Chapter 1
Colette’s wedding day has turned into a nightmare as she discovers her best friend Grady, the guy she’s secretly loved, in bed with Leslie, the Alpha’s daughter, who’s supposed to marry the Lycan King Merikh. The situation escalates as Colette learns that Grady and Leslie have been together for months, and Leslie reveals she’s pregnant with Grady’s child. Grady chooses Leslie over Colette, crippling her heart, and he rejects Colette as his mate.
Leslie’s bombshell forces Colette to take drastic action, as she’s tasked with informing the Lycan King that Leslie won’t be attending the wedding. With her heart shattered, Colette must find the strength to stall the Lycan King and find a replacement for Leslie. The chapter ends with Colette mustering up the courage to face the Lycan King, her pain and anger fueling her determination.
Colette’s world has been turned upside down, and she’s left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. With secrets, lies, and betrayals surrounding her, Colette must navigate the treacherous world of werewolf politics and find a way to move forward, even as her heart bleeds.
Chapter 2
Colette, still reeling from Grady’s betrayal, musters up the courage to inform Lycan King Merikh that Leslie won’t be attending the wedding. As she approaches him, she’s taken aback by his ethereal good looks, which contradict the stories of his scarred face. The man she thought was Merikh reveals himself to be the true Alpha, and Colette is shocked, feeling a mix of relief and terror.
As she delivers the message, Merikh’s piercing green eyes lock onto hers, and she’s drawn into his amused gaze. He proposes choosing his own mate, and to her horror, he reveals that he wants her as his own. Colette is stunned, unsure how to respond as she’s tugged between Merikh and Alpha Bentley, who’s desperate to intervene.
Merikh’s possessive growl sends shivers down Colette’s spine, and she’s forced to confront the possibility of becoming the Lycan King’s mate. With her heart still heavy from Grady’s rejection, Colette must navigate the treacherous world of werewolf politics, where secrets and lies lurk around every corner.
Chapter 3
As I stand before Merikh, my heart racing with fear and uncertainty, Leslie’s verbal assault only adds to my distress. Her cruel words sting, and when she lunges at me, Merikh intervenes, his menacing growl sending shivers down my spine. The redheaded lycan aids Merikh in subduing Leslie, and I’m forced to confront the consequences of her actions. Merikh’s warning to Leslie is clear: insult me, and you’ll face punishment.
As the drama unfolds, I’m torn between my loyalty to Leslie, despite her betrayal, and my growing connection to Merikh, who seems to be claiming me as his own. The tension between us is palpable, and when he finally takes my hand, leading me away from the chaos, I feel a spark of attraction. But as we adjourn to the feast, the atmosphere becomes increasingly awkward, with everyone watching us, waiting for us to consummate our union.
As the night wears on, Merikh’s possessiveness becomes more apparent, and I’m left feeling like a pawn in his game of power and control. When we retire to his chambers, I’m forced to confront my own inexperience and fears, unsure of what to expect from this new mate. Merikh’s reassurance that we won’t consummate our union tonight brings me a modicum of relief, but I’m still left wondering what the future holds for me as the Lycan King’s mate.
Chapter 4
Merikh’s scars, etched on his back, catch my attention, and I’m drawn to touch them, wondering about the stories behind each mark. As I gently flutter my hand across the jagged raised scars, I sense his hot skin sending a thrill up my arm, and I realize he’s more than just the Lycan King – he’s a man. Merikh notices my fascination and asks if the scars gross me out, which I deny, but he seems skeptical.
As we prepare to leave the mansion, Merikh’s possessiveness becomes more apparent, and I’m left wondering if I’m just a pawn in his game of power and control. His hesitation to consummate our union and his quiet nature around me only add to my doubts. I’m torn between feeling like a tool for his political gain and the lingering attraction I have towards him. As we depart, Percy, the redhead, joins us, and Merikh’s decision to bypass a formal farewell to the Alpha sparks unease within me.
With Merikh’s hand engulfing mine, we exit the mansion, and as we drive into the night, the moonlight casts an ethereal glow on the landscape. I’m left wondering what the future holds for me as the Lycan King’s mate, and whether I’ll ever find my place in this new world.
Chapter 5
Merikh’s protective instincts take over as he detects a threat to Colette, and his lycan surfaces without control. In a fury, he attacks the man responsible, determined to avenge her. The situation escalates as more adversaries appear, and Merikh finds himself battling multiple enemies to keep Colette safe. Percy joins the fight, and together they take down the attackers, but not before Colette is injured and left unconscious.
As Merikh frantically tries to tend to Colette’s wounds, he’s forced to confront the harsh reality of their situation. With his pack members mysteriously absent, Merikh is left to fend off the attackers alone, his anxiety and frustration growing with each passing moment. The stakes are higher than ever, and Merikh’s desperation to keep Colette safe is palpable.
