Layla's wolf, Linda, stared at Annabelle. Annabelle wondered why Layla was not changing back to her human form. She pointed to the clothes and then to Layla.“You need to shift back to your human form, Linda,” Annabelle told the wolf.Linda gave a small growl to convey her message, but Annabelle stood there confused. Linda walked closer to Annabelle and used her head to push Annabelle away, gesturing for her to turn around. Realization crossed Annabelle’s face.“Oh, sorry, Linda. I should have known,” Annabelle said, turning away. She walked back around the tree where she had shifted.LAYLA’S POVJust as I had shifted to my wolf form, I focused on shifting back to my human form. It took some time to complete the shift, so I quickly grabbed the dress and started dressing. We were both barefoot, and we didn't mind it. Feeling the ground under our feet, whether dry or wet, was strangely satisfying.“I’m done,” I called out to Annabelle.Annabelle emerged from behind the tree where she wa

LAYLA'S POVI stared at the king in horror. He wanted to mark me as his, but not now. Everyone would notice, and I wasn't ready for that kind of attention. "Layla?" he asked, clearly confused by my reaction. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, but it only made me feel more disoriented."You can't mark me, not now, please," I pleaded."Okay, I won't mark you now," he assured me. I let out the breath I had been holding. He smiled at me, and I managed a small one in return. "Thank you for accepting this," he said before leaving my room.I slumped into the nearest chair and stared out of the window. I hoped I had made the right decision. I couldn't afford for things to go wrong now, especially when I was just beginning to settle into the pack.That evening, as I was about to eat, the door swung open, revealing Annabelle with a food tray. She grinned at me and took a seat. "Hello, Layla.""Hi," I greeted, making space for her at the table. "I wasn't expecting to see you this eve

LAYLA'S POVThe pack house was a hive of activity, with people bustling about to prepare for the upcoming event. The kitchen staff had risen early to prepare the meal, and I was absorbed in my tasks, trying to keep my mind off what lay ahead. I also thought about Annabelle, who was juggling her responsibilities. To my surprise, Nancy arrived early, holding the dresses for the "Luna’s Creed" event. I seized the opportunity to retreat to my room for a while.I went to the washroom, splashing water on my face to clear my thoughts. Glancing at my bed, I saw the dress Annabelle had helped me pick out for the king's event. Even in the midst of her busyness, she had considered me. This made me feel even worse. I had been avoiding the king since I learned of Annabelle’s plan, a decision that weighed on me heavily.Sitting at my desk, I rested my head in my hands, the relentless pounding in my head mirroring the turmoil in my heart. Was I really making the right decision by giving up my second

Jarod opened his eyes, finding himself in his bed. He sensed something had gone awry, a situation that would incite his rage. Although he didn't know the details, he felt the disturbance. He turned toward the slumbering figure beside him, drew her naked body closer, and initiated a kiss. It was a way to release the pent-up anger within him.He buried himself in her warmth, but it couldn't fill the void he felt. It wasn't the same warmth he once found when he sought pleasure from his long-deceased supposed mate. Something was amiss, and he vowed to get to the bottom of it. He wouldn't rest until he had answers, and the satisfaction he derived from it would be his reward. He had much to do, and the best time to start was now. He left the bed, got dressed, and left his companion to recover from their encounter. A smug smirk played on his lips; he had old friends to visit.ANNABELLE’S POVI paced my room, consumed by rage. I was not just angry; I was seething. The two people I had trusted

LAYLA'S POVI moved back, overwhelmed by the force behind her harsh words. This was the first time I had seen Annabelle like this. She had always looked at me with loving eyes, care, concern, and worry, but now it was as if she couldn't wait to hurt me, kill me, and be done with me."Please, listen to me, Annabelle," I implored."Why should I? You had plenty of time to make me listen, but you didn't. Now is not the right time," she retorted."I wanted you to be happy.""Happy? And do I look happy now?" she snapped."No, I wanted you to be with the Alpha. I stayed away so you could have your chance. I never knew he was going to turn you down."Annabelle growled at me, and I instinctively moved back. Elijah moved closer, but I signaled for him to stay put. I needed to do this on my own; I was sure Annabelle would take it the wrong way if someone else fought my battles for me."Oh, great," she said with a shake of her head. "You knew all along that he was your mate, and you listened to m