|| Lilac’s POV ||
The moment I looked up and saw Alaric standing before me, the world seemed to slow down. His presence was magnetic, commanding the space around him with an effortless grace. His sharp grey eyes locked onto mine, filled with a quiet intensity that made my heart race. He was dressed in a tailored black suit that hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, the faint scent of pines and earth enveloping me like a warm, familiar embrace. It was a scent that had become synonymous with safety and something deeper, something I wasn’t ready to name yet. “Alaric,” I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. His name felt like a secret, something sacred that only I was allowed to say. He smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent shivers down my spine. It was the kind of smile that made me feel like he could see straight through me, past all the walls I had built, straight into the heart of who I was. “You look stunning,” he said, his voice low and intimate, as if|| Alaric’s POV || My Luna. My dove. My princess. The words echoed in my mind, a mantra I couldn’t escape. Was she my mate? I wished she was. If she were, she would have told me by now. But the way she looked at me, the way she trusted me— it was enough to make me hope. The whispers started almost immediately. “Is that Lilac Blackwood?” “She’s beautiful.” “She looks like a real Luna Queen.” “Absolutely stunning.” “It’s hard to believe she’s still single.” “Kael was a fool to let her go.” The comments grated on me, each one a reminder of how much she deserved better than the way Kael had treated her. I couldn’t hold back any longer. She was mine, and everyone needed to see that. I strode through the crowd, my eyes locked on her. When I reached her, I extended my hand, my voice low but firm. “May I, dove?” She smiled, her eyes lighting up as she placed her hand in mine. I led her away from the prying eyes, my wolf g
|| Lilac’s POV ||The questions kept coming, each one more damning than the last. Kael’s face grew red, his hands clenched into fists. He was losing control, and it was clear to everyone in the room.“I think we’ve had enough questions for the day,” Alexander said, standing up and cutting through the tension. “Let’s enjoy the party.”The reporters reluctantly backed off, their attention shifting as the candidates stepped down from the stage. I turned to Elara, who was grinning like the cat that got the cream.“Like it?” she asked, her voice low and smug.“You did this?” I asked, my eyes wide with amazement.“Planted a few questions here and there,” Elara said with a shrug. “How dare he bully you at the Eclipse Ball? This was the payback.”I couldn’t help but laugh.“No one can bully my best friend,” Elara said, pulling me into a side hug.Alexander walked over to us, his arm around Madeline’s waist.“You did great
|| Lilac's POV || The Alpha King stepped down from the stage, his presence still commanding the room even as he retreated into the background. “Enjoy the evening,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality that signaled the formalities were over. But the room erupted into chaos almost immediately. Generally after this the Candidates are asked to introduce themselves. But the room erupted. all the reporters couldn't wait. they all jumped towards the room where Alexander stood. questions flooded the room. The other alphas also got some attention, only Kael was left out as if no one even wanted to know his thoughts. Then I saw dad stepping up on the stage, "please stay calm, everyone." Dad continued as he got everyone's attention immediately, "We will ask the candidates to step up for questionnaires. Alphas, if you please." Soon two girls pulled up some chairs on the stage and the five contenders took their seats. Reporters, hungry for the next b
|| Lilac’s POV ||“Well, someone made quite an entrance,” Elara said, poking me with her elbow. “Shut up,” I muttered, though I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “You look stunning. It’s… not just stunning. It’s like you’re walking the red carpet. And you even matched with him,” she said, her tone teasing. I glanced down at my gown, a deep blue that shimmered like the night sky, and then back at Alaric, who was standing in a corner, his eyes still on me. His suit was a perfect match for my dress, the dark fabric accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame. His lips formed a small smile as our eyes met, and I felt that familiar flutter in my chest. “Lost in his eyes again, Princess?” Elara teased, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Stop it,” I said, faking anger, though my cheeks betrayed me. “There you are,” Astrid said as she and Madeline joined us. “Look at you. You took everyone’s breath away as you walked in,” Madeline added,
