ELIZA’S POVFinally the D-Day that I had been waiting for had arrived.It was the day that Derek, Maya and I were to appear before the Lycan king for the annulment ceremony.The day that I was ready to make my own when I triumphed over Derek.Well, at night, seeing that the moon was already high up in the sky.It seemed unreal at the moment but I couldn't help but smile when I walked up the stairs of the castle, ready to get my victory.As I walked in, the walls and ambience of the castle still drew me in, not changed at all from how it was the last time I came here.Regardless of my excitement, the palace halls seemed to close in around me, each step echoing with the weight of months of betrayal and frustration.Betrayal carried out by the man I called my husband.I shook my head, my blood warming up when I heard that shrill voice of the people I hated most in this world.“I see you made it." Derek’s voice cut through the awkward silence as we came to a stop in front of the doors of
ALEXANDER’S POVI remembered how the wind rushed past me, my wolf's energy intertwining with my own and driving me forward with an urgency that bordered on desperation.Every muscle, every instinct screamed that I needed to return to the capital—to her.I swerved my car around a bend, not bothering to check if anyone was coming. I had one thought on my mind.I needed to get to Eliza.I needed to see her.Memories of Eliza cascaded through my mind like fragmented scenes from a dream as I speed through the highways.Her strength, her fire, the way she had once looked at me—before everything fell apart.The way she commanded our legions when we trained. I can remember it vividly.“Close the flanks. Don't let the enemy through the gates.” She commanded as we were about to be raided on a journey.The troops followed her every command and although I wasn't there for the fight, the troops came back unscathed, praising her for her leadership.It was another one of the reasons that I was drawn
ELIZA’S POV“I challenge you to a duel. A tribute to win her favor.” The mystery man said to Derek, his sword drawn and aimed for my ex-husband’s jugular.Derek’s face went pale for a moment before he grimaced, shocked that the man had the audacity to challenge him to a fight because of me.His eyes were trained on the blade, watching for any sign of attacks but I could smell the hint of fear that radiated off him.His opponent was stronger. Derek wouldn’t stand a chance and he knew it.I smiled to myself, amused by the attempt of this man to do everything to win me over even if it meant cutting Derek down in the presence of our king.I couldn’t help but admire his boldness, even if I didn’t want blood spilled over me.His body was taut as his blade stood high and I could clearly see that he was strong. He looked impressive, wielding that sword regardless of who he was about to cut down for my hand in marriage.I stopped smiling, mentally berating myself for thinking of him in such a
ELIZA’S POVThe early morning sun cast long shadows across the palace courtyard as I walked out of the building, purse in hand and a proud look on my face.I had a pep in my step as I walked down those steps, my heart high that I had gotten what I wanted from the meeting with the king.It wasn’t everything I wanted but it was a step in the right direction.My morning was going great but just as the universe always reminds me, there’s always evil lurking around. A notion that was made evident by the voice that reached my ears."Leaving so soon, little mutt?" Derek’s mundane voice scraped against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.I didn’t need to turn around to picture the smirk on his face or the way that Maya would be clinging to his arm like a designer accessory even though they had just received the shock of their life.My wolf stirred beneath my skin, her hackles raised in apprehension.“Tear them limb from limb. Let’s show them what we’re capable of Eliza.” She said to me, her
ELIZA’S POV“We need to talk.” I spoke into the phone, wanting to get to the bottom of Derek’s abusive call. He couldn’t accuse me of trying to harm his mother when I had no hand in it.“Eliza?” Diana’s voice came through the phone, her voice sounding weaker than when I left her and yet still snarky.“It’s me. What’s going on? Your son called me.” I told her, shifting in the tub.Diana’s once calm voice went sharp as she spoke up again.“What’s going on?” She seemed to ask through gritted teeth. “Dr. Ardan is gone.” Diana ended, her breathing on the other line getting heavy.The venom in her tone didn’t surprise me considering the way we left things but it still stung. Just a bit."Gone?" I asked, puzzled at her words. "What do you mean, gone?""What do you think I mean?" Diana snapped at me, causing me to roll my eyes."He packed up and left, just like you did. No warning, no explanation. Just... gone.""So Ardan just... left?" I asked, surprised at the revelation.Ardan had been loy
ELIZA’S POVMy heels clicked across the tiled floor as I entered the damned building once more.My last home in the Crescent Moon Pack.Yes, I had come back to fulfill some rites and although it was needed, I couldn’t fully say that I wanted to be here.I walked through the lobby, getting some looks and or greeting from some of the staff that passed.I was about to make my way to the guest room when one of the staff walked up to me, her head bowed in respect.“Luna, uh, I mean…” She stuttered, not really sure what to call me again when the news of my annulment from the Alpha had spread far and wide in the pack.“Eliza will do.” I informed her, not wanting to put her in such a difficult situation. She seemed to calm down with my words and looked up at me.“Alpha Derek’s mother, Mrs. Diana, wishes to see you in her chambers.” She told me.“Now?” I asked her, frustrated that I was being summoned when I just got here.The woman gave me a nod that made me frown.“Very well then. Can you he
