Diana I clamp my hands over my ears, whimpering pitifully. "Stop... please stop," I beg, trying desperately to block out the voice. But it's fruitless. The voice is in my head, and there's no escaping it.It laughs in malicious glee, its cruelty seemingly knowing no bounds. The laughter echoes in my mind, growing louder and more insistent with each passing moment.And then, abruptly, the voice changes tack, its tone becoming conspiratorial: "But maybe you're right... maybe he does like you. Maybe he is willing to take you as you are..."My heart beats faster, a glimmer of hope starting to bloom despite my best efforts to squash it. But the voice isn't finished:"But why should you do that to him? Why should you punish this good man with a mate like you? You cannot contribute anything and will only be a burden to him and his pack. You cannot rule beside him."Each word feels like a truth I've always known but tried to deny. The voice presses on, relentless in its assault:"Why would yo
DominicusThe sun beats down mercilessly as I stand vigil outside Diana's diner, my senses attuned to every sound from her room above. My wolf paces restlessly beneath my skin, urging me to go to her, to comfort our mate. But I hold firm, remembering her anguished plea for me to leave last night."Not yet," I growl softly to my wolf. "We wait until she's ready."The mating bond, now recognized by both of us, pulses stronger than ever. My instincts are more attuned to her, making this self-imposed separation all the more challenging. But I must respect her wishes, her need for space. Even if it feels like I'm tearing myself apart in the process.Throughout the day, the sounds from her room remain muted, save for the occasional shuffling as she uses the bathroom or ventures downstairs for food. The relative quiet should be reassuring, but a nagging feeling gnaws at my gut. Something isn't right.The mall calls- they are ready to deliver the purchases I made yesterday and I have to force
DianaThe soft morning light filters through the curtains, gently rousing me from sleep. I blink languidly, my mind still hazy with sleep. As consciousness slowly creeps in, I become aware of the warmth cocooning me, my blanket wrapped snugly around my body. Unlike yesterday's unsettling awakening - the initial numbness, today, a true sense of calm washes over me, my emotions surprisingly steady.Memories of last night flood back, bringing a flutter to my heart. Dominicus had been here, his presence a balm to my fractured psyche. I can almost feel the phantom touch of his fingers running through my hair, his gentle scratches against my scalp. The memory of being held against his chest, enveloped in his comforting scent, brings a warmth to my cheeks.In the quiet moments before dawn, I vaguely recall the press of lips against my temple, the careful way I was tucked into bed. My eyes scan the empty room, a twinge of disappointment settling in my chest when I realize he's gone. But even
Diana That cruel voice in my head, the one I'd managed to keep at bay all day, begins to whisper again. Its words are harsh, merciless, tearing at the fragile peace I'd found earlier. I try to fight it, to hold onto the positive feelings from the day, but it's like trying to grasp smoke. That mental switch flips, and I'm helpless against the onslaught of negativity. As I feel myself sinking, drowning in the depths of my own mind, something abruptly changes. Warm, strong arms wrap around me, pulling me against a solid chest. In an instant, I'm enveloped in a cocoon of safety that can only belong to one person. Dominicus. The moment his arms encircle me, my heart blooms with an joy. Despite my best efforts to maintain emotional distance, I realize just how much I've missed him today. His familiar scent washes over me as he pulls me close, his voice a soothing rumble against my ear. "I just want to hold you," he murmurs, his words a gentle plea. "Please... let me." Just l
Diana Dominicus's words hang in the air between us, his admission that he wants me to like him even without the mating bond sending a flutter through my chest. Before I can fully process this, he continues, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "I'm not a good man, Diana," he says, his fingers gently tracing along my jaw. "My reputation precedes me." A wry chuckle escapes him as he adds, "But you don't know that, do you?" I stare at him, wide-eyed and confused. What does he mean? "You don't know who I am, do you, Diana?" he presses. "What I am?" My mind races, trying to decipher his cryptic words. "You're an Alpha," I answer, immediately feeling foolish for stating the obvious. Dominicus throws his head back and laughs, the vibrations of his mirth traveling through his body and into mine. The warmth of his laughter makes my face flush. "Well, you're right about that," he chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Then, with a sigh that doesn't quite erase his grin, he
