|| ELINDA's POV ||The makeup suited me well. I had an emerald necklace around my neck. The Jewel and my lipstick combined well together. I had a diva aura flourishing from my body.Mona admired me in awe and amazement. She gasped when they were done with my final look. The crew was here to guide the way. The manager was a young lady who couldn't stop talking," Oh my gosh! You look fabulous, darling! I wish that you were my permanent model."I refused politely, wearing a grateful smile," I feel the same, Miss Martha. But I am not taking modeling seriously."Martha kept talking about how they lived my aura. We chatted so much that I didn't notice when we strode upstairs through the elevator. Martha said excitedly, heading us to the photoshoot room," Here are your partners. Alpha Zade will love this shoot. He may give you big offers in the future."I heard from the makeup artists that the company was owned by Alpha Zade and his sister. They were least interested in this company and g
|| ELINDA's POV ||I gave my best smile even though I was shaking inside. All I could pray was that Alexis wasn't going to create a scene here. I smiled at the camera without paying attention to his murderous eyes. On the other hand, Mona was on the verge of collapsing.Alpha Zade introduced everything to Alexis enthusiastically," I was talking about this company. It's shoot day here. Would you like to go down, Alpha Don? They aren't so famous models."Alexis responded coldly, his eyes lingering on the man who was applying makeup on my chest," Indeed they aren't. I would like to see the shoot,Alpha. You may go."I gulped hard at his words. They could have just avoided my existence. But Alexis did the opposite. He took the chair and sat aside like a good audience. I felt the air in my stomach stuck in fear. His eyes never left mine and the possibility of breaking down was close.I hardly remembered how long I stood for the shoot. By the time, I was done, the choreographer gave me his
" You called for me?"Silvia spoke, peering her head through the door. She still didn't understand the fact that she had all the damn rights to walk through my office. I liked how she didn't feel desired for the position of Luna.I hummed softly, closing down the trading sheet that Alessio gave me," Yes, come inside."Silvia walked in, my eyes subconsciously falling on her belly. She had started to show her baby bump. Although all was forced on her, it made me so damn proud that my hair was growing inside her belly. She took the seat in front of me, her eyes resting on me curiously," Anything important?"I expelled a long sigh, preparing myself for the worst. I broke the news slowly, waiting for her reaction," You are coming with me to a ball tonight as my female companion."Surprise flickered in her eyes. She gulped before asking with a tight jaw," Means? As your mistress or girlfriend or what, Alpha?"My jaw clenched tight at her question. It annoyed me since my heart had no ans
|| DIEGO'S POV ||The night was heavy, cloaked in an oppressive silence that pressed against my ears as I paced in my chamber. Diana was late. She’d insisted we meet, demanded it, really, with the same fiery determination that had once drawn me to her. Now, that fire only irritated me, a spark I wanted snuffed out.The doors swung open, and there she was, her expression smug, confident. She didn’t even wait for me to speak. “We need to finalize the date, Diego. Enough of your stalling.”I clenched my fists, the heat of anger rising in my chest. “You’re insistent, aren’t you?” I said, my voice calm but laced with venom.Her eyes narrowed. “I’ve waited long enough. You made promises, Diego. Promises to me.”“I made promises in a moment of weakness,” I snapped, stepping closer to her. “A mistake I’ve regretted ever since.”Her laugh was sharp, cutting through the air. “Regretted? Is that what you’re calling it now? You think you can walk away from this? From me?”I stalked forward, forci
The news of Isabella's pregnancy reached me through the insidious whispers of the maids, their mocking tones slicing through the air like an unseen dagger. The revelation struck me with an unexpected force, a blend of hurt and betrayal settling in the pit of my stomach. How could my mates, Dominico and Zavier, keep such a significant development from me? As the realization dawned, I decided to confront Isabella, seeking answers to the questions that threatened to unravel the fragile threads of trust.The castle corridors echoed with the soft padding of my footsteps as I made my way to Isabella's chambers. The flickering torches cast shadows that seemed to dance along the walls, mirroring the tumultuous emotions that churned within me. Isabella's door loomed ahead, and I took a steadying breath before knocking.The door swung open, revealing Isabella's smirking visage. "Well, well, if it isn't Cassendra, the overlooked one," she taunted, her tone dripping with mockery.I squared my sho
The next day dawned with an air of anticipation that hung over the castle like a thick veil. Excitement permeated the corridors, and the usual hustle and bustle seemed amplified. The source of this fervor was palpable—the impending arrival of Isabella's child, the next generation of Alphas. As I navigated the castle's bustling halls, I couldn't escape the wave of jubilation that engulfed every corner.Former Alpha and Luna, adorned in regal attire, exchanged smiles and congratulations with the pack members. The maids, once familiar faces in my daily life, moved about with a newfound energy, their conversations laced with excitement about the prospect of an heir.Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, I felt a stark contrast—a gnawing emptiness that seemed to grow with each passing moment. The weight of my status as a slave pressed upon me, exacerbating the ache of exclusion. I moved through the castle like a phantom, invisible in the sea of anticipation.Former Luna, her eyes gleaming wit
