Dante's POV "Ah, so I finally meet the woman responsible for all this trouble." My mother said in a very unimpressed tone and I immediately feel Tamara stiffen against me. As my mother stared at Tamara, her expression as hard as stone, I could feel Tamara’s tension building beside me. I decided to quickly step in before things could get any more uncomfortable for her. “Mother,” I began, moving closer to Tamara and resting my hand on her shoulder. “I’d like to introduce you to Luna Tamara.” I lifted my chin slightly, pride swelling in my chest. “She’s the Luna of the Winter Pack…and my fiancée, i know people have been telling you a lot of lies about her, but I wanted you to meet her yourself and realize that she's an amazing woman who would never raise a finger against you.” My mother’s eyes flickered with surprise, but she quickly masked it, her face as cool as ever. She looked Tamara up and down before fixing me with a pointed gaze. “You're right son, I’ve heard rumors,” s
Dante's POV My mother suddenly turned to Reuben, her voice ice-cold. “Reuben,” she said sharply, “that’s enough. Stop behaving like a fucking child.” His jaw clenched, and I could see the frustration simmering beneath the surface, but he stayed silent. My mother turned to Tamara, her tone softer now. “I don’t hold you responsible, Tamara. It was a war…and it was my son who started it.” Her words held a weight of sorrow that filled the room. “And your father wasn’t directly responsible for his death, anyway.” I saw Tamara exhale, visibly relieved, her shoulders loosening. She met my mother’s gaze with a soft smile. “Thank you,” she said quietly, genuine gratitude in her voice. My mother’s eyes drifted down to Tamara’s hand, her gaze catching on the ring I’d placed there. She reached for Tamara’s hand, turning it slightly to admire the way the gem caught the light, sparkling with a deep, brilliant hue. “This ring suits you, Tamara,” she murmured, studying the way it matched Tam
Dante’s Pov if she couldn't help us, what were we supposed to do now? I just stood there, grappling with the consequences and disappointment of what my mother had just said. I had really hoped she could find a way around the council, a way to protect Tamara without throwing her into the very fire she was meant to escape. But now I could see it in her face—she was bound by the council’s rules as much as I was. Just as I was about to resign myself to this disappointment, my mother surprised me with a look that held a flash of hope. "Dante wait," she said as an idea formed in her mind . "There is still a way to save her, a way to make the elders submit to what you want them to do." My head snapped up as a spark of hope lit in my chest. "What are you saying?" Her gaze shifted to Tamara, standing silently at my side with worry and tension clear in her face. “The investigation against Tamara is still ongoing,” my mother began carefully. “And if they find her guilty, the
Dante’s POV My mother’s expression hardened, and she raised an eyebrow. “Are you seriously saying that you’d try to keep your own brother out of the palace? The very home he grew up in?” I forced myself to keep my tone steady as I shook my head. “It’s not about that. It’s about Tamara’s safety. I don’t trust Reuben around her.” “Oh, come on, Dante,” Reuben scoffed with an annoying smirk tugging at his lips. “Afraid I might actually hurt your precious Luna? That’s flattering, really.” His tone was mocking, and he cast a knowing look at his girlfriend, who snickered beside him. I glared at him, ignoring his bait, and turned to my mother instead. “This isn’t about being paranoid. There are real risks here. Bringing Reuben back into the palace could endanger Tamara, he’s already tried to hurt her once, I don’t plan to give him another fucking chance.” My mother’s face softened, but there was a trace of impatience. “Dante, you’re both adults. I can’t stand to see my sons fighting l
Tamara’s POV As we stepped into the hotel lobby, I let out a long sigh. It felt almost like a crazy dream. Dante’s mother had accepted me!This was something I’d been so so worried about. I knew how much her blessing meant to our plan and to Dante, and her approval was something I hadn’t dared to hope for. But even though her acceptance made me feel relieved, there was still a dull disappointment gnawing at me.We had really hoped the former Luna would somehow be able to solidify our marriage, to give us the security we needed in the face of those psychotic elders and Reuben’s interference. Yet, she couldn’t—or perhaps wasn’t able—help. She had her very good reasons, I knew that , but that didn’t make the disappointment any easier. I took one look at Dante’s tense face and kept my thoughts to myself. He was already visibly frustrated, and the last thing I wanted was to add to his burden.On the elevator ride up to our suite, I studied his profile. The clenched jaw, the way he kept
Tamara’s POV I could see the weariness in his eyes, the frustration that rose just under the surface, where he thought I wouldn’t notice it. I reached over and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.“It’ll be fine,” I said softly. “I’m ready for whatever she or anyone tries to throws my way. And besides, I have you, don’t I?”He met my gaze, his eyes softening as he nodded. “You do. And I’m not going anywhere.”We sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, just holding each other. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I was absolutely sure we’d kick its ass together.And that was enough for me.The next morning, Dante and I returned to his mother’s home. I was both excited and nervous. Despite everything, she’d welcomed me warmly yesterday, and I could tell how much that meant to Dante. Still, meeting the mother of the man I loved—again—always came with a little anxiety.As soon as we stepped inside, Dante’s mother, greeted us with a big smile, and before I knew it, she had her
