Tamara's POV The palace felt heavy, like a dark shroud of grief had descended and refused to lift. It had been three days since Sophie was locked in the dungeons, yet she hadn’t uttered a single word about why she had betrayed me and worked for Lord Jarek. I was supposed to be celebrating the fact that I could now start planning my marriage now that we practically had the elders in our hands but I could barely sleep these days. Even the staff moved around cautiously, their eyes downcast, afraid to add to the tension. George had taken it the hardest. He barely ate or slept, pacing the halls with a hollow look in his eyes. His usually composed demeanor had completely shattered, and It hurt to see my normally calm like this.I swear I caught him blinking back tears one time. I sat in the drawing room, trying to make sense of the situation. The Sophie I knew would never betray me. But the Sophie I saw through the cameras that night…she had. "Tamara," Lady Regina’s voice broke throu
Tamara’s POV The memory of yesterday was still heavy on my mind as I stood in Dante’s office, waiting for the time to be upNathan had been arrested at Dante’s command, and while it was the right decision, I couldn’t ignore the fact that Sophie could be killed if that asshole refused to tell the truth.The good for nothing man who Sophie had called her husband—the man she had begged me to spare the last time —had turned out to be as selfish and deceitful as I had feared. For now, Sophie, was still locked in the dungeon. She was technically still under arrest until we had proven in court that she was not a criminal, but a victim who had yet to see the truth. If we didn’t act quickly and decisively, the council might succeed in their plan to execute her for treason. Dante entered the room, breaking me from my thoughts. “He’s ready,” he said with a frown and I knew that Dante hated his guts as much as I did. I nodded and followed him out of the office. The plan I had come up with wa
Tamara’s POVThe morning sun filtered through the curtains, and woke me up. Today was the day. Dante had set the court hearing for today, and soon, everything would come to light. I couldn’t shake the knot in my stomach as I sat in front of my mirror, and let Violet fuss over me.She was unusually quiet, her movements slow and deliberate. I caught her reflection, noting the pale tint to her skin and the dark circles under her eyes.“Violet,” I said softly, breaking the silence, “are you feeling alright?”She hesitated, brushing my hair back with trembling fingers. “I’m fine, Luna.”I raised a brow, unconvinced. “You don’t look fine. You’re pale, and your hands are shaking. When’s the last time you ate?”She couldn't answer me and I whirled around to face her, "you need to see a doctor!" I screamed at her Violet sighed and placed the brush down, meeting my gaze in the mirror. “yes, yes, I’ll go to the doctor after this, I promise. Right now, you’re the priority.”I frowned but decide
Tamara’s POV The world was dark, silent, and suffocatingly still. I floated in an endless void, weightless and confusingThe last thing I remembered was the now familiar cold, sharp sting of the dagger piercing my chest and Dante’s voice, desperate and broken, calling my name. Was I dead? again??? Before I could dwell on that terrifying thought, a silver light pierced the darkness, illuminating the space around me. The light grew brighter, almost blinding, before taking the form of a familiar woman. Her presence radiated power and serenity. Her long, flowing hair shimmered like moonlight, and her piercing eyes seemed to see through my very soul. “The Moon Goddess,” I breathed, my voice trembling. She nodded, her expression soft but unreadable. “Yes, child. It is I.” My heart—or whatever was left of it—stammered. “Am I… Am I dead? again” Her smile faltered slightly, and she stepped closer. “No, Tamara. luckily for you, It is not your time yet.” Relief flooded through me, but c
Tamara’s POV Sunlight streamed through the wide windows, warming my skin as I sat up to gaze at my lover in bed, my body still feeling the aftereffects of everything I’d endured. My Dante was by my side, as always, his arm resting protectively around my waist. “You’ve been staring at me for ten minutes,” he said, his voice rough with sleep but teasing. I smiled, brushing a hand through his dark hair. “I can’t help it. I still can’t believe we’re here, together, and… alive.” Dante turned to face me fully, cupping my cheek. “I made you a promise, Tamara. Nothing and no one will ever separate us again.” The sincerity in his golden eyes warmed me, but a lingering unease crept in. My thoughts drifted back to Lord Jarek’s escape. But I remembered Dante’s promise to capture him, to end the threat he posed to us and the pack. “Do you really believe that?” I asked softly. “That no one can come between us?” His gaze darkened, his jaw tightening. “Jarek is being hunted as we sp
