(Iris)
“Are you thinking about my brother again?”
Jasper’s voice cut through the stillness of the room, dragging me from the edge of sleep. The sight of him made my heart race, a mix of fear and longing. His tone was playful, but the tension in his posture betrayed his anger.
I rolled over to face him, my heart sinking at the sight of his piercing green eyes, dark with suspicion.
“What if I was?” I asked flippantly.
Jasper’s jaw tightened. His playful demeanor shifted instantly. He crossed the room in a few powerful strides and stood at the edge of my bed. His presence was overwhelming, and I felt a familiar, unwelcome heat rising within me.
“Iris,” he growled. “You should know better.”
Elias, his brother and rightful heir to the pack, had been my boyfriend until his death. He was a kind-hearted soul without a wolf, and that made him easy prey for Jasper, who seized power after their father’s sudden death.
In addition to the Alpha position, he took more than just power from Elias. Fate is a cruel mistress. After he kicked Elias out of the pack and cut ties with me, I found out that Jasper was my mate.
Now, on the anniversary of that tragic day, the weight of my memories was almost too much to bear.
Now, I can’t control myself. I had to speak out.
“Elias was better than you in every way,” I snapped, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “Even without his wolf, he was more of a leader than you could ever be.”
Jasper’s eyes flashed with fury, and in an instant, his hand was around my neck, his knee forcing my legs apart. He leaned in close, his breath hot on my neck.
“Watch your tongue, my dear mate. You are speaking to your Alpha. Your little lover is long gone, and don’t you ever forget that.”
My pulse quickened, a confusing blend of fear, anger, and desire.
“You were right to kill him,” I spat. “Because next to him, you will always be a pathetic nobody.”
Jasper’s face darkened with rage, but he controlled himself, a dangerous smile curving his lips.
“Elias is dead,” he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.
Suddenly he crushed his mouth against mine, his kiss powerful and insistent. I tasted my own blood as he nibbled on my lip.
Despite myself, my body responded. The bond between us was undeniable, a cruel joke played by the moon goddess. His touch set my skin aflame, and I hated myself for wanting him. This man, who had taken everything from me, my love, my life… and yet here I was, craving, needing his touch.
He pressed me back against the bed, softly kissing my neck. My anger warred with the desire he ignited in me, and I couldn’t resist giving in to his touch. His hands roamed over my body, possessive and demanding. I couldn’t stop the moan that escaped my lips.
Jasper smiled when he heard it.
“You can’t deny what we are to each other,” he whispered, his voice rough with need. “No matter how much you want to hate me.”
“I do hate you,” I managed to say, though the breathlessness in my voice betrayed me.
He chuckled darkly.
“Hate me all you want, Iris,” he said sensually. “It won’t change a thing.”
As he took me, I couldn’t escape the memories of Elias. He had such a gentle touch, such kind eyes. He loved me softly without all the violence and domination that Jasper brought.
Elias’s hands had always moved over my body with reverence, his fingers trailing lightly over my skin as if I were something precious. He adored my body, and I worshiped his. His kisses had been tender, each one a silent vow of love and devotion.
Jasper was different. His touch was possessive, demanding. He claimed me with rough, urgent hands that left bruises in their wake. His lips crashed against mine with a hunger that bordered on violence, leaving no room for softness or tenderness. His teeth grazed my skin, leaving marks to show the world that I was his and his alone. Each thrust was forceful, his hips driving into me with relentless intensity that bordered on cruelty.
I tried to hold on to the memories of Elias, to the way he had made me feel cherished and loved. I tried, but I failed. They slipped away with each brutal thrust, every bruising kiss.
Guilt twisted in my gut; a sharp, bitter ache that mingled with the physical pleasure Jasper gave my body. Tears of anguish slipped down my cheeks, unnoticed by Jasper in his enjoyment.
His hands gripped my hips tightly, his fingers digging passively into my flesh as he moved within me. The bed creaked under our combined weight, the sound a harsh counterpoint to the soft cries that escaped my lips.
Jasper’s eyes were dark with lust, his face twisted in a mixture of triumph and desire as he watched me writhe beneath him.