Just as the situation seems dire, Hayes, Merikh’s beta, appears, bringing a glimmer of hope and relief. With his pack finally backing him up, Merikh can focus on Colette’s recovery, but the questions remain: who are these attackers, and what do they want with Colette?
Chapter 6
As Colette regains consciousness, Merikh is beside her, trying to calm her fears. He reveals to Hayes that Colette is his second-chance mate, and their bond is still weak. The healer recommends they get Colette settled and re-wrapped as soon as possible, but they decide to head back to Merikh’s pack instead of her pack, fearing more attacks.
Merikh’s anxiety to keep Colette safe intensifies as they navigate their way back, with Hayes and Percy accompanying them. Colette’s injuries and fear are palpable, and Merikh’s protective instincts are on high alert. Hayes and Percy bicker, adding tension to the atmosphere, but Merikh’s main concern remains Colette’s well-being.
As they near their destination, exhaustion takes its toll on Merikh, and his injuries from the previous fight begin to surface. He struggles to maintain his composure, his body screaming in agony, but Colette’s touch brings him some comfort. The group finally arrives at Merikh’s pack, but it’s unclear what dangers or challenges await them.
Chapter 7
As Colette tries to rouse Merikh, who has collapsed from exhaustion and injuries, Hayes and Percy rush to help. Colette’s panic grows as Merikh is carried away to the infirmary, leaving her feeling helpless and weak. Percy tries to reassure her, explaining that Merikh needs a healer, not her, and that she needs to focus on her own recovery.
Percy whisks Colette away to her room, where she learns that Merikh is a powerful player in their world, constantly targeted by others who want him gone. Colette’s confusion and concern for Merikh deepen as Percy hints at the chaos that would ensue if Merikh were no longer in power.
As Colette tries to rest and process the events, she gazes out at the stunning lake view from her window, finding a sense of calm and serenity. However, her peace is short-lived, as she’s soon interrupted by a young woman bringing food and news that Merikh has been poisoned.
Chapter 8
Colette tends to Merikh’s wounds, her anxiety and awkwardness palpable as she tries to navigate her new surroundings and her growing feelings for the powerful Alpha. Merikh, still recovering from his poisoning, is patient and gentle with Colette, even as he struggles with his own pain and frustration. As they interact, Colette learns more about the supernatural world and the dangers that lurk within it, including the fact that Merikh is often targeted by those who want him gone.
Despite her fear and uncertainty, Colette finds herself drawn to Merikh’s quiet strength and kindness, even as she’s intimidated by his imposing physique and powerful presence. Merikh, in turn, seems to be growing more comfortable around Colette, his teasing and smiles hinting at a deepening connection between them. But as they grow closer, Colette can’t shake the feeling that she’s woefully out of her depth, and that her weakness might just be the thing that gets her killed.
Chapter 9
Merikh’s brother Hayes presses him about announcing Colette as his new Luna to the pack, but Merikh is hesitant, still trying to keep her safe from those who want him dead. Hayes’ probing questions stir up old wounds, and Merikh’s anger and frustration simmer just below the surface as he remembers past betrayals. The tension between the brothers is palpable as they dance around the truth of Colette’s significance to Merikh, and Hayes’ teasing about Merikh’s awkward attempts at courting Colette adds a layer of humor to the scene.
As the conversation turns serious, Merikh and Hayes discuss the possibility that Colette may be more than just a pawn in the game of power and politics. Hayes’ concerns about Colette’s safety and Merikh’s ability to protect her are valid, but Merikh remains resolute in his determination to keep her safe. The stakes are high, and the brothers’ banter belies the danger lurking just beneath the surface.
Colette’s tentative entrance into the room allows Merikh to regain control of his emotions, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. As Merikh tries to maintain his composure, his Lycan stirs, and the reader is left wondering what will happen next in this complex web of power, politics, and forbidden love.
Chapter 10
Merikh walks beside Colette as she limps along, still recovering from her injuries. The air is thick with tension and unspoken emotions as they share a quiet, intimate moment. Colette’s attempts to hide her vulnerability and Merikh’s enigmatic behavior only seem to fuel the attraction between them. As they engage in banter, Merikh’s piercing green eyes lock onto hers, sending shivers down her spine.
Colette’s insecurities rise to the surface as she reveals her past as an orphan, and Merikh’s probing questions make her wonder if he’s toying with her. Rumors of his hunting exploits and willingness to kill those who cross him have Colette on edge, unsure if she can trust him. As Merikh senses her fear, he reaches out, his touch sending a flutter through her chest.