ELIZA’S POVI felt a familiar presence brush against my mind as I initiated a mind link with Lily.If the financial auditor wanted to see the evidence that I had then he would get it all.The connection from the link with my former assistant hummed with urgency as I sent my silent command."Luna Eliza. What do you need me to do?" Lily asked me as soon as she felt the link, not wasting time to question why I was even contacting her in the first place."I need all the financial documents that record how much of my money and investments that I have put into the pack," I told her."You mean the secured documents?" She tried to confirm. I feigned a nod and replied."Yes. Those documents.""I'll have them up shortly," Lily informed me before I ended the link and paid attention to the scene in front of me.I didn't bother to tell Lily where I was because within minutes, she appeared at the door, clutching a thick folder of financial records to her chest.The link worked in a way that whoever
ALEXANDER’S POVHOURS EARLIERI stood at the top of the stairs watching Eliza’s retreating figure as well as Derek and his new woman as they walked away, leaving the castle.As soon as Eliza got into a car and drove away, I turned around, entering the building once more with my thoughts running through some things.As I walked through the hallways back to the throne room, I reflected on recent events.Pride swelled in my chest when I thought of Eliza's growth.She had evolved into everything I'd hoped for in a mate - her strength and determination apparent in every calculated move she'd made against Derek's corruption.The punishment from the King for Derek was disappointingly mild in my opinion compared to what he had done to Eliza but it was something.Letting Eliza move forward with her plans to rebuild her pack and also sharing the assets that they shared as he saw fit was a good blow to Derek’s ego.Yet I couldn't deny that his hubris had presented an unexpected gift - a chance t
ELIZA’S POVThe moment Alexander’s lips met mine, the world around me blurred into nothing.It was like a fire ignited in my veins, and I felt my wolf stir with a hunger I had never known before.It wasn’t just the physical connection—it was something deeper.The feeling made my entire body tremble with need. I had never felt like this with anyone before.His hands slid around my waist, pulling me against his hard sculpted body. I gasped against his lips, and he took full advantage.He used the opportunity to deepen the kiss with an intensity that made my knees weak.The taste of him sent a shudder through me, and I surrendered completely.Alexander took control effortlessly, as if he had always known exactly how to touch me, how to unravel me.My body melted into his and my arms wrapped around his neck as my fingers tangled in his hair.He groaned low in his throat. My wolf responded eager
ELIZA’S POVAlyosha’s message had been short but enough to send a chill down my spine.Alexander and I returned to his private study in silence. As soon as we stepped inside, he shut the door behind us, locking out the noise of the palace.“We both know your father won’t change his mind,” I said, forcing myself to speak first.The words were painful but they were the truth. I saw it in Alexander’s eyes—he looked frustrated.He sighed and ran his hand through his hair.“I know.” He said “I can’t believe he thinks you’re a spy. How can he say that?”I paced the room. My mind raced with different possibilities.“There’s no time to dwell on that. If he’s not going to listen to us then we need another way. Because if those reinforcements from the Western Plains arrive before we’re ready, there won’t be a battle. There will be
ELIZA’S POVThe moment the private jet landed in the capital, my heart began to race.My wolf stirred inside me at the familiar, intoxicating scent that filled the air.Even before I saw him, I knew he was here. Alexander.As I stepped off the aircraft, my eyes landed on him.At the sight of him alone, my breath hitched.He stood tall. His presence commanded attention as usual.He was dressed in a white button up shirt and black pants. His ocean blue eyes met mine, and for a moment, the entire world faded into the background.My feet moved before I could think. I was drawn to him in a way I couldn’t explain.He opened his arms, and I practically melted into them, inhaling his scent. I had never been this happy to see anyone before.“I missed you,” he murmured against my hair. His lips pressed a soft kiss to my temple.I tightened my arms around him, savoring the warmth of his body. “Me too,” I whispered.Alexander didn’t seem like the type for public displays of affection, yet he held
