"Run little she-wolf, as far as you can because if I ever catch you, your worst fucking nightmare will become your reality.” He whispered dangerously, his grip on me painfully tight.

A smile curled the corner of my lips, and I raised an eyebrow, running the tip of my nail down his chiselled jaw challengingly.

“Oh but you’re wrong Blue-Eyes because I am the stuff of nightmares, and I'm here to create hell in your life. Not scared, are we?”

Icy blue eyes met my unblinking bright blue.

“I'm warning you, don’t mess with me.” He growled.

“Oh? But the thing is, I always do what I'm not supposed to.”

-----

Azura Rayne Westwood. Known for her devilish ways and wild personality, was the youngest child of the renown Westwood couple. From her days at the Academy, word of her antics spread far and fast, yet there was far more to the young nineteen-year-old woman.

The skeletons of the past are never left buried, and life isn't all as carefree as Azura portrays it to be. When demons from her past begin to make life difficult, she ends up making an even bigger mistake. Spending a night of intense passion unknowingly with the infamous stone-hearted Leo Rossi, changing her life forever.

When Leo finds out that the woman he bedded was from none other than one of the packs he resents the most, he turns away from her, but he forgot one very vital detail; Azura was no angel, and when you mess with the Westwood Devil, you're tied for life.

In a journey of passion, fire, strength and rejection, who will triumph?

The young girl with the heart of fire, or the Alpha who yields nothing but hatred and resentment?

Follow me at author.muse on IG!

1. My Nightmares

AZURA.

The laughter rang in my ears but there is nothing merry about it, filled with malice and jeers.

“Go on!”

“Awe, what’s wrong, too much of a wimp?”

“You’re meant to be the boss' woman, can't you do it? Too weak?”

I freeze, standing between my boyfriend and his men. They are torturing someone who I don’t even recognise in his wolf form, but what else is new, this is the usual for them. I always tried to ignore his ways and stayed out of his business. Trying to focus on the good in him instead, but today, they expect me to join in with their sick games.

I don’t want to do this, staring at the bloody mass on the ground, my stomach churns. This was not meant to happen.

“Just pull the trigger.” His voice is devoid of emotions, his cold murky eyes meet mine as he holds the gun out to me.

“I... I'm not so sure about this, this wasn’t what you told me.” I reply calmly, despite the way my stomach is twisting with nerves.

“Not even for me, my little Pet?” He tilts his head, looking at me whilst the rest of his friends spur me on.

I stare at the gun, trying to think how I got here…

But I don’t know when I fell into this toxic relationship. I’m not someone who needs sympathy, I was never one who couldn’t sleep at night because of my demons. I was always carefree, unbothered, and wild. I loved to have fun, crush on the good-looking boys in my class or whatever hot Alpha crossed my path. But now… I find myself tossing and turning, trying to push the nightmares my so-called boyfriend has pulled me into.

“Please, come on, let’s forget this.” I try to shrug it off, wrapping my arms around his neck and hoping he listens.

His scent fills my nose, mixed with the smell of cigarettes and drugs. His hands stroke my waist and I tried to remember the man I had fallen in love with.

Where has he gone?

“Forget what? Oh yeah, forget what he called you? Let me rephrase that, little Pet, you don’t want to be an outcast, do you? The outsider… The odd one out… The freak?” His tone is a cold sneer, as his eyes burn into mine.

Freak.

My heart thumps as I stare at the bloody wolf on the ground.

I’m not a freak.

I am Azura Rayne Westwood, daughter of the previous Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. Even though I was a child born in a way that played with the very laws of nature, I’m not a freak.

I should be dead, but I'm not.

“Freak. Freak. Freak” His men begin to chant only making the anger rise within me. He smirks, knowing it’s getting to me, making me yank away from his hold, my heart thumps violently as I snatch the weapon from his hand.

I remembered when I was a child, I didn't understand why I was disliked. Occasionally there were kids in the Pack whispering behind my back, but they didn't dare to do anything to me because I was the daughter of their Alpha. Plus, I was not someone to mess with, I always made anyone who tried to hurt me or those I loved, suffer.

However, there was one name that never left me - The Freak.

“Do it.”

I look at my boyfriend, he knows I hate that term, but he still used it… It’s my fault, I was the one blind enough to tell him my darkest secrets.

“Fine.” I spit as I turn, pretending to do his bidding and raising the gun.

What should I do?

“Shoot him, Baby.” His quiet voice laced with a deadly warning, came from right behind me.

My hand shakes as I stare at the whimpering wolf on the floor.

His breathing is so shallow…

No amount of logic makes this ok.

I am not going to do this, but the urge to turn around and shoot my so-called boyfriend instead tempts me.

I lower my weapon, the laughter fading as a tense silence falls at my act of disobedience.

“I'm not going-”

I gasp when something knocks into me from behind, making me accidentally pull the trigger, the body on the ground shivers before it stills.

“No!” I scream, dropping the gun, as I run to the wolf’s side.

No, no, no!

Laughter follows me as I look at the wolf before me, I can’t feel his heartbeat, but he doesn’t even shift to his human form. Whatever those bullets contain, is deadly, it is so fast he couldn’t even shift back.

“Why, Judah!” I scream.

Silence fell as I glare at the man who stands there, his cold eyes on me. Although he said nothing, the anger in his eyes makes my blood run cold. He hates to be disrespected.

“You do not talk to me like that.” He whispers menacingly as he strides over to me. Grabbing a fistful of the wolf’s bloody fur, he lifted his body from the ground in one sweep. “You did this.” With those words, he throws the heavy body of the dead wolf on top of me, the weight crushing my legs.