" Strip Now!!"His raging voice evaporated against the noises of werewolves, screaming around the valley. Seraya couldn't see anything except smoke around her pack house, the begging of women, and children's cries. Her ignorance towards his command was only pushing his rage to the edge. No one ever dared to humiliate her in that way. " I said, STRIP!!", the command came with a loud whip on her back, forcing her knees to fall on the ground.Rafe Sullivan Anderson held the chain high, his eyes gleaming in deep rage and hatred toward the woman on the ground. Seraya coughed lightly at the smoke, flaring her nostrils to travel into her stomach. Her tears blurred in tears, her wolf refusing to submit but she figured out that her disobedience would turn everything worse.Her beloved ' The Moon Eyed ' pack was under attack by the most ferocious, cruel pack on earth ' The Night Howlers Pack '. Even if she fought with her all night, she wouldn't be able to save anyone. She clutched the hard so
|| ALEXIS's POV ||" No guards around us today? Are you sure, Mafia Alex?"Elinda teased me with a smile. Although she was indirectly insulting, I could see the little smile on the corner of her lips. She was happy to get a free day.After much confrontation, I wished to give her a day like a normal girl. I replied coldly, concealing any sort of emotions that she tried to notice on my face," Yes! A day that I promised you. Now behave. No one will question you here."She smiled big and walked by my side. It was a pool party, thrown by my old friends here. They didn't know about my business here nor did they recognize her as the Royal Princess.Sammer rushed over to us as soon as he spotted us coming together. He pulled me into a tight hug, teasing after stealing the look of Elinda," And who is this pretty lady? I have never seen you bringing any woman to our party. Who is this lucky girl, huh?"Before I could say something, Elinda replied coldly, leaving a strong gap between our rela
Chapter 88|| ELINDA'S POV ||The council chamber was too silent.Alberto and I sat side by side, hands resting tense in my lap, fingers intertwined.Old, stern-appearing councilors with glaring eyes leaned toward me at a glance that I could not define quite so well—whether it was respect or annoyance.Or maybe… they're just tired of waiting for me to catch up and just make up their minds already, for goodness' sake."Princess Elinda," one of the older males began, his tone like an Alpha, "now that Prince Alberto's been crowned Alpha, the pack will need a strong Beta to support him. Someone familiar with royal bloodline. and fighting." He glared at me. "We all decided it should be you."I swallowed. My throat was dry and tightened.Alberto glared at me sideways, his eyes gentle but supportive. "You're the only one I trust, Elin. You've done it again and again."Have I?The memory of the shattered mate bond danced at the edges of my mind. The pain still hasn't gone yet. I was on my feet,
Chapter 87 || ALBERTO'S POV ||The moment I stepped into the hall, my wolf lifted her head. Not due to the politics or the constant chatter swirling around us, but because she was present.Clara.Even now, even after all of it, my wolf l recognized her. Her presence was a magnet that I couldn't shake from my head, no matter how faint the melody had become. I stood on the sidelines, glass in hand, pretending to listen to Alexis's negotiation with the North Alpha, but my eyes kept wandering to her.And every time I glanced, I saw something that made my blood boil.Mikhail.He loomed over her like a predator, cold and commanding, his voice sharp and snapping whenever he addressed her. I noticed the tension in Clara's posture when he spoke, the way her shoulders tensed, the glint of something in her eyes she tried to hide—fear or indifference, I couldn't tell. But I did.My wolf did too.Go to her, he snarled within me, pacing back and forth."I can't," I grumbled under my breath.Alexis
Chapter 86 || Clara's POV ||I was sitting at the window, pretending to read a book, but my hands trembled so violently.My thoughts were elsewhere, as they always were now—on Alberto, on the painful bond inside me that grew heavier with each passing moment I stayed here, held captive by fear.The door creaked behind me.I didn't need to turn to know who it was. His presence made the room suffocate, forcing me to barely breathe."We are going to a reception tonight," he stated in a neutral tone, showing no feeling whatsoever. "The top designer will be there. Prepare yourself."I kept my back to him, my fingers tightening around the book.A meeting. Meaning all the power players would attend. And if Alberto was indeed in Bravta's borders, he'd certainly be there.The mere idea of being within the same air space as him—to look upon him, feel the tie between us scream for attention— wracked my chest with pain. It would hurt. I would know it would."I am not going," I said, voice small bu
