Tamara's POV "I'm your sister to be." the blonde woman said with an annoying smirk. "What?" I blinked, caught off guard as the blonde woman standing in front of me smiled even wider, enjoying my confusion. "Sister?" I echoed. For a moment, I wondered if she was Dante's younger sister, Ciri, but then o remembered that Dante had described her as a sweet, shy seventeen-year-old. But this blonde woman, though, was obviously closer to my age, probably in her twenties. And her mischievous smirk didn’t exactly scream "sweetheart." I tilted my head, trying to keep my patience and my tone calm. "Sorry, but... who are you, exactly?" She just waved her hand dismissively. "Never mind that. I just wanted to meet you and give you a word of advice, sister to sister." The mocking emphasis on “sister” was impossible to ignore. My fingers twitched, itching to cross to smack that smug look on her face, but I kept them at my sides. "And what advice would that be?" I gritted out. She lean
Tamara's POV "I can't believe you actually brought that traitorous bitch over here to meet Mother. What the fuck are you thinking, Dante?" I immediately froze, stunned by the venom in Reuben's tone as he lashed out at his brother. I’d only ever heard about Reuben from Dante, but nothing had prepared me for the raw hatred he seemed to hold for me. Dante’s voice turned cold as steel. "Watch your mouth, Reuben. And this is my marriage, so you should tay out of what doesn’t concern you." "Ofcourse it concerns me," Reuben snapped, glaring. "You’re trying to ruin this pack by making her our Luna— you are destroying our family’s legacy and reputatio. The one our father and brother worked their entire lives to build." I saw the way Dante’s jaw clenched, and a storm gathering in his eyes. He was losing his patience. "What fucking Legacy?! Father and our brother spent so much time fighting endless wars, caught up in vendettas with other packs, that they were destroying their own peo
Tamara's POV The drive back to the hotel was tense. Dante barely said a word to anyone, and I could feel the tension rolling off him. He had insisted on driving himself, but his jaw was clenched and his hands gripped the wheel a little too tightly, even his eyes were focused on the road with an intensity that didn’t feel like him. It made me realize that Reuben's words had hit him a lot harder than I expected and now he was trying hard to focus on something else. When we finally arrived at the hotel, he stormed up to our room, and straight to the balcony, staring out at the city lights without saying a word. I let him be, giving him the space he needed, but it hurt to see him so distressed and lost in thought. After a while, I slipped into the bathroom, hoping a hot bath might help clear my own head, too, tonight had been... a lot for all of us. The warm water felt comforting, and I tried to wash away the feeling of Reuben’s words and the doubt they were trying to plant in the
Tamara's POV "I'm fine now, as long as I have you, I'll be fine… you’re all I care about. You’re my future, Tamara." Dante whispered. I heard his words completely, and I think he believed them, but words were not the same as actions, and if I was truly his future, then why was he still hiding the fact that I was his second chance mate? I glanced at Dante. Keeping our bond hidden wasn’t easy, not when he had made me feel like I was his whole world, but my heart was filling with so many contradicting questions until I couldn’t hold back anymore. So I decided to ask him. “Dante… I really do believe you, but why are you choosing to keep our mating bond a secret?” I asked, keeping my tone light but serious. “If I really am your future, then wouldn’t you want everyone to know that this isn’t just about pack alliances, power or land? why don't you want them to know that we're the real deal?” Dante turned to me then, his expression soft as he lifted my hand to his lips, brushing a k
Tamara's POV “I honestly doubt that Possibility Luna. But I wanted to just inform you in case you don't know, anyone associated with Adrian is considered a threat to Dante’s safety.” He fixed me with a steady stare. “So, if anything else about Adrian comes back to you… you’ll let me know immediately, right?” George asked. I swallowed hard, nodding. “Of course.” After my conversation with Adrian, I was a little freaked out, but I decided to put it at the back of my mind and get ready for the most important part of the day, meeting Dante's mother. I hadn't yet heard from him yet, so I just got dressed and waited by the window, hoping to see some sign of Dante, but there was nothing. What was going on? I really hoped his mom wasn't giving him a hard time. Yes, George had assured me that Dante could handle himself, but I can’t help but worry about him. His mother’s influence over the northern elders was our main hope and, if she was pissed at him for defending me from his brot
Tamara's POV Reuben sneered at me. “Luna Tamara,” he spat with contempt, “you’re hereby under arrest for murder and terrorism.” The words hit me like a punch to the chest, and I stared at Reuben in shock as my mind began reeling. Murder and Terrorism? His words made absolutely no sense, and yet the anger in his voice was unmistakable. Someone had been attacked and killed, and they were blaming me for it? But who had died? And who was trying to pin it on me? I remembered George telling me not to stirr up any more trouble for Dante, and Cold fear crept up my spine, but I forced myself to hold my ground, hoping that if I stayed calm, maybe Reuben would explain himself. “I don’t understand…” I managed, my voice coming out far softer than I intended. “What exactly are you talking about, Reuben? What attack? I don't know what you're talking about." Reuben glared at me with disgust and hatred. “That’s what all criminals say when they're caught,” he replied with scorn before
