’s soul was morally questionable.“Bonnie told you I was here?” Colton inquired; his voice thick with emotion. “Why did you save me?”My brows furrowed, “Why wouldn’t I, you are my friend, and I won’t let you die.” I d
Bellatrix SinclairLazarus laughed, the sound demonic as it echoed, like the gates of hell were opening to enact punishment.“Do you really think you can order me.” Lazarus smiled wickedly. “Kill her.”Fear slithered through my veins, pumping viciously to my heart because I knew Lazarus was serious. He didn’t value her life; her death would be insignificant. I couldn’t challenge him in the presence of Thomas, and I doubt I had the power to change his mind.Lazarus gestured with his hand, “Go on, kill her.”Thomas jaw tensed, rage flaring in his orbs as his claws descending and he punctured the flesh of her neck. “You think I won’t?” he snapped with a growl. “I’ll fucking kill her and the woman who is your mate,” darting his eyes towards me with a cruel smile, “She will hate you forever.”Lazarus scorching touch explodes upon my back, dancing up and teasing my neck before his fingers tangled in my hair, jerking my head backwards. I gritted my teeth, glaring at him with indignation. He
Emmett De LoughreyFamily is everything to me.I guess it stemmed from the fact that I was an orphan, abandoned and unwanted until Donovan De Loughrey adopted me. I might have been four years old, but I was aware of my circumstances – it’s rather difficult to ignore reality when you’ve faced the worst of it at such a young age.My life took a complete turn once Donovan became my father; I had a family and people who cared about me. Father urged me to get along with the future Werewolf King, insisting that family wasn’t simply just blood.However I remember the fear of facing Lazarus for the first time, only two years older than me and yet he exuded such a magnetic aura, refined and polished that he didn’t seem real. I expected the worst, I expected his cruelty like in the orphanage only ten times worse because he was the future king.Except that wasn’t what happened, during our first encounter, he smiled at me and welcomed me. There wasn’t a hint of animosity, he didn’t treat me diffe
Emmett De LoughreyThe last thing I expected walking into his office was to see Bellatrix. I already felt the guilt weighing heavily over the secrets I kept from Lazarus, and now they were devouring me because of her. My heart thudded painfully, threatening to burst from my chest.She was ethereal from a distance and even more bewitching this close. Those piercing orbs of clear blue crystals were riddled with pain, the betrayal evident in the way it stabbed my heart. Swallowing thickly, shame blanching my skin in a cold sweat.“Emmett.” Lazarus called.I could tear my eyes away from her, it’s like we were locked in a trance and I truly felt doomed in this moment. I always knew that she kept putting off meeting me in person because there was no future and now…. our lives are more tangled than ever.The scrapping of Lazarus chair reached my ears, garnering my attention. “Your majesty.” I bowed, my voice coming out winded.Lazarus rounded his desk, leaning against it casually but his gaz
Bellatrix SinclairEmmett stumbled backwards, the drums of anger making my breathing shaky and uneven. Strands of his hair spilled softly over his brow, a small cut on his lower lip and I was utterly surprised by his reaction. He smiled, deepened the cut until a dash of blood spilled.His pure hazel eyes meet mine with a teasing grin. “Am I forgiven?”He knew me all too well, the satisfaction of punching him was enough to dampen my rage. A bruise blossoming on his cheek, “Or do you need to get a couple more in before you forgive me?” he teased, but I knew he was serious.I smirked, “Don’t tempt me.”The betrayal lingered, the flames dwindling into subtle embers. I suppose he can be forgiven since he attempted to buy my freedom at the price of himself. There has always been a soft spot in my heart for Emmett, a love I couldn’t pursue and now… I never could.“It seems we are being summoned to the royal palace.” Lazarus announced, drawing my attention and I honestly forgot he was here.H
Lazarus De LoughreyDonovan rounded the table, immediately embracing me as he’s always done when we are alone. He taps my shoulder, praise slipping from his tongue. “You truly are the best; I would have never thought you would give Emmett the position of Alpha and his own Kingdom.”“He is perfectly suited for the role.”“That he is.” Donovan agreed with a chuckle.“Uncle, why did you call me here? It’s very rarely that we speak amongst ourselves here.”I was under the impression this was a meeting with The Syndicate.Donovan waves a dismissive hand, “I have another meeting with one of the members in twenty minutes, seemed easier to do it here.”Arching a questionable brow, “Do what?”A teasing smirk danced upon his lips, “I heard that you’ve been getting along with your mate, quite well actually.”Tension locked in my muscles, the question of how he knew circulating in my brain. No one knows about my relationship with Bellatrix within the confines of the castle. I couldn’t show hostil
