Chapter 22
Lucian howled loudly in frustration, his anger echoing through the grand hall. But his tantrum was short–lived. The warriors of the Stormhood pack quickly moved in, their presence commanding and unyielding, forcing him out of the hall.
His protests fell on deaf ears as he struggled against their hold, his pride. shattering with each step. The crowd watched in silence, their expressions ranging from pity to disdain.
Among them, the Alphas and Lunas. exchanged knowing glances, their whispered remarks carrying across the
room.
“What a pitiful sight for an Alpha,” one Luna murmured, her lips curling in disdain.
“Hardly an Alpha,” another replied with a smirk. “More like a desperate fool
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no to..
no longer his.”
As Lucian was shoved through the doors, Vlanche trailed behind him, her head bowed and face red with humiliation. The crowd’s attention turned to her, their judgment palpable.
“Isn’t that the one who claimed to be the next Luna?” someone muttered, followed by quiet laughter.
“A sidekick at best,” another said. “She doesn’t belong here.”
After that day…
The heavy scent of iron hung in the air as Lucian stepped into the grand hall of the Stormhood family estate. Shadows danced along the walls, thrown by the flickering firelight, but the air felt colder than it should have. Vlanche lingered behind him, her hand clutching her abdomen protectively, though her once–innocent eyes gleamed with a predatory glint.
Lucian’s wolf senses were on edge. He
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knew the Stormhood family was powerful -not just in influence but in bloodline. Freya Wood was no ordinary woman. She was the alpha heir of the most ancient werewolf clan in New York, and her rage was nothing to provoke lightly. Yet here he was, daring to face her family, his pride held together by the thinnest thread of desperation.
He will do everything to take her back, to get her power again, as his pack crumbled so bad and no packs are willing to save them anymore as everyone respects Stormhood.
“Alpha Stormhood,” Lucian began, his voice uncharacteristically deferential.
“I’ve heard rumors spreading about my dealings with Freya… I know yesterday was a disaster and I’ve become mad but I was just hurt because they‘ re lies meant to tarnish my name. I came here to set the record straight.”
The silence that followed his words was
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deafening. From the shadows, Freya‘ s mother emerged–a figure regal and imposing. Her icy blue eyes pierced Lucian, making him feel smaller than he’d ever felt.
“You dare bring her into my house?” Mrs. Stormhood’s voice was a low growl, more beast than human. Her gaze shifted briefly to Vlanche, who immediately dropped her eyes. “Your disrespect knows no bounds, and you even brought some cheap woman you’ve used to hurt my powerful daughter.‘
Vlanche stepped forward, her human facade trembling under the pressure of the alpha‘ s presence. “Please, Luna
Stormhood,” she pleaded, voice trembling. “Lucian and I–this is a misunderstanding. He’s innocent!”
Luna Stormhood laughed bitterly, her teeth glinting unnaturally in the firelight. “I was addressing Lucian, not the pitiful omega hiding behind him.”
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The insult hit Vlanche harder than any physical blow, and she shrank further into herself. Lucian remained rooted in place, his hands balled into fists at his sides.
“Where is Freya?” he asked, forcing his voice to remain calm. “I need to speak with her.”
From the top of the staircase, a calm yet commanding voice cut through the tension. “There’s no need for you to speak with me, Lucian. You‘ ve already said enough.”
Freya descended the stairs slowly, her every step exuding an alpha‘ s authority. Her dark hair shimmered in the firelight, and her piercing golden eyes locked onto Lucian with an unreadable expression. A
faint scar on her cheek–the mark of a challenge she had once won–was a reminder of her strength.
Lucian tried to meet her gaze, but his wolf instincts urged him to look away. Even
Vlanche whimpered softly, her human
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disguise slipping momentarily under Alex‘ s scrutiny.
“Freya,” Lucian said, voice breaking. “I can explain-”
“Explain?” Alex interrupted, her voice steady but cold. “Explain why you betrayed your alpha mate? Why you let this… omega carry your child, knowing what it would mean for the pack?”
Lucian stiffened. “It wasn‘ t like that-”
“Save it.” Freya‘ s growl silenced him. “I’ve heard enough excuses. You humiliated me, Lucian. And worse, you endangered the stability of our pack with your recklessness.”
