Beta Marcus He cuts me off, his voice sharp. "No amount of money is enough for me to trespass on that lunatic's territory. One has to be alive to enjoy money, you know. There's no point in getting paid if I'm just going to die right after. I quite enjoy my life as it is, thank you very much." Agitation claws at me. I can feel my chance for revenge slipping away. "You don't even have to do it yourself," I argue. "Send some of your men." He scoffs. "That won't work. I'm not like an Alpha who can physically command his pack mates to do his bidding. There's no bond between me and my men, no trust or love. We're all selfish, hardened criminals, together purely for mutual benefit. I keep them in line with rewards and fear, but no amount of fear or money can make men like these walk willingly to their deaths." His voice takes on a mocking edge again. "I have a reputation to maintain, you know. If I start giving out missions that are guaranteed death sentences, my men would stop liste
Diana"You're WHAT?!" Ellen's voice rises an octave, her eyes widening in shock.Beside her, Claudia's jaw drops, her usual bubbly demeanor replaced by stunned disbelief. "Moving in with that Dominicus? Already?"I shift uncomfortably under their intense gazes, suddenly feeling like I'm under interrogation. I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words to explain."I know it seems fast," I begin, my voice soft but steady. "But it feels right. Dominicus and I... we have a connection that's hard to explain."Ellen, her kind face creased with concern, places a gentle hand on my arm. "Diana, honey, are you sure about this? You've only known each other for a few months. I know he has been nothing but sweet, what with him courting you properly and all… but still…that's not a lot of time to really get to know someone."Claudia nods vigorously, her blonde ponytail swaying with the motion. "Ellen's right, Di. I mean, he's dreamy and all, but moving in together? That's a big step. Are yo
Diana When I wake up the next morning, as I blink away the remnants of sleep, a splash of color catches my eye. There, on my bedside table, sits a delicate lilac-colored flower, its petals still dewy with morning freshness. A smile tugs at my lips as I reach out to pluck the blossom from its resting place. Bringing it to my nose, I inhale deeply, savoring its sweet, subtle fragrance. The thought of him leaving this tender token of his affection, fills me with a warmth that spreads from my chest to the very tips of my fingers and toes. Rising from my bed, I pad over to where the flower vase stands proudly and add this morning's flower to the bouquet, marveling at how they've gradually transformed into a lush, fragrant display. As I gaze at the flowers, my mind drifts to the day ahead. Excitement bubbles up within me at the thought of spending time with Claudia. It's a novel feeling, this anticipation of a day filled with feminine camaraderie and new experiences. A knock at my doo
Diana I stand frozen, staring at the impressive facade of Claudia's home, my mind struggling to reconcile this grand house with my bubbly, down-to-earth friend who works alongside me at the diner. The question, ‘If you're rich, why are you working at the diner?’ almost tumbles out but I quickly stop it. What if just like I told Dominicus, she’s working because she enjoys it? The question is an instinctive reaction to what I’m used to. Back at the pack, you would never find high ranking wolves doing such menial jobs. It was beneath them. However, I remind myself that this is not my Pack. And Claudia is not an stuck up, arrogant higher ranking wolf. Claudia's usual effervescent demeanor falters for a moment. She looks away, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features before she meets my gaze again. "I'm not rich," she says, her voice uncharacteristically quiet. "My parents are." The weight in her tone tells me there's more to the story, but I can sense her reluctance to discuss
Diana As I step into the walk-in closet, my breath catches in my throat. The space before me is nothing short of magnificent, a room that could easily grace the pages of a high-end fashion magazine. The closet stretches out, seemingly endless, divided neatly into two sections - his and hers. My eyes roam over the rows of designer clothes, each piece more beautiful than the last. Silk blouses, tailored suits, flowing dresses in every color imaginable. The shoe collection alone is enough to make my head spin - elegant heels, comfortable flats, and sturdy boots, all arranged in perfect order. In the center of the room stands an island, its surface gleaming under the soft lighting. As I approach, I realize it's filled with jewelry - delicate necklaces, sparkling earrings, and watches that probably cost more than I've ever earned in my life. I pace slowly by the cabinets, my fingers trailing lightly over the fabric of the clothes. The textures are rich and varied - soft cashmere, crisp
Diana The drive to Deming is filled with a nervous excitement that bubbles in my chest. As we leave the familiar streets of Garnet City behind, I watch the landscape change through the car window. Deming, though only an hour away, feels like a different world entirely. Just like Garnet City, Deming is equally a purely human town. However, that’s where the similarities end. Where Garnet City is quaint and nestled in nature, Deming pulses with urban energy. Tall buildings reach for the sky, their glass facades reflecting the afternoon sun. The streets are busier, filled with a diverse mix of people hurrying about their day. As we navigate through the bustling streets, I can't help but marvel at the sights and sounds around us. Probably because of the college, there are a lot of students with backpacks slung over their shoulders hurry along the sidewalks, while suited professionals weave between them. Before long, we're pulling into the parking lot of Deming Community College. The ca
Diana "Let's go check out the campus. After all, you'll be spending quite a bit of time here. We should make sure you like the ambiance." I nod, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation swirling in my stomach. As we set off to explore the grounds, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder. Just this morning, returning to school had been a distant dream. Now, here I am, about to tour a college campus - possibly my college campus. The campus of Deming Community College unfolds before us like a miniature city. Dominicus and I stroll hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of academic life. The main quad bustles with activity - students lounging on the grass, buried in books or engaged in animated conversations. We pass by the library, an imposing brick building with wide steps leading to its entrance. Through the large windows, I catch glimpses of students hunched over computers or browsing towering shelves of books. The sight fills me with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Beta Marcus The harsh buzz of my phone cuts through the silence of my office. I still when I notice the number. It's the rogue I'd contacted earlier, the one I'd tasked with getting the bitch from Garnet City but had refused. What the fuck does he want? I snatch it up, "Speak," I command, my voice tight with barely contained anger. "Good news," the man on the other end says, his voice languid. "The girl was spotted just outside Deming. One of our boys saw her, but... she wasn't alone." My grip on the phone tightens. "Go on." "She was with a strong wolf. Couldn't make out who it was, but they seemed... close. They got into a car together." I feel a growl building in my chest but force it down. "And?" "I've got a contact in traffic control. Used the street cameras to track the car. It drove straight into Garnet City." A savage grin spreads across my face. Finally, a solid lead. I can almost taste her fear, hear her pleas for mercy. But the rogue isn't finished. "Look, Marcus,
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
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
Diana I 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, th