“Do you feel sorry for him? Here, take care of him!” He snarls as I glare back at him. My anger rises as I try to push the body of the wolf off me. “Who said you can get up, my Pet?”

“This is not a joke! I'm done with you and your sick ways.” I spit resentfully.

He’s no different from all of the others, he’s worse.

His eyes darken and he grabs a fistful of my hair.

“Oh, we aren’t done until I say we are.” He snarls menacingly.

“You don’t own me, and I am not your pet!” I hiss, glaring at him with defiance.

He simply laughs loudly, like my childish words amused him, but I knew better. He is beyond angry; I had just disrespected him in front of his men. He won’t forgive that.

“Yeah, I will. I'm done with you.” I spit, my heart pounding with rage.

He tugs my head back violently and using the hand that he had grabbed the wolf with, he rubbed the blood over my face roughly, before shoving me onto the ground roughly.

“I think it’s time I show you exactly who you belong to.” He spat as he hit me across the face, making my vision darken...

-

I lurch upright in bed, my entire body is soaked with sweat as the memories of that night fill my mind once more. My heart is thumping violently as I look around, and it takes me a few moments to realise I am in my bedroom. Safe.

Taking a shaking breathe, I get out of bed and walk to the adjoining bathroom, splashing my face with water.

It has been a year since I walked away from my toxic ex, one year since I thought I was done with him for good. Until two days ago when I received a video of that night along with the message: ‘Remember that I know what you did.’

My stomach knots, feeling sick as the words ring in my head.

I turned the tap off and take a deep breath, returning to my bedroom.

I’m safe here… right?

No matter how many times I think it over, I don’t know how I got involved with him.

The worst part is that if my parents knew, they would be more than disappointed in me, and the one thing I hate most, is letting them down.

Even though my parents are no longer the Alphas with my brother having taken over, they are still highly respected, their reputation is known across the country and Dad is on the Alpha King’s Council. He is also one of the Elite Eleven, a title that had been unofficially given to the selection of the most powerful Alphas of our time and here I am making things worse for them.

I wish I never met him, and I wish I could turn back time. Glancing at the clock, I realise it’s five in the morning.

I should try to get some rest. I turned the lamp off, just as my phone beeps.

Tensing, I frown as I stare at the sleek device. Taking a deep breath, I unlocked it and read the message.

‘Can’t sleep? Well, I’ll give you something more to think about. Come back to me or I think your entire family would love to watch all those videos. Do you want them to see exactly how FREAKY their little girl can get?’

I know what other videos he means and it makes me sick.

I covered my mouth unconsciously, my stomach twisting sickeningly as I glance towards my window.

He is watching me.

I walked over to the window and peer out. My heart thumps as I scan the darkness outside.

Nothing.

I can’t see anything out of the ordinary… Is he just messing with me?

My phone beep again and I look down at the new message that pops up on the screen, a message that makes my blood run cold.

‘I see you still sleep in your underwear.’

2. Kingdom of Sin

The red and purple lights danced and flashed around me, highlighting the bodies of the exotic dancers on the stage. Strippers in expensive lingerie and perfume walked around serving drinks or looking for potential customers.

The dark teal booths were half-full, some with just men and women enjoying the show, whilst others enjoy a lap dance. A few men in suits are being escorted away by dancers to the private rooms.

Kingdom of Sin is a human strip club in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the country, a place quite far away from my home and the chance of running into someone I knew is unlikely.

Not to mention I have used an X2 scent disguiser, a formula which would make me smell like a human to other werewolves.

I didn’t want Judah finding me here.

The fact he may have been on our Pack territory made my stomach twist, although I kept telling myself he had just guessed what I was wearing.

I needed a break from my mind and those messages, the entire day I had been unable to focus on anything. To make matters worse, tonight is the Blood Moon.

An occurrence that only happened twice a year. A night where unmated wolves would head to one of the Blood Moon Gatherings to see if they could scout out their fated mates.

I didn’t want to go, I'm done with men, and I don’t want to be tied down to anyone.

After going through a relationship that was a complete failure, I had no expectations of finding my true mate, nor do I think I was mentally up for it.

Even though I did want to find my mate, and deep down I want that love that I see those around me have, I’m not sure he will want me.

I don’t need my heart breaking again. Although I wouldn’t admit it, I’m a little afraid of what he will think of me, how he might hate me when he learns about my past. About the skeletons in my closet, will my mate accept everything about me? Or will he simply despise me, or worse, reject me.

The tasteful music relaxes me a lot, I’m tapping my foot to the beat as I sit in a booth, staring at the dancers on the stage. Her body sways sensually to the beat.

I down my glass of whisky, wishing there was something stronger here. The liquid burns my throat, my eyes stinging a little as my mind returns to the messages.

The strict no phone policy was enforced in this club and if I had my phone with me, I knew I would be staring at it constantly thinking about the messages.

I needed a break from it – from him.

Nothing scares me, nothing rocks me, but something about him got to me.

I pour myself another glass as a gorgeous brunette came over, ready to entertain me, but I’m not in the mood.

“No thanks.” I flash the gorgeous brunette a grin and wink.

I glance around, observing that most of those in this club were affluent businessmen. Grabbing my glass, I gulp it down.

I close my eyes for a second, before refilling my glass once more.

My mind is a storm of emotions.

Judah had too much on me; things he is now using to blackmail me with. I know I can just tell someone, and we could deal with this, but all my life I have just caused problems for everyone.

There is something about him that just isn’t normal, something that told me he is more than just a werewolf…

I have drunk a lot, emptying the last drops of my fourth bottle into my glass. I’m beginning to feel it taking a little effect. This is what I needed… I close my eyes, letting the music envelope my senses.

