Kayla’s POV Darkness surrounded me, pulling me under like an deadly sea. But faint voices echoed in the distance, breaking through the void. “Kayla! Stay with me, damn it!” That voice. Deep, rough with panic. Alpha Adrian. I felt my body being lifted, strong arms holding me tightly. My head lolled against a firm chest as the sound of hurried footsteps and frantic voices filled the air. “She passed out from pain—get out of my way!” Adrian snarled. “Alpha—” “I don’t want one doctor—I want two! I want the best medical team working on her immediately,” he barked. “I don’t care what it takes. She needs the best treatment possible.” The desperation in his voice sent a dull ache through my chest. The best treatment. A cruel memory suddenly resurfaced—one I had buried deep inside. “Doctor, treat Mia first,” Xavier’s cold voice had rung through the hospital room. “She’s carrying my child.” I had been lying on the hospital bed, barely conscious, blood soaking through my gown. My bod
Kayla’s POVThe hospital air smelled sterile, the walls too white, the bedsheets too stiff. I should have been relieved to be leaving, but instead, my body felt heavier than it had ever been.The moment I stepped outside the hospital doors, the warm afternoon breeze touched my skin, but even that couldn’t lift the weight pressing down on my chest.Then I saw him.Alpha Adrian stood by a sleek black SUV, his sharp golden eyes locked onto me the second I appeared. He wasn’t just here to send someone to pick me up—he had come himself.He was leaning against the car, arms crossed, but as soon as he saw me, he straightened and strode forward. Without a word, he carefully lifted me into his arms.“Adrian, I can walk,” I muttered, my voice weak.“You don’t have to,” he said simply, carrying me as if I weighed nothing.I was too tired to argue.He gently placed me in the passenger seat, buckled my seatbelt himself, and only after making sure I was comfortable did he walk around to the driver’
Kayla’s POVEver since Adrian's mother, who I heard is called Lady Catherine told Adrian about his stepbrother’s visit, something about him had changed.He was still attentive—still the man who carried me to bed, still the man who wiped my face with a warm towel when I was too drained to do it myself. But now, there was an edge to him, a restlessness he couldn’t seem to shake.I caught it in the way his eyes darkened even more when he thought no one was looking, in the way his fingers drummed against the wooden desk when he sat with me during meals.A week had passed, and I had mostly recovered. My body was still adjusting, but I was strong enough to move around on my own now.And yet, Adrian still insisted on tending to me.The only thing he didn’t do was help me in the bathroom. That was the one thing he let Ingrid handle.Which gave me an idea.When Adrian was in the middle of brushing my hair—something he had stubbornly taken upon himself—I cleared my throat. “I need to use the re
Kayla’s POV“Ingrid, are you sure about this?” I asked, eyeing the dress she had just laid out for me.She sighed dramatically. “Luna Kayla, you’ve asked me that three times already.”I bit my lip. “I just… I want everything to go right. I don’t want to cause Adrian any more stress.”Ingrid turned to me, hands on her hips. “Adrian invited you to this. He wants you there. And you’re doing this for him, right?”I nodded. “Right.”“Then stop worrying.” She patted the dress. “Now, get changed. We don’t have much time.”With a deep breath, I took the dress and stepped behind the privacy screen.As I changed, I thought about Adrian—how he had been these past few days.Even after I recovered, he had still been… kind. Attentive. Caring.He still brought me meals, even though I was perfectly capable of getting them myself. He still tucked me in at night, as if making sure I was safe before he could sleep.And he never let me feel like a burden.I wanted to pay him back, even if it was just by
Kayla’s POV I couldn’t move. Adrian's brother was stunning. Ingrid had previously told me that his name was Hector. He had the same powerful presence as Adrian, but there was something more… polished about him. His sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes made it impossible to look away. But it wasn’t just his looks that shocked me—it was the way he carried himself. Confident. Effortless. Like he already knew he owned the room. it stunned me. Then, another figure emerged from the car behind him. A woman. And not just any woman—a stunningly beautiful older woman. Her golden-blonde hair was styled in perfect waves, and her soft features were enhanced by flawless makeup. She moved with the grace of royalty, her long emerald-green dress flowing behind her like liquid silk. She stepped up beside Adrian's brother, her hand rested lightly on his arm. It soon became clear that this was Hector’s mother. Lady Elizabeth. “Oh, how lovely,” Lady Catherine sneered, her voice drip
Kayla’s POVI was fucking PISSED!.Not at Adrian.Not at his brother Hector of course.Not even at Candice and her annoying, manipulative ways.I was furious at myself!I couldn't believe that I fainted in front of Adrian's family! what is wrong with me?!!I don't want to be weak. I don't want to be seen as some fragile girl who needed to be carried around and protected. But here I was, waking up in a soft bed, feeling lightheaded and drained, because my own body had betrayed me.The worst part?I had passed out and woken up in Adrian’s arms... Again!I groaned and pressed a hand over my face. “I hate this.”A low chuckle rumbled beside me.“You hate that you’re injured? That's understandable but not your fault.” Adrian’s deep voice was laced with amusement.I turned my head to glare at him.He was sitting beside the bed, one arm resting on the chair, his sharp eyes watching me closely. His dark hair was slightly messy, like he had been running his fingers through it too much.“No,” I
