73AuthorCelene woke up to the feeling of warmth radiating from the body beside her. For a moment, she couldn’t move. The steady rise and fall of Mondrian’s chest, his arm draped casually over her waist, and the faint scent of coffee and earth that clung to him overwhelmed her senses. She blinked, trying to clear the haze of sleep, only to find his piercing gray eyes watching her.“You’re awake,” he said, his voice low and rough from sleep. The sound sent a shiver down her spine.“I… I am,” she managed, her cheeks heating under his gaze. His proximity was intoxicating, and she could feel the mate bond pulling at me, urging me closer. “You seem to be in a good mood,” he murmured, a playful smile tugging at his lips at her look of confusion “With you holding on me for dear life you'd think you never want to let me go. Should I think the same kitten?”“I am sorry!” Celene sputtered, attempting to sit up, but his arm tightened around Celene, keeping her in place.“it is all right. I d
74Mondrian The marketplace was the same as usual charged with an energy that made me smile. It bustled with vendors calling out their wares, children laughing, and the scent of spices and baked goods weaved through the air. As we stepped into the chaos that felt like home, I glanced at Celene. Her wide eyes darted between stalls, taking in the vibrant displays of fabrics, jewelry, and food. She looked both mesmerized and slightly overwhelmed.She must not have seen a market so big, with her trying to hide her wolf all these while and being shunned from gatherings. I placed a hand on her lower back, to protect her while guiding her gently. “Take your time, Celene. Just relax. I'm here if you need anything.”She glanced up at me her eyes wide with fear and her lips parting as if to give me a response, but instead, she gave a small nod. Slowly, her shoulders relaxed, and she began to move through the stalls with more ease. I stayed close, not just as her guide, but because I found my
75 Mondrian “Well, what is it.” The door to the meeting hall, flew open as I strode into the room, Pecan hard on my tail, with a sharp turn I faced her, “What was so important Pecan you had to drag me out of my outing?” Pecan's eyes widened at my no-nonsense tone, her lips trembled as though I'd wronged her before throwing a harsh glare at me, her arms folded, “Like I said Alpha Mondrian, it involves the pack well well-being which is also very important .” The air in the room turned tense, charged with the kind of energy that made one stand still, and so was the case for Alex and Arlen as they stared at us with shocked expressions. “Did I say it wasn't, Pecan? Isn't that why I hired you and the rest of the cabinet to make sure the pack runs in the right order.” I growled not liking the tone she was using at me, “ What gives you the right to—” “Everything gives me the Right Alpha!” She interrupted. “While you were out of town sucking faces and playing house with your so-called m
76 Celene “I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me matter what anyone says. I choose to be with you Celene. No one else.” Mondrian's words replay in my head as I go through the motions of shopping, which I decided to continue, despite his absence not wanting to make all his efforts go down the drain. I sighed as I walked absentmindedly. It was no longer fun. “Princess Celene, are you listening?” A worried voice pulled me out of my thoughts, I looked up to find Madam Trish looking at me, she had shown herself after Mondrian had left introducing herself as the boutique owner and my guide for the rest of the day. Mondrian had ordered her to make sure I lacked nothing. A feeling of warmth overwhelmed me as I realized Mondrian had taken his time to plan for everything. Despite not being present I was still treated like royalty this was a different feeling from back home as no one had ever done this for me. This behavior seemed to dwell in everyone at White Fire Lycan as N
77 Authors Zara’s words resound around my quiet room while Celene flushed red covering her face with her hands. “No it isn't like that” she stuttered, “he wouldn't… we wouldn't…” she trailed off, unsure of how to finish her sentence. “All right, spill it,” Zara said, drawing closer toward Celene until they sat facing each other. She crossed her legs and gave Celene a pointed look. “Don't think I didn't notice you staring out of the shop during the outing as if you were waiting for him to drop by…or even the time you stared at him during dinner. So spill what's holding you back?” Celene hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the packaging of some new dresses. “It’s... I don't know how to start you know,” she admitted, frustration oozing from her voice. Zara's fiery hair bobbed to her tilted hair, her eyes quirked in confusion, “Start how? He is your mate isn't he You just start.” “No! It's not so simple. I've been thinking about Mondrian recently and it's all so complicated…”
78 Author “How could he do this to me?” Pecan raged, pacing her lavishly furnished room. Her signature heels clicked sharply against the wooden floor, her movements angered. She paid no mind to her lackeys squirming awkwardly on the couch, watching her storm with wide, uncertain eyes. Her mind was a swirling storm of bitterness and fury. “After everything I’ve done for him. We were so close. He trusted me!” Her voice cracked as her perfectly manicured fingers pressed into her temples. “How could he just... choose her over me? This isn’t fair!” Her nails drummed against the edge of her chin as she muttered furiously to herself, anger practically radiating off her. One of her so-called friends, Cindy dared to speak up, her voice quivering to match Pecan’s outrage, “I don't understand why he would do this. He even removed you from your post. That's just too much.” “Yeah, Cindy’s right,” chimed in Mai, the taller and burlier of the two, her tone laced with sympathy. “And to think y
79 Celine “Those insolent brats who do they think they are.” Zara cursed, pacing down the hall, “I ought to report them for this. This smells pecan I'm sure of it. Aren't they too old for this childish nonsense?” I watched her pace down the hall, ignoring the passersby looking at us with curiosity, still, she paid them no mind as she continued to curse out rather loudly, earning glares of disapproval from the elders alike. I waved my arms to catch her attention, “It's all right Zara. I'm all right. That was nothing.” “What do you mean it's nothing.” She asked, ready to go back to pacing, I held her in place, “ They just threatened you. Don't listen to anything they say, they are just jealous that Alpha Mondrian found his mate and it wasn't any of them. You are beautiful and strong all you need is time. Don't you dare listen to those tramps with cotton for Brain.” She huffed, walking away before returning with a darker frown. “No that's not enough. We can't have this. We have to re
80 Celene I stood so quickly that my chair screeched against the floor. The room goes quiet and I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, but I didn’t dare to look up. “Bathroom.” I bolted for the Exit, ignoring Zara as she popped up from her seat, and hit on my heels. “I’ll come with you!” As soon as we turned a corner, Zara caught on, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. “Celene,” Zara said, her tone teasing but soft, “you’ve got to relax. You’re acting like Mondrian just sprouted a second head.” I shot her a look, even as a small laugh escaped me. “It’s not that. It’s just... the way he looks at me. It’s intense.” “Well, yeah,” she said, leaning casually against the wall as I fidgeted. “If you didn't notice. You are stunning tonight. It would take a dead man not to notice that.” I blinked at her, caught off guard. “What?” “Stunning,” she repeated, smirking now. “Don’t tell me you didn’t notice how the crowd kept stealing glances at you. Heck, even Mondrian couldn’t keep his eyes
111 Celene My legs moved on their own accord taking me farther away from the crowd and into the west gardens, a place I’d passed through a few times to get away from the bustle of the pack. In its way, it was a haven, and the goddess knew I needed it now. I heard Mondrian call for me but I didn't answer, I cannot. Tears fall freely down my cheeks as thoughts of the past months flit through my mind like some horror movie. If everything Ella had said to be true then I truly had been betrayed by everyone I knew, my father, my friends, and now Mondrian. At the thought of him, my heart twinged with pain, and along with it came an anger that almost seemed to consume me, and I screamed, punching a tree trunk, “That bastard! He used me! He did this to me!” The more I shouted the more rage I felt, I had never felt this way for another person not for Violet Ella, or even my father, their betrayal I had always expected, but not from Mondrian. Not him. Why him? “Celene, calm down, let'
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