Tonight, I just want a break, I’ll deal with the messages another day…

I open my eyes, looking through my thick lashes at the women on stage. I love dancing, and something about pole dancing just feels empowering and exhilarating. If done right, it truly is an art. I had actually applied for a job just over a year ago at a club near home, and I got it too, but I only managed to do one session because my brother found out…

I shudder remembering the rage in Liam’s eyes when he had stormed into the club and saw the men with their eyes on me. Although I usually have him wrapped around my finger, on the rare occasions when he did get angry... well let's just say, yeah. No. Big no.

Do not get Liam angry.

I preferred him to stick to being an oversized dense puppy.

But he’s still my favourite.

Maybe I should go dance.

I stood up, making my way over to the dance floor, which was off through a pair of double doors, running my fingers through my hair, when I freeze. A familiar dangerous smell hits me, and my heart thuds.

He’s here.

Fear that I rarely felt envelop me, and I scan the area, wishing I hadn't worn such high heels, wanting to blend in.

Keeping my head low, I pray that the scent disguiser works, I need to get out of here. I saw the hooded man by the entrance, and a shiver runs down my spine.

It is him.

He seems to be searching for something or someone.

Me.

Spotting a pair of doors leading to the VIP area open, a woman in a tiny skirt and revealing blouse steps out with a keycard in her hand, and it gives me an idea.

She struts to the bar and I head towards her, accidentally-on-purpose bumping into her. I mumble an apology as I swipe the card from her pocket.

My heart is pounding, the fear that he will find me makes me sick.

Why can’t he just let me go?

I scan the card, taking a discreet glance around, and slips through the doors that clicked open. I just need a place to wait around until he left. If he had entered our pack, then he must know that was my bike it outside.

“Did you hear that?”

I froze.

Werewolves? I could smell them. What on earth was going on? This was a human club, right?

“I don’t recognize that scent, did someone sneak in?”

Oh no.

I look around, frowning. Three corridors lead off from here. Silently I hurry down the left one and up the flight of steps, thanking the goddess for the carpeted halls to muffle my footsteps.

To my relief, I see a pair of glass doors that are standing open. I rush inside, closing them behind me and letting out a breath of relief.

I’m in a large room that looks down upon the club, from here I can see everything. I was sure from down below this was just part of the mirrored design of the ceiling, they can’t see me.

I look around the room, the floor is a glittering black marble, with two blue velvet sofas and a glass table at the center. A bar with drinks stands to the side, but no matter where you look, this room gives us the perfect view of the dance show below, without the smell of sweat or arousal hanging in the air.

Should I wait around here? What should I do?

Goddess, what have I gotten myself into?

My phone is in the locker too, I can’t even contact someone.

Suddenly the sound of footsteps and talking reaches my ears, they are approaching fast. I glance around, my attention falling to the bar, my heart thumps as I quickly hide underneath it.

I peep out from the side, spotting several men coming closer. Two men get to the door first, holding them open for the rest. My heart sinks when I realize there are a few werewolves present as well.

They are going to sniff me out!

Each man clearly mean business, from their suits and their dangerous appearances, but it was the one in the center that stands out. Pulling my attention to him entirely.

Not only is he an Alpha, but the power and dominance that rolls off him is so intense I almost forget to breathe.

Everyone else seems to fade away as I stare at the man in the middle. He’s wearing a fitted black shirt, his sleeves rolled up with black pants and boots. He holds his jacket over his shoulder on one finger and despite the darkness in the club, he wears a pair of shades. His chocolate-colored hair is short and styled back. From what I can tell his entire neck, his arms and his hands are covered in tattoos.

And then my heart lurches when the most intoxicating scent hit me; woody and dangerous, with the hint of blood mandarin, warm cinnamon and patchouli. And the scent is coming from none other than the Alpha male in the center.

He pauses, tensing as he turns his head slightly.

He has smelt me.

The restlessness of my wolf and the pounding of my heart is no longer in my control. Every cell in my body is going haywire as I stare at none other than the god before me.

He’s my mate.

3. His Dangerous Temptation

I move back, my heart thumping. He must have heard me; he must have smelt me.

What do I do?

Judah may be dangerous, but the man standing a few meters from me screams of power and danger of a far higher caliber.

I need to get out of here before he sees me, but how do I do that?

“We can continue this another day. Reschedule.” His deep velvety voice, that sends shivers of desire through me, came.

I can’t lie that the voice is fucking hot.

Come on Azura, breathe steadily and focus!

“Ah, of course.”

“Absolutely.”

I didn’t dare move as I hear the rest recede, but my mate remains. The doors shut and I close my eyes in defeat, he’s still here.

“Why don’t you step out from your hiding spot.” His voice came.

I close my eyes, any dream I had that I would be able to escape from him, is gone.

Slowly I stand up and turn, staring at the man before me. If I have thought he is the epitome of desire and dominance before, he is a thousand times hotter when I see him properly. His scent intoxicates me, and I feel lightheaded as he slowly removes his shades and I look into the pair of the coldest ice-blue eyes I have ever seen. Eyes that trail over me, but give away nothing.

He is tall, maybe around six-foot-six. His muscular arms strains with his bulging biceps, I notice that he has three piercings in his right ear and one in his left.

“Who would have thought I’d be given a human…” He mutters so quietly I almost didn’t hear him.

“I'm not human.” I reply coldly.

He looked up into my eyes with a glimmer of interest in those cold ones.

“Then join me for a drink.”

It wasn’t an offer, but a command.