Bellatrix SinclairPushing out of the seat, a surge of urgency and panic that had my heart racing. “What are you doing here?”Bonnie’s mouth curved into a genuine smile. “It’s nice to see you again Bella.”Shock bolted down my spine, hitting every nerve so that I couldn’t budge. I prided myself on being an expert at reading her emotions, Bonnie’s features were always stiff when she wore her mask. This time, her expression was relaxed and sincere.I glared at Colton, seething. “What the hell have you been doing. Did you bring her here? Are you insane?”She frowned; her eyebrows drew together. “It’s okay Bella, Colton saved me from the era of my ways.”Grinding my teeth, stricken with confusion that I barely registered Bjorn’s voice. “Let’s leave the sisters to catch up, Colton.”Colton nodded, flashing a smile accompanied by a softened gaze. “I’m happy your here Bella, fighting with us.”Bjorn patted his shoulder, jerking his chin towards another booth on the opposite end. “We will be
Bellatrix SinclairI never envisioned the taste of freedom would be this bittersweet.Folding my arms across my chest, surveying my surroundings as we pass through a tunnel, darkness seeped into the car, goosebumps prickling my flesh.“Are you always like this?” Bjorn’s asked, casually.“Like what?”“On edge.”Turning my head to face him, squandered in the shadows that I could barely make out his expression. “I’m cautious. It’s only natural since I have no idea where we are going.” I responded, inserting a sliver of truth but unwilling to share more details.He chuckled, the sound airy and breezy. “That’s understandable considering what you have been through with that monstrous creature.”I pressed my lips tightly together, biting my tongue to suppress the rebuttal. His tone woven with disdain when speaking of wolves, I could relate in the past, but everything changed. I’d be detesting myself and Melody didn’t deserve that hatred when she saved me from Thomas.Swallowing the painful e
Bellatrix SinclairMy mind was spiraling, thoughts scrambled by uncertainty while his words played on a loop. My voice barely above a whisper, getting lost in the chaos. “What do you mean?”Bjorn leveled me with a cold stare, a sharp blade that cut through space. “Your father created the resistance; he fought for a cause and was killed for it. You want to defend these monsters, but the worst is standing next to you.”I slowly turned my head stiffly, peering into his eyes for the truth. “Is this true?”Lazarus’s jaw tensed, a storm brewing in his eyes, clashing of rage and a heavy heart. “Are you really going to listen to him?” He snapped. “The resistance has taken lives, long before today.”“That’s not what I asked.” I snarled, clenching my teeth. “Did you kill my father?”His breathing accelerated and my heart hammered against my ribcage. Lazarus’s lips thinned, eyebrows knotting tightly together. “I.....I will do anything to protect my people.” He declared steely. “I will do anythin
Bellatrix SinclairStatic thundered in my ears, shifting to white noise. A sharp pain that pierced my muscles, a pounding in my skull as if splitting my brain in half. I barely managed to open my eyes, distorted vision that slowly seeped into chaos.My eyes stretched wide-open, shock tearing through me as I watched the explosion of madness. Pushing onto my knees, fire igniting in my joints and searing my muscles. Only moments ago, I was being crowned Luna. The joy and uncertainty of the future was obliterated, crumbling into complete ruins before my eyes.An excruciating burn tore through my lungs, crushing my chest with every breath. “Lila.....Lazarus.” I rasped, searching for them upon the broken stage but I couldn’t find them past the rubble.The menacing roars from the wolves reached my ears, drawing my attention to the perpetrators. They were covered in black from top to bottom, exposing only their eyes devoid of humanity. There was
Bellatrix Sinclair“Are you nervous?” Lila quizzed, pocking her head through the curtain and scanning the crowd like I’ve been doing every five minutes. “Who are you looking for?”The judges sat on the stage, on the far right. Lazarus and Donovan were seated next to each other, calm and composed, as if yesterday didn’t happen. Animosity brimming to the surface, only visible to the ones who knew the truth.My chest tightened, agony bleeding from the heart strings that tied us together. No one would guess that he confessed his pain last night, the betrayal of his family became an infected wound that would never heal.Suddenly, those pitch-black orbs locked on mine. “I can feel you worrying, Ma Cherie.” His silvery voice teased. “Focus on yourself, the voting is drawing to a close in a few minutes.”Flashing him a blank stare as I frowned. “Are you okay? It cannot be easy.”
