Julian's POV. “Okay, fine, I won't fight you for her but be honest brother, are you seriously dating Kira?” Damian mutters beside me, his tone laced with disbelief. He’s been seething quietly ever since I told him to back the fuck off if he won't claim Kira. I don’t look at him. “I’m very serious.” He scoffs. “But she’s an omega and a maid, father won't let you date her let alone—” “That’s not your concern if father allows me or not,” I cut in coolly. “You had your chance, so don't question my decision.” The air between us thickens with tension. I can feel his anger simmering just beneath his calm exterior, and I know it’s only a matter of time before it explodes. But I don’t care because the curtain shifts, and Kira steps out and for a second, I forget to breathe again. Same jumpsuit Katie had on earlier in a different color. But on Kira? It’s... lethal… It hugs her hips like a lover, the fabric caressing every curve with reverence. Her red hair is twisted into a messy
Kira's POV Okay, so maybe I started it. One comment about trimming Julian's mountain-man look and suddenly I’ve got a salon appointment and a full beauty treatment scheduled like I’m prepping for a royal engagement. I lean back in the car's back seat, arms crossed, dressed in dark blue skinny jeans, a pink blouse, and pink wedges. “For the record,” I say, deadpan, “I suggested a trim—not a full-on makeover.” He doesn’t respond—just smirks like he’s already won something. I glance at him, all smug and unreadable. I only poked fun at his beard because he looked like he hadn’t seen daylight in a decade and I wanted to trim it as a way of saying thank you for the new wardrobe. It wasn’t an invitation for this. “Was this always part of the plan?” I ask. “Or are you just improvising to amuse yourself?” “Both,” he says smoothly. “You said you want people to see me. Seems only fair I return the favor.” I scoff, turning back to the window. This wasn’t supposed to be about ha
Kira's POV. “That is a nice top you have on,” one of the huge tattooed men says, stepping forward. “But it doesn’t match the rest of you, though. You look like you belong in a brothel, not in royal silk.” They laugh and my hand grips the edge of the top tighter. “I don’t want any trouble sirs.” “Neither do we,” one says with a grin that makes my skin crawl. “Just want to be friendly.” “Yes, just give us a little taste. That mouth of yours—bet it’s good for more than talking.” Panic claws its way up my throat. I try to dart past him, but another grabs my arm—rough and possessive. “LET GO OF ME!” They don’t. Instead, the one behind me tugs at the hem of my top. Rip!!! The sound shatters me and cold air rushes over my exposed side as my shirt tears. I’m frozen in place. Tears fill my eyes, not from pain but from the fear and humiliation. They don’t even know who I am. Just an omega in the wrong place at the wrong time. A nobody to anyone. “Stop struggling. We’ll b
Kira's POV. Julian glances up at the woman who walked in on our lunch, his expression unreadable. “Evelyn.” She grins like he just paid her a compliment. “I almost didn’t recognize you sitting here so casually. Then again, you always did not like the attention.” He doesn’t return the smile. “Some things never change.” She laughs softly, eyes glittering. “And some things do. You look good….” Julian shrugs. “You’re imagining things.” Evelyn’s gaze lingers on him like she’s trying to peel back his layers and then she shifts her weight, letting one hand trail along the booth’s polished edge. “I heard about your accident. The rumors were… dramatic.” But Julian doesn’t respond and she leans in a fraction, dropping her voice to something more personal. “I was going to reach out, but I figured you’d show up in public when you were ready.” He offers her nothing but a nod. That should be my cue to speak and introduce myself, or at least pretend to exist but something about the way she
Julian's POV.What condition does my father have for kira who already been through hell since she got here?I tense immediately, sitting straighter in my chair as I glance at Kira. She’s frozen beside me, hands clasped tightly in her lap, eyes flicking between me and my father like she’s bracing for a blow.“What condition?” I ask, keeping my voice steady, but my jaw clenches.Father leans forward slightly, his gaze firm but calm. “Kira must continue cooking me my favorite mushroom soup every morning. Just as I asked her before all… this.”Kira blinks, clearly caught off guard. “That’s it?”Father nods. “That soup yesterday morning and today has kept my appetite alive. I won’t give it up.”Relief washes through the room like a warm breeze, loosening the stiffness in Kira’s shoulders. I bite down on a grin, fighting the urge to laugh, but she beats me to it—soft and light like wind chimes in spring.“I can do that Alpha Magnus,” she says, glancing at me shyly. “I wasn’t planning to sto
Kira's POV. Julian’s massive walk-in closet looks like it belongs in a royal catalog—probably because it does. Everything inside it gleams. Organized and perfect. The racks on his side are filled with clothes and shoes that probably cost more than I’ve seen in my entire life. Now the cleaning servants are clearing space on the other side for me. I watch silently as one of them hesitates near the shoe rack, eyeing the neatly lined heels like she’s unsure if it’s okay to touch anything. “You can place the shoes over there,” I say softly, pointing to the lower section with the empty shelf. “They’ll fit just fine.” The servant nods too quickly and scurries off like I might bark orders at her next which I won’t... But the way they avoid my eyes now says it all. They’re scared of me not because I’ve changed, but because of who I’m with. I sigh and turn back to the growing pile of new clothes, carefully folding a soft lavender cashmere sweater Julian bought me… Suddenly, the d
