Jack's POV I felt my heart literally drop into my stomach. “Kate, no—” “Oh, it’s true,” Kate cut me off, her voice dripping with spite. “We’ve been fucking for months behind your back and you didn't even know. The only reason I haven’t gotten pregnant before now is because I was using contraceptives. But this time, there’s no mistake. I’m carrying his child.” It was devastating to see the light in Tamara’s eyes dim as the heart wrenching betrayal sank in. She looked at me with a crushed expression her lips trembling. “Jack… is this true?” I wanted to, but I knew I couldn’t deny it. “Y-Yes, I had an affair with Kate. But it’s over, Tamara. I swear, I ended it because I realized I love you. I’ve changed. I wasn’t going to betray you.” Tamara’s face softened, as if she wanted to believe me, but anyone could see the hurt was still there. “Jack… how can you expect me to I trust you now?” Her words felt like a slap to my face but I knew she was right. How was I supposed to make
I cursed under my breath as the sound of battle rumbled in the distance. This was all happening because of me, because I wasn’t alert enough, because I didn’t see what was coming. I should’ve known, should’ve stopped it before it got this far. Now, a war was on the verge of erupting, and my pack — my people — were going to suffer because of it.Panic gripped my chest, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. There wasn’t time for regret. Right now, I had to act.Jack rushed toward me, his face pale and eyes wild. “Tamara, we have to get you out of here. You need to hide.”“Hide?” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. “You think I’m going to hide while my people are being attacked? Are you out of your mind?”“This isn’t your fight,” Jack insisted, grabbing my arm, trying to pull me toward the back of the house. “I need to keep you safe.”I ripped my arm from his grasp, glaring at him. “This is exactly my fight! I’m not some damsel in distress you can shove into a corner while
Tamara’s POV As I strode away from the crowd, I could hear Jack’s footsteps rushing after me. My heart was pounding from all the adrenaline of almost watching my pack members get slaughtered, so I didn’t even bother to glance back at him. "Tamara!" Jack’s voice was sharp and desperate. "What the hell are you doing?" I ignored him until he grabbed my arm, halting me in my tracks. I whipped around, glaring at him. “What does it look like I’m doing, Jack? I’m handling the mess you created!” Jack’s eyes flared with disbelief. “You’re actually going to marry Alpha Dante? That monster? You can’t be serious.” He exclaimed. “Oh, I’m dead serious,” I snapped, crossing my arms. “He can’t be any worse than you. And Since when do you care anyway? Shouldn’t you be focused on your Kate now? She’s pregnant with your child, after all.” I sneered. "Don’t bring Kate into this, this is about you and me." He stepped closer, his voice lowering as if trying to seduce me. "Or have you
Tamara POV I tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. The day had been way too long, and wayy too chaotic, not to mention that it was filled with way too many emotions to process. The first case was that My mind kept replaying my expected confrontation with Jack, the stares from the pack members, and the weight of everything I had just agreed to. i was Marrying Alpha Dante for goodness sake!. The same man whose name alone sent shivers down the spine of anyone who heard it. How had it come to this? I had spent years dreaming of the moment I would take control of my destiny, and now I was handing my life over to a man I barely knew. Dear goddess! I sighed, staring up at the ceiling, my fingers twisting in the sheets. Sleep was impossible. A sudden knock on the door made my heart leap into my throat. My first thought was that Jack had come to argue with me again, unable to accept that I was marrying Dante. I was not in the mood for another confrontation. I pulled myself o
Jack's POV As I stood there, watching Tamara clasp the diamond necklace around her neck, it felt like something inside me shattered. My heart was crushed, and I could barely breathe. My throat tightened, and my chest felt like it was caving in. I can't believe she's marrying him!Fucking Alpha Dante! Of all people! How could she do this to me? How could she marry him? My worst enemy, the man responsible for so much pain in my life. She didn’t even flinch when she accepted that diamond necklace. Her face was calm, even pleased. How could she be pleased when she was throwing everything we had away?I stormed to my room, away from the scene that was breaking me apart. I couldn’t stay there. I couldn’t stand to see her like that, wearing something sent by that monster. It made my skin crawl.The room I was walking into wasn’t even my own anymore. Yesterday, Tamara had kicked me out of her room and forced Kate and me to move into one of the smaller rooms downstairs. Pure shame and humili
It had been two days since Alpha Dante sent me the diamond ring, and I was set to leave for his territory in just a few hours. Everything was already packed and prepared for my departure. I glanced at the ring on my finger, the large diamond catching the light as I turned it. It symbolized more than just a marriage proposal. It symbolized my future—our future—and the power that was soon to be mine.Jack had been pretending to ignore me since I accepted the ring, his attempts at cold indifference painfully obvious. I still caught him staring at me sometimes when he thought I wasn’t looking. It wasn’t my imagination either. His eyes would burn into me from across the room, only to look away the moment I met his gaze. I knew it still bothered him, this engagement, but I didn’t care. I had made it clear that he had to leave my pack, that he had no place here anymore. Yet, he hadn’t made any effort to go, and I couldn’t help but wonder why.Still, it didn’t bother me much. Soon, when Alpha
