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 POV The knock at the door was like a slap to the face.I almost kissed her.I almost had her in my arms.And then—this.I clenched my jaw, my hands tightening at my sides as I forced myself to take a deep breath. Stay calm. Don’t snap.But I wanted to snap.Because for the first time in a long time, I had felt something—something real, something undeniable. And now it was gone.Kayla took a small step back, her face flushing as she turned toward the door.I didn’t move.Didn’t even breathe for a second.The knock came again.I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to step away before I did something reckless like rip the damn door off its hinges.Then the door opened, and Connor stepped inside, his expression tense.“Alpha sir, Sorry to interrupt but I have urgent news.” His voice was all business, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced with concern. “The council is holding an emergency meeting. They’ve requested your presence immediately.”I sighed, already knowing exactly who was
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’