Julian’s POV. Finding kira in a gloomy mood after my physiotherapy session, it was clear something was weighing on her, and though she wasn’t ready to talk about it, I knew the only thing that could lift her spirits was provoking my dear stupid brother at dinner until he finally snapped and rejected her for good. I finish rolling up my sleeves and glance sideways just in time to catch her wobble. Kira stands by the mirror in the closet, frowning at her reflection and more specifically, at the heels and the soft pink dress that hugs her frame like it was made for her, while the palace lights spilling through the window highlight every curve, every freckle, and every strand of those wild red curls. She looks like spring has come to life. Soft. Radiant and completely unprepared. “You’re going to break your ankle before we even leave the room,” I say, amused, watching her take another unsteady step toward me. “I told you I’ve never worn heels,” she mutters, gripping the dresse
Damian's POV. I can still feel the sting of embarrassment in front of everyone at the table… I can't believe father took Kira's side over mine and now Julian smirks like he is being renamed Alpha heir while Kira hasn’t looked my way since I picked up that damn fork after I tried to humiliate. I grip it tight in my hand now, the prongs digging into the meat like it’s the only thing stopping me from snapping. “Such tension,” Father says, swirling his wine like we’re at some royal gala and not a warzone. “But I suppose that’s what young love does to a table.” Julian doesn’t even pretend to hide his grin. “Couldn’t agree more.” He turns to Kira, brushing something off her cheek. “You had a little something on your face,” he murmurs, just loud enough for all of us to hear. “Can’t let perfection go unnoticed.” Kira lets out a soft shy but genuine laugh… I clench my jaw because now she is just enjoying tormenting me even though I forbade her to be with anyone else even though I
Kira's POV. Julian actually came back for me and as his warm hands glide over my skin, helping me into the hoodie and jeans he brought, I can’t tear my eyes away from him—especially now, after he’s told me to shift and run the moment he gives the word. It’s a reckless plan… for a man so dangerously outnumbered. My heart’s a war drum in my chest. And like on cue, he squeezes my hand once more. 'Run!' he tells me and then all hell breaks loose. I rip out of the clothes he gave me, bones snapping, fur breaking through skin in a flash. My paws hit the stone floor and I’m gone, bolting through the corridor like my life depends on it. Because it does. Voices scream behind me. One howls louder than the rest: “Don’t let her escape! This time, kill her!” It’s him. The rogue leader. But I don’t stop. I push harder even though my lungs sear in pain and my legs burn. Trees blur around me as I break out of the cavern and into the open forest. I leap over fallen logs, skid down muddy ba
Julian's POV. There’s a long pause before I can hear the faint murmur of the other voice through Luna Cassandra's phone, but not the words. Her heels click against the marble floor in agitation. "Yes, Sophia was taken care of," she snaps, spitting the name like venom. "I saw to it myself." My blood runs cold. Could Sophia be Kira’s mother’s name? Another pause and then Cassandra’s breath hitches sharply. "What do you mean... she left behind a daughter? This changes everything." Her voice rises an octave, panic leaking through the polished facade she always wore so well. A beat of silence. Then, a dangerous calm settles into her voice. "I see. Thank you for telling me." Her steps slow, and I swear I can hear the smile in her voice when she speaks again. "Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the daughter... just like I took care of the mother before any secrets come to light." What secrets is she so afraid of revealing? I grip the doorknob so tightly that it creaks under m
Julian's POV. "Damian, excuse us. I need to speak with your brother alone," my father says after a long pause, voice leaving no room for argument. Damian’s smile tightens at the edges, but he nods politely. I can see the twitch in his jaw, though, and when he brushes past me toward the door, his voice slithers into my mind. ‘Remember, choose wisely, brother... you know what's at stake.’ My hands clench at my sides, blood roaring in my ears. I don’t react. Not yet. But now I know without a doubt — it is him. He set the trap so that I can give up the Alpha king title. And if Kira dies because of him... no title in this world will save him from me. The door shuts softly, and the tension in the room sharpens like a knife. My father's sharp gaze pins me. "Now, tell me, Julian," he says, walking back to his chair and sits, fingers steepled. "Why the sudden change of heart? Hours ago, you publicly announced you would reclaim what was rightfully yours in front of the high ra
