Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Eighteen: The Council’s DecreeThe moon had barely risen when word spread across the Eastern Highlands: the Alpha had summoned an emergency council meeting.The call was unexpected, yet none dared refuse. Cloaked figures emerged from the mountain passes and river valleys, their banners carried by warriors as they approached the heart of the Highlands—Wolfe Keep, the ancestral stronghold of Lucian’s bloodline.Inside the great hall, the fire blazed high in the stone hearth, casting long shadows across carved wooden pillars etched with the symbols of the wolf packs who had pledged loyalty to the Wolfe line for centuries. The air was thick with anticipation, whispers of speculation curling through the gathered elders.Why had the Alpha summoned them so suddenly?What decree could not wait till morning?At the head of the chamber, Lucian stood tall, his dark presence commanding instant silence. The weight of his power pressed into the air—an Alpha at the height of his authority. Yet, there was something different tonig
Last Updated: 2025-09-15
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Seventeen: The Heir Of The HighlandsRayne’s voice trembled as she pulled away from Lucian’s kiss, her palms pressed against his chest, feeling the thunder of his heartbeat. His hands lingered on her waist, unwilling to let her go, but his sharp eyes immediately caught the shift in her tone.“There’s something I need to tell you, Lucian.” she said again.His gaze searched hers, fierce and unyielding, though soft with the tenderness he only ever showed her. “What is it?” he asked, his voice low, carrying both command and concern. “Whatever it is—you can tell me.”Rayne’s lips parted, then closed again, as nerves twisted inside her like a storm. She had faced enemies on battlefields, stood before councils who doubted her, defied fate itself—yet here, with Lucian’s piercing eyes fixed on her, she felt stripped bare.Her fingers trembled as she clasped his hand, placing it gently over her stomach.At first, he didn’t understand. His brow furrowed as his thumb brushed across her abdomen. Then her whisper broke through the sil
Last Updated: 2025-09-12
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Sixteen: A Heart On A PlatterThe winds of the Eastern Highlands carried with them the crisp bite of autumn, sharp and unforgiving, yet Lucian Wolfe hardly noticed. He stood at the threshold of his stronghold, his gaze fixed on the valley below, where the shadows of twilight stretched long and restless. His people had seen him endure wars, betrayals, and even the death of his father—but nothing had ever truly hollowed him the way losing her had.Rayne Valen.Her name was a wound he never allowed to heal.He told himself she had chosen another life, another future, that her silence was final. Yet in the quiet hours of night, when the world slumbered and duty released its grip, he still found himself staring at the empty space beside him, hearing her laughter like a ghost that would not fade.He had vowed never to wait for her again. But when the horn at the gates sounded, announcing a visitor from beyond Valen borders, his heart betrayed him with a violent thrum.Lucian moved fast—too fast for an Alpha trying to ke
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fifteen: Legacy And LoveRayne’s heart thudded painfully, memories crashing into her all at once—the night she left Lucian behind, the agony of seeing the pain her decision brought him. All this time she had thought herself too late, that destiny had chosen another mate for him. But Cain’s words ripped that belief out by the root.She shook her head, though the tremor in her hands betrayed her. “No… no, you don’t understand. Lucian—he—” Her voice broke, and she pressed her lips together hard, swallowing the rest.Cain’s eyes softened, but his tone remained firm. “I understand more than you think. I saw the way you looked at each other back then. I also saw it at the inn, in the battles, even when you tried to bury it beneath anger and pride. Love like that doesn’t vanish, Rayne. It burrows into your bones, whether you acknowledge it or not.”Rayne closed her eyes, the truth of his words scraping against the walls she had built. She remembered Lucian’s steady hand catching hers when her mask threatened to slip
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fourteen: Fate In AgreementGarran remained still beside Rayne, his arms at his sides, his expression calm though his heart pounded like a drum inside his chest. He had never sought the crown, never dreamed of standing where he now stood—yet Rayne’s words, Cain’s defense, and the eyes of the council bore down on him like a mantle already placed upon his shoulders.Elder Marrow, whose silver hair gleamed in the torchlight, rose next. He had been the fiercest supporter of Rayne’s father, and his gaze cut like steel as it moved from Rayne to Garran. “You would give us a foreigner to lead us, Rayne Valen? A man who was once nothing more than a sword at your side? Leadership is more than battle scars. It is bloodline. It is history. It is legacy.”Rayne’s chest tightened, but she met the elder’s glare unflinchingly. “Legacy is nothing if there is no one left to carry it.” Her voice rang across the chamber, unwavering. “I have given you my bloodline. I have given you my legacy. But if you cling to it, if you refuse to
