RYKERMOMENTS LATER: AT RYKER’S RESIDENCE I clenched my jaw as I keyed in the password and shoved the door open, my eyes immediately scanning the room for Cross. When I spotted him by the wine cellar, casually pouring himself a drink, my blood boiled even more. I stormed toward him.Before he knew what was happening, I snatched the bottle from his hand and slammed it onto the counter, shooting him a murderous glare. But Cross looked completely unfazed. If anything, there was amusement in his eyes as he took a slow sip from his glass, never breaking eye contact.That smug expression only fueled my anger. Unsatisfied, I grabbed the glass from him and smashed it onto the floor, red wine splattering across the tiles. Cross still didn’t flinch. He just kept watching me like I was some kind of comedy show.“You sick bastard! What the hell was that stunt at the ball?!” I snapped, my voice rough with rage.Cross simply raised an eyebrow, arms crossing over his chest. “What stunt?”His indi
CALANTHAJust as I had expected, by the time the ball was over, Kaiden was completely wasted. He had told Bradley not to bother him tonight, which meant I was the one stuck with the impossible task of getting him out of the hall. With one of his heavy arms slung over my shoulder, I struggled to steady him as we made our way out of the hall. He was so heavy that I kept stumbling under his weight, muttering curses under my breath. I wished Bradley or even my friends were here to help me.But they weren’t.Eloise and Nyx had left earlier after we settled things with the maid— aka Ryker’s little spy. Honestly, I wasn’t even that surprised when she admitted he was the one behind it all. Ryker was insane and capable of the most ridiculous, childish things.To make sure Kaiden knew the real truth about what had happened, I had asked Nyx to record the maid’s confession on my phone. When I showed it to him later, he would finally see that I wasn’t careless with the necklace and that it had be
BRADLEYWhenever Hana called for an urgent talk, it was always one of two things. Either it was about the pack’s security, or it was something personal about us.And judging by how cold she had been acting at the ball tonight, I knew it was personal.She didn’t say a word as we walked into the hallway. Then, she stopped, turned around, and crossed her arms over her chest, her sharp gaze locking onto mine.I sighed, already exhausted. “What is it now?”“If you’re not in the mood to talk, you don’t have to.” Her tone was clipped, but the way she narrowed her eyes told me she was challenging me.I clenched my jaw. Really? She had practically dragged me out here when I told her I needed to help the Lycan King, and now she was acting like she didn’t want to talk?I ran a hand down my face, trying to keep my patience. “I’m here, Hana. Say what you need to say.”She hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “The girl I saw you talking to on the balcony at the ball… Who was she?”Her question ca
KAIDEN As my eyes slowly peeled open as I woke up, my arm instinctively reached for the other side of the bed, as if expecting to find someone there. As if someone should be there. But the space beside me was empty. Still, it felt warm and a strange feeling lingered, like someone had been there just moments ago. Like my body wasn’t wrong to expect their presence. Maybe it was because of the dream I had where I was holding Calantha close all night, feeling her warmth against me, and feeling my hardness rub against her soft ass and thighs. It was a strange dream that was almost too real. A sudden knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts, followed by Bradley’s voice. “May I come in, my king?” I groaned sleepily, finally forcing myself to sit up as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. A sharp throbbing pain shot through my head, making me wince. I brought my fingers to my temples, trying to ease it. A hangover. That explained why I had blacked out last night. “Come in.” I muttered
CROSSThe weekend arrived faster than I wanted, and as Ryker’s driver drove us into Shadow Moon Pack’s territory, a familiar, bitter feeling settled in my gut. This was the place I once called home, until two years ago, when my father cast me out, branding me as a threat to society.For years, I held onto my hatred for him, letting it grow and fester. Now, as I prepared to see him again, I wasn’t sure how I would handle it. This was the man who destroyed my life, stripped me of everything, and left me with nothing.My jaw tightened as I gazed out the window, watching the pack I had once dreamed of leading. The buildings, the people… they all looked the same. Yet, everything was different. They feared me now, wary of the name that once meant something but was now tainted.“Nervous?” Ryker’s voice cut through the silence beside me.I didn’t bother looking at him. I could hear the amusement in his tone, that ever-present mockery. While I, the eldest son, had been cast aside, Ryker had be
CALANTHAI barely saw Kaiden throughout the weekend. At some point, I started to feel like he was avoiding me.And honestly, I didn’t understand why.Maybe it was because of what happened at the ball… when that Cross guy kissed me. But that didn’t make sense either, because I had given the video of the maid’s confession to Bradley, and he said he showed it to Kaiden.So if Kaiden knew the truth, why would he still be upset with me? Unless it wasn’t about that at all. Maybe it was something else entirely.Either way, I had no real chance to ask him. He was busy this weekend, attending council meetings, visiting other packs, or locked away in serious conversations with his mother.By the end of the weekend, I told myself I was probably being selfish for wanting his attention. Maybe he was just busy.But even when Monday came and we rode to the academy together, he barely looked my way. He didn’t stare at me ridiculously at my lame jokes or give me dry replies like he usually did.In our