Tamara's POV As we arrived back at the hotel, my nerves were in overdrive. Tomorrow was the hearing, and it was like a weight pressing down on me. The whole trip back, Dante held my hand, his thumb stroking across my knuckles, but I could feel his tension too, like he was bracing himself for battle.That night, we met up with our friends for dinner in the hotel restaurant. Dante, George, Violet, and Casper and my girls were all there, but the usual banter was replaced with a heavy silence. Even Violet, who could make anyone laugh on the darkest days, seemed subdued. They all knew what tomorrow meant for me—and for Dante. Tomorrow could go fine, or it could be our death sentence, for me and my pack.His whole demeanor was protective, and I could tell he was trying to keep a calm exterior for my sake.As we ate, I tried to distract myself by asking George and Casper about the city, but every attempt at conversation quickly fizzled out. Eventually, we all gave up and ate in silence,
Tamara's POV The ride to the court was quiet. I watched the city pass by through the window, my mind racing with everything that was about to go down. When we arrived, I was struck by the sheer grandeur of the court building in Negaria. It was massive, with tall, arched windows and intricate stone carvings, almost like a cathedral. I couldn’t help but admire it, even if I was stepping into it as the person accused of attempted murder. We were led into a waiting room filled with luxurious, padded seats and a long, mahogany table in the center. The attendants directed each of us to a small seating box near the front, designed to keep the accused separated from the observers but still visible. Dante stayed close, his hand on my back as he helped me settle into my designated seat. A few moments later, a group of servants entered with trays balanced expertly in their hands. I noticed right away that they were dressed in form-fitting uniforms, the fabric clinging to their curve
Adrian's POV I didn’t want anyone to know I was hurt, especially not the council and whoever sent If they caught wind of the attack, they’d twist it into another excuse to strip me of authority—or worse, use it to push that damn marriage alliance again. So I let Logan and Connor sneak me into the palace under the cover of night. No fanfare. No guards. Just quiet footsteps and a trail of pain in my side where the wolfsbane still burned under my skin. “Sit sir,” Logan barked the second we stepped inside my private chamber. “You’re losing more blood than I’m comfortable with.” “I’m fine,” I lied. “You’re not,” Connor muttered, grabbing the medkit. “I said I’m fine,” I snapped, more harshly than I meant. But I hated this—being slowed down, vulnerable. I had to get back to Kayla. If Hector was really behind the attack… Just the thought made my blood run colder than the wind outside. Before Logan could reply, the door burst open and Candice came running in. “Adrian!” Her voice
Adrian's POV I barely slept last night. After the poisoning attempt, my instincts were on edge—every creak of the floorboards, every shift in the wind had me reaching for my blade. The healer I called to investigate the poisoned cup said the poison had been subtle—wolfbane laced with something stronger, a paralyzing agent that would’ve made me collapse tonight or mid-travel. I wasn’t dying. Not yet. But the betrayal from knowing that it was one of my pack members that did this burned hotter than the poison ever could. Morning came with an overcast sky. Fitting, really. Connor and Logan were already waiting for me at the courtyard. Logan checked the straps on one of the horses we would need to search the forest quickly while Connor leaned against a stone pillar, eyes flicking to every movement like a hawk. “You sure you’re up for this?” Connor asked, watching me as I walked toward them. “I have worse problems than the thought of being poisoned,” I muttered, strapping on my sw
Kayla's POV I didn’t expect to find comfort in a place made in the mountains and with strange people, but the sanctuary slowly began to feel like something close to peace. The women here— a lot of them were wolfless like me, had built something beautiful in the ruins of everything that had been taken from them. Some had lost their wolves. Others never had one. But none of them were weak. They moved like a tribe, fiercely protective of each other. They trained, they studied, they guarded the younger girls like sacred flame. I found myself lingering near them more often. Helping with meals. Offering quiet words when someone cried in their sleep. It gave me something to do… something other than sit with the ache in my chest. Hector, of course, kept trying to be everywhere I turned. “You need help with those?” he asked, jogging toward me when he saw me carrying a crate of old books the Oracle had asked for. “I’ve got it,” I said, shifting the weight in my arms. He didn’t move awa