“Look at you,” he breathed, “you can’t get enough, can you?”
I wanted to deny it, to scream that he was wrong, but the words caught in my throat. My body betrayed me, responding to his touch even as my heart cried out for Elias. His movement became more frenzied, sending a jolt of pleasure that left me gasping.
“That’s it,” he growled. “You’re mine, Iris. Don’t you ever forget that.”
His pace quickened, his breath growing ragged as he drove us both to the edge. My nails dug into his shoulders, leaving red marks in his skin as I clung desperately to him. The room seemed to spin, my world narrowing to the brutal, unrelenting rhythm of his body against mine.
With a final, shuddering thrust, Jasper found his release, his body going rigid above me. His head fell back, a guttural moan escaping his lips as he came. I followed moments later, the pleasure washing over me in a wave that left me trembling and spent.
For a moment, we lay there, our bodies entwined, the only sound was our labored breathing. Jasper’s weight pressed down on me, grounding me in the present even as my mind drifted to the past.
When he finally rolled off me, I turned away, curling into a ball. My body ached a dull throb that matched the pain in my heart. Jasper’s hand brushed my hair back from my face, his touch surprisingly gentle.
“Iris,” he said softly, but I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. The word lodged in my throat, a tangled knot of sorrow and longing.
He didn’t finish his sentence, getting up from the bed and dressing quickly. I watched him silently. He walked to the door before turning around.
“Oh, by the way,” he said casually, as if discussing the water, “I plan on rejecting you on Friday. Just a heads up.”The words hung in the air, sharp as a blade.
(Iris)Jasper’s words stung, but I was used to his cruelty. His announcement shouldn’t have been a surprise. He loved to taunt me. And the only reason he hadn’t rejected me sooner was that I served as his useful prop, showcasing his supposed kindness and benevolence as the new Alpha. Rejecting me, his mate, the former girlfriend of the rightful heir, wouldn’t have looked good. But now his reign was secure. And he could do whatever he wanted. I should have felt triumphant, knowing that soon I would be free from his oppressive grasp, but the reality was far more complicated.I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind scolded itself for being so overwhelmed with emotions. I shouldn’t feel as shocked and betrayed as I did. I shouldn’t feel anything at all. He was a killer. I should hate him. I really shouldn’t have been surprised he had decided to reject me now. I should have known that was what he wanted. Behind the flirting and the sex, he didn’t want me. There was someo
(Iris)The next day, the sun was beginning to rise as I stood in Naomi’s lavishly decorated room. Golden rays filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow on the ornate furniture and the array of dresses sprawled across the bed. I was helping Naomi with the dress she was going to wear in her coronation ceremony. The fabric was soft and luxurious, a deep shade of emerald that complemented her striking features. As Naomi slipped into the dress, she admired her figure in the mirror, her eyes gleaming with pride and anticipation. She turned to get a better look, her smile widening. While she admired herself, my mind couldn’t help but slip to the past. Memories of our childhood together, of the times we were inseparable, flooded my thoughts. The mischievous adventures, the laughter, and the bond we once shared felt like a lifetime ago. “Hey! Where is your head at? Your Luna needs some help here!” Naomi’s voice snapped me back to the present. She looked at me petulantly,
(Iris)Today is the coronation day of Naomi, and I was waiting in my room for Jasper to come and reject me. The tension in my chest made it hard to breathe, and my heart pounded in my chest. I paced back and forth, unable to stand still. My bedroom, usually a place of comfort, felt like a prison today. I could hear the sounds of bustling activity, preparations for Naomi’s big day underway. The grandeur of the occasion was lost on me, overshadowed by the impending rejection. “It is for the best,” I whispered to my wolf, Molly.“My life will be more livable after the rejection,” I said, trying to convince myself of the truth of my words. “Naomi’s resentment is only misguided. I can try and get her to trust me again after. At least I would have her back. And if I am to work as her servant, making amends would make my life easier in that regard.” My wolf whimpered, her sadness mirroring my own. “I know, Molly,” I said, sitting on the edge of my bed. “It’s just… this bond with Ja