Last Updated: 2025-09-08
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Thirteen: The Crown Of ValenThe fire in the council chamber had burned low, but neither Rayne nor Garran had left. Hours had passed in silence, the tension between them stretching thin as steel wire. Garran stood at the tall window, gazing out at the training yard below where warriors sparred, their shouts and grunts muffled by thick stone walls. Rayne sat slumped in her chair, her body weary, but her spirit refusing to yield.He had refused her request. Refused the crown she was ready to place upon him. But Rayne knew Garran well—beneath his calm exterior was a man of relentless loyalty, a man who would never abandon her even if he did not take her place.And yet, if she was to secure Valen’s future, if she was to ensure no more blood was shed over its leadership, she could not leave him ignorant of the truth any longer.Her hand drifted once more to her stomach, the gesture instinctive, protective. She froze when she realized Garran’s sharp eyes had caught the movement. He turned, his expression unreadable.“Yo
Last Updated: 2025-09-07
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And ElevenA Few Months LaterThe sun cast its golden glow across the sprawling garden, the air alive with the scent of roses and the gentle hum of a string quartet. Frederick stood at the altar, his tailored suit a perfect fit, but it was the warmth in his eyes that truly defined him. This wasn’t just any wedding. It was a second chance—a rekindling of a love that had weathered storms and emerged stronger than ever.By his side stood Ethan, their little groom, looking dapper in his miniature suit. The boy’s chest puffed with pride as he held the rings tightly in his small hands. His bright eyes scanned the aisle with excitement, waiting for the moment his mother would arrive.The guests—all family and close friends—watched in quiet anticipation, their faces lit with joy. Ella, their sweet little bride, stood at the top of the aisle, her flower basket in hand. She giggled as she scattered petals with each step, her white dress billowing gently in the breeze.And then came Samara.Clad in an eleg
Last Updated: 2025-01-06
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And TenDamien stormed out of Caroline's apartment, his mind a whirlwind of anger and regret. He had thought he could control the situation, but Caroline's scheming had unraveled everything. Samara was gone, her trust shattered, and now he stood alone in the chaos he had helped create.As he drove through the city streets, Damien’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. Caroline had pushed too far this time, and he wasn’t going to let her get away with it. He needed to find a way to repair the damage, but what actually could he do to win Samara back? Has he really lost her after all this time of scheming to be with her? Meanwhile, back at Caroline’s apartment, she reclined on the couch, her wine glass in hand, savoring her perceived victory. She had shaken Damien and pushed Samara out of his reach. Everything was the way it should be now. She smiled to herself. If she can't have Frederick, Damien can't have Samara either.----The next morning, Samara woke in Frederick’s arms, sunlight stream
Last Updated: 2025-01-03
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And NineSamara drove aimlessly through the city streets, the cool night air seeping through her car’s cracked window. The confrontation with Damien had left her emotionally drained, but beneath the exhaustion was a strange sense of liberation. For the first time in months, she felt like she was in control of her own story.Her phone buzzed on the passenger seat, breaking her thoughts. She glanced at the screen—Frederick.After a moment’s hesitation, she picked it up. “Hello?”“Samara,” Frederick’s voice was calm but concerned. “Are you okay? You left so abruptly earlier. I was worried.”“I’m... better,” she admitted, her voice soft. “I ended things with Damien.”A pause. “You did?”“Yes,” she said firmly. “I couldn’t stay with him after what I found out.”“I’m proud of you,” Frederick said after a beat. “It takes strength to walk away from something that isn’t good for you.”Samara swallowed the lump in her throat, grateful for his unwavering support. “Thank you, Frederick. I don’t know what
Last Updated: 2025-01-01