Authors note I want to apologize for any inconsistencies or errors you might find in the next few chapters. I was a little pressed for time, but I promise to correct them all before the 5th of November 2024, so please bare with me, or feel free to pause until then. Thank you so much for giving my book a chance, and leaving comments, I'm learning to write better each day because of you. Lots of love 🥰🥰 Tamara's POV The guards had me by both arms, dragging me across the gravel toward the waiting car. My wrists ached from the handcuffs, cold steel biting into my skin, and the sound of my boots scraping against the ground made me grit my teeth. But that wasn’t what twisted a knot in my stomach—it was the fact that, all around, I saw no sign of Violet, Sophie, or anyone from my group. "Where are they?" I demanded, straining against the guards’ grip. “What did you do with my friends?” A low chuckle made me glance up, and there was the smug asshole Reuben smirking. “Oh, don’t
Tamara's POV Yea, I was pretty sure that fairness, was probably the last thing on Reuben's mind. I finally ealized then that the investigation was unavoidable; it was coming for us, whether we wanted it or not. We couldn’t run from it, and if we didn’t prepare ourselves, we’d only be more vulnerable. As much as I hated feeling cornered, I was beginning to see that the best we could do was be ready. I turned to Sophie, forcing myself to sound steady. “How exactly does the investigation process work, Sophie?” I asked. I didn’t know if I was ready to hear the answer, but I needed it anyway. Sophie sighed, clearly sharing my anxiety. “Well, they’re going to question all of us individually—our relationships, any connection with Adrian’s pack, and… they’ll want to know what we think about him.” Violet bit her lip. “So… what should we say?” Sophie glanced at her but didn’t respond directly. Instead, she looked back at me. “They’re going to ask about any interactions you had with A
Adrian's POV I was waiting for Logan's answer but he was hesitant to look at me."Logan? Why shouldn't I talk to her?"“Because I don’t trust her,” he finally snapped. “You shouldn’t either.” I leaned back in the chair, watching him. “No that's not it... I think You hate her. But I what I want to know is why?” Logan crossed his arms, his whole body tense. “Because I don’t like women who choose power and money over love.” For a second, I just stared at him. That was… personal. Before I could ask more, he shook his head like he regretted saying anything and muttered, “Do what you want, Alpha. Permission to patrol the border sir!" He requested. I waved him off and called for a guard. “Send for Candice. Now.” Logan cursed under his breath but didn’t stop me. Candice arrived not long after, dressed too perfectly for the late hour, her blond hair in place and a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You called for me, Alpha?” she said sweetly, walking in with a little too much sway in
Adrian's POV I stormed down the hall with Logan right behind me, my fists clenching and unclenching at my sides. I didn’t even know where I was going—I just needed to move before I punched a wall or did something even dumber. She said she’d leave. She said she’d leave me for him. The words kept playing on a loop in my head, sharper than any knife. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “Alpha Adrian, slow down—” Logan called after me, but I ignored him, pushing through the doors into one of the empty meeting rooms and slamming them behind us. I paced like a caged animal, my heart pounding in my ears. The image of Kayla standing there, choosing Hector over me, made my vision blur. “She threatened to leave,” I snapped, whirling on Logan. “For him.” Logan stayed by the door, arms crossed. “That’s not what she meant.” I scoffed. “You heard her. If you banish Hector, I’ll leave too. Sounds pretty fucking clear to me.” “She was trying to protect him,” Logan said calmly. “Because she bel
Kayla's POV Adrian sighed and my heart dropped, then he looked at me."No,” he said firmly. “I swear to you, Kayla. I would never hurt Adrian. Not even with all this… between us. I didn’t plan anything. I didn’t know anything. I had nothing to do with it.”I looked into his eyes for a long moment, then gave a slow nod. “Okay.”Because I believed him. He’d never lied to me before, and I didn’t think he would now. Not about something like this.The doctor came in shortly after, and I stood aside to let them work. Once Hector was bandaged and checked over, I thanked Connor quietly before slipping out.I didn’t go to Adrian’s room right away.I couldn’t.I felt… awful. For threatening to leave. For not telling him about the kiss. For letting things get this far. I hated what this was turning into—how everything good between us was cracking at the edges.So I avoided our room. I wandered the halls, spent time with Ingrid, helped the healer with some supplies, tried to pretend things were
