Becca hit the cold floor hard, her knees brushing against the rough surface, her hands trembling as she held her stomach. Pain shot through her, but it was nothing compared to the ache in her heart. The grand doors of the Alpha’s mansion towered behind her, their golden handles glinting under the moonlight. But the beauty of the castle was a stark contrast to the cruelty of the man standing above her.Alpha Desmond.He looked down at her with disgust, his piercing blue eyes sharp and unforgiving. His dark hair fell over his face to make him look even more terrifying as his muscular body was towering over her. He was every bit the powerful ruler their pack revered—strong, merciless, and utterly ruthless.“Get out of my sight, Omega.” His voice was cold, void of any emotion. The words sliced through her like a blade.Becca clutched her breast, her breath coming in short gasps. “Alpha, please… I—”Desmond let out a cruel laugh, the sound echoing in the courtyard where his warriors
Becca gritted her teeth as she half-dragged, half-carried the unconscious man inside her clinic. He was much heavier than she had expected, his body packed with thick muscle beneath the robes he wore. Her arms ached, but she didn’t stop—not when his fevered skin burned against hers, not when she felt the unsteady rise and fall of his chest.Without hesitation, she put him onto her table.As she attempted to remove his clothes, a scent drifted toward her—faint but unmistakable.Her entire body froze.No…That scent.It was familiar. Too familiar.Her stomach twisted violently, nausea rising in her throat.It smelled like him.Like Alpha Desmond.A scent she had spent months trying to forget. A scent that haunted her nightmares. A scent that had once made her heart race with longing, only to now make her sick with anger.She stumbled back, her breath shallow. Was it him? Had Desmond come here in disguise? Had he—?No.She took a deep breath, forcing herself to think rationally. Th
The heavy iron door slammed shut behind them, sealing Becca and Mira inside the cold prison cell beneath Alpha Desmond’s mansion. The air was thick with the scent of old blood.Mira sat in the corner, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’ve never been in a place like this before.”Becca exhaled sharply, pacing the cell. She had been here before. Thrown into this very cell. The memory clawed at her mind—Desmond’s cold eyes, his mocking smile as he had ordered her locked away simply for trying to heal one of the maids.She clenched her fists. “This isn’t the first time Desmond has done this to me. He thinks throwing me down here will break me, but it won’t.”Mira’s wide eyes met hers. “But what if this time is different? What if he really—”“Stop.” Becca bent in front of her, gripping her shoulders gently. “We will get out of this. I promise you.”Mira swallowed hard and nodded, but fear still lin
The tension in the room thickened as gasps whispered through the gathered crowd.Alpha Eugene.The name rolled through her mind as the man moved toward her, his gaze never leaving her broken form on the floor. His sharp eyes softened the moment he reached her.Without a word, he extended his hand.Becca stared at it, still dazed, still unable to process what was happening.“Come,” Eugene murmured, his voice deep yet gentle.Becca hesitated, but something in his presence made her reach out. He grasped her hand firmly, his warmth stark against the coldness of the hall. He pulled her to her feet with effortless strength, steadying her as her legs threatened to give out beneath her.She felt… safe.But the safety was immediately overshadowed by confusion.“What the hell is going on?” Becca demanded, pulling her hand away the moment she found her balance. She was still furious, burning from the humiliation and anger of being dragged here in the first place.Eugene exhaled. “I owe you
The words echoed through Becca’s mind, slamming into her with a force that almost made it impossible for her to breathe."She is my mate." Those words repeated in her head as she tired to register it.No.No, that couldn’t be right.Her breath came in short, shallow bursts. Her heart pounded so violently that it was painful. The entire hall had fallen into stunned silence, yet the sound of gasps and hushed whispers spread like wildfire.She felt their eyes on her, sinking into her skin.Desmond was the first to react.A sharp, disbelieving laugh cut through the tension, but there was no humor in it. His golden eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he stepped forward."You must be joking." His voice was like poison dripping from his tongue. "This has to be a mistake, Eugene. Tell me you didn’t just claim her."Eugene didn’t even flinch. He didn’t turn his head, didn’t spare Desmond a single glance. His piercing gaze remained locked onto Becca—unwavering and unshaken.She felt trappe
The darkness surrounding Becca suddenly shattered.Her eyes flew open as though jolted from a nightmare. Her heart was pounding. She was drenched in sweat. For a moment, she didn’t know where she was. The ceiling above her was unfamiliar—elegant, carved wood with golden trims and an ornate chandelier. Silk sheets. Velvet curtains. Soft pillows under her head.This wasn’t her clinic. And it sure as hell wasn’t the dungeons.Then it hit her—the memory of that awful moment in the grand hall.Alpha Desmond’s sneer.The executioner’s attack.The cold words echoing in the hall.“She committed an abomination—she dared to touch Alpha blood.”And then… that voice. Deep. Commanding. Protective.“Enough. No one will touch her.”Alpha Eugene.Becca sucked in a sharp breath, her hand flying to her mouth as if trying to block the memory from flooding in too fast. She sat up quickly in bed, her hands trembling. The words echoed louder in her mind now, deafening her.“She is my mate.”Becca shoo
