LILA I couldn't believe it. Of all people, I was destined to be mated to Blaise—a man I was forbidden to even associate with. How was this even possible? It all made sense to me now. The connection I feel towards him. How did the moon goddess even orchestrate such cruel irony? Out of all the women in Crescent Hill Pack, why did it have to be me? He was the very reason I was orphaned, the root cause of my grief. This mating was an abomination that couldn't be allowed to happen. I was sure he didn't want me either. A shiver crawled up my spine as thunder rumbled in the distance, and lightning flashed across the sky. I gazed up at the darkening clouds, knowing I couldn't stay here when the rain came. I easily caught a cold when drenched in rain, and it was always a terrible ordeal. My skin tensed as I felt the first few drops of drizzle tap against my forehead. I squirmed against the tree, but Blaise had tied me securely to it. As the drizzle continued, I searched for him in panic.
BLAISE The healer arrived after what felt like an eternity. She was a dark, roly-poly woman with long brown locks, dressed in a sage green, flowing linen robe that was embroidered with mystical symbols. A red cord was tied around her waist, and her eyes were ghostly white. A turquoise amulet hung from her neck, which I suspected possessed healing powers. Her wrists and legs were adorned with tiny wooden beads. Their soft rattle accompanied her movements as she stepped into the room, barefoot, carrying a tote bag. She bowed to me. "You requested my presence, My Lord," she said in a hoarse voice that hinted at years of whispered incantations. I nodded and gestured toward Lila. "She's unwell, and I can't get her to a hospital." The healer smiled slightly and shook her head. "This is not a hospital sickness, My Lord." She approached Lila placed a single cowry on her fevered forehead, and proceeded to use her thumb to pry open Lila's eyelids and took out another cowry from
BLAISE I woke up before Lila did the next morning, quietly slipping out of bed in hopes of not disturbing her. She had fallen asleep only a few hours ago. As much as I hated to admit it, she was growing on me, and I couldn't keep resisting. The way she had fallen asleep in my arms last night felt like something out of a dream, a dream I wanted to avoid at all costs. There was certainly no happily ever after for Lila and me, even if the wolf bond played its part in this. There was no way I would live with her, knowing she had a connection to the death of my Luna and pup. Could I truly share my life with someone linked, however indirectly, to their untimely demise? Maybe the best thing to do was to let her go. I would forget about the heirs I wanted from her, reject her, and send her away from my pack, far away from here so I wouldn't have to see her anymore. That seemed to be the only remedy because it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay mad at her. Apart from the g
BLAISE Leo, Erick, Patrick, Ken, and a few other trusted members of my inner circle were waiting in the winery when I entered. Beyond my role as the Alpha of a prestigious pack, I also ran the biggest winery in the country and beyond. Callo Wines had endured for centuries, since the era of the early werewolves, and had remained the biggest and best wine suppliers, except for a few wineries in Italy. It had evolved into more of an heirloom than a mere business, each heir striving to elevate it to new heights. As the current heir, achieving excellence was my forte. However, my winery was more than just a haven for wine production; it doubled as my chamber of torment. It was here that I subjected those unfortunate enough to earn my wrath to extreme suffering, much like the rogue we had captured two nights ago. "What's the latest?" I inquired, observing the tension in my men's expressions. "The production of the new wine is proceeding smoothly, but we have encountere
LILA It had been three days since I revealed my intention to escape to Erick, despite his reluctance to support my plan, he had lent a helping hand in gathering the necessities for my escape. Surprisingly, fate seemed to align with my desires when Alpha Blaise decided to host an unexpected ball for the pack. The reason behind his decision remained a mystery, but the timing couldn't have been more perfect. As the pack gathered inside, revelling in merriment, I saw my opportunity to slip away unnoticed. By the time they realised I was gone, I would be well on my way across the seas. The sleep inducer I had carried with me, had become unnecessary, but I kept it hidden within my dress, just in case. The servants buzzed around the kitchen, busy with preparations for the event. To avoid arousing suspicion, I lingered, assisting with various small tasks. My hope was to seize the moment to sprinkle the sleep-inducing powder into the large pot of stew simmering over an open flame.
LILA Blaise's private chamber differed from the one he usually takes me to. This one was more spacious, bathed in a soft, dim light, exuding an air of cosy intimacy. The warriors escorting me to our so-called matrimonial room treated me with unexpected tenderness, a marked change from the years of torment I endured before being declared Luna of this pack. How could I become Luna to a pack that had inflicted nothing but pain upon me for two long years, stripping away everything I held dear? Tears welled up as the warriors gently guided me into the room, only to exit swiftly, locking the door behind them. The bedroom resembled a regal chamber from the Victorian era. Indigo walls were adorned with intricate gold leaf patterns, while a magnificent chandelier, studded with sapphires and diamonds, hung gracefully from the ceiling. Velvet drapes in rich hues of burgundy and emerald cascaded from tall, arched windows. At its centre stood a grand four-poster bed, and to one side of the room,
LILA Gothic, black wedding dress, a short dark veil adorned with feathers, and accessories—it all seemed surreal. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. It had been a lifelong dream, imagining finding my soulmate, the love of my life, and savouring the joy of my wedding day. But life had a way of throwing curveballs, and my dreams lay shattered. I didn't even bother with makeup; dressing up for Blaise was the last thing on my mind. I had explicitly instructed the beautician not to bother with it. Now, I stood before the vintage mirror, staring at my reflection. Blaise had kept his distance since the previous night. He hadn't slept in the same room with me, and I couldn't care less. I wished to keep him far from me; he was dangerous in more ways than I could fathom. But I had made a solemn promise to myself that I would make life unbearable for Blaise. I would frustrate him to the point where he would regret ever meeting me, let alone marrying me. I had agreed t
LILA Blaise didn't share the room with me on our first night. As I lay in bed, my thoughts revolved around the kiss we had shared earlier in the day. While part of me yearned for his presence, another part remained adamant. I tossed and turned in the luxurious bed, wrestling with my curiosity about his absence. So much for presenting a united front, I had thought. Eventually, exhaustion claimed me, pulling me into a dream where Blaise and I were lost in another kiss. Morning arrived with a gentle rattle at my door. It was bright and sunny, even with the heavy drapes still drawn. Surely, it wasn't Blaise. He has a tendency to forgo knocking on his own door, I called for the person to enter. Cassie and another girl stepped inside. Cassie carried my toiletries, while the other girl brought a clothing rack. Both bowed, and the other girl moved to part the heavy velvet curtains, letting in even more sunlight. "We will prepare you for breakfast now, Luna," the girl with the