|| Lilac’s POV || The moment I looked up and saw Alaric standing before me, the world seemed to slow down. His presence was magnetic, commanding the space around him with an effortless grace. His sharp grey eyes locked onto mine, filled with a quiet intensity that made my heart race. He was dressed in a tailored black suit that hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, the faint scent of pines and earth enveloping me like a warm, familiar embrace. It was a scent that had become synonymous with safety and something deeper, something I wasn’t ready to name yet. “Alaric,” I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. His name felt like a secret, something sacred that only I was allowed to say. He smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent shivers down my spine. It was the kind of smile that made me feel like he could see straight through me, past all the walls I had built, straight into the heart of who I was. “You look stunning,” he said, his voice low and intimate, as if
|| Lilac’s POV || Two weeks had passed in a whirlwind of preparations, anticipation, and quiet dread. The day of the nomination declaration had finally arrived, and with it, the grand ball hosted by the Alpha King. This was no ordinary event— it was a celebration of power, ambition, and the future of the kingdom. The entire country buzzed with excitement, the air thick with the promise of change. For me, however, the day was tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia. I had lived this moment before, but in another life, under vastly different circumstances. The morning had been a flurry of activity. Dad, as the Royal Beta, was in charge of organizing the event, and Mom was his ever-efficient partner. My lazy butt brother even had thrown himself into the preparations with a newfound ferver. Ever since he learned about Alexander’s candidacy, he had found a role model in the alpha and was determined to prove himself worthy of being the Royal Beta Alexander deserved. I was proud of h
|| Lilac’s POV ||The drive was quiet but comfortable, the hum of the engine and the soft music playing in the background creating a soothing rhythm. Alaric’s hand rested lightly on the gearshift, his fingers tapping in time with the music. I found myself stealing glances at him, my eyes tracing the sharp lines of his profile, the way his jaw tightened when he focused on the road, the faint smile that seemed to linger on his lips.“Done staring?” he said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence.I quickly looked away, my cheeks burning. “I wasn’t.”He chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “It’s okay, dove. I don’t mind.”I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment. “You’re impossible.”“You are the one cutting me out on and off and you think I'm impossible?” he said, his tone light but his words carrying a weight that made my heart skip a beat.I didn’t respond, instead turning my attention to the passing scenery.
|| Lilac's POV || Alaric reached us soon enough, his smile bright but his eyes sharp as they met mine. Every strode he took made my heart shivered. “I’m sorry I’m late. I was held up at work," he apologized, his stormy grey gaze never left mine, as if his words were only meant for me. “Better late than never,” Madeline said, her tone light but her eyes wary. “Well, I always keep my word,” Alaric replied, his smirk widening as he handed Alexander an envelope. “Here. And congratulations.” “Thanks for the support,” Alexander said, his tone polite but guarded. “Yeah, this means a lot to us,” I added, my voice soft but sincere. “Anything for you, dove,” Alaric said, his eyes locking onto mine as he winked. What on earth! Was he out of mind? Everyone was watching us! My cheeks burned, and I quickly looked away. “Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Alaric said, giving Alexander a small courtesy nod before turning and walking away. As soon as he was out o
|| Lilac’s POV || The morning sun cast a golden glow over the council building, its towering structure a testament to the power and history of the werewolf packs. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth, a reminder of the wildness that still lingered even in the heart of the city. I stood at the entrance, my heart pounding in my chest as I took in the sight of the grand marble steps leading up to the imposing double doors. Today was a pivotal day, and the weight of it pressed heavily on my shoulders. Alexander, Madeline, and Astrid were already inside, their presence a small comfort amidst the tension that had been building since dawn. I took a deep breath and stepped into the building, the cool interior a stark contrast to the warmth outside. The hallway was bustling with activity, alphas and their entourages moving about with purpose. My eyes scanned the room until I found them near a large window, their heads close together in quiet conversation.