Diana "You don't have to answer that now," I say, my voice laced with remorse as I shrink into myself. Another thought occurs to me, and I ask, barely above a whisper, "You were watching me the entire time today weren’t you?” it comes out as a question but somehow I’m certain. He doesn’t answer immediately and just looks at me calmly. “Since when have you been watching over me? Throughout today?” I pause, and my heart clenches painfully, “Since yesterday?” I take a shuddering breath, the image of him just watching me in worry for hours on end, without pause, without rest, physically hurts me. “When… when was the last time you slept?” Dominicus blinks, his eyes filled with a gentleness that makes my heart melt. "That's not important," he says, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it." His dismissal only intensifies my guilt. “To answer your earlier questions-“ I cut him off, "You don't have to answer now." I tug shyly at his shirt, suddenly aware of how self-centered my
Beta MarcusI pace the length of my office, my footsteps echoing off the walls like the ticking of a time bomb. My blood boils with each passing second, the rage within me threatening to erupt like a volcano. The last report I received plays over and over in my mind, taunting me with its insufficiency.Unable to find Diana. The words mock me, fueling my anger to new heights."Incompetent fools!" I roar, sweeping my arm across my desk. Papers and trinkets crash to the floor, the sound doing little to satisfy the fury coursing through my veins.For weeks, I've had that little bitch running like a hunted animal. The bounty I placed on her head should have been more than enough incentive for every lowlife and scoundrel to turn her in. I had been so close, the net slowly closing around her. I could almost taste my revenge, imagining the exquisite pain I would inflict upon her.But now? Nothing. She's vanished like smoke in the wind.My fist connects with the wall, leaving a sizable dent in
Diana When I wake up the next morning, I am alone in bed. I stretch languidly and curl up in satisfaction. The events of last night begin to replay in my mind and a grin splits my face. I have another mate! Better than the other one too! And he actually wants me. He LIKES me! I cover my mouth and giggle out loud. He says that not even the gods can make him let me go. I squeal and roll in bed, making a mess out of my hair and tangling myself in the sheets, but I’m too giddy to care. He had held me so tenderly too, his words of unwavering devotion echoing in my heart. The memory of his fierce declaration - that he would never reject me, that I was his and his alone - sends a delightful shiver down my spine. He’s so handsome… and strong… and dominant… a dreamy sigh escapes me and I’m glad that I’m alone because I can imagine how silly I must look right now. When I finally force myself to calm down. I sigh again… but this time in disappointment… I miss him already… I look
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
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?”
DianaThe 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 up.By the time my
Diana I spot Dom waiting just down the hall, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes flick up as soon as come out me. His face softens—just slightly—and he reaches out. I walk up to him and slip my hand into his. Eleanor falls into step behind us, quiet and peaceful, her presence a steady pulse at my back. Together, the three of us move toward the wide double doors at the end of the hall—the conference room where today’s meeting is about to hold. The air feels thicker here, heavy with the scent of too many wolves, sharp anticipation, and something almost metallic — the bracing edge of challenge, perhaps, or simply the weight of so many packs gathered under one roof. As we near, an Amadeus warrior steps forward. Clyde. He bows smoothly. “Alpha. Luna.” He gives Eleanor a polite nod. “Ma’am.” Dom gives him a curt nod in return, but I offer Clyde a small smile. Eleanor answers warmly, “Hello dear.” Clyde straightens and says, “The packs have brought a fair number of warriors w
