(Alina Pov)I looked at his shocked face speechlessly, then dressed myself appropriately with an embarrassed smile. I felt ashamed. I said I didn't want him but my body reacted so heavily to him. Thinking about the way my body has felt putty. I couldn't control myself, I didn't feel disgusted, all I felt was sweet sensations all over my body, I can't deny that. But… I can't give it a chance, I can't get hurt again, I don't want to face that same embarrassment, that same pain I had faced that day. And what I need now is not love, but power, I need to strengthen myself, I want to take revenge, I want to save my parents and take them out of the hole they are. I looked at him and decided to make things clear, so I wrote in the book, “Yes, I truly had a mate before, but we didn't get married, but he is one of the reasons I left and you met me in that situation. I was rejected by my mate and now I don't have a mate. But you saying you are my mate is more confusing, because how is it possi
(Kennedy's POV)I stormed out of her room, my mind storming with all sorts of emotions. Her words echoed inside my head, each word deeper and more painful than the last."I don't have the heart to take in someone as beautiful as you."Beautiful? That's all she thought of me? Like some passing fancy, something she could admire but never have. And her rejection wasn't a hit against my pride, it ripped the bond I felt so well. She thought she was saving me from pain, but in doing so, she was ripping me apart.My hands fisted, my nails digging into the palmar surfaces. The mention of her past mate, Marcus, seemed to fan the fire in me. He had rejected her? Hurt her so deeply she couldn't even see her worth anymore? I wanted to hunt him down and make him pay for what he had done to her. My wolf growled low in my mind in complete agreement."Weak fool," my wolf growled. "He didn't deserve her. But you do. She's ours to claim!I exhaled sharply, trying to steady myself. No. She wasn't ready
(Kennedy's POV)The woods smelled damp from the morning dew, the faint aroma of pine and earth mingling with something sharper—a metallic tang carried by the wind. I didn't need to smell it to know it was blood. Faint traces lingered in the air, old enough to dull its freshness but recent enough to remind me that rogues had passed through.My grip tightened on the reins as my steed snorted uneasily, ears flicking at invisible dangers. The stillness of the woods was unnatural; it felt forced, the kind one experienced before a storm or the ambush of an enemy."Alpha," Dean called out softly, his voice low and to my right as he flanked me. "Signs of movement ahead. Inconsistent tracks, but they're moving deeper into the woods.I didn't turn to him; my eyes stayed fixed on the shadowed expanse before us. "Scattered patterns," I said, my voice listless. "They're rogues. Sloppy, disorganized. They don't even know what they're running toward."Dan, riding just behind me, let out a low chuckl
(Alina's POV)The walls in my room felt looming over me, the air stale despite the soft breeze, the open window let in. I sat on the bed and began running my fingers up and down the frayed stitching of my dress while my mind worked out its unruly thoughts. Days had passed, each one spent within these very walls, convincing myself that this was the safest haven for me. The world outside wasn't safe; it was just so very unpredictable, full of memories I didn't want to go through.But it wasn't helping to stay in here, either. It made me trapped, not just physically, but in every other way, my life was contracted down to this space. The only thing I had was my thoughts: dangers, spiraling thoughts, remembering me of all I'd lost.And then there was him.Kennedy.There was a mate bond, tenuous but insistent, this thread I couldn't quite cut. Every time I thought about leaving the bond tugged at me, made me hesitate. How was I to move on when his presence weighed on every decision? He was
(Alina's POV)The smile of that woman lingered on warmly in my mind. It was not the smile of a stranger, an image reminiscent of my mother, comforting, patient. Suffice it that memory made me bend my head and place my hand in hers without misgivings over what road it was to take me, which was all the same with no destination to look for in my search.She firmly but tenderly took my hand as she led me through the jostling streets. Soft yet talkative, words spilled from her lips, filling in all those silent gaps I could not seem to break. "I saw you at the bun shop," she started in a light casual tone, "You looked so lost. So sad. I followed you because I knew something was wrong.”Her words caught me off guard, and I turned towards her in surprise. She giggled as if she knew how hesitant I was going to be. "Hope you don't mind my nosy nature; it's just me. I mean, one can never ignore a soul that looks hurt.”Her words stirred something in me, some mix of gratitude and shame. I was us
Kennedy's POV)The air was heavy with the stench of blood and smoke, clinging to my senses like a heavyweight. My arm throbbed from the gash that stretched across it; the crude bandage wrapped on it did little to stop the steady trickle of blood. It was only a minor wound, nothing that could not heal with time; however, the pain kept nipping at my mind, a never-ending reminder of my failure in letting the ambush catch me by surprise.What we had thought of as a handful of rogues, the worst they could be, escalated into an excellently executed plot. It was not a series of senseless attacks; they lured us deeper into the heart of their territory and then pinned us from all sides. The battles went on for days: outnumbered and with endless tension.We managed to break through, however.When they realized the advantage had passed, the rogues scattered. My pack was exhausted, with blood-matted fur, and slow-twitch movements from weariness. Yet even as we stood among the broken bodies of our