Desmond paced around his chamber, each step echoing his increasing anger. The audacity of his half-brother, Eugene, to return unannounced and challenge his authority was infuriating. Worse still, Eugene had intervened in the execution of that insufferable Omega, Becca, and had the gall to claim her as his mate. The mere thought made Desmond's blood boil.The distant hum of engines interrupted his seething thoughts. He moved to the window and saw a convoy of sleek black vehicles approaching the estate. Luna Seraphina had returned from her spa retreat. Her presence was both a comfort and a complication; while she was his mate, her temper was as bad as his own.The driver swiftly opened the door, and Seraphina emerged, exuding an aura of dominance and elegance. Without wasting time, she began issuing commands to the staff."Careful with those bags! If anything is damaged, consider your employment terminated," she snapped, her icy blue eyes scanning the maids running to collect her
The great wolf council hall was a towering structure of stone and glass, with high ceilings and ancient paintings bearing the symbols of generations past. Its walls carried the stories of countless decisions that had shaped the werewolf realms. Today, it would bear witness to another.Alpha Eugene stood at the center of the chamber, his broad shoulders squared, his piercing silver eyes unwavering. The wolf council members, a gathering of old, sharp-eyed men and women, sat in a circle before him. Each of them bore the weight of decades of power, and none were easily impressed.Eugene’s wolf stirred within him, pacing impatiently. He kept his breathing steady, tamping down the surge of possessive anger that threatened to surface whenever his thoughts drifted to Becca — and to Desmond.An elder, Councilor Hadrian, cleared his throat and leaned forward. His voice, though aged, still carried authority.“Alpha Eugene, you have returned after years spent infiltrating the rival clans. T
The music of the ballroom had begun to rise in pace, a graceful but commanding melody moving through the air. Lights flickered softly against the high golden ceilings, and the scent of expensive cologne, perfume, and sweet wine saturated the space. Amidst it all, Jack moved like a man with a mission.He scanned the crowd, eyes sharp, his lips thinned. Alpha Desmond had vanished. One moment, he was at the stairs, watching Eugene and Becca with that sinister smile curling at his lips. The next, he was gone. Slipped into the crowd like a serpent through grass. Jack’s instincts were prickling. Something wasn’t right. He pushed past a group of laughing elders, muttering polite apologies, but his mind was already turning.That was when it happened.Jack turned a corner a little too quickly and collided into someone."Oh!"A gasp escaped the woman as red wine splashed down the front of her pink satin gown. She blinked, stunned. Jack’s eyes widened, horrified."I’m—I’m so sorry," Jack s
The ballroom glowed in warm candlelight and the radiant shimmer of magical orbs that hovered delicately in the air. It was a scene of splendor and elegance, wolves in finely tailored garments moving with grace across the polished marble floor, the sound of soft violins painting an air of civility over the tension that buzzed underneath. Becca walked beside Eugene, her arm securely linked with his, and both wore soft smiles as they mingled with the crowd.Eugene’s expression was calm, almost serene, but Becca could feel the tension in his muscles. Every step he took was calculated. Every breath measured. Yet she kept herself close to him, their linked arms serving not just as a show of affection but as an anchor. An assurance.Behind them, Max followed a few feet away, his posture stiff and his face furrowed in deep worry. Mira walked beside him, her gaze movinv from couple to couple before landing on Max. The concern etched into his features wasn’t subtle."Max," she said softly
The heavy double doors of the Alpha’s study groaned slightly as Max pushed them open, revealing the spacious, dimly lit room within. The thick scent of cedarwood and a trace of something sharp—anger, maybe—hung in the air. Becca stepped in first, Mira close behind her, and Max followed them silently. The atmosphere was tense, as though the walls themselves had soaked in the fury of the man pacing before the wide window.Alpha Eugene stood stiffly, his back to them, his shoulders tight with frustration. The pale moonlight filtering through the tall windows struck the side of his face, outlining his clenched jaw. His hands were balled into fists by his sides. His chest rose and fell heavily, controlled but strained.When he heard the door close, he turned—and the moment his eyes landed on Becca, his expression darkened further."Max," he growled, his voice sharp. "I told you I didn't want to see anyone. Especially her."Becca stopped in her tracks, her heart tightening at the sheer
