The sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, casting a soft glow over the Blackwood Estate.Alpha Eugene sat in the meditation area on a wide stone slab, his eyes closed in meditation.But no matter how hard he tried, his mind would not quiet. The storm inside him had been brewing for days and it ate at his control like a feral beast. His wolf was restless, pacing at the edges of his sanity, demanding blood and justice.The rustle of leaves announced a presence, and he opened his eyes to find Becca walking toward him. She looked tired, her face pale but set with determined resolve. Her eyes were bright with something raw and unyielding. Eugene sighed, sensing that whatever peace he had tried to claim here was about to be shattered.“Becca,” he said, his voice low, but carrying a warning edge. “This better be good.”Becca didn’t flinch. She stopped in front of him, her hands clenched at her sides.She drew a deep breath, then spoke.“I’ve found a way to save Mira,” she began.
Servants walked past Becca with lowered gazes, and warriors pretended to patrol, all while whispering about what had just happened — about the proud and scheming Luna Seraphina finally tasting her own medicine.Becca stood by the tall marble fountain in the center of the garden, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. The reflection of the moonlight on the water mirrored the faint glint of triumph in her eyes. For once, she had turned the tables. She had made Seraphina squirm, had stripped away the cruel woman’s dignity in front of witnesses. It was a sweet, intoxicating victory.And what surprised Becca even more — though she tried to push the thought away — was how Alpha Eugene had looked at her afterward. Proud. There had been something fierce and approving in his gaze as their eyes met, like for a fleeting moment, he truly saw her, not as a pawn or a liability, but as a Luna worthy of her place."Stop it, Becca," she scolded herself silently, shaking her head. This isn
The night air hung heavy, thick with tension inside the darkened chamber where Luna Seraphina sat, crumpled on the luxurious fur-lined chair. Her hair, usually immaculate, was tangled and falling around her tear-streaked face. Her delicate hands trembled as she clutched a silk handkerchief to her chest, her breaths obvious with fury and humiliation.Thus had been the most embarrassing day for her since she had been born into her prominent family, and as such, it hurt like hell.Her mind kept on torturing her by replaying that moment Becca ripped her dress in front of everyone. “I… I can’t believe she did this to me,” Seraphina choked out, her voice raw from crying. “In front of the entire pack… in front of mere servants and guards… she stripped me of my dignity!”Desmond, pacing the richly carpeted floor like a caged predator, his jaw clenched so tightly it could have cracked bone, stopped abruptly and turned to face her. His face was a storm of unfiltered rage. The flickering fi
The morning sun poured lazily through the curtains of Becca’s chamber, the warmth nudging her awake before the light could even fully reach her face. Becca smiled, the memory of yesterday’s public disgrace of Luna Seraphina playing over in her mind like a beautiful, triumphant melody. The look of pure horror on Seraphina’s face, the crowd’s murmurs, and the way Alpha Eugene had looked at her with unmistakable pride—she hugged herself at the thought, only to snap out of it immediately."No, Becca… don’t be foolish. Don’t start hoping for things you know can’t be" She shook her head and slid out of bed, her feet hitting the cool floor. Today wasn’t a day for foolish daydreams. It was a day to finish what had been started.She dressed quickly and tied her hair back with a simple ribbon. As she turned to leave, a soft knock came at the door.“It’s open,” Becca called, fastening the last clasp on her sleeve.Mira stepped inside, looking fresher than Becca had seen her in days. Her face
Becca stormed back and forth across the polished floor of her chamber, her face filled with unfiltered anger.“I swear to the Goddess, Mira,” Becca spat, her voice trembling, “if I see that snake Desmond again today, I won’t be held responsible for what I’ll do.”Seated on the edge of a chair near the fireplace, Mira watched her friend with a mixture of sympathy and helplessness. “Becca, please,” Mira implored, her voice soft yet edged with urgency. “Come sit. Just… breathe. Pacing like this won’t undo what happened at the council meeting.”Becca froze mid-step and turned to face her, eyes blazing. “How can I sit, Mira? How can I sit while an innocent girl—Selene, a mere maid—is being condemned for a crime she never committed? And we both know exactly who’s behind this farce!”Mira swallowed hard, glancing down at the floor. “Luna Seraphina and Desmond,” she said bitterly. “They’ve woven their web too well this time.”Becca resumed her restless pacing, her movements sharper and ang
The hallways of the mansion were unusually quiet, except for the faint sound of Mira’s soft footsteps. She carried a basket of laundry, the familiar weight pressing against her side as she walked toward the washroom. Her mind, however, was elsewhere. Thoughts of the poor maid who was about to be executed for Luna Seraphina’s crime plagued her thoughts, filling her with guilt and sorrow.So lost was she in these dark thoughts that she didn't notice the figure coming toward her until it was too late. The collision was sudden, her body crashing into a broad chest, and the basket of laundry flew from her hands, clothes scattering across the polished stone floor."Oh!" Mira exclaimed, flustered, as she scrambled to retrieve the fallen clothes. "I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention."A low chuckle met her ears, warm and familiar. "I should be the one apologizing," the voice said. Mira’s gaze flicked upward, meeting the kind, dark eyes of Jack. The sight of him brought an unexpecte
