“This is not a romance novel,” I kept telling myself over and over again as the Alpha’s son held my hand. He would not suddenly fall in love with a lowly servant —but I’m getting ahead of myself. My name is Sirrela, and I am the bastard daughter of an enemy Alpha, not that anyone in this pack knows. My mother was a simple servant, and of course, when I became old enough, I followed her path as a servant. How my mother, a servant, met my father, an enemy Alpha, is another story for another time. Of course, I do not work at the palace; I do not have the qualifications. Only my mother does. But today, my mother was very ill, and she begged me to cover her shift for her. I’d heard so many stories about Alpha Kane’s palace, and my mother had even confirmed that his son, Lucian, is very handsome and brave. So, of course, my heart was beating fast with anticipation as I brought the glass he’d rung for into his bedroom. He was standing shirtless, facing the window, and I sucked in a b
I stood in the kitchen, the warm smell of eggs and bread filling the tiny house. The sun peeked through the curtains, spilling light onto the wooden floor. My hands moved quickly, flipping the eggs and stirring the porridge.My mother sat at the small table near the window, knitting as usual. Her hands worked fast, but I could tell she wasn’t really focused.“Mama,” I said, breaking the silence, “have you ever had a mate before?”My mother’s hands froze mid-stitch, and she turned to look at me with a raised brow. “Why are you asking that?” she teased, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “Have you found your mate?”I nearly dropped the spatula. “No, Mama! It’s not like that!” I said quickly. My cheeks felt hot, and I turned back to the stove. “I was just wondering... what does it feel like?”mother’s smile softened, but her gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, as if trying to read the unspoken thoughts behind the question. “It’s… it’s a feeling like no other,” mother finally
I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at the Blood Moon Pack. The stories I’d heard about it made it sound like a place where wolves and monsters roamed, and no one was ever really safe. Whispers about their assassins —men and women who could kill without a sound, without even a second thought.The books I read spoke of their eyes, cold and hard, and their unmatched skills in battle. This was the kind of place where even the strongest shivered at the thought of crossing them. My heart beat fast as I walked up to the giant stone gates.I felt my heart race with each step I took closer to the gates . Stone tower walls loomed ahead, like something out of a dark fairytale.When I reached the gates, two guards stood watch. Their eyes were sharp, scanning every inch of me. I felt small under their gaze, but I knew what I had to do. I couldn’t let them turn me away.I had practiced my story in my head over and over again. I was just a messenger with information the Alpha needed to hear
The path back to the Silver Crest Pack was long, quiet, and awkward. The Gamma walked ahead of me, silent and brooding. Every now and then, I glanced at him, hoping he’d say something, but he kept his eyes fixed forward, as if I didn’t exist.The silence wasn’t the kind that let you think clearly. It pressed down on me, making the air harder to breathe. I tried to distract myself with thoughts of Damian, clinging to the belief that his father would accept me. Damian loved me—I was sure of it. His father just needed to see reasons with him , and then everything would work out. The stranger beside me? He was just a precaution. Nothing more.I clung to those thoughts, letting them calm my nerves.But then I’d catch the Gamma’s piercing gaze. His eyes, so sharp and calculating, made my skin crawl. It wasn’t fear—it was something else. He looked at me like I was some silly child playing a game I didn’t understand. I hated that look, and I hated that he didn’t even try to hide it.Finally,
The road to the palace seemed longer than ever, each step heavier than the last. My chest felt like it was caving in, suffocating under the weight of my thoughts. Damian’s promises replayed in my mind, over and over, like a broken record. He swore we’d be together no matter what, that his father wouldn’t stand in our way.I’d opened myself to him in ways I’d never done with anyone else. He was my world, my everything. I’d given him every part of me—body, heart, and soul. Didn’t he know i would do anything for him? Didn’t he see the lengths I’d go to just to keep him by my side? And now... now it felt like he was throwing it all away, tossing me aside like I was nothing.The thought made my heart feel like it was drowning in a sea of pain. My breaths came shallow, and it took everything in me to keep walking.As I approached the palace gates, I wiped at my tear-streaked face. I couldn’t let them see me like this. I straightened my back and plastered on a neutral expression, pretending
Stupid Sirella…Why is it so dark? Wait a minute… Where am I, and what’s happening?You’ll never be loved…Who’s saying that?“This pain you’re feeling…? It’s your fault, you brought it on yourself. You should have known your place, Sirella. This was never possible. You should have made me reject you the first time we met.”I know… Please, stop…“Sirella, you were never supposed to be in this position in the first place. What we had was… fun. But it was never meant to last. You need to understand something. I have a duty to this pack. I can’t throw that away for a maid.”Someone, anyone, please wake me up!I stirred from my dream to the smell of stew cooking, and a gentle nudge to my arm. The Gamma nudged me and tilted his head to the direction of the pot bubbling over the hearth.“What happened? How did I fall asleep? What time is it? Why does my head hurt? And for the moon goddess’ sake, where are my clothes??” I asked, becoming increasingly agitated with each question I fired to him
