Selene povWalking into the tavern, everything seemed to still. Conversations died, cups froze mid-air, and every eye turned to us.They definitely weren’t expecting their Alpha…especially not with a girl like me by his side.Ignoring everyone, he walked straight to the receptionist…a beautiful girl with the same rich dark skin as his. She was smiling like she’d just won a trophy.“What brings you here today, Alpha?” she asked, completely ignoring me.“I need a room,” he said simply. “Somewhere I can stay till tomorrow.”Giving me a dirty look, she walked over to the board filled with keys, grabbed one, and handed it to him.“I’m sorry, there’s just one room,” she said….speaking only to him, like I wasn’t even there.“Don’t worry, we’ll stay together,” he said casually.“What?” she snapped, her mouth falling open like someone had just slapped her.Her eyes flicked to me, then back to him, disbelief written all over her face.I couldn’t help the small smirk that tugged at my lips.But
Selene povI heard a low rumble above me…it was deep and threatening in a way that sent chills down my spine.I pushed hard, trying to shove the weight off me, but the wolf only growled louder, his jaws snapping close to my face like a warning.Realizing I had no other choice, I shifted back into my human form, collapsing onto the cold earth, breathless and shaking.The wolf towering above me shifted a second later, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp eyes and a firm stance. He stepped back slightly but didn’t let his guard down.“Luna?” he said cautiously, still watching me like I might bolt.“I’m part of the military wolves,” he added, voice low. “Alpha Kael ordered a special watch on the border today… in case you tried to pass.”My chest tightened, fury and shame clashing inside me.Of course, he would already be aware of my absence.Kael was many things, but a fool wasn’t one of them. Even as kids, he was always one step ahead…he was the calculating, quiet, and dange
Selene povI paced around the room, feeling everything I didn’t know was possible.I felt hatred so much of it I could barely breathe. Hot and sharp anger ,beneath my skin.Disappointment, so heavy it dragged at my chest.But most of all, self-reproach.For letting someone drag me out of the life I was surviving, out of the place I had clawed through pain to call my own.I stopped by the window, gripping the frame tightly as the cold breeze hit my skin.I looked out at the world beyond the park house.From here, I could see the forest…faintly…resting far beyond the borders.The rogue lands.Rogues weren’t allowed to stay in any town for long.Yes, we could sneak in for food or medicine occasionally, but we couldn’t belong.We couldn’t mind-link.We couldn’t be claimed by a pack like normal wolves.Some wolves didn’t make it.Some went mad.Because it’s in our nature to belong to a pack, to a bond, to something.And when that’s taken away… the beast inside claws for control.I wondere
Kael’s POVI turned to walk out, trying to ignore the look of disappointment on her face.Clutching my chest, I made my way to my room, trying to shut out the painful feeling spreading through me like slow poison.And this wasn’t because of the blood bond between us.This was different.It was because of the hurt on my mate’s face.I walked down the long hall, trying to block out the sound of my wolf.He was clawing at my chest, growling at me to go back…To claim her.To protect her from the pain I keep causing.But I can’t do that ,not now.Elera stood at the end of the hall, right outside my door, wearing that same smug smile I wanted to rip off her face.She looked so much like Selene…,But how could two sisters be so different?.I ignored her, walking straight into my room.She walked in too, shutting the door behind her.Without a word, she came closer, wrapping her hands around me from behind as we both faced the mirror.“You made the right choice handing the banquet over to me
Selene pov“So the first lady is Lady Cassy,” Maria said, pointing to the top name on the list.I didn’t tell her I could read.“She’s a beta wolf,” Maria continued. “A skilled healer. She is a bit quiet but smart. Knows a lot about pack history and rituals. She’ll be useful.”I nodded slowly, already picturing her face in the group. I wasn’t looking for status. I needed people who knew what they were doing.“The next lady is Lady Alexa,” Maria said.“Someone I personally know and recommend.”She didn’t say more than that, but I could tell Maria trusted her. That was enough for now.She spent a few more minutes walking me through the rest of the names, pointing out details…who was from which house, what they were known for, and which ones had served in the pack house before. I listened, nodding where it mattered, but it was a lot to take in.Still, I was trying.I crossed my legs and leaned forward.“So what else do I need to know apart from the ladies-in-waiting?” I asked Maria.She
Selene pov“Luna, are you okay?” Maria asked, rushing in the moment Kael stepped out.She froze when her eyes landed on me, noticing I was bare under the sheets. Her cheeks flushed deep red, and she immediately looked away, fidgeting with the hem of her apron.I didn’t blame her. Walking into such a scene can be quite distressing.“It’s fine,” I said softly, tugging the blanket higher. “You can look at me now. She peeked up nervously, and I offered a small, tired smile. I could see the questions on her face, but to her credit, she kept them to herself.“I’m sorry,” Maria said, flustered. “I didn’t think to help you out of your clothes. I just… I’ve never seen that kind of reaction before.”I let out a soft sigh, leaning back against the pillows. “It’s fine, Maria. I was just feeling a bit sick, that’s all.”She looked at me, unconvinced. Her brows were pinched, lips pressed together like she wanted to ask more but didn’t know how. I appreciated that she was trying to respect the line