The atmosphere in the office was suffocating. Cassia sat in the leather chair, one leg crossed over the other, eyes sharp as daggers as she studied the twins. “So, let me get this straight—you need my help to take down Valerian or make peace with Valerian, not just to protect your pack, but because you have someone to rescue?”Zarek remained silent, arms crossed, his expression impassive. Zade, however, let out a sharp exhale, already irritated. “That’s what we said, isn’t it?”Cassia tilted her head, lips curving into a smirk. “Who is it?”Zade’s jaw clenched. Zarek didn’t even blink.Her smirk widened seeing the indifference. “You wouldn’t go this far for just anyone. So who is it?”Silence.Then Gideon, standing off to the side, answered with a bored drawl, “Their favorite servant.”Cassia’s smirk vanished. Her fingers tightened on the armrest as she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief, “You’re doing all this… for a servant?”Zarek’s gaze darkened. “We’re doing it for the pac
_Astrid’s POV_I watched as guards trooped into the bedroom and bowed before Valerian. His gaze remained unreadable as he ordered, “Take this bitch and punish her in the worst way ever." He paused, his gaze darkening as he added, “She dared to spit on my face." Without a second thought, the guards rushed towards me and yanked me from the bed while I winced in pain.The bandages that were used to wrap my wounds were forcefully ripped open, leaving the cold air hitting my wounds.“Please…” I begged as one of the guards pulled me by my hair and dragged me out of the room. It was extremely difficult to match his pace as I clutched his arm on my hair, trying to peel his finger's grip away.I knew without a doubt that he would end up pulling a few strands off. They pulled me directly to what seemed to be the dungeon. I could tell it was a dungeon because this part of the mansion was dark and reeked of something disgusting. Probably blood or rotten meat.I was pushed to the ground, hard,
The moment their feet crossed into The Crimson Dusk Pack, the only thing Zarek wanted to do at that moment was burn the place to the ground.The air was filled with the smell of lies. This disgusting pack. The guards who stood at the pack’s entrance all went pale at the sight of not just them but Cassia. They all knew who she was and where she came from. The Lycan’s King Lucian's sister was the only reason they never attacked Zarek, Zade, and Gideon on sight.One of the guards scrambled inside and towards the packhouse, to report that the Alphas of Obsidian Fang Pack had arrived with someone who made them untouchable. “Alpha, the Alphas of The Obsidian Fang Pack are here." The guard informed Valerian, who sat lazily in his chair as he listened to the other men in the meeting room.The moment the words registered in his mind, a small smile curled at the sides of his lips.“Really?" He chuckled. “Took them long enough. What are you all waiting for then?" He asked, petting his disfigu
Zarek's arms were soaked in blood. Astrid's blood. Her body was limp, her skin pale, and every shallow breath she took made something tighten in his chest, and that of his brother. They hadn't even known her for long—but the sight of her broken like this made their vision burn red. To think that Zade was even affected when he was also the same person to protest against Astrid's entry into their lives. He had told Zarek that he shouldn't have bought her off at the auction because she was human. And now, he was looking disheveled because of that same human. Zade stalked behind Zarek, his fist clenched and his jaw locked as they made their way through the halls of Crimson Dusk Packhouse. The moment they arrived at the living room, Zade moved fast before anyone could predict his movement, he grabbed Valerian by his shirt collar and slammed him on the wall again, just the way Zarek did. Valerian was tired of the both of them at this point. "Didn't you say she was safe?" Zade growled l
_Astrid’s POV_The smell of lavender swirled lightly through the room, wafting into my nostrils.Somewhere close by, birds chirped like the world hadn’t collapsed around me.My eyelids fluttered open with much difficulty than ever and a groan tore from my throat.Light poured in through the beige curtains, and the first thing I noticed was the pain, still dull, still there, but not as harsh as I remembered. My throat was dry, my body sore, but somehow, I was… alive.How was that possible?A jumbled memory of mine brought back the menacing way that guard had shoved silver down my throat forcefully, wanting to end my miserable life for me.But somehow, I managed to survive. Just when I turned my head slightly to the side, I realized I wasn't alone in the white room. I caught sight of her.The she-wolf with wild, curly brown hair tied back in a messy bun. Her skin was warm-toned, her eyes wide and shining with disbelief and hope as they locked on mine.“Astrid?” she breathed.I blinked
_Astrid’s POV_It had been a week since I woke up in this gilded prison.A week since Zarek and Zade pulled me from the brink of death… and left me to rot all over again.Lady Cassia made sure of that.Each day bled into the next, an endless cycle of servitude and scorn. Yes, I was their personal maid, but Cassia took immense pleasure in reminding me of it—loudly, publicly, and cruelly.Ever since Zarek and Zade had asked her to give them sometime while they come to a conclusion of their next course of action towards getting a Luna. She had refused to leave the Obsidian Fang Pack.I hated her so much. The way she walked, talked and carried herself.Yes, she was a Lycan, but she acted like she was the moon goddess herself.She tossed her gowns at me, made me scrub her floors twice just to watch me crawl, and once, when I was too slow to clean her muddy shoes, she ground them into the rug and made me scrub that too—with a toothbrush.Zarek and Zade had approved of it when she complaine
