Chapter 41 Celene pov “Argh I am so tired nikka,” my screams are muffled by my pillow, as I grieve over the past week's incident, “Each day grows more exhausting from the last. I just can't deal. I don't think I even want to leave my room ever again.” A soft chuckle escaped the speaker of my phone, as Nikka my one and only friend who had managed to escape this pack when she got mated to an Alpha said, ” Come on, it's not that bad Mondrian saved you. You are alive. I'm sure that's a silver lining.” “Silver lining?” I repeated, my emotions surged like an inferno, “What silver lining Nikka? I'm going crazy here. Everywhere I go, danger follows. One moment, I am going about my day, the next, I’m inches away from death. Whether it is a falling tree branch narrowly missing my head or a rogue wolf lunging at me from the shadows, there's always something happening. I am always on edge.” “That seems kind of odd, Despite your wicked stepmother Valerie's constant schemes and her rabid mons
Chapter 42 Author pov I waited in my room, watching the sunset in a wonderful range of red hues as I sat perched on the edge of my seat. My heart raced, not a mix of fear and guilt, but also anticipation of what had happened a few hours ago. Celene had been hurt. Mondrian would soon come looking for answers, and I was prepared to give him answers—crafted for this very purpose. My door swung open, and I straightened, as I allowed my expression to shift into one of worry. Just as expected, Mondrian entered the room, his face dark with anger, his eyes sharp as they landed on me. “Ella,” he growled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. I blinked up at him, all innocence. “Your Highness!” I greeted, my smile warm and welcoming. “Did everything go as planned?” The muscles in his jaw twitched, as I felt the weight of his glare. “What do you think you are doing? Playing with fire?” I tilt my head to the side my eyes wide to show my surprise, “Your Majesty, is something wrong? Have I o
Chapter 43 Mondrian The smell of smoke hit me first. Thick, acrid, and choking. My senses flared instantly, heart raced at the thought of something so terrible happening. I pushed open the heavy doors of the palace office, where a few minutes ago I had been in a meeting with a few of my delegates, Valerie included. “What is going on?” Alpha Daniel said, his belly jiggled at each word as Valerie eyed the corner. “Probably just a small mishap.” She said we should head back inside. No one moved as the elders continued to stare at the smoke as they shuffled around, murmurs of their confusion filled the air yet none moved to find out more. My eyes narrowed as I gazed at budding flames licking at the far corners of the pack. Chaos erupted all around me—sentries and servants running, yelling, doing everything they could to contain the fire. “Alpha!” a voice called out towards Daniel, panicked and breathless. I spun around face to face the young wolf, his face ashen. “What happened?”
Chapter 44 Mondrian The rhythmic pounding of my fists against the punching bag did nothing to dull the frustration gnawing at my insides. Two days have passed since the fire that had almost taken Celene’s life—two painful days of sitting on my toes as I waited for her to wake up. I couldn’t shake the image of her, pale and unmoving as she lay beneath the concrete pillar in what had once been her room. “Dammit,” I muttered under my breath, as I land one final blow on the bag before taking a step back, my chest heaving. I grabbed the towel hanging nearby and wiped the sweat from my face, but the tension between my shoulder blades remained. No matter how hard I punched or pressed, I couldn’t let it go. Not unless Celene somehow woke up from what healer Eric had termed a much-needed rest—more like a coma. Something wasn’t right about the, and I wasn’t going to sit back and the pack brushes it off like a simple accident. As I moved to check the time, the door to my personal t
Chapter 45 Celene “Celene” I jumped at the sound of the familiar voice calling my name, my heart raced as I spun around, and my breath hitched in my throat. Mondrian stood by the doorway, his chest rose and fell with barely restrained intensity. “Gosh, you scared me,” I said, throwing him a small smile, as I stood wave of guilt for being caught ransacking his clothes flushed my skin red. His eyes hooded, with an emotion I couldn't not place. For a moment, both of us remained in silence. I pulled on a loose shirt I had found in his closet—his shirt. My cheeks grew red as I realized he had been staring at me. His gaze lingered on my skin, intense as it raked all over, as if greedy to take it all, it made my pulse quicken. I flushed under his scrutiny, as I battled not to let it affect me but I couldn't help but feel a pool on my lower stomach. It was excitement. “Mondrian, you are here” I breathed, the word escaped my lips before I could stop it. He stepped forward as he gr
46 Celene “Is he here?” I asked, no one in particular as I peeked from behind an oak tree not too far from my quarter. I had been on my way to the kitchen when I heard his familiar voice, within a spur of a moment I had darted behind the courtyard trees in my need to avoid him. I sighed a deep breath as I dropped to my knees, the thud of my heart, a small reminder that I was very much aware of him, despite my consistent insistent that I wasn't. Avoiding Mondrian had become a full-time job. Every time I heard his footsteps down the hall, I would duck into the nearest room or take the long way around the palace. Despite my insistence on leaving his quarters after I had fully recovered, Mondrian had refused to let me go. The Luna, my stepmother had seen no issue with this, according to her ‘I was his property and would do well to please him', and yet he made no move to take me—physically or otherwise. And still, I found myself cringing at my decision to back off, Every time the t
47 Celene “Celene,’’ she said, her sharp voice cut through the fog made denser by thoughts of Mondrian. I flinched, startled, as I looked up at her. She stood with her arms crossed, an unimpressed expression on her face. “You seem... distracted.” I forced a smile, though it felt awkward, ever since the issue with Cristoff I didn't want to be too close to her, not that we were ever close in the first place, “Just... a lot on my mind.” She raised an eyebrow, her gaze flickered over me as it shone with a strange kind of curiosity. “Is that so? It is understandable after all…” She trailed off as an odd glint flashed in her eyes, I grew uncomfortable with her stare as I shifted in my seat, “After all what, Ella?” My voice came much harsher than I intended. “ Oh, it nothing…. It is just funny, isn't it? You just survived a fire, and yet... not a single burn mark.” “Well, that's all thanks to Alpha Mondrian. I heard he called for the very best of healers for me. I am indeed grateful.
