Lucien’s POV"You have lost your damn mind! This is the most stupid thing I have heard!” I yelled at Alpha Kael, who stood across the room.Yes, my voice was dangerously calm, but with the way I stared at Kael, he would know that I wasn’t going to tolerate this.Kael tried to laugh, but there was nothing amusing about it. I was more than angry.If I had known that this was what he wanted to say, I wouldn’t have allowed him into my space.Can you imagine? He was proposing a 20% rule for my pack members. If they don't contribute their quota, they would be exiled. Kael's arms were folded across his chest, his stance a little too cocky.Just as I suspected, he was waiting for me to come to my senses and agree with him."The 20% rule makes a lot of sense and I don't know why you can't see it," he continued, stroking his jaw slowly. "A pack only grows strong when its members are forced to contribute. If they can’t give, they don’t belong. It’s survival, Lucien. The weak will only drag us d
IreneThings were not getting better with me, and my health kept declining.The drugs were not working, and I didn’t need anyone's pity.As I kept convincing myself that I didn’t have to tell Lucien how I felt, my stomach twisted painfully.The nausea hadn’t stopped for days, and I didn’t know what to do about it.I pressed my hand against my abdomen, forcing myself to breathe through the discomfort, but it felt like knives were stabbing me from within.I refused to go to the hospital.I didn’t need Lucien’s concern. I didn’t need him to ask me questions, or worse, his sympathy.I didn’t need a nurse poking into my private life.I wasn’t ready to hear the word pregnant again because it was only going to make matters worse.“No. I wouldn’t go to the hospital,” I said, shaking my head.I would handle this like I handled everything else.But even after struggling with all that, it wasn’t the sickness that made my hands tremble now.It was the conversation I had overheard.Lucien and Kael
Irene’s POV"I don’t want to hear it, Kael. Anything you have to tell me, please save it," I said to Alpha Kael, who was trying everything within his power to sweet-talk me.I didn’t bother hiding how irritated I was, and it showed in my voice. I didn’t owe him anything.I already knew what to do about this, and I had made my decision.Kael stood there, looking like he had a lot to say.Unfortunately for him, I wasn’t going to listen to any of it. He was only trying to sway me."Listen, Irene. This is a very critical topic. Saying that you don't want to hear anything I have to say sounds a little damaging," he said, and I sighed, shaking my head."I'm sorry, Kael, but I'm actually not sorry. I am not here trying to make you feel better," I answered, and his lips broke into a dangerous smile.He looked so sure of himself, like the world was beneath his feet. Like he could convince anyone of anything.But not me. He was not going to get to me today. I have done everything possible to sa
Irene’s POV"He’s not as strong as he thinks. Can't you all see? Even your Alpha can't stand up to me!" Kael kept shouting to the people who watched, his voice echoing in public. He flexed his muscles in their faces, his confidence as bold as his voice.He was behaving like a little child and it made me worried. The duel was yet to begin, yet he kept bragging to the onlookers, claiming he was very powerful.I decided not to stay hidden in the shadows, choosing instead to listen as he spoke to a few pack members. He sounded so confident, parading himself before the people like he was already certain of victory.Everything about him annoyed me, and I wasn’t sure I could stand him any longer.“Lucien may be Alpha,” Kael said with his chin lifted high with so much arrogance, “but that title won’t protect him when we meet on the field. Strength isn’t just about force. It’s about influence and power. And I have got both.”A few low chuckles rumbled from his audience, and the sound made my
LucienI couldn't sit still no matter how hard I tried.My legs kept moving and my foot tapped the floor continuously.I ran my hand through my hair, pulling it a little too hard, but it didn't help. Nothing helped at this point.“Shit,” I muttered, low at first. Then again, I said it louder. “Shit!”I stood up and started pacing around. I smacked my hand against the wall, the sound sounded so sharp and angry, but it didn't make me feel better.I was so agitated.And nothing seemed to be working for me. I hated feeling this way.“Damn it!” I crackled, and the words came out sharply and sounded bitter as the burn of liquor slid down my throat.I hated how all these made me feel, making me feel like less of a man and more of a fool.But it was the truth, wasn’t it? Irene didn’t care. She never had.I slammed the empty glass that once contained whisky down, and the sharp clatter rang in my ears.The bottle of whiskey sat half-finished on the table, and with a few more gulps, I would be d
Irene"I can't keep doing this," I whispered, though I wasn't sure if I was saying it to him or to myself.Lucien’s hand paused mid-air, hovering over my cheek. He had just tried to kiss me, and now, that was all I could think of.My breath kept coming out in gasps, and I felt the tension pressing down my neck.My wolf howled inside me, yearning for him, pulling me toward the very thing I knew I shouldn’t want.But I stepped back.His eyes darkened, confusion and pain swirling within them."Irene..." he called and continued. "I…"I cut him off with a shake of my head. I didn’t need that now."Don’t, Lucien. Please, don't say a word. As you can see, I don't need it.”But he wasn’t the kind of man who could be turned away so easily.He tightened his fist and almost left me to drown in the silence. But then, he spoke, and his soft voice reached my ears."I’m sorry for everything. I'm sorry for hurting you," he pleaded. "Please, Irene. Forgive me."Why was he suddenly asking me for forgiv