Chapter 85 || Clara's POV ||The sunlight pouring through my window in the morning fell gently on the floor of my bedroom. I had not slept. Not actually. Each time I shut my eyes, the power of the bond felt out and pulled at my soul, whispering a name I could not voice. Alberto. My mate.But I was married to another man.The door creaked open and I stiffened, my heart racing before I could even turn around. To my relief, it was the healer—the elderly woman with warm eyes and gentle fingers. She gave a polite nod before she approached, her bag slung over one shoulder."How do you feel, Lady Clara?" she said softly as she sat beside the bed."Fine," I replied too quickly.Her eyes furrowed together, obviously not believing it, but she did not press the issue. She had grown accustomed to living in this house by now and was smarter than to ask questions she wasn't supposed to ask. I remained numb as she laid cool fingers on my wrist, feeling my pulse. Then her hand moved to my forehead,
Chapter 84|| CLARA's POV ||I can still remember that night—the night that would change everything.I was barely fifteen when my stepfather learned the truth about me.I had a weak wolf. I would never be able to shift.When the doctor gave us the news, my stepfather's face blackened with rage. It was as if my very existence disgusted him. His lips curled into a snarl, and before the doctor could even finish speaking, my stepfather grabbed a glass from beside him and hurled it at the wall."Weak! She's nothing but a shame like her father!" he had roared, his voice echoing through the pack house.I simply stood there, frozen at my steps. My heart was beating so fiercely it hurt. I attempted to speak, to defend myself, but the words wouldn't come. My mother? She simply sat there, staring out the window, as if none of it concerned her.That's when I knew something cold and absolute: I was completely alone.He wanted to banish me—I heard him argue it that night, loudly enough that the whol
Chapter 833 YEARS AGO|| Alberto's POV ||I was never a fan of the chill that came with visiting the foreign packs, especially those set so deep within the Russian territories that even the moon did not wish to grace down here. The Bravta Pack was an old name, one rooted in both crime and fidelity, and today I had crossed oceans to request an alliance.But I would have known better. Their type of power didn't do favors.I stiffened myself in the lavish sitting room of the estate, my hands clasped behind me as the heavy doors swung open. In walked Mikhail, head of the Bravta. A tall, square-shouldered man with pointed, merciless eyes and a presence as heavy as a storm.He did not invite me to sit. He did not smile. He barely even nodded."Royal Prince," he drawled with a smirk that never quite made it to his mouth. "Why do you creep here like a low-born?"I swallowed the urge to argue back. I was not here to fight. I needed him — no matter how much my pride bled."I came to propose a
Chapter 82|| Elinda's POV ||I stood in front of the door to Alberto's study longer than was probably wise. My heart pounded, and my hands curled over the sides of my dress as I tried to gather the courage to knock. This was not a choice that I had come to in a rush—but it was a choice that I had made.I knocked finally, and his voice came almost immediately, "Come in."When I arrived, Alberto looked up from over a pile of papers and frowned. His tired eyes softened only slightly at seeing me. "Elin… Are you okay?""No," I admitted. "But that's not what I'm here for."I sat across from him, and for an instant, we just stared at one another—two brothers caught in the game of power, politics, and pain. I didn't want to tell him, but I had to."I want to go back to the palace."Alberto's eyes grew wide. "You what?""I want to take up my duties again. As a princess." I attempted to maintain as steady a voice as possible.He blinked. "Elinda, you can't just—" He stopped himself, exhaled
Chapter 81|| Elinda's Pov ||The camera flashes were blinking like crazy and the reporters' questions came rushing towards me like a wave that could destroy everything."Princess Elinda, what do you have to say regarding the allegations of the death of the late king?""Will you assume the throne?""Who is your new partner now, Princess?"They went on asking the same thing. I had made up my mind already—I would answer them properly this time.I stood still for a moment, trapped under the gaze of millions of questioning eyes. My heart pounded like a bird in a cage, ready to soar, but I was rooted—on the steps of the palace.To my side, I saw Alexis drawing closer—silently, like a guardian—his very body trying to shield me.Concern and something more, something unspoken, flickered in his eyes."You don't have to answer," he whispered, loud enough for me to hear. "You're shaking."Part of me wanted to step back—press my head on his chest and run from it all. Like before… when we were st
Chapter 80|| Elinda's Pov ||I'm not sure if I actually remember travelling. The murmurs of the l crowd, the tightening in my chest as I saw the royal crest on the palace gates—that's all heartbreaking. The only thing that's now completely crystal clear is when the palace guards opened those large doors and I saw his body.My father—King of the Royal Lycan Kingdom—was no more. He no longer existed.It was all like a dream. I didn't believe it, not for anything. There were courtiers on either side of the hall in black—for mourning, as they referred to it—but nothing mattered to me. I just kept looking at the white, dead form lying over the marble. My father.Alberto stood beside him, a shadow of himself. He was leaning forward, one hand on the marble slab, shaking."Alberto," I whispered and ran to him.He didn't lift his head, didn't say a word. I placed a hand on his shoulder, and only then did I hear the harsh sound of his crying."I'm here. I'm here, Brother," I said, placing my