The walls felt like they were squeezing me as I walked around our small cell. I couldn't stop thinking about what Bianca told me. Emma, the person I trusted and counted on in the palace, was working with the Hunters. She was the one betraying Blake to Damien.I was so mad and hurt, it felt like fire inside me. I walked faster, trying to figure out how to stop the terrible thing that was about to happen. Blake was probably already walking into the Hunters' trap, not knowing that his own sister-in-law was betraying him."We need to escape," I said fiercely, turning to Bianca with intense determination. "We have to find a way to tell Blake before Emma can trap him."Bianca held up a placating hand, her expression grave. "I want to help, Zina. Truly. But Damien has this entire compound locked down tighter than a noose. The security measures, the guards..." She shook her head wearily. "It would be suicide to try and escape.""So we're just supposed to sit here, then?" I snarled, my hands c
I stared down at the ground, my heart shattering into a million pieces as Alpha Sam's words echoed in my ears."You're not fit to be my mate. You're weak, useless - nothing but a burden to this pack." He sneered, his lip curling in disgust as he looked at me. "I choose Marie as my true mate. You're nothing to me."The tears spilled down my cheeks as I realized my worst fear had come true. My destined mate, the alpha I had dreamed of bonding with since childhood, had rejected me. All because I was the weakest, most pathetic werewolf in our pack.I should have known better than to hope. From the moment I was born, I had been an outcast - unable to fully shift into my wolf form, mocked and shunned by the other wolves. Even my own mother had abandoned me, leaving me to be raised by my beta father, who was too ashamed to acknowledge me.Now, as I stood there trembling under Alpha Sam's cruel gaze, I felt utterly and completely alone. There was no place for me here anymore. I had to get awa
The fancy guest room Blake brought me to was a huge change from the simple hut I used to live in with my pack. Fancy furniture, soft fabrics, and shiny decorations filled the room, making me feel a bit overwhelmed as I cautiously walked inside."This will be your quarters for the time being," Blake announced, his low, rumbling voice sending a shiver down my spine. "Feel free to make yourself comfortable."I stood still, feeling amazed by all the luxury around me."I...I don't understand. Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?" The words came out of my mouth in a rush, my brow furrowed in bewilderment.Blake's piercing gray eyes studied me for a long, silent moment. "You were in need, little wolf. And I could not simply leave you out there, alone and vulnerable."His strong features showed a hint of worry, if only for a moment.I averted my gaze, unable to hold the intensity of his stare. "But I'm...I'm nobody. Just a weak, useless wolf, rejected by her own pack. I have nothing
Blake walked fast through the fancy halls, making me almost run to keep up. The guards we passed averted their eyes respectfully as we went, a clear indication of the Lycan King's authority.I felt nervous. Where was he taking me? What else did he want to talk about with someone like me, who was rejected?We arrived at big, fancy doors that Blake opened easily. Inside was a big room with lots of books, a fancy desk, and big windows letting in sunlight.Blake turned to me, his face hard to read. "Sit down," he said, pointing to a comfy chair by the desk.I hesitated for a moment, then slowly lowered myself into the chair, I sat on the edge of the chair, feeling like I might run away if things got scary. Blake sat down across from me, his intense eyes staring right at me."Now then," he began, his deep voice cutting through the tense silence. "I believe we have some important matters to discuss."I swallowed hard, my fingers twisting anxiously in my lap. "W-what matters?"I felt frustrat
The guard's words made everyone tense in the pretty garden. My heart raced as I realized what it meant: the Hunters, the humans who wanted to hurt us wolves, had gotten into the Lycan King's palace.Blake's expression hardened, his grip on my hand tightening protectively. "Assemble the guard," he commanded, his deep voice brooking no argument. "We cannot allow them to gain a foothold here."The guard nodded hastily, turning to relay the order to his comrades. As they scattered, Blake shifted his focus to me, his stormy gaze locking onto mine."Zina, I need you to-""I'm coming with you." The words tumbled from my lips before I could even think to stop them, my own determination surprising even me.Blake's brow arched, a flash of surprise crossing his features. "Zina, this is no place for you. It's far too dangerous."I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "I won't hide away while you and your pack risk your lives." My voice was steady, contradicting the fear stirring
As the sun began to set, bathing the palace in a warm, golden glow, I found myself once again in Blake's company. After the earlier disturbance, he had insisted that I remain by his side, assuring me that he would see to my every need.Walking through the pretty gardens, I couldn't stop looking around. There were lots of colorful flowers and everything was so well taken care of. It was different from the big, serious palace.Blake walked next to me, making me feel safe. Sometimes, he'd look at me with his intense gray eyes, but I wasn't sure what he was feeling."Tell me, little wolf," he rumbled, his deep voice breaking the comfortable silence. "How are you faring?"I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "I...I'm still trying to make sense of all this," I admitted, gesturing vaguely to the grand estate around us. "It all feels so...surreal."Blake nodded, his expression contemplative. "I can imagine this must be quite overwhelming for you." He paused, reaching out to gently brush his
Chapter 6The big strong wolf prowled through the wrecked palace, its dark fur bristling with power. Blake, also in his big wolf shape, growled low, showing he wasn't backing down.I watched, my heart pounding, as the two alphas circled each other, their gazes locked in an intense battle of wills. The tension in the air was so thick you could almost touch it, and I held my breath, hoping Blake would win.The black wolf made a sudden move, snapping at Blake's throat. But Blake dodged, sinking his teeth into the other wolf's flank. A roar filled the air as they clashed, and I gripped the stone, resisting the urge to rush to Blake's side.But I knew, deep down, that I would only be a hindrance. This was a battle of the titans, a clash of the most powerful alphas, and I was no match for their raw, primal power.The battle continued, both wolves refusing to yield. Blake fought fiercely, driven by a protective instinct that I could sense. Yet, the black wolf's size and strength gave it an e
In that dark, damp cell, time felt like it was moving so slowly. All I could hear was the drip of water and sometimes footsteps outside. I curled up in the corner, waiting anxiously to find out what would happen next.Where was Blake? Was he even still alive, or had the Hunters managed to overpower him and the rest of the pack? The thought sent a shiver of dread down my spine, and I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the terrifying images away.Suddenly, the heavy door at the end of the hall creaked open, and the sound of approaching footsteps had my head snapping up. A tall, imposing figure emerged from the shadows, and I had to resist the urge to shrink back against the wall.This was no ordinary Hunter. His bearing was regal, commanding, and his cold, piercing gaze swept over me with a calculating intensity that made my skin crawl."So, you're the Lycan King's precious mate," he mused, his deep voice dripping with disdain. "The one who has caused us so much trouble."I swallowed hard,