_Astrid’s POV_The silence that followed the slap was louder than the sound of the laughter had ever been.My cheek stung. Not just from the impact, but from the deep humiliation I was feeling.From the way Cassia looked at me like I was something she scraped off her shoe. From the way no one said a damn word.Not even Zade, nor Zarek.I didn’t cry, even though the tears was clouding my features. Not this time. I just stood there, gripping the silver tray until my fingers ached.“I’m so sorry, Lady Cassia,” I murmured, my voice hollow. This was the least I could do before everyone.“Oh, you will be,” she spat. “This is pure silk from Marathen. You just ruined it, you dumb bitch!” She raised her voice because she knew the twins wouldn't do anything to stop her.Her dress wasn’t even that soaked. Just a little splash. But to her, it was a reason to unleash everything she’d been holding back. This woman hated me for no reason.She stood up sharply from her seat and ordered in a harsh vo
_Astrid’s POV_I woke up with the taste of salt still on my lips.My eyes burned, lashes slogged together from the tears I hadn’t bothered to wipe away the previous day.My little room was quiet now, Oriana must’ve left sometime during the night. She always did, before Esme made her wicked rounds each day.I sat up slowly, feeling like every bone in my body had aged ten years overnight. My cheek still throbbed, very tender to the touch. The bruise was probably darker now.But there was no time to check.I had work to do.Even if my soul was crawling toward the edge.I needed to serve the Alphas, even though I hated seeing Zarek. Both of them. Three of them!Thankfully, Gideon wasn't always around for breakfast. I hated him because Oriana told me he was the one who suggested that Lady Cassia come to the pack and take care of the mess the Alphas made.And now I also have to see her today. With a heavy sigh, I went about my personal hygiene and when I was done, I got dressed.I dreaded
The ballroom shone in black and red, filled with the finest of werewolf royalty. This was no ordinary event, it was the official masquerade ball held by the Elder Council. A rare occasion where all Alphas gathered not to battle, but to make peace.Zarek stood stiffly near the edge of the crowd, his mask barely covering the annoyed twitch of his jaw. Beside him, Zade remained calm, as always, though his eyes scanned the room with a calculating edge.Tonight, they were not here as warriors or rulers. They were here to apologize.Formally.It was the Council’s condition. If they wanted to be considered for the Gehman title, they had to win back the trust of the Alphas they had recently clashed with, either through bloodshed or cold disrespect.Zarek hated every second of it.He downed his champagne in one gulp and muttered, “This is a damn circus.”Zade smirked under his mask. “Play nice.”Before Zarek could respond, a voice rang out from behind them.“There they are! The future Luna an
_Astrid’s POV_I couldn’t remember how long I had been here.Days? Weeks? Time didn’t make much sense in this place. Valerian’s home, or prison, if I’m being honest, was cold, both in feeling and in spirit. The windows were large, but they didn’t open. The guards outside my door didn’t speak. And the silence that filled the halls screamed louder than any cry I’d ever let out.At first, I tried to stay strong. I told myself the twins would come. That Zarek, with his sharp tongue and wild temper, would burst through the door. That Zade would hold my hand again and quietly promise me that everything would be okay.But nothing came. I didn't know if they would ever come either, considering the letter I left on the table in the kitchen. The one Valerian had made me write. He had held me at gunpoint and made me scribble down the letter with shaky hands.And the worst part? Gideon had a hand in all these. It turns out that Valerian wanted me, Gideon wanted me to leave the twins. The best
_Zarek’s POV_“I didn’t understand back then. I was scared.” Cassia explained for the hundred and fourteenth time after cleaning my wounds.Zade sat there and watched her like she grew a second head or something.Cassia wouldn't stop begging us to take her back, that she was a changed person. But I would rather eat glass than believe she changed her foolish ways.“Cassia, just give up," I told her and ran a hand through my hair."Never! I'm not lying to you, I love you both! My brother… he’s made me see things differently. He’ll be here tomorrow, he just wants to talk.”I raised a brow at that last one. “Your brother?”She nodded. “Yes. Caelen is coming.” Yes, he shared the same name as Zade's wolf.Great. Just what I needed. Another high-ranking wolf in this fucking circus. “Alright, you can stay here for today, after the meeting with him by tomorrow, you’d leave with him.” I sighed and slowly stood up. I needed sleep, to let Creighton recharge a bit.Cassia tried to follow me, but
