Kessler's POV
A gentle knock on my door heightened my heart rate. She entered, moving with a blend of grace and confidence, her hips swaying elegantly.As she drew nearer, I concealed my emotions."Hi, I hope I'm not interrupting," she said."Not at all," I replied, my gaze fixed on her. Fuck, I muttered a curse I couldn't deny the irresistible pull she had on me.I stood up, circling the mahogany table, and reached out to take her hands.Leaning in, she kissed me, and my hand found her waist, drawing her nearer. A soft moan escaped her lips as our mouths met in a passionate kiss. I kissed her with intensity, our lips moving hungrily.My hand moved upward, cupping her breasts, gently massaging and teasing her nipple. She moaned, her hips moving against mine, drawing us closer, and I could feel the heat building as our bodies pressed together.Breaking the kiss, I started planting kisses along her neck. She wrapped her leg around me, and I couldn't help but moan in pleasure, arching my back. My hand moved lower, cupping her bottom, pulling her even closer as our kisses continued.She broke away, desires clouding her eyes, and whispered, "Kessler, I need you."With desire intensifying in my eyes, I lowered my head, kissing her again. Moving my hand down to her waist, I began to remove her jeans and underwear. The scent of her arousal filled my nostrils.A soft knock echoed, and my attention shifted to the door. I sensed my beta Zach, so I mind-linked him, "Don't enter."My eyes darkened, my wolf Dolph threatening to surface, still mourning his mate.I gently let her go, earning a gasp from her. "Annie, get dressed this minute," my voice cold and distant.Shock smeared her face, on the verge of tears. With trembling hands, she dressed without making eye contact.In a shaky breath, she muttered, "Fuck you, Kessler. You will regret this," as she stormed out of my office.As the door closed behind her, I was angry with myself for letting my desires cloud my judgment. My fist clenched as I could feel Dolph's discontent within me.I decided to reach out to my beta, Zach, through our mind link. "Prepare to go to the lake with me." Without waiting for his reply, I severed the connection.The lake has always been a place of solace for me, and within a minute, Zach entered the office, ready to accompany me."I opened the window and jumped out. I transformed mid-air and landed with a big thump. I noticed Zack's Wolf Dante followed suit as we ran into the woods."Catch me if you can," I mind-linked Zach as I sprinted into the woods, my paws echoing through the woods.Reaching the lake, I took a moment to drink some water and sat down, surrounded by the peacefulness of nature.I don't wish for any mate, but the moon goddess chose to give me one and was brutally killed.Even after many years, the heaviness of loss hasn't lifted. Everywhere I look, the air still holds onto the scent of her presence.Feeling the peace the lake brings, I dive in to swim as the bright moon shines in the sky.However, that peace was disrupted when the distant sound of hurried footsteps reached my ears.Despite being far away, my heightened sense of hearing picked it up, sending a ripple of tension through me.I froze as my senses kicked in, the sound got louder as I prepared for whatever was coming.Zach, sensing my unease, came over to the lake as the footsteps drew nearer."Someone's coming, and they're in a hurry," I mind-linked him, "Pay attention." He nodded, showing he was ready to focus."It's not just running; it feels like someone's fleeing from a threat," I said, my pulse speeding with the urgency of the approaching footsteps.Suddenly, the footsteps stopped, and a group of wolves gathered around a wounded wolf. She was caught in a trap that someone had cleverly set.Then I sensed a scent—a gentle mix of jasmine, rose, and a hint of citrus, like a sweet memory. Her scent leaves a sense of grace in the air.Dolph exclaimed, "Mate, our mate is hurting."A surge of emotions hit me, a blend of anger and determination. I let out a growl that seemed to shake the earth.The others around me shivered in fear, their bodies tensing up. They could feel the authority in my fierce growl.They quickly recovered and launched an attack on me. I let out another loud growl, jumping into the fight to protect my mate.I mind-linked Zach. "Tend to the wounded wolf."The first wolf charged at me, but I dodged its attack and swiftly swiped at it. My claws extended, and with a decisive move, I snapped its