Tamara's POV I sat across from Dante, the low flicker of the fireplace casting shadows across his face. His jaw was tight, his eyes distant, as if he were somewhere else entirely. I could feel the weight of what he was about to say before he even opened his mouth.“I want to know everything,” I said, my voice steady. “From the beginning. How did my mother even have any connection with the North?”Dante’s gaze flicked to me, then down to his hands resting on his knees. He hesitated, and I could tell he was choosing his words carefully.“Tamara,” he started, his voice low and cautious, “what I’m about to tell you... some of it might not be fact. A lot of it is based on what I was told or things I pieced together later. There’s no way to confirm everything.”I frowned, leaning forward. “i know You’re trying to protect me again,” I said, my tone more frustrated than I intended. “But I don’t need that, Dante. I need the truth, no matter how ugly it is. I can handle it.”He studied me for
Tamara’s POVI woke up early the next day. Dante was still fast asleep beside me, his arm draped protectively over my waist. His breathing was steady, peaceful, and I smiled to myself as I carefully slipped out of bed. For everything he’d done for me—his patience, his care—I wanted to show him that I could be there for him too.I tiptoed to the kitchen in our suite, determined to make breakfast. It definitely wasn’t my strongest skill, but I was set on doing something special. Pancakes, eggs, and a pot of fresh coffee later, I carefully arranged everything on a tray and carried it back to the bedroom.“Morning,” I said softly, nudging Dante’s shoulder with my free hand. He stirred, his lashes fluttering open, and when his gaze landed on me, his lips curved into a sleepy smile.“What’s this?” he asked, his voice still rough from sleep.“Breakfast,” I said, setting the tray on the bed beside him. “Like you did for me before, remember?”Dante pushed himself up, his eyes crinkling with am
Tamara’s POVI stared at Dante, completely speechless. The space around me felt smaller somehow, the air heavy with the weight of his words. He knew. All this time, he knew the vial was mine, knew I had secrets, and yet he never said a word.“I—” I started, but my voice faltered. “You knew?”Dante nodded, his expression calm but serious. “I’ve known for a while, Tamara.”My stomach churned. “I... I’m so sorry,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I shouldn’t have kept secrets from you. You didn’t deserve that.” I looked down at my hands, guilt pooling in my chest. “But having secrets doesn’t mean I don’t love you, Dante. It doesn’t mean I’m not loyal to you, I swear by the goddess that your the love of my life and I would never ever do anything to hurt you or your mother.” I pleaded with tears beginning to form in my eyes.Dante surprised me by reaching out and tilting my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. His dark eyes were steady, unwavering. “Oh sweetheart, I know that,” h
Tamara's POVThe silence was unbearable. Dante hadn’t moved, hadn’t spoken. His hand was still wrapped around mine, but his grip was so still, so tense, it felt as if he were frozen in place. My heart thudded against my ribs, and every second that ticked by only made the knot in my stomach tighten.“Dante,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Please, say something. Anything.”His dark eyes snapped to mine, intense and unreadable. “What do you mean, ‘when you died’?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with a quiet demand.I sucked in a shaky breath, my mind racing. How could I possibly explain this? My fingers trembled in his, and I pulled my hand away to clasp them in my lap, as if holding onto myself would steady my nerves. “This is… this is my second life,” I finally said, the words tasting foreign on my tongue even after all this time.His brows furrowed, and I could see the questions forming in his eyes. “your Second life?”I nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, I died, Dante. In my past
Tamara’s POV I stared at Dante in shock, his words replaying in my head like a broken record. "It’s my fault that you and your baby were killed." “What are you talking about?” I finally asked, my voice trembling. “How could it be your fault? Dante, we only met once in our past lives. And that was… on the battlefield.” His head snapped toward me, his eyes wide in shock. “We were at war?” I hesitated, biting my lip. I hadn’t meant to say that much. “Yes,” I admitted softly. “But it wasn’t what you think. Jack told me you were attacking our pack. He convinced me that if I didn’t act first, you’d destroy us.” I lowered my gaze. “So, I sent my people to fight you.” Dante’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as realization dawned. “Jack lied to you,” he said, his voice full of bitter certainty. “He played us both.” I nodded, my throat tightening. “I only found out too late. By then…” My voice cracked, and I looked away, unable to meet his gaze. “By then, everyone I loved was already g
Dante’s POVI watched Tamara, her shock and confusion was practically flashing across her face, and I knew there was no easy way to explain what I was about to tell her. Still, she deserved the truth—everything.“You remember when I told you I was closely working with my brother before and during the war?” I began carefully, keeping my voice steady.Tamara nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing as if she were trying to piece together a puzzle. “Yes, I remember. You said you were helping him, or something like that.”“it wasn't just plain paper work though,” I explained, “I wasn’t just some advisor, Tamara. I was his general.”Her eyebrows shot up, her lips parting in surprise. “General? But… weren’t you—”“Young?” I finished for her, a small, humorless smile tugging at my lips. “I was. Too young, some would say. But I was also good—better than anyone else my brother could trust. I was always an excellent fighter, and strategy came naturally to me. Even when I was still a teenager, I could
