Se connecterPov LaylaThe next morning, after a hearty breakfast, I begin my morning routine with a jog through the forest. I encounter several pack members who greet me with a nod, which I return. My bare feet have grown accustomed to the uneven earth and sudden branches, so I decided to leave my shoes behind to fully enjoy nature’s sensations. I quickly complete my usual route and head to the school. I want to make sure everything is fine since the little drama near the river. The teachers welcome me warmly, and we talk for a long while. My desire to be useful is so strong that the two women convince me to accept a part-time job in youth training. I still need to speak to Maverick about it, but I want to invest in their education and teach them all the wonderful little things in life. I love children, and knowing they are safe and happy helps both my wolf and me rebuild.After saying goodbye to the teachers, I head toward the main house. Having taught two lessons to the older cubs, the morning
Pov LaylaThe whip lashes me brutally from behind, for the ninth time in a row. Even though I knew it was coming, the pain doesn’t lessen. The mixed smell of urine and blood rises in waves up my throat, and I feel like I’m about to vomit. But the worst is his treacherous breath against my burning skin. I feel his rough lips sliding over my neck, where my mate’s mark should have been. I knew he wanted to claim me, but the Alpha had left this final barrier between us. This must be the only thing I’m grateful for. His sadistic laughter fills the dark cellar, followed by the sound of chains. What else will his twisted imagination conjure to torment me more? Aren’t the lashes enough? Should I beg him?"Tututu... Don’t move too much, my little soulmate, or you’ll aggravate your injuries, and we’ll have to stop the festivities sooner than expected. I intend to mark your body a little more, so you can dream of me in your nightmares."The cold metal slides over my ankles. I feel them being spr
Pov LaylaSeveral days passed in a dead calm. The summer was growing hotter and hotter, with temperatures rising toward the upper limits of tolerance. To counter these inconveniences, the Cub Scout school mornings were held near the river, a kilometer from the main wooden establishment. Unfortunately, I had heard that they often ended in chaos because there were not enough teachers for the number of cubs. Since the new arrivals had come and many adults were requisitioned to monitor the borders, several adjustments had to be made. Even Maverick and the betas could not manage to take turns efficiently.One morning, I decided to help as best as I could. After all, I was the Luna of this pack, and it was time for me to behave as such. Reaching the place where the classes were being held, I could hear the screams of cubs in disarray and two women who seemed overwhelmed, on the verge of a nervous breakdown.From a distance, the scene could have seemed funny. About fifty cubs of all ages, fr
Pov LaylaThe awakening had been brutal and much too early for my liking. I had gotten used to sleeping all morning because of my night work, unfortunately the noises of my pack mates had woken me up in the middle of the morning. Complaining was not in my habits, so I took my courage in both hands, and I decided to go have breakfast, then I would go running in the woods, to reclaim the place.Still a little in the fog, I rushed down to the kitchen and made myself a coffee. The hot liquid flowed down my throat, putting my neurons back in place for this new day. The worktop was resplendent with cleanliness, no edible food visible on the spot, and I had no idea what I could make for breakfast. Opening the fridge, I noticed a plate surrounded by protective film, placed in the center with a little note stuck on top:"For my beautiful mate. Enjoy this sunny day. Maverick"To say I was surprised would have been an understatement. My jaw nearly dropped to the floor in shock at my discovery. I
Pov MaverickThe way back to the pack had been a real torture for my nerves. Smelling her vanilla scent in the cabin had almost made the beast come out. I had to use all my concentration and experience to keep it under control and not jump on my mate right away. What would she think of me if that had been the case? I didn't want her to see me as a heartless creature, who only wanted her body. I had come to terms with it during her absence, I had her under my skin, and even a little in my heart. During all those long hours of travel, I had not tried to talk to her. First, because I was afraid of losing control, but also quite simply because I didn't know what to say to her. Should I ask her how her day was or how she was feeling right now? It all seemed so unnatural and wrong. I was going to have to ask my sister for advice again...When I arrived at the pack, I had felt that quite a few people were waiting for her on the steps, so I had preferred to isolate myself in my office to rega
Pov LaylaThe drive to the pack took longer than expected, and was spent in heavy silence. The weather conditions weren't exactly in our favor, and at one point I even thought we'd have to spend the night in a motel, to wait out the storm. Honestly, if that had been the case, I would have been more than embarrassed. Sure, I had agreed to become Maverick's mate and Luna, but under no circumstances did I want him to think that I was his to take so easily. He was going to have to show me some proof that he really took our "relationship" seriously. Because if he decided to back out and choose another woman as his mate, I think this time I wouldn't react as kindly as I did by running away.The question ultimately doesn't know how to ask, because at the end of the afternoon, I find the features of the forest that had hurt me so much, but also allowed me to grow and find real life mates. As I pass the limits of the territory, I see many more guards than usual at the entrance. I know that Fre







