Ariana
The words were like a dagger to my heart, a stark reminder of my own perceived insignificance. I knew she didn't mean to hurt me intentionally, but the impact of her words cut deep, leaving a wound that seemed to widen with each passing moment.
Before I could respond, my parents entered the room, their faces beaming with pride. "Darling, we've been so caught up with the wedding preparations that we almost forgot to check on you," my mother exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.
My father nodded in agreement. "How are you feeling, my dear?"
I offered them a small, tired smile, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be alright. Just need a bit more rest."
My sister's laughter rang out once again, a sound that grated against my already frayed nerves. "Resting as usual, I see. Well, don't worry, Lucas will be able to take care of you once he's officially a part of the family."
Her words were a mixture of teasing and mockery, a reminder of my own perceived inadequacies. I felt a lump forming in my throat, the weight of unspoken emotions threatening to spill over.
My mother shot Seraphina a reproachful glance before turning back to me, her eyes softening with genuine concern. "Don't listen to her, dear. You're just as important to us, even if your path is different."
I nodded, grateful for my mother's words, even as they did little to quell the ache in my chest. The rain outside seemed to intensify, matching the storm of emotions that raged within me.
As my family lingered in my room, the impending wedding cast a long shadow over the space. I couldn't help but feel like an outsider, a solitary figure amidst a celebration that highlighted my own heartache.
With the rain as my witness, I silently vowed to rise above the whispers of heartache and the shadows of doubt. As my family continued to discuss the upcoming wedding, I clung to that newfound resolve, knowing that the road ahead would be challenging, but determined to face it with courage and strength.
Two months slipped by, a blur of days marked by both physical recovery and emotional healing. As I slowly regained my strength, I was pregnant.
Panic gripped me, the realization of my situation threatening to engulf me in a sea of uncertainty. My mind raced with questions, each one more daunting than the last. How could I face my family? How could I raise a child alone? The weight of my decisions, the consequences of my actions, bore down on me with a suffocating intensity.
But even as fear gnawed at my insides, a fierce determination burned within me. I refused to let my child suffer for my mistakes, to be born into a world that would judge them based on the circumstances of their conception. I would protect her.
As the day of Lucas's wedding to Seraphina drew near, a sense of desolation settled over me. I watched from the shadows, hidden among the crowd, as they exchanged vows and sealed their union with a kiss. The sight left a bitter taste in my mouth, a reminder of the love I had hoped for but could never attain.
Tears streamed down my face, each one a silent testament to the pain that gripped my heart. I felt abandoned by the world, adrift in a sea of longing and regret. But amidst the turmoil, a new resolve began to take root.
For the sake of the life growing within me, for the child who would depend on me for their very existence, I knew that I had to make a difficult choice.
As I slipped away from the crowd, the rain began to fall once more, a gentle reminder of the storms that had marked my journey. With every step I took away from the wedding, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose—a purpose that would guide me to the south, to a place where I could create a new life for myself and my unborn child.
LucasThe grandeur of the wedding festivities had faded into the night, leaving behind a sense of accomplishment and alliance that I couldn't help but appreciate. The union of our two tribes held promise and potential, a step towards a more united werewolf world. As Alpha, it was a responsibility I took seriously.
My eyes had caught brief glimpses of Seraphina throughout the celebration, her presence as radiant as ever. It was only a month ago that we had shared a brief exchange, a conversation that had left an impression on me. Her independence, her strength—it was a contrast to the submissive role I had always expected from an Omega.
But it wasn't until the wedding night that I truly began to see beyond the surface. As Seraphina stood before me, her beauty evident even in the dimly lit chamber, something caught my attention.
There was no moon mark on her body, the mark that would signify her as my chosen mate. Confusion stirred within me as I took in her appearance, the realization settling heavily in my chest.
"Lucas," she murmured, her voice laced with a hint of seduction.
But my focus had shifted, my attention drawn to the subtle changes that had escaped my notice before. The scent that lingered around her—it was different from the intoxicating fragrance that had filled the air on the night we had met. It was tainted, the purity marred by the unmistakable trace of other wolves.
My gaze narrowed as I leaned closer, my eyes narrowing on the marks that adorned the back of her neck—a series of hickey marks, evidence of recent intimacy. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of anger and disbelief flooding through me.
"What is this?" I demanded, my voice sharp and accusatory.
