Alesha Stokes
Step 01—(Becoming the Prey?)
I couldn’t move.
Shock paralyzed me, my wide eyes locked onto the man before me—an impossible vision come to life. My heart pounded so violently against my ribs that I feared he could hear it. Every drop of water trailing down his pale skin only made the moment feel more surreal.
But that wasn’t the worst part.
The worst part was his gaze.
Deep. Sharp. Predatory. As if he were assessing me, studying me—playing with me. There wasn’t a trace of surprise or awkwardness in his expression. Quite the opposite… he seemed to be enjoying this.
And then, he moved.
Slowly. Unhurried.
My breath caught in my throat as he took a step closer. I had never seen a wolf like him before—not in stories, not in legends.
"What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?"
His voice scraped against my skin like warm sandpaper. Deep, velvety, laced with amusement that sent a shiver down my spine.
I should run.
Step away.
Do anything but stand there like an idiot.
But the moment I stepped back, he stepped forward.
Then, without warning, he leaned in.
His face stopped mere inches from mine—close enough for me to feel the warmth of his breath ghosting over my skin.
Close enough for my heart to plummet, lost somewhere deep inside me.
The air grew thick. My mind spun in a whirlwind of shock, confusion, and something else—something I refused to name.
He was close. Too close.
My gaze roamed over his flawless face, his damp skin, the dark strands of hair clinging to his broad shoulders. Everything about him radiated raw power and an overwhelming presence.
"You look nervous."
The teasing lilt in his voice made me swallow hard.
And then, he smiled.
Not a sweet smile. Not a friendly one.
It was the smile of someone who enjoyed watching others squirm.
My legs finally obeyed me, forcing me to take a quick, stumbling step back.
"I… I must’ve walked into the wrong room."
The excuse fell weakly from my lips. We both knew he wouldn’t buy it for a second.
But he didn’t back away.
If anything, he moved even closer.
"The wrong room, huh?" He murmured, running his tongue over his lower lip as if savoring the moment. "Interesting… because you don’t look like you want to leave."
Heat rushed to my face, burning me from the inside out.
Was this a game? Was he toying with me?
"I shouldn’t be here."
"No, you shouldn’t." He nodded slowly. "But you are."
My heart jolted when he lifted a wet hand, as if to touch my face.
That’s when I realized just how close he really was. And also…
My gaze drifted downward, involuntarily. And I saw it.
He was rigid. Hard.
Was he… aroused?
Instinct finally screamed louder than the chaos in my mind, and for a brief second, I thought my heart might explode.
All I could do was spin on my heels and bolt out of the bathroom, not daring to look back.
I ran down the hallway, my breath unsteady, my face and neck burning. My footsteps barely made a sound against the cold floor. I just wanted to lock myself in my room and pretend none of that had happened.
But how?
His image, his voice, the way his eyes held me captive like chains...
What the hell was that?
When I finally reached my room, I slammed the door shut and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath. My heart pounded harder than ever.
After all...
Who was that man?
Just some soldier?
Or… was he really the Supreme Alpha?
I had no idea.
All I knew was that, from now on, I needed to be much more careful about which doors I walked through.
I threw myself onto the bed, trying to steady my breathing. My body was still hot, and his image refused to leave my mind.
That gaze.
That presence.
That shameless provocation.
I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing myself to get a grip. This meant nothing. Nothing.
The Supreme Alpha, according to the rumors, was practically invisible. People said he never looked at women—or at anyone, really—with any sort of romantic interest. He ruled from a distance, isolated, untouchable. So... what the hell was that?
Everyone even said he was gay… So why the hell did he have a hard-on?
My entire body burned just remembering that scene.
Was the man I saw in the shower really just a soldier? Someone of high rank, maybe?
I wanted to believe that, but deep down, I knew the truth.
That wasn’t just any man.
That suffocating power, the way he moved like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders…
If I had to bet, I’d say yes. He could only be the Supreme Alpha.
But I needed to be sure.
And I would be.
Tomorrow was the ball.
The event I’d been assigned to help prepare. The perfect opportunity to finally see, with my own eyes, the untouchable wolf who ruled over all of us.
My heart pounded at the thought.
Because I wouldn’t be the only one seeing him.
He would see me too.
And then? What would happen?
I had no idea. Not a clue.
