Edward Wood — Dirt Swept Under the Rug?It had been a few days since Matthew looked at me with that expression—one I’d only seen once before, during the war. A mix of confusion, instinct, and silent desperation. For the first time, he didn’t know what to do about a woman. And that worried me more than any threat or war dispatch ever had.Matthew had never faltered. Never doubted himself. But all it took was the arrival of that new servant at the palace for him to lose his grip. He called me in and gave me a simple mission: “Find out who she is. Everything.” That was enough for me to temporarily abandon my duties with the elite guard and focus on watching… Alesha Stokes.At first, I thought he was overreacting. Sure, she was beautiful, different, yes. But still, just an omega. But the moment I saw her... something in me recognized what he’d felt. She had...something. Those eyes... they weren’t ordinary. It wasn’t just beauty—it was something wild, restrained. Like a wolf on a l
Edward Wood — The Scent of SecretsI stopped my horse right in the center of the village. Dismounted with firm steps, the sound of my boots echoing against the packed dirt road. The night’s cold was sharp enough to freeze bones, but I barely felt it anymore. What did bother me was the silence—that heavy, unnatural kind—the kind that only settles when something is very, very wrong.“Where is the Alpha in charge of this village?” I called out, my voice cutting through the narrow streets, bouncing off the weathered houses and half-open doors.No answer.People started to emerge slowly, like shadows afraid of their own light. The elderly, women, even children—all wearing the same hollow look in their eyes.Fear. It was fear I saw in every face. Not the kind you feel in front of an ordinary enemy... but the kind you feel toward someone who’s supposed to protect you.I stepped toward a group, keeping my posture steady. One of the men, probably the oldest among them, lowered his head the mo
Alesha Stokes — Gods, are you listening?Snow had already begun to pile up along the edges of the path, crunching beneath my feet as I hurried forward with Marilyn’s arm draped over my shoulders. Her other arm—or what was left of it—was wrapped in bandages, but the fabric was already damp and turning red. Every step she took made my heart clench. She could barely stand, yet she insisted on leaving the house. Her stubbornness was still stronger than the pain.“Alesha…” her voice came out weak and weary. “What did those guards want? Do you... do you think they found out?”“Shhh... take it easy,” I whispered, adjusting her body more securely against mine. “Don’t worry about that now, Grandma. You need to rest. You’re still bleeding.”She muttered something under her breath, as if refusing to accept her own condition. As if weakness itself was an insult.“What if...something happens to the girl from Loures? That child… Alex promised—”“He won’t lay a finger on her,” I said, picking up the
Alesha Stokes — Protective InstinctThe night dragged on, painfully slow, as if time itself wanted to remind me that the next day was getting closer with every breath.I couldn’t sleep.I stayed seated in the wooden chair beside Marilyn’s bed, my eyes fixed on the window, fogged by the cold. Moonlight slipped through the gaps in the worn curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. My fingers were laced together, stiff from the chill, and my body was too exhausted to relax.Every time a shadow moved outside, every gust of wind that howled stronger, my chest tightened.Were they still out there?Those guards... that man.Had they figured anything out?Had they seen enough to report back to the royal guard? To the Supreme Alpha?My heart ached.And it ached even more as I looked at Marilyn, lying on that old, worn-out bed, her bandaged arm just a stump now, her face pale. I kept asking myself how I could leave her like this, how I could find the strength to walk away again.But... I had
Alesha Stokes — Back to the BattlefieldThe night had barely brushed against me.I drifted in and out of sleep, just a few minutes here and there, between sighs and scattered thoughts—each one pulling me awake with a new fear, a fresh memory. My eyes burned with exhaustion, but the weariness of the mind has always been crueler than that of the body.Before the sun had even risen, I was already on my feet.I got dressed quietly, trying not to wake anyone. Marilyn was in a deep sleep, her face peaceful for the first time in days. Her friends were scattered around the floor on makeshift mattresses, all fast asleep. I stood there for a moment, watching them, my heart tight in my chest. I wanted to hug them, to thank them for everything… but I knew if I woke Marilyn, she’d try to make me stay. And this time, I couldn’t afford to waver.I slung my bundle over my shoulder, pulled the thickest cloak I had over my head, and walked to the door.Just before stepping out, I looked back at the hou
Alesha Stokes — Preparing the Prey"Megan?!" My voice came out as a loud whisper—almost a muffled scream.She stopped but didn’t turn around. I took a deep breath and rushed toward her, crossing the kitchen with my heart racing.What the hell was going on here? What was happening to everyone?First the village… Marilyn… and now Megan?Was this some kind of divine test? A punishment? A curse?I didn’t know what to think. But my heart—my wolf—was restless, uneasy. Tired of all the pain. Tired of this damned life filled with nothing but suffering."What happened to you?" I asked, hurrying closer, trying to keep my voice low. "What’s that on your face? Why is everyone acting so strange?"Megan looked at me. Her eyes were still the same—but dimmed. Like something had been ripped out of them. She gently grabbed my arm and whispered through clenched teeth:"Keep your voice down. Not here.""Megan, what’s going on?" I pressed, my voice catching, my chest tightening with every word. "Where’s
Matthew Dawolf — Prophecy or Curse?I'd been locked in this damn temple for days, surrounded by candles, chants, and people dressed in white who spoke like the world could end at any second.They said I needed to be “purified”.Purified?I was the Supreme Alpha.I didn’t need any of that bullshit.“A healing herb immersion in the sacred waters will help soothe your spirit, Your Majesty,” they said, sprinkling more of that sparkling powder into the water.“And soothing my spirit is supposed to stop my wolf from trying to take over my body?” I asked, staring down the priest with those pale eyes of his, like I could force the answer out of him.He just smiled.They *always* smiled—that same cursed, empty smile.These temple fanatics had no clue what it was like to live with a wolf caged inside your chest, ready to tear apart anything that moved.I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Trying to focus.But here I was—half-submerged in water up to my chest, surrounded by flower petals,
Anabelle Mixon — Damn persistent little insect.I needed to be sure.I rushed through the palace halls so fast I nearly twisted my ankle in these heels.Some useless maid had let the news slip while gossiping. “A letter arrived. The Supreme Alpha is returning.” That was all. One whispered sentence, tossed carelessly to another servant… but it was enough to ignite fire in my veins.Matthew... is coming back.I felt a smile spread across my face, impossible to suppress. My hands were sweating inside my fine leather gloves, but my posture remained flawless. Tall, proud, perfect. Just as a true Luna should be.When I reached the door to my father's study, I found exactly what I expected: counselors. Old men, full of titles but as weak as candles in the wind. All of them sitting there as if the world wasn’t about to change with Matthew’s return.My smile vanished.I straightened my shoulders, smoothed my dress, held my breath, and stepped in with the poise of a lady. With the authority of
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.