|| Lilac’s POV ||
Time stretched and I lost in his arms once again. My tongue savored every inch of his mouth in a all consuming kiss.
When I finally pulled away, breathless and trembling, his grey eyes bore into mine, dark and intense.
“Do you know what you do to me?” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. He reached out, tracing a finger along my collarbone, the touch feather-light yet electrifying. “You drive me mad. Every thought, every breath, it’s all consumed by you.”
His words were a confession, raw and unfiltered, and they shattered whatever fragile control I had left. I kissed him again, my hands tangling in his hair as I pulled him closer. His arms wrapped around me, one hand gripping the back of my head as he deepened the kiss, his tongue devouring every inch of my lips and mouth. The world around us faded away, the red moon, the gala, the Moon Goddess’s warning— all of it disappeared, leaving only the two of us,
|| Alaric’s POV ||She disappeared from my life only to come back as a storm. The moment I saw her walking into that gala, my heart sank. There she was, radiant in her navy blue gown, her light brown hair cascading in soft curls around her shoulders, her face hidden behind that exquisite mask. She looked like a vision, a dream I had long since given up on. But the sight of her searching for a mate-her eyes scanning the room, her scent mingling with the air-felt like a dagger to my chest. Wasn't I enough for her? Had I meant nothing? The thought of losing her, of her finding someone else, made my world tilt on its axis. If I lost her, I would lose everything-my purpose, my existence.And now, she was here, in my arms. The anger and hurt still simmered beneath the surface, but they were overshadowed by the overwhelming relief of having her close again. How could I forgive her so quickly? What spell had she cast over me? I didn't know. All I knew was that my world b
|| Alaric’s POV ||I smirked against her skin, my hands gripping her waist, holding her against me. Her moan was my salvation."Say it again," I murmured, my voice low, commanding, possessive.She swallowed hard, her body stiffening for a moment before she relaxed into me. "Alaric," she repeated, her voice trembling with desire.My hand moved to her breast, cupping it gently, feeling the weight of it in my palm. She was perfect-every curve, every inch of her. My thumb brushed over her nipple, teasing it until it hardened under my touch. I couldn't help but smile against her skin. I loved how sensitive she was, how every touch, every caress, made her tremble.I lowered my mouth to her neck again, my lips brushing against the delicate curve with a tenderness that belied the fire raging inside me. Each kiss was slow, deliberate, and just a little sloppy, as if I couldn't quite contain the hunger she stirred in me. My tongue traced the line of her coll
|| Lilac's POV || I lay on the couch, my head resting against Alaric’s arm, the steady rise and fall of his chest a comforting rhythm beneath me. The room was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fire in the hearth, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across the walls. But despite the peacefulness of the moment, guilt gnawed at me, a relentless ache that refused to be ignored. Why do I feel so restless? Why I had pulled away from him before? The questions swirled in my mind, each one heavier than the last. I closed my eyes, trying to quiet the storm inside me, but it was no use. The guilt was a living thing, twisting and turning in my chest, refusing to let me breathe. And then, faint but unmistakable, a voice whispered in my ear.Lilac. My eyes flew open, and I jolted upright, my heart pounding in my chest. That voice— it was her. My wolf. Runa. It had been so long since I’d heard her, so long since I’d felt her presence. But there she was, fain
|| Lilac's POV || The room was dark, the fire in the hearth reduced to glowing embers, casting faint shadows across the walls. I lay in bed, Alaric’s arm draped over me, his steady breathing a soothing rhythm against my back. But sleep eluded me, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that refused to quiet. The weight of the Moon Goddess’s warning pressed down on me, a constant reminder of the stakes. Find your mate, or face the same fate. The words echoed in my mind, a relentless drumbeat that I couldn’t escape. Eventually, exhaustion claimed me, and I drifted into a restless sleep. But it wasn’t the peaceful oblivion I craved. Instead, I found myself standing in a vast, ethereal landscape, the sky above a swirling tapestry of stars and moonlight. The air was thick with magic, the scent of jasmine and night-blooming flowers filling my senses. And then, she appeared. The Moon Goddess. She stood before me, her form radiant and otherworldly, her eyes like twi
|| Lilac’s POV ||The visions faded, and I found myself back in the ethereal landscape, the Moon Goddess standing before me once more. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.“Time is running out, my child,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “The path you choose will determine the fate of all you hold dear.”I swallowed hard, my throat tight with fear.“What happens if Alexander takes the throne?” I asked, my voice trembling.The Goddess’s gaze didn’t waver. “If you try, you may delay the process, but your fate will still be the same. The threads of destiny are not easily unraveled.”Her words were a blow, a reminder that no matter how hard I fought, the outcome might still be the same. But there was a glimmer of hope in her words, a chance to change things, even if only for a little while.I woke with a start, my heart pounding in my chest and my body drenched in sweat. The room was dark, the fire
