Tamara's POV The palace seemed to feel too darn quiet when I returned and the emptiness I felt whenever Dante was gone settling over me like a heavy blanket. With no one else in my room, my thoughts swirled endlessly. Dr. Laura’s words about hearing thoughts, my anchor, and everything in between kept replaying in my mind. Could it really be true? Was I capable of something so… freaking unnatural? I found myself pacing by the window, staring out into the fading light of the evening. My nerves only calmed when I saw Dante’s silhouette in the distance. He was walking toward the palace, his stride confident and familiar, and my heart softened with the kind of warmth that only lovr can give. As soon as he stepped through the door, his eyes landed on me, and a warm smile spread across his face. “My love,” he said, his voice like a balm to my frazzled nerves. “You’re back,” I said, trying to keep the relief out of my voice. He stepped closer, his arms circling my waist as he pulled me
Tamara’s POV George stood stiffly in front of us, his face drawn and tense. Whatever he was about to say, I could tell it wasn’t good. My stomach churned as I leaned slightly against Dante, bracing myself. “The rumors are spreading,” George began grimly. “Some packs in the East are insisting that the North attacked them. And to make matters worse, they claim to have proof.” I frowned, my heart skipping a beat. “Proof?” “Yes,” George confirmed. “They’re using this so-called evidence to appeal directly to the northern elders for intervention.” I glanced at Dante, who had gone unnervingly still. His jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. I didn’t even need to hear his thoughts to know he was seething. “The fucking elders?” Dante repeated, his voice dangerously calm. George nodded. “Yes, Alpha. They’re demanding the elders investigate the matter, and they’re claiming you’re trying to start another war.” I sucked in a sharp breath, the words hitting me like a blow to the
Adrian’s POV Jack leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable as I tried to explain—again—why I needed his help. “I’m not sure about getting involved, Adrian,” he said flatly. “this is going to far and I'm already risking too damn much.” My jaw tightened, frustration bubbling to the surface. “YOURE risking too damn much? You’re the one who ruined her life in the first place! The least you can do is help me get her back.” Jack’s eyes narrowed. “Watch it. I don’t owe you—or her—anything.” I scoffed, unable to hold back my irritation. “You’re still bitter, aren’t you? You can’t stand the thought of her being happy with anyone else because you’re still not over her.” Jack stiffened, his eyes flashing with anger. “I’m expecting a child with Kate. Do you really think I’m pining after Tamara?” “Yes,” I snapped. “Because it’s obvious. You say you’ve moved on, but every time her name comes up, you look like someone just punched you in the gut. Admit it, Jack. Y
Adrian’s POV The knock at my office door came unexpectedly, sharp and deliberate. I frowned, setting down the glass of whiskey I’d been nursing. Visitors were rare these days, and the timing of this one was peculiar. “Come in,” I called, leaning back in my chair. The door swung open, revealing a man I hadn’t seen in years. Alpha Jonathan. His imposing figure filled the doorway, and his presence was as commanding as ever. The silver streaks in his dark hair only added to his air of authority. “Alpha Jonathan,” I said, rising to my feet. “To what do I owe this… surprise?” He stepped inside, his boots clicking against the polished floor as he closed the door behind him. His sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on me. “We need to talk,” he said, his tone curt. I gestured for him to sit, curiosity piqued. “By all means. What brings you here?” Jonathan took the offered seat but didn’t relax. His shoulders were tense, his expression grim. “It’s about Dante,” he said without pr
Tamara’s POV Dante had been tense ever since the court summons arrived. The accusation against him was too heavy, and although he’d tried to mask it around me, I could see through his every attempt to hide his frustration. He was on edge, pacing the halls, spending hours in his office, and sleeping less. This wasn’t like him. Dante was always calm, composed, and unshakable. To see him like this… it fucking hurt. I decided I’d had enough. If he wasn’t going to take a break on his own, I was going to make him take one. The plan was simple: distract Dante for a whole day. No office work, no border patrols, no strategizing. Just fun and relaxation. I wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Dante,” I called, standing in the doorway of his study. He was at his desk, leaning over some documents, his dark brows furrowed in concentration. “Hmm?” he grunted without looking up. I stepped inside and crossed my arms. “Get up.” His pen stilled, and he finally looked at me, his sharp green eyes na
