LIAM’S POVThe silence after Natalie said those words was deafening.I thought I misheard but she said it again.She took a deep breath then said, “I, Natalie, reject you as my mate.”The moment she said it, something inside me cracked wide open.My wolf howled in agony, clawing at me from the inside. He was furious and heartbroken.I gritted my teeth through the pain. I didn’t want anyone to notice.I didn’t accept her rejection. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.I turned around like a man possessed.I stormed out of the room and into the courtyard, needing to unleash this wildfire inside me. And there she was—Jannie, standing with one of the guards like nothing had happened.It looked like they were both talking about something.My vision blurred with rage.“You think this is a joke?” I barked, walking toward her.Jannie turned “Liam, what—”I didn’t let her finish.I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away from the soldier.She gasped, stumbling backward until I shoved her to the ground.
NATALIE’S POVI had never been the type to question kindness, especially when it came wrapped in a smile and warm gestures.So when Jannie had asked me to meet her in the forest that evening, promising a surprise, I didn’t hesitate.She’d been so nice lately. She had been sweet and supportive to me so far.I had no reason to think otherwise about her.She listened to me, laughed with me, even defended me once in front of a pack member who mocked me subtly. She felt like a friend. And honestly, I needed one.“I’ll show you something beautiful,” she had said earlier that afternoon. Her fingers brushed my arm lightly. “Something I think you’ll really love. Just meet me near the birch tree at the east end of the woods, just before dusk.”And so I went.The air was cooler out there, and I could see the setting sun through the leaves.I followed the path she had described, deeper and deeper, until I reached the bench she mentioned. But the spot was quiet, too quiet.No sign of Jannie.I wai
LIAM’S POVThe days blurred.Since the last attack, I hadn’t had a moment’s peace.I barely slept. I barely ate. My claws were still stained from the border clash—rogues again.They came fast, clever this time, like they’d studied our patrols and found a hole in our formation.We lost two warriors. One was barely nineteen.I had buried him myself.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his mother’s face. I could still hear her sobbing. She told me he wanted to be like me. Brave like me.Brave.I felt anything but brave.Since Natalie fainted, I’d kept my distance.Not because I didn’t care. Not because I didn’t think about her every damn second. But because every time I looked into her eyes, I saw the truth: I wasn’t good for her. I didn’t know how to be what she needed.And I couldn’t risk my enemies seeing how much she meant to me.If they ever figured out Natalie was my weakness, my mate… I’d never forgive myself.And then there was Jannie.She’d always been there.Ever since we were p
NATALIE’S POVI expected her to leave like Iris had asked. Instead, she smiled sweetly, stepping into the room like she belonged here.“Oh no. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she said in a soft, gentle voice. She smiled at Catherine and Iris then her eyes landed on me, “You must be Natalie.”I blinked, caught off guard by how nice she was. “Yes…”“I’m Jannie,” she said. She walked forward and held out her hand. Her skin was soft and cold. Her eyes were too bright. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”Iris didn’t hide her annoyance. She glared at Jannie like she might pounce at any moment.“I was just thinking about you earlier,” Jannie said with a light chuckle, “Liam’s not the easiest man to deal with. He’s… intense, stubborn. He acts cold when he’s confused, and let’s be honest, he’s never had a Luna before. He doesn’t really know how to handle being mated.”My heart skipped.“I hope you’re not angry with him,” she added, touching my arm gently. “He’s just
NATALIE’S POVWhen I woke up, my body felt like it had been hit by a truck.Every inch of me was sore, drained, and cold.My eyes opened and I could barely move.The white ceiling above me was unfamiliar, but the scent in the air told me I was still in the Pack house.I could hear some voices that were echoing. Not just voices—arguing.“Iris, enough!” Liam’s deep voice snapped.“You’re heartless, Liam,” Iris shot back. “Do you even care what she’s going through? You bonded with her! She’s your mate and you married her! The pack rules are one thing, but you’re treating her like she’s nothing!”“She is weak,” Liam growled, “The Pack would never accept a weak Luna. I can’t afford to look soft. Especially now.”“She almost died, Liam!” Iris screamed. “If she receives another shock like this, she might not survive it! Her body isn’t stable, and you’re the reason she keeps breaking!”I heard a loud crash—probably something being knocked off the table.I tried to push myself up and I could f
LIAM’S POVThe door to my office clicked shut behind me.I didn't bother turning on the lights. The moonlight coming in from the tall window was enough.It had been a long, excruciating day — filled with fake smiles, the stupid wedding, and the suffocating presence of a girl I didn’t ask for.I poured myself a glass of scotch, slumped into the leather chair behind my desk, and leaned back with a sigh. I hadn’t even taken a full sip before the scent of lavender hit my nose.Jannie.Of course.She didn't knock. She never did.“Well,” her voice came. She sounded sultry and confident, as usual as she shut the door behind her, “I was wondering how long I’d have to wait before you sent for me.”I didn’t respond.Instead, I stood up, closed the distance between us, grabbed her waist, and crashed my lips against hers.It was automatic. Thoughtless. It was a fucking old familiar routine that never failed to drown out the noise in my head.Jannie responded instantly. Her fingers tangled in my h