|| Lilac’s POV || I woke to the cold emptiness of the bed, the sheets tangled around my legs and the space beside me devoid of Alaric’s warmth. My hand reached out instinctively, brushing against the cool fabric where he had lain. The absence of his body, his heat, his steady breathing, was jarring, and I felt a pang of longing that settled deep in my chest. I missed him already, and he hadn’t even been gone long. Sitting up, I ran a hand through my disheveled hair, the faint scent of pine and earth lingering on the pillow. My gaze fell to the oversized t-shirt I wore— one of Alaric’s— its soft fabric falling to my knees. I brought the collar to my nose, inhaling deeply. It smelled like him, like the woods after a rainstorm, like warmth and safety. For a moment, it felt as though he was still here, his arms wrapped around me, his breath warm against my skin. I stood, padding over to the mirror that hung on the far wall. My reflection stared back at me, my hair a me
|| Lilac's POV ||My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the empty plate in front of me. The words Alaric had spoken earlier still echoed in my ears, sending shivers down my spine. My Luna. He had called me his Luna. And Marcus, the man who had burst in earlier, had called him Alpha. Alpha. The title hung in the air like a heavy fog, clouding my thoughts and leaving me breathless.I had known Alaric for so long, and yet I had never heard of him being an Alpha. Of course he had the lineage. Was this his pack? Was this why he had always been so protective, so commanding, so... alpha-like? My heart raced as I tried to process it all. The man I had fallen for, the man who had held me through the night, was not just any wolf. He was a leader. And he had just declared me his Luna in front of one of his beta?I stood up abruptly, my legs shaky beneath me, and carried my plate to the sink. The mundane task of washing dishes gave me
|| Lilac's POV ||The pack territory was breathtaking, a perfect blend of nature and community. The goddess was right. The houses were scattered discreetly among the trees, their wooden frames blending seamlessly with the surroundings. The mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks kissed by the morning sun. We walked through the woods, the path winding through tall trees and lush greenery. The air was filled with the scent of pine and earth, and the sound of a nearby stream added to the serene atmosphere.As we walked, I could feel the presence of other wolves nearby, their eyes watching us from the shadows. They didn’t approach, but their curiosity was palpable. I could sense their respect for Alaric, their Alpha, and their curiosity about me— the woman he had brought into their territory.Soon, we reached a clearing, and there it stood the packhouse. It was a magnificent structure, tall and imposing, yet somehow harmonious with
|| Lilac’s POV ||We stepped out of the grand hall and into a long, dimly lit corridor, the heavy wooden door closing behind us with a soft thud that echoed through the stillness. The corridor stretched before us, its walls adorned with tapestries that seemed to breathe with the history of the pack. Each woven thread told a story, of fierce battles fought under blood-red moons, of alliances forged in fire and sealed with unbreakable bonds. The intricate designs seemed to shimmer in the stealth lights that lined the walls, their golden hues casting long, dancing shadows across the polished stone floor.As we walked, my mind drifted to Alaric’s pack, the Blood Moon Pack, and the way it seemed to pulse with life and energy. There, the houses were not just structures but extensions of the forest itself, their wooden frames entwined with ivy and moss, as if the earth had embraced them and made them its own. The air there was always fresh, carrying the scent of pine needles
|| Lilac's POV || The moment I walked away from Alaric, my heart felt like it was being torn in two. The weight of his gaze lingered on me, the intensity of his grey eyes burning into my soul even as I turned my back on him. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions take over— not now, not when so much was at stake. But the ache in my chest was relentless, a constant reminder of the bond I was trying so hard to deny. As I moved through the grand hall, my eyes scanned the room, searching for Alexander. The Eclipse Ball was in full swing, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The room was a sea of masks and gowns, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over the opulent decor. But amidst the glittering crowd, one figure caught my attention, and my breath hitched. Kael. He stood near the far wall, his tall frame commanding attention even in a room full of alphas. Beside him was Astrid Moonvale, her delicate features framed by her
|| Alaric’s POV ||The drive to the venue was quiet, the weight of the night pressing down on me. The grand hall was lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, the air filled with the scent of flowers and perfume. The sound of music and laughter echoed through the space, but it all felt distant, like a dream I couldn’t quite reach.I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the crowd. The room was filled with people, their masks and gowns creating a sea of color and movement. But I wasn’t here for them. I was here for her.And then, I saw her.Lilac stood at the edge of the room, her gown shimmering under the light. Her hair was styled in loose curls, and her makeup was subtle but elegant. She looked like a queen, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.Our eyes met, and the world around us faded away. It was just the two of us, the connection between us undeniable. But then, she looked away, her expression hardening as she turned and disappeared