Max walked toward them, his face twisted in anger, his jaw clenched tightly. Mira’s stomach churned at the sight of him, her earlier calm evaporating in an instant."What’s going on here?" Max’s voice was low but filled with a dangerous edge, as though he had already made up his mind about what was happening.Mira’s heart skipped a beat. She opened her mouth to explain, to say something, but before she could, Max was already grabbing her arm, pulling her back roughly. The force of his grip made her stumble slightly, and he positioned himself directly between her and Jack, his body a solid wall, blocking any view of Jack from her.She felt a surge of confusion. Why was he acting this way? He had never been this aggressive before. But his eyes were like ice, and there was no warmth in the way he looked at her, only possession."Max, stop," Mira said, her voice soft but firm, trying to pull herself from his grasp. "What’s wrong with you?"Max didn’t acknowledge her words. His eyes sta
The scent of dried herbs and crushed petals drifted lazily through the air, wrapping the room in a soft, earthy embrace. It mixed with the subtle smell of alcohol and the delicate perfume of wildflowers, creating a scent that was uniquely Becca’s clinic—her sacred space of healing and refuge. The gentle clink of glass vials echoed softly as Becca moved with calm precision, grinding a blend of lavender and some plants into a fine powder with her mortar and pestle. Her hands were steady, purposeful, her every movement honed by years of experience and a heart that had long committed itself to the art of healing others.The quiet was only broken by the occasional rustle and the whisper of Mira’s steps as she moved around the room like a restless spirit. She worked efficiently—organizing the apothecary jars, relabeling bottles, wiping clean the already spotless shelves—but there was a tension in her shoulders, a storm bottled behind her carefully composed expression.Becca didn’t miss
The warmth of Eugene’s palm lingered against Becca's as their hands remained clasped, their foreheads touching gently. The low hum of the distant music from the ballroom was muffled behind thick oak doors, wrapping the moment in a fragile silence. Becca could feel his breath on her face—steady, confident, and far too intoxicating. She had told herself this meant nothing. She was a healer. She was helping a man in need. That was all.It was normal for her, as a healer, to help someone who needed her so he can be well and that was exactly what she was doing. She told herself more times than she could remember.She also convinced herself she wasn't just helping Eugene but also keeping the other pack members safe because if things went out of control, it would be disastrous.She told herself she was pretty much a hero and that was all it was. Nothing more, nothing less.But her heart beat betrayed her.Eugene pulled back slightly and tilted his head, a mischievous smirk playing at the
The muffled hum of violins and polite laughter from the grand ballroom faded into the background as Mira and Max walked deeper into the marble-floored hallway. The soft tap of Mira's heels echoed against the walls, her mind whirling not with thoughts of Eugene or Becca, but with the image of Jack.Jack with Ava.Ava holding onto his arm as if she owned him, smiling up at him like she had known him for years. The memory of it burned behind her eyes.Max walked beside her, his strides quick and alert. He kept looking around, clearly agitated."We need to find Alpha Eugene before Alpha Desmond does something he can't undo," Max muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the corridor ahead. "He’s been too quiet tonight. That worries me."Mira didn’t respond. Her gaze had dropped to the velvet carpet beneath their feet. Her heart was in her throat, her thoughts tangled in emotion.There was something about Ava that didn't sit right with her and she couldn't help but feel that Jack was
Luna Seraphina led Desmond through the crowd of dancers and guests, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. Her movements were poised and elegant, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the way she walked, as though she knew tonight would mark the turning point in their plans.She brought him to a quiet corner of the ballroom, hidden from prying eyes. The heavy curtains shielded them from the chaos of the night, offering them the privacy they needed.Desmond exhaled sharply, letting the weight of the conversation hang in the air. "I’m making progress with Eugene. He’s close to snapping. The cracks are showing. But Becca... she’s in the way," He muttered, his voice a low growl.Seraphina's gaze flickered to his, her lips curling slightly at the edges, her eyes narrowing with purpose. "I’ve been thinking the same thing," she replied softly, her voice almost a whisper. "She's a threat to everything we've worked for. If we don’t remove her tonight, Eugene will remain
Becca led Eugene through the murmuring crowd, her hand still in his, guiding him toward one of the private rooms tucked away from the bright lights and curious eyes of the ballroom. The heavy door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in a hush of velvet shadows and quiet tension. As soon as Becca let go of his hand, Eugene took a step back, his chest rising and falling sharply.Then he exploded.“I should have ripped his head off,” Eugene growled, his voice low and guttural—less man and more beast. His fists clenched and unclenched as he paced the room like a caged predator. “I stood there, Becca, watching him smirk like he owns the godsdamned world. The way he looked at you, the way he talked down at me in front of everyone… if I hadn’t held myself back—”“Eugene—”“I wanted to kill him.”Becca froze. She had never heard Eugene talk like this. The calm, composed Alpha who always seemed to be in control now radiated pure, unfiltered rage. His voice carried the kind of fury that
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