DianaWhen I wake up, it's with a languid slowness that I've never experienced before. I feel soft, warm, and utterly comfortable – more relaxed than I can ever remember being. It's only as I begin to surface fully from sleep that I realize something is very, very different.My eyes fly open as I become aware of the massive, warm presence surrounding me. To my utter shock, I find myself curled up against the wolf's body, his enormous form curved protectively around me like a living shield. The brief contact between our bodies sends a cascade of soft sparks across my skin, but in my rush to comprehend the situation, I barely notice, dismissing it as simple static electricity.I quickly scramble away, my heart pounding as the wolf slowly opens his eyes. Those mesmerizing blue orbs lock onto me, and once again, I'm struck by their otherworldly beauty. Despite the initial panic, I find my racing heart beginning to calm as I search his gaze and find no hint of aggression or danger there. T
DianaThe next morning, I wake with a languidness that suffuses my entire being. It's a feeling I haven't experienced in what feels like ages - a deep-seated contentment that seems to radiate from my very core. As I stretch lazily in bed, savoring the warmth of my blankets for just a moment longer, I can't help but feel a spark of optimism igniting within me. For the first time in days, ever since the last time we had diner with him…, I find myself looking forward to the day ahead. There's an inexplicable sense that something good is going to happen today. I don’t know why, but I can just feel it; it's an anticipation that thrums through my veins, making me feel vibrantly alive.I finally drag myself out of bed, unable to contain my newfound energy. The shower beckons, and I let the warm water cascade over me, washing away the last vestiges of sleep. As I style my hair into a puffy crown atop my head, I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror. The face looking back at me seems dif
DianaAs we step out of the diner, I find myself instinctively slowing my pace, trailing respectfully behind Alpha Dominicus. It feels natural, and ingrained, to maintain this distance when walking with a higher ranking wolf. That is the custom. But after a few steps, he stops abruptly and turns to look at me, his brow furrowed in confusion.I freeze, uncertain of what I've done wrong. His eyes search my face for a moment before he speaks, his voice soft but firm. "You're too far away. Walk faster.""Oh," I breathe, feeling my cheeks warm with embarrassment. I quicken my steps, closing the distance between us. He nods, seemingly satisfied, and resumes walking. I walk faster and close the distance between us, but still making sure to keep a few steps behind him, maintaining what I've always been taught is a respectful distance.This time when he stops, there's a hint of exasperation in his sigh. He turns to face me fully, his expression gentle yet unyielding. "Beside me, Diana," he sa
DianaThe thought sends a warm, fluttery feeling through my chest, even as it leaves me more confused than ever about his intentions.What could an Alpha possibly want with my opinions on kitchen appliances? And why does he seem so determined to buy everything I like? Just when I think our shopping expedition is coming to an end, I quickly realize how wrong I am. After exhausting the kitchen appliance section, Alpha Dominicus leads me to other household items with the same single-minded determination. It's during our foray into vacuum cleaners that I finally muster the courage to speak up."Alpha Dominicus," I begin hesitantly, "don't you think it's a bit... excessive to buy things based solely on what I like? After all, you're the one who'll be using them” and then I say even more firmly, “I think you should be the one to choose from now.”He fixes me with a cool stare that makes me instantly regret my words. Without breaking eye contact, he addresses the increasingly bewildered sal
Diana "Let's take you home. But first, let's go to the food court. You must be hungry." "No, that's okay. I'll eat something when I go back," I protest weakly, but Alpha Dominicus ignores my words, gently yet firmly guiding me towards the food court. His hand on the small of my back sends soft tingles up my spine, and I find myself unable to resist his silent insistence. Thankfully, the food court isn't crowded, and we make our way to the counter without any fuss. The aromas of various cuisines waft through the air, making my stomach growl despite my earlier protests. "Go ahead and choose something. What are you in the mood for?" Alpha Dominicus says, his tone leaving no room for argument. I hesitate, suddenly realizing I left everything behind when I rushed out of the diner. "I didn't bring my purse," I admit sheepishly. He looks down at me, one eyebrow raised in amusement. "What the hell do I need with your purse?" he asks, a hint of laughter in his voice. "I asked you to choos
