Chapter: Vow to protect CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONEGRAHAMThe council chamber was colder than usual, though the fire blazed bright in the hearth. I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on me as I walked in. The long wooden table stretched between us, carved with generations of names, but tonight it felt more like a battlefield.Miriam sat straight-backed, her thin lips pressed together, arms folded as though she had already won a silent argument. To her left, Elder Caine drummed his fingers on the table, thoughtful but watchful. The others sat in a half-circle of stern faces.I didn’t bother sitting.“Let’s not waste time,” I said, my voice carrying through the chamber. “I know what’s being whispered. I know why you’ve called me here.”Miriam’s chin lifted. “Then you know this is no whisper. It is truth. The Luna carries a child, and the timing is reckless.”I held her gaze, calm but firm. “The timing is what the Goddess has given us. That makes it sacred, not reckless.”Her nostrils flared. “
Last Updated: 2025-09-17
Chapter: You’re insaneCHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTYZOEYBy the time Graham left to meet with the council, my chest still felt tight. His words in the courtyard had been like fire, sharp, blazing, impossible to ignore. He had defended me without hesitation, and made it clear to everyone that I wasn’t alone.And yet, when the door closed behind him, the silence in our room was heavy.I couldn’t stop hearing Miriam’s voice in my head. Reckless.I pressed a hand to my stomach, a habit that was starting to form without me realizing it. I wanted to believe Graham’s strength could shield me from everything, but doubts crept in through the cracks.Before those thoughts swallowed me whole, I pushed myself up from the bed. My feet carried me almost on their own, down the hall, across the courtyard, until I reached Hannah’s quarters.The door was open.Inside, Hannah was bent over her herb table, grinding leaves into powder. Lily sat cross-legged on the rug, braiding thin threads of colored yarn together, humming t
Last Updated: 2025-09-16
Chapter: Fellow womenCHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN ZOEYThe morning air was cool when I walked into the courtyard. The sun had barely climbed above the trees, and yet the pack grounds were already alive with movement, warriors training, mothers calling after their children, and servants carrying trays of food to the hall.I was only halfway across the yard when I noticed it, the stares. Not the usual curious glances that came when I first arrived here, not even the warm smiles I had gotten after proving myself in little ways. These were different.Whispers.Eyes dropping to my stomach before flicking away. Hushed voices quickly muffled when I passed.At first, I thought I was imagining it. But when two older women near the well exchanged a look, then leaned closer to whisper again, my heart sank.They knew.Somehow, the secret wasn’t a secret anymore.I kept walking, holding my head high like nothing was wrong, but inside, my chest was tight. My hand itched to press against my stomach protectively, bu
Last Updated: 2025-09-15
Chapter: Side by sideCHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENGRAHAMThe sun was already high when Viktor came to the house. His steps were steady, his coat lined with dust from the road, but he carried himself like he always did, with calm authority.I met him in the front hall.“Long ride?” I asked.“Not too long,” Viktor said. His mouth quirked in a small smile. “Your guards made sure of that. They stopped me at least three times.”“They’re doing their job,” I replied, though I knew my men could be excessive. After weeks of attacks and fear, they trusted little.We moved into the study. The maids had already set out tea and bread, though neither of us touched it right away. Viktor lowered himself into the chair across from me, his sharp eyes scanning the room as though memorizing it.“Zoey’s well?” he asked after a pause.“She’s fine,” I said, my tone clipped without meaning it to be. I didn’t want to explain, not yet. “And Lily?”“She is herself,” Viktor answered, and a small warmth touched his voice. “Full
Last Updated: 2025-09-14
Chapter: Scared of being a father CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN ZOEYThe night had stretched long and restless, but by dawn, the house was quiet. For once, there were no hurried knocks on the door, no messengers calling for Graham, no whispers of new attacks.I woke with the sunlight brushing across the curtains. Graham was already awake, lying beside me with one arm tucked behind his head. His eyes were on me, soft and thoughtful, like he’d been watching for a while.“Morning,” I whispered, my voice rough with sleep.“Morning,” he said. His hand reached over and brushed a strand of hair from my face. “You were frowning in your sleep.”I sighed. “Dreams.”“Bad?”I nodded but didn’t explain. Not yet. He didn’t press me, and that was one of the things I loved most about him. He gave me space when I needed it.Instead, I curled closer to his chest. His heart was steady under my ear, a sound that grounded me more than anything. For a few breaths, I let myself forget the shadows at our borders, the worry that lived in
Last Updated: 2025-09-13
Chapter: Heart to heartCHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTEENZOEYThe morning air was sharp and cool when I stepped out into the courtyard. I had planned to take a quiet walk, maybe clear my head before the day began, but the sight that met me made my stomach twist.A group of warriors stood in a circle, murmuring in low voices. In the center, Ronald bent down, brushing his fingers over something on the ground. I walked closer, and the moment he saw me, he straightened quickly, almost too quickly.“Zoey,” he greeted. His tone was warm but carried a hint of unease. “You shouldn’t be here.”“Why?” I asked, frowning. “What happened?”Behind him, one of the warriors kicked at the dirt, covering whatever had been there.“Nothing you need to worry about,” Ronald said.That answer only made me more alert. “Ronald. Don’t do that with me. What’s going on?”He looked over his shoulder, then sighed. “A body. Or what’s left of one. We found it by the eastern border.”A cold wave washed through me. “A body?”“Yes.” His voice
