“He went off this way,” I said pointing towards a corner. “But I doubt we’ll find him easily in this crowd. I’ll let him know that you are looking for him when he comes around.”“It's okay. We have to retire for the night as my mate graciously reminded me.”“Ah yes, Denise. She is hell-bent on following you back.”I nodded and she smiled.“Take good care of her.”“I will,” I assured her and went back to our side of the pavilion.***Marcus povThe music dulled behind me as I stepped away from the crowd, my eyes following her. My daughter, Lyra, the Luna of Axelland. I wonder if she is on to my plans. But that is not possible. As I only let Garret know what I’m doing. Even at that I don’t tell him everything.But there are some questions I need answers about. I have to meet with her and ask her some things that are confusing me.She looked radiant, just the way I had planned for her to be when I sealed her fate years ago. I wanted my daughter to be the Luna, even if I had some ulterior
Luke was finishing up his conversation with some men from our pack, laughing softly at something one of them said. Even from here, I could tell he was trying to be diplomatic. It seems he doesn’t really like these kinds of events. I knew he was just counting down the minutes until he could see me.When he caught sight of me, his entire face lit up.He dismissed the men with a respectful nod and made his way toward me, swift and sure.“I was beginning to think you’d abandoned me,” he teased, his voice low and warm.I smirked, stepping into his space. “Hardly. I had to get away as Elder Marcus tried to interrogate me about you.”He raised a brow. “Elder Marcus? Interrogate you about me?”“Mhm. He saw you and started acting like he’d seen a ghost. Keep asking where you’re from, your name, your pack.” I leaned closer. “It was honestly kind of hilarious.”Luke frowned, but only slightly. “Do you think he knows me?“I doubt it. He hasn’t met you before, so he can’t possibly know you,” I sai
I saw Denise beside her and they both looked lovely but I wanted to spend some time with my wife.I walked up to them and complemented Denise but she seemed to see through me.“You look lovely Denise.”“Just tell me you want to spend time with your wife, I’ll understand.”“Come on Denise. Can’t I compliment my sister again? And I told the truth about your dressing.”Lyra was just laughing. “Well, thank you brother. But I’ll leave you guys alone and go look for my own man,” she winked at Lyra and left the stage.I shook my head and turned to Lyra. “That girl.”“She’s happy,” my wife said. Her hand slid into mine, her warmth grounding me. I nodded and didn’t say anything. I don’t want to think about her and her mate right now.“You’re brooding,” Lyra said softly, her eyes searching mine.“Observing,” I corrected, giving her a small smile. “Your father... he’s been acting strange.”She tensed slightly, the change so subtle most wouldn’t notice. But I knew her too well. “He’s probably
“Good. Now you need to call your nanny to carry Leo, so you will have time to dance with your man. You need to show off that slit more and show that b*tch that you are in charge.”I smiled but I agreed with her. I haven’t really shown my husband my beautiful outfit so I looked towards the nanny and motioned for her to come. She came and carried Leo while I continued chatting with Denise. Soon Damien rejoined us.“You look lovely Denise,” he complimented his sister.***Damien’s povWhile I greeted the guest I saw Luke and his warriors and I went to them and thanked them specially for all they have done for my wife and I. I also thanked them for staying for the ceremony and wished them safe travels tomorrow.I clasped Luke by the shoulder and took him a little way out from his people.“I hear that you are my sister’s mate.” “Yes, Damien. I just found out too and as you can imagine I am just as surprised.”“But I hear you are already making plans.” I looked dead in the eyes.He didn’t c
Lyra’s pov“So I called you here to celebrate,” my husband continued talking. “Celebrate with us, celebrate with my family, celebrate with our pack as the goddess has blessed us greatly. No matter the worries or challenges we may encounter in our country, we are not consumed. Rather, we have been winning and will keep winning. I urge you all to enjoy yourselves tonight, as there is a lot to eat and drink.”The crowd erupted in joy and happiness as the cheers and clappings got louder. I’m glad our people are happy to be here and are receiving this news with joy. I was a little apprehensive that many of them may wonder why we hid the news of my return and rather prepared a feast to reveal it. But it seems I have nothing to worry about at all as they don’t mind at all. Damien raised his hands, and they quieted down.“You will all agree with me that our goddess has blessed us, and it is evident in the good news we are celebrating today,” he said, pointing at me and Leo.A ripple of agreeme