neck, ensuring the threat was out.The second wolf attempted to pounce on me. With a sudden burst of power, I leaped, meeting the wolf mid-air. We struggled for dominance, and in the fierce confrontation, I used my claws to poke its eyes. The wolf growled loudly in pain, and with a swift move, I snapped its neck.The third wolf circled cautiously, eyeing me warily. As it lunged forward, I locked eyes with it. Meeting the attack head-on, I swiftly snapped the life out of it in an instant.These were young wolves, and it was evident that they couldn't match my strength.Seeing them all dead, my intense energy started to calm down; my heart raced with the excitement of victory.As I rushed to check on my injured mate, fearing the toll of the trap on her. I gently placed my fingers on her wrist, and sparks of emotions ran through me.Feeling a sense of urgency, I addressed Zach, "We've got to move fast. Her pulse is weak," as I placed her on my back to get her the help she needed.Then I ask a simple question. "Moon goddess, why another mate?."Lyra’s POVMy hand trembled as memories resurfaced. It's him, the ruthless Lycan king who had killed my father. The revelation hangs heavy in the air, like a dark shadow over the room.The pack doctor and Beta Zach leave the room, sensing the fizz of tension that now fills the space. I can't tear my gaze away from him. Anger stirs within me, and I feel it building.Sasha whimpers, sensing the agony that grips me, as the Lycan king's gaze bores into mine. His presence feels like a threat, and I struggle to contain the emotions that threaten to burst over.Then I finally found my voice. "You?" I utter, my question hanging in the air. His face remains locked into mine, emotionless, as I sense him moving.Instinctively, I push myself back into the bed, creating physical distance, but the emotional turmoil remains, along with the harsh truth.I don't want to believe it's anything other than a dream, but when he moves closer to me, the wave of disbelief shatters. It's all real; he's here, a
Our gaze locked, and I swallowed hard, tears streaming down, blurring my vision. His sword ascended, landing firmly on my chin, and my breath caught in my throat.He tilted my head up, the blade digging into my flesh, blood flowing from the wound. I questioned my decision to leave Moonpeak without a plan, and Sasha's voice echoed, "You can't stand your father’s killer."My uncle, a menacing figure, commands fear as an Alpha, he took over after my father's death.My father and uncle were once close, and I couldn't comprehend why he changed abruptly after being brutally murdered by the Lycan king, Kessler. He had vowed vengeance, but it seemed my uncle wasn't a match for the feared Lycan.He circled me, a devious smirk playing on his face. "Is he your mate?"With a shaky breath my heartbeat racing fast I answered "Yes, he is." Uncertain of his intentions, I couldn't shake the feeling that my uncle was up to no good. His sinister laughter echoed, and a chill ran down my spine. "He's up
Kessler’s POVI quietly follow Lyra when I sense she isn't in the room. I overhear all her conversations with her uncle, plotting against me. That jerk – I regret not dealing with him when I had the opportunity!I have concealed my scent using a spell to remain undetected.I am furious with her for leaving the pack. Why would the moon goddess give me a second chance mate?The council had been pressuring me to choose a mate, and Annie, chosen by the council, seemed like a suitable match. But the unexpected twist with Lyra broke every barrier I had built over the years.Why does it bother me? I convince myself I don't want her, but the war in my heart tells a different story.I had ordered her to stay in her room, forbidding her from seeing the sun. But as I step out of my office, her scent fills the air.My wolf whimpered in pleasure, reveling in the presence of his mate. Despite my stoic facade, I can't ignore the magnetic pull as I storm towards her.She stands on the balcony, looking
