Adrian’s POV Jack leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable as I tried to explain—again—why I needed his help. “I’m not sure about getting involved, Adrian,” he said flatly. “this is going to far and I'm already risking too damn much.” My jaw tightened, frustration bubbling to the surface. “YOURE risking too damn much? You’re the one who ruined her life in the first place! The least you can do is help me get her back.” Jack’s eyes narrowed. “Watch it. I don’t owe you—or her—anything.” I scoffed, unable to hold back my irritation. “You’re still bitter, aren’t you? You can’t stand the thought of her being happy with anyone else because you’re still not over her.” Jack stiffened, his eyes flashing with anger. “I’m expecting a child with Kate. Do you really think I’m pining after Tamara?” “Yes,” I snapped. “Because it’s obvious. You say you’ve moved on, but every time her name comes up, you look like someone just punched you in the gut. Admit it, Jack. Y
Adrian’s POV The knock at my office door came unexpectedly, sharp and deliberate. I frowned, setting down the glass of whiskey I’d been nursing. Visitors were rare these days, and the timing of this one was peculiar. “Come in,” I called, leaning back in my chair. The door swung open, revealing a man I hadn’t seen in years. Alpha Jonathan. His imposing figure filled the doorway, and his presence was as commanding as ever. The silver streaks in his dark hair only added to his air of authority. “Alpha Jonathan,” I said, rising to my feet. “To what do I owe this… surprise?” He stepped inside, his boots clicking against the polished floor as he closed the door behind him. His sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on me. “We need to talk,” he said, his tone curt. I gestured for him to sit, curiosity piqued. “By all means. What brings you here?” Jonathan took the offered seat but didn’t relax. His shoulders were tense, his expression grim. “It’s about Dante,” he said without pr
Tamara’s POV Dante had been tense ever since the court summons arrived. The accusation against him was too heavy, and although he’d tried to mask it around me, I could see through his every attempt to hide his frustration. He was on edge, pacing the halls, spending hours in his office, and sleeping less. This wasn’t like him. Dante was always calm, composed, and unshakable. To see him like this… it fucking hurt. I decided I’d had enough. If he wasn’t going to take a break on his own, I was going to make him take one. The plan was simple: distract Dante for a whole day. No office work, no border patrols, no strategizing. Just fun and relaxation. I wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Dante,” I called, standing in the doorway of his study. He was at his desk, leaning over some documents, his dark brows furrowed in concentration. “Hmm?” he grunted without looking up. I stepped inside and crossed my arms. “Get up.” His pen stilled, and he finally looked at me, his sharp green eyes na
Tamara’s POV The morning of the court hearing was heavy with tension. Dante had been uncharacteristically quiet as we got ready, his usual confidence dimmed by the weight of what was coming. I tried my best to stay calm for his sake, reminding myself that this was Dante—strong, capable, and always one step ahead of his enemies. But just as I was fastening the final clasp of my dress, a familiar voice rang through the palace halls. “Tamara?” I froze for a second, then rushed out of the room to see Sophie standing at the front door, her bright smile lighting up the grand entryway. “Sophie!” I exclaimed, hurrying down the stairs. “You’re back already?” She nodded, looking a little flustered but happy. “Yes. Nathan sent me back to resume my work.” I blinked, stunned. “Nathan sent you?” She laughed lightly, rubbing the back of her neck. “I know, it’s hard to believe, right? But he’s finally come around. He told me he understands how much my job means to me, and he’s decided to supp
Tamara’s POVThe courtroom buzzed with tension, the air thick as Lord Jarek droned on, hammering away at Dante’s reputation. his accusations were sharp and too deliberate, designed to paint Dante as a fucking dictator. My blood boiled with every word he spoke.I couldn’t sit still any longer. As Jarek raised his voice, calling Dante a threat to peace, I shot out of my chair.“I object!”The room fell silent. Every head turned to me, and I could feel the weight of a hundred shocked gazes. Even Dante looked stunned as I stepped forward and planted myself between him and the Elders.“Tamara,” Dante hissed softly, his voice low with warning. But I ignored him.“This entire trial is a farce,” I said, my voice firm as I looked directly at Lord Jarek. “You’re not here to seek justice. You’re here to destroy Alpha Dante’s reputation, and everyone in this room knows it.”The collective gasp from the council echoed like thunder.“Outrageous!” Lord Jarek snapped, his face reddening. “You dare a
Tamara’s POV The early morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the bedroom. I stretched lazily, already anticipating the hopefully not shitty day ahead. Today, I was heading to Alpha Jonathan’s pack to prove Dante’s innocence. There was no room for error. Sliding out of bed, I moved quietly, trying not to wake Dante as I grabbed my clothes and headed to the vanity. But before I could even finish brushing my hair, I felt strong arms wrap around my waist. “Where do you think you’re going?” Dante’s voice was husky, still thick with sleep, as he pulled me back against him. I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. “You know exactly where I’m going. Alpha Jonathan’s pack. I told you last night.” “You could stay,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my neck. “Just a little longer. The sun’s barely up.” I laughed softly, shaking my head as his kisses grew more insistent. “Dante, you’re impossible.” “Guilty,” he said, spinning me around to fac
