Xavier’s POV The dimly lit room smelled of old parchment and burnt wood, the air thick with secrecy. I leaned against the worn wooden table, arms crossed, eyes locked onto the man before me—the southern Man who had promised to help me get Kayla back.He was a wiry man with sharp eyes and a permanent smirk, like he found amusement in the chaos he caused. He said his name was Desmond, but I was sure it was a fake name and though I didn’t trust him, I needed him.And he knew it.He flicked a knife between his fingers absentmindedly before leaning forward. "Now is the time to act, Xavier. If you want Kayla back, you need to move."A thrill shot down my spine at the thought of her—my Kayla. My wife. The woman who was meant to be by my side, not Adrian’s. The woman who had abandoned me, left me behind like I was nothing.She was never supposed to belong to anyone else.I clenched my jaw. "You’re sure she’s vulnerable enough?"Desmond smirked. "I have my sources. The South is dealing with
Authors note : Hi, if you are still reading, please comment so I know and will keep going.Adrian’s POV Kayla had been through too much lately. I could see it in the way she carried herself—her shoulders tense, her lips pressed together in thought, her eyes shadowed by exhaustion. Every time she closed her eyes, I knew she wasn’t finding peace.She was dealing with the the thoughts of Ingrid and Hector’s possible betrayal plus whatever the hell that glowing mark on her wrist meant, and on top of it all, my mother had lashed out at her like she was the root of every problem in our pack.It was too much.I wasn’t going to let her drown in it. Not today.She needed a break, and I was going to give it to her.---I found her in the courtyard, sitting on the stone bench, staring at the garden. She was absently rubbing her wrist, the mark still faintly glowing in the afternoon light.“Hey,” I said, stepping beside her.She looked up, her expression softening when she saw me. “Hey.”We'll t
Xavier’s POV The candlelight flickered against the damp stone walls of the abandoned outpost. The place reeked of old wood and mildew, a far cry from the luxury I was used to, but it was secluded—safe from Mia and mother's prying eyes. The man called Desmond sat across from me, his usual smirk in place. Again I noticed that he was always amused by something, like he knew more than he let on. As usual It pissed me off and put me in a bad mood, but again, I had to remind myself that I needed him. He leaned forward, drumming his fingers against the table."Have you done what I asked you to do?" He asked and I nodded.He grinned coldly, "Then it's finally time to get your woman Xavier. If you truly want Kayla back as much as you say you do, you need to make a serious and very intense move. I have set things in motion, but She won’t be this vulnerable forever." A sharp heat curled in my chest at the mention of her name. Kayla. Mine. Always mine. I forced a calm breath. "Yes, yo
Adrian’s POVXavier arrived exactly when he said he would. His caravan of vehicles rolled up to the packhouse gates like he was some kind of noble returning home, which was laughable considering he had no home here. The moment I saw him step out, dressed in a crisp black shirt and slacks as if he were attending a business meeting instead of setting foot in enemy territory, my mood soured even further.I didn’t trust him. Not even for a second. And I was starting to wonder why I ever gave him the alliance in the first place.Then I remembered that I had done it in exchange of Kayla.I descended the steps of the palace, my posture rigid as I met him in the courtyard. The guards were on high alert, positioned around the perimeter, watching his every move. Logan stood at my side, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable, but I could feel his impatience radiating off him.Xavier took his time surveying his surroundings before his gaze shifted—up, toward the highest tower of the pal
Kayla’s POVThat evening, I sat on the edge of the bed, still turning Hector's mother's words over in my mind. "Hide this. If the wrong people see it, you’ll be in danger." What did she mean? Who was she afraid of? I traced my fingers over the faint glow of my mark, my mind buzzing with unease. Beside me, Adrian was quiet, lost in his own thoughts. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “You’re thinking about Lady Elizabeth's warning.” I nodded. “It felt serious, Adrian. She genuinely looked scared.” He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “I don’t think Hector's mother is a threat, if that’s what you’re worried about. She’s always been a good woman. If anything, I sincerely believe she’s just concerned for you.” I bit my lip. “But why? And why did she say she could only tell me in private?” Adrian’s jaw tensed slightly, but he didn’t argue. “I really don’t like that part. I don’t like the idea of you going anywhere alone, but I don't think she'll hurt you.” I rolled
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
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
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
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