Matthew Dawolf (A new toy?)Blood was still dripping down my arms as I walked through the palace corridors. The scent of iron mixed with adrenaline still pulsed through my veins. Another battle won. Another enemy taken down. And, as always, no one dared to look me in the eye. Fear was a scent deeply ingrained in this palace. They knelt, averted their gazes, whispered about me as if I were a ghost. Maybe I was. Most of those who had challenged me were long buried. I let out a breath, feeling the stiffness in my muscles. I needed a bath. I strolled through the halls without urgency, each step echoing in the silence of the night. The servants kept their distance, as if my very presence could swallow them whole. I shut the door to my room and removed my armor piece by piece. The metal clattered against the floor, exposing the cuts and bruises still decorating my skin. Nothing that wouldn’t heal quickly. Running a hand through my long hair, I loosened the tie, letting it fall
Alesha Stokes — Step 2: Surviving the Winter BallI barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, he came back. That body—sculpted as if the gods themselves had carved every inch. Warm, damp skin under the dim light, long dark hair cascading over broad shoulders. And those eyes… Those damn red eyes that looked like they were devouring every piece of me. I woke up multiple times throughout the night, breathing heavily, trying to push away the images that haunted me. But it was useless. My body was still burning, and the sensation of being so close to that man lingered on my skin. As the morning light crept into the room, I sat up in bed, rubbed my face, and gave myself a few light slaps to shake off any lingering drowsiness. "Alright… Enough of this."Today was the ball. The highly anticipated Winter Ball, where kings, alphas, and the elite gathered to flaunt their power and influence. But more than that, today was the day I would find out the truth. If the man in the bath
Alesha Stokes — Step 2: Trying? Surviving the Winter BallI stared at myself in the mirror for a few seconds, feeling a slight discomfort as I met my own gaze. I looked… beautiful. Not in the way I used to be before everything fell apart, but in a way I hardly recognized anymore. The dress fit well, my skin looked softer after washing my face and applying some blush and lipstick, and my eyes—no matter how dark—still held a different kind of golden shimmer. I took a deep breath, pressing the necklace Marilyn had given me against my chest, still trying to get used to it all.After adjusting my hair one last time, I stepped out of the room and headed toward the kitchen, where the real work for the day would begin. As soon as I walked in, I felt the weight of their stares. It wasn’t new, but this time, the attention was different. A few whispers broke out, and one of the guards looked me up and down before stepping closer, a slow, interested smile tugging at his lips. "Are you
Alesha Stokes — In Trouble?Nervousness gnawed at my chest. The words echoed through the kitchen, and my heart pounded so hard I could feel the pulse in my throat. "Come on, girls!" The housekeeper’s sharp voice rang out, making me flinch. "I don’t want anyone standing around. The Supreme Alpha has already been announced, and the party has started. Don’t embarrass me!" My hands tightened around the tray.I shouldn’t be here. I don’t belong in this place. The golden lights of the hall shone through the slightly open door, and the murmur of sophisticated voices blended with the refined music filling the air. I didn’t know how to act like them. I didn’t know how to walk, how to talk, how to avoid suspicious stares. All I knew was how to survive, how to hunt, how to hide. And now, surrounded by servants who seemed perfectly at ease in this world, I felt completely out of place. What if I dropped something? What if they looked at me and saw that I wasn’t one of them? My breat
Anabelle Mixon – An intruder in my plans? The night was perfect. Every detail of the Winter Ball had been meticulously planned to impress. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, music echoed softly through the air, and the scent of expensive wine mingled with the sweet fragrance of flowers arranged in every corner of the grand hall. But honestly? None of it mattered to me. The only reason I was here, dressed like a true goddess, was him. The Supreme Alpha. With each passing year, my patience grew thinner. Ever since I could remember, he was all I ever wanted. He was my goal. My destiny. Yet, he had always kept me at a distance. Since childhood, I had done everything to stay close to him. I followed him through the palace corridors, watched his training sessions, tried to invite him on outings… But he never looked at me the way I wanted him to. Never. And now that I was a woman, there were no more excuses. No man had ever resisted my charms, my allur
Alesha Stokes — Step 04 — "Keep Control Of The Situation... If You Can" The air around me felt heavy. My heart pounded in my chest, yet I could barely breathe. He… is right behind me. I could feel his presence—suffocating, overwhelming. My hands trembled slightly as I kept my eyes locked on the lord in front of me. Unlike me, he reacted instantly. The moment he saw the Supreme Alpha, his body shrank. He lowered his head in a rush, almost like an instinct for survival. “I-I'm sorry… Y-Your Grace…” His voice wavered, and he swallowed hard before continuing. “It’s not what it looked like! I was merely complimenting… the service… The entire kingdom knows your servants are the best…” I wanted to believe that was enough to end the matter. But it wasn’t. The Supreme Alpha didn’t respond. The chatter in the hall died instantly. I could feel the weight of countless eyes on us. The lord before me looked on the verge of collapse. His ragged breathing and restless finger
