I refused to repeat my sentence and just quietly watched her panic. "Er, uh." She stammered and her face reddened slightly, but she quickly covered it with a bright smile. “He just wants me to be well prepared. After all, it’s a big event and I'll be representing you sister since you unfortunately can't come." “Yes, it is,” I agreed, moving closer to her until I was standing right in front of her. “And you want to make a good impression In front of all those important Alphas, don’t you?” Kate nodded eagerly. “Of course! I want to show them that my sister and my boyfri-- I mean Alpha Jack are treating me well despite the fact that I'm the daughter of a common mistress. I just want to please you sister." She said and I smiled at her. Was I really that foolish in my past life that I didn't see past all her dumb ass lies? it seems I was. But not anymore. I knew Kate well enough now to know how to trick her. I knew what she really wanted. She wanted the most valuable things I owned, a
Tamara’s POV The evening of the festival arrived, and I was walking down the hallway leading to our room, when I heard Kate and Jack's giggling voices. They were getting ready for the festival. I could hear their flirtatious murmurs floating up to me before I reached the door. Curios to see whatever wicked plans they were cooking up, I slowed my steps and peered through the slightly ajar door. There they were— The two back stabbers. Jack was standing tall and I must admit looking handsome, in his crisp black suit and Kate was in that stunning yellow dress I had so kindly “gifted” her. They were leaning too close, almost kissing, and I felt a surge of disgust rise in me as I watched Kate touch Jack’s arm, leaning in to whisper something in his ear. Her hand caressed his chest, and Jack didn’t pull away. Just as Kate tilted her head up, clearly asking for a kiss, I decided it was time to fuck things up for them. I pushed the door open fully, stepping inside with deliberate co
Tamara's POV Violet and I entered the grand hall of the festival together. The place was alive with activity—people chatting, music playing, drinks being served. At first, no one seemed to notice us. It was as if we were just two more guests blending into the crowd. But then, slowly, heads began to turn. Conversations quieted, and suddenly, the room felt like it was holding its breath for us. Violet stepped forward, holding out our invitation from Alpha Dante to the postman at the door. His eyes widened as he read it, and without hesitation, he loudly announced, “Introducing the Luna of the winter Pack, Tamara!” The murmurs started instantly. I could hear them—whispers of confusion, surprise, and doubt. “Luna of the winter Pack?” someone questioned. “But isn’t Kate the Luna?” “How can there be two Lunas?” another voice chimed in. I scanned the room and found Jack and Kate frozen in place. Jack looked like he’d just seen a ghost, while Kate looked mortified. My gaze met Jac
Tamara's POV The man who handed me my handkerchief stood beside me with a lazy smile playing on his lips. His gaze was warm but mischievous, like he knew more than he was letting on. I couldn’t help but feel a pull toward him, as there was something familiar about him, though I was certain I’d never met him before. He was undeniably handsome, tall with dark, slightly tousled hair, and his scent—God, his scent. It was intoxicating, like a heady mix of cedarwood and something darker, more primal. “You’re enjoying the festival, I hope?” His voice was smooth, like velvet. “I am,” I replied, tilting my head slightly. “Though I have to admit, it’s rare to meet someone I don’t know at events like this.” I gave him a curious look, hoping to uncover more about this mystery man. “And I don’t think we’ve met before, have we?” He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Not directly, no. But we have more in common than you think.” My brow furrowed in confusion. His scent was familiar,
TAMARA'S POVAdrian led me through the hall, past the murmuring guests and their curious stares, until we reached a beautiful balcony. The air was crisp, and a soft breeze danced around us, carrying the faint scent of jasmine. The moonlight bathed the scene in a soft glow, casting everything in a romantic light. It was the kind of balcony you’d see in an old romance novel—flowers creeping up the stone railing, the stars twinkling above us. I couldn’t deny how perfect it all felt, even though there was a storm of emotions brewing inside me.He leaned against the railing, looking out at the night sky before turning his gaze back to me. His eyes were still filled with that same mix of mischief and something darker, something deeper. “So, how did you find yourself here tonight?” he asked, his tone light but filled with curiosity.I sighed, leaning on the balcony next to him. “I was supposed to meet Alpha Dante here tonight. He sent me an invitation to be his date.”Adrian’s relaxed postur
Tamara's POV I stormed into the house, slamming the door behind me so hard that the walls shook. My anger coursed through me like wildfire, every thought of Jack claiming me in front of everyone making my blood boil. After everything I did to establish myself as the sole leader, the true Luna of the Crimson pack, he had the audacity to pull a stunt like that—kissing me in front of all those alphas, declaring me as his like I was some kind of trophy.Not only did it make me look weak, but it undid all the work I had done tonight. They were supposed to see me as the leader, not as some prize Jack could claim whenever he felt like it.I paced the living room, the heels of my shoes clicking against the wooden floor. How dare he!The door opened, and I spun around to see Jack walking in, his face set with a mixture of frustration and concern. “Tamara,” he started, his voice pleading, “we need to talk.”I glared at him, crossing my arms over my chest. “What’s there to talk about, Jack? You
Jack's POV "Ah" Tamara gasped in surprise when I pulled Tamara closer to me, enjoying the way her soft body fit perfectly against mine. Her breasts pressing into me, her scent—something floral and sweet—flooded my senses. For years, I had tried to ignore how good she felt in my arms, brushing it off as a distraction from what really mattered. But tonight was the first time I really let myself indulge in it, maybe because I’d seen how easily Alpha Adrian could’ve been the one enjoying her touch earlier. That bastard had no fucking right, but seeing him with her had stirred something deep inside me, something I hadn’t allowed myself to feel in a long time. She shifted slightly in her sleep, her head nestling against my chest. A small smile tugged at my lips as I admired her peaceful face. How could I have been so blind to this? A voice cut through my thoughts—Kate, reaching out through the mind link. "Jack? Where are you? You’re supposed to be in my room." I ignored her. Toni
Jack's POV Tamara stood at the head of the table, her back straight and her voice clear as she carried on the meeting. The warriors and other leaders listened intently to her, their eyes fixed on her as she confidently discussed the latest patrol reports. I leaned back in my seat, watching her closely, admiring how she’d grown into this role over the last few weeks. There was a time when she wouldn’t have been able to control a room like this, but now… now, she freaking owned it! Suddenly, the door swung open, and Kate barged in, looking flustered. “Sorry I’m late!” she said, glancing around at everyone. “I didn’t know there was a meeting scheduled.” Oh, I felt a sharp pang of realization—Tamara intentionally hadn’t told us about the meeting. She must have intentionally left me and Kate out! What the fuck?! My jaw clenched as I wondered why. Was she trying to get back at me for not informing her about the last meeting? This felt personal. Before I could say anything, Tamar
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