IreneI had a lot of things to say to Camilla, but none of it was coming out now. We were at the mall, and we had to sort ourselves out as ladies first.“I don’t think I can do this,” I said to her, making sure my voice was loud enough for her to hear.Right now, I was staring at my reflection in the dressing room mirror. I wanted to look good as I stepped out to get a few things.Camilla, on the other hand, was sitting on a nearby couch as if she had all the time in the world. She lifted her eyes to meet mine, and I knew she was about to say a lot when she cleared her throat.“You can and you will,” she said, her voice firm, as though it was law. “You just don’t know it yet. Very soon.”I sighed and turned back to the mirror.The dress I was wearing was one of my favorites, and it clung to my body. It was dark, sleek, and relatively expensive.It hugged my curves like it was made just for me.I wouldn’t deny it. The dress was beautiful and perfect. And yet, I wasn’t sure if I recogni
Irene“What the hell was going on here?” I muttered to myself, asking no one in particular.I stood at the grand entrance of the house because I had just gotten back home.I had not expected to come home to a scene like this. Everywhere was rowdy, and so many people were moving about.It looked like a party was going on, but I wasn’t quite sure. The sound of glasses clinking against each other gave it away, and I could also hear slow music playing in the background.“A party?” I asked myself, but I didn’t want to conclude because I was not aware of one.I glanced around, trying to make sense of what was happening.I had only gone out for a short while with Camilla, and now it felt like the house had transformed into something else.Immediately, I spotted a maid passing by and called her over.“Excuse me,” I said. “What’s going on here?”The maid stopped, looking at me, and quickly lowered her eyes, clearly trying to avoid eye contact.“There is a gathering, Miss Irene. The Alpha is ho
Irene's POVI sat cross-legged on the bed, my fingers absently trailing over the hem of the gown sample laid beside me. A maid had dropped it off hours ago, it was a gift from the council of Elders. The mating ceremony was about a week away, and the house buzzed with preparations—flowers, fabrics, feasts. It was exciting. I loved all the attention I got, but Lucien had grown distant, distracted.He was still here, assuring me that he cared, but it had changed. A knock came and Lucien stepped in. He looked tense, but he still managed to give me a soft smile."You're awake," he said.“I waited.” I rose slowly. “You missed dinner again. What's going on Lucien? Did I do something wrong?”His eyes clouded, a fleeting look of hurt flickered across his face. “Oh, Irene.” He pulled me to the bed and we sat down. “Is that how I made you feel?”I nodded and he continued. “I'm sorry, my love. I was hurting you unintentionally.” He brushed a hand through his hair. “There’s been… something to fo
Irene“Lucien, did you cook again?” I asked as I smelt the rich and buttery scent of something. My brows lifted when I stepped into the room. There it was, laid out in its glory: a large plate of pasta and chicken on the small table near the window.“My queen, it's all yours.” Lucien chuckled like a kid who just got his first bicycle. I blinked, stunned. “What is all this about?”“Don’t freak out,” he said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “I only burned one thing this time and it's still good. The chicken is tender.”I laughed, the sound bubbling out before I could stop it. “Why did you keep cooking, Lucien?”He shrugged, as if it were no big deal. “You’re too beautiful to be stressed. I wanted to give you something back. Besides…” He stepped closer, voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “I think I’m improving.”“You are,” I murmured, staring at the food. My heart fluttered—because he cared too much. The first time he’d cooked for me, it had been a disaster.“Common,” he had s
Irene pov A month later, peace had finally returned to the pack and I could finally breathe. The air shifted and changed into something better and less contaminated. During that same time, I had been working really hard to gain the trust of the pack. "You know they're calling you 'The Gentle Luna' now, right?" Camila said, grinning as she handed me a mug of tea. I blinked and paused for a while. "Wait, what? Seriously?" I asked and She nodded at me. Her eyes were full of excitement. "It's spreading. The news is spreading outside the pack house. Even the traders in the market were saying how kind you were to the orphanage. Someone even mentioned you helped a little girl fix her broken doll. I'm so proud of you, sweetbreads,” she revealed and I chuckled, feeling warmth rise in my chest. "I didn't think people noticed that. This has to be very lovely news!” "Well, they did. And they are talking about it and they are doing that In a good way." That morning sunlight came i
