A deep, commanding voice cut through the heavy silence like a blade. “I see my presence has caught you all off guard.” The air in the room shifted. Every head turned toward the doorway, where Jared, the Alpha, stood with an air of undeniable authority. His sharp, calculating gaze swept across the space before settling on Anna’s parents. His arrival was unexpected. Anna’s mother gasped, quickly straightening her dress as if that would make any difference. Her father cleared his throat, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Alpha Jared,” he said, bowing slightly. “What an honor.” Beside the Alpha, dressed in a gown fit for royalty, was Serafina. Georgia felt her stomach drop. She hadn’t seen her sister in years, but she’d never forget that face, smug, flawless, and brimming with superiority. Serefina stood tall, her presence as dazzling as ever, as if she owned the very air in the room. She had always wanted what Georgia had, even if it was nothing. And no
Jared’s fingers twitched at his sides. His chest felt tight, his wolf stirring with restless energy, but he kept his face neutral. The weight of Georgia’s gaze on him unsettled him in ways he couldn’t explain. He had thrown her away. Five years ago, he had rejected her without a second thought, yet now… now, his instincts were screaming at him. Telling him something wasn’t right. Across the room, Serefina’s smirk wavered. She had caught the moment, the shift in Jared’s attention, the way his eyes lingered on Georgia for just a second too long. And she hated it. Serefina had always been good at reading people. It was how she got what she wanted. And right now, she could see Jared’s restraint cracking. That wasn’t part of her plan. She subtly slid closer to him, her manicured fingers ghosting over his arm. “Alpha,” she purred, drawing his attention back to her. “You must be exhausted from your travels. Let’s sit. I’m sure our gracious hosts would love to offer you somethin
“Alpha, the table is set,” Anna’s mother called out, wiping her hands on her apron. Jared stepped out of the room, his gaze sharp despite the early morning haze. His muscles tensed instinctively, always alert, even in the quiet moments. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread drifted through the air, mixing with the crisp scent of the forest just beyond the open windows. Georgia was already there, placing a plate down with practiced ease, her movements smooth but distant. Her long hair was loosely tied back, a few strands slipping free to frame her face. She didn’t look up, her focus fixed on the task at hand, but there was a stiffness in her posture one he knew all too well. Something was wrong. His wolf stirred. She hadn’t looked at him once. Seraphina, on the other hand, emerged behind him with a satisfied stretch, her arms rising above her head as she let out a soft, contented sigh. The silk of her robe slipped slightly off one shoulder, revealing just enoug
Chapter 16Serefina clenched her fists beneath the table, her breath shallow, her anger boiling beneath her carefully maintained facade. How dare he? How dare Jared humiliate her in front of everyone? How dare he look at Georgia with those eyes, as if she was anything more than a washed-up, discarded mate? She couldn’t eat. The food tasted like sand in her mouth. Every bite Georgia took, every casual glance Jared threw her way, made Serefina’s blood churn. She had spent years beside Jared, molding herself into his perfect companion, and now, he was dismissing her? For what? A woman he had rejected? The thought made her stomach twist. She pushed her plate away abruptly, her appetite completely gone. "You're not eating?" Jared asked, his voice indifferent. He didn’t even spare her a glance. Serefina forced a smile, though it felt like her lips might crack. "I’m simply not hungry," she replied, standing gracefully. "Excuse me." No one stopped her as she turned on her heel and s
Chapter 17"You’re restless."Jared stiffened at Caleb’s voice, his fingers tightening around the glass of whiskey he hadn’t even sipped. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his estate, watching the moon cast its silver glow over the vast land. His estate, the heart of his pack. The place where he ruled with unquestioned dominance. Yet tonight, that dominance felt… unsettled. Caleb swallowed hard before stepping forward, keeping his head slightly bowed. “Alpha…” His voice wavered with caution. “Forgive me, but… you seem troubled.”Jared didn’t turn. His grip on the glass tightened, the muscles in his jaw flexing. “Since when do you concern yourself with my moods, Caleb?” His voice was low, ice-cold, carrying the weight of unspoken warning. Caleb tensed, instinctively lowering his gaze. “I-I mean no disrespect, Alpha,” he murmured. “It’s just… you’ve been standing here for an hour. Restless. I couldn’t help but wonder if…” He hesitated, then braced himself. “…if it’s becau
"I said stay inside!" Georgia’s sharp voice echoed through the house, but the triplets were already gone, their mischievous laughter fading as they darted outside.Anna sat on the worn-out couch, shaking her head with a small smile. Watching Georgia storm after them was almost as entertaining as the triplets themselves."You little troublemakers!" Georgia yelled from the doorway. "If I catch you sneaking out one more time!"Anna chuckled softly. "Let them be, Georgia. Boys will always be boys. And just look at them, Kelvin and Kelsey, running wild. Even Keira, who’s supposed to be the calm one, is right behind them. Poor girl, what choice does she have?” Georgia whirled around, hands on her hips, her dark eyes blazing with frustration. "Are you serious, Anna? These boys are as stubborn as mules! They never listen!" She threw her hands in the air, exasperated. "And now, they’re dragging their sister into their madness too! Keira was supposed to be the sensible one, but look at her, ru