(Kennedy POV)She flinched on hearing my voice, then followed my voice as she turned to look at me, then surprise filled her face which later turned to a quiet smile, but to me it's was not bright enough, the smile was just little compared to the one she gave to that boy, it's was like a mocking smile that says I can't make my woman smile but another man can. She stood up to come to my side but I didn't allow her because I am already rushing in, I pushed the door open with a strength I didn't control, my anger already uncontrolled as I strolled angrily to her, but who knew the boy would stand in front of her as he shed her from him, which made my wolf more angry as he growls inside. “Alina,” I growled her name, “Come here.” My voice sounded calm but everyone could see the boiling anger in my eyes and the aura I am emitting. “Who are you to Alina? Besides, you can't just come in here and just order her to go with you.” The pretty boy said, still protectively protecting my mate. I s
(Alina POV)“What's going on with him?” My instinct told me to run, that the man in front of me was not okay, but my legs didn't move, it wasn't listening to me. I watch him with shocked eyes.His eyes were red, and his fist clenched in anger, I could see blood dripping from his fist, and his muscles were hard as he clenched his fist as if trying to control something. The way he looked at me caused shivers down my body, I swallowed hard, and worriedly, I shifted back.Then, as if out of control he rushed to me, with long strides. Before I could move, I was in his arms then on the bed. My body bounces on the bed. I stood up immediately but I was pushed back. Now I was scared, something was wrong. “ Why? Do you want to leave me? Impossible! I won't allow that, you are mine, Alina.” He growled as he locked his eyes with mine, and I knew I was doomed. I had woken up the beast. I shook my head in silent plead, but the man seemed to have lost all control. I tried standing to run away, b
~Kennedy’s Pov ~We moved so fast in our wolves as we rushed to our destination with me leading them at the front. I was still brooding about my fight with Alina this morning when Derek's voice linked through me, and I was so angry when I knew those rogues who had injured me the last time and had escaped were trying to make a big move, and their target was a small pack which I don’t even know if I hadn’t been told—The Silver Crest. According to my men, today was a day when they brought in foods and crops from outside and the rogues had set their eyes on them and wanted to steal their food and they were so ruthless they might kill them. But that's not the reason for my anger, what they do with a pack is none of my business, I am not that less busy to save every pack they attack, and if they can't even save themselves then why build a pack? “It's here, Alpha!” Derek's voice sounded which stopped me from moving forward, then I shifted back to human form. I was still wearing the same
~Alina POV~I felt faint but I still managed to stand as I knew I couldn’t stay there for long. But my body was so weak I couldn’t stand for long. Talk more about taking a step. I used the wall as a support as I slid up, and then the pain in my back increased and I couldn't stop the coldness that attacked me.My throat felt dry suddenly and I could taste something familiar but almost forgotten in my mouth, then the cough attacked me and when I opened my mouth, what came out was blood, now I knew how serious this was. Seems I had done too much, especially my throat which I am still hoping will heal. “Goodness!” My eyes watered from the pain I felt but I endured it and took a step forward, then another step as I walked to the opening. It was getting dark and I still hadn’t eaten anything but I knew what I needed right now was treatment, and that is what got me confused. I don’t know where to go, as I knew Kennedy would later find out which is what I never want him to know. But I have
~Alina pov~I felt my backbone crack, I couldn't shout, I couldn't scream, and my throat only made noises. It was so painful, Gregor's angry voice faded away as I felt I was in space and all I could feel was the anguishing pain in my back. My eyes watered and tears fell, then I gasped loudly and tried regulating my breaths, and that was when I could hear his vicious voice again. “When will you go away?! When will you just leave? He got angry with my family because of you and even almost killed my sister all because she called you Mute, but isn't she telling the truth?!” He asked mockingly, then bent down and raised his hand to pat my cheeks heavily, but I couldn't turn around to look at him, my back pain was overwhelming and I could feel the goosebumps, but I stayed still, I was waiting for something— “And you slapped my sister? What gave you, a lowly woman to dare slap her? You think I had let go of what you did? Do you think because Ken is supporting you, you can do anything and