Lucien “It is done, Alpha.” The guards assured me about Malcolm's additional punishment already carried out. I felt at peace at last. The traitors had been punished, and the pack would begin to heal. Though Kael was still out there, I knew he was no match for me, especially since his actions had been so wildly spread. If he were to ever be seen, he would not escape my wrath.The pack members would see that he was duly executed. Left to him, I would have killed him. He touched Irene and that alone should have made me behead him myself. Irene joined me in our room after talking to Silas. I was content that they were bonding well. She came to meet me on the bed, her warmth a gentle reminder of why I shouldn't bother about anything. She was cool, she was ice and she was fire. As we rested, Irene asked. “Lucien, why did you spare the council member's lives? I mean, you had every right to kill them, but you didn't. That's the punishment for traitors, death.”I looked at her, my eyes sea
Lucien“Long live the Alpha, long live the Alpha.”The crowd cheered loudly, content about the verdict I gave each of the traitors. It was the hardest for me to do. Tos sentence all seven of the council of Elders, but I was sure that was the right thing to do.“It's time for Malcolm Stark's verdict!” One of the guards announced. The ground fell silent as the elders were led away, their fate sealed. I nodded to the guards, my voice firm. "Bring Malcolm in."The guards returned with Malcolm, his eyes gleaming with desperation and anger. He wasn't remorseful. He didn't even reflect on what he had done. To him, he was right and everyone was wrong. He stood tall, his shoulders squared, but I saw the faintest tremble in his lips. As he faced me, his gaze darted around the room, searching for an ally or an escape.“If you're looking for where to run to, I assure you that you wouldn't move two feet without getting stabbed in your neck, so, relax and be good.” I said. The guards chained him
LucienPeris would receive his judgement today. And then the council of Elders too. I didn't want to judge them altogether. I was going to hear each and everyone's side of the story. To me, that was fair and just. I was dressed and ready for the day when Irene came to stand by my side. "It's time for Peris's judgment," I said, my voice firm.She placed a hand on my arm, her eyes searching mine. "I wish you luck, my love,” she took a pause and went on. “Peris is not a man of many words, Lucien. He is timid and loyal, in his own way. Perhaps you should allow him to speak for himself. He might not even understand half of the plan.”I nodded, considering her words. When Silas and I had been listening to the conversation they had in Kael's house, Peris seemed like the last person to understand the plan. He wasn't much of a contributor, just a sleeping accomplice. "Very well," I said. "I'll hear him out. But, why am I feeling like you want me to spare him?”She laughed. “No, silly. I know
Irene's POVI closed the door softly behind Lucien, his kiss still lingered on my lips. He said he wanted to meet with some pack members, to reassure them after the chaos of the arrest.He seemed relieved at least. That was all that mattered to me. Apart from the butterflies tingling at the pit of my belly, I was fine. It was late now and all I wanted was Lucien's presence with me. To hold me, kiss me, and feel me. I couldn't ever get enough of him. He was my strength and my weakness.A knock broke through my thoughts and I answered.“Come in,” I said, rising to my feet, heart thudding for a reason I didn't know.The door creaked open, and Silas stepped inside. He stood, his eyes somber, rimmed with guilt and sadness. He looked pale. I hadn't forgotten that he had been stabbed, his arm had been bandaged.“Silas, are you okay? You look so pale.” I said, already moving closer to him. “Did you eat at all?”“Irene,” he said, his voice low. “Can I talk to you?I nodded slowly and motione
Lucien's POV“Take them to the dungeon, make sure their screams don't disturb the peace of the house.” I ordered, my words heavy and final.The guards began to pull Malcolm, Peris, and the Elders forward, their hands were bound and their heads were lowered for the first time in years. The crowd parted for them, watchful. If not for the guards, I'm sure the pack wouldn't hesitate to kill them with their claws.Malcolm was the first to open his mouth. He was never the type to accept defeat when it came.“This is madness, Lucien!” he barked, fighting against the guards as they shoved him forward. “You’re letting emotion cloud your judgment. This is not the way of the council! You can't just discard us like that, this is barbaric!”I stepped forward, my gaze not leaving him. “You taught me the ways of this council. You knew everything, didn't you? But you still failed to live by your teachings. It's over, Malcolm.”His eyes narrowed, but before he could speak again, the eldest member of
Irene's POVI tried to sleep. The warmth of the blanket should have comforted me, but my instincts prickled beneath my skin. I was too restless. The bond between Lucien and I hummed with something heavy.Then I heard it—his voice, cold and full of command.“BOW DOWN!”“Lucien?” I echoed, and sat up instantly. My breath was caught in my throat. That wasn't a command whispered in private. That was Lucien's Alpha voice; the kind he'd used on Silas the first time we met. He told me to stay inside, but that was the last thing to do. I threw the blankets off and dressed quickly, tugging a robe over my body. I left the room and ran down the hall. I met a few guards posted around.“What's going on?” I asked breathlessly.The guards looked at themselves before one of them answered. “Alpha Lucien is exposing the traitors. The Council of Elders are being arrested.”“What?” I was shocked. Lucien hadn't said anything like that this morning. Why had he asked me not to come out? I didn't wait for