The very temptation to turn and run away from him consumed me, but I couldn’t. As much as I hadn't wanted to find my mate, the curiosity to know what kind of person the goddess had made for me won, and I found myself nodding.

He came over to the bar, I had to admit that his posture and attitude spoke volumes. This was a man who knew what he wanted, and he got it.

The temptation to tell him about Judah and why I was up here almost overcame me, but I couldn’t, this was not his fight and he hadn't asked why I was up here.

But something told me I had walked straight into the wolf’s den.

“Do you like your drink strong or light?” He asked after dropping his jacket onto the sofa.

“Strong, although I don’t think there’s anything you have to offer that could work on me.” I mused, staring at the window that looked down upon the club.

“Don’t be so sure.” His arrogant reply came.

I turned to him as he poured a green liquid into two glasses, before he held one out to me.

“What is this?” I asked, looking at it curiously.

“Absinthe.” He replied with a small cold smirk, before he raised the glass. I clinked mine against his, looking surprised.

Absinthe...

“Isn’t this illegal here?” I asked, unable to stop the curiosity that seeped into my mind.

“Being up here without permission is illegal too. This is the only drink that can really take the edge away. Clearly four bottles of whiskey didn’t work for you.” He remarked mockingly.

My heart skipped a beat, had he seen me? I looked down below, only to see the booth I was sitting at was in plain sight…

“So you were watching me?”

“You may have caught my eye. Not many women do.”

I don’t miss the ‘many’ in that sentence.

He steps closer and I find myself looking into those dangerous eyes of his.

“You wanted to run when you realised that we were mates.”

He knew.

I took a sip of the alcohol.

Oh, this was strong…

The taste was intense, but I liked it.

“I think you would actually be happy if I ran, I'm a nightmare you do not want in your life.”

“Funny that you should refer to yourself as a nightmare, you look far from one, but even I know not everything that looks like a dream is one.”

I couldn’t deny the fluttering in my stomach at his words, as he downed his glass of absinthe, my eyes dipping to his Adam's apple.

Damn the boy was sizzling.

I felt a clench in my core and averted my gaze.

Deep down, something told me not to do this. I didn’t know anything about him but that he seemed to be the boss of this club, and that he was definitely an Alpha…

Who though? I had seen many Alphas. Ok, not really, damn I wish I paid more attention, but I didn’t care for them I was always too busy in my own world…

“You didn’t want to find your mate. Good. Neither did I.”

“Then why didn’t you just walk away?” I asked.

“I wanted to see exactly what the Goddess created for me.”

“And?” I found myself asking, my stomach fluttering.

His Icy-blue eyes trailed over me, and I saw his flash a stunning steel blue as they fell on my breasts.

If his gaze alone could have such an effect on me, then what would his touch feel like?

He stepped closer and I found myself backing away, until my ass touched the glass behind me.

“If we’re going on looks alone, better than expected.”

My core throbbed at his words. How did someone I had just met have such an intense effect on me?

He cut me off by placing the back of the hand that held his glass against my lips.

The crazy fireworks that erupted from his touch were dizzying, sending a dangerous jolt to my core.

It made sense… all of it, the way the mated couples around me were so love-crazed, all they wanted was to be next to their mates. Just a single touch from someone I didn’t even know was driving me nuts, and I was unable to stop myself from softly kissing the fingers that were pressed against my lips.

His eyes flashed a steely blue as our eyes met, and the moment he removed his hands, I slowly licked my lips, before taking another sip of the strong alcohol. Turning my back to him, I stared down at the club below, my core was throbbing, and I knew if I drank this entire glass I would be pretty high. I saw him pour himself another glass and down it in one, before he placed it on the bar counter and walked back over to me.

I looked at him once again, turning towards him as he stepped closer, this time the gap between us was almost non-existent. I could smell his addictive scent, feel the heat from his body and the steady beating of his heart, all of it consumed me.

“Two glasses and you seem perfectly sober, I'm impressed.” I whispered, trying to break the intense sexual tension that was ripping me apart with desire.

He rested his arm against the glass above my head, forcing me to back up against it.

“I didn’t think you would be that easily impressed.” His eyes stared down at me, and I noticed his thick lashes.

I could picture waking up to this hunk every day…

“I do have pretty high standards in some departments.” I replied haughtily, staring into his eyes.

The faintest smirk crossed his lips as he ran the knuckles of his free hand down my waist, making my heart thump in anticipation. His body was barely inches from mine and the urge to press my thighs together was incredibly strong.

“Good, let’s just hope you can handle me.” His seductive reply came.

We were chest to chest, and he parted my legs with his knee, making my core clench.

“Shall we try and see?” I asked seductively, a challenging glint in my eyes.

He may be an Alpha, but I wasn’t just anyone.

Still holding my glass, I locked my arm around his neck, pressing myself against him, placing my free hand on his abs.

“Confident.” He mused, running his fingers up the side of my waist still so tantalisingly slow, the urge to moan overwhelming me but I kept it in.

“Incredibly, I am not a submissive little good girl.”

“See the thing is…” he trailed off, smirking as he pressed his body against me. “Good girls get fucked and bad girls… bad girls get punished. Which is it going to be?”

His tone made me bite my lip, my arousal scenting the air and I knew he could smell it.

“Then you’re going to have to punish me, Alpha.” I whispered, hooking my fingers into his belt and pulling him against me, just as he grabbed my hair.

His lips met mine in one incredibly mind-blowing hungry kiss, that sent pleasure erupting through my body. Tingles and sparks rippled through me wave after wave as his lips dominated mine, fuelled by power, hunger, and desire. A kiss that was out of this world and one that I knew had ruined all men for me.