Chapter 48 Mondrian “Where did she go?” Arlen fidgeted as he looked around the vicinity, “ Alpha, I could have sworn she was around here. My powers led me hear.” I sighed as I watched the young Lycan panic over his miscalculation, Arlen who was quickly becoming some sort of assistant to me was sent by Alex after our last argument, “ Are you sure you made no mistakes, I know you are still young, it could be a glitch.” My hands ran through my hair, not believing a word I had said. Despite being considered young, Arlen was already more than two hundred and had already made a name for himself in the barracks. “My powers never lie sire. It's impossible.” He spat looking very offended at my comment, as he rightly should be, but the frustration I felt over Celene's action made me jittery. “Fine!” My jaw twitched as my eyes roved through the courtyard, “it looks as if she doesn't want to be found.” “Alpha, are we going to leave her like that? It's not safe! What if something happens to
Chapter 110 Celene Anger washed through me at her words without thinking I walked towards her and slapped her, “You have some nerves.” I spat grabbing her jaw, “After everything you've done. You come to my pack and accuse people. How dare you?” Her eyes widened in shock at the attack, Ella had never seen me get angry or use force, “it's true I'd never lie!” She shouted struggling against the guards “You have to listen to me Celene, Your so-called Alpha is the devil. He sent me after—” “Shut up!” Mondrian ordered shocking us both, confused I turned to find him glaring at Ella, “If you know what's good for you, then you better keep your mouth shut.” Ella laughed at his words, “or else what? You'll kill me? Maim me. Celene can't you see, he's threatening me to protect his image.” Confused I looked over at Mondrian, his eyes refusing to meet mine, but the trust I had for him was overwhelming scoffing I stepped away from Ella, “It's good to know that the leopard never changes its s
CHAPTER 109 Celene POV. “Celene i….” Mondrian was about to say the reason why he brought me out before we heard the alarm bell ringing. Immediately Mondrian hands stretched into claws, pulling me behind him. “stay here, while I go, check it out” he said sharply. “If you think for a second, I'm going to stay here like a fucking damsel in distress while the pack is under attack, then you'll have to think again” I snapped, pulling his claws away from me, “I am going with you whether you like it or not.” I added, raising my chin to meet his. His eyes darkened, and he growled. “Are you out of your damn mind, definitely not I forbid it,” “And who is going to stop me,” I asked, crossing my arms, “I'm going to follow behind whether you like it or not.” “No! Celene, it could be dangerous out there,” he reasoned, his voice lower than before, “ and I don’t want you getting hurt, I won't be able to forgive myself should any harm come your way.” I leaned into his warmth, my skin ting
CHAPTER 108 CELENE P.O.V Nothing prepared me for the aftermath of transformation. I could feel the energy within me surging, my senses heightened and my power flowed freely. I had never felt this way, not when I'd attacked Purple Pack or when I had transformed in front of Mondrian. It was as though the full moon was enhancing every part of me. Without thinking I raised my head and howled to the moon. One became two and soon everyone was howling along. With a chuckle I turned, my eyes searching for Mondrian, only to find his eyes already on me, his lips tugged up in a smirk and something flashed within his eyes— pride. Before I could speak he stepped back and began his transformation, his bones breaking and rearranging until he stood before me on all fours, big and beautiful with beautiful red–orage fur that looks as though on fire. The moment our eyes clashed, the attraction was instant, his scent wafted into my nose, pulling me into a feathery embrace. My wolf jumped in excite
CHAPTER 107 MONDRIAN P.O.V As the full moon festival drew closer, I could feel my power growing, my senses heightened, I could feel the moon's power calling me, stirring my instinct. Increasing my strength and speed. I have been busy making preparations for the full moon festival, our defense has been strengthened, it was a special time for my pack, and I needed to make everything perfect. My mind raced, as I wondered how Celene was faring, I had been so busy as the head of the pack, making arrangements, and giving out instructions that I hadn't had the time to see Celene in a while. If I have been sincere, I have been avoiding her. I can’t seem to see her right now, not after everything. I need to make it right first, to build a new relationship with trust. “Your Highness” Alex walked in. The scouts are ready for the hunt,” It was the tradition of the pack, that the leader of the pack leads the scouts to hunt for meat used for the festivities. “Okay, and the decorations
