_Astrid’s POV_My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water as I gazed at the man before me. Missed him? In his dreams. But I couldn’t say that out loud. The last thing I wanted was another punishment while I was still healing.“Get up,” Before I could process my next words, his cold tone rang out again. This time, I dared not disobey. I slowly crawled out of bed and sat on the other side.“Come here,” He demanded again, his scrutinizing gaze lingering on my form for some odd reason.I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat, then slowly got up to my feet. Slowly, I moved towards him, my heart beating faster than ever.What was he planning to do? What did he want with me at this time?Was he finally going to kill me?Oh, Goddess.When I was close enough, I paused. I peered at him when he made no move to approach me. What was he thinking? Why the hell was looking at me that way?“I see you haven’t recovered fully,” He slurred, even though he wasn't drunk.Something felt o
Just as Astrid tried to predict Alpha Zarek’s next move, he did the complete opposite. There she was thinking he would probably bring her up to her feet, maybe kiss her passionately just to quench the fierce lust in his eyes and body.Zarek pushed forward instead, stopping just a few inches from her.In one swift motion, he moved his hand and the clattering sound of his belt vaguely reverberated in Astrid’s ear, causing her already quick breath to rev even more. Her eyes widened when Zarek directly and shamelessly let his cock out in the open and before her eyes. She gasped at the length of it, her hands scrambling to cover her mouth.Seeing the look on her face, Zarek’s lips curled up in satisfaction. “What are you doing, Alpha….” She opened her mouth, ready to question him when suddenly, Zarek’s hand grabbed her chin harshly, his smile still intact as he warned, “Keep your mouth shut. Don't act like you don’t know what’s about to happen, little rabbit.” She swallowed hard. Of cou
The next morning, Zarek and Zade came downstairs for breakfast. The long dining table was already set, and the maids moved around after briefly greeting the both of them and trying to make sure everything was set to perfection. Zarek glanced around the moment he sat down, he noticed Astrid was absent and a frowned settled on his face. He was in no mood for small talk, so he turned to the head maid and inquired, “Where is Astrid?”The head maid turned towards him and bowed slightly before she replied, “She's still in her bedroom. Hasn't stepped out since yesterday. I have no idea what's wrong with her." She said with a smirk, her happiness was that this time, the twin would definitely punish Astrid for her absence.The bitch always felt she was higher than them all just because she was named the personal maid to the Alphas.‘let’s see how she gets away with this one,’ she thought and released a thin smile, a barely noticeable one.Zarek's jaw tensed, but before he could say anything,
_Astrid’s POV_I lay in my bedroom, fear clawing at my senses as Zarek's words replayed in my mind. Entertaining their guest. With the ache all over my body, I doubted I’d even be able to move, let alone entertain their guest.What was I supposed to do?I couldn't ask any of the maids because none of them seemed to like me. They all had the same look on their faces every time they saw me.This was going to be harder than I thought.My gaze remained fixed outside my small window as I watched the day fade into night, and darkness settled in.A sharp knock echoed through my small room after a while, making my heart slam against my ribs. Before I could even react, the door burst open with a deafening bang.Esme and a few other maids walked in carrying a lot of makeup equipment. A few of them came with boxes that resembled that of a designer dress.“Get up, we need to doll you up for tonight," Esme said, her gaze filled with a burning hatred for me.I swallowed hard, slowly pulling myself
_Astrid’s POV_The moment I stepped into the grand hall, I felt fear coil in the pit of my stomach. The scent of wine, expensive cologne, and something primal loitered in the air. I forced myself to keep my steps steady as I descended the staircase, slowly moving to join the other maids who were already moving gracefully between the guests, serving drinks.The dress I wore clung too tightly to me, Oriana had told me that Esme chose that dress particularly forme. That witch. I clenched my fist, inhaling deeply and trying to steady my nerves.I scanned the room, counting the number of people present. At least six men, their conversations reeking of the power and influence they possessed. But my eyes were particularly drawn to the long table at the far end of the hall.A man sat at the center, dressed in a well tailored black and gold coat, his dark hair perfectly styled. He was relaxed and even leaning back in his chair, one hand holding a wine glass. That had to be the Lycan King.
The room was too quiet, too still, except for the presence of the three most powerful men in it. Zarek, Zade, and Valerian. Valerian’s proposal lingered in the air like a blade ready to come down. A perfume company? Her own business? Freedom?And yet, Astrid hesitated.A part of her was willing to accept his proposal, it wasn't something that could come by easily. This was her chance to better her life and get away from this messed up world she had found herself in.But…She couldn't do it.Something also told her that Valerian had more to him. He had other plans. She could never believe that he suddenly developed an interest in her just after seeing her once.Like, how could anyone just offer their property to just anybody? And that too to a mere human?Astrid gave up the idea of following him. She knew Zarek might never allow it.She parted her lips, ready to say no and reject his offer outright.But before the word could leave her mouth, another voice cut through the air.“Are y
“I hope you know the seriousness of what you both have done, Alphas?” Gideon, Alpha Zarek, and Alpha Zade's Beta asked as he stared at the two men seated in front of him.One of them had a nonchalant look on his face as if he never cared about things like this. The other one had an excited look on his face as he kept going through the papers in his hand.“Yes, I know the gravity, but look at this," Zarek's excited voice filled the air as he turned the papers towards Gideon. “Valerian finally signed these goddamn papers after so many years. It’s all worth it, don’t you think?" "I beg to disagree, Alpha. You just put everyone in danger, and all you care about is a worthless deal?” Gideon knew how important this deal was to Zarek, but he couldn't believe that the twins had actually backstabbed the Lycan King just after he helped them.And that too for a worthless human.Goddess, help him.“It’s not worthless." Zarek deadpanned, his expression turning serious. But Gideon knew it was all
_Astrid’s POV_“Get some rest," Zarek turned around and left the room, leaving me alone to gather my thoughts. After I told him about my earlier decision towards Alpha Valerian's offer, he had been silent for a long time before he cleared his throat and nodded.Then he stood up to leave. I could see the surprise in his eyes and a part of me was happy to witness it. I knew what I had to do if I wanted to survive in this cut-throat world.And for the first time in my life, I had a plan. My uncle stole everything from me—my trust fund, my future, and my freedom. They all saw me as a weak little girl that couldn't fight for herself. And of course, they were right. But not anymore.I have to do what I have to do to survive.And to do that, I had to gain the trust of the Alpha Twins of this pack. Zarek and Zade.It wouldn't be easy. They were both powerful rulers and non-humans. They weren’t stupid. But I had one advantage—despite everything, they wanted me here.Zarek didn't want me to
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