CALANTHAAfter the call ended, I went back to my room and changed into a looser top that didn’t show as much skin. I kept the same pair of short jeans on. A few minutes later, Eloise’s car pulled up at the packhouse and I stepped outside to meet them. Luckily, the guards didn’t stop me since they recognized I was leaving with friends.“Get in, loser! Sorry—I mean, Luna!” Eloise shouted from the driver’s seat, laughing like a maniac.I laughed too. She was such a crazy girl. I slid into the backseat of the car.“You look amazing, babe.” Nyx said, turning around from the front seat. She and Eloise were both dressed in eye-catching outfits. Skimpy, bold, with sunglasses propped on their heads.“You both look better.” I replied with a small smile, brushing off the compliment.“Calantha, Calantha. Always so humble.” Eloise said with a grin as she started the engine.In no time, we arrived at a large private estate. Security guards at the gate checked us in and waved us through. We drove
CALANTHA“I know everyone already knows how this game works, but how about we add a new twist this time?” said the same guy who had made the earlier announcement.We were all gathered around now. Eloise, Nyx, and I sat on one lounge chair, while Isadora and Sara sat directly across from us. Jameson and his group were huddled together on another lounge nearby, with Miranda practically glued to his side. A girl in a bikini was sitting on Ryker’s lap, clearly enjoying the attention. Across from me sat Lysandra, who did everything she could to avoid my gaze.With everyone settled, the guy began explaining the new rules.“So, what’s the twist?” Miranda asked curiously.“I hope it’s something nasty,” the bikini girl said, sticking out her tongue in a wild way as she twerked her barely clad ass on Ryker’s lap. Laughter erupted from the group, and a few people even clapped.In the middle of all the noise, I felt out of place. It wasn’t that I was judging anyone. I wasn’t. It just didn’t feel
KAIDENTHE NEXT DAYAfter rounding up my meeting with the elders about the tournament plans, which was now just around the corner, Bradley and I decided to take a walk around the packhouse to check how the preparations were going.Inside the grand hall, the chandeliers had been replaced with floating orbs of flame, glowing softly in warm, shifting colors. Servants moved around quickly, still making final touches to the setup. I nodded to myself, pleased with what I saw.As we walked further, Bradley signaled a maid over with a flick of his fingers. She was carrying a tray of pastries and walked over gracefully, bowing her head before us. Bradley picked up one of the pastries—a hot cross bun—and shoved it straight into his mouth. Then, he grabbed two more before motioning for the maid to leave. His cheeks were full as he chewed noisily.I gave him a look of pure disgust, which slowly turned into a glare as he held one out to me with an awkward, guilty smile.“No, thank you.” I said, l
CROSSAfter walking Calantha back to her apartment and making sure she was safely inside—even though she clearly didn’t want me to—I left again. This time, I drove. The place I was heading to was far, and walking wasn’t an option.It took nearly thirty minutes to get there. I parked in front of an old building deep in the woods. There was nothing else around. Just towering trees and the silence of the night pressing in. Most people would be scared to be here, but not me. I had lived like this before, alone and hidden for three long years during exile. Plus, this place wasn’t new to me.As I walked toward the building, I noticed glowing eyes watching me from the shadows. The coven’s security. They didn’t move until they were sure it was me. Then one of them stepped forward and opened the heavy doors.Inside, the room was wide and dimly lit. A few young men and women in black sat on worn-out couches. Their faces were hard. Their bodies were bruised, arms and legs in slings. Others, no
CALANTHA “Oh gods…” I breathed out, rushing to Cross. He was on the ground, trying to push himself up even though blood was still flowing from the stab wound in his side.I dropped to my knees beside him, my heart pounding with fear. His face was pale, and I could hear how hard and uneven his breathing was.“You can’t get up yet,” I said quickly, reaching out to steady him. “You’re still bleeding.”He winced but didn’t stop trying. His hand pressed over the wound, trying to slow the bleeding.“How did you even know I was here?” I asked, frowning in confusion.“I was out for a run,” he said between heavy breaths. “I saw you… I’ve been behind you this whole time.”“Oh.” I whispered, guilt sinking into my chest. Just like the other night he had escorted me home from the food stall to make sure I was safe, he had done it again tonight.He interrupted my thoughts. “Let’s go already.” He said, pushing himself up again.But I didn’t move. I just stared at him.This was my fault. He was hu
CALANTHA I didn’t know how long I stood frozen, locked in a silent staring match with the group of masked intruders.But I was the first to snap out of it. Without even thinking twice, I turned and ran.“Stop her!” One of them yelled, and the rest immediately started chasing after me.My heart pounded hard in my chest as I pushed myself to run faster, my legs burning with effort. I just needed to get away, and make it back.But of course, I wasn’t fast enough.“Get back here, you little…” I felt someone grab the back of my hoodie and yank it. The hood slipped off, and panic flooded me. I twisted and struggled, trying to break free, but the man flung me aside with ease. I hit the ground hard, scraping my hand. A sharp pain shot through me, and I let out a low grunt.“Who the hell are you?” I demanded, backing away on the ground as the group circled me. They all wore black, their faces hidden behind masks, their eyes cold and cruel.“The Luna,” the one who had shouted earlier said as
CALANTHAThe woman was running, holding a baby tightly in her arms. She was breathing hard, glancing back with fear in her eyes. I could see everything through the eyes of the baby she was holding, even though the woman’s face looked a bit blurred. She ran through the woods, stumbling over branches but quickly getting back on her feet. Her long white dress dragged along the forest floor as she moved, her face wet with tears and panic.Behind her, a group of incredibly tall men dressed in white robes chased after her. They held long staffs, and they looked terrifying.The woman turned her head again, gasping for breath, her eyes wide with fear. But just as she looked forward again, the hem of her dress caught on a broken branch.She fell to the ground with a heavy thud. But even as she hit the earth, she protected the baby in her arms, cradling the child’s head so it wouldn’t get hurt.“Give us the child,” one of the men ordered. They stood over her now, their staffs raised like weapo
KAIDEN“The tournament organizers, led by the High Priestess, have begun preparations,” Bradley reported calmly. “From what I’ve seen in the mails sent to you, several high-ranking figures will begin arriving in our pack starting tomorrow. The Vampire King is among them. His crowned prince will be participating in the tournament as well.”My hand froze mid-sentence, the quill pausing just above the paper. I had been drafting formal invitations to other royals across the realm, but Bradley’s last words caught my attention.“The Vampire Prince?” I asked, glancing up at him with a slight frown. “Didn’t he take part in the last tournament with me?”Bradley nodded. “Yes, my King. Like you, this will be his second, and final tournament.”“Interesting.” I muttered, eyes returning to the letter I had been writing.Back then, the Vampire Prince had proven himself a worthy opponent. He was tactical, fierce, and unpredictable. He had made the games challenging, not just for me but for the entire
LYSANDRAI took a deep breath, a soft smile spreading across my face as I sipped my tea. The warm scent of flowers and herbs from the garden surrounded me, wrapping me in a calm I rarely found anywhere else.It was early morning, and the academy was on a short break for the next two days. That meant I could spend time in my favorite place. The garden.The break had been given because of the upcoming tournament. Preparations had already started, and soon the pack would be buzzing with important guests from different packs, clans, and kingdoms. But for now, everything was still and quiet.Days like this were the ones I treasured the most. Sitting here, away from all the noise, just watching the flowers sway in the wind, the butterflies flit around, and the squirrels chase each other with tiny nuts. It felt like a little piece of heaven.My smile faded a little as my eyes caught a squirrel struggling under a low shrub. I leaned in for a closer look and noticed its leg was injured. It loo
NYXMy eyes widened in shock and fear. My heart thumped wildly as I stared at the broken pieces of the vase I had just smashed against his head.He lay on the floor, groaning in pain, a small trail of blood trickling from the side of his head. At least he was still alive. For a second, I had thought I killed him.“You…” he groaned, trying to crawl toward me, reaching for my foot. But before he could get close, I turned and ran—bolting out the door and down the hallway, my torn nightie flapping behind me, barely covering my body.I didn’t stop. Not even when I passed Aunt Diane, who was sitting in the foyer, lazily smoking her pipe. She sat up fast, sensing something was wrong. But I didn’t wait for her to ask. I just kept running.Because I knew that attacking an elite meant so much trouble for me. I was so done for. Once I burst through the gates and out onto the road, barefoot and shaking, I stopped in the middle of the street, my chest heaving. My ears rang with the sound of rushi
NYXTrigger Warning: This chapter contains scenes of attempted assault and may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with caution.~~~~After a while, I finished showering. The cold water stung the open cuts on my back from Aunt Diane’s whip, making me flinch every time it touched my skin. I bit back the tears, trying not to cry as I washed the blood away.Once I was done, I changed into the usual lingerie I wore on nights like this—thin, see-through, and short. It stopped just above my thighs, showing the lace panties and bra I wore underneath. I hated it. But I didn’t have a choice.I sat in front of the mirror, spraying some perfume on my neck and wrists. The smell filled the air, sweet and heavy. My stomach twisted, and I felt sick. My eyes were full of tears, but I held them back. I just stared at the broken girl looking back at me in the mirror.This was when I always blamed my mother. The anger inside me burned. If she had been a real mother, none of this would be hap