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
Tamara's POV I had never seen Dante this relaxed before, not in all the time I had known him. The private villa was tucked away on a secluded island. It was the perfect escape—a break from everything, from the pressure of his position as Alpha, from the chaos of his ex-mate, Amanda, and her mysterious return. I wanted to think that it was just him and me having a normal and peaceful life, the way it should be. But even here, surrounded by paradise, I couldn't shake the knowledge that something very wrong had entered our marriage. Dante was distracted from the first day of our honeymoon. We spent hours walking along the beach, exploring the island, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. I should've been thrilled. But something lingered in the air between us, an unease I couldn’t ignore. We had dinner the first night on the balcony, overlooking the ocean as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink. It should’ve been magical. “You look am
Tamara's POV As soon as we got back from our ruined honeymoon, the door burst open with a loud bang. Amanda stormed in with panic as she rushed to hug Dante tightly. The suddenness of it all threw me off balance. I felt my pulse quicken as I watched her fling herself into Dante's arms, her voice cracking as she cried. "Dante! Oh my gods, someone tried to kidnap the twins!" she gasped, clutching at him desperately. "I don’t know what happened, but they’re in danger! I think someone is after them!" I felt the air in the room shift, thickening with tension. My chest tightened as I stood up, my hands fidgeting in my lap. There was something about Amanda’s hysteria that felt off—like she was manipulating the situation. Dante immediately took her in his arms, his face hardening with concern. "Wait, calm down and tell me exactly What are you talking about. Who would try to hurt my kids?" His voice was rough, demanding answers. Amanda took a shaky breath, wiping her eyes. "I don’t kno
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