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And EightFrederick opened the door almost instantly when Samara knocked, as though he’d been waiting for her. His expression shifted from concern to alarm when he saw the tears streaking her face and the phone clutched tightly in her hand.“Samara, what happened?” he asked, stepping aside to let her in.She walked past him, her body trembling with the effort to stay composed. “I was right,” she said, her voice breaking. “Caroline… Damien… they’ve been working together this whole time.”Frederick frowned, shutting the door and guiding her to the couch. “What do you mean? What did you find out?”Wordlessly, Samara unlocked her phone, pulled up the video, and handed it to him. She couldn’t bear to watch it again, but the sound of Damien and Caroline’s voices filled the room, each word cutting deeper than the last.Frederick’s jaw tightened as he watched. By the time the video ended, his hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles white. “Unbelievable,” he muttered, his voice low and furious. “Th
Last Updated: 2024-12-31
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And SevenFrederick’s hand covered hers, his touch steadying. “Samara, Damien isn’t the kind of man I’d trust with anything important. But this... this also sounds like something Caroline would orchestrate. She’s manipulative, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants.”“But what if he’s lying to me, Frederick?” she whispered. “What if everything we’ve built is a lie?”Frederick hesitated, his grip tightening slightly. “Then you deserve to know the truth. You don’t have to make any decisions tonight, Samara. Take your time. Don’t let them rush you into anything.”She looked at him, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. “I don’t know where to go from here.”He gave her a faint, bittersweet smile. “You’re stronger than you think. You’ll figure it out.”Samara felt a sudden rush of gratitude for him. Despite everything they’d been through, Frederick was still there for her, steady and unwavering. She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder as the weight of the eveni
Last Updated: 2024-12-31
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And SixSamara sat frozen in her chair, the café's lively atmosphere fading into the background. Her mind replayed Caroline's words, the images she had shown, and the implications they carried. The thought that Damien might have been working with Caroline all along made her stomach churn.Gathering herself, she took a deep breath and stood. She couldn’t let Caroline get to her—not without hearing Damien's side of the story first.---Later that evening, Samara sat in the living room, her arms crossed as she waited for Damien to return home. The engagement ring on her finger seemed to burn against her skin, a symbol of trust she now questioned. The door clicked open, and Damien walked in, his usual confident stride faltering when he saw her expression.“Samara?” he asked, setting his briefcase down. “What’s wrong?”She stood, holding her phone tightly. “Caroline,” she said flatly.His brows furrowed. “What about Caroline?”“She met with me today. She showed me pictures, Damien. Pictures of you
Last Updated: 2024-12-31
Chapter: Ice CliffThe air inside the courtroom was thick with tension. Every seat was filled, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Reporters sat at the back, cameras ready to capture the moment.Victoria’s heart pounded as she scanned the room in search of Gerald. She hadn't seen or spoken with him ever since that day he left.Mildred. Bianca. Becca.They were all seated around her, to give moral support.And then—her eyes landed on Gerald, sitting way behind in the courtroom, he looked so unkempt with overgrown beard.My heart, went out to him. But for now we were all here to witness the downfall of Nelson Brown.This was it.The end of Nelson Brown.At the defendant’s table, Nelson sat motionless, his jaw clenched. His once-powerful presence had diminished—no longer the untouchable crime lord he once was. He had lost weight, his face was gaunt, and his expensive suit did nothing to hide the desperation in his eyes.But it wasn’t over yet.The prosecution was just getting started.The attorne
Last Updated: 2025-02-14
Chapter: Icing On The Cake IIINelson Brown sat in the small, dimly lit common area of the prison, staring at the old television bolted to the wall.His hands tightened into fists as the news anchor repeated the words."Sources say this footage directly contradicts previous statements given by officials tied to the case, raising questions about a possible cover-up. Nelson Brown, currently serving time for—"The cup in Nelson’s hand shattered against the floor.The entire room fell silent.The other inmates knew better than to speak when Nelson was angry.A guard approached cautiously. “Brown. You good?”Nelson slowly turned his head, his expression terrifyingly calm. “Phone call. Now.”The guard hesitated—then nodded, leading him to the secured phone.Nelson punched in the number with controlled precision.It rang once. Twice.Julian picked up."You have something to tell me?" Nelson’s voice was low, lethal.Julian kept his tone neutral. “You saw the news.”“I did. And I want to know who the hell betrayed me.”Juli
Last Updated: 2025-02-14