Diana Time seems to stand still as I find myself perched on Alpha Dominicus's lap, our faces mere inches apart. His arm around my waist is firm yet gentle, holding me securely against him. I can feel the heat of his body through our clothes, and his scent. My heart pounds so loudly I'm sure he must hear it. I'm frozen, caught between the urge to flee and the desire to stay right where I am. His eyes, those mesmerizing orbs, hold mine captive, and I find myself unable to look away. "Diana," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that I feel more than hear. I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. I'm frozen, caught between the urge to flee and the desire to lean in closer. Alpha Dominicus doesn't seem to share my indecision. His hand comes up, cupping the side of my neck. It’s the first time we’re having direct skin to skin contact and tingles erupt at true point. The touch sends shivers down my spine, and I can't help but lean into it slightly. His thumb traces a gentle
DianaThe world around me blurs, reality distorting as memories and present collide in a devastating maelstrom. Alpha Dominicus stands before me, but all I can see is Magnus, his lips curled in that cruel smirk as he tore my world apart."I wanted to know what it felt like to kiss my mate," Magnus' voice echoes in my head, the words as sharp and painful as the day they were uttered. "Unfortunately no, it's not worth forever being mated to a liability."My breath comes in short, painful gasps. The room seems to close in on me, the walls pressing closer, threatening to crush me. I can feel the phantom pain of that first rejection coursing through my veins, burning like acid.But worse than the memory is the fear of what's to come. Because after those cruel words, Magnus had delivered the final blow:"I, Magnus Aldridge, reject you Diana Castellanos as my mate. By my will and my word, I sever the bond and fate that exists between us."The memory of that soul-tearing pain makes me shake m
DianaMy fingers wrap around the cool metal of the cutting comb, the touch of it sending a jolt through my system. Without hesitation, I stumble backwards, putting distance between myself and Alpha Dominicus. My hand trembles as I raise the comb, its pointed tip aimed at my neck. In this moment, I'm acutely aware of how easy it would be for me to die. As a wolfless Were, my life hangs by a thread at the best of times.His eyes widen in horror as he realizes what I'm about to do. But it's too late. Before he can react, I plunge the comb towards my neck, feeling the sharp sting as it pierces my skin. A trickle of warmth runs down my throat - blood."NO!" He roars, his voice filled with panic. He lunges forward, faster than I thought possible, and wrenches the comb from my grasp. He tosses it away, the metal clattering against the far wall.His hands are on me in an instant, tilting my head to examine my neck. His touch is gentle, but I flinch away, scrambling backwards until my back hit
DianaAlaric glances at Dominicus with a worried frown. “The present Amadeus pack used to be the Council Army, and if my information is right, then they should have only about the same headcount as my own Grimmholt pack.”His words are concerned, “It’s a fairly considerable number, but still… that is only the population of a single pack. There are even other packs with numbers higher than mine.”Dominicus gives a small nod, his face unreadable. “That’s true.”For a moment, the tension in the room seems to rise once more.“Will it really by okay? Won’t the Amadeus pack be overwhelmed?” he asks.It’s Eleanor who answers.Her soft, lilting voice fills the space. “Witches, as a whole, have never been a numerous race,” she explains quietly. “And after the war, our numbers were drastically reduced. Compared to the werewolf population, the ratio is roughly… ten to one.”A quiet murmur ripples through the room.Eleanor’s serene expression doesn’t change. “The gods maintain balance. The more p
Diana “Well then, if you’re sure, Alpha Stefan…then sit”. Dominicus’s voice cuts icy, and sharp. Stefan flinches. But then, like a death row prisoner who’s just been granted amnesty, he gives a jerky little nod, quickly dragging his chair over and dropping into it with almost comical urgency, as if afraid the offer might be snatched away if he hesitates. The two Alphas beside him shuffle back toward the table as well, their chairs rolling softly on the polished floor. Dominicus leans back slightly, his eyes cool as they sweep the room. “I believe,” he says smoothly, “that should have convinced you — all of you — just how grossly unmatched any of you would be against a dark witch. And, of course…” His gaze flicks lightly to Eleanor, who smiles pleasantly, “…that you are all sufficiently convinced of Eleanor’s competence.” A moment of strained silence — and then, the polite Alpha seated beside Stefan clears his throat. “Yes, Alpha,” he says quickly, his voice respectful but calm.