_Zarek’s POV_Blood. Fucking silver blood.It soaked through my shirt and burned like hell, and still I was standing, barely. Zade helped me to the car while I clenched my teeth so hard I thought they’d crack. The warehouse reeked of blood, death, and betrayal. We had wiped out every damn wolf who turned on us. Every single one.Except for that motherfucker Veyric. He ran like the coward he’s always been. Next time I see him, I’ll bury my claws in his damn throat.“Drive,” I growled, slumping into the back seat as Zade climbed in beside me. My whole body throbbed, but I didn’t care. Not yet.The second I opened my eyes to see who was in the driver's seat, my face fell. I saw Gideon, the same one who was supposed to be guarding Astrid. He was waiting in the car, blood splattered across his shirt but unharmed. Too fucking clean for a guy who was supposed to be protecting Astrid.“What the hell are you doing here, Gideon? Where is she?” I snapped, my voice cold.Gideon shifted in his sea
Gunshots and the sound of tearing filled the air.Zarek and Zade were covered in the blood of the men before them.When Zarek saw a van filled with more men arrive, he cursed under his breath and turned to Gideon. Now things have become horrible.“Fuck, Astrid, go!” Zarek’s voice was rough and wild, the sound of it filled with more command than fear. “Gideon, take her!”Astrid was frozen in place, her legs unwilling to move, even as her heart thundered in her chest. She didn’t want to leave. Not now. Not when the world was tilting sideways around her. Not when Zade and Zarek were already charging into a fight they didn’t start. What if something happened to them?Even in the middle of trying to survive, they only thought about her.“Zarek—” She called, her lips trembling and her voice cracking.That was when the shot rang out.It happened so fast, that she barely saw it. A flash of metal. A bang and a choked sound.Zarek stumbled slightly as the bullet hit him in the arm, blood bloomi
Zarek glared daggers as realization dawned on him. The man they were doing business with—Veyric—stood just a few steps away, a silver-plated gun aimed straight at Zarek’s chest. Behind him, three more of his men raised their weapons, pointing them at Zade, Gideon, and Astrid.Zarek’s jaw clenched. “What the hell is the meaning of this, Veyric?”Truth be told, the twins hadn't seen this coming.Yes, they knew there would definitely be an attack during the receiving of the packages, but he never once suspected that the one person they should be wary of was the main trader.The one who was supposed to hand everything over to them.Goddess, they had blindly trusted him.Zarek felt his anger boil over in his chest at the betrayal.Veyric smirked. His eyes shined faintly with a cold kind of pride. “Bold of you to think we’d give you this shipment for just that little money.”“If you wanted more,” Zarek said slowly, keeping his voice steady, “you could’ve said so. We’d have given you more. Y
_Astrid’s POV_I should’ve stayed behind.That thought circled my head like a hawk as I sat stiffly in the back of the dark SUV. The leather seats were cold, but not as cold as my nerves. My palms were sweating, even though I kept them hidden inside my dress. The same dress I thought made me look badass when I left the pack house. Now, I just felt small.Zarek and Zade sat in front. Zade was behind the wheel, his face carved in stone like always, and Zarek was next to him, drumming his fingers on the dashboard to some beat only he could hear. Occasionally, they exchanged quick looks and short words I couldn’t hear over the engine. They were calm. Well, maybe this mission wasn't a deadly one. But I still couldn't help feeling fear crawl up my skin.I heard from my father one time of how he had gone to receive a shipment with a few people too, and a brutal war broke out. In a war that killed almost hundreds of people, he happened to be among the survivors. And I knew it was the same for
_Astrid’s POV_“Here you go," Ori handed me the glass of water and I swallowed the pills in my hand.Once done, I handed it back to her with a grateful smile. “Thank you so much, Ori."“You're welcome. But I have to ask, for how long do you plan to take these human pills?" She asked, her gaze lingering on my face.“For as long as possible. Since I chose to stay here with the Alphas, there's no doubt that we’d always get intimate. I can't afford to get pregnant with their child since I’m just a human.” I said with a soft sigh. It had been one week already, and yes, I always had Oriana bring me human things to prevent pregnancies since Zarek and Zade never used protection each time they fucked me.I couldn't imagine getting pregnant for werewolves. So I chose to take the pills to avoid any problems.She nodded in understanding and suddenly grinned at me. “By the way, the Alphas seem to like you so much. Look how they've been hovering around you all the time, even pulling you along to me
_Astrid’s POV_I don’t know what exactly I was thinking when I suggested karaoke. Maybe it was the way Zade and Zarek looked like they were both ready to bite someone’s head off. Or maybe it was the fact that, after everything that had happened, I just needed something normal. Something stupid and fun.And nothing says stupid fun like singing off-key in front of people who could easily rip you apart with their bare hands.Zade’s face when I suggested it was priceless.“I can’t sing,” he said immediately like I’d asked him to wrestle naked.I grinned up at him.The karaoke bar we ended up at wasn’t anything fancy. It smelled like stale beer and cheap cologne, and there were exactly seven people there, including the bartender who looked like he hadn’t slept in a long time.Perfect.We got a booth near the back. Zade sat stiffly like he was ready to jump out of his skin at any moment, and Zarek looked like he was planning fifty different ways to escape.I laughed to myself. This was alre