Before they could leave, several of Lira's warriors stepped forward, blocking the exit. "Wait," growled a scarred male. "Lira's dead. Who do we answer to now?"The other wolves murmured in agreement, shifting uneasily. Yolanda stepped forward before Alejandro could react. "You'll answer to me," she said simply. The man snorted. "And why would we—"Yolanda's eyes flashed. The air around them grew heavy as her power started to become glaring. The wolves instantly dropped their gazes, shoulders hunching under the pressure. "You're strong," the man admitted grudgingly. "But we're not part of your pack.""You don't have to be," Yolanda said, easing the pressure just enough. "Form your own. But you'll have our protection and our alliance. That's more than Lira ever offered you."The wolves exchanged glances. The man nodded after a moment. "We accept. For now."Yolanda smiled. "Good. Come to the castle with us.”As they walked away, Leon nudged Luciana. "Your mom's scary when she wants t
Damien crouched low, his muscles coiling like a spring. Then he snarled. "If you want war, I'll take your heir first." His red eyes locked onto Leon.Luciana suddenly turned to Lira, her voice shaking. "You told me they were monsters. That they'd kill us on sight." She gestured to Yolanda, still bleeding on the ground. "She didn't even fight back. Alejandro could have torn my throat out, he didn't." Her claws retracted fully. "Something's not right." Lira's face twisted. "Don't be stupid! They're manipulating you!" Damien whirled on Luciana, his fangs bared. "How dare you question our mother!" He took a threatening step toward her. Luciana didn't back down. "Then explain why they're not attacking to kill! Why did Yolanda just let me hurt her!" Her voice cracked. "Why does this feel wrong?" Yolanda pushed herself up on trembling arms. "Because it is wrong," she said. "You were stolen the night you were born. Lucian took you before I even got to hold you properly." A tear rolled dow
The warehouse was thick with tension as the two groups faced each other. Alejandro kept his eyes locked on the massive lycan, Lucian's son, while Yolanda stepped forward. "Where is our daughter?" Yolanda demanded, her voice sharp. The lycan's lips curled into a sneer. "Shut your mouth." His voice rumbled. "She's not yours.”Leon tensed beside his father. "What the hell does that mean?" The lycan, Damien, turned his glowing red eyes on Leon. "It means she's mine now. MY MATE!." He bared his fangs. "Not yours." Lira stood slightly behind Damien, her arms crossed, a satisfied smirk on her face. Alejandro's claws slid out. "You don't get to decide that." Damien laughed, a harsh sound. "I don't? Then where has she been for the last sixteen years, Uncle? While you played king, who raised her? Who trained her?" His voice dropped to a growl. "Who taught her what you really are?" Leon couldn't take it anymore. "You're lying!" He lunged forward, fists clenched. Damien moved faster than
The werewolf guard raced back toward the castle, his horse kicking up mud as the rain continued to fall. Inside the castle, Alejandro was already preparing, his instincts sharpened by unease. When the guard burst into the throne room, panting, Alejandro was on his feet before the man could speak. "What happened?" The guard wiped rain from his face. "The Bone Lord lied. Lira controls all of Blackwater, her people are everywhere. The queen says we need reinforcements. Now." Alejandro's claws shot out "Marcus!" Marcus appeared instantly, sword already in hand. "We ride?" "Gather most of our best fighters," Alejandro ordered. "We leave within the hour." Leon stepped forward from where he'd been listening. "I'm coming too." Alejandro turned, ready to refuse, but the look in his son's eyes stopped him. Leon wasn't asking. "Fine," Alejandro growled. "But you stay behind me at all times." Within minutes, the castle courtyard was alive with movement. Horses were saddled, weapons shar
Marcus returned to the royal chambers, his face grim. The rain still lashed against the windows as he entered, water dripping from his cloak onto the stone floor. Alejandro stood immediately. "Well?" Marcus hesitated, then delivered the news bluntly. "The maid goes by 'Lira' now. She leads a pack in Blackwater, the Rusty Anchor Pack. She’s the key to finding your daughter."Yolanda’s breath caught. "Blackwater? That’s three days’ ride from here." Marcus held up a hand. "There’s more." His jaw tightened. “The Bone Lord wants his freedom in exchange for the information."Silence. Alejandro’s expression darkened. "No.""I told him that," Marcus said. “But I have a feeling we won't be able to find her without his help.”Alejandro turned, “Marcus, don't you get it? he's been in there for sixteen years! how could he possibly have that kind of information to that extent?” Yolanda immediately walked to the window, staring at the rain. "I'll go." Both men turned to look at her. "Just me
Alejandro's hands shooked as he closed the chamber door behind them. The weight of the Bone Lord's words pressed down on him like stone. Leon stood frozen near the fireplace, his face pale. "Father... Mother... what was that?" His voice wavered. "Do I... have a sister?" Yolanda sank into a chair, her shoulders slumped. She looked exhausted and disappointed.Alejandro took a deep breath. "Yes." Leon's knees buckled. He caught himself on the armrest of a chair. "Why didn't you tell me?" "Because it hurt too much," Yolanda whispered. Alejandro moved to the window, staring outside. "Sixteen years ago, my brother Lucian stole our kingdom and your sister." His claws dug into the windowsill. "He was cruel. A monster. He ruled through fear until we fought back and took the throne from him." Leon swallowed hard. "And my sister?" "Taken the night you were born," Alejandro said, his voice rough. "We searched for years. Found nothing. Eventually... we had to stop, we were devastated becaus