|| Lilac’s POV || The night of the Eclipse Ball arrived, and I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. The dress my mom had chosen was stunning— a deep wine red that brought out the gold in my eyes, the fabric hugging my curves in all the right places. My hair was styled in loose curls, and my makeup was subtle but elegant. I looked like a queen, but I didn’t feel like one. My heart was heavy, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. I had spent the past few days preparing for this night, but now that it was here, I felt unprepared. The thought of seeing Alaric again, of facing him after everything that had happened, made my chest ache. But I couldn’t let my feelings get in the way. Not tonight. I took a deep breath, smoothing down the fabric of my dress, and turned to leave the room. My parents were waiting for me downstairs, their expressions filled with pride and excitement. “You look beautiful, sweetpea,” Mom said, her eyes shining with t
|| Lilac’s POV ||My pulse pounded as memories resurfaced, clearer now than they had been before. This was the very night Kael had recommended Astrid Moonvale to Alexander. The Moonvale family was powerful— wealthy, politically influential, and deeply connected in the capital.And Astrid…Astrid and Alexander had mated that night.It had been seen as a union of strength. Their bond had given Alexander an undeniable boost, solidifying his pack’s position in the political arena. But it hadn’t been long before he found his true mate— after he had already marked Astrid. The scandal that followed had sent shockwaves through the werewolf community, tainting his reputation and shaking his pack’s foundation.And who had stepped in to clean up the mess?Kael.He had turned the scandal into an advantage, using it to his benefit, weaving his way into Alexander’s inner circle as a trusted ally and savior. Both the families were grateful to Kael.
|| Lilac's POV || The days passed in a blur, each one heavier than the last. I stayed in my room, the curtains drawn, the world outside feeling distant and unimportant. My thoughts were a tangled mess, my heart torn between the life I wanted and the destiny I feared. Alaric’s words echoed in my mind, his possessiveness, his declaration that I was his. But the Moon Goddess’s vision loomed over me, a constant reminder of the stakes. If I didn’t find my mate, everyone I loved would suffer. My parents, Ezra, Elara… and Alaric. The thought was unbearable, but so was the idea of defying fate. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the floor, when the door creaked open. My mom stepped in, her presence warm and comforting. She carried a tray of snacks, the scent of freshly baked cookies filling the room. “Hey, sweetpea,” she said, her voice soft and filled with concern. “I brought you some snacks.” I forced a smile, though it felt brittle on my lips. “Thanks, Mom.”
|| Third-Person POV ||As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky burned in hues of deep crimson and violet, casting eerie shadows over the dense forest. The towering pines whispered with the cool evening breeze, but Coco barely noticed. Every step she took was calculated, precise— yet her heart pounded violently in her chest.She was no stranger to danger.No stranger to playing the part she needed to survive.This was her moment. This was her chance to turn the tide.She had spent too long clawing her way into Kael’s world, too long playing the submissive role, waiting for the moment she could prove her worth. Now, the moment had come. If she succeeded tonight, there would be no question— Kael would be back in the election game. He would see her, need her, choose her.All she had to do was get inside the pack.The guards spotted her almost immediately as she emerged from the treeline, their keen eyes narrowing in suspicion.
|| Kael’s POV || The heavy oak doors of the study creaked open as I stepped inside, the scent of aged wood and leather filling my nostrils. My father sat behind his desk, his expression dark and unreadable, while my mother stood by the window, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The tension in the room was palpable, a thick fog of disappointment and frustration that made it hard to breathe. “Where have you been?” My father’s voice was low, edged with barely restrained anger, but it was his eyes that made my blood run cold. They bore into me, sharp and accusing, as if he already knew the answer but wanted the satisfaction of hearing me admit it. I didn’t flinch under his scrutiny, but my pulse pounded in my ears. My mind raced for an excuse, something that wouldn’t set him off even more. “I was busy,” I said finally, keeping my voice even, though the lie sat heavy on my tongue. His lips curled in displeasure. “Busy doing what?” Before I could r
|| Alaric’s POV ||I gritted my teeth. She didn't even want her parents to know about us!Marcus let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Damn, Alaric. You really don’t do things the easy way, huh?”I shot him a glare. “Wouldn’t be any fun if I did.”He smirked. “Oh, because stealing your brother’s ex and making her your Luna is so much fun?”I growled. “She was never his.”Marcus held up his hands again.“Relax, big guy. I know. I just like seeing you lose your cool.” He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “So, what’s the plan? You gonna tell her? Or are you just going to keep looking at her like she hung the damn moon and hope she figures it out?”I clenched my jaw.Lilac was already tangled in my world in ways she didn’t understand.She had been reborn into it.Fated to it.To me.But she didn’t know that yet.And I had no idea how to tell her.“She’ll know when she’s ready,