Merikh’s intense gaze seems to see right through Colette, and his cryptic questions about where she goes when she shuts down only add to the mystery. He offers to help her train, igniting a spark of determination within her. Will Colette take the leap and trust Merikh, or will her fears hold her back?
Chapter 11
Colette’s frustration grows as Penny leads her away from the training pitch, suspecting Merikh might not be ready for his pack to meet her. They arrive at Old Town, a picturesque village with a lake, where Colette’s leg injury is put to the test. Merikh appears, and despite her reservations, Colette musters a fake smile and begins her forced walk, only to be stopped by Merikh due to her evident pain. He demands honesty, revealing his concern for her well-being.
Merikh takes Colette to the lake, where he surprises her by instructing her to swim, despite her protests and lack of experience. He plunges her into the water, and after an initial struggle, Colette begins to find her balance. Merikh’s intention is to help her strengthen her leg, promising to reduce the distance to the shore each day until she can walk on her own. The encounter leaves Colette pondering the possibility that Leslie, her former pack member, might have been poisoning her to keep her weak. Merikh’s neutral response only fuels her curiosity, raising more questions about Leslie’s motives.
Chapter 12
As Colette’s leg injury continues to heal at an alarming rate, she becomes more convinced that someone in her old pack was intentionally keeping her weak. Her daily walks with Merikh in the lake have become a comfortable routine, with him even flirting with her in subtle ways. Penny, her maid, is frustrated that Merikh still hasn’t introduced Colette to the pack, but Colette reminds her that they aren’t marked yet.
During their conversation, Penny accidentally uses a nickname that sparks painful memories for Colette, who quickly corrects her. Later, as Colette drifts off to sleep, she’s suddenly transported to a vivid dream where she finds herself in a swamp, struggling to free herself from the muck. A mysterious figure rescues her, and she discovers it’s a blonde woman – her mother – who tells her to wait and not follow her.
The dream intensifies as Colette chases after her mother, only to be guided by a glowing green light that seems to be pulling her towards an unknown destination. She’s left with more questions, wondering who her mother was talking about and what secrets lie hidden in her past.
Chapter 13
Merikh finds Colette catatonic after a mysterious dream, and his lycan whines in worry as he tries to comfort her. When she comes to, he’s angry and hurt, feeling betrayed that she tried to leave him. Colette apologizes, and Merikh realizes his temper was misplaced; the real culprits are the spell weavers who manipulated her dreams. He comforts Colette, explaining the magic and reassuring her of her safety with him. As they talk, Colette’s fear and pain are palpable, and Merikh’s regret and guilt surface. Hayes intervenes, pointing out Merikh’s need to comfort Colette, and Merikh eventually returns to Colette’s room, crawling into bed beside her. Colette’s questions about the dream and the magic continue, and Merikh answers, his emotions raw and honest. As they settle in, Colette’s fear begins to fade, replaced by trust, and she falls asleep in Merikh’s arms.
Chapter 14
Colette wakes up to find Merikh still by her side, a relief that fills her with warmth. As they get ready for the day, Merikh’s playful teasing and gentle gestures make Colette’s heart skip a beat. They head to the kitchen for breakfast, where Colette is overwhelmed by the spread of food before her. However, her excitement is short-lived as memories of her painful past as a maid come flooding back, making her hesitant to eat.
Merikh notices Colette’s distress and takes charge, loading her plate with food and encouraging her to eat. As they sit down to enjoy their meal, Colette can’t help but feel grateful for Merikh’s kindness and understanding. Despite her growing feelings for him, she still can’t shake off the fear that she’s just a secret he’s keeping from his pack.
As they eat, Colette begins to open up to Merikh about her past, and he listens intently, his eyes filled with concern. The tension between them is palpable, and Colette can’t help but wonder what the future holds for them. Will Merikh finally introduce her to his pack, or will she remain a secret he keeps hidden away?
Chapter 15
Colette’s painful memories resurface, and Merikh’s comforting embrace provides solace. As she opens up to him, he listens intently, his concern and gentle touch a balm to her soul. His tender words and soft smile make her heart skip a beat, and she can’t help but feel drawn to him.
Merikh’s mysterious comments about her being the key to the pack’s future confuse Colette, but she’s more focused on the present. He suggests a visit to the healing waters, which she initially resists, but eventually agrees to, intrigued by the idea of soothing her mind and body.
Their training session turns out to be a grueling ordeal, leaving Colette exhausted and Merikh struggling to contain his amusement. As they wrap up, Colette asks about his past, specifically why his previous mate rejected him. The question sparks a sudden change in Merikh, his expression transforming from warmth to iciness, and he curtly declines to discuss the topic, leaving Colette wondering about the secrets he keeps hidden.