Kayla's POV I didn’t even realize I’d said it until the words had already left my mouth.“If you banish Hector… I’ll leave with him too.”The room went silent.What the hell was I thinking when I said that? I hadn't even actually meant it. I was just desperate to not let Adrian make such a stupid mistake that he'd regret, so I continued talking until I had said my piece.When I was done, even Hector stopped breathing for a second, his face bruised and bloodied, but stunned all the same. Adrian looked like I’d slapped him—like the floor had just crumbled beneath him. His jaw twitched, and the rage in his eyes flickered into something else—something sharp and painful.Goddess, why did I have to say that? It sounded like Hector was more important than my relationship with Adrian.But I truly didn’t mean it like that. I wasn’t threatening him. I just… I needed him to know that he was crossing a line. Hector was his stepbrother who had occasionally fucked up yesterday, but he didn’t des
Adrian's POV "YOU FUCKING BASTARD!” I roared, lunging at him again. But before I could land the hit, two sets of hands grabbed me. “Alpha stop! Alpha Adrian please stop! —fuck, Adrian, stop it!” Logan’s voice was right in my ear, struggling to pull me back.He had forgotten all courtesy and had began to call me by my real name which he and Connor only did when they were either desperate, pissed, frustrated, worried or scared.He sounded like he was all of the above in this moment but I couldn't give a damn about that right now. “Let go of me!” I growled, thrashing against him. “Calm the hell down Adrian!” Connor snapped, shoving me away from Hector. I threw them both off like they were nothing, shoving Logan into the wall and elbowing Connor in the ribs. They tried again, but I was a storm now. Wild. Unraveled. And then I heard her voice. “ADRIAN!” I froze at the familiar feminine voice."What the hell are you doing?!" she screamed with horror in her voice. Everything insid
Adrian’s POV My knuckles were bloodied by the time I realized how many times I’d punched him. My chest heaved and my heart was thundering like it was trying to beat its way out of my ribcage, and still Hector just stood there leaning against the wall with his bloody face.He was swaying slightly from the pain but the asshole was still not fighting back and it made me fucking furious! He wasn’t even trying to defend himself like he'd normally do when our father made us wrestle to prove who was better.Hector was often the winner when we were younger and that made me feel like he was just intentionally allowing me to beat him right now. That made it worse. "You love her?" I growled, my voice raw, trembling. "You love my Kayla?" Hector didn’t speak, didn’t meet my eyes—his jaw was bruised, blood trickling from his nose—but he didn’t take it back either. He’d said it. Out loud. Boldly. That he loved her. My fists clenched again. This fucking shameless asshole! It wasn’t just that
Hector's POV I had to keep reminding myself that I truly hadn’t chosen this life. This life of constant competition for love from my father, and now from Kayla too. But I had been thrust into it anyway. Every day, it felt like I had to prove myself that I could be better, stronger, smarter than Adrian for the pack and for Kayla.And what did I get for it? Nothing except being called a Traitor and being imprisoned. Adrian would always get everything without lifting a finger. I see that now Maybe I should just accept it and accept my role as the villain, at least maybe I could get something from it, right?Because the rivalry my father had created between us, made it impossible for Adrian to see me as anything other than his enemy. Even when I tried to help him, tried to offer him something real, he only saw me as a threat.A bang on the door jerked me out of my thoughts.I looked up, my heart sinking as the door opened, and Adrian stormed into the cell, his expression livid."Hec
Hector's POV After Kayla ran after Adrian, I willingly let the guards to put me in chains and shove me in front of themThe chains clinked with every step as I was roughly escorted down the cold stone hallways toward the prison.The guards barely spared me a glance, their eyes hard and judgmental. They treated me like I was already guilty, as if my fate had already been sealed. It stung more than I cared to admit, but I kept my face neutral.I had never felt so disgusted with myself, or with Adrian. Betrayed wasn’t even the word for it. He had accused me—his own brother—of trying to kill him. We were rivals for the position of alpha yes, but we weren't enemies! I didn't hate him. I was a little envious of his life yes, but I would never actually raise my hand against him.Never!So this was my reward for protecting Kayla? For trying to turn over a new leaf? For doing what I thought was right?Adrian was the one who had always preached for us to stop fighting, to stop hating each oth
Kayla's POV I could feel my heart breaking. I couldn’t believe he was accusing me of something so terrible. After everything we’d been through, after everything we’d shared, why was he pushing me away like this? I turned back to Hector, my heart pounding in my chest. "I’m sorry, Hector. I’ll fix this. I swear." Hector gave me a soft, apologetic look. "It’s not your fault, Kayla. We both never wanted this to happen." "I know. But I have to make Adrian understand," I said, my voice shaky. "Can you just go with the guards for now? I’ll talk to him. Please, Hector." Hector hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I’ll go. But make sure you talk to him, Kayla. I'm innocent of all his accusations but he's refusing to see things clearly." I nodded, trying to hold back tears. As Hector followed the guards down the hall, I hurried after Adrian. He couldn’t just do this. He couldn’t throw everything away because of his own insecurities. He had to know I would never leave him. I wasn’