I GLANCED at my wristwatch for the countless time today. It was thirty minutes before the introduction of the alpha contenders. Chelsea reported that the reception hall was almost full. Tonight would be their screening test.The Council had organized a masquerade ball. The alphas were tasked to wear the color which they think would best represent their alpha queen. How they perceive their queen would show by the colors they would pick. Only a few colors would be accepted and if the contenders failed to wear those colors, they would be sent home and would never be given another chance.I didn’t tell anyone about the mark and neither did Chester. If the Council found out about my mate, they would push the two of us together and this so-called alpha war wouldn’t take place anymore. They still had a soft spot for Chester not to mention that the people in the kingdom were firm believers that only the fated mates could produce strong genes but because they thought there was no chance for me

BLADE’S fingers lightly rubbed my lower lip. I could feel the heat blazing in my veins, it was the only heat I would welcome. My wolf was screaming for another name. There was another man it wanted to hold onto. And that man was currently looking at us with pure agony in his eyes.I could feel Chester’s eyes on us and I could hear his wolf; it was furious while mine was whimpering as if it was grieving.There was one destination my body wanted to go to but my heart was calling for this devil. Unlike my wolf, my heart was not screaming. It was only whispering for Blade’s name over and over. And yet, its voice was winning.My body, mind, and heart were in chaos. And Blade seemed to know what was going on. As if to distract me, his other hand reached for my hand; his eyes were never leaving mine as he planted a kiss on my hand.The kiss lasted longer than it should. Minutes later and I could feel the Council and the alphas’ stare burning a hole on us. Some were growling, threatened, and

(Blade) WHEN Katniss held me, I had to turn all the lights off. I didn’t want her to see what’s in my eyes. I knew my eyes would betray me. I look at this woman and I see the exact opposite of me. Before I met her, I didn’t know that something so beautiful could be so painful to look at. I didn’t know that this little white wolf would become an irreplaceable part of my life. Worse, I didn’t know how much the world hated me until fate had made my heart beat for the daughter of the woman who betrayed me, who had contributed so much to the making of this ‘devil’ they called. I wanted to laugh. Her parents were among the reason I was trapped in the tower but their daughter was the reason why I was released. I gazed at the moon through the window. Just how much of the world’s bullshit must I go through? But again, I know, that would be another question that would never get an answer. “Blade?” My chest tightened when I heard how softly she called my name. I traced the outline of Katn

THE GUARDS quickly drew their swords and stood in front of me to protect me. The contenders had lost their formation in one corner. And as if they had been waiting for this chance, some of them already had swords in their hands while some had shifted in their wolf forms, ready to strike at my command.However, Blade didn’t flinch. My eyes narrowed but after a few seconds, a smile formed in my lips. Nothing had changed. Blade was still very unpredictable. No one could ever tell what his next move would be.Just like today.For a second there, I thought my heart was about to drop.“Drop your swords,” I commanded.“But your majesty-““Unless you want to join his performance, then I suggest you drop your weapons. Do it now,” I said in an authoritative voice. “Go back to your positions.”Against their will, the guards went behind me and returned their swords back in their scabbards. The contenders were also forced to drop their swords and to shift back to their human forms.In the middle o

“CLOSE your eyes and jump, your majesty. I will catch you. Before you know it, you are already in my arms.”And I didn’t doubt those words. Before Blade and I parted ways last night, we agreed to meet at the bell tower at four in the morning. I saw him downstairs with his big, black motorbike. He was wearing a black leather jacket, ripped jeans, and boots.It was my first time seeing Blade in this rugged attire and with this motorbike. I didn’t even know he had one. He spread his arms and gave me that heart-melting smile.Once again, I heard the devil’s voice in my head.“Come here.”I swallowed. One mistake and I know I would die in an instant. But I was not afraid.After I experienced betrayal, I was afraid of falling in love again, of taking risks again. I was afraid to dive into love but since it was Blade, I know he would make the dive worth it.I prepared myself and steadied my breathing. Unlike what he told me, I didn’t close my eyes. I didn’t want to miss a single moment. I sp