DianaI blink, brow arching. Magnus almost mated to someone? That’s news to me.Can’t find it in me to care.The first girl nods eagerly. “Exactly! And it was super suspicious. It was supposed to be this huge deal — even our Alpha was invited — but just a week before the ceremony, it was called off.” She waves her hands for emphasis; the others nod vigorously.She leans in, voice dropping. “I heard Natasha left Zervos and went back to the Silvanus pack, then mated with an Omega from Plena Luna.”Another round of wide eyes and startled gasps.“It’s obvious why the ceremony was canceled,” she smirks. “Natasha met her real mate. Everyone thought Magnus set the match because he hadn’t found his mate yet… but he had. And he rejected her!”The gasps turn into soft curses. I catch words like scum and bastard tossed out under their breath, and I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing.The third girl eagerly nudges the first. “And? And?! What else?”The first girl glances around, then leans
DianaWhat were they thinking?A low voice, warm and smug, ghosts by my ear.“See?” Dominicus says. “I won.”I don’t turn. I can feel the smirk behind his voice and the presence of him just a breath away.I shake my head slowly, incredulous. “They actually came…”“And with a whole damn parade,” he says with a huff of amusement.“Pompousness and posturing,” I mutter.He chuckles. “That’s what you bet against, dulcis.”I scowl, still watching the arrivals, still baffled by the absurdity of it all.“And now,” he says, voice low as he leans down slightly, “you owe me.”I start to ask what the terms were again, but then I feel his lips brush the shell of my ear, and his whispered words burn hotter than sunlight across my skin.My breath catches. My entire body flushes.Damn him.Dom steps back and with a sweeping motion of his arm, the corners of his mouth quirking upward, he says, “Ladies, shall we?”I pull my gaze away from the window, and roll my eyes at him. “Lets.”Behind me, Eleanor
Diana “You’re on speaker, Alpha. They can all hear you now.” Dominicus doesn’t waste a breath. “Good,” he says, his tone flat, cold. “Then listen closely because this-“ he pauses, just long enough to make the weight of his next words settle into their bones, “—is the key to a ‘peaceful retirement’ for all of you.” There’s no trace of politeness. No deference. Only the weight of his authority, sharp as steel. The line is silent. No one dares interrupt. “Of the thirty-seven packs–,” he continues, “you each used to run one of the major nine.” Ten now - The Amadeus pack is back, I muse. “The rest of the smaller — scattered, less resourced packs are no less important. Therefore you are not only to go back to your own packs. You will each take responsibility for informing the Alphas of the minor packs in your regions. I don’t care how you do. Just get it done.” He paces a little, jaw tight. “You will tell them witches exist. You will tell them that dark witches have returned — tha
Diana Billy takes a step forward and wraps me in his warm bear hug. I bury my face in his chest and hug him just as tight. He steps back, “See you in a bit, kid”, and with a little wave, turns around and strides back towards the cars. I watch as they begin to pile into the SUVs, Billy among them. He gives me one last wink, grinning crookedly before ducking into the lead car. The low growl of the engines rises as the vehicles roll down the driveway, kicking up small clouds of dust and mist in their wake. I watch until the last taillight vanishes into the mist. A warm arm curls around my shoulders, anchoring me to the earth. Dominicus presses a kiss to my temple, his voice a soft murmur against my hair. “Don’t worry, dulcis. They’ll be fine. And they’ll bring her back safely.” I close my eyes for a moment, breathing him in, clinging to the hope stitched into his words. I hope so. For Billy’s sake. For Emerald’s sake. For all of us…We don’t go inside right away.
Diana “Wake me up early?” I mumble, already half-drifting again. “I wanna see Billy off in the morning.” “I will,” he promises, kissing the top of my head. Silence falls between us, soft and fragile. I’m just on the edge of sleep when his voice comes again, low and rough and achingly sincere. “Dulcis…” I hum in acknowledgment, too tired to form a real word. “The reason I’m not stopping you from fighting this war… isn’t because I care about you any less. I hope you know that. Right?” Something in his tone — the raw inflection, the brittle edge — tugs at me, pulling me back to him. I blink my eyes open and tilt my head up to look at him. In the muted light, his face is shadowed, but I can see it — the tightness around his mouth, the faint crease between his brows. And in his eyes — gods — there’s worry. Guilt. And buried much deeper, a sliver of fear so raw it makes my heart ache. I know what he’s thinking - what is weighing on him. It’s Billy’s words, thro