Tamara's POV We made love until I passed out, and by the next morning, I wwas lost in the delicious warmth of Dante’s touch, the softness of the sheets wrapping us as the morning light began to seep through the curtains. The events of the previous day felt like a dream—full of surprises, revelations, and the promise of a future. But as I lay there, nestled against his chest, all I could think about was the way he looked at me and how he made me feel.Dante stirred beside me, his breath warm against my skin. I tilted my head up to meet his gaze, a smile creeping onto my lips. “Good morning,” I whispered, my heart fluttering at the sight of him.“Good morning, baby girl,” he replied, a teasing grin forming on his face. He leaned down, pressing his lips against mine in a soft, lingering kiss that quickly deepened.With a groan, he pulled me closer, his hands roaming my sides, igniting a fire within me. The world around us faded, and it was just us—wrapped up in each other, lost in the
Jack's POV"Damn it!" I groaned as the faint buzz of my phone jolted me awake in the early morning light, casting long shadows across the dark room.I blinked, trying to shake off the grogginess, but the persistent notification light blinked continuously. I reached over, snatched my phone off the nightstand and looked at it.When I read the contents, my eyes widened immediately and all trace of sleep disappeared.It was a message marked "EXTREMELY URGENT!! An emergency meeting… for all the alphas in the East?" I read our loud.What the hell?!That couldn't be good. They never gathered us together this suddenly unless something serious had happened. And that serious thing was never ever any good news.Worry ate at me, and a hint of suspicion crept in. I really wasn't in the mood for any more problems, but experience told me that this had to be more than just another minor skirmish or territory dispute. Whatever it was, it was big.I slid out of bed, took a shower and dressed up quick
Jack's POV The meeting hall was already bustling when I arrived, and I could immediately sense the tension thick in the air. I still didn't know what happened, but I had been right to assume it was something bad.Some Alphas were pacing around nervously, while some where arguing quietly with each other. Anger, frustration, and fear was all the emotions I could sense and I was becoming nervous to find out why. I spotted my gamma, Richard, in the corner, already waiting for me. He looked fucking terrible. Ever since Violet had left him to go with Tamