TEMPTING THE DARK MAN

Hazel Life has not been kind to me since my parents were exiled. Everything changed the day the Alpha declared them traitors and banished them to the merciless Zanzu Desert. Since then, the pack has treated me as if their crime runs through my blood. I endure sneers, whispers, and cruel stares wherever I go. Even the children who once played with me now throw insults as though it is their duty. The bullying comes from almost everyone in the pack, and no one stops it. My only friend, Ariana, changed too. I understand why. She is the Alpha’s only daughter. Being seen with me now would stain her perfect image — the image of a future Luna. Associating with the daughter of so-called traitors would damage her standing in the pack. So she avoids me. She does not meet my eyes anymore. And though it hurts more than I will ever admit, I do not blame her. What hurts even more is the work. I work harder than any of the other pack maids, yet I receive the harshest punishments. No mistake is

*Hazel * THE NEXT DAY — THE BIRTHDAY PARTY Today’s work was especially exhausting because of the overnight preparations for the birthday celebration. Everyone was tired and stressed, but no one dared complain. Now, at last, the party had begun. Tonight would determine my fate. Tonight, I would escape. My thoughts drifted to the backpack hidden beneath the servants’ wardrobe — the one I had prepared in secret. Everything I needed was inside it. The venue quickly filled with guests. Laughter, music, and chatter spread across the clearing while the servants continued their duties, moving swiftly from table to table. Everything looked perfect. It had to get even more crowded. Everyone needed to be distracted for my plan to succeed. When the Alpha and his daughter finally arrived, the crowd erupted in applause. I stayed at the edge of the gathering, where no one paid attention to me. I waited. When I was sure no one was watching, I slipped away. The backpack was still the

Alpha Bruno “Your father, the former Alpha before you, betrayed the pack and caused a disaster years ago. That is why your pack suffers now. This will not end unless you renew your allegiance with the Dark Silver Pack.” The Alpha King’s Beta delivered the words with a cruel smile after I refused to leave without an answer. “We lost many soldiers and servants during the war,” I replied tightly. “Our resources are nearly gone. What do you want in exchange for this alliance?” “Your daughter,” he said — then laughed hysterically. My fists clenched. The air around me trembled with my rage. “You—” I growled. “Alpha, don’t,” my Beta warned, gripping my arm. I said nothing for the rest of the journey home. They had struck where it would hurt most. When we returned, I locked myself inside the privacy chamber. I knew I could not afford another war. Our soldiers were wounded, our numbers reduced, and our supplies dangerously low. One more battle would wipe the Scarred Red Pack from exi

*Hazel* I do not know what the Dark Silver Pack has in store for me, but I will not cower. Whatever awaits me, I will survive. Night had already fallen, and the journey dragged on endlessly. Every mile felt longer than the last, each shadow seeming to stretch toward me like fingers trying to pull me back. How much easier this would have been if I could shift — to run in my wolf form, to cover ground quickly and silently. But I could not, and so I trudged on, exhausted, yet determined. The forest around me darkened with each step. The only sound was the creak of the carriage wheels on the road and the occasional call of distant wolves. My heart beat loudly in my chest, every thump echoing in my ears as though warning me of something I could not yet see. But no matter the fear, no matter the unknown, I would not break.* Orion* I burst out of the woods, my legs carrying me faster than I had ever moved before. Then I smelled her. Her scent struck me like fire — sweet, intoxicating

*Hazel* It was already late at night. Mira prepared my bath while Bella arranged my meal on the small table near the window. The soft glow of lantern light filled the room, casting warm shadows on the walls. I could not help but smile as Mira continued to talk, sharing stories about her childhood, her siblings, and the simple joys of her life. She was so lucky — a full family, laughter, warmth. Bella, on the other hand, remained mostly quiet, though she occasionally chuckled at Mira’s jokes, her lips twitching in quiet amusement. Their energy lifted something inside me that had been buried for far too long. Their loyalty and kindness gave me confidence I thought I had lost. “My lady should sleep now,” Bella said gently when the night had deepened. “It is getting late. We will return to our quarters. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call.” “You girls can sleep here with me,” I suggested quickly. “The bed is large enough for all of us. I do not wish to be alone tonig