The next morning, Gam and I went to my home, so I could see my mum and fill her in on our current situation.When we got to our modest ground floor, two-bedroom house that my mum had worked very hard to furnish, and make a home that I always identified with peace and happiness despite all of our struggles, I all of a sudden dreaded going in to see her. I still had so many unknowns, so many unanswered questions that I knew my mum would ask, hell, I always had her curious streak, right from birth.How am I going to answer her questions, when I don’t even have the full idea of what happened? Or what is still happening? Could I ever tell her about Damien? I asked myself.No, not yet. Whenever such a detail is important, I’ll mention it, but until then, that’s my heartache to bear, on my own, I concluded.Gam and I stood side by side in front of the door, and, oddly enough, his presence was… oddly comforting.Mate… my wolf purred inside me.Don’t even think about it, Reahn… I thought, addre
SIRELLAHe backed away then, but not because of my mom. His phone was ringing.“Sirella! What is really going on?” My mother’s voice pulled me back, and it was only then I really stopped to look at her.She looked exhausted, dark circles shadowing her eyes, her skin pale and dull—worse than when she was sick.I shook my head. She didn’t need my worries on top of whatever was already weighing her down. “It’s you I’m worried about. You don’t look too good—”“I’m fine,” she cut in quickly. Too quickly. My stomach twisted. Something was wrong.I took a deep breath. “Mom, if you—”“Sirella, I said I’m fine. Now let’s talk about you. Who’s that man outside? Is he your mate? Did the Moon pair you with that brute?”“No, Mom, he’s not my mate,” I sighed. At least, I didn’t know yet if he was a mate or a mark.I hesitated before continuing. “Mom, I’m working on something for the Alpha’s son. I’m working with that guy over there, so I may not be coming home often. I’m telling you now so you don’t
Sirella’s povI woke up that morning with a burdened heart. My chest felt constricted and my hands were icy, though it wasn’t from the chill. I just had so much on my mind.I wanted so much to talk to Kieran at least once before he would get to the war and start fighting. Already I was missing him, I just needed to hold him even if it was just for a few seconds. He was the only one who could make me feel okay. At least while all this war was going on, I just wanted to know how to go through this tough time without even thinking of the sad times we were going through.I strolled the room, the world beyond the door was hushed, unnaturally so.Something would happen, I could feel it. Deep in my bones I knew something heavy was about to happen. I didn’t know what but I knew that it would be something big.I couldn’t stop the war, but I could be able to help in the little way I could.I looked out of my window to see so many warriors still leaving for the war with Donovan and his son Dami
Authors povThe march had begun.Wolves padded through the forest in a silent train, barely stirring the leaves as they traveled single-file behind their Alpha, Salvatore. The war was upon them. Hot breath streamed from their nostrils making white puffs that hung in the stagnant air. No one spoke, their thoughts too occupied with what was coming.Salvatore was proud of this movement. Minus the last time he had attacked, this would be an official battle that would drive those idiots to the edge and he would have the chance to take them down. He smiled within himself as he knew that there was no use in lying to himself. He would make sure they regretted coming to him for anything. He would destroy them.But Kieran had other plans.He stopped walking and dropped back until he was near the rear of the group. Then he walked up to Salvatore, his voice low.“Alpha, I have to leave. There’s something important I need to do.”Salvatore turned, his eyes narrow slits. He couldn’t believe that h
Kieran’s POVThe cheers in the war room were still ringing in my ears. My face stayed neutral, but inside, I felt sick.They had no idea.None of them did.Not Salvatore. Not his trusted generals.And yet they all clapped for me, thinking I was one of them.I stared at the map again, the valley, the forest… the places I had just mentioned.I was marking death zones — but not for the people they thought.Everything I said in that room would help my allies, not Salvatore’s army.“Excellent idea,” Salvatore said with a slight smirk, standing and clapping my shoulder. “You’re sharp, Kieran. You remind me of myself when I was younger.”I forced a smile.I wanted to punch him.But not yet.Later that NightThe packhouse was quiet, except for the guards at the doors and the distant hoot of an owl. I moved quietly down the hallway, my footsteps light on the stone floors.My room was dark when I entered, just how I liked it. But I didn’t rest. I couldn’t. Not with the war coming.I sat at my d
Authors povThe generals slapped Kieran on the back.Warriors grinned and shouted his name. But Kieran only smiled a little.Inside, he had plans of his own.He wasn’t really fighting for Salvatore. He was just humoring him.Everyone went on to talk but said nothing important.Meanwhile, in Donovan’s territory...Inside Donovan’s war room, the tension was palpable.There was a large map on the wall.Candles were burning.Donovan sat at the head of the table, his arms crossed.Beside him stood his son, Damien.The war Generals, strong wolves with cold eyes, were around them.“Let’s begin.” Donovan said.One of the generals opened a scroll.“My Alpha,” he said, bowing, “the spies have all returned.“And what did they discover?” Donovan asked quietly.The general pointed at the map.“They found Salvatore’s traps in the forest. They found guards by the river. But they also found a weak spot.”“A weak spot?” Donovan asked, leaning forward.“Yes, here,” the general said and he pointed to
Kieran’s povI snuck out of the barn, as silent as I possibly can as I made my way walking and slightly jogging.I got to the edge of the pack and zipped away with my super speed. The trees blurred by as I moved without holding back.I had to get out of Donovan's land and fast. I ran, and ran until I found myself at the borderlands between my pack's territory.I didn’t stop there either. I kept moving until I saw an old broken-down building far ahead.It was dark and there were no people around, perfect.As I ran, I got a call from someone as I halted and listened to the call. The allies I had sent messages to were at the building waiting for me. Good.I then walked up to the building and I noticed a couple of shadowy figures standing at.They were not moving, their gaze anchored to the shadows.I approached them with stealthy steps.They saw me and relaxed a little. “You made it,” one of them said.“Yeah,” I panted. “I’m here.”“And no one saw you?”“No,” I said. “I’ve been careful.
