Chapter seven
Selene’s povAfter Logan left the sitting room to go see his mother, I sat there feeling a bit confused and unsettled. Part of me still couldn't quite believe what he had said about us potentially being true mates according to the goddess. How could that be possible? Surely there had been some mistake.I got up and wandered into one of the bedrooms, needing space to sort through my jumbled thoughts and emotions. Sinking down onto the edge of the bed, I closed my eyes and tried to calm my racing heart."Ezra?" I called out tentatively. "Are you there? I need your counsel."There was a brief shimmer in the air before my spirit guardian materialized before me. The ethereal she-wolf regarded me kindly with those ancient, knowing eyes."What troubles you, my friend?" Her voice was warm and soothing in my mind.I twisted my hands nervously in my lap. "It's Logan. He...he says the goddess has blessed us as true mates." I shook my head slowly. "But how can that be? After everything with Nathan..."Ezra made a soft rumbling sound. "Selene, you know the words of the goddess are sacred truth. If she has chosen Logan as your eternally bonded mate, you must have faith.""But Nathan was my mate!" I burst out, feeling foolish at the shakiness in my voice. "We were together for so long...I loved him. How could he betray me by choosing Mia instead and accusing me, getting me banished?"The spirit wolf's expression was full of sadness and compassion. "What Nathan did, turning against you and our pack in such a dishonorable way, it broke the sacred bond between you. You are no longer tied to him in the eyes of the goddess."Hot tears pricked my eyes as the hurt and betrayal welled up again within me. Nathan had shattered my heart and sense of self when he cast me aside for that vile Mia. Even thinking his name made my stomach twist with nausea."But what if...what if he comes back?" My voice trembled with fear I could not contain. "What if he tries to take me again?""You need nothing to worry about Nathan any longer," Ezra said firmly. "The goddess has moved on and selected Logan as your new mate. You would do well to embrace this second chance at love and happiness."I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling small and afraid. What would the others think if I took up with Logan so soon after my traumatic split from Nathan? They might think me fickle or disloyal."But what will everyone say? They may not understand..."Ezra let out a soft whuffing breath. "Do not trouble yourself over the opinions of others , Dear. Follow your heart, and those who truly care for you will accept the goddess's wishes."Her gentle reassurance helped soothe some of the turmoil inside me. She was right - I knew the sacred laws and could not deny the goddess's divine rulings, no matter my own hesitations or insecurities.Perhaps Logan could be the light I needed to fully heal my shattered spirit...I had just opened my mouth to respond to Ezra when there was a sudden commotion outside the room. The bedroom door flew open and a blurred figure rushed inside, moving too fast for me to make out any details.Before I could react, something was pressed firmly over my mouth and nose, the sickeningly sweet scent overwhelming my senses. I tried to cry out, to fight back, but my limbs quickly became heavy and uncooperative. Dark spots began dancing across my vision.The last things I saw were Ezra's horrified expression and the strange figure looming over me, their face obscured behind the dark cloth covering. Then everything faded to black as an endless night closed in around me.I don't know how long the inky oblivion lasted. All I knew was fear and the desperate need to wake up from this terrible nightmare I seemed to be trapped in…Chapter eightSelene’s pov Everything was pitch black when I finally came to, my head pounding and mouth dry as cotton. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was that blurred figure bursting into the room and some sickly-sweet smell overwhelming me. I tried to move but quickly realized my hands were bound tightly behind my back. Panic lanced through me as my eyes strained against the inky darkness, searching for any hint of light or an escape route."Ezra?" I called out tentatively, hoping against hope that my spirit wolf guardian could hear me somehow. "Ezra, where are you?"But there was no response, no shimmering form appearing by my side. A sob tried to work its way up my throat as a hollow feeling of isolation consumed me. I was utterly alone here in this void.The sound of a heavy door scraping open somewhere nearby made me flinch. Harsh light flooded the space, stabbing into my sensitive eyes and making me squint. As my vision slowly adjusted, I could make out the rough hew
Chapter eight Nathan’s povThree days after I betrayed Selene, my life fell apart. I could not shift into my wolf form anymore. My wolf Max abandoned me. He did not agree with me mating Mia instead of Selene, my true mate. Max went silent and refused to come out, making me very weak.I regretted believing Mia's lies about Selene cheating and not being able to have a child. I should not have plotted against Selene and banished her from our pack, even though she had poison in her system. The guilt ate away at me. I thought about the beautiful Selene and our love constantly. I remembered her charming smile, her sweet lips, our promises to mate and have children. I thought about our plans for our first time after her Luna ceremony. One cold night, I wandered into the dark forest, hoping to find Selene alive. I came across the clearing where we used to meet. Suddenly, I smelled Selene's scent! I ran towards it and saw a woman running, maybe from vampires. "Let me save you, Selene!" I gr