Chapter: Icing On The Cake IIVictoria opened the door just enough for Julian to slip inside.The room was dark except for the faint glow of the bedside lamp. She glanced toward the bed—Gerald and Cherish still fast asleep.She turned to Julian. “You said we need to talk.”Julian studied her, his expression unreadable. “Yeah,” He exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on the door handle. “Nelson wants you dead. All of you. Including your daughter.” Her breath hitched. “Why are you telling me this?”"Because I can't bring myself to follow through with his orders." Julian answered."Then help me stop him." Victoria pleaded.A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. “You think it’s that simple?” He took a step closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t understand the kind of man Nelson is. The kind of power he still has.”“I understand just fine,” Victoria shot back. “But I also know you hesitated.”Julian’s eyes flickered.“If you were really as far gone as Nelson thinks you are,” she continued, “we wouldn’t be having this conv
Last Updated: 2025-02-14
Chapter: Icing On The CakeVictoria’s breath hitched.The weight of Gerald’s words settled over her like a suffocating blanket. The cameras. The interrogation room. The truth recorded in grainy, inescapable footage.She gripped the sheets beneath her, her heart pounding so hard it threatened to crack her ribs.“Victoria?” Gerald’s voice was steady, but his eyes were sharp, searching her face. “You okay?”No. She wasn’t.Because if they got access to those tapes, Nelson’s threat would be undeniable. It would be proof—hard evidence that he was still pulling strings from behind bars.But it wouldn’t be all it revealed.Her body stiffened at the memory, shame crawling up her spine like a cold, unwelcome touch.The way Nelson had backed her into a corner. The way she had let herself get lost, let herself fall.She couldn’t let Gerald see that.“I—I don’t know if that’s the best idea,” she stammered, forcing herself to look away. “Even if we get the footage, who’s to say it won’t get buried? Nelson has people in his
Last Updated: 2025-02-13
Chapter: Blocked IIIThe car ride to the daycare was filled with tense silence. Gerald gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white, his jaw clenched in unspoken frustration. Becca sat in the backseat with Victoria, her hand resting over Victoria’s in quiet reassurance.Victoria barely noticed.Her thoughts were consumed by one name.Nelson.She knew him too well. This wasn’t a coincidence. It wasn’t bad luck. It was him.Her heart pounded as she thought of Cherish, of what could have happened if they had been home.Gerald suddenly slammed his palm against the wheel, breaking the silence."This doesn't make sense!" he burst out. "Why would someone do this? Who the hell would want to burn our home down?"Victoria pressed her lips together, looking out the window. She wanted to tell him. She needed to tell him. But how?Would he even believe her?Nelson was behind bars. To Gerald, he was already dealt with, out of their lives. But Victoria knew he still had power. She had felt his influen
Last Updated: 2025-02-13
Chapter: Blocked IIVictoria’s phone buzzed against the table, cutting through the low hum of the café. She glanced at the screen—Becca.Frowning, she picked up. "Hey, Becca, what’s—""Victoria! Where are you?" Becca’s voice was frantic, breathless."Why?" she questioned."Your apartment—it's on fire!" Becca screamed with terror in her voice.Victoria’s heart slammed against her ribs. "What?""I-I don’t know how it happened, but it’s bad! The whole building is up in flames—firefighters just arrived, but it’s spreading fast!"The world tilted.Victoria's fingers clenched around the phone, her breath hitching in disbelief."Is Cherish with you?" Becca asked with panic."She’s at daycare," Victoria quickly reassured her. "She’s safe. And Gerald's here with me."But nothing felt safe anymore.Victoria shot up from her seat, nearly knocking over her coffee. Gerald looked at her in alarm. "What’s wrong?"She could barely get the words out. "Our apartment… it's on fire."Gerald’s face went pale. "What?""We hav
Last Updated: 2025-02-12
Chapter: One Hundred And ThirteenI narrowed my eyes at Jack, trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind his words. "You're being cryptic," I accused, though a smile tugged at my lips. Jack chuckled, tightening his arms around me. "Patience, love," he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to my cheek. "I promise you’ll like it." Before I could probe further, my mother interrupted, tugging at our hands. "You both need to dance! The DJ just switched to a slower song, and we can’t let all this romance go to waste!" I laughed as she pulled us toward the dance floor, Jack trailing behind with amusement in his eyes. The soft melody of a love song filled the air, and couples swayed in each other’s arms. Soon I caught sight of Jefferson and my mother moving together, whispering to one another as if the rest of the world had faded away. Seeing them like this—so in love—made my heart swell. For years, my mother had held onto the pain of losing Jefferson, believing they were never meant to be. But fate had given them
Last Updated: 2025-03-17