Lyra’s POVAs I sit up on the bed, a haze clouds my memory, making me struggle to piece together how I ended up here.Images from last night flood my mind—confrontations with my uncle, Kessler confining me to a room, and the moment he angrily dragged me to his chamber.The recollection makes me gasp, and I hurry to the mirror to check for the mark. I feel disgusted seeing it.The intensity of Kessler's Lycan aura must have overwhelmed me, causing me to pass out.In a daze, I rush to the bathroom. I look through the mirror, and the mark on my neck haunts me.I can't escape the fact that I am now unmistakably tied to Kessler, the one person I never wanted to be connected with.I undress, feeling vulnerable and exposed. I clutch the sponge tightly and scrub my neck vigorously, desperate to erase the mark that connects me to Kessler.With each scrub, I feel pains I can't explain. It's like an attempt to rid myself of the unwanted tie, but the mark stays.Overwhelmed with helplessness, I st
I hurriedly distanced myself, not wanting him to witness the pain in my eyes as he appeared comfortable with a she-wolf I didn't recognize.Sasha, my wolf, growls, eager to take control witnessing the lady's closeness to Kessler, but I manage to suppress her.Turning away from that scene, I go ahead. The fragrance of flowers fills my senses, momentarily distracting me, as I walk to the source of the fragrance.As I follow the enchanting scent, the path leads me to a stunning garden. A gentle breeze carries their sweet aroma. Inhaling deeply, I take in the fresh air.Suddenly, a voice interrupts my thoughts."It's beautiful, isn't it, my lady?" The speaker has a charming smile, and I am captivated by the moment.I gaze at him in silence, observing him. He is a young man with a natural charm. His physical traits are captivating, with his well-defined jawline. His eyes are alluring, and his tousled dark hair has a hint of rugged appeal, making it hard to look away.He clears his throat to
The note I saw in my room was sent by my uncle, but how it got there is a mystery I'm still trying to unveil. I rushed to the window, looking to see if there were any odd things there.But everything looked plain and perfect, so I hurriedly closed the curtain, hoping that whoever dropped the letter could still lurk around.I sat down in my room, still on edge over what I just witnessed. I tried to sleep, but the emotional rollercoaster I'd felt kept me awake. Sleep eludes me.But the knock on the door startles me. When I open my eyes, I realize it's morning because Julie cheerfully greets me, "Good morning, Lyra."Can't believe I finally fell asleep, but I still feel tired and didn't have a great sleep."Good morning, Julie.""Did you sleep well? You don't look too well, and that reminds me, you looked edgy when I escorted you to the room.”"Yeah, I managed to get some sleep," I reply, forcing a smile despite feeling drained.The thought of Kessler lingers in my mind. He makes me feel
Kessler's POVAfter my last encounter with Lyra, I decided to steer clear of her for two weeks, not wanting to find myself in another compromising situation.My wolf, Dolph, yearns for her, and at times, he urges me to go to her room and check on her. As I approach her door, I sense her soft breathing, indicating that she is sound asleep.I hesitate at her door, torn between my wolf's desire and my efforts to maintain distance. The conflicting emotions make every step closer feel like a battle.Gently pushing the door open, I see her peacefully sleeping.Her beauty captivates me—her hourglass figure, dark flowing hair, perfect cheekbones, and pointed nose create an enchanting allure. Every detail of her appearance holds a magnetic pull, and I find myself drawn to the effortless charm that radiates from her.Lyra is a mystery I feel compelled to unravel. I've instructed Zach, my beta, to delve into her past; she carries the air of someone who has faced numerous challenges.There are mom
The letter I found in my room had me on edge. I couldn't stop thinking about how it ended up there. Was it Julie? Maybe, maybe not. She seemed nice, but who knows? Then, my mind wandered to the creepy guy I bumped into while escaping Kessler.Who does he want me to meet? I pondered again. "Maybe our mate misses us more than we can imagine," Sasha said.I rolled my eyes at Sasha as I slipped into a flowing red gown, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.As I smoothed down the fabric of my dress, my heart raced with a mix of curiosity and fear. What if I find that man with the evil smirk there? What if there was some kind of danger lurking in the shadows?But despite the uncertainty, I squared my shoulders and forced myself to push those thoughts aside. I had to be brave, for myself. Whatever awaited me at the meeting, I was ready to face it head-on.After making sure I looked my best and applying a bit of makeup, I stole a glance at the mirror, satisfied with my appearance.As I st