Tamara’s POVThe jet hummed softly as we soared through the skies, but I could barely focus on anything other than the constant unease churning in my stomach. I thought I had shaken it off earlier, but as the minutes dragged on, the nausea returned with a vengeance. I barely made it to the restroom before I found myself doubled over again, the contents of my stomach spilling out.“Tamara?” Sophie’s worried voice came from outside the door.I rinsed my mouth quickly and splashed cold water on my face before unlocking the door. Sophie was standing there, her brows furrowed in concern.“You don’t look fine,” she said bluntly.“I’m fine,” I insisted, leaning on the doorframe for support.Sophie wasn’t buying it. “You’re pale as a ghost. Sit down before you fall over.”I allowed her to guide me back to my seat, my legs trembling slightly.“You haven’t eaten all day,” she said, already rummaging through the small kitchenette on the plane. “You’re probably weak. Let me get you something.”“S
Tamara’s POVThe world spun violently as I felt my legs give way beneath me. Distantly, I could hear Alpha Jonathan’s voice barking out orders.“Call the doctor! Now!”No. The thought pierced through the fog clouding my mind, sharp and urgent. I couldn’t let them call a doctor.Thoughts of my secret abnormalities flashed in my head—the strange way my wolf’s thirst for blood surged uncontrollably at times, the lingering sensations I sometimes felt after drinking the potions, even though it shouldn’t affect me. Then there was the fact of my rebirth I couldn’t risk anyone examining me too closely incase they see these things. Gritting my teeth, I forced my eyes open and willed myself to sit up.“No doctor,” I croaked, my voice weak but firm.Alpha Jonathan’s expression twisted in irritation as he hovered over me. “Tamara, you nearly collapsed. You need help.”“I’m fine,” I lied, my breath still shaky. “I just need rest.”Jonathan crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “What the hell was
Adrian’s POV The moment the warrior burst into the room, his face pale with urgency, I knew something was wrong. “The border—” he gasped. “It’s been breached.” I froze immediately. “By who?” The guard hesitated, then spoke. "We aren't sure sir. You need to see this by yourself." For a second, the words didn’t quite register. A breach? In our territory? That wasn’t supposed to happen. We had one of the strongest security systems in place. How the hell did someone get through? 'How did they even find the audacity to get through? And what did they want?' Is what I thought. But then— My mind went to Kayla. I needed to keep her safe at all costs. I didn't remember my pack, I didn't remember my people or any of the things I used to think about, all I remembered was Kayla. From that moment, my mind snapped. I barely remembered giving Logan orders. All I knew was that I needed to keep her safe. I remembered turning to her, grabbing her by the shoulders and saying “Stay her
Kayla’s POV "Did you really think I’d let you go, Kayla?” It growled. That voice. It was familiar. Too familiar. But that wasn’t possible because I couldn't remember hearing it before. Plus the fact that they were bold enough to intrude the south was a problem. I stood frozen, my heart hammering against my ribs as the shadows shifted near the doorway. Adrian was already in front of me, his body tense, it was like he was shielding me from the possible attack coming. His dark eyes burned with a dangerous intensity. “You need to stay hidden here, this palace is the safest place, Kayla,” he ordered. I barely heard him. My mind was racing, trying to place that voice—the one that had sent chills through my spine. It couldn’t be… But before I could think further, a deafening howl rang through the air. Then another. Then— Chaos erupted. --- Preparing for Battle A pack warrior rushed in, panting. “The attack has gotten worse sir!” he gasped. “They’ve broken past the o
Kayla’s POVFor a single, shocking moment, I was frozen.Candice— woman who was addicted to Adrian, the woman who had been fighting tooth and nail to get him —was now lunging at Adrian.This wasn't making any sense to me.Her nails elongated into claws, swiping through the air with deadly precision.And Adrian wasn’t fighting back.He was only dodging her attacks, barely avoiding the vicious way she was trying to end him, but I could see it.Every time she struck, every time he evaded, worry and confusion flickered in his dark eyes.Not because she was hurting him, But because he couldn't understand why she was doing it.Adrian could have ended this fight in an instant.But he wouldn’t. Because he truly cared for Candice and this wasn’t Candice.Not the real Candice anyway, and we all knew it.And yet—My chest tightened as I watched him try to dodge another hit.But this time, he didn't move fast enough and Candice’s claws ripped through his sleeve, drawing blood.A sharp growl lef
Kayla’s POV Something was about to go wrong. We could all feel it—lingering in the air, creeping in the shadows of my mind. Suspicious activity had just been detected again in the pack’s security system. That was the third time this week. Whoever was doing this was inside the pack. But tracking them led nowhere. It was like chasing a ghost. And that scared me more than I wanted to admit. Because if we couldn’t find them, that meant they were good. Too good. --- Despite the lingering unease, I had to admit—Adrian had changed. The suffocating overprotection was gone. He still worried, still kept guards around, but now he actually let me breathe. And I knew why.It was because he believed in my ability to protect myself now. Because I wasn’t some helpless prisoner anymore. I had fought for my life and I had survived. I wasn’t weak anymore, even though I wasn't sure why. And because of that, we were finally going back to how we used to be before the kiss.Kind of Close and
Adrian’s POV No leads on how the traitor betrayed us. Not even a single damn clue about who the traitor was. Days of searching, interrogating, tearing through every possible lead—and still, nothing. It was infuriating. Someone had let those mercenaries in. Someone inside my palace, under my command, had betrayed me. And yet, whoever it was, they covered their tracks too well. Too carefully. That told me two things. One: They were smart. Two: They probably weren’t working alone or had some level of influence. I wasn’t letting this go. Because if they got in once, they could get in again. And I’d kill anyone who put Kayla in danger. --- I was in my office, pouring over reports, when Connor walked in. One look at his face, and I knew. “We found something?" I asked and he nodded. I stood immediately. “Tell me.” Connor tossed a file onto the desk. I flipped it open, scanning the details—then my body went rigid. A name and finally a familiar connection.