Tamara's POV The road stretched out ahead of us, winding through thick woods and rolling hills as the car smoothly glided over the asphalt. The ride was mostly quiet except for the excited chatter of Violet, who sat beside me, practically vibrating with energy. “This is going to be amazing, Tamara!” Violet gushed, leaning toward me with wide eyes. “I mean, think about it. We’re going to Alpha Dante’s pack—his lands are supposed to be incredible! Abundance like you wouldn’t believe. Huge estates, farms that practically grow food by themselves, rivers full of fish. I’ve heard they even have gold mines!” I gave her a sidelong glance but didn’t share her enthusiasm. Her excitement only made the knot in my stomach tighten. “Yeah, I’ve heard those stories too.” “And it’s all true!” Fiona said with a dreamy sigh, looking out the window as we passed another long stretch of forest. “They say his lands are so prosperous that no one there ever goes hungry. That’s why no one ever leaves—t
Tamara’s POV I took a step back and pushed Violet behind me even though my heart was pounding in my chest. My entire body was trembling as the attackers moved toward us with twisted grins. I tried hard to keep her behind me, to shield her from their cold eyes which were gleaming with cruel amusement as they watched us like predators toying with their prey. "Aww Look at the great and powerful Luna shivering in front of us," one of them sneered, he seemed to be the boss here. He was tall but very ugly with rotten looking teeth as he sneered at me. "Look how the proud Luna Tamara and her friends are so helpless and pitiful in front of us, like a couple of scared little girls." He laughed and the others joined. Fucking prick! I gritted my teeth and forced myself to stand up straighter, to project confidence that I didn’t feel. My voice shook a little, but I glared at him and tried to look as cold and intimidating as possible. "Do you have any idea who you’re messing with?’,
Kayla’s POVAdrian’s entire body was tense as we stepped out of the room. His grip on my hand was firm, his usual confident posture stiff with barely concealed irritation. I knew him well enough to recognize that he was already prepared for a fight.Hector stood at the end of the hallway, arms crossed, wearing a smirk that immediately set Adrian on edge. He was too relaxed, too amused, like he was waiting to provoke a reaction.“Kayla,” Hector greeted smoothly, his eyes flickering to me before shifting to Adrian with a knowing glint. “You’re looking lovely tonight.”Adrian’s grip on my waist tightened instantly, and I swore I could feel the heat of his glare. “Watch it Hector,” he snapped, voice low and full of warning. "She's Lady Kayla to you."Hector chuckled. “Relax, brother. It was just a greeting.”“That’s not how you greet her when I’m standing right here,” Adrian growled.I sighed, placing a calming hand on Adrian’s chest before this spiraled into another heated argument. “A
Kayla’s POVAfter my conversation with Candice, I felt a strange mix of emotions. A part of me was still frustrated with her, but another part couldn’t shake off the pity I felt. Her father treated her like she was nothing more than a disposable pawn, and I couldn’t imagine how that must have shaped her into the person she had become.I sighed, pushing the thoughts aside as I made my way to Adrian’s quarters. I didn't know if he was back but I needed to see him. Not just because he had a way of grounding me, but because I wanted to be near him after such a long, exhausting day.When I reached the door and opened it, I froze in surprise.The room was bathed in soft, golden light from several candles placed strategically around. A small dining table sat in the center, elegantly set for two, with a delicious-looking meal arranged neatly on the plates. A bottle of wine rested beside the dishes, and the scent of roasted meat, herbs, and something sweet filled the air.Adrian was waiting
Kayla’s POV I blinked, trying to process what she had just said. She took my funds? On purpose? Candice was the first to react, gasping loudly. “But why?” Lady Catherine didn’t look the least bit guilty. If anything, she seemed pleased with herself. “I needed to see how Kayla would handle a crisis. Unlike you, I already knew she had the skills to manage the funds well, given her past experience as Luna. So, I upped the challenge.” My mouth opened slightly in shock. “You knew about my work in my former Pack?” Lady Catherine smirked. “Of course. You think I wouldn’t do my research? I needed to test whether you could handle unexpected setbacks. And you outperformed my expectations. A test is not just about what you can accomplish with plenty of resources—but how you handle things when they are taken away." I swallowed, still processing what she had done. I had been thrown into that situation with no resources, and instead of crumbling, I found a way to help the orphanage. My frust