~Alina Pov~I walked out of my room after changing into a set of training clothes. Even if I have an issue with Kennedy and I am super angry right now, that won't stop my determination to become powerful. I strode out of the house and saw how quiet the house was, it seemed everyone was busy. I had looked around earlier and didn't see a trace of Kennedy, I bet he had left to do his things. I shrug as I think about it, where he goes is none of my business! As I walked or more like jogged to the training ground, my mind was occupied with the thought of him even when I didn't want to think of anything. Just thinking about his stubbornness annoys me. As I almost got to the training ground, something popped into my head making me stop jogging as I stood on the road speechlessly.Since I slapped Gregor's lovely sister, would he still want to train me? I slapped my head in annoyance. I should have controlled my hand, now who was going to help me? And I can't go to Kennedy as we have issu
~Kennedy Pov~Insecure? I muttered softly as I looked at her pissed face. Her reaction today told me she has been bottling this up for a long time. Am I doing it wrong? Am I insecure? But she is mine, should I wait for her to leave me before taking action? The anger I had felt at her locking me up vanished and looking at her angry face and finger which pointed at me. I pinched my nose in frustration as I was speechless right now, “What?! You can't say anything? Am I right? You know what, Kennedy—I am not a plaything or a puppet! I have emotions, and I need to grow! I have people who are waiting for me and can't afford to wait long for me, I have a wish and vow I need to fulfill. So stop limiting me, stop keeping in!” She looked at me with rage, then her eyes turned soft, then she shifted uncomfortably as she turned her back to me. I swallowed hard, then moved to hug her from the back, “Why don't you want me to love you? Are you disgusted with me? And why must you be close with ot
(Alina Pov)I ignored his yell from the other room as I locked the door to the room I was in. This room is Kennedy's, but he has taken over my room, not allowing me to have my peace. It's time I teach him a lesson and make him understand he can't just do anything he wants just because he is an Alpha. After checking if the door was well locked, I removed the robe and it dropped to the ground then I moved to the bathroom to wash up. As I took my bath, my mind wandered to what happened at Samara's place. To be honest I felt really good after the slap. She and I were bound not to be friends, and it has been shown since the first time I encountered her when she hit me but didn't apologize. Now that I think about it, all this looks fishy. If Samara is in love with Utopia, then she is not interested in Kennedy, and Samara being stupid already said a lot without knowing. So her family wants to put their only daughter in the position of Luna. Besides, their two sons also hold great positio
~Kennedy Pov~ I looked at her confused face in amusement, it's fun how she thinks I was joking with my words at first. I stood up from the bed and used one hand to remove my button and the other played with my trousers with my eyes fixed on hers. The smirk never leaves my face as I watch her look at me with panic, then I slowly remove my shirt to show my muscles and well-toned chest. The scars on my body are shown brightly and proudly, showing just so many endangered moments of my life. I watched her eyes slowly follow my hands lustfully but panicky. I knew she was attracted but still trying to show her stubborn side but what she didn't know was that the pressure which I had purposely released would show her real feelings and body reaction clearly. This is the dominance of an Alpha Mate! Now I was left with just my briefs, I walked closer to her and bent down then raised her head as I kissed her senselessly. My mouth captured her tongue as I sucked on it. Then I bit
~Alina Pov~There was something dark in his voice, I couldn't place it but I felt my body and soul shiver, not in delight but in obedience. I couldn't control myself, I couldn't control my soul, his voice sounded like a commandment, and I found myself wanting to allow him to do anything to me, as long as I could please him. “Something is wrong? What did you do Kennedy?” I asked through the mind link, and I could feel my mind confused. “What do you mean? How do you feel?” He asked, his voice sounding hoarse and enchantingly low with added pressure and majesty. “You?! Did you use that? You released your energy as dominance?!” My eyes widened as I looked at him in shock. Now I noticed his eyes were dark and not smiling. He is angry— But why?! I watched him lower his head then kiss my forehead, then my eyes, and down to my neck, before going up to capture my lips, his lips felt so hot on mine, he suck on my lower lips, then bite them gently, and sucked the bitten part. My mind went b
~Alina POV~So much had happened today, started my day with heavy training and frustration, then moved on to being accused, then to my argument with Kennedy and then to being proved wrong by him, and lastly his anger.He faced me with his back, then he shifted to his wolf and my heart beat so fast. This was the first time I saw him shift. His wolf looked so majestic, filled with an aura of dominance, commanding and huge. I wonder what it will feel like to touch it. I suddenly have the urge to touch the skin and caress it, but would I dare to? “Growl!” I was surprised when he turned to me and growled gently at me, then sat his huge body on the floor, then I understood he was waiting for me to climb up, which made my eyes lit up with happiness. He ran so fast, and I could feel the night breeze caress my face and scatter my hair. As he ran fast, I held his huge body to avoid falling, but then I got hooked by the feel of his skin and hair. I couldn’t help or control my palm from caress