Chapter 21

AARONNE"Yes, there," I say, pointing at the far corner. "The pool should go there. Right by the window."The foreman nods, his face sweating. "As you wish, my lady. But the Alpha said—""The Alpha will approve," I cut him off. "Just do as I say."He hesitates, then shrugs and returns to his work. I watch them dig, my mind already spinning with plans.I have paid and instructed a bunch of workers to build me a nice pink pool. This pool will be my sanctuary. My secret place where I can shift and practice, and no one will know.I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't hear my father enter. He stands in the doorway, his arms crossed, his expression a mix of confusion and concern."Aaronne," he says, his voice cutting through the noise. "What is this? Why are you building a pool in your room?"I freeze. I turn to face him, my heart pounding. "Father. I….I wanted a pool. For... for relaxation.""Relaxation?" He steps closer, his eyes scanning the workmen. "Since when do you like swimming? Y

Chapter 22

AARONNEI stare at Veronikka, my mind reeling. What is she trying to say? What game is she playing?She ignores my glare, continuing her slow circuit around my room. Her fingers trail over my dressing table, my jewelry box, my collection of perfume bottles. She picks up a small crystal vase, turning it over in her hands."Mother," she says, her voice dripping with false innocence, "when will I have shiny things like this? When will I have a room like this? It's so beautiful. So... luxurious."Lyra smiles, her eyes gleaming. "Soon, darling. Very soon. You just have to be patient."Veronikka sets the vase down and drifts toward my father. She places a hand on his arm, her expression softening into something sweet and vulnerable."Alpha Kieran," she says, her voice trembling just slightly. "You've been so kind to us. So welcoming. I don't know how to thank you for opening your home to me and my siblings."My father's face softens. He pats her hand. "You don't have to thank me, child. You

Chapter 23

VERONIKKAI pace back and forth across Florence's room, my heels clicking anxiously. My sister sits on the edge of her bed, her knees pulled up to her chest, watching me with those big, quiet eyes. She's always watching. Always listening. Never saying much."I can't stand her," I say, my voice sharp. "Walking around the palace like she's some kind of queen. Like she owns the place."Florence doesn't respond. She just hugs her knees tighter."Did you see the way she looked at me? Like I was dirt under her shoe. Like I didn't deserve to breathe the same air as her." I stop pacing, my hands on my hips. "And that necklace. That stupid, beautiful necklace. She practically tore it off my neck when I tried to touch it."Florence finally speaks, her voice soft. "She said it belonged to her mother.""So what?" I snap. "My mother gave birth to me too. Where's my gold necklace? Where's my shiny things? Why does she get everything while I get nothing?"I resume my pacing, my anger building with e

Chapter 24

VERONIKKA"Aaronne. What are you doing here?"I stare at her, my hand still on the door handle. She's standing in the hallway, her silver eyes blazing with anger. Her chest is heaving like she's been running. Or like she's been working up the courage to come here."Let me have my necklace!" she barks, her voice sharp and demanding.I blink, feigning innocence. "Your necklace? Oh, you mean this?" I touch the gold pendant around my neck, letting my fingers linger on it. "I was just admiring it. It's so beautiful. I can see why you love it so much."Aaronne's eyes narrow. "Give it back. Now."I step back, opening the door wider. "Why don't you come in? We can talk about this like sisters."She doesn't move. Her jaw is tight, her fists clenched at her sides. "We're not sisters. And I'm not coming in."I pout, tilting my head. "Oh, come on, Ronnie. Don't be like that—""My name is Aaronne," she snaps, cutting me off. "Only close family members call me Ronnie. And you are not close family."

Chapter 25

VERONIKKA"What was that?!" I scream, my voice echoing off the stone walls. "Why did you do that?! Why did you throw me under the bus like that?!"Florence turns to face me, her expression calm. Too calm. It makes me want to hit her."Veronikka, please calm down—""Don't tell me to calm down!" I shout, pacing the room like a caged animal. "You gave her the necklace! You smiled at her! You invited her to tea! You made me look like the bad guy!""I didn't make you look like anything," Florence says quietly. "You did that yourself."I stop pacing, my eyes narrowing. "What is that supposed to mean?"Florence sighs, sitting on the edge of her bed. "You were never going to keep that necklace, Veronikka. You know that. She would have told Alpha Kieran, and he would have made you give it back. I just saved you the embarrassment.""Saved me?" I laugh bitterly. "You humiliated me! You took her side!""I didn't take anyone's side," Florence says. "I just did what was right.""Right?" I spit the

All Chapters of The Swan Alpha's Mate: Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25