Orion groaned as he tried to rouse his groomsmen from their alcohol-induced slumber. "Come on, you lazy bunch, it's time to get up," he urged, shaking Luca's shoulder gently.Luca grumbled incoherently, batting away Orion's hand as he tried to pull the covers off him. "Go away, Orion, it's too early," he muttered, burying his head deeper into the pillow.Xander and Xavier were no better, their heads pounding from the festivities of the bachelor party the night before. "Can't we just sleep for five more minutes?" Xander groaned, his voice muffled by the pillow.Orion chuckled, undeterred by their protests. "Sorry, boys, but we've got a wedding to get to," he replied, his tone laced with amusement.But his groomsmen were having none of it, their hangovers making them decidedly uncooperative. "I swear, Orion, if you don't leave us alone, I'm never speaking to you again," Xavier threatened, his words slurred from the lingering effects of the alcohol.Orion laughed, knowing that his friend
In the bride's room, Selene's nerves were palpable as she sat in front of the mirror, her wedding gown shimmering around her. Her makeup was flawlessly done, but her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together in her lap. Sensing her anxiety, Maya and Michelle enveloped her in a warm embrace, their affectionate words a soothing balm to her jittery nerves."Oh Selene, you look absolutely stunning," Maya exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration as she gazed at her sister-in-law-to-be. "Orion is going to be speechless when he sees you."Michelle nodded enthusiastically, her smile radiant with sisterly affection. "You're going to make the most beautiful bride, Selene," she chimed in. "We're so lucky to have you as a part of our family, and now you're going to be marrying our brother. It's like a dream come true."Tears welled up in Selene's eyes as she listened to their heartfelt words, feeling overwhelmed by their love and support. "Thank you, Maya, Michelle," she murmured, h
SELENE WOLFE POV The scent of the fresh bread I was baking wafted through the dimly lit kitchen, a brief moment of solace in my daily routine. I wiped a bead of sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand, my thin, delicate fingers trembling slightly as they held the dough. The relentless ache in my arms was nothing new; it was a constant reminder of my place in the pack. The kitchen was my domain, but it wasn't by choice. As an Omega, the lowest rung of the pack hierarchy, I was expected to serve, to cater to their every whim. I was less than a servant; I was a punching bag, an object of scorn, and a symbol of everything wrong in our world.A soft sigh escaped my lips as I carefully placed the dough in the oven, taking a step back and wiping my flour dusted hands on my worn apron. There was a time when I'd dreamed of a different life, a life where I'd be cherished, not condemned. I longed for the day when my mate would sweep me away from this misery, when my wolf would finally
SELENE WOLFE POVThe growl that echoed through the kitchen sent shivers down my spine. I turned, my heart racing with hope and trepidation, expecting to see my long-awaited mate. And there he was, Damon Steele, the Alpha's son, Xander and Xavier's best friend, my secret crush.Our eyes locked, and for a moment, I dared to believe that the cruel twist of fate had granted me the gift of a mate on my eighteenth birthday. But that hope crumbled when I saw the look in his eyes.Disgust, disdain, and something much worse than indifference filled his gaze. I took a tentative step toward him, my trembling hand outstretched, wanting to touch him, to feel the bond that was supposed to be there. But he recoiled as if my touch burned him, stepping back with a sneer."What are you doing, Omega?" he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "Did you actually think you could be my mate?" I couldn't find my voice, my throat constricted with the pain of his rejection. The words escaped me in a whisper,
SELENE WOLFE POVThe next day dawned with a heaviness that settled in my chest. It was a feeling of emptiness and sorrow that refused to release its grip on me. The pain of Damon's rejection still echoed through my heart, and it felt like an open wound that refused to heal.I made my way to the kitchen, my steps heavy, my eyes swollen from crying throughout the night. The pack members went about their business, their interactions filled with laughter and camaraderie. To them, I was invisible, a mere shadow in their world.I knew that life would continue, with or without me. But for me, it was a day filled with renewed torment and humiliation. The pack, emboldened by Damon's harsh rejection, seemed eager to exploit my vulnerability.My brothers, Xander and Xavier, had always taken delight in my misery, and today was no different. They cornered me in the kitchen, their expressions twisted with malice. "Did you have a good cry over your mate's rejection, Selene?" Xander taunted, his voic
SELENE WOLFE POV2 Years Later"Orion, you're such a traditional alpha," I teased, leaning against the side of a tree in the heart of the Silver pack territory. The dappled sunlight danced through the leaves, casting playful shadows around us.He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, am I now? And what, may I ask, is wrong with being a traditional alpha?" I grinned mischievously, enjoying our friendly banter. "Well, you're all about the pack, the hierarchy, the responsibility. It's like you have a to-do list that includes 'maintain an alpha aura' and 'project stoic strength at all times" Orion chuckled, his deep voice resonating in the quiet forest. "Guilty as charged. But you see, Selene, being an alpha comes with certain duties and expectations."I walked closer, teasingly poking his chest with a finger. "I get it, I do. But you know, you could use a little spontaneity in your life. Maybe, just maybe, once in a while, you could let loose and do something unexpec
SELENE WOLFE POVAs we approached the territory of the Darkwood Pack, a sense of trepidation settled over me. The landscape had a haunting familiarity, and my heart raced as we drove deeper into the woods. Orion, Beta Jaxon, Gamma Lysandra and I had made the journey, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and anger.The meeting had been arranged at a neutral clearing, deep within the Darkwood territory, and we arrived in a modest convoy of cars. As we stepped out, the silence was deafening. I could feel the weight of the eyes upon me, and the air was thick with tension. It seemed as if every tree and leaf held a memory, both good and bad.I took a deep breath and tried to appear composed, walking beside Orion. Jaxon followed closely behind, and I knew that the Silver Pack had my back. The hushed whispers from the Darkwood wolves were impossible to ignore. "It's Selene, the one who left." "Is that the Alpha of the Silver Pack? What are they doing here?" I could feel the eyes of t
SELENE WOLFEAs I was sitting in the living room reading a book, Xander came in and started mocking me."Look at the little bookworm, always hiding in her books because she has no friends," he said with a sneer.I rolled my eyes and tried to ignore him, but he kept on going."Hey, Selene, why don't you actually do something useful for once and make us some dinner?" he taunted.I had enough. I slammed my book shut and stood up to face him."Xander, can you please just leave me alone? I'm not in the mood for your bullying today," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.He just laughed in my face."Aw, is little Selene getting angry? What are you going to do about it, huh? Cry to mommy and daddy?" he scoffed.I felt a surge of anger and frustration rise inside me."No, I'm not going to cry to anyone. But I am done with your constant harassment. You need to stop," I said firmly.Xander's expression changed, and I could see a hint of surprise in his eyes. I took the opportunity to walk awa