Aeryn's POV:I had been running for half an hour by now and yet the woods seemed never ending. Leaving Dante in that critical condition and his life at danger had been the most difficult decision of my life. I would never let anything happen to him even if it meant for me to die in his place. He was wronged as a child and an adult by everyone around him. He deserved happiness and now when he wanted to ask for forgiveness from father and Kai was with those traitors, I knew they would be ready to accept Dante as my mate. With more determination and motivation, I didn't stop even when my legs started to hurt. But I promised myself that nothing could stop me before I reached pack. It was just another twenty minutes until I would be crossing the pack borders. A series of angry howls roared behind me and I froze in my steps scared of the truth that the rogues had gotten to me first before I could go to the pack. I turned behind to see the leader Rogue running after me with an army of aro
Astrid's POV “Astrid! Come here.” I bolted out of my nap when I heard Alpha Jonathan shout for me. His tone indicated an angry mood, likely one without cause, as was common. I wiped the sweat off my face and hated the memory so much but it always came crashing at me every night as a nightmare. I grabbed my face mask before running out into the long, dark corridor. I could forget to eat or shower, but existing without my face covered was a sin and crime which could earn me a hundred whips by the princess. My back still hurt from the last lesson she taught me for not cleaning her closet properly, and the pain of the bruises taunted me daily. Being a timid omega, the weakest in the pack, I was lucky the royal members still kept me around as their personal slave. Since birth, I was a worthless servant who couldn’t even fulfill duties without creating a mess. The Alpha’s chamber gave off eerie vibes and Malessia, the wolf inside me, was on edge too, though she rarely intervened in my l
I woke to a warm, wet touch and rubbed my eyes to find my mom leaning over me. Her gray strands fell over my face, and she pulled my cheek playfully. Something in her eyes had been lost after the months without my father. But that day was worse. Her age was more visible than usual, and the bags under her eyes seemed to have become permanent. “Mamma, they made you work overnight again? It’s the third night, and you’re not getting any sleep.” I sat straight on my bed.“The other maid was sick, and there were piles of clothes to be washed. I’m fine, though. Don’t worry.” My kind mother would do anything for others and bear the pain to help someone in need.“Please get some sleep before they call you again.” I touched her shoulder.“I can’t. I need to arrange the tables because there was a pack meeting yesterday, and the chambers need cleaning.” She tied her hair into a bun and tried, unsuccessfully, to straighten the creases on her dress. They stubbornly remained as though mocking both
Terror stabbed my heart. I touched my face and realized I had indeed forgotten my mask. The princess grabbed my braid, ripping hair from my scalp. Then she rolled me in the air like a rag doll. “Forgive me, Princess. I didn’t—” She punched me, and a metallic taste filled my mouth. My lip started bleeding again, the warm liquid dripping onto my chin. “You think you are more beautiful than me? So what if we have some common features? You want to be my doppelganger? That won’t happen,” she sneered.I trembled with terror. My eyes didn't lift from the floor because it only angered her more. Princess hated the similarities between us. It was why I had to keep my face covered. Mom always said Princess was jealous that my features were more beautiful than hers.I stared into her deep green eyes, the only thing different between us. Mine had a yellow ring in the center while the green scattered all over.“Please, I won’t do it again,” I said as the princess slapped me once more. A stinging
Dominic'sPOV"F*uckoff!" My voice echoed in the empty hall. Themaid shivered with fear, and the tray fell from her hands, crashing to thefloor."Howmany times do I need to tell you I don't want to be distracted at thishour?" My eyes glowed red, and my dominating pheromones almost made herchoke on the fear."ButAlpha, you haven't eaten anything since yesterday,” she replied, her eyes wellingwith pending tears.Ireleased a deep sigh, realizing I’d scared the poor woman for no reason. I workedto calm myself. My wolf, Carden, roared furiously within me. "Leave,"I said to the maid, needing her to get out of my sight. My temper and theaggression were getting out of hand. I needed to keep my dominating hormones incheck, and I’d failed to do so. Itwas not having a mate by my side. That’s what was making me act like an animal,what was allowing Carden to override me, to make impulsive decisions in my place.Iturned to look at the painting of my beautiful late luna, Isabella,
Astrid's POV The palace was decorated, and every servant seemed too busy to even lift their heads. Wasting no time, I got ready and joined my mother in the queue, wearing my mask this time. It made me feel safer than the last time I had gone without. The tables were set and all the food arranged. The palace was beautifully decorated for the party. The walls were lined with glittering golden drapes, and the floors were adorned with luxurious Persian rugs. Delicate ivory sculptures stood in the corners, and sumptuous velvet cushions filled the seating areas.Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceilings and added a hint of sparkle to the atmosphere. In the center of the room was a large fountain overflowing with fragrant roses, and an array of flickering candles illuminated the room.Outside, a grand fountain sparkled in the moonlight, and the grounds were alive with colorful lanterns. It was sure to be a night to remember. The guests began to arrive, and we increased our pace. I placed
Astrid's POV:I was going into my first heat, and it was because of the alpha pheromone lingering around me. I couldn't believe it. The pain was excruciating and my heart beat faster than it ever had. My pussy was wet and my nipples became erect. My clothes irritated me, too, and I tried to tear them off. An angry growl echoed outside the dungeon room. My mate. I banged on the door to get his attention. He tried to open it, but the iron door wouldn’t budge. When he stopped, it frightened me. I wanted him near, and the thought of him leaving scared me. Still, I heard nothing for several moments.Then came a loud bang. The door broke into pieces, and I cowered, covering myself with my arms to avoid injury. He entered, towering and filled with power and authority, and I bathed in his sweet scent."MINE!" he growled, with flaming eyes and sharp canines on display. It looked as if his wolf was in full control, and he was struggling to stay connected to his human side. The possessiveness
Astrid's POV:Alpha Jonathan threw me across the room, and my head hit the wall. Before I could recover, he landed a harsh kick on one of my hips. Part of me knew what I did was a big mistake, and it meant punishment from the king. But another part of me wanted to know why it mattered so much to them that I had mated with my mate. It was such a common turning point of my life and everyone was aware that one day I would find my mate too. "She ruined it!” Princess Amaira screamed. “She snatched my happiness from me!"Clouded with doubt and confusion, I got to my feet. "What did I do?" I asked, my throat burning from crying and screaming.The fire in the king's eyes grew, and he grabbed my throat, lifting me into the air, choking me. I couldn’t breathe and feared I’d die if he didn’t release me."You seduced the Great Alpha Dominic Knight when he was drunk, and now you’re acting innocent? You ungrateful bitch! Amaira was supposed to be with him, not you!"Suddenly it grew too difficult