I heard my glass shatter as it hit the floor behind him, but neither of us cared.

His plush lips were heaven and sin all at once, and I found myself fighting for dominance, our tongues dancing against one another as our hands travelled over the other’s bodies, feeling and groping every inch that we could get our hands on. His tongue was pierced and the sensation of it felt so damn good.

My body was on fire, my pussy clenching at his touch. It was rough yet sensual, turning me on so strongly I was unable to hold back the sounds of pleasure that left my lips. I moaned, feeling his huge, hard cock press against my stomach.

Oh fuck.

I wanted to pull his pants down and take his cock in my mouth, but before I could even begin to undo his belt, he pulled back, his eyes a dazzling steel blue.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here.” He growled huskily, breathing hard as he looked me over.

I nodded, not needing to be told twice. I wanted him here and now.

Oh goddess, I'm done for.

4. Out of Control

AZURA.

We had taken a back exit where a sleek black car had been waiting for us, I didn’t see the driver, my focus on the man before me. The moment we were in the car, he pulled me on top of him. I straddled him, welcoming the feeling of intoxication he brought.

I didn’t need ten bottles of whiskey or several glasses of absinthe to forget everything, this worked…

He pulled my jacket off me, and I helped, reaching behind and pulling it down from my wrists, tossing it to the ground. His eyes were on my breasts, his hand running down my arms. I locked them around his neck, tangling one hand through his delicious chocolate locks.

Oh fuck, he was so handsome.

Our lips met once more in a sinful kiss. I gyrated my hips against his crotch, his grip tightened on my waist, the other squeezing my ass.

"Fuck." He growled, sucking on my neck.

I tilted my head back, my eyes fluttering shut as rivers of pleasure rocked through me. His hand twisted in my hair as his lips trailed down my collarbone; kissing, sucking, nipping at my smooth skin.

He grabbed my breast, making me swear in pleasure. I didn’t want any items of clothing between us, but just when I thought he’d yank my top down, the car came to a stop.

The door was opened for us and I realised we were in an underground car park. His hands never left me, and I was not bothered that the suited man who had opened the door was right there. Instead, he carried on kissing my shoulders and neck roughly as he guided me to the lift. The moment his thumbprint was scanned, the doors opened and he pushed me up against the wall of the lift, pressing a button before he had my wrists pinned against the wall, his lips meeting mine once more.

I moaned into his mouth, feeling his hard shaft against me.

Oh fuck.

When the doors opened, we carried on making out passionately as he guided us down the hall and through to a bedroom.

The feeling of his hands on me was like a slice of heaven itself, any logic or sense of self was gone. All I wanted was him, it was all I craved.

The bedroom door opened and the cool air-conditioning touched our heated skin. I pulled open the buttons of his shirt, wanting him naked.

This place smelled of him and I loved it.

For a moment, I pulled away, staring down at the fully tatted body of the god before me.

Oh fuck, he was totally drool-worthy, the type of guy me and my girls would strip for any day.

Every ridge and curve of his body was chiselled to perfect, his Adonis belt dipped into his belt and my hands instantly went there, raking down his abs. With the other I pulled his shirt off completely, just as he grabbed my neck, pulling me closer and kissing me once more whilst I began working to take his belt off.

His hands reached for the hooks on my top and undid them swiftly.

Someone was an expert.

His eyes raked over me as he grabbed my breasts, squeezing them as he kissed me harder. The moment I had his zip down, I pulled away from his perfect lips. As much as I wanted to keep on kissing him, I wanted something else between my lips…

I crouched down sexily, keeping my eyes locked with his steely blue ones and undid his pants, yanking them down. My long black nails grazed his hips, my core throbbing when I looked at the sight before me. Ink covered his V cut and thighs, spreading over his hips. There were words and quotes alongside the images that I was curious to learn about, but not as much as I wanted to see the monster of a cock that he was packing. I pulled his boxers down his muscular thighs.

He was perfectly groomed, just the way I liked it, with just a sprinkle of trimmed hair. His balls were hard, and as for his cock… not only was it fucking huge, putting any that I had seen to shame, but there was also a ladder of piercings running along the entire underside of the shaft right up to the mushroom tip. Ten perfect parallel bars.

Oh, Goddess.

"What’s the matter? Never see a Jacobs ladder before?"

"No." I found myself saying as I wrapped my hands around it and began stroking it.

His head tilted back slightly, but his eyes still held mine as I stuck my tongue out, licking the tip where a pearly white drop of pre-cum sat, begging to be sucked off.

"Fuck." He swore the moment I wrapped my lips around him and began sucking him harder.

I had never seen a man look hotter while in the throes of pleasure than the one above me.

His hair wasn’t as slick as it had been when I first saw him, thanks to me running my fingers through it on the way here. It was now a hot, smoking mess, one that only made me want to yank it even more.

His eyes found mine, his hand pulling my hair as he began thrusting into my mouth faster.

I almost gagged, breathing through my nose and relaxing as his dick hit the back of my throat. My lips fully stretched around him burning at the friction, he was huge, and this felt so good. His body tensed as he began thrusting harder, shoving his dick fully down my throat roughly. I choked as he pulled out, making me gasp for air, only for him to ram it down my throat again.

I moaned against him, my own pussy aching for more.

He swore pulling out and, with a few swift strokes, came all over my breasts. I stuck my tongue out, making it obvious what I wanted, and he tapped his cock on it, making me whimper as I tasted his salted caramel-like cum.

Oh, I wouldn’t mind making this my favourite dessert.