Kayla’s POVAfter that nightmare, I felt like a prisoner.The palace, once a place that had slowly started to feel like home, now felt like a cage with golden bars.Adrian had doubled security after the bloody warning note, and while I understood why… it didn’t make being constantly watched any easier.Guards followed me everywhere, inside and outside. I couldn’t take a walk without someone tailing me. I couldn’t breathe without Adrian knowing exactly where I was.I wanted to scream.Instead, I forced myself to keep my head down and obey—because that was what was expected of me.---"Adrian, please," I tried again.He didn’t even look up from the map spread across his desk. "No."I let out a frustrated breath. "I just want to go outside for five minutes.""You were outside yesterday," he said. "In the training yard. With three guards."I folded my arms. "That’s not the same thing, and you know it."He finally looked at me, his sharp gaze pinning me in place. "I'm not taking chances wi
Adrian’s POVKayla was keeping her distance again.I noticed it in the small things—the way she tried to leave the room whenever I entered, the way she avoided making eye contact, the hesitation in her voice whenever we spoke.And it pissed me off.I understood she had secrets. I understood that she was struggling with something she didn’t fully comprehend. But after everything that had happened, after all the times I had proven I would protect her, she still didn’t trust me enough to tell me the truth.I should have been furious.But instead, all I felt was frustration laced with something I didn’t want to name.Because despite everything, I still couldn’t bring myself to push her away.So, I focused on what I could control—her safety.---I was in my office, reviewing patrol reports when I heard a soft knock on the door.I already sensed who it was before I looked up.Kayla stood in the doorway, her expression uncertain.I set my pen down and leaned back in my chair. “You’re avoidin
Adrian’s POVI stared at Kayla, my back still pressed against the wall where she had thrown me.That wasn’t possible.I was an Alpha. Stronger than anyone in this pack. No one—not even a Beta—should have been able to push me back like that.And yet, she had.Kayla.The same woman who told me she had no wolf.The same woman who had claimed to be powerless.She was standing in front of me, her hands still trembling, her eyes filled with confusion and regret."I… I didn’t mean to do that," she stammered. "I don’t know how that happened."I didn’t say anything.I couldn’t.My mind was spinning, trying to make sense of it.Had she lied to me? Was she trying to manipulate me?Had she made up that whole story about losing her wolf just to gain my pity?"She tricked us," my wolf growled, angry and betrayed."Did you lie to me?" I asked coldly, my voice barely above a whisper.Kayla’s eyes widened. "What?"I took a step toward her, my fists clenched. "You told me you didn’t have a wolf anymore
Adrian’s POVMy mind couldn't stop racing.Even after leaving Connor and Logan, my anger refused to settle. My wolf was restless, growling in the back of my mind, demanding answers, demanding Kayla."She’s still in love with him.""You don’t know that," I shot back at my wolf."Then why is she avoiding us? Why does she look guilty every time you’re near?"I gritted my teeth, refusing to give in to my own insecurities. It was ridiculous. Kayla was mine. Xavier had abandoned her. Thrown her away. There was no reason for her to still have feelings for him.And yet…The way she had been avoiding me after the kiss, the hesitation in her eyes whenever I got too close—it was driving me insane.I had tried to be patient. Tried to give her space before the attack. But patience wasn’t my strength, especially not when it came to her.I needed answers.I stormed out of my office and headed straight for our room where Kayla had been sleeping since the attack.The guards I had now stationed outside