Chapter: One Hundred And TwelveThe night was still young, and the wedding reception carried on in full swing. The music had shifted from soft jazz to more upbeat tunes, encouraging guests onto the dance floor. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, and the love between Jack and Sophie was evident in the way they moved together, whispering to each other, lost in their own world.But amidst the celebration, Jefferson had only one thing on his mind.Karen.She stood a few feet away, laughing with Sophie and another guest, her golden dress shimmering under the warm lights. The way she tilted her head back when she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled—it was mesmerizing.Fate had pulled them apart for years, but now, here they were, together again.And he wasn’t about to waste another second.Jefferson had spent too many nights wondering what could have been, too many years regretting the time they had lost. Their love had once been a force of nature—passionate, intense, and all-consuming. But life had taken them d
Last Updated: 2025-03-15
Chapter: One Hundred And ElevenThe wedding reception was nothing short of magical.The grand ballroom sparkled under the glow of golden chandeliers, casting a warm, romantic ambiance. Tables were adorned with elegant floral centerpieces, soft candlelight flickering between the crystal glasses and silverware. The scent of fresh roses and vanilla from the wedding cake lingered in the air, blending with the laughter and music.Jack and I sat at the beautifully decorated sweetheart table, watching as our guests mingled, sipped champagne, and danced to the soft jazz melody filling the room. The energy was electric, a perfect blend of sophistication and celebration.“I still can’t believe we’re finally married,” I whispered to Jack, squeezing his hand.He turned to me, his blue eyes filled with warmth. “Believe it my darling wife.”A rush of happiness coursed through me. “I love the sound of that.”Jack chuckled. “Get used to it.”We had just finished our first dance as husband and wife, and everything felt like a dream.
Last Updated: 2025-03-14
Chapter: One Hundred And TenThe wedding hall was a vision of elegance—golden chandeliers casting a warm glow, ivory drapes flowing like soft clouds, and the scent of fresh roses and peonies filling the air. Guests were already seated, their murmurs blending with the soft melody of a string quartet playing in the background.I walked through the corridors, my wedding gown trailing behind me, the intricate lace shimmering under the warm lights. Every step I took felt heavier than the last, not because of hesitation, but because of the weight of the moment.This was it.The moment I had dreamed of since I was a little girl.The moment I had planned for months, agonizing over every detail—the flowers, the venue, the dress, the guest list. And yet, it wasn’t the aesthetics that made this moment important. It was the man waiting for me at the altar. Jack.My mother held my hand gently as we reached the bridal suite. “Are you okay?” she asked, her gaze searching mine.I swallowed, nodding. “I’m fine.”But my voice wave
Last Updated: 2025-03-13
Chapter: One Hundred And NineThe garden terrace was tucked away behind the grand wedding venue, a quiet, secluded spot where guests would later mingle during cocktail hour. The scent of jasmine and fresh roses lingered in the air, the soft rustling of leaves the only sound as I stepped onto the stone pathway.Alex was already there.Dressed in a sharp suit, his dark hair still styled the way I remembered, he turned at the sound of my footsteps. His gaze swept over me, and for a moment, there was something unreadable in his eyes.“You came,” he said.I folded my hands in front of me, keeping my voice steady. “What do you want, Alex?”He let out a slow breath. “I needed to see you. Before you marry him.”Anger flared in my chest. “You’ve had months to see me. You waited until my wedding day?”His jaw tightened. “I know. And maybe I don’t deserve this moment. But I had to try.”“Try what, exactly?”His eyes darkened. “To tell you I still love you.”Silence crashed between us.I clenched my fists. “You don’t get to s
Last Updated: 2025-03-12
Chapter: One Hundred And EightThe wedding was just two days away, and every second felt like a blur of last-minute preparations. The venue was set, the guests had confirmed their attendance, and my dress was finally hanging in my room, ready for the big day.Yet, despite all the excitement, an undercurrent of nerves buzzed beneath my skin.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My heart pounded against my ribs, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.Karen, always attuned to my moods, plopped down beside me. “Alright, spill. What’s going on in that overthinking brain of yours?”I hesitated before sighing. “It just feels surreal, you know? After everything that’s happened, I can’t believe I’m actually getting my happily ever after.”Karen softened, squeezing my hand. “You deserve this, Sophie. Jack loves you. And after all the hell Rachel put you through, this wedding is your fresh start.”I nodded, exhaling slowly. “I know. I just—I want it to go perfectly.”She grinned. “Trust me, it will
Last Updated: 2025-03-11