Tamara’s POV The sunlight streamed through my bedroom window, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow. Violet tightened the last pin in my hair, stepping back with a satisfied smile. "There. You look perfect." Sophie, who had been carefully arranging the jewelry on the vanity, turned and gasped. "Luna Tamara, you’re glowing. Alpha going to lose his mind when he sees you." I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my breath hitching. My dress was everything I’d dreamed of—delicate embroidery, flowing fabric, and just the right amount of shimmer. But it wasn’t the dress that made me emotional. It was the realization that this day, my wedding day, had finally arrived. Tears welled up in my eyes. “I can’t believe this is happening. After everything… I never thought I’d finally get here.” “Don’t you dare cry,” Violet teased, but her own eyes looked glassy. “You’ll ruin my masterpiece!” Sophie rolled her eyes and handed me a tissue. “Let her cry. It’s her day. But just a little—don’t
Tamara’s POV The temple fell deathly silent, the atmosphere crackling with tension. I could feel hundreds of eyes bouncing between Amanda, her twin boys, and Dante. Whispers rippled through the crowd like waves crashing against a fragile shore. “Is that Amanda? Dante’s ex-mate?” “The one who disappeared years ago?” “Why now? On their wedding day?” “She’s got kids with her. Are those…?” I tried to breathe, but my lungs wouldn’t cooperate. My hand shook in Dante’s, and to my horror, he loosened his grip. I glanced up at him, desperate for reassurance, but his face was unreadable, his jaw clenched tight. Amanda took a small step forward, her twin boys clutching her hands tightly. The boys—dark-haired, golden-eyed —looked up at Dante with wide, curious eyes. They looked too much like their mother, but that didn't mean they weren't fathered by Dante. “I owe everyone an explanation,” Amanda began, her voice soft but steady despite the murmurs that filled the temple. “Years a
Tamara’s POV Adrian didn’t waste a moment. As soon as I stumbled out of the temple, he was at my side, steadying me with his strong arms. His sharp commands to the guards and staff around us were muffled in the whirlwind of emotions surging through me. Everything felt surreal, as though I were trapped in a nightmare I couldn’t escape from. “Get her back to the palace. Now,” Adrian barked, his voice low but commanding. “I’m fine,” I mumbled weakly, though my knees felt like jelly. “No, you’re not,” Adrian replied curtly, practically lifting me into the carriage waiting outside. “Sit. Don’t argue.” The ride back to the palace was eerily quiet except for the sound of my ragged breathing. Adrian sat across from me, his arms crossed and his jaw tight, his golden eyes burning with suppressed anger. “You’re too quiet,” he finally said, his voice breaking the silence. “What do you expect me to say?” I whispered. “That I’m okay? That this isn’t the worst day of my life?” My voic
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
Adrian's POV I couldn’t stop grinning as I stood in front of the mirror, touching the marks on my neck from where Kayla had kissed me earlier. I turned to her.Every time I looked at her, it felt like my heart was about to burst. She was here, she was really here, and no amount of blood or bruises could ever change how happy I was to have her back. I didn’t even care how close I came to dying for it to happen. I was alive. She was alive. We were together. That was all that mattered. “You’re staring,” Kayla teased, her voice soft and full of that playful edge I loved. She stepped up to me, her hands brushing against my shoulders, making me shiver at the warmth of her touch. “I can’t help it. You’re back. You—” I took a deep breath, fighting back the overwhelming wave of emotion that threatened to drown me. “I thought I lost you forever.” Kayla’s hands moved to my chest, and she smiled that smile I’d missed so much. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Her words were lik
Kayla's POV I frowned. “What do you mean, he doesn’t trust Hector?” Desmond smirked, his expression a mix of satisfaction and frustration. “Adrian’s always been protective of Kayla. And Hector has tried to be close to him by protecting Kayla, but there’s a crack there. We made sure that Adrian would start to suspect Hector has his own motives for taking Kayla. After the fake attack we planned, we made sure that Xavier would not buy Hector's loyalty anymore. So If we can push him to distrust Hector even more, it’ll create a bigger rift in their bond and Kayla would be in the middle of it.Adrian will have to deal with anyone he perceives as a traitor, and we can use that. We can Push him to attack Hector. The chaos will be perfect.” I thought about it, but something didn’t sit right. “Hector... He’s been nothing but protective of the southern pack. It seems like he’s too loyal to attack his own people. And Adrian? He’s no fool. He’s not just going to throw away a possible ally lik