106 Celene I stalked out of the gym, my head pounding with words I wanted to say to Mondrian, words I was sure I would regret. Alera my wolf remained silent, but I could feel her nervousness within me. She too had been hurt by Mondrian's actions and she couldn't understand why he had done such a thing, after all his pursuit. A part of me wanted to ask why wanted to fall on my knees begging and screaming, wanted to listen to his explanations, but another part of me, the pride and ego refused. It was angry at his actions, his disregard for my body. With an angry growl I kicked up the dust before me, when that didn't calm my anger I stamped my feet into the dirt a couple more times When my head finally clears I realize, where I am standing, looking up I see the big wooden door, beautifully carved with the encryption ‘library’ sprawled before me. Heaving a sigh, I walked into the room, with thousands of books calling my name. My fingers trailed over the spines of the books, my mind
Chapter 105 Mondrian I watched as Celene walked away, her posture stiff, her head held high, but I knew better. She was hurt and it was all my fault. I could understand her pain, after her countless refusals, I knew how it felt to be rejected by someone made for you. My eyes followed the swaying of her hip as I stood stuck deep in thought. My brows scrunched in a frown, my mind spinning as a war raged inside me, each side pulling me in opposite directions. I wanted to run after her, to explain why I had done what I did, to beg her to understand, but what was the point? What would change? Without evidence, it would just be empty words and broken promises. No. I couldn't waver now. I wanted her to see the man I was becoming for her love. But still, her dismissal rubbed me the wrong way, and I didn't know how to go about my feelings. I scoffed at my worries, who would believe that I, Lycan Mondrian king of a thousand pack had been tamed by a feisty woman? I clenched my fists,
104 Mondrian Alex left with a huff, glaring at me as he made his way out. “Calm down Alpha.” he urges walking away. At the slam of the door, I flicked the files arranged on my desk away, but my chest heaving. Minutes passed and I was still riled up, I knew I needed to get some air, anything to calm down. Heading for the garden, I stopped at Celene's favorite spot, my mind weighing heavily on me when I overheard some voices. They belonged to Ethan and Daniel, guards of the pack, I am about to snap at them when I hear Celene’s name curious I listen in. “Did you see that fight, Daniel? I mean it was crazy!!” “Yeah, who would have thought Pecan that crazy woman would have her arse beat.” “That's exactly my thoughts. I never knew Princess Celene had it in her. She always looked so meek.” “Of course, she can't be meek, she's the Alpha, Luna to be. She has to have a hidden power right.” “You are so right any one the Lycan king chooses has to be extraordinary. I can't wait for
Chapter 103 MONDRIAN P.O.V “ I can’t believe you disobeyed my order Celene, I asked you to stay in your room, and not to go out training, but I find you having a one-on-one match with Pecan?” “How could you defy me, woman”. I asked angrily. “You do not defy me, “I am your alpha”. I said, shaking her, I was so enraged that I could not see the fear in her eyes or the way she was trembling when I touched her. Maybe I had been too harsh on her, she just turned, and that alone can be overwhelming, i was about to apologize to her when she flared up, “How dare you Mondrian, You treat me like I am some kind of weakling,” “I am your mate, I should be able to protect you and this pack in the best way possible.” “And if you, my alpha and mate, can't see this, then what am I doing here?” She retorted. Didn’t see that coming, this Woman has got some guts, Not many people could talk back to me, after the manner and way I spoke. I was impressed, it means she cannot be pushed around ea
102 Celene Pecan's eyes gleamed with triumph as she stepped back, gesturing toward the sparring ring. “Finally. Let’s see what you’re made of.” As I followed her to the circle, my heart pounded in my chest. I knew this was a bad idea, but I couldn’t back down now. I had to prove, if not to Pecan, then to myself, that I wasn’t weak. The soldiers around us stopped what they were doing, turning to watch as Pecan and I squared off. One of them moved to say something, but Pecan turned him away, warning them all to back off, before turning towards me. She looked confident, her posture relaxed, while I felt the weight of pity eyes on me, judging me before I’d even begun. “Ready?” Pecan asked, her smirk never fading. I nodded, swallowing hard. “Good. Let’s see if last night wasn't a fluke.” The moment Pecan lunged at me, I realized just how unprepared I was. Her movements were quick, precise, and entirely too confident. Truly worthy of being one of Mondrian's most revered warriors, I