Ten years ago...“It’s your fault...” Aena said, her voice full of spite, her reaction cold, as we faced the grave of our mother inside the cemetery exclusive for the fallen high members of the Calisto pack.“Aena, w-what are you t-talking about?” I asked, trying hard not to choke with my words but failed when I didn't just choke but by stutter as well.I know how much my father and Aena hated it when I involuntarily stuttered, but the longer I forced myself not to, the more it turned worse. I find it hard to speak straight when attempting beyond my capability. I, myself, hate it when I stutter. It was a sign of shame in the Alvarez family so I was advised not to talk in social gatherings my whole childhood. Others even thought that I was mute, born deaf, an illiterate child of the Alpha, or for whatever reason a child shouldn't bear. For my father, hearing those rumors is more tolerable than actually hearing me stutter.“Mother died from taking care of you...” Aena responded, which m
“No need for that, father...” I interrupted when Aena was away dropping to her knees while her head was held low. “This is a sister’s quarrel and it’s normal. Hearing my side and clearing things with her is all that matters. Whoever messed up my sister's room must have had a lot of nerves to dare such a thing. But I strongly suggest letting this matter go and fixing the room the way it was before, preferably before dinner.”I shot Aena a plain look before faking a sweet smile at her. Her face screamed disagreement with my decision but she never expressed her side.All of the things my father does scathingly with Aena’s meddling, I assured myself that all of it would come back to her one day. Not all at the same time, but gradually. With a spoiled like her, hungry for power and attention, Aena surely couldn't take it in one blow. It was more depressing than anyone would have imagined. If there's anyone who is familiar with those feelings, then it was me.I have no pity for my own twin
Eight hours earlier... “Unless you need me...” Alexei said with a huge grin. “Come on, Alvarez. We both know that killing a rogue is not a sin. In Canidae, it’s a boon. By killing the rogue who survived for five years, not only can you become a rogue huntress, but you can also be one of their high members given the fact that you are the Promised Wolf now. But you didn't kill me because you needed me... so do I need to guess what it is? Or you can make my life easier by telling me your plan.” Again, I underestimated Alexei. He could read me just like Mason. And nothing would exasperate me to admit that in front of Alexei, but then he left me with no choice. “You’re right, I do need you... no matter how much I wanted to reject you for us to get even, you are the only one who could help me leave this pack,” I told him and scoffed when that came out as a complaint rather than an explanation. “I don’t wish to reign the pack who never give me anything but pain and suffering. I agreed with
The silence has never been this loud. The frustration and disappointment of the Calisto pack had never arrived to an extent that their eyes widened at the same time and in the same measure. Seeing my revenge the way I wanted it to happen give me more than a sense of meaning. I was wickedly laughing inside. All the torment, disparage, and underestimation they had thrown at me in the past must have flashed before their eyes the moment my statement reached their ears. And I could not care less if they saw me as an ingrate member of the pack because I was never treated as an edge. It was foolish of them to believe that I would allow them to use me as their tool. An ornament to the pack to attract more alliances, gain favor and recognition, and boost our reputation. I knew what I deserved and I most certainly don’t deserve to be treated like that. Indeed, I am the Promised Wolf. And I would die as one, that’s for sure. The contribution I will soon render to the pack once I become the Alph
No! That’s what I told myself repeatedly when I felt the urge to drop my eyes to his front. Oh, I felt it when we shared a kiss, but I never knew that witnessing his under his underpants would be ideal after the marking. My wolf would be delighted once she saw it, but I was too reticent to express my desire. I would rather keep in me than feed an arrogant shifter like Alexei what he desires to hear.I strongly held my eyes on his. “Are you seducing me?”Alexei scoffed and then flashed me his infamous grin. “Is it working?”“No,” I answered instantly, flashing exactly the opposite of what was steaming inside me. “Taunt me again and you shall regret doing so, Volkov. Don’t forget that news travels fast here in the North. You are smart, you know exactly what people would believe in every word that comes out of my mouth, whether it’s true or not. I have a rank that exceeds all the Alphas here in the North. A rumor about you being a worthless mate of mine will make you a rogue again. This
“Of course, you shall grant our request. Declining it would be a declaration of war,” Alexei stated, placing his feet on the table to continue vexing the high members. “The news must reach the Triton pack by now, they are preparing for my return with the Luna. Stopping us would not be ideal for this pack given the fact that this is small compared to what was waiting for us in Triton. Calisto would never stand a chance.”I recalled opening my mouth to express my gratitude but it was never my intention to let Alexei speak further, let alone look down on the pack I grew up in. But it was marveling how Alexei spoke those words without thinking of the consequences. It was refreshing and rather commendable. Alexei’s quality is what I lacked before I became who I am now. The only difference we have was he didn’t need to execute a White Stag to prove his courage and determination.“I beg your pardon?” my father asked out of spite, his eyes dark and grim.“Must I presume that you didn't hear m
Alexei’s lips pursed before turning into an imperious grin, crossing his leg to the other as well as his arms on his chest. “Don’t get so full of yourself, Alvarez. My judgment remains unchanged. You are still that unreliable shifter I perceived the moment I laid my eyes on you at that sacred banquet. The only thing that gave you courage was executing the White Stag, which I honestly treated my whole life as rubbish. If it wasn't for the White Stag, you would still be that shifter who has no courage to speak up.” My teeth clamped together and my lips quivered in rage as I looked at Alexei, restraining myself to act upon my temper, otherwise, I wouldn't throw not only scathing words but also my hunting knife, which would surely kill Alexei if I aimed at his heart. I opened my mouth to speak but I immediately closed it when I realized he was right. At least, I admit, despite my simmering anger towards him that was urging me to spew forth but failed when I realized that denying it was l
The female shifter only smiled sweetly at Alexei’s response and extended her hands. Alexei, who was already smiling at his sister, accepted her hands in hopes of assistance, but as soon as she helped him stand up, she slammed him again, this time even harder, which made me wince in pain. Based on how Alexei hollered and curled up, he must have broken his back. “And that’s how I greet my brother, not Triton. Others don't despise their younger brother like I do,” the female shifter crossed her arms and gazed down upon Alexei, who was lying on the ground and constantly grunting. Now that I heard that haughty and sarcasm from her, there was no doubt that she was relative to Alexei. I suppose it runs in their blood. “Alexia, you shit...” Alexei said in a low voice before giving her sister a death glare. “Don’t you think giving me broken born on the day of my return is too much?” “What’s too much is the audacity to come back here after defying the Moon Goddess. Don't be such a big baby.