Tamara’s POV The morning of the court hearing was heavy with tension. Dante had been uncharacteristically quiet as we got ready, his usual confidence dimmed by the weight of what was coming. I tried my best to stay calm for his sake, reminding myself that this was Dante—strong, capable, and always one step ahead of his enemies. But just as I was fastening the final clasp of my dress, a familiar voice rang through the palace halls. “Tamara?” I froze for a second, then rushed out of the room to see Sophie standing at the front door, her bright smile lighting up the grand entryway. “Sophie!” I exclaimed, hurrying down the stairs. “You’re back already?” She nodded, looking a little flustered but happy. “Yes. Nathan sent me back to resume my work.” I blinked, stunned. “Nathan sent you?” She laughed lightly, rubbing the back of her neck. “I know, it’s hard to believe, right? But he’s finally come around. He told me he understands how much my job means to me, and he’s decided to supp
Tamara’s POVThe courtroom buzzed with tension, the air thick as Lord Jarek droned on, hammering away at Dante’s reputation. his accusations were sharp and too deliberate, designed to paint Dante as a fucking dictator. My blood boiled with every word he spoke.I couldn’t sit still any longer. As Jarek raised his voice, calling Dante a threat to peace, I shot out of my chair.“I object!”The room fell silent. Every head turned to me, and I could feel the weight of a hundred shocked gazes. Even Dante looked stunned as I stepped forward and planted myself between him and the Elders.“Tamara,” Dante hissed softly, his voice low with warning. But I ignored him.“This entire trial is a farce,” I said, my voice firm as I looked directly at Lord Jarek. “You’re not here to seek justice. You’re here to destroy Alpha Dante’s reputation, and everyone in this room knows it.”The collective gasp from the council echoed like thunder.“Outrageous!” Lord Jarek snapped, his face reddening. “You dare a
Tamara’s POV The early morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the bedroom. I stretched lazily, already anticipating the hopefully not shitty day ahead. Today, I was heading to Alpha Jonathan’s pack to prove Dante’s innocence. There was no room for error. Sliding out of bed, I moved quietly, trying not to wake Dante as I grabbed my clothes and headed to the vanity. But before I could even finish brushing my hair, I felt strong arms wrap around my waist. “Where do you think you’re going?” Dante’s voice was husky, still thick with sleep, as he pulled me back against him. I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. “You know exactly where I’m going. Alpha Jonathan’s pack. I told you last night.” “You could stay,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my neck. “Just a little longer. The sun’s barely up.” I laughed softly, shaking my head as his kisses grew more insistent. “Dante, you’re impossible.” “Guilty,” he said, spinning me around to fac
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’
Kayla's POV I stood in the hallway, watching Adrian storm out of the room with his usual intense expression. He was furious—his fists clenched, his jaw set tight, and a fire burning in his eyes that I hadn’t seen in a long time. The moment he’d said the word traitor, my heart dropped into my stomach. I couldn't believe it. Hector, a traitor? No, that wasn’t right. Hector had been nothing but kind to me, helpful to the the wolf less women and then he’d apologized for kissing me and promised me that he’d stop the ridiculous rivalry between him and Adrian. I had just started to thank the goddess for some peace between them, and now Adrian wanted to arrest him? I couldn’t let this happen. I hurried after Adrian, calling his name as I caught up with him in the hallway. "Adrian! Wait please!" I grabbed his arm, trying to slow him down, but he just pulled away from me. "Kayla, stay out of this." His voice was cold, like it always got when he was angry. "I need to deal with this. It’
Adrian's POV I paused and tried to recall the memory of that day. The fight with Xavier was still fresh in my mind, but there was something... something else that happened. “I met someone who said they had information on how to find you,” I said slowly, “we had a fight, but then... something attacked me from behind. I can’t remember much after that.” Kayla looked at me, concern evident in her eyes. “Something attacked you from behind?” “Yeah,” I said, rubbing my temples as I recalled the foggy details. “The memory’s a little unclear. But there was definitely someone else involved. I’m just... not sure who.”I made sure I didn't mention to her that it was probably her ex husband who had intentionally set me up and invited his friends to help him get rid of me.But that didn't make sense. Why would Xavier simply poison me and not just kill me off immediately.How did he even get the audacity to attack me when he knew that I could have defeated him especially when I wake up.Plus