(Iris)I woke up to someone rocking me violently. The world around me was a blur, and my head throbbed with pain. “Wake up! The coronation is about to start! Naomi is waiting for you!” The voice was urgent, insistent, pulling me out of the darkness. My vision slowly cleared, and I recognized one of Naomi’s attendants, her face pinched with annoyance. When she left, I struggled to sit up, my body aching from the aftermath of the rejection. I glanced down and found blood on my legs, a stark reminder of what happened. My heart ached, not just from the physical pain but from the realization of what I had lost. My wolf, Molly, was quieter than usual, her sadness mirroring my own. “We could have had a lovely little puppy.” I heard her painful whispering.The bond with Jasper, once a source of strength and joy, had been brutally severed, leaving us both wounded. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I forced myself to freshen up, washing away the traces of blood and tear
(Elias)I watched the scene unfold with a mixture of dread and anticipation. My brother Jasper stood on the raised platform, a self-satisfied smirk plastered on his face as he surveyed the assembled crowd. Beside him, a group of our pack’s elite warriors flanked him, their expressions stern and vigilant. But my attention was fixed on the slender figure standing on Jasper’s right. My mate. Iris.“Our mate looks so thin. They must have treated her pretty bad,” my wolf’s voice echoed in my mind, a growl of disapproval lacing his words. His anger mirrored my own, a seething rage simmering just beneath the surface. Iris’s once vibrant green eyes now seemed dull, shadows darkening the skin beneath them. Her auburn hair, while used to flow like a river of fire, hung limp around her face. The sight of her, so diminished, sent a pang of guilt through my heart. This was my doing, my fault for abandoning her and the pack when they needed me most. I studied the people on the stage, espe
(Iris)The crowd was a blur as I sprinted toward Elias, my heart hammering in my chest. I couldn’t believe he was alive, he was here. After everything, after all this time, he had come back for me. Hope surged through me, giving my legs wings. When I reached him, I threw my arms around him, clutching tightly as if to anchor myself to reality. But the man didn’t move. Confused, I pulled back slightly and looked up. My heart plummeted. The eyes staring down at me weren’t Elias’s warm brown ones. They were blue, cold as ice, and held no recognition or love. My arms dropped to my sides, the elation of moments ago replaced by anguish and embarrassment. I had so missed Elias that I had caused a scene and hugged a stranger. Before I could step away, another man’s firm grip pulled me back. “What do you want with the Lycan King?” he asked, his voice as frosty as his eyes. The shock of his words reverberated through me. Lycan King? My thoughts whirled as I tried to reconcile this m
(Iris)I stood before the Lycan King, my legs shaky, my heart pounding. I waited for the Lycan King to acknowledge me. His presence was overwhelming, filling the room with an almost tangible aura of power. The scent of him, earthy, musky, and intoxicating, wrapped around me, making my head swim. My wolf was practically purring in delight, making happy noises in the back of my mind, as if to remind me that this man was our mate. I was well aware and needed no reminding. “Calm down,” I whispered to myself, though it did little to steady my nerves. The Lycan King’s piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. His gaze was intense, as if he could see right through me. “Come forward,” he commanded, his voice deep. I took a hesitant step forward, my heart racing faster. I could feel the weight of his scrutiny, every inch of his being focused on me. As I approached, he gestured for me to sit in a chair across from him. I obeyed without hesitation. He
(Iris)Naomi’s face was a mask of fury as she stormed into the room, her eyes blazing with anger. “You insolent fool!” She screamed, her voice echoing off the walls. “How dare you embarrass me like that?” I knelt on the floor, my head bowed, trying to block out her harsh words. Naomi’s tirade continued, her insults growing more venomous with each passing moment. She jumped up and down, gesturing wildly as she planned out various ways to punish me. Jasper stood off to the side, his expression unreadable. He watched in silence, not moving to intervene or to support Naomi’s outburst. I could sense his discomfort, but he did nothing to stop her. Suddenly, the room fell silent as the Lycan King entered. His presence was commanding, and everyone turned to look at him. One of his warriors, who had been with Naomi earlier, had apparently informed him of what had transpired. “I don’t think what she did warranted that much fuss,” The Lycan King said calmly, his voice cutting through