A sexy smirk crossed his lips, and he yanked me up, kissing my neck as he quickly unzipped my pants, pulling them down in one swift movement. Crouching down, he peeled my panties off, taking a moment to admire me down there before his tongue flicked between my pussy lips.

"Oh fuck!" My head hit the wall behind me and my entire body shook with electrifying holts of pleasure as his tongue flicked my clit, his ball piercing only adding to the sensation.

Oh goddess, this was…

He lifted my leg and unashamedly I draped it over his shoulder, threading my fingers through his hair as I became lost in the pleasure of his touch. I wish I didn’t come this fast, I wanted to revel in this pleasure for so much longer….

The moment my release hit me, he pulled away, standing and yanking me into his arms as he shoved his tongue into my mouth, allowing me to taste myself as my body convulsed in pleasure. I could barely focus, the aftermath of that sizzling orgasm rocking me.

I gasped for air as I clung to him.

His hands cupped my ass, squeezing hard as he lifted me up. I locked my legs around his waist, feeling his cock brush against my pussy, sending a dangerous jolt through me.

He pushed me up against the wall just as he thrust into me.

I gasped, feeling the pressure of having something so fucking big in me.

Damn, my dildo did not compare.

"Fuck." I groaned, burying my head into his neck.

"Good thing you’re not a virgin." He whispered huskily, as he began fucking me hard and fast.

He kissed and nibbled on my neck, sucking hard and adding to the euphoria I was feeling. I couldn’t respond, even when we somehow ended on the bed, his hands all over me as he fucked me senseless. I couldn’t focus on anything but the sheer bliss of the moment.

This was heaven.

"Fuck." He growled.

Was he trying to pull away?

I wasn’t sure but I didn’t want him to move away.

My hand intertwined in his hair as I met his powerful brutal thrusts with my own, each time burying him deep within me. His piercings only heightened the pleasure that he was inflicting me with.

"Harder, I can take it. Don’t hold back." I moaned, feeling the pressure reaching biting point.

He obliged, fucking me harder and faster than I thought possible. I screamed in pleasure, unable to stop myself.

A moan of pure ecstasy escaped me and I felt something pierce my neck, sending another bolt of pleasure and pain through me.

He was… marking me…

I didn’t care, this pleasure… another moan left my lips as I arched my neck, allowing him better access.

He growled as he fucked me roughly, his teeth sank into me completely, triggering my release and I cried out hornily, my back arching off the bed.

My eyes rolled and my vision darkened, as the most intense mind-blowing orgasm consumed me. The bond strengthened and it felt like I was about to faint.

I heard his grunt as he finished with a few rough thrusts, our juices mixing and our bodies coming down from their highs.

"Fuck."

Was that anger?

I was too lightheaded to focus but I turned my head to look at him.

He was looking at my neck and the sudden realisation that I was marked hit me.

Goddess, I was marked.

"It’s fine." I murmured breathlessly, wondering if it was the fact that he had marked me without even telling me that was making him react like that.

His ice-blue eyes seemed to hold some conflict, but I was too tired… Letting the darkness welcome me, I felt him pull out, and I thought I felt his lips brush the mark on my neck, sending a shiver through me before getting off the bed, but I wasn’t sure… I just wanted to sleep…

-

I wasn’t out for long; I opened my eyes, feeling refreshed despite the ache that now remained between my legs. I looked around, realising he was still in the bathroom; I could hear the shower was on.

I needed to get his name. Goddess that had been… perfect.

I had forgotten all about Judah and now it all returns, but somehow it doesn’t take away from the night I had just had.

I sit up, pulling up the bed sheet as I look around for something to put on, although my body just wanted to succumb to the darkness once more. The bathroom door opens, and the inked god steps out, wearing nothing but a pair of pants.

For a moment he reminds me of Alejandro Rossi, the Lycan king himself.

I shake my head, pushing the thought away, why did the King even come to my mind?

"Are you just going to stare?" He asks, tossing the towel he has been holding onto the bed.

"Well, I was thinking you just marked me as your mate, but I still don’t know your name." I remark, about to get off the bed, but the moment my feet hit the floor I realise they feel like lead, and so I’m simply forced to sit there.

"You still don’t know who I am?" He says, taking out a grey T-shirt.

I looked at him curiously, only for those icy blue eyes to meet mine.

"No, I just know you’re an Alpha."

His aura seems to change, and I can feel his anger through the bond.

"Soon to be Alpha." His voice is filled with venom, and I looked at him in complete shock.

His aura is impressive, how was he not an Alpha yet?

"Soon to be?" I ask curiously.

"Just tell me what’s your name?" He asks instead, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"I still didn’t get yours…"

"Leo. Leo Rossi." He replies coldly, making me freeze.

My eyes widen in shock as my head snaps to the man before me.

No way…

"Leo Rossi?!" I jump off the bed, almost falling to the floor. Grabbing the towel and wrap it around myself as I stumble over to him. "How did I not see it?!"

He frowns, stepping back just as I cup his face, feeling his stubble graze my fingertips.

"Oh, Dante is never going to let me live this down! Oh my god, a Rossi? What will Dad think?!" My head is spinning, but I couldn’t deny the sliver of excitement that rushes through me at the thought of being mated to him.

Me and my sister Kiara would be mated into the same family! Oh goddess! What would Dad think realizing that both of his daughters are mated to tatted, pierced Rossis? My poor dad! And then-

"Who are you?" His voice is quiet, yet deadly, and I freeze mid-thought, glancing back at him.

"You don’t recognize me?" I ask touching my fresh mark.

"Should I?"

My smile falters at the hostility in his tone.