Her cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and guilt crossing her features. "It's nothing, just... a misunderstanding."
I took a step back, the weight of the revelation settling over me. This was not the same Seraphina I had encountered before, the strong and independent woman who had left an impression on me. This was a different version.
My jaw clenched as I struggled to process the information before me.
"Where were you on your birthday?" I asked, my voice low and measured.
Seraphina's gaze faltered, her eyes avoiding mine. "I... I was with friends. Celebrating."
A surge of anger coursed through me as I pieced together the puzzle. Seraphina's claim, the marks on Seraphina's neck—it was a web of deceit, a scheme designed to deceive and manipulate.
"You're lying," I stated, my tone unwavering. "You are not her!"
Her facade began to crumble, the guilt and desperation evident in her eyes. "Lucas, please, let me explain."
But I had heard enough. My chest tightened, the realization hitting me like a physical blow. I had been played, manipulated by those I had trusted.
"No," I replied, my voice firm. "There's nothing left to say." I looked up at her forehead and there wasn't even a moon mark on it.
"Lucas, I command you, stop now! We are married, in the presence of all werewolves. Anyway, we are now husband and wife.“
I turned away from her, the weight of the truth settling heavily on my shoulders. The room felt suffocating, the air thick with betrayal and deceit. I needed to get out, to clear my head and make sense of the chaos that had unfolded.
As I stepped out into the night, the rain came down in torrents, each drop a reflection of the storm within me. My thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and anger, my heartache mingling with a sense of remorse for the situation I had unknowingly become entangled in.
And then, amidst the downpour, I thought of Ariana—the Omega I had met only briefly, the one who had admitted to a mistake that wasn't hers. I felt a pang of sympathy for her, a recognition of the injustice she had suffered.
I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that I had made a grave error, that I had let my own prejudices cloud my judgment. The image of Ariana's tear-filled eyes haunted me, I set off into the rainy night. I needed to find Ariana.
LucasThe night hung heavy with tension as I paced the dimly lit room, the storm outside mirroring the tempest that raged within me. Damn, I got the wrong wife. How stupid."You fool! Do you not see what you've done?" The voice that erupted from within me was not my own, but that of the wolf that resided within my very being. Its anger was palpable, a violent force that surged against the barriers I had erected to keep it at bay.I clenched my fists, my jaw tight with frustration. "This is not the time, wolf. I need to think, to figure out how to fix this."The wolf's laughter was a chilling echo in my mind."Think? You dare to speak of thinking when you've jeopardized our mate, our Luna?" The wolf's growl was ferocious, a guttural sound that sent shivers down my spine. My wolf is very irritable, its strength is very strong, sometimes it can even control my body when my consciousness is weak, that's why I seal it.I gritted my teeth, my patience wearing thin. "You know nothing of wha
ArianaI left a farewell letter to my parents, which is just beside my bed, I don't know if they have seen it or not.The days wore on as I journeyed through unfamiliar lands, seeking refuge in various hostels along the way. Each night, I found myself surrounded by the laughter and intimacy of loving couples, their affectionate gestures a stark reminder of the companionship I had lost. In the hostels, I watched as couples shared tender glances and whispered sweet words, their closeness a testament to the warmth of their bond. This relieved my loneliness of traveling alone.One evening, as I sat alone in the common area of a hostel, lost in my thoughts, a gentle tap on my shoulder roused me from my reverie. I turned to see a couple standing before me, their smiles kind and welcoming. In their hands, they held a small cake, its soft scent of vanilla and sweetness filling the air."We noticed you've been alone," the woman said, her voice soft and compassionate. "We wanted to share a lit
ArianaFive years laterAfter staying in the witch tribe, I got a lot of warmth and learned witchcraft from Gertrude.Under her tutelage, I had delved deep into the intricacies of magic, navigating a labyrinth of spells, incantations, and ancient rituals. Days blurred into nights as I poured over ancient tomes, my fingers tracing the faded words that held the secrets of generations past. Gertrude's guidance was relentless, her expectations high as she pushed me to harness the raw power that flowed through my veins. "You must channel your energy with precision, Ariana," Gertrude admonished, her voice a melodic yet stern reminder of the stakes at hand. "Magic is not a force to be trifled with. One misstep, one misplaced intention, and the consequences could be dire."I nodded, sweat trickling down my brow as I attempted to conjure a simple illusion. The air shimmered around me, the image forming before dissipating into nothingness. Frustration welled up within me, my hands trembling w
ArianaLucas battered and outnumbered, stood against a backdrop of hostility. My heart raced as a surge of conflicting emotions washed over me, surprise and apprehension.The wolves surrounding Lucas were huge, with black fur, and I guess they were Black Moon clan. This is the second time I have seen a werewolf of the Black Moon Clan, and they are more domineering than I imagined.I couldn't stand idly by while he faced the threat of the Black Moon tribe.Drawing upon the magic that had become an extension of myself, I focused my energy on creating a diversion—a veil of illusion that shrouded the surroundings in a mist of confusion. The attackers hesitated, their attention momentarily diverted as they tried to make sense of the shifting shadows.Seizing the opportunity, Lucas managed to break free from his assailants, his movements swift and determined. A surge of satisfaction coursed through me as I watched him regain his footing, his determination evident even in the midst of chaos.