Alesha Stokes — Murder? I took a deep breath, trying to calm the boiling blood in my veins. I needed to get a grip. This was my chance to get closer to him, to learn more about him… But if I kept acting like this, I’d lose everything before I even got started. I straightened my posture, smoothing the folds of my dress with trembling fingers. I had to stick to the plan. I had to be smart. But damn it… why did everything always have to go wrong for me? I forced myself to focus on my work, but the sound of the door opening and closing along with the movement of the servants who kept coming and going was distracting me. When I turned around angrily, I saw the guard from before approaching.What did he want with me now? At the sight of him, the servants began to leave one by one, as if the mere scent of trouble had scared them off. Only two remained in the kitchen, but they were too busy whispering to each other, casting sideways glances in my direction. My body tensed as the g
Alesha Stokes— No way out?My chest tightened. If this was what I thought it was, someone was trying to kill the Supreme Alpha. A rush of adrenaline shot through my body, tingling beneath my skin. I bolted toward the kitchen door and spotted the servants crossing the hall, balancing trays with impeccable posture. Among them, the girl carrying the Supreme Alpha’s tray. My fingers clenched around the wooden doorframe. My heart pounded. I need to do something. Immediately. I turned desperately, searching for the guard, but he wasn’t there. The housekeeper was gone too. Alone. I was completely alone. Damn!Could it have been on purpose? Could they have planned to do this when there was no superior here to notice?If I didn’t act that very second… the Supreme Alpha would be dead. I could be wrong. Maybe it was just a strong spice, an ingredient I didn’t recognize. But… what if it wasn’t? What if I did nothing and he died? If he died, my chance at freedom would d
Anabelle Mixon — A Knife in the Back.It was like seeing a vision of hell. My hell.My love...the reason I had agreed to do all that, was...dying.The sheets beneath him were stained with dark blood, and sweat-soaked strands of hair stuck to his feverish forehead. My knees almost gave out. "No…" I whispered. "No… this can’t be happening…" I rushed to his side, nearly stumbling over the rug. One of the healers tried to stop me, but I slapped his hand away. "I’m the daughter of the Prime Minister! I have every right to be here!" I knelt beside the bed and reached for him. My hand trembled as it touched his. It was hot. Far too hot. "Keep going. Do whaever it takes," I demanded, getting to my feet. "Bring him back. Make him live."I was in shock, the whole thing. All that confusion, it wasn't supposed to happen.Why the hell was everything going wrong?That bitch Alesha turned out to be someone else. My Matthew, who was supposed to easily resist the poison, is succumbing.
Anabelle Mixon — Victory or...?Finally. After so many setbacks, after so much pretending, the world was finally falling back into place. The little bitch was locked up. And me? In control. Sure… some things had gone off the rails — I never imagined that filthy omega would have a wolf of *that* caliber inside her. It gave me chills. For a few minutes, I’ll admit… I actually doubted myself. Questioned whether I was doing the right thing. But then I remembered everything she had done to me. The humiliation. The way she looked at Matthew. The way *he* looked back at her. No. That bitch had to fall. I walked through the cold prison halls, the sound of my heels echoing like bells of judgment. The guards stepped aside as I passed, lowering their heads, making way without even daring to meet my eyes. As it should be. And there she was. In the deepest cell. Curled up, dried blood streaking her legs, white hair a tangled mess — like something torn from an ancient tale of
Roland J. Hall — My Alesha... is innocent.The sound of clashing swords echoed behind me, mingling with growls and screams. But I didn’t look back. My mission was clear: get reinforcements. The Supreme Alpha had been ambushed, and as much as I wanted to stay and fight to my last drop of blood, I knew it would be useless.I ran harder than I ever had before.The cold wind sliced my skin, snowflakes stung my eyes, but I didn’t stop. The horse was nearly collapsing beneath me, but I didn’t slow down. When I finally saw the outline of the tents at camp, I shouted with everything I had:“THE SUPREME ALPHA! HE’S BEEN AMBUSHED!”The camp erupted into motion. Guards jumped to their feet, weapons were grabbed, and mounts readied within seconds. And then, before I could even catch my breath, the first ones to ride out were the Zamoras — father and son. August led the charge, his horse seemingly gliding above the ground.It made me frown.They looked like they knew exactly where to go. No questi