Kayla’s POV "Kayla right?" A voice suddenly said behind me. I turned around to see Hector's handsome face beaming at me.That was the first time we bumped into each other. After that, I turned around and walked back to my room, still fuming about seeing Adrian and Candice. But after that day, I still kept bumping into him.like right now, This was the third time but I was getting really tired of bumping into Hector. It was like the universe had some sick sense of humor, forcing me into these run-ins with Adrian’s insufferably charming brother. And worse? Hector took full advantage of it. Like right now. I had just stepped out of the pack’s administrative office after helping Ingrid with some paperwork when I turned a corner— And smacked straight into a firm, muscular chest. A familiar chuckle rumbled in front of me. “Well, well. If it isn’t my favorite little distraction.” I knew that voice. I didn’t even have to look up. Hector. Of course. I took a deep breath, schooli
Adrian’s POVI didn’t like the way Hector was looking at Kayla.And I hated the way she didn’t immediately pull away.It made something sharp twist in my chest, something dark and possessive.And then Hector had the audacity to grin at her and say, “We should continue this conversation later, Kayla. Maybe over dinner?”Absolutely not.Before she could respond, I stepped forward, putting myself directly between them. “She’s busy.”Hector’s smirk widened. “Oh? I don’t recall you being her schedule manager, brother.”I clenched my jaw. “She’s busy,” I repeated, my voice leaving no room for argument.Kayla blinked, clearly startled by my tone.Hector, on the other hand, looked amused. He glanced at Kayla. “Well, if you ever find yourself not busy, you know where to find me.”I exhaled sharply, my patience thinning. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”Hector chuckled. “Fine, fine. I’ll back off… for now.”I didn’t respond. I just turned to Kayla. “Come with me.”She hesitated for a seco
Adrian’s POVSuddenly The battlefield is silent.Too silent.My chest rises and falls rapidly as I stand in the middle of the destruction, blood staining my hands, my claws still extended, my wolf barely caged beneath my skin. Around me, my warriors are shaken but alive, their eyes darting between the few bodies of the fallen rogue like creatures—if they could even be called that.The battle field is quiet not because we were winning, but Because the moment Kayla was taken… they suddenly vanished into thin air before our eyes.Not a trace of them left.My fists clench, rage surging inside me like wildfire.Kayla was gone too though.My woman had been taken by my stepbrother and Kayla's former assistant.“Hector,” I snarl, snapping my head toward Logan. “Where the hell is Hector?”Logan’s face is grim, his body tense as he watches me carefully. “We don’t know.”A growl rips from my throat, sharp and deadly. “Find them. Now!”“We tried.” Logan’s expression hardens. “The second she was t
Kayla’s POVPain throbs in my skull as I slowly open my eyes, my body aching like I’ve been tossed around like a rag doll. The last thing I remember is screaming Adrian’s name, reaching for him, only to be pulled away—taken by force. My heart clenches at the memory, and panic floods my veins.I jolt upright, my breaths shallow as I take in my surroundings.The room is dimly lit, the walls made of rough stone. A few small lanterns cast flickering shadows across the space, illuminating the frightened faces of young women who stand huddled together near the far end of the room. Their eyes are wide as they stare at me, like they’ve been expecting me.“Where am I?” My voice comes out hoarse, my throat raw from screaming.A rustling sound to my right makes me turn. My body tenses when I see Hector and Ingrid standing near the doorway. Hector’s arms are crossed, his expression unreadable, while Ingrid looks more hesitant, shifting her weight from foot to foot.I shove the blankets off and t
Adrian’s POV Kayla was trembling in my arms, her fingers gripping my shirt like she was afraid I’d disappear. I tightened my hold on her, pressing my lips against her temple, trying to ground her. "It’s okay," I whispered. "You’re safe." She didn’t respond. Her breathing was shallow, her entire body stiff. Something was wrong. Very wrong. I pulled back slightly to look at her face. Her pupils were dilated, her skin too pale. "Kayla," I murmured, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "Talk to me." She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, a howl ripped through the night. The pack alarm. Again! Shit. I snapped my head up, my instincts immediately on high alert. The howls multiplied, blending with distant shouts. My wolves were already gathering outside. We were under attack. For real this time. Earlier was just a warning from something that looked like Xavier.. but wasn't quite him. Kayla gasped, grabbing my wrist. "Adrian—" I cupped her face, forcing her to focus on