ALEXANDER’S POVThe moment I returned to the capital, I buried myself in royal duties.It was easier that way—easier to pretend I wasn't drowning in thoughts of her.Eliza.Her name was always in my mind. I missed her terribly. My wolf kept clawing at me, calling out for his mate.He demanded that I go back, that I claim her, that I hold her in my arms again.But I couldn't.Not yet. Duty came first, as it always had, as it always would.The grand hall was filled with nobles, generals, and high-ranking officials discussing preparations for the upcoming ceremony.The packs that had distinguished themselves in the border wars were to be honored, and as the heir to the throne, it was my responsibility to ensure every detail was executed flawlessly. But my mind drifted, betraying me.I couldn’t help but think about her.She was always in my mind.I thought of her beautiful eyes, the way she had looked at me, the way she felt in my arms, her lovely scent.Goddess, I was running mad.I coul
ELIZA’S POVI sat at my desk, recalling the messenger’s words. The news was unsettling—dangerous even—and my instincts were already on high alert.“Where is this information from?” I asked him.“It’s from Alyosha, my lady. She sent it directly from the border.”Alyosha. The name hit me.I dismissed the messenger with a wave.Alyosha was a lone she-wolf I had met during my training days.Alyosha was wild, untamed, a free spirit who had no interest in the constraints of pack life.She had always vowed to explore the continent on her own terms, and it was that very defiance that allowed her to gather critical intelligence.As much as I admired her independence, I had always known that trusting her would not be totally good.I couldn’t wait any longer. I grabbed my phone, dialed her number and pressed it to my ear.“Come on, Alyosha,” I muttered to myself, “pick up.”When she finally answered, I sighed in relief.“Eliza,” she said “To what do I owe the pleasure?”“Alyosha,” I said “I rece
ELIZA’S POVThe moment I stepped into the Derek and Maya’s banquet hall, all eyes turned to me.I could hear the gasps in the crowd and their whispers too. I could feel their stares, their curiosity, their judgment, but most of all, their admiration.I was dressed in a long white dress that hugged my curves in all the right places, I walked with slow steps. That way, every eye could see me.I wanted them to see me.The slit on the side of my dress revealed just enough of my leg to tease but not enough to cause a scandal.I paired my outfit with gold heels and just the right amount of make up to make heads turn.White was meant for the bride, but today, I had chosen it for myself. It was my silent statement—I was not a woman scorned. I was not someone that would be pushed aside.The wedding was a disaster.Instead of the elegance expected of an Alpha’s wedding, the grand hall was filled with the chaos of rowdy warrior wolves.They drank expensive liquor in the most irritating manner. T
ELIZA’S POVThe first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains as I woke up. My body ached in the most delicious way.Every touch, every whispered promise, every kiss, still lingered on my skin.I turned over, instinctively reaching for him, only to find the sheets cold and empty.My heart sank for a moment before I noticed a neatly folded note resting on his pillow.I picked up the note, unfolding it. It was a note from Alexander.My Eliza,You looked so beautiful this morning and it hurt me to leave you but duty calls me to the capital. Know that every moment with you has been lovely, a temptation I cannot resist. I am falling for you, deeper than I ever thought possible. Until I return, think of me, as I will think of you. I love you so much.Yours, Alexander.A slow smile spread across my lips as I traced the ink with my fingers. He loved me.The realization sent made me grin even wider.I had always known there was something different about Alexander, something that ma
ELIZA’S POVAt that moment, all of my defenses crumbled.I could see the love and sincerity in Alexander's gaze. His blue eyes were filled with so much longing that it made me breathless.My wolf stirred within me. She was practically begging me to surrender to the magnetic pull between us."Eliza," he said softly, "I can't pretend anymore. Be mine, please"I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.My heart pounded wildly in my chest, and I felt exposed under his piercing gaze.His hand reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. The tender gesture made my breath hitch. My wolf howled within me, demanding that I close the distance between us, but I was still scared."You feel it too, don't you?" he whispered "This connection… it's undeniable."I swallowed hard. My throat suddenly felt dry."Alexander, I—"He cut me off "Please, Eliza. Just for once, let your heart speak. Forget the rules, the expectations. Just be with me."His plea was so raw, so genu
ELIZA’S POVWithin three days, all the chaos caused by Maya had been resolved, and with Lily's help, Alexander's farewell banquet had come together perfectly.The air felt lighter now that everything was back in order, but there was still an ache in my chest.I’d been so caught up in organizing and fixing things that I’d barely had time to think about what tonight meant.Alexander was leaving.That thought made me sad.As evening approached, I heard a knock on my door. Before I could respond, a group of maids filed in, giggling and chattering amongst themselves.“Luna, we’re here to help you get ready,” one of them announced cheerfully.I blinked at them, startled. “You… you don’t have to. I can manage on my own.”“Nonsense!” another maid said, waving her hands as they guided me to sit in front of my vanity. “Tonight is special. You need to look your best, your grace.”I didn’t argue further. Part of me was curious about what they had planned.As I sat there, I watched their reflectio