Edward Wood — The Truth Behind the RotI could feel the snow slicing against my face as I rode hard back toward the palace. I hadn’t slept properly in days—not since I followed an old instinct, the same one that had saved me countless times during the war. The same instinct that now screamed something was deeply wrong. Matthew needed to hear the truth, and there was no time for letters or messengers. This was too big.After confronting Alex Madson, I knew I couldn’t stop there. That slippery worm had pretended not to care, but the documents I got out of him—thanks to a little pressure and the edge of my sword—told a different story. Among the papers, one thing stood out immediately: there was absolutely no record of Alesha Stokes. None.No proof she’d ever lived in the village of Amari’s Wood. No birth record. Nothing. It was as if she had appeared out of thin air. And if that wasn’t enough, the files showed Alex was still in contact with other long-forgotten villages in the kingdom—p
Alesha Stokes — The Price of My Choice.My heart nearly stopped when I saw Matthew fall from his horse.Time seemed to slow down—every second, every breath, every beat of my heart echoed in slow motion in my ears.The arrow stuck in his chest.The blood staining the pure snow.I pulled on the reins, trying to stop the horse, trying to get back to him.But I couldn't.The horse, frightened, bolted even faster.The only choice I had was to jump.And that's what I did.I fell into the cold snow, my knees scraping against the hard ice, but I didn't feel the pain.All I could see was him.Lying there, motionless, breathing weakly.The wolves began to surround him slowly, sensing his imminent death.I jumped up, fear throbbing in my veins.Then the cruel reality hit me:I had nothing.No weapon.No strength compared to those creatures.And worse...If I showed them who I was now, everything would be lost.My true essence.My secret.My revenge, everything I had fought for. Justice for my fa
Matthew Dawolf — Man or beast.The cold seemed worse than I had ever known.The heavy snow made it difficult to even breathe.And the dam effect of the herbs... it corroded my body like slow rust.I was exhausted.And not lacking endurance.No.I was the Supreme Alpha.I was forged in wars, shaped by pain.But this time… it was different.The emptiness inside me was unbearable.My wolf... wasn't there.I rode on, each step heavy and drawn out.My eyes scanned the forest.Looking for any sign of prey, any trail, any damn movement in the snow.Nothing.Absolutely nothing.The forest was dead.And inside me, all that remained was the echo of a trapped roar.I kept going because stopping was not an option.Time passed.Hours.I knew that a wolf's body could withstand much more than that.But without my beast, I was just... a man.A stubborn man is trying not to fall off his saddle.When the pain began to spread through my joints, I stopped the horse, pretending that I just needed to take
Alesha Stokes — Where's the prey?The instructions had been given.Now, everyone began to disperse, getting ready for the hunt to begin.I took a deep breath, trying to calm the tightness growing in my chest.But then...I felt it.A chill ran down my spine.My instincts alerted me even before my eyes found the source.When I turned discreetly to look for where that feeling was coming from, I saw it.Anabelle.Standing below the platform, a few meters away, impeccably dressed, with that damn arrogant smile plastered on her painted lips.But it wasn't just her.Two men were with her.Tall. Strong.With military posture and cold, icy stares.They stared at me as if I were a piece of meat thrown in front of hungry wolves.I felt my whole body freeze.I didn't know who they were; I didn't know the coats of arms and flags of all the families yet, but if there was one thing I was sure of, it was that they were powerful.My body reacted, processing the danger.I looked away, lowered my head,
Anabelle Mixon — The beginning of the game.I finished adjusting my leather gloves, high riding boots, and thick cloak that covered my shoulders.I hated all that mud.That dirty snow, sticking to my boots and the hem of my dress.But I would make the sacrifice.For him.For Matthew.He was still my goal.My destiny.My damn mission.I had kept my distance over the last few days, watching all the commotion and all the changes from afar.Some might have thought I had given up.That I had surrendered.Idiots.I was working.Working on my real plan.I saw how Matthew started acting after he came back from the temple... how he got close to that bitch, Alesha. He started showing up everywhere she was, and it was burning me up inside, like the gates of hell had opened inside me.If he didn't see me the way he used to...Then I would make sure he had no choice.My blood pulsed with anticipation as I listened to the knocking at the door.“Come in,” I called, lifting my chin.The maid appeared
Alesha Stokes — Where is my wolf?The cold morning wind blew through the tent as soon as I opened my eyes.But this time, I didn't care.My heart was beating fast, excited.Today was the big day.The hunt — and I would be right there with him.I got dressed, got up quickly, and washed my face in the small basin of cold water until my cheeks were rosy.I wanted to look presentable. I wanted him to see me... and notice me.I was still fixing my hair when a movement outside caught my attention.The canvas of my tent suddenly opened, revealing Madalena.Just like at the winter ball, she appeared with a dress in her hands—a servant's outfit, but much more refined than what I normally wore. It was made of heavy, dark blue fabric with discreet embroidery on the hem and sleeves. A dress made to be seen... even if discreetly.Madalena entered without ceremony, her eyes serious and worried.And that only proved even more that something had happened, something they wanted to hide from everyone.