Kayla’s POV The sun dipped below the horizon as Ingrid and I left the orphanage.But the cool evening air doing little to clear the fog in my mind because The old woman’s insistent voice still rang in my ears. "I'm sure I remember you. You stayed at my orphanage once, didn’t you?" I had been too stunned to respond properly at the time. Now, as I replayed the conversation in my head, it still didn’t make sense. I had never lived in an orphanage. I knew that for a fact. After my parents died, I was taken in by Alpha Xavier’s family—not lovingly, not as one of their own, but as a maid. There certainly had been no orphanage. No kind old woman watching over me. So why had she been so sure? Maybe she was just mistaken. I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. The woman was old, and memories could blur with time. That had to be it. "Lady Kayla?" Ingrid’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Hm?" I turned to her, realizing she was staring out the window with a frown. She po
Kayla’s POVMy money was stolen.Only my money.I stood there, my mind racing, my hands shaking as the weight of it settled in. The test had barely started, and someone had already made sure I failed.I looked at the guard, my throat tightening. "It was only mine?"He nodded. "Yeas ma'am. Lady Candice’s money is still safely locked away, plus she has guards safeguarding it."A cold wave of realization hit me. Candice planned this. And now I was furious at myself for not expecting something like this."That snake," I hissed, clenching my fists.Ingrid crossed her arms. "It’s obvious she’s behind this. Who else would want to sabotage you like this?"I barely let her finish before storming off to get my money back.I found her in one of the palace meeting rooms, standing with a few of her followers. She looked up just in time for me to march straight up to her."Where is it?" I demanded.Candice smirked. "Where’s what?""My money!" I snapped. "Don’t play dumb."She tilted her head, feig
Kayla’s POVI woke up before sunrise, my nerves already getting the best of me.Today was the first day of training and The first test.I had no idea what to expect, and the thought of failing in front of Lady Catherine— and worse, having my bad report sent to the council—made my stomach twist uncomfortably.I sat up, rubbing my face, when I felt the bed shift beside me.Strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back into the warmth of Adrian’s chest."You’re up too early," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.I sighed. "I have to be. I don’t exactly want to start my first day with your mother by being late."Adrian hummed, his lips brushing against my shoulder. "You’ll be fine, Kayla."I wasn’t so sure. "What if I mess up?""You won’t," he said, confident as ever. "And I’ll even check in on you later to show my support."That made me pause. "Really?"He nodded. "I want to see how you’re doing."Something warm settled in my chest at that.Adrian kissed my temple before
Kayla’s POVLady Catherine's gaze was sharp, cold, and unwavering.Even without her saying another word, I could already tell—this conversation wasn’t going to be a pleasant one.She wasn’t here for pleasantries.She was here to tackle something that had to do with me."You may have manipulated your way into getting engaged to the Alpha of the South," she said evenly, "but that does not make you an acceptable Luna of my pack yet, so don't go around town parading yourself as one."I swallowed. She must have heard about our outing.Beside me, Adrian’s body tensed. "Mother—"She raised a hand, silencing him effortlessly.I had never seen anyone talk to Adrian in that tone before. He must have a lot of respect for her.Lady Catherine turned back to me, her sharp eyes raking over my form as if she were already judging every flaw I had."Custom demands that all women who wish to become one of the Alpha's wives must undergo training," she continued. "You and Candice will both be instructed,
Kayla’s POVA slow warmth curled around me, pulling me from sleep. The bed was too comfortable, the scent surrounding me too delicious.It was Adrian, cuddling me without shame, and I was letting him.I could feel his gaze before I even opened my eyes."Are you awake, or are you pretending?"His voice was teasing, husky with amusement.I blinked my eyes open, only to be met with his smug expression.Adrian was close—leaning over me, his smoldering eyes full of mischief."You’re staring," I mumbled sleepily.He grinned. "Can you blame me? you're free to stare back."I scoffed and turned my face into the pillow. "You’re annoying.""And yet, you were seeking my touch in your sleep."I froze.My eyes snapped back open, and Adrian’s grin widened as he leaned even closer."Not like that," he added, his voice wicked. "Yet."I smacked his chest, my face burning. "You’re impossible!"Adrian laughed.Then, before I could retaliate, he sat back and stretched. "Come on. Get up. I have plans for u
Kayla’s POVI couldn’t stop thinking about it.Leo’s words echoed in my head like a haunting melody I couldn’t shake."I know your secret.""You’ll go missing, just like all those wolfless girls before you."My stomach twisted.How did he know?Who else knew?How long had they known?And worst of all—how much danger was I really in?I kept my face blank as Adrian led me out of the council hall, but my thoughts were anything but calm.I needed to figure out what to do.Fast.I barely noticed the drive back to the palace. My mind was still tangled in a mess of worry when Adrian’s voice suddenly cut through the haze."You’ve been quiet," he said, his golden eyes flicking to me with a hint of concern.I forced a small smile. "Just thinking about somethings. It's nothing to worry about."Adrian didn’t look convinced. "About what?"I hesitated.Should I tell him?Should I tell him that Leo knew everything—that he had practically threatened to make me disappear?The words were on the tip of