Julian's POV. I can’t stop thinking about Kira even though she is fated to my young brother... The first time I saw her was in that cursed forest. At first, I thought she was just some reckless omega with no sense of danger. She didn’t belong out there — not with rogues lurking in the shadows. I could’ve ignored her, kept going, and left her to fend for herself. But when those rogues moved in, something made me stop and order my guards to help her as she just stood there, frozen and terrified, yet somehow... still holding her ground. That moment stuck with me. Then I saw her again at the hospital. I’d gone to consult with Redmoon’s pack doctors about my condition — not that they told me anything useful. Just more empty promises about potential treatments, none of which seemed to make a difference. I remember sitting in that cold, sterile room, feeling like I was suffocating and the chair had swallowed up the man I used to be. And then I noticed her. Kira, quietly cleaning th
Julian's POV Should I tell them who I really am? I hesitate, the thought swirling in my head before I shove it aside. Nah. Not worth it. “Just... nobody important. But you can call me Julian.” I reply coolly. I’ve grown used to hiding my title — not out of shame, but because I’m tired of the way people’s eyes flick down to my wheelchair before pretending not to pity me. Let them underestimate me. I prefer it that way. “So are you coming with me or not?” I ask again and Kira’s gaze drifts down to my chair. I can practically see the hesitation written all over her face. I don’t blame her. An injured man offering her a ride isn’t exactly comforting. I sigh and signal one of the guards to help me get into the car. Kira watches as my guards move to help me into the backseat of my SUV. I can feel her uncertainty shifting into something else—not quite trust, but at least enough to reconsider. “Fine,” Kira says softly. Vivienne scowls. “Are you honestly going to trust this nobo
Kira's POV "I remember those eyes from the dark forest..." My voice trails off as I stare at Julian because now that I've gotten a proper look at him, there's no mistaking it — I've seen those silver eyes before. He's the one who saved me in the forest. The one who silently paid for those dresses when I was nearly accused of stealing. And the same figure I almost caught a glimpse of at the hospital. I clear my throat, forcing my voice to stay steady. "It was you, wasn't it?" His gaze flicks to me, cold and unreadable. "I already told you — no." The sharpness in his tone should’ve ended the conversation, but I press on because all I want to do is thank the man for helping me out. “You’re lying,” I insist, shifting to face him. “I recognize your eyes. I know it was you.” His expression hardens. “You’re imagining things.” “I’m not,” I argue. “Why won’t you just admit it?” Before he can answer, the car jolts violently as it hits a bump. I yelp as I’m thrown forward —
Kira's POV. Should I go to Damian's car or stay with Julian? I sit frozen in my seat, staring at Damian like he’s grown a second head. How dare he asks me to ride with him after leaving me behind like I was nothing? “I—” I start to speak, but his sharp voice cuts through. “Kira, in the future, you must know that I don't like to repeat myself… Now get out of the car and go to mine,” Damian snaps, his tone cold and commanding. My fingers twitch, and a familiar fear coils in my chest while my body reacts on instinct. I reach for my bag, already shifting to climb out. I don’t want to make Damian angry because I know what happens when Alphas get angry… I remember it clearly. (Flashback) I was eight, hiding behind the kitchen counter when Alpha Gregory stormed into our house. His face was red with rage, while his voice boomed as he yelled at my father. Something about missing goods at the storage unit. My poor father tried to explain, with his hands raised in defense, but Alpha Gr
Kira's POV. The drive to Crimson Crown is long and miserable in Damian's car. My body aches from being crammed in the backseat, wedged between bags and luggage. Every bump in the road feels like a punch to my spine, and by the time we finally pull into the pack’s territory, I’m stiff and sore. But my discomfort is forgotten the moment I see the pack itself. Bright lights illuminate sleek, modern buildings, their glass windows reflecting the moonlight like crystals. Paved roads wind smoothly through the area, with street lamps lining the paths. Houses aren’t just big — they’re luxurious, with large balconies, polished stone exteriors, and well-manicured lawns. Compared to my old pack’s small, outdated structures, Crimson Crown feels like an entirely different world. Wow, this is incredible... I’m still staring out of the glass when Damian clears his throat sharply. “Listen,” he says, his voice low and cold. “I need you to follow some rules while you’re here.” I tear my ga
Kira's POV The maid and I walk across the grounds, and I can't help but silently admire how well-maintained everything is. The stone paths are spotless, and lanterns cast a soft golden glow across the property. Crimson Crown feels less like a pack and more like a kingdom. “You must be exhausted,” the maid says kindly, breaking the silence. “I am,” I admit, my voice quieter than I intended. “My name’s Martha, by the way,” she adds with a warm smile. “I’ll be helping you get settled here.” “Thank you, Martha, I'm Kira.” I say softly, grateful for her kindness. “Well, Kira let’s get you settled,” Martha says with a smile. We stop at a side entrance of the mansion, and Martha leads me inside. I expect dark, cold corridors and cramped rooms — something barely livable — but instead, I’m greeted by a surprisingly warm and inviting space. The hallway is lined with polished wooden floors, and the walls are painted a soft cream color. The air smells faintly of lavender. “This is it,” Ma
Kira's POV. My heart pounds so hard I can feel it in my throat. Fear, anxiety, and dread swirling inside me as Alpha Magnus’s cold gaze pins me in place. I don’t know what’s worse — being caught on Julian’s lap or the fact that Damian is standing there, looking furious after warning me to stay away from his brother. “Julian,” Alpha Magnus says, his voice low and sharp, “what are you doing with the new maid Damian brought back with him?” “You should be asking him that,” Julian replies pointing at Damian with his tone dry and clipped. Embarrassment washes over me, and I scramble off Julian’s lap, nearly knocking myself down in the process. “I-It’s not what it looks like, Alpha Magnus,” I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. But suddenly Damian steps forward before I can explain further. “Nothing serious dad,” he says with a casual shrug. “Kira was just about to clean my room when she walked in at the wrong time. She saw something she shouldn’t have and bolted.” His e
Kira's POV. The room goes still the moment the head chef asks, “Who made this?” Every head in the kitchen turns — and every finger points at me. My stomach twists as the chef’s sharp eyes lock onto mine. He strides across the room, stopping right in front of me. His presence feels suffocating, like the air itself is pressing down on my chest. “You,” he says, voice low and firm. “Who taught you to make that soup?” I swallow hard, my mind scrambling for words. “I... I just... I love cooking,” I stammer. “I—I taught myself.” The chef stares at me a moment longer, his expression unreadable. Then, with a curt nod, he turns on his heel. “Take the food out,” he orders the other servants before heading for the door. I stand frozen, my mind racing. Is that it? He didn’t praise it... or insult it. Was the soup good or bad? Suddenly, I start to imagine the worst — the Alpha King sitting at his grand dining table, and taking a spoonful of my soup expecting his usual delicious soup only fo
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