ArianaThe forest was a tapestry of shadows and moonlight as I stood before him, my heart caught in a maelstrom of emotions that threatened to consume me. The past and the present collided, a clash of memories and realities that left me momentarily disoriented.His words hung in the air, a declaration that sent shockwaves through my senses. "Our daughter," he had said, a truth that defied reason and comprehension. I felt a mixture of anger and frustration rise within me, a surge of emotion that threatened to override my thoughts. "Don't be ridiculous," I retorted, my voice laced with skepticism. "You're overthinking things. She's not yours."He seemed unfazed by my words, a determined glint in his eyes. "I know what I feel, Ariana," he replied, his voice steady and unwavering. "My wolf can sense it, can sense the connection between us."I scoffed, a bitter edge to my laughter. "Your wolf? Please. You can't just claim something without evidence."His arms closed around me in a sudden
LucasThe forest seemed to close in around me as her words hung in the air, each syllable a reminder of the past, a past marred by my own mistakes and regrets. I stared at her, her gaze unwavering and filled with a mixture of skepticism and caution. "I can't trust you," she declared, her voice steady but laced with a hint of sorrow. "And I won't allow you to disrupt our lives any further."Her words were a punch to the gut, a sharp reminder of the consequences of my actions, the wounds I had inflicted upon her heart. I could feel the weight of her words, the barriers that she had erected between us, and a sense of desperation welled up within me."Ariana, please," I implored, my voice tinged with a mix of desperation and remorse. "I know I made a mistake, a terrible mistake. But I want to make amends. I want to be a part of your lives, of Elara's life."She held up her hand, a gesture that halted my advance—a gesture that reflected the walls she had erected, the boundaries she was de
LucasReturning to the Blood Moon Clan after the encounter with Ariana and the old witch was both a relief and a frustration. The familiarity of the clan's territory embraced me, yet the invisible chains that bound my heart were a constant reminder of the woman I had sought to reconnect with—the woman who had captured my heart and then slipped through my fingers like grains of sand.The impatient growls of my wolf echoed within me, a constant reminder of his yearning to break free, to unleash his primal form and reclaim the mate and pup that had been taken from us. His restlessness gnawed at my conscience, his complaints a sharp reminder of the consequences of my hesitation."You should have let me transform," his voice resonated within my mind, a mix of irritation and reproach. "We could have prevented this."I gritted my teeth, frustration and regret coursing through me. His words were like salt in the wound—an unrelenting reminder of my perceived failures, my inability to protect
ArianaI was surprised by the change in Lucas' attitude. When we reunited after 5 years, he has matured a lot. But what I can't understand these days is why he is still pestering me even though he is already married to my sister. Sure enough, men are all the same, playboys. I won't let myself be played by men again."Mom, is the man we met in the forest that day a friend to you? He seems to care about you." Elara lay on my lap, shaking her legs leisurely."Elara, he's just someone Mom used to know, promise Mom, forget about him, okay?""Sure, but I feel...he has a sense of familiarity." Elara rolled over and whispered. I could only distract her by pretending to take the smiling puppet out of her hands."Do you still want to give your smiling puppet to mom? Mom suddenly thinks it's cute."Elara pursed her lips reluctantly, and muttered softly, "Didn't you say Gertrude would be sad..."As I tended to the cauldron, the words of fellow witches painted a picture of escalating tensions—a w