"Damn it!"Jared’s roar thundered through the grand halls of the Alpha Palace, shaking the silence like a storm crashing against the shore. With a furious snarl, he hurled his glass of whiskey against the marble wall. The crystal shattered on impact, shards scattering across the polished floor, amber liquid dripping down like blood from a fresh wound.His breathing came in heavy, ragged pants, his broad chest rising and falling in frustration. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, veins bulging under his skin. His entire body was taut with restrained fury, his muscles coiled as if he were ready to explode at any moment.He stormed toward the massive window, his boots thudding against the cold floor, each step echoing through the vast chamber. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over his territory, but its beauty only fueled his frustration."Why the hell can't I get her out of my head?" he growled, his voice sharp as a blade, laced with venom a
"Enough!"Jared’s roar thundered through the palace, rattling the walls and sending a wave of fear through everyone within earshot.The maids inside his chamber flinched, frozen in place, their hands trembling over the silk sheets and delicate vases they had been arranging. Outside, the guards straightened, exchanging wary glances.Jared’s chest rose and fell in ragged breaths. His nostrils flared.Her scent.It wrapped around him like a noose, intoxicating, tormenting.Georgia.His jaw clenched, his hands balling into tight fists.She was here.His gaze snapped to the nearest maid."Where is she?" His voice was low, deadly.The head maid’s eyes widened. She gripped the edge of a silver tray, her fingers white. "Y-Your Majesty, no one has entered your chamber"Crash!The tray flew from her hands as Jared struck it, sending plates and goblets crashing to the floor. Shards of porcelain scattered at his feet."I am not blind!" he barked. "Or do you think I’ve gone mad?""N-No, Your Majes
Jared had made his decision, he would go see them, no matter the storm waiting for him. His wolf paced inside him, restless, agitated. It had been too long. The bond he once tried to bury now clawed at his chest, demanding resolution.He summoned Caleb with a low growl in his tone. “You’re in charge of the pack until I return. No one disturbs me unless it’s war.”Caleb gave a firm nod, sensing the shift in Jared’s aura, the Alpha was on edge.By the time Jared reached Georgia’s territory, the moon had begun to rise, casting silver light over the forest path. Her scent hit him first, wildflowers mixed with fury. It tightened something deep in his core.He stepped out of the vehicle and barely took two steps before the door to her cabin burst open. Georgia stood there, her posture rigid, eyes glowing faintly gold. Her wolf was close to the surface.What are you doing? Here? I never asked you to come “You think you’re the only one who’s been hurt?” she spat, voice low and trembling with
Jared woke up before dawn, the faint light of morning creeping through the cracks in the windows. He couldn’t shake the feeling of her touch on his shoulder the night before, the way she had looked at him, her voice both soft and firm, a promise wrapped in uncertainty. It’s not forgiveness, Jared. Not yet. But you’re here. You’re not gone anymore.He had never felt a glimmer of hope so fragile yet so powerful.When he left Georgia's home, the weight of his past still hung heavy around his neck, but it was lighter than before. He wasn’t sure if it was her quiet acceptance of his presence or the faintest hint of something more in her eyes, but it was enough. It was a thread he could grasp onto.The sun hadn't yet fully risen, and Georgia’s village was still asleep when he saddled his horse. Her words echoed in his mind: “Don’t get too comfortable. I haven’t forgiven you.”But that was okay. He hadn’t expected forgiveness. He never had. Not immediately, at least. All he wanted was the c
"She’d heard it all, his broken vow whispered into the shadows, his desperate promise to bring Georgia back. Her heart leaped at the mention of her favorite lady, but doubt clawed at her chest. Could words fix what betrayal shattered? Could a king truly undo the past? Swallowing her nerves, she stepped into the flickering torchlight, ready to face him.""Do you think words will be enough? That she’ll just forgive you because you finally grew a spine and remembered you have a family?"The voice came from behind him. Sharp. Unexpectedly.Jared turned, his body tense, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his dagger. But it wasn’t an enemy.It was Mara, one of the palace maidens. Young, barely past twenty, but known for her sharp tongue and loyalty to Georgia. Her brown eyes held a storm he hadn’t expected."You were listening," he said quietly, not as a question, but a statement."The whole palace heard your voice, my Lord," she said. "Maybe you were trying to make sure we did."H