Dante's POV I trailed off, the memory of that day flashing vividly in my mind. It was a memory I’d buried deep, but now it resurfaced with a vengeance.“What happened?” Tamara asked softly, her voice trembling. The memory of that day came flooding back as if it had happened only yesterday. I could still feel the exhaustion in my body, the faint ache in my muscles after pushing myself far beyond my limits. I had been lying in my bed, a rare luxury after leading the watch for 72 hours straight. it wasn't by choice though The army doctor had all but dragged me off duty, insisting I rest. “You’re no good to us dead, Dante. You must take a fucking rest or ill declare you unfit for battle and you'll be discharged,” he’d said sternly, and though I hated leaving my men, I knew he was right. I’d barely made it to my cot before sleep pulled me under. But it wasn’t a peaceful sleep. I startled awake to the shrill ringing of alarm bells, a sound that snapped me out of my slumber
Dante's POV She nodded, her small chin lifting in defiance. “Yes. My father sent those warriors to end you. But I snuck out and followed them. He wouldn’t let me join the war, so I decided to secretly follow them and prove to my father that I'm strong by helping them kill you.” Her words sent a jolt tof shock hrough me. “You followed them? You’re a child. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?” it should have been funny that I was literally bleeding out but I was still taking time to scold a stubborn fucking child She tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “I'm not a child, I'm almost a teenager... well in a few years, but I wanted to help them fight and kill some bad guys. But… then I saw you, you're not very old but they hurt you too, I felt bad. I didn’t want you to die.” Before I could respond, she stepped closer, her eyes scanning my wound. “You’re bleeding.” “I’m fine,” I lied, though the blood soaking my side said otherwise. She ignored me, tearing her
Tamara’s POVThe first rays of sunlight poured into the room through the sheer curtains, warming my face. I stirred slightly, feeling the steady beat of Dante’s heart beneath my cheek. He was still asleep, one arm securely wrapped around me while his other hand rested against my waist.I smiled softly, letting myself sink into the peace of the moment. In all the chaos of the past few days, this was the one place I felt safe—Dante’s arms.“Are you staring at me again?” Dante’s voice rumbled, still thick with sleep.I looked up, meeting his sleepy gaze as he cracked one eye open. “Maybe.”“Do you enjoy watching me sleep, Tamara?” he teased, pulling me closer as his lips brushed my temple.I laughed lightly. “Only because you look less like an intimidating Alpha when you’re snoring softly.”“I do not snore,” he shot back, pretending to be offended.“Oh, you do,” I said, grinning at his mock outrage.He pinned me beneath him in one quick movement, his face hovering above mine with a boyis
Tamara’s POVWhen I woke up the next morning, I felt so so much lighter, as if the weight of the previous days’ events had eased just a little. The sound of soft humming caught my attention, and I turned my head to see Dante standing near the window. He was holding a tray of breakfast and looking ridiculously handsome in a simple white shirt rolled up at the sleeves.“Good morning,” he said with a warm smile as our eyes met.“Good morning,” I murmured, sitting up and stretching.“I hope you’re ready,” he said, placing the tray on the table and leaning against the chair with a playful smirk.“Ready for what?” I asked, raising a brow.He crossed his arms. “A day that’s all about us. No politics, no interrogations, no poisonings—just you and me.”I blinked at him. “You’re serious, I mean we still have some work to do?”“Very serious,” he said. “You’ve been through enough, Tamara. Today, I want to remind you how much you mean to me.”Warmth bloomed in my chest. “Dante, you don’t have to
Tamara’s POVWhen I woke up the next time, the room was quiet, but I could feel the faint warmth of sunlight streaming through the window. My body felt heavy but no longer weak, and the faint scent of something earthy—Dante’s scent—comforted me.I turned my head and saw him sitting by the edge of the bed, his brows furrowed in concentration as he peeled an orange. When he noticed I was awake, his face lit up with relief.“Tamara,” he said, setting the orange down and leaning closer. “You’re awake. Thank the moon goddess, I thought you became unconscious again”“I’m fine,” I murmured, my was voice still a little hoarse.“You are not completely fine yet since the poison is still leaving your body,” he said firmly, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “But you will be. I’ll make sure of it. I'm just glad you're back home with me where you belong."I couldn’t look at him. His concern, his care—it was too much. The guilt I’d been holding back threatened to spill over. I tried to pu