Chapter nineZara’s povTears streamed down my face as I hurried away from Logan's room. How dare he accuse me of such a horrible thing! Kidnapping his mate Selene? I didn't even know who this Selene was.My heart raced with a mixture of anger, hurt, and determination. If Logan thought he could just dismiss me so easily, he had another thing coming. I would make him regret treating me this way.With quick strides, I headed straight for the Luna's quarters. If anyone could set Logan straight, it was his own mother. I needed her on my side."Luna! Luna!" I called out frantically as I reached her rooms, pounding on the door.The Luna emerged, her expression one of alarm and concern. "Zara? What's wrong, child?"I put on my most distraught face, forcing out dramatic sobs. "It's Logan...he...he sent for me..."Taking shuddering breaths, I let the tears flow freely. The Luna ushered me into the sitting room, her eyes wide with worry."There, there, calm yourself," she soothed, guiding me to
Chapter eleven Selene’s povLogan came out from the kitchen carrying a tray with a plate of beef ragu and another of Chinese soufflé. The delicious smells immediately made my mouth water. "Dinner is here," he said, bringing the tray over to me. "Hope you like it." He gave me a warm smile, though tinged with concern.I nodded eagerly. My stomach rumbled loudly, the rich aromas reminding me just how ravenously hungry I felt after my ordeal. As I reached for my fork, Logan gently caught my hand, shaking his head. "Allow me," he said in a soft tone, picking up the fork himself."Logan, I may need some rest but that doesn't mean I can't eat my food myself," I protested, though not too firmly. There was something comforting about him fussing over me.He gave me an apologetic look. "I know, I'm just..." He paused, seeming to search for the right words. "I want to make sure you lack for nothing after what you went through. Humor this overprotective wolf?" I couldn't stop a small smile fro
Chapter twelve Selene povAfter Logan abruptly left the room, I felt a wave of self-doubt and insecurity wash over me. Did revealing my innocence scare him away? Didn't he desire me in the same primal way I yearned for him?"Ezra?" I called out to my inner wolf. "Do you think I scared him off? Does he... not like me anymore?"Ezra's reassuring presence enveloped my mind. "No, dear one. Perhaps he was simply surprised and taken aback. Give him time.""Maybe I should go talk to him," I mused aloud, already untangling myself from the sheets.But Ezra's gentle voice stayed me. "No, he needs this moment. Relax yourself."Resigning with a sigh, I settled back against the pillows, trying to ignore the gnawing sense that something wasn't quite right. My thoughts were interrupted by a firm knock at the door. Surely it was Logan returning.I rose swiftly and padded across the room, pulling open the door with an expectant smile...only to find Beta Luke standing before me, his expression unreada
Chapter thirteen Logan’s pov I rushed out of Selene's room, my heart pounding. Selene was still a virgin? How had I not known this? We had agreed to wait until our mating ceremony to be fully intimate, but I had assumed...I splashed cold water on my face in the kitchen, trying to clear my head. My wolf Olie was trying to soothe me. "Are you ashamed that you too are a virgin?" he asked gently."No, of course not," I insisted, though a part of me felt nervous. "I'm just...I don't want to rush her, you know? I don't want to mess this up."We had made a promise to wait, and I intended to keep it. But now knowing Selene's situation, I felt extra pressure not to ruin this pivotal moment for her."Relax, don't rush," Olie said calmly. "When you tell her, I believe she will understand."I took a deep breath and nodded, my wolf's reassurance helping to settle my nerves. As I turned to leave the kitchen, I noticed Zara standing in the hallway outside my room. And she wasn't alone - Selene w
Chapter 14Logan’s pov I left my mother's room with her typical nagging still ringing in my ears about finding a mate. As if I didn't have more important pack issues to deal with right now. Though...maybe taking Selene to this dinner with the council tomorrow night wouldn't be the worst idea.I could already hear Selene and Gina's laughter echoing from down the hall as I approached my house. A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. Those two seemed to really hit it off. Pushing open the door, I announced myself. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."Selene looked up with a warm smile. "Not at all.""Did you tell your mother about what we discussed?" she asked curiously.I shook my head. "No, but she brought up another matter. There's a dinner tomorrow night with the whole council that she expects me to attend." I paused, wondering if I was being too presumptuous. "I think it might be a good time for you to meet them as well. And for them to meet you."Gina perked up from h
Chapter 15Logan's POVI stared at Luke's retreating form, an uneasy feeling settling in my gut. Something was definitely off with him, that much was clear. But what? My eyes drifted to the file he'd left on my desk, containing all the weekly pack reports. With a weary sigh, I sank back into my chair and flipped it open, determined to review the contents thoroughly. Maybe the answer lay buried somewhere in these pages.Ever since we were kids, Luke and I had been practically inseparable. He knew me better than anyone, which is why his uncharacteristic behavior tonight felt so...unsettling. We'd always been able to talk to each other about anything.A frown creased my brow as I pored over the neatly compiled documents. Guards' rotations, territory reports, supply inventories - everything seemed routine and in order. So what had Luke so riled?I was so engrossed in my task that I barely registered the soft rap at my door. "Come in," I called distractedly, not looking up."My alpha."Th