“Let’s take a break? No, Serafina, I'm done.”Jared's voice was cold, each word slicing through the thick silence like a blade. “You’re exhausted… pathetic.”Serafina froze.“What?!” Her voice cracked like lightning splitting the sky.She stormed toward him, fury burning in her eyes. “Are you being serious right now, Jared?”“You’re not listening to me, Serafina! You never listen!” he snapped, fists clenched at his sides.Her lips curled. “Oh, I’m listening now. I’m listening to the man who once swore I was his destiny suddenly acting like I’m the burden. How convenient.”“I heard you,” Jared said, voice low and hard. “But this... whatever this has become between us, it’s toxic. It’s done. It should’ve ended a long time ago.”The silence that followed wasn’t calm.It was the kind of silence that came before something exploded.Serafina took a slow step back, her chest rising and falling. “You think you can walk away from me? After everything? After me?”“Yes,” he said simply, stepping
"She’s unfit for her role, you know," the maid whispered, her voice sharp as broken glass. As they gossip about serafina.Serafina froze behind the corner, her fists tightening until her nails carved red moons into her palms."Mad," another murmured. "Dangerous."Their words swirled through the stone halls like smoke, curling around her throat, choking her.She should step forward.She should slap the girl so hard her descendants would feel it.Her body trembled with the urge, raw, hot, violent, but she didn’t move.Not because she couldn’t.Because they weren’t worth it.Serafina turned on her heel, her boots clicking sharply on the marble. She didn’t look back, didn’t let them see the wildfire rising in her chest. She marched past them like they were less than dirt.Her face, cold as winter.But inside?Inside, she was crumbling, screaming, clawing at the walls of her own ribs.They dared.They dared.She shoved through the palace doors and into the open courtyard, the evening sky b
"Do it clean," Serafina said coldly, her eyes never leaving the horizon. "Yes, my Lady," Kae murmured, already melting into the shadows like smoke.She stood there for a long moment, fists still trembling, feeling the sting of broken skin and broken trust. The air was thick, hot, like it could swallow her whole.She turned, cloak swirling, and stalked back through the palace gates. The guards didn’t dare meet her gaze.Good. Fear was easier to command than loyalty.Each step she took echoed loudly, bouncing off the cold marble walls. She didn't slow down. She didn’t look back. Her blood pounded in her ears, louder than the roaring whispers of servants scrambling to get out of her way.She didn’t care.She didn’t care about their looks, their mutterings, their prayers.She had a storm inside her chest, and it needed somewhere to go.By the time she reached her quarters, Serafina was breathing hard, her chest heaving. She threw the heavy doors open and let them slam behind her.Sile
"Where is he?" Serafina’s voice sliced through the humid morning air like a blade. No one answered. The soldiers in the training yard froze mid-swing, the clang of steel against steel dying in the tension. A few exchanged glances, daring each other to speak. She stormed forward, barefoot still, blood dried around her knuckles, her once-glorious nightgown hidden now under a dark cloak she had grabbed from her closet. Her hair was wild, her eyes two burning embers that promised nothing but ruin. "I said—" she roared, fists clenched at her sides, "WHERE IS HE?!"A young squire, no older than fifteen, pointed a trembling finger toward the center of the field.Caleb.He stood with a training sword in hand, mid-spar with another knight. His back was to her, unaware of the storm about to crash into him.Serafina didn't walk to him. She charged."CALEB!" she screamed, her voice cracking the air like thunder. The boy turned, confused, then his eyes widened in horror.It was too lat
The next morning, Serafina stirred from a restless sleep, if two hours of tossing and turning even counted as rest. Her head throbbed, her eyes burned, but she refused to appear weak. She snapped her fingers, summoning one of her maidens.“Bring me tea. Now.”The girl rushed off, anxious to avoid another outburst. She returned minutes later, hands trembling as she placed the cup on the tray.Serafina took one sip, and froze.Her expression darkened like a brewing storm.“You dare call this tea?!” she thundered, slamming the cup so hard against the table the china cracked. “Did you boil this with swamp water or tears?!”The porcelain cup shattered against the wall, spewing golden liquid across the velvet drapes like blood. The young maid gasped, eyes wide as the fragments rained to the marble floor.Serafina’s voice was a whip. "If you want to serve me lukewarm water, go fetch it from the stables, not my damn breakfast tray!"The maid bowed deeply, trembling, but Serafina didn’t give h
"Answer me, Jared!" Serafina’s voice cracked like thunder across the grand chamber. "You’re just going to stand there?! Say something!"The air between them was thick with rage, heartbreak, and disbelief. Jared didn’t speak. He didn’t blink. He didn’t even breathe for a moment. He just stood there, jaw clenched so tight his muscles trembled. His eyes, those usually fierce, calculating eyes, were now dark and hollow. Then, with no explanation, no apology, no glance, he turned around and walked out.Serafina froze.“What…?” her voice dropped to a whisper, trembling. “You’re walking away from me?”She blinked fast, as if her vision had betrayed her. But the sound of his footsteps, heavy and deliberate, echoed louder than any confession.“Jared!” she shouted, storming after him. Her heels clacked furiously against the marble floor. “I’m talking to you and you’re walking away from me?! Don’t you DARE walk away!”He didn’t stop. Not until she caught up with him just outside the chamber door