The weight of the moment settled on my shoulders, but it was a burden I carried with pride. These were my people, my pack, and tonight was a night to celebrate.“Welcome, everyone,” I began, my voice steady and commanding. The chatter quieted instantly, the crowd’s attention rapt. “It fills my heart with joy to see so many of you here tonight. Thank you for coming, for traveling from near and far to be with us on this special occasion.”There was a murmur of agreement and a few nods from the front rows. I let my gaze sweep across the crowd, taking in the familiar faces and the unfamiliar ones. Representatives from various packs had gathered, their attire as diverse as their customs. It was a rare sight, and one I didn’t take for granted.“Tonight, we celebrate not only our traditions but also the bonds that unite us as one. This ceremony will serve as a reminder of our shared strength, our resilience, and our commitment to each other.”The people smiled and nodded but I know they are s
Damien’s povThe soft hum of classical music greeted me as I entered the grand hall, my polished shoes clicking against the marble floor. The lightning decorations above bathed the environment in a warm golden glow, casting delicate patterns on the grounds. Guests were scattered throughout, sipping on champagne and mingling in groups. Everyone was dressed to impress, as they always were at these events.I adjusted the hem of his tailored caftan with matching pants against my skin. I scanned the room, my sharp gaze catching familiar faces. The room buzzed with excitement and curiosity—my invitation had been vague, after all. I had called it a “special celebration” without revealing the true purpose of the night. That, of course, was deliberate. Let them speculate.I looked around the venue. By this time the last of the guests were seated, the ceremonial grounds were packed. Rows upon rows of chairs stretched out before the grand dais, which was adorned with cascading white flowers and t
“I hope they checked around the area for others. Anyway, Tobias knows his job.”“Yes, he does. He said they checked thoroughly, and there was no other wolf around.“Probably stray rogues,” Rowan chuckled. “Nothing to worry about. Still, we have tight security.”My lips twitched with a ghost of a smile at Rowan’s words. Rogues are already considered stray wolves as they have an allegiance or loyalty to any pack. So he calls these ones stray rogues, and it's just him having a run of words.“You used the elite warriors we trained for security tonight, right?” I asked for another confirmation from him. I’m sure he will understand why I am asking for reassurance. This note might be nothing, or it might mean something huge.He nodded. “Like we planned. This place is highly secured.”“However, tell our warriors to be on alert, as we don’t want any surprises.”“Sure, alpha,” Rowan said and pointed at me. “Now you need to go and dress up. You will soon be called for your address.”I slapped hi
She’d said she was happy, and I believed her, but something about the timing felt off. Why now? Why did she seem so eager to leave the packhouse and follow him back to his territory? I shook my head. Maybe I’m overthinking this.I shook off the thought, forcing my focus back to the task at hand. I didn’t have the luxury of distraction tonight.“Alpha Damien,” a familiar voice called out, pulling me from my reverie. I turned to see Tobias, my Gamma, approaching with a grim expression. Tobias was tall and broad, with a sharp, no-nonsense demeanor that made him indispensable to me and this pack.“What is it?” I asked, my voice low.“There’s been... a situation,” Tobias said, lowering his voice further. “One of the scouts reported movement near the northern border. It might be a rogue.”My jaw tightened, my instincts sharpening instantly. Rogues. They were a persistent problem, always testing the boundaries, looking for weak points to exploit. Normally, they wouldn’t dare approach on a n