Julian’s POV."Enough," I breathe, my whole body trembling. "I’ll do it."The words taste like ash on my tongue, but I force them out.If Damian wants the throne so badly he’s willing to kill for it, then he can have it. For now."I’ll go back — but on one condition," I say louder, lifting my head to glare at them."I’ll stand before my father and the council and refuse the title. In return, you don’t lay a single hand on Kira again."The leader’s smile stretches wider, smug and cruel. "So long as you keep your word, I will keep mine," he replies smoothly."Then it’s a deal," I grit out, clenching my jaw so hard it aches.The leader signals for my release.One of the same bastard who had been stabbing Kira — unchains me roughly, the silver cuffs burning deep into my flesh as they are yanked away.My knees hit the cold stone floor beside her."Red," I whisper, brushing the blood-matted hair from her forehead with trembling fingers.Her eyelids flutter weakly at my touch, and a soft gas
Julian's POV. For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel whole and complete as I run through the trees with Kira at my side after spending an amazing day with her... Our wolves can't help but brush against each other playfully. It fills a place inside me I didn’t even know was empty. In all honesty, it feels great to be mated, it makes my heart swell with pure bliss because I never thought I'd get a second chance after my first mate fiance left me because I had become a cripple overnight and didn't want to spend the rest of her life caring to a cripple. I glance sideways at kira, a playful growl rumbling in my chest, ready to tackle her just to hear her beautiful laugh—But that’s when I sense a scent so strong of silver waft in the air. I skid to a halt, my ears pinned back. ‘Kira!’ I call through the bond. ‘I smell it,’ she responds, her body tensing as her nose twitches, already on alert... But before we can find out who is trailing us with silver, they’re o
Kira's POV. I stir beneath the soft sheets, blinking against the afternoon sunlight streaming through the open window. My body aches in a way that's entirely new to me—sore but completely satisfied. A lazy smile tugs at my lips as I shift, feeling the heat of Julian’s body beside mine. His arm is draped possessively over my waist, and for the first time in so long, I feel... safe. After everything, I’m officially his. We’re fated. Second chance mates. It still feels like a dream. I roll onto my side to face him, propping myself up on my elbow. “Julian,” I murmur, trailing my fingers lightly down his bare chest, “whose house are we in?” He blinks his bright eyes open, a slow, lazy grin spreading across his face. “It’s my mother’s house,” he says, voice rough from sleep. I gasp, pretending to be scandalized. “So... we just made love in your mom’s bedroom?” Julian throws his head back and laughs, the sound rumbling through the room. I laugh too, unable to resist him. He shakes h
Katie's POV. I rip the pins from my hair, flinging them across the room like tiny weapons. One bounces off the mirror and clinks to the ground. My reflection stares back at me—perfect curls ruined, mascara smudged from tears I refuse to admit I shed. My white wedding dress feels like a noose around my throat. This was supposed to be my happy day and my rise to be crowned Queen Luna of the realm. But that omega Kira and Julian of all people—ruined it. I tear the dress off, the expensive lace ripping with a sound that feels way too good. I don’t care. Let it burn. I was humiliated in front of the whole pack. And for what? An omega fated to my man? I pace the room barefoot, my heart pounding and my chest tight with rage. This isn’t real. It can’t be. Not after everything Damian and I planned... Suddenly, the door slams open behind me, and I turn to find Damian storming in. His jaw is tight, eyes blazing, fists clenched like he’s ready to rip someone apart. “Well, what did
Damian's POV. (Meanwhile back at the palace) My father's office is suffocating. The towering shelves filled with old scrolls and battle trophies loom over me like judges, silent and severe. I stand before his massive desk, my hands clenched behind my back, with the sting of Kira’s rejection still humming beneath my skin like a wound that refuses to close. He hasn't said a word in over a minute and the silence stretches unbearably between us, heavy with the weight of the truth I could no longer keep hidden—not after everything that’s happened at my mating ceremony. Father just stares at me, those cold, unforgiving eyes stripping me bare. Finally, he speaks—his voice low, sharp, and laced with barely contained fury. "So, let me get this straight. You searched every neighboring pack for your fated mate... and when you finally found her, you brought her back as a servant?" His words strike sharper than a blade... I open my mouth to explain myself—but what can I even say th
Kira's POV. Julian looks momentarily taken aback but recovers quickly. His expression turns soft and understanding as he offers a reassuring smile. "I thought so," he says gently, trailing light kisses down my cheek. "We'll go very slow and whenever you want to stop, just say so. Okay?" Relieved by his patience, I nod eagerly. Kneeling between my spread legs, he guides his rock-hard length towards my entrance. My entrance resists him initially, unused to receiving anything of this size, but he works patiently, stroking and stretching me with a steady rhythm. Slowly, inch by torturous inch, his impressive length breaches me, filling me completely. A sharp hiss escapes my lips at the unfamiliar sensation- pain mixes with pleasure, creating an addictive sensation that leaves me craving more. Julian pauses mid-stroke, sensing my discomfort. His concerned gaze finds mine. "Are you alright?" “Yes,” I manage a weak nod, breathing through the initial ache of penetration. "It hurts, b