Tamara’s POVI wasn’t sure what was real and what was a dream. My body felt heavy, like it was sinking into an endless void, but faint voices kept pulling me back, calling my name through the fog.It started with a faint memory—the sensation of my knees buckling and the ground rushing toward me. I had felt so sick, my stomach churning and my limbs trembling. There were flashes of frantic movement—people shouting, hands trying to catch me as I fell.“She’s unconscious! Someone get the doctor!” a voice called urgently, echoing through the haze.Sophie’s voice broke through next, high-pitched and frantic. “Tamara, wake up! You’re going to be fine! Please, Tamara, please!”Another voice, calmer but equally distressed, followed. Violet. “It’s wolfsbane poisoning. She’s been ingesting it over time.”Wolfsbane? My thoughts twisted, sluggish and incoherent. How could that have happened? When? Who would do this to me?Another voice, deep and commanding but trembling at the edges, joined the ch
Dante’s POV I pushed open the door to Tamara’s room quietly and my chest immediately clenched at the sight of her still lying unconscious on the bed. But at least color was beginning to return to her cheeks, and her breathing was steadier now which meant that whatever Dr Laura was doing was working, but my Tamara still looked so fragile. It wasn’t like her, my fire cracker to look so fragile. Sophie stepped aside and I sat beside Tamara, brushing a strand of hair off her face. “What’s happening, Tamara?” I whispered. “Why did he do this to you?” She didn’t respond, of course, but I stayed there for a moment longer, listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing. it calmed me, even if the sight of her lying there twisted something deep inside me. The door creaked, and I turned to see Dr. Laura entering. She motioned for me to follow her. I hesitated, glancing back at Tamara, who was now flanked by Violet and Sophie, then I rose and followed Dr Laura into the hallway. She clos
Dante's POVI stormed around the palace in search of that weasel I called a brother.boiling rage rushed through my veins like molten lava. My fists clenched at my sides, my vision tunneled as I scanned the grounds for Reuben.How dare he lay a finger on the woman I loved?! The image of my darling Tamara lying pale and motionless on that bed only fueled my rage. And I knew, deep in my gut, that my brother was responsible.I found him in the garden, casually leaning against a bench, as if he hadn’t a care in the world. He turned his head when he heard my footsteps, his brows furrowing in confusion.“Brother?” he called out, straightening up. “You look like you're having a good day." he smirked. "What’s going on?”I didn’t answer. Instead, I lunged at him, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against the nearest tree. His eyes widened in shock.“Why the fuck did you do it?” I snarled, my voice low and dangerous.“Do what?” he snapped, struggling against my grip. “What the hell
Dante’s POVI stood by Tamara’s bedside, my chest tightening at the sight of her pale face. Her shallow breaths were like a blade slicing through me, each one more agonizing than the last. Poisoned. My mate had been poisoned, and no one could tell me how it happened. Anger surged through me like wildfire.“What the fuck happened to her?” I demanded, spinning to face Sophie, who hovered by the door with guilt written all over her face.“I… I don’t know, Alpha Dante,” she stammered, her hands fidgeting nervously. “She was fine before we left Alpha Jonathan’s territory. I swear I don’t know what happened!”“Not good enough,” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. “Someone must know. She didn’t just get poisoned out of thin fucking airSophie flinched but held her ground. “I wouldn’t have let this happen if I knew. You have to believe me alpha.I rubbed a hand over my face, forcing myself to calm down. Yelling at Sophie wouldn’t help Tamara. “Fine. Then we’ll ask someone who might
Tamara's POV"Every one makes mistakes I'm sure Dante will understand." Sophie said “he kissed me Three times, Sophie. And I didn’t stop him. What kind of person does that?”Sophie exhaled slowly, sitting on the edge of my bed. “oh I get it now, Adrian is your anchor. That’s why this happened.”Her words made my heart sink further. “I don’t care if he’s my anchor. I shouldn’t have let it happen. I rejected him immediately, but what if Dante --Sophie cut me off, waving her hand. “You rejected him already?""yes""then there is nothing to worry about, It was just a kiss, Tamara. It doesn’t mean anything. You rejected Adrian, didn’t you?”“Yes, but—”“Then that’s it,” she said firmly. “The bond is gone. What happened with Adrian is in the past. You don’t need to drag Dante into this.”I frowned, confused by her sudden shift. “You told me I had to tell him, Sophie. You said the truth was the only way.”“I know,” she admitted, her expression conflicted. “But now that I think about it… wh
Tamara's POVAdrian stood in front of me, his face was a mix of utter heartbreak and pain.The sting of my rejection hung in the air between us, and We waited for the pain, the searing agony that was supposed to come when a mate bond was broken. But it didn’t.I glanced at Adrian, confusion mirrored in his dark eyes. “Why don’t we feel anything?” I whispered, my voice shaky.Adrian shook his head, his brow furrowed. “I don’t know. Maybe… maybe it’s because the goddess approves.”The realization struck us both at the same time, and Adrian’s shoulders sagged. He let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. “So, this is it. The goddess herself is telling me I was too late. I’ve truly lost you, Tamara.”“Adrian—” I started, but he cut me off.“I should have claimed you in our past life,” he said, his voice thick with regret. “If I hadn’t been so blinded by Amanda, if I had seen you for what you were to me… Maybe things would have been different.”“You can’t dwell on the past,