Last Updated: 2025-09-12
Chapter: Hundred and Sixty nine HAILEYEPILOGUECarter has been the best father to our daughter, Amelia. From the day he found out about my pregnancy, he had been nothing but caring.Every weekend, we always went shopping for baby items, even without knowing the gender of our baby.And when our baby was finally born, Carter's joy knew no bounds. Whenever Amelia cried at night, he'd ask me to rest while he fed her the milk and rocked her to sleep.He even abandoned the company for Xavier in order to be with me and Amelia. He was ever present and I didn't have any complain whatsoever. My only fear was that she'd grow up to be a daddy's girl and forget me.Carter treated our daughter exactly how I wished to be treated by my father. Everyday, when I thought I'd seen the end, Carter would come up with new ways of loving Amelia. I wouldn't be surprised if her first word was his name.After my rebirth, I had never thought I'd find love again. I had given up on it and planned that after carrying out my revenge, I'd start a
Last Updated: 2024-05-01
Chapter: Hundred and Sixty Eight CARTER"She's really grumpy and demanding but I love every second of it," I said, knotting my tie."I'm sure you do." Xavier replied, "I'd even mistake you for the carrying the child because of how happy and healthy you look," Xavier's comment made me laugh. He was right as I had heard the comment several times. A lot of people said I was enjoying the process of fatherhood way to much and my reply was always the same,"Becoming a father to Hailey's and my child was the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire years of existence." Though the pregnancy made Hailey act up and become easily irritated with everything including me, I didn't mind. I loved every single moment of it and because of that, I now had a journal where I document each day of her pregnancy. Her food cravings, her likes and dislikes and so much more.Another thing about Hailey was that the pregnancy made her conscious of her body. She'd stand in front of a mirror and comment on how fat and out of shape sh
Last Updated: 2024-04-30
Chapter: Hundred and Sixty Seven CARTERHailey's behaviour left me worried as this was the first time I had seen her this way. After she threw up, I couldn't help but notice how deathly pale she looked and the fact that she didn't touch her food made me scared.I found it difficult to concentrate as my mind thought of several reasons as to why she looked pale. Perhaps was she sick with a deadly, incurable disease? Due to how deep in thought I was, I didn't notice when Xavier walked in, until he placed a document on my table and muttered, "Earth to Carter.""Oh" I looked at him, "When did you come in?""Not long ago," He replied, taking a seat, "What's on your mind?""Hailey," I replied."What about her?" He asked curiously."I think she's sick.""Why do you have that thought?""Because for the first time ever, she threw up and she looks pale," I sighed, "and when I asked her, she said it's that time of the month. I think she's trying to hide something from me," I placed my elbow on the table and rested my head on it
Last Updated: 2024-04-30
Chapter: Hundred and Sixty SixHAILEYMy relationship with Carter had improved considerable after the honeymoon proposal. We barely argued and we did everything together. He was the sweetest and the most perfect man for me. I had gotten used to his sweet side which he only used for me alone.Carter and I stood in the kitchen, which had become a regular witness to our intimate sessions. But that wasn't the point. We were baking a bread together for breakfast and we were waiting for it to be ready."Do you think it'll come out great?" I asked even though I already knew the answer. Carter was a great good and I envied him for that quality."Of course," He smiled, "Whatever I whisk up must come out delicious. Chefs kiss" He folded his fingers, brought it to his lips and kissed loudly.I rolled my eyes at him with a smile on his face, "Narcissist," I muttered."It'd be a waste to be this good and not show it off, you know that right?"I threw an ugly face at him and he laughed. "Don't tell me you're jealous?" He wrapped
Last Updated: 2024-04-30
Chapter: Hundred and Sixty FiveCARTERI stood and stared at the vast expanse of greeny before me.Xavier had told me before hand about Temmy asking me to lead her pack.I knew what she was worried about.Temmy was capable of ruling, but the fear of the Innocent people having to suffer if any mischief came up was the issue.I'd been thinking about it for a while and I decided to finally say it to Xavier.A combined honeymoon, Carter and Hailey, Temmy and I.However we'd have to leave that pack and although the peace was all settled, it'd still take a lot of arrangements to make for a trip like that. "Xavier,"I called from behind as he walked towards me."What are you doing here," I asked and shook my hands." Thank you for accepting Temmy's offer," he thanked and he gave a stoic response."I've something to suggest Xavier," I began and he turned to look at me Interestedly." What is it that you've in stock," he asked as I kept mute."A combined honeymoon," I said and he stood shocked before finally getting a grasp
Last Updated: 2024-04-30
Chapter: Hundred and Sixty FourTEMMYI lay down on my bed, reminiscing about the relationship between Xavier and me.I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts to no avail, they consumed me whole.I'd been thinking about it the whole day, our relationship, my relationship with him.It felt even more different after the incident that happened last.When he told me that he loved me, I felt my heart thump rapidly but it thumped harder when I saw him losing consciousness in my arms.A Small part of me wanted to stop but I couldn't, I struggled harder to stop the rampage Inside of me.But despite all this, he didn't stop holding, despite the chances that it could be his last chance of survival.A thought clicked in my mind, I'd marked Xavier and he had as well, but I had no memories of doing so.Love was sweet and I ran my hands through the mate mark on my body, smiling like a Cheshire cat to myself.The small date, little Jabments of PDA when we both hadn't confessed our feelings to each other, the thrill that came wit
Last Updated: 2024-04-30
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