I know Leo had distanced himself from the Rossis, to the point he was never around. Marcel, his father, still held the Alpha title although Leo runs the pack, refusing to allow Leo to take over. The feud between Leo and the rest of the Rossi’s was from years ago, and it was obvious it still remained.

"Azura, Azura Rayne Westwood." I state, no longer smiling as I look at him seriously.

His eyes flash dangerously as they ran over me, his heart is thudding, and when his eyes return to mine, I only see blinding rage in them.

"Westwood. Is Selene for real." He almost spits. "I knew it was too ideal."

"What’s wrong with be-"

"Being a Westwood? Sure, one of the Elite Packs right? Entitled bastar’ds who are free to do whatever they want." He stepped back, eyes that had held desire and interest now hold nothing more than hatred.

"Hey, that’s not fair-"

"I, Leo Rossi, future Alpha of the Sangue pack, reject you, Azura Rayne Westwood as my Mate and Luna."

I freeze as the violent ripping pain tears through me and a scream leaves my lips. Burning pain grips my neck where my mark sits and I fall to my knees. He mated with me, marked me, and then rejected me, causing the pain to be even worse than an instant rejection…

I can’t breathe, the intensity of the pain in my neck is burning. I claw at my neck, my heart beating harshly.

"I will never accept the daughter of an Elite as my mate." His cruel words are faint and far, my vision darkening slightly. I look ahead, seeing him walking away.

Only one truth screams in my head leaving me completely devastated.

Rejected.

He had rejected me.

5. Devastation

AZURA.

Four weeks had passed since his rejection. That night had shaken me far more than anything Judah had ever done to me. I still remember grabbing my clothes before I stumbled out of the penthouse. I had nothing, not my phone, not my bike. I had managed to beg someone for a phone, and I had rang Liam as the rain began falling, washing away the scent of my so-called mate. But it couldn’t wash away what he did to me. My mark burned with agony, the healing slowing due to the rejection.

When Liam had shown up, I had been silent. When he saw the state I was in, the anger in his eyes had made me succumb to tears. I had never seen him so enraged, and if I didn’t grab onto him and beg him that it was consensual, he was ready to kill. I had managed to tell him that my mate had marked and rejected me. If it was anyone else but Leo, I wouldn’t have cared, but I couldn’t tell anyone because it would ruin things. Alejandro would lose it and Marcel, Leo’s dad, would feel guilty over it. This involved my entire family, not just me. I just couldn’t.

I now clutched at my neck, where his mark stained it. It had taken a full week for it to heal.

Frustration and anger filled me as I stared at the message on my phone.

Judah.

He was a problem that still didn’t go away and he, like the rest of my pack, had found out I had been marked and rejected. His anger had been clear in his messages and he had begun to ring me too. Calls I refused to answer, which only made his threats worsen.

The Blood Moon and its sister pack, the Blue Moon, combined were over four thousand members. We literally shared the same territory, although the residency homes were separate. Years ago, we were like this pack of people living in the woods, weird right? Yeah, tell me about it, but now, we had a mini town here; shops, a restaurant, cafés, even a school, and of course a huge hospital. Somehow word of me being marked had still travelled like wildfire, even though I had tried to keep it a secret.

My mark… a crescent, shimmering, midnight blue moon, with stars and a lotus, set against a background of blue flames. A beautiful mark with an equally ugly story too. A reminder of the painful memories I wanted to remove.

I still remember the look on Dad’s face when Liam had brought me home, the way he had hugged me, the way his heart was thumping… Mama’s pain, the worry and anger in her blazing eyes. I had to stay quiet for everyone’s benefit, but they only got angry at me for refusing to share his name. I still hadn't said the words to accept his rejection… I knew I didn’t need to be face to face to do so, but still, it was daunting.

Everything had made me sick; I had lost my appetite and I was unable to focus on anything. I needed a break from it all, I wanted to run away… and although Liam told me it wasn’t the answer, I still wanted to.

A light knock on my bedroom door made my head jerk up.

"Hey Zu," Liam’s voice came, concern clear in his magnetic blue eyes.

"Hey." I replied, picking up my jacket and slipping it on.

"Were you going out?" He asked.

I nodded as he stepped into the room, wrapping his arms around me tightly. I closed my eyes, hugging him back, his familiar scent reminding me of home. I wanted to cry and throw a tantrum for him to fix. But I wasn’t a child anymore, and this wasn’t his problem to deal with. He had enough to handle with six kids and a pack to take care of.

"Talk to me Zu." He whispered, kissing the top of my head.

I didn’t reply, simply hugging him tighter.

"Am I your favourite sister, Liam?" I asked, looking up at him, using my best doe eyes on him and trying to sound cute.

He smirked, amused, and cupped my face, kissing my forehead.

"Without a doubt." He gave me a wink and I smiled.

"You’re my favourite too." I said quietly, taking a deep breath as I stepped back. "Do you know where my old collection of voodoo dolls are that I didn’t want to throw away?"

He looked at me worriedly. "Umm, are you really going down that path?"

"I am tempted to learn some dark magic… I think I wouldn’t mind causing a few people some pain." I'm sure I had a Leo Voodoo doll somewhere.

Leo Rossi.

A man who was known to be ruthless, cutthroat, and dangerous.

A man whose heart was frozen in ice.

A man who cared for no one…

I had heard the stories, but what he did just made them all seem very real…

"I’m going to head out for a bit." I told Liam, before I grabbed my bike keys and left the house.

I rode through the streets of our small town. Maybe some pastries from Granny June’s might cheer me up. Luckily for me, today was her day off. She hated me, and I disliked going there if she was around. I parked my bike, ignoring the looks that a group of girls who were sitting at the outside table gave me, and entered the bakery.