Sirella’s povI could feel their eyes on me all throughout the day as I got out of my room after having my bath. I knew some of the guards watched and followed me and I knew who had sent them.Even when I went to my room, sometimes I’d hear footsteps outside.I knew they had been sent by Donovan.The trust was gone. He didn't believe me anymore.And he wanted to follow me, to see if I made a mistake.I kept my head low, pretending not to see them.I was careful about everything I did.Finally the day got over. I was sitting in my room on my bed with an open useless book, just pretending to read it.The house was quiet now.Most of the wolves were asleep.Even the guards had relaxed a little, but I knew they were still there, hiding in the dark corners.Then my phone vibrated.I jumped a little.I quickly grabbed it and checked the screen.Kieran.My heart started to race.I opened the message. “I’m at the barn. Come.”I got up slowly, trying not to make any noise.It was risky but I h
Sirella’s povI as sirella sat on the dusty floor. Cracks lined the walls and I admired how quiet it was here. It was always cold and dark. That’s what I loved most about this place. I held the phone in my hand tightly as I called Kieran. My hands were shaking a little but I still pinched myself every now and then to be more confident in myself.Finally, after a few rings, he picked up. “Sirella?” Kieran’s voice came through the phone. It sounded worried.“Hey, I’m here,” I said as I looked around to make sure no one was listening.“Are you okay?” He asked. “What’s going on?”I took in deep breaths and closed my eyes for a moment.How could I tell him? How could I tell him what I had witnessed? How could I tell him Donovan and Damien were more evil than we realized? I was already tired of saying that to him and I was sure he knew.“I’m alright,” I said after a second, keeping my voice steady."Sirella," Kieran said slowly, like he didn't believe me. "Don't lie to me." "I'm not lyin
Kieran’s povI stabbed my fork into the meat harder than I needed to.I couldn’t get Donovan and how he was doing things in his pack out of my head.At first I had my doubts; perhaps he was just another greedy alpha like so many of the others. But now… now I knew something was deeper wrong. Stealing wolves? He was clearly using them against their wills.The way he acted.The way he smiled too much.The way he always had to be in control of everything and everyone around him. It made my skin crawl.I exhaled and lowered my fork.I glanced at my hands.I thought of Sirella and thought of her bruises I had seen.Bruises that appeared as if she’d been manhandled, thrown, injured.I haven’t asked her about it yet. I pushed it aside.Maybe I just didn’t want to hear her lie.Or maybe I just wasn’t ready to hear the truth.Something bad was happening to her and she was keeping it from me.“Why, Sirella?” I whispered to myself. “Why are you keeping secrets?”I sat back in the chair and rubbe
Kieran’s povI was so mad. I could feel my entire body shaking as it felt like I was on fire.With what I had learned, I knew that no knowledge should go to waste and I needed to know how to use this against them.Donovan and Damien.They were criminals.They were traitors.They were stealing wolves and plotting something dark, something evil.I stormed out onto the training grounds.The sun was high, the heat seeping through my thin, darker red robes not bothering me one bit. I had to get eyes on the guards. I wanted them ready.I got into the training grounds and what I saw made my skin crawl. Some of the guards were laughing. A few were even throwing stones at one another.They played like children in the park.My blood boiled hotter.This was no time to play. I quickened my pace, my feet pounding the earth.It quit when I got there. They looked up from their places around the fire and they froze.They stared at each other with wide, frightened eyes.I stood before them, arms cr