Adrian's POV I stared at the council letter on my desk, barely reading the damn thing before I tossed it aside. Same message as before—. “We urge you to reconsider. Candice is the suitable choice,” “the pack’s stability depends on your union,” “Lady Kayla is an unnecessary liability.” Liability, my ass. I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes, trying to push the pressure out of my head before it split me in two. But a knock at the door shattered the quiet. “Come in,” I growled. The door opened and my mother stepped in. Regal. Cold. Dressed like she hadn’t aged a day since she last manipulated me into something I didn’t want. “I assume you’ve read the council’s latest suggestion?” she said coolly, shutting the door behind her. “You mean their latest threat?” I snapped. “Yeah. I read it.” She moved further in, clasping her hands. “Adrian, don’t make this harder than it needs to be. Marry Candice, have a child, stabilize the power dynamic, and all of this goes away.” I lau
Kayla's POV The Oracle’s sanctuary was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Nestled between jagged cliffs and fog-kissed forest, it looked like something out of a dream—an ancient village carved into the side of the mountain, hidden by thick trees and magic I could feel in the air. The wind here didn’t just whistle—it whispered.Inside the stone structures, warm fires crackled, glowing crystals lined the walls, and soft voices murmured in languages I didn’t understand. The women—so many women—moved with laughter and freedom. Some were young, barely teenagers. Others carried themselves like warriors, scarred and strong.“These women…” I whispered as I helped one of the girls settle into a room with a cot and thick wool blankets. “They’re like a tribe.”“They are,” Ingrid said softly beside me. “They protect those who can’t protect themselves. Most of them were once like the girls we brought in. Broken. Scared. Hunted.”The girl we tucked in—her name was Lyra—clung to my arm as I tried to
Adrian's POV I jolted awake from the nightmare, heart pounding, drenched in sweat.“Kayla!” I gasped, reaching for her—only to grab empty sheets.The nightmare still clung to me like a second skin. Her voice echoed in my ears, accusing, devastated."You didn’t protect me, Adrian. You left me. you let them take me."Her eyes… they had looked so real. So broken. I sat at the edge of my bed, head in my hands, trying to shake off the chill that settled into my bones. It wasn’t just a dream. It was a warning of the future or guilt of that night, or maybe both.A loud knock came at the door. Logan entered without waiting.“Alpha, They’ve summoned you... Immediately,” he said grimly. “They are at the Council hall and Augustine’s leading.”Of course he is.I stood without a word, already pulling on my shirt. Logan followed behind, tension radiating off him.“What are they charging me with now?” I muttered.Logan hesitated. “They’re saying you're emotionally compromised. That Lady Kayla has m
Kayla's first person POV Suddenly, out of nowhere, There was a strange surge of power, an energy I couldn’t explain, rushing through me. The air crackled with raw force, and suddenly, the ground beneath my feet seemed to pulse. I focused all my energy into a single thought: protect them. Protect my loved ones. A barrier of shimmering light exploded outward from me, knocking the wolves back with a deafening crash. The force of it sent the creatures sprawling, but they began to recover slowly, snarling and trying to get up. My heart pounded in my chest, but I didn’t back down. This energy—it was like I knew how to use it, like it had always been there, waiting for me to tap into it even though I didn't know what it was. Hector and Ingrid stared at me, their eyes wide with disbelief. I couldn’t explain what had just happened, but the sensation of power was overwhelming. “You… You did that?” Hector’s voice was tight, almost fearful. I nodded, still trying to catch my breath. “I d
Kayla's first person POV The journey through the mountains felt like it was never going to end. Ingrid never told me it was going to be this tough, if she did, I wouldn't have been as enthusiastic about coming here as I was last night. Nothing would have stopped me from coming here though. The air grew painfully thinner as we ascended, the crisp wind cutting into my skin like sharp needles. I soon found myself gasping for breath, feeling each step strain my muscles. It was exhausting, but the alternative—staying behind like a coward while Hector, Ingrid, and the others trekked up without me—was unthinkable. Plus I badly needed answers too. So, I pushed through, even though every part of me screamed for rest. “You alright?” Hector’s voice cut through the sharp mountain air, his face creased with concern as he glanced back at me. “I’m fine,” I lied, pushing myself harder, my boots scraping against the rocky ground. But I couldn’t help the way my chest felt tight with each
Kayla's POV I hadn’t realized how empty my heart would feel until the silence settled in.Days had passed—or maybe just hours—I couldn’t tell anymore. Time didn’t move the same without Adrian. Every second felt heavier, like it dragged its feet just to remind me that I was far away from him.I sat curled up on the cold cot in the far corner of the cave, arms wrapped around my knees, heart aching in a way I didn’t think was possible. I hadn’t spoken much since Hector and Ingrid brought me here. The girls were kind, but I was distant. Lost.I missed him.Goddess, I missed him.His scent. His voice. The way his arms wrapped around me like I was something precious. The way he said my name like it was his favorite word.Sleep didn’t come easily, but when it did, I dreamed of him. Always him. His voice in my ears, his lips brushing my skin, his arms holding me while the world fell apart around us.I woke up with tears on my cheeks more often than not.“You’re dreaming of him again, aren’t