All five of those barbie dolls had gone to school with me, and well I can’t deny that I did prank them once, ok maybe twice? Let’s just say we no longer got on…

It was a harmless prank, I swear.

"We’re closed." A grumpy voice came.

Just my luck.

Granny June was here.

I looked around the bakery, it was definitely not closed. Three of the old crones who hated me were here too.

Perfect. I wish I had checked with Justin before coming here.

"Leave, you’re dirtying my floors." She growled.

"Aw, come on Granny June, my shoes are clean. I'm only here for a few pecan pies then I'm out."

"Leave."

"You know… the faster you give me those pastries, the faster I'm out of here?" I slipped my hand into my jacket pocket and pulled out my wallet.

"No, I’ve ran out. I don’t serve fr…" She pursed her lips, looking me over with barely disguised contempt, knowing if she said those words, it would be direct disobedience to her Alpha.

Freaks of nature.

That was what she always liked to mumble. We may be in a time where we lived in peace amongst witches, although most of the pack were absolutely fine with witches and the way I was born there was still the handful who didn’t change and didn’t approve of how I was born. Usually where I would snap back at them with everything I had lately I had just had enough.

"Well then, I will wait here until someone shows up to serve me." I crossed my arms.

The smell of the various baked goods suddenly made me sick.

Maybe I should just leave.

She tensed and I saw her eyes dart to the window, as if checking if anyone who may support me was around.

"I have nothing to give you." She said suddenly, picking up the tray of freshly baked croissants she had brought out and walking into the back kitchen, slamming the door behind her.

"I don’t understand why we have to tolerate her." One of the hags muttered from behind me.

I didn’t bother to look in their direction. I sighed, my smile fading before I turned away, pushing open the bakery door. The urge to find some bugs to infest the bakery tempted me, but I didn’t have the time nor the will to do so.

Note to self—make a Granny June voodoo doll.

I stepped out into the fresh air, my stomach lurching nauseatingly, about to get on my bike.

"No wonder she was rejected. No one would want her. She’s a psychotic freak." I heard an old woman who sat at the table outside with her mate, mutter.

I swear if it wasn’t for how good Granny June’s bakes were I would avoid this place, all the same type of people gathered here.

Don’t do this now.

My anger was rising, and I knew I was on the brink of losing control.

Don’t.

I got onto my bike, trying to ignore them.

"Yeah, definitely a freak." The old man grumbled.

I froze, my head snapping towards the couple who had spoken.

"Want to say that again?" I growled menacingly.

"I said nothing, pup, move along." He growled standing up.

"Don’t lie. Say it again."

"I said I said nothing."

"I SAID SAY IT AGAIN!" I screamed, not caring that two passer byes had stopped and were staring at me.

"Azura come-"

"No! if you want to call me a freak, then say it to my fucking face!" I screamed, cutting off whoever had tried to stop me.

The older man’s face turned an angry shade of red as he glared at me.

"There’s no such thing as respect around here! I said nothing!" He lied as everyone shook their heads in disapproval.

My chest heaved, my emotions a turmoiled mess as I looked around.

These people knew me growing up, and although they were silenced, recently since my rejection they were becoming vocal once more. June and one of the other hags came to the door watching me with contempt, disapproval, and irritation.

"She’s so dramatic." One of the girls from the academy muttered.

"I'm not dramatic."

"You shouldn’t lie, dear." The elderly woman at the table scolded gently with fake sympathy in her eyes as she stood up taking her mate’s arm. "It doesn’t look good on your parents."

Yeah, I get it, I’m a failure and a disappointment to them too.

"I didn’t lie." I retorted defensively; my emotions were getting out of control as I stared at the man whose face held the tiniest of smirks. "You know exactly what he said."

"I said nothing. Stop trying to get me in trouble." He scoffed, walking off.

"Hey!" I shouted, getting off my bike.

I stormed over to the old penis.

I was about to grab him when a hand grabbed hold of my wrist and stopped me.

I was ready to lash out when I looked into the eyes of one of my thirteen-year-old nephews, Renji.

"Come on Azura, let’s go home." He coaxed gently.

"I don’t want to go home; I have things to do." I growled.

“Dad won’t let this slide, don’t worry no one will get away with this.” He said clearly, about to pull free from his hold, but the look of concern in his soft blue eyes made me close my eyes and nod in agreement.

"It’s no big deal this bunch of wrinkles will never change, don’t tell Liam.” I said quietly not wanting to cause him more work.

They were already concerned over my mark and rejection. He nodded hesitantly and I gave him a small smile.

“I'm just going out of the town for a bit. I promise."

Renji, the sweetest angel of the quintuplets. I knew if it was anyone else, I wouldn’t have listened. He believed me and nodded.

‘Don’t let them get to you.’ One of the two passer byes said through the link.

‘I never do.’ I got back on the bike as the woman gave me a warm smile and I flashed her a grin before casting a deathly glare at the old, wrinkled vaginas before getting back onto my bike, feeling super nauseous. Revving the engine, I suddenly froze. For the last week or so I had been feeling like this… As a werewolf, I should have healed from any cold by now… My heart thundered as I quickly rode out of the pack territory.

A sudden and terrifying thought occurred to me, and the fear of the possibility of it enveloped me.

Please no.

Thirty minutes later, I was in a public stall at the drugstore. I held a stick in one hand, my eyes shut as I counted the seconds before taking a deep breath and looked at it.

My stomach sank when I saw the two clear lines that stained the test.

I was pregnant.