Kayla’s POVThat evening, I sat on the edge of the bed, still turning Hector's mother's words over in my mind. "Hide this. If the wrong people see it, you’ll be in danger." What did she mean? Who was she afraid of? I traced my fingers over the faint glow of my mark, my mind buzzing with unease. Beside me, Adrian was quiet, lost in his own thoughts. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “You’re thinking about Lady Elizabeth's warning.” I nodded. “It felt serious, Adrian. She genuinely looked scared.” He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “I don’t think Hector's mother is a threat, if that’s what you’re worried about. She’s always been a good woman. If anything, I sincerely believe she’s just concerned for you.” I bit my lip. “But why? And why did she say she could only tell me in private?” Adrian’s jaw tensed slightly, but he didn’t argue. “I really don’t like that part. I don’t like the idea of you going anywhere alone, but I don't think she'll hurt you.” I rolled
Adrian’s POVXavier arrived exactly when he said he would. His caravan of vehicles rolled up to the packhouse gates like he was some kind of noble returning home, which was laughable considering he had no home here. The moment I saw him step out, dressed in a crisp black shirt and slacks as if he were attending a business meeting instead of setting foot in enemy territory, my mood soured even further.I didn’t trust him. Not even for a second. And I was starting to wonder why I ever gave him the alliance in the first place.Then I remembered that I had done it in exchange of Kayla.I descended the steps of the palace, my posture rigid as I met him in the courtyard. The guards were on high alert, positioned around the perimeter, watching his every move. Logan stood at my side, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable, but I could feel his impatience radiating off him.Xavier took his time surveying his surroundings before his gaze shifted—up, toward the highest tower of the pal
Xavier’s POV The candlelight flickered against the damp stone walls of the abandoned outpost. The place reeked of old wood and mildew, a far cry from the luxury I was used to, but it was secluded—safe from Mia and mother's prying eyes. The man called Desmond sat across from me, his usual smirk in place. Again I noticed that he was always amused by something, like he knew more than he let on. As usual It pissed me off and put me in a bad mood, but again, I had to remind myself that I needed him. He leaned forward, drumming his fingers against the table."Have you done what I asked you to do?" He asked and I nodded.He grinned coldly, "Then it's finally time to get your woman Xavier. If you truly want Kayla back as much as you say you do, you need to make a serious and very intense move. I have set things in motion, but She won’t be this vulnerable forever." A sharp heat curled in my chest at the mention of her name. Kayla. Mine. Always mine. I forced a calm breath. "Yes, yo
Authors note : Hi, if you are still reading, please comment so I know and will keep going.Adrian’s POV Kayla had been through too much lately. I could see it in the way she carried herself—her shoulders tense, her lips pressed together in thought, her eyes shadowed by exhaustion. Every time she closed her eyes, I knew she wasn’t finding peace.She was dealing with the the thoughts of Ingrid and Hector’s possible betrayal plus whatever the hell that glowing mark on her wrist meant, and on top of it all, my mother had lashed out at her like she was the root of every problem in our pack.It was too much.I wasn’t going to let her drown in it. Not today.She needed a break, and I was going to give it to her.---I found her in the courtyard, sitting on the stone bench, staring at the garden. She was absently rubbing her wrist, the mark still faintly glowing in the afternoon light.“Hey,” I said, stepping beside her.She looked up, her expression softening when she saw me. “Hey.”We'll t
Xavier’s POV The dimly lit room smelled of old parchment and burnt wood, the air thick with secrecy. I leaned against the worn wooden table, arms crossed, eyes locked onto the man before me—the southern Man who had promised to help me get Kayla back.He was a wiry man with sharp eyes and a permanent smirk, like he found amusement in the chaos he caused. He said his name was Desmond, but I was sure it was a fake name and though I didn’t trust him, I needed him.And he knew it.He flicked a knife between his fingers absentmindedly before leaning forward. "Now is the time to act, Xavier. If you want Kayla back, you need to move."A thrill shot down my spine at the thought of her—my Kayla. My wife. The woman who was meant to be by my side, not Adrian’s. The woman who had abandoned me, left me behind like I was nothing.She was never supposed to belong to anyone else.I clenched my jaw. "You’re sure she’s vulnerable enough?"Desmond smirked. "I have my sources. The South is dealing with
Kayla’s POV I woke up to the sound of my own ragged breathing. My body ached, my head pounded, and worst of all—I remembered everything. I remember attacking Adrian. I remember trying to hurt him, and I probably would have succeeded if Ingrid hadn't taken the hit for him.Dear goddess. What had I done? My hands trembled as I sat up in bed, heart hammering in my chest. I had attacked the person who has protected me the most. I had nearly hurt him. And if Ingrid hadn’t intervened, I didn’t know what would have happened. The thought made me feel sick. I turned my head to find Adrian sitting in the chair by the bed, his arms crossed, his gaze locked on me like he was waiting for me to wake up. His face was unreadable, but I could see the faint bruise on his jaw where I my fist managed to graze him while Ingrid held me down. Guilt curled in my stomach like a poisonous snake. "You're awake," he said softly. I swallowed hard and forced myself to meet his eyes. "Adrian, I—" My voice