The golden chandeliers blazed above the ballroom, casting warm glows upon shimmering gowns, ornate masks, and regal suits. Becca stood beside Mira, locked in polite conversation with the charming and soft-spoken Lady Aveline.“...And what I’ve envisioned,” Becca said earnestly, “are smaller healing centers set up across the various towns. Clinics that don’t require permission or status to enter—just wolves helping other wolves.”Lady Aveline’s green eyes sparkled with interest. “That’s such a noble vision, my lady. It’s rare to hear someone in the Alpha’s court speak of the commonfolk with such passion. And it would certainly raise the morale across the districts.”Mira smiled, proud of Becca’s poise and clarity. “Luna Becca has always been someone who sees people beyond titles,” she added.Before Aveline could respond, a pair of elegant arms swept around her from behind. A rich, familiar laugh laced with subtle poison interrupted their calm.“Darling Aveline, I was wondering wher
Luna Seraphina, Alpha Desmond, and Jack moved through the crowd with a shared sense of triumph, their faces adorned with smiles.Desmond's broad shoulders held the weight of authority. His walk was confident, almost predatory, as if he had just claimed something precious. Luna Seraphina walked beside him, her regal aura matching her composure.Jack, on the other hand, felt the creeping tendrils of guilt wrap around him. His face was expressionless, a mask he had perfected, but inside, his heart churned. Jack swallowed, wishing desperately to be anywhere but here.Luna Seraphina leaned toward Desmond, her voice barely audible above the soft hum of the crowd. “Do you think he’ll come tonight?” she asked, her tone dripping with amusement.Desmond’s smile widened, a cruel edge to it. “Eugene?” he asked, his voice mocking. “He’s too scared to show his face, Seraphina. He knows what’s coming. By the time the full moon reaches its peak, he won’t be able to control himself. He’ll be a mo
The ballroom was alive with music, the sounds of violins and piano strings mingling with the soft chatter of the guests below. Becca stood at the top of the staircase, hands trembling slightly as she smoothed the fabric of her gown. It was beautiful—too beautiful for someone like her, she thought.Her face was composed, yet inside, her heart hammered like a war drum. She hated this feeling, the overwhelming sensation that everyone was judging her. Her eyes moved to Mira, who was adjusting her own gown.“You look amazing,” Becca said quietly, a nervous smile on her lips as she attempted to ease the tension in her own chest. “I still can’t believe this is happening.”Mira turned to her, a bright but nervous smile on her face. “You too, Becca. You look like you belong here. Don’t worry, we’ve got this. Together.”Becca squeezed Mira’s hand as they walked toward the top of the staircase. She could feel Mira’s palm sweating in hers, the anxiety almost palpable in the air between them
The late afternoon sun spilled golden light across the floor of Becca’s room, painting soft patterns through the white curtains that danced in the gentle breeze. A quiet energy filled the room as Mira fastened the final pin into her hair, looking at her reflection in the mirror with a soft smile. She looked beautiful in her moon-silver gown, a color that shimmered when she moved, adding to the glow in her skin. The faint sounds of violins being tuned floated in from the distant ballroom, carried up the stairs by open windows and echoing laughter.Becca stood by the wardrobe, carefully slipping into a deep emerald dress with gold designs at the sleeves and neckline. Her fingers worked quickly, but her eyes held a trace of apprehension. The dress clung to her form with just the right amount of grace, and her long hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, the last bits still damp from her earlier bath.“You’re awfully quiet,” Mira said, turning and giving her friend a look. “Not h
Luna Seraphina, Alpha Desmond, and Jack hurried down the long, dimly lit hallways. Their footsteps echoed sharply off the floors as they approached Eugene’s study. Desmond and Seraphina led the way, their eyes flickering with determination, while Jack followed reluctantly behind.“Jack,” Seraphina’s voice cut through the silence, her tone laced with irritation, “you really think it’s acceptable to waste time like this? We’re on a tight schedule, and you didn’t even check the study for the elixir after you were supposed to.”Jack glanced at her, his eyes narrowing, but he kept his voice calm and polite. “I understand your frustration, Luna Seraphina, but I’ve been handling preparations for the Moon Festival. You know how important it is. It’s a lot of work.”Desmond, walking beside Seraphina, grunted dismissively. “The festival? You think that matters right now, Jack? Eugene’s elixir is more important. You should’ve checked the study first, not gotten distracted with petty celebrat
Mira’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked at Becca and Eugene dancing together, their bodies intertwined like they were one.“They look... perfect together,” Mira whispered, almost to herself.Max turned his head to look at her. The way her lips curled in a small, genuine smile made something warm and aching move inside his chest.For a moment, Max’s fingers twitched at his sides. He wanted to reach out, to tell her something—anything—just to hear her voice.He opened his mouth, about to speak, when—A sharp, loud laugh shattered the moment.They all turned in unison, their heads snapping toward the grand staircase.At the top, like a queen descending to oversee her court, stood Luna Seraphina. Trailing behind her were Desmond and Jack, both in dark ceremonial attire, their faces fixed into perfect, impassive masks. Except Jack—his eyes flickered briefly when they landed on Mira, but his expression quickly smoothed over.“Oh, what a precious sight,” she said mockingly. “A