Bellatrix SinclairA king should always suppress their resentment, but there is only so much one could handle before it completely devoured their soul. There was no justice in this world, and he knew that better than anyone, The Syndicate managed to take away the only family he had left.Agony chewed at his heart and despair ripped his flesh apart. Lazarus was being consumed by a blackhole of desolation, falling deeper into the abyss until nothing remained but pure rage. None of us knew his wraith, however I suspected it would be a catastrophe for everyone.He disappeared after The Syndicate dismissed him, usually he would have scolded me for breaking the rules. Except, he instructed Christian to escort me back to the palace for the participants. He was trying to endure his suffering, attempt to repress the hatred that was clearly tearing him apart.The only way he knew how to do that was alone.But I couldn’t shake the acrimonious fire surging through my bloodstream, he had every rig
Bellatrix Sinclair“Clearly he underestimated my abilities.” Melody glowered, expressing her disbelief. “It will take alot more to knock us out.”Her voice became distorted by the splitting headache, another side-effect of the sleeping drug that added to the density of my body. “This feels weird.” I grumbled under my breath.I should be freaking out by such foreign sensations of her voice creeping into my mind, yet it strangely felt right. Melody spoke softly, appeasing the hesitation in my soul from this revelation. “You will get used to it eventually. If you find it too intrusive, envision a wall separating us and you won’t be able to hear my voice.”She was providing comfort, trying to ease my acceptance that I was no longer human. I don’t think I’ve fully comprehended that I’m a werewolf, especially one in the prophecy – which I didn’t believe but Lazarus seemed adamant.Christian flicked his gaze to the rearview mirror, a mirage of emotions filtering through his orbs before his f
Lazarus De LoughreyThe Syndicate resided in a castle, atop the mountains that gave the illusion it floated in the sky. It was secluded from the rest of the Kingdom’s, stationed on a vast piece of land without a soul in sight. Although I knew this place wasn’t truly their home, that information was strictly confidential.Now it made sense that whenever I tried to figure out the identities of the other Elder’s - I came to a dead end and that was due to Donovan’s interference.Bellatrix’s curled her fingers into my jacket, bunching the material in a tight grip. She can barely manage to lift her head, shallow pants slipping from her lips. “Lazarus.....what did you do?”I raised her chin, a magnetic collision of those crystalized blues, lids drooping as she fought the drug. “It’s for your own good.” I said, softly.“I’m supposed....to....help.” Her voice faded as she slumped against me.Carefully maneuvering her back to the leather seat, I adjusted the dosage of the sleeping drug to ensur
Bellatrix Sinclair“You shouldn’t be out of bed.” Lazarus chastised, features hardening as he leaned back into the chair.“It’s been almost two weeks, I’ve recovered.” I said sternly. “Don’t think I don’t know what you are up to.”His silence was all the confirmation I needed; the tense atmosphere seeping into his muscles. Not that I blame him, this was a huge betrayal from the only family he had left.Lazarus lifts his gaze to meet mine, arching an eyebrow. “What exactly do you think I am up to?”I sighed, exasperated. “You called for Judah and Valeria. It’s quite obvious that you are planning on confronting your uncle.”“Quite perceptive.” He mused with a smirk.I sucked in a sharp breath, unease curdling in my stomach. “Are you going to tell them about the prophecy and my wolf?”His stare is cryptic, like h