Kayla’s POV I slammed the bedroom door shut, twisting the lock with trembling fingers. My breath came in ragged gasps as I pressed my back against the door, my chest rising and falling in rapid, uneven bursts. What had I done? I had told Adrian I loved him. And worse—I had meant it. The words had slipped past my lips before I could stop them, before I could shove them back down into the deep, dark place where I kept all the things I couldn’t afford to feel. And then—like a coward—I had run as Adrian was forced to leave. But where could I run to? I belonged to him now. And that was the most terrifying part. I squeezed my eyes shut, my nails digging into the skin of my arms. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t afford to need him. Not when I was changing. Not when I didn’t even know what I was anymore. The mark on my arm burned as if it could hear my thoughts, reminding me of what I was trying so desperately to deny. Lady Elizabeth’s words echoed in my head. "You bear their mark,
Adrian’s POVMy heart still pounded from my situation with Kayla, but I pushed the thought aside as I raced toward the border. Logan ran beside me, his jaw tight with frustration. The moment the border guards had sounded the alarm, I knew it couldn’t be anything good."Who the hell would be bold enough to get this close?" Logan muttered, keeping pace."I don't know," I said, my voice sharp. "But if they think they can just waltz into my territory, they're about to learn a painful lesson."The moment we neared the tree line, I caught sight of a figure standing at the edge of our land. My stomach twisted into a knot.Xavier.Or at least… I thought it was Xavier.The stance, the cocky smirk—it was all the same. But something was off. His face seemed… distorted. For a split second, his features blurred, like I was staring at a reflection in rippling water. My wolf bristled, sensing something unnatural."Adrian," Logan said warily, stepping up beside me. "That—" He hesitated. "That doesn’t
Adrian’s POVI didn’t plan on letting her go.Not tonight. Not ever.I held Kayla’s face between my hands, staring into those stormy eyes that I had come to crave more than anything else in this world. I had meant every word—I wasn’t letting her leave this room until she told me the truth.But deep down, I knew I wasn’t just talking about tonight.A dark part of me, the part that had already lost too much, whispered that I would never let her go at all.And I felt guilty for it.Kayla wasn’t some possession to be kept in a cage. But I couldn’t shake the possessiveness curling in my chest, the absolute refusal to lose her too.Not after what I’d already lost.She was shaking now, her breaths coming out in sharp, uneven gasps. Her hands clenched at her sides as if she was fighting some invisible war within herself.And she looked scared.That’s what threw me off the most.What the hell was she so afraid of?"Kayla," I murmured, my fingers tracing over her cheekbone. "Talk to me."Her li
Kayla’s POVI couldn't stop thinking about last night.The way Adrian had held me. The way his hands had traced my skin, setting every nerve in my body on fire.And the way he had stopped.He had looked at me like I was something precious, something he was too scared to take before I was ready.I had never known a man like him before.Adrian was dangerous, feared, and yet with me, he was patient. Protective.I was falling for him. Hard.The realization terrified me. I had spent so long guarding my heart, convincing myself that love—real love—was a luxury I would never have again. And yet, here I was, aching for him in a way that had nothing to do with the mate bond.I needed a distraction, something to clear my mind.Which was why I was now standing outside Lady Elizabeth’s home again, my heart hammering as I raised my hand to knock.She had asked to see me privately, and though I had agreed, I wasn’t sure I was ready for whatever she had to say.But something told me I needed to hear
Authors note: Thank you to everyone that left a comment, I read each and every one of them, and it was so uplifting. I'll do my best for you too. ,💕Adrian’s POV My training session the next day was brutal, but I barely felt it. My mind was elsewhere. Xavier. That fucking asshole. Logan had reported earlier that the bastard had been snooping around, and then I actually CAUGHT him talking to a certain pack member. That alone was enough to put me on edge. Xavier wasn’t here for resources—he was here to stir up trouble, I knew that, but I didn't know what to do about it yet. As I wiped sweat from my brow, Logan approached. "You’re distracted Sir," he noted. "I’m fine," I muttered, tossing my towel over my shoulder. Logan didn’t look convinced. "I didn't want to bother you, but You should know—Xavier was seen talking to some more of Hector’s former allies." Not again! Did that asshole ever learn? Did I have to break his neck for him to stop? My entire body went rigid with a
Adrian’s POV Logan entered my office with a grim expression, shutting the door behind him. "We have a problem," he said, his tone clipped. I leaned back in my chair, already feeling the tension coil in my muscles. "Wait, I know, Let me guess. it's Xavier." Logan nodded. "He's been snooping around, talking to certain pack members. And not just any members—Hector’s old allies. The ones on the council who didn’t want you as Alpha." My jaw clenched. Of course, Xavier wouldn’t waste time to piss me off. The bastard was here under the pretense of collecting resources, but I knew better. He was testing boundaries, looking for weaknesses. And now, he was making nice with the same men who had fought against my leadership. I stood, grabbing my jacket. "Where the fuck is he now?" Logan sighed. "In the west courtyard. He’s been real friendly with Councilor Marcus and the others. Too friendly." Rage burned in my chest, but I kept my voice even. "Let’s go." --- The moment I stepped into