Calvin sat beside me on the edge of the bed. “They were our mother’s,” he said softly,
“Exactly,” he said. “Until after my birth. Then, a prophecy came.”
Out of curiosity, I asked, “Why is Sofia an Enemy?”
Inside were diamond accessories-a necklace, earrings, and a delicate bracelet. They shimmered beautifully, catching the morning light with every tiny movement.
A chill crept down my spine, but before I could ask more, Calvin’s expression softened again.
“Good morning, sunshine,” he greeted as he walked toward me.
I gave a small smile. “You really didn’t have to go all out.”
He smirked. “Oh, I did. And one more thing-‘
“These are beautiful,” I whispered, still a bit in awe.
I sat there, dumbfounded. A cold shiver ran down my spine.
A soft knock landed on my door, and I knew instantly it was Calvin. His distinct lemony scent drifted in, announcing his presence before he even spoke.
Calvin stood up and nodded. “Alright. Make sure she’s ready. But nothing too exhausting.”
I nodded. “But there weren’t any daughters…”
He nodded. “Identical. Their names were Celeste and Selene. Our mother-Celeste- was the quiet, kind one. Selene was… different. Ambitious. Envious. Always wanting what wasn’t hers.”
Calvin’s expression darkened. He gave one short nod. “Yes.”
My jaw dropped slightly, horror spreading across my face.
“She got pregnant,” he continued. “And started parading herself around as the mother of the special child. Acting like she’d won. And after months… she gave birth to a girl.”
“I’d love to meet her,” I said, glancing up at him. “Where is she?”
I turned to him, surprised. “Really?”
He looked me straight in the eyes. “Let’s just say… she’s not someone I trust. And neither should you.”
At the bottom of the box was a smaller one. I opened it slowly… and gasped softly.
“She had drugged him,” Calvin said grimly. “Spelled him. Used a charm to force him into sleeping with her. All because she wanted to bear the chosen one. She knew the prophecy. She knew it would be his daughter.”
“But she wasn’t the one,” Calvin said. “She didn’t have the mark. The birthmark all gifted daughters are born with. She was just… a normal werewolf.”
“I’ll explain everything in time,” he said. “But for now… just focus on tonight. You’re back home. You’re safe. I’ll protect you, Olivia. No matter what.”
The word came out so naturally, so easily, even though it was the first time I’d ever said it to him. It felt right. Like it had always been there. 2
He pushed it open and stepped inside, holding a white box wrapped with a shiny red ribbon. Our eyes met, and he gave me a warm, genuine smile. The kind of smile that made me feel… safe. Loved. Protected.
I sat still, my mind racing. Then a thought crept into my mind, slow but certain.
I looked back down at the jewels, my heart fluttering. A strange ache bloomed in my chest.
My eyes narrowed. “What do you mean ‘not just that”?”
So I asked it.
I turned slowly to look at him, my heart thudding. “And I had the mark?”
My smile widened. “Good morning, brother.”
“She’s even more beautiful in person…”
I gave her a soft, sad smile in return. “Thank you.”
I swallowed hard, trying to compose myself, feeling hundreds of eyes drink me in.
Beautiful.
No, no, no.
The hall was enormous, and every single guest was dressed in deep wine colors, elegant gowns and sharp suits, adorned with jewels and silks. A soft hum of whispers rose in the air as I stepped in beside my brother, and I suddenly realized-he hadn’t invited just anyone. This was a gathering of elites. High-ranking Alphas. Beta families. Witches. Warlocks. Nobles. Creatures from every corner of the supernatural world.
I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat.
He walked over, extending his arm with a smirk. “It’s time.”
But even then… I could still feel his gaze burning on the back of my neck.
Whispers echoed from the corners.
At this moment, I missed Nora and Lolita. My closest friends. My sisters in spirit. They should’ve been here, fussing over my makeup and helping me into my dress while teasing me about the night ahead.
Curious? I wasn’t so sure. His stare felt deeper than curiosity-it felt… knowing. Like he could see things others couldn’t. Like he knew me.
My blonde hair had been pulled into a neat bun, delicately adorned with silver pins that shimmered in the light. My face was softly dusted with powder and highlighted in all the right places, giving me a glowing, flawless finish. A bold red lipstick settled on my lips, making me look like someone I barely recognized in the mirror.
She howled.
Everyone’s eyes were on me, but mine snapped to the doors.
Lanterns floated, casting a warm golden glow over
Courtyard. Guards stood along the path, dressed sharply, their expressions respectful as they bowed slightly when we passed. Everything looked pristine-elegant and regal.
“He’s not a threat,” Calvin added calmly. “He’s just curious.”
I clenched my jaw, trying to bury the feelings. But my wolf wouldn’t stop howling. She wasn’t confused. She was certain our mate was here.
“Come in,” I said.
Calvin squeezed my hand. “You ready?”
I nodded, though my throat was dry. “As I’ll ever be.”
Calvin followed my gaze. “Him?” he murmured. “He’s a vampire. One of the oldest. From the High Bloodline Council.”
We reached a raised platform at the center of the room. A single table stood there, dressed in rich velvet and gold accents, clearly reserved for me.
No.
He leaned down to whisper, “You’re doing great. They’re already mesmerized.”
All eyes turned to us as we stepped in.
The room spun. My stomach dropped.
With a smile that was meant to reassure me, he led me out of the room.
A tall, handsome man, standing near the back, away from the main crowd. Pale skin, sharp features, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His eyes… impossibly dark, like an endless night. He didn’t smile. He didn’t blink. He just… stared.
My breath caught in my throat as the air between us thickened with tension. My wolf was practically dancing, crying out to them with an emotion I didn’t know how to silence.
I let out a slow breath. “A little.”
“Is that her?”
Because no matter how I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about the triplets.
I gave a small, grateful smile, then turned my gaze across the room again-until my eyes landed on him.
“The lost one?”
Before I could drown further in my thoughts, a knock landed softly on the door.
“Wow…” he said finally, stepping inside. “You look absolutely breathtaking.”
But deep down, my heart ached.
The door opened… and silence fell inside.
The evening air was cool, brushing against my skin as we walked. I glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar view. This territory… this home… it was supposed to be mine, yet it still felt like a dream I hadn’t quite woken from.
Lennox. Levi. Louis.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.