Alexandre's POV Dealing with all this was a headache. If there was one thing I hated the most, it was drama among packs. It was a waste of time and energy that could be better spent focusing on more important matters. I always tried my best to avoid it, but sometimes it was impossible to get away from. I wanted a peaceful pack where everyone could work together in harmony. I wanted everyone to be able to trust each other and to cooperate. I wanted everyone to be able to rely on each other. "Wishful thinking," I said aloud as I turned my attention back to the files on my desk. Addressing complaints and obtaining financial approvals was Thiago's responsibility under normal circumstances. However, since I had him digging into Eleni, I was now left with the task. I had just opened a file when a knock came knocking at the door. "Come in," I said, not bothering to look up from the file. "Andre," Thiago said as he entered my office. I glanced up at him briefly and nodded in acknowledgme
From Arina's POV "Andre?" I heard Bryan answer the call. I listened silently as he recapped what we had just experienced. It was unclear who he was talking to, but he seemed to trust them. "We are about three and a half hours away from Lycan Blood Pack, assuming we drive straight and make no stops along the way," Bryan explained to whomever he was talking to. Suddenly, he said something that caught my attention. "I can't believe Zeno never told us about her, and why did he keep it secret?" he said. I could hear the hurt in his voice, hinting that he felt betrayed. And I couldn't blame him. I felt the same when I learned the truth about my mother. After exchanging a few more words, Bryan ended the call. I glanced in the rear-view mirror just as he glanced in my direction. He smiled at me. "That was Alexandre," Bryan said. "Oh, you guys seem very close," I replied. Bryan chuckled, "Yeah, we are like brothers from another mother. He's a good guy," he said. I nodded, not wanting t
From Alexandre's POV After my last conversation with Bryan, I felt uneasy in the pit of my stomach. All I kept thinking about was why Zeno kept the big secret. I kept mulling over every conversation he and I had before he died, but nothing that would raise any suspicions came to mind. Shaking my head, I tried to eliminate the thoughts flowing through my mind and mind-linked Thiago. He was supposed to set up two rooms for Bryan, maribelle, and Arina. They needed to be comfortable, especially Arina, after everything she had endured. "Thiago, have the rooms been prepared for our guests?" I asked. "Yeah, they just finished. I placed them on the king's floor. Why is everything OK?" he asked. "Yeah, I was just asking to ensure everything was set up. Come to my office when you are done," I told him, cutting the mind link. At that moment, the intercom beeped, and I heard Emmitt's voice. He was the guard on duty at the front gate. "My King, Alpha Bryan, and company request entrance," he
***Trigger Warning*** This chapter contains descriptions of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. From Arina's POV "Welcome to the family," Aella says before embracing me. I could feel her warmth and sincerity through her hug. Aella stood about five feet five inches tall, had a body rivaling Salma Hayek, and was completely natural. Her blonde waist-length hair was tied in a high ponytail. She wore teal-colored Victoria's Secret sweatpants, a white crop tank top, and a fuzzy white cashmere sweater. Long, thick eyelashes framed her blue-green eyes. Her olive-colored skin looked like it had never been exposed to the sun. She had a soft, gentle smile that lit up her entire face when she talked. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to accentuate her features. I could tell she was naturally beautiful and didn't need much makeup to enhance her beauty. "Come inside. You must be starving," Aella said as she pulled me upstairs and led me to the front door. I glanced over my shoulde
From Arina's POV "Andre, calm down," Thiago said as he rushed to his side and tried to calm him. "WHY DID HE HIDE THIS FROM US? WE WERE BROTHERS. I COULD HAVE HELPED HIM!" Alexandre yelled. "Andre, you aren't the only one he betrayed, but now is not the time. Calm down; let us get all the details first," Bryan said as he rushed to Alexandre's side, trying to calm him. I watched in horror at what was occurring before me. When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned to find out it was Aella. "Everything is alright. D'Artagnan is just a bit cococaho," Aella said with a slight smile. I smiled back at her and turned my attention back to Alexandre, who was now staring at me. My father's betrayal was painful to him, as I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Forgive me, Arina, I didn't mean to frighten you," he said. I smiled and nodded at him as everyone retook their seats. "We can stop if you like?" Alexandre said. "No, it's OK, I can finish," I replied with a sigh as I began ag
From Alexandre’s POV Listening to her talk about her past was the hardest thing for me. Besides living through it, this was probably the most challenging thing she ever did. All I wanted to do was hold and comfort her, but how? What could I say to her that she hadn't already heard? She told us what she had endured at the hands of the people who were meant to love and protect her. I thought I was lucky to have parents who showed me love and affection, parents who would kill anyone who hurt me. The biggest shock of all was that she turned eighteen today. As soon as she mentioned that, I decided we should take a break from the discussion and showed everyone where they would sleep. Aella was elated to have Arina here. Growing up, she was always in the house alone, and now she would have someone to keep her company. I didn't want to push the whole mate bond on her because of all her traumatic experiences, but I was willing to accept her rejection if she refused. "Let us take it day by
From Arina’s POV After I told them today was my eighteenth birthday, everything changed. Despite not understanding the sudden change, I was glad not to have to talk about my past anymore. Walking upstairs, I couldn't help but notice every muscle in Alexandre's back. Every aspect of his build was perfect. I took notice of every feature, from his light five o'clock shadow to the small frown lines on his forehead. He looked so handsome if such a thing could be said of a man. “I recommend giving him a chance, Arina," Zakara said as we stopped in front of Bryan and Maribelle's bedroom. "Don't push him away or close yourself off." Considering her words, I was about to respond when Alexandre's voice snapped me out of my reverie. “Your room is this way,” he said, motioning for us to continue. I followed behind Aella and Alexandre as we walked down the hallway. When we stopped at the door, Alexandre stepped aside and pushed open the door to reveal a beautiful bedroom. The room was painted
From Arina's POV Telepathy - I was fascinated by the fact that Aella could read minds. I didn't know it was possible. I couldn't help but be in awe of her. "Do you hear everyone's thoughts?" I asked. "Uh, yeah. Pretty cool, huh?" Aella replied with big eyes. "It's tricky to control it sometimes, but I use it when I'm in school, especially when there are tests," she winked as we walked into her room. As I walked into her bedroom, I was astonished by its beauty. Her room was just as grand, if not more. The walls were black with gold trim, creating boxes as decor, and the royal purple headboard made the room lively with just the right amount of color instead of white. The plush gray carpet was just as soft as it looked. As I stood in front of the window overlooking her backyard, she came up behind me and handed me a black pair of leggings, a white, black, and teal Victoria's Secret sweatshirt, and matching teal Ugg boots. "Here," she said, handing me the clothes and a shower caddy f