Brittany's POV"That little rat Dora is going to pay for this!" How dare she show up flaunting lavish jewels and an arrogant alpha, acting like she was better than me? Me - Brittany Woods - the most popular and envied girl in school! And then she had the audacity to assault me in the bathroom when I tried claiming what was meant to be mine. That necklace should have been mine! I seethed as Jake's beta drove us away from the restaurant, my wrist still stinging from where Dora had slapped it away. "Don't worry babe, I'll make her regret laying a hand on you," Jake growled. But he was just talking big. He couldn't even retaliate while King had beaten him effortlessly in that bathroom brawl over a measly orphan. No, I would have to take matters into my own hands. A sinister plan started forming in my mind, bringing a smirk to my face. King's weakness was clearly his new little pet, Dora. And I knew exactly how to exploit that vulnerability.I had Jake book me the next flight to Miami.
King's POVI tugged at my tie harshly, slamming the door loudly behind me as I stormed into my grandfather's cabin, fists clenched tightly. The short drive over had done nothing to calm my simmering frustration after getting his dreadful text during the meeting.As previous Alpha of the Silver fang, Wolfgang still commanded immense respect. Once a month, he demanded my presence for a status report on pack affairs and to critique my leadership. I both loved and loathed these visits. His advice was invaluable but Wolfgang rarely minced words or spared my feelings. My stomach twisted into anxious knots as I walked inside without knocking. Grandfather sat waiting in his study, expression grim. "Sit," he commanded, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.I sat silently, claws digging into the leather arms. He regarded me with piercing eyes. "I believe you know why I've summoned you here tonight, King." "I found my mate, as you've heard," I bit out. "Or have the elders already twis
King's POV I trudged through the forest towards the pack house, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders. The first rays of dawn were just breaking through the trees as I shifted back into my human form, shivering slightly in the morning chill. Derek was there waiting, holding out a pile of clothes. "Rough night, boss?" he asked, taking in my disheveled and tired state.I just grunted in response as I pulled on the t-shirt and sweatpants, too drained for conversation. "Don't tell me you were out all night searching for that girl's necklace," Derek said, falling into step beside me. "You know she rejected you, right? No need to go simping over an ungrateful brat."I rounded on him with a snarl, fist clenched. "Watch yourself! That's my mate you're talking about."Derek held his hands up in mock surrender, though his eyes glinted with humor. "Yeah, yeah, I know. The 'destined bond' and all that jazz. I'm just saying, most guys would take the hint if a chick slapped them across the face and
Dora's POV I picked at my breakfast, still dazed from the whirlwind of events over the past few days. My fingers went instinctively to the moonstone pendant now hanging safely around my neck again. I clutched it tightly, drawing comfort from the solid reality of it against my skin.That small act of kindness on King's part had left me conflicted and confused. After days of fearing him as my captor, knowing he had personally searched the streets all night just to recover my lost memento stirred some softer feelings. Gratitude, and perhaps something more dangerous. "Tell me about it!" A shrill came from behind me, followed by the clatter of dishes startling me from my thoughts. I glanced up to see people entering the dining hall in small groups, chatting amiably as they filled the long tables around me with plates of food. My first morning allowed out of my room, and I had no idea what to expect. None of these people paid me much attention, aside from a curious glance here and there.
Dora's POV I was startled awake by loud pounding on my door. Blearily opening my eyes, I saw morning light streaming in through the curtains. I had somehow managed to return back to my room in one piece after King's confrontation… "Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" came Stella's bubbly voice as she burst into my room. "Urg,"I groaned and pulled the blankets over my head. How could she possibly be so cheerful this early?But Stella was having none of it. She yanked the covers back with surprising strength for her petite frame. "Come on, up and at 'em! Don't wanna be late for training on your first day.""Training?" I mumbled in confusion, sitting up and rubbing my eyes."Duh, combat and defense practice," Stella said as if it were obvious. "Mandatory for all pack members. C'mon, I brought you a uniform."She tossed a bundle of clothes at me. I unfolded it to reveal a snug athletic tank top and leggings in basic black - similar to what Stella wore, except her top bore a red "2" emblem on
Sera's POVI sank into the bubble bath with a satisfied sigh, letting the warm water soothe my aching muscles after a particularly grueling workout session. Traveling always left me stressed and tense. Just as I leaned back to relax, the bathroom door suddenly banged open. I shrieked, hurrying to cover myself with a towel as Aunt Zara strode in casually. "Honestly Zara, do you mind?!" I snapped. "What if I had been indecent?"She just rolled her eyes at my dramatics. "Oh please, nothing I haven't seen before. Anyway I came bearing news that couldn't wait."Cursing under my breath, I climbed out and wrapped myself in a silk robe. Whatever was so important to disregard basic manners and decency had better be life or death.I towel dried my hair while Zara made herself comfortable on the chaise lounge, helping herself to the bowl of chocolate truffles I had imported specially from Switzerland. Finally I whirled to face her, hands on hips impatiently. "Well? Out with it."Zara set aside
Dora's POVI dragged my aching body back to the training yard for another grueling day. It was only my second session and already my muscles screamed in protest. But refusal wasn't an option, no matter how much I dreaded the pain ahead. "Back for more punishment, orphan Annie?" Debbie sneered as I passed. Her friends snickered at the jab.I kept my eyes down, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing their words land. Their petty cruelty frustrated me, but until I grew strong enough to defend myself, I had no choice but to endure.At least I had one friendly face in this place. Stella waved from across the yard, giving me an encouraging thumbs up. "Go girl, you can do it!"I managed a weak smile in return. Her tireless optimism in the face of my failures never wavered.Shane, the instructor, paired us off to practice grappling forms. Of course, I was put with the youngest of the new recruits - the only ones at my low skill level. Their innocent youthfulness sparked my nurturing
Sera's POVI sat at my vanity, absently applying my makeup while staring blankly at my reflection. Critically examining my appearance in the gilded mirror. As Luna-to-be, flawlessness was expected of me at all times. I added another layer of lip gloss, pursing my full pout into an alluring mouse. Perfect. Not a hair out of place.Despite my perfect outer appearance, I was seething inside. Ever since my dramatic return yesterday, I had expected King to come groveling for my forgiveness. Instead, silence. A timid knock at the door announced Debbie's arrival. She was my closest friend and most loyal follower, ready with all the latest gossip. I waved her impatiently."Please tell me you have good news for me. Any sign King is tiring of his little stray yet?"Debbie grimaced apologetically. "Sorry, there's been no change. If anything, he seems even more protective of her now." I ground my teeth in frustration. Debbie hurriedly continued. "But get this - I did some digging on his preciou