DianaEleanor’s smile is soft. Almost pleased. She lets him stew in his own sweat before she speaks.“Mmm… I think that should do.”Then, with a flick of her finger, the blade softens — the sharp crescent dissolves into formless wind, shimmering faintly as it coils around Stefan’s neck.I watch, breathless, thinking it will disappear — but instead, the condensed currents split, sliding smoothly along both sides of his throat, brushing the skin with the gentlest, most deliberate, and menacing caress, before they meet again behind his neck.There, in a heartbeat, the wind snaps back into form, reforming into a razor-fine blade.And then — faster than the eye can track — it whips across the room.CLANG.The windblade slices straight through a steel art sculpture standing by the far wall — a polished metal spiral about thirty centimeters wide — and cuts it clean in half.The halves clatter apart with a ringing sound, the edges gleaming sharp and fresh.The blade itself dissipates before i
Diana Inside, I sigh. He could’ve spared himself this trouble with a single question. One question and he would have been told that witches are masters of disguise and manipulators of perception. But no — this one has to bluster himself straight into a trap. And sure enough, Eleanor’s sweet smile only widens with every word. It’s a gentle, grandmotherly smile — the kind you’d expect from a woman who bakes cookies and knits sweaters — but the longer it lingers, the colder the air feels, until a faint, prickling thread of danger curls along my spine. Quietly, I inch a little closer to Dominicus. Eleanor’s been alive for thousands of years — and though she’s never told me exactly how old she is, one thing is certain: she isn’t the type to let this kind of disrespect slide. Finally, Eleanor tilts her head, her voice as soft as silk. “Would you like… a demonstration?” Alpha Stefan falls silent, his sneer sharpening, and makes a sweeping gesture with his arm — the smug, careless kind
Diana A low growl rumbles from Alpha Darius of the Plena Luna pack. His eyes glint with raw grief. “No. I will avenge my son. I’ll hunt down those bastards myself!” Dom’s sharp edge softens for the grieving father, though just slightly. His voice lowers, gentler, though still firm. “That won’t work, Darius. The best thing you can do — for your mate, for your pack — is live. The best thing you can do for your son is protect what’s left. If you rush out looking for a fight, you’ll only throw your life away. And that helps no one.” Alpha Darius’ eyes are red with rage and frustration. His trembling lips open and close for a moment before a strangled and pained sound is wrenched from him. Alpha Stefan however, is obviously not so easily convinced. He gives a sharp, sarcastic laugh. “You must be kidding me.” His eyes glitter with derision. “I’m not the kind of man who lets someone else decide his fate.” He sneers, gaze sweeping from me, to Dom, to Eleanor. “Especially not peopl
Diana Alpha Livia clears her throat delicately, her fingers tapping once against the table before she speaks. “So… as the Priest…” I lift my chin, my voice cutting clean through the room. “Priestess.” She pauses, a flicker of acknowledgment in her eyes, then corrects herself with a small nod. “Priestess. As the Priestess, how exactly would you seal the Dark Mage? Alpha Dominicus mentioned the Priest played a crucial role before — but he didn’t explain how.” And there it is. My stomach knots faintly. That’s the problem, isn’t it? I’m not entirely sure myself — not yet. But Dom and I plan to find out as soon as this meeting ends. Still, we had agreed beforehand: no hint of uncertainty, no gaps, no loose threads. We couldn’t risk sparking panic among the packs — or worse, letting anything slip that the dark witches might catch wind of. I part my lips, preparing to smooth over the gap, but Dom beats me to it. “Even if she explained it, you wouldn’t understand.” His voice is
Diana Her voice cuts crisply through the air. “The first time the Dark Mage was sealed… you said it took the Amadeus Alpha, the Primarch Arcana, and the Moon Goddess’s Priest.” Her eyes sweep the room, assessing. “Are you saying we’re going to repeat that now?” Dom nods once, calmly. “That’s right.” Alpha Livia’s brow furrows slightly. “And you, you’ll stand in for your ancestor?” Dom’s mouth curves in the faintest of smiles. “I will.” Her gaze sharpens. “That leaves the Primarch Arcana… and the Priest.” She casts a slow look around the table, then back at Dom again. “Until today, none of us even knew there was a Priest. Do you know where this Priest is?” Dom’s eyes flick briefly to me, and parts his lips to answer, “Yes. It’s-“ I finish for him. My voice quiet but clear. “-Me.” The room freezes. Every head turns. I keep my face composed, letting my voice carry evenly across the silent table. “Allow me to properly reintroduce myself. I am Diana Castellanos—Alpha o
Diana Suddenly, a voice slices sharply through the heavy silence. “We have to stop the ritual!” An Alpha halfway down the table shoots to his feet, his face flushed with urgency. His Beta, seated beside him, tugs lightly at his arm as if to steady him, but the Alpha shakes his head sharply, his eyes locking onto Dominicus. Dom doesn’t even flinch. His voice remains calm, almost weary. “Naturally.” He lets the word hang in the air for a beat, then tilts his head slightly. “How do you propose we do that?” The Alpha’s response is instant, raw with emotion. “Easy. We find them. We go to their coven and wipe them out—all of them.” Dom blinks once, slowly. Then gives a faint, almost pitying shake of his head. “Easy?” He leans in just slightly, his tone still smooth but edged with a dangerous undercurrent. “How exactly do you plan to find them? Don’t forget—these aren’t wolves we’re dealing with. They’re witches. You think you can find a witch who doesn’t want to be found?”
Diana The next Alpha my eyes land on pulls my attention instantly. He’s middle-aged, broad-shouldered, hulking—even among all these Alphas, he stands out as particularly powerful. His short-cropped hair and sharply cut features give him a severe, almost intimidating air. But what surprises me is the look on his face. Unlike the others, there’s no flicker of wariness, no veiled animosity in his gaze. Instead, he’s smiling. Calm. Almost amused, like he’s simply waiting for the meeting to begin, perfectly at ease. Intrigued, I shift my gaze to the third Alpha who stands out. And this time, I have to look twice. The Alpha, her Beta, and the two Gamma warriors flanking her… they’re all women. The Alpha meets my eyes directly—her expression steady, cool, unreadable. Then, with a small, polite nod, she acknowledges me before turning her attention back to Dom. All of this unfolds in seconds: quick assessments, sharp glances, the silent tension of predators sizing each other