WINTER POVA while later, I came awake. I wonder how long I had slept. Groaning, my eyes strayed to the clock on the nightstand, and I saw it was nighttime.My eyes widened as I noticed I wore a silky blue nightgown rather than the gown I had donned earlier.I jumped to my feet, glancing at myself to see if I had been taken advantage of.I didn't know who'd change me without my consent, but I knew only one person could do that.I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists. I wasn't a heavy sleeper. I wonder why I had slept that long without noticing. I must have been exhausted.My eyes snapped to the door as it opened. A maid strolled in, holding a large bowl with her."My lady." Her voice was cheery, and I scowled."Who changed me?" My eyes narrowed at her. I didn't want to sound rude, but I couldn't help it.I shuddered slightly at the possibility of being taken advantage of and shook my head again, brushing off the thoughts since I did not notice any forceful action.The door opened ag
WINTER POVWhen my mother left, I was alone with my chaotic thoughts. And the more I thought and tried to find a solution, the more headache it granted me.I decided to go to the garden for a clear thought because the room was becoming claustrophobic even though it was big.I tightened the robe I donned around me and slipped my legs into my fuzzy slippers.It was chilly outside, but I didn't care. I preferred to be in the cold rather than stay in the room and drive myself crazy.I sat on the bench and shut my eyes while enjoying the calm wind on my face.I inhaled deeply as the scent of freshly trimmed flowers glided into my nostrils.My eyes snapped open as I perceived another scent and footfalls.I saw Slade a few feet from me.His hair was dishevelled. It was as if he had run his hand into it several times to make it look that way. I wonder if Britney had done that to him.I grimaced as the image of her sitting on his lap while she brushed her hands into his hair rushed through me.
SLADE POVI heard the sound, the first growl.I knew Winter heard it too, and I didn't want to frighten her. It was the scent I perceived that made me rush out of the house in the first place because I saw her coming to the garden.I didn't want her to get hurt, but she was too hard-headed. She never takes my correction or words seriously.If I had stopped her from coming to the garden, she'd have yelled bloody murder and called me controlling.Although I hadn't heard of any attack in the Moon Stone pack recently, and it was a peaceful pack, this would be my first. I knew Winter was watching me from the house's entrance, and I only hoped we wouldn't come closer again.I preferred she stayed there to watch what was going on rather than come and try to butt in.But I guessed I hoped too soon."I've been fighting for a long even before we saw each other. If it would bruise your ego that I am going against you, don't watch me fight. What I won't do is stand and act like a pretty face." S
SLADE POVI strode into the meeting hall first thing as soon as morning came.I wanted to know the reason for the attack yesterday. And I believe Jude had gotten information on the strange wolves.I eyed each of the members present before walking to the vacant chair preserved for me.The meeting wasn't with ordinary pack members; it was with the moonstone pack elders.The moonstone pack elders were the ones who oversaw all activities in the pack. They act as disciplinarians, counsellors, and teachers. The pack's elders must have been an Alpha, beta, or Gamma before becoming an elder.Sometimes, they often opt for the position due to their experiences.They needed a go-ahead from the recent Alpha of a pack before they acted. I stared at each of their faces, and I noticed one thing common to all of them, they looked anxious.They must have caught up on what was going on. After all, they had met and must have discussed some things before my arrival.Each elder stood to their feet, and I
SLADE POVThe Goddess Selene stone.I had heard of the legendary story countless times, and I could recite it off hand.I never knew it was a thing until now. I had assumed it was just folklore told to the members of the moonstone pack.I remembered when Luna Ashley and Alpha Charles would read it as a bedtime story to Summer, Kendall, and me.They'd praise the bravery of the Alpha of Moon Stone pack; Alpha Charles and Luna Ashley wanted Kendall and me especially to be as Brave as he was.Selfless even.The Goddess Selene Stone had existed for centuries, even before the previous Alpha, my father. It was given to the Moon Stone pack by the moon goddess Selene herself.The gem symbolized the goddess's never-ending power in the pack, and it was used to recognize the promise the goddess had made to the pack.According to what I read, the Moon Stone pack was formerly called the Green Moss pack because the land where the pack was located was filled with shrubs, short grasses, and, most impo
WINTER POVI was avoiding Slade.It was obvious.I was sure he knew that as well. I didn't know why, even though it wasn't my intention.Ever since the night of the intruding werewolves, which was yesterday, I had not talked to him again.Aside from what my mother had told me, which I definitely wasn't following, I wanted to figure it out myself.I did not know how long it would take me, but I was sure I'd come to a better answer soon enough.I didn't want to be Slade Luna and make an enemy of Britney. I didn't know how our union would go too. Perhaps, he'd announce me as his second Luna, which was even absurd to me.I didn't want to become a second choice. I had never thought of that.Secondly, I didn't want to turn into a wild werewolf like my mother had said. I couldn't help but think back to all she had told me the night before.I was worried that no matter how hard I tried, even if I rejected Slade, which I knew would be futile since he would take me by force, I would turn to a r
WINTER POV "How do you feel?" Linda asked, touching up my face with the bronzer brush.She was the second person asking me that today and might I add how annoying it was.I had told her not to talk about the coronation ceremony unless I wanted to, but it seemed all I had said and was saying had fallen on deaf ears.I turned to look at the mirror, which was still covered, and then at Linda. She raised her brows, looking expectantly at me."Winter." She murmured. "I know you are worried...""Nervous," I corrected. If there were a better adjective to describe the way I feel, I would use it."I am fucking nervous, Linds. I feel everything will go wrong today." I mumbled, twisting the rhinestones on the bodice of my dress. "And can you not ask me how I feel again? I might be forced to smack you because of how I feel."Linda giggled, catching the hint I didn't want to talk about it. I had joked this way many times to her. And she knew never to ask me a question after that."I'll keep that
WINTER POVI had been by myself for almost thirty minutes. I hadn't seen Linda or even Lisa.I needed someone to talk to badly. Also, I tried my best to avoid two people, no three.Firstly, Britney. I didn't know what I would say to her if we met. She might threaten to kill me as she always did.She might also kill me tonight since I would be taking her place.But I hoped she'd restrain herself until it was over if she felt the urge.Secondly, I didn't want to run into Summer—my sister who never failed to let her evil intention toward me known.I had not seen her, and I believe it was a good sign.I doubted Summer would ever want to miss anything that would put me in a difficult situation. Just like tonight.Lastly, I didn't want to see Kendall. He was just like Summer.The last thing I wanted was someone who believed I had come to take their spot in the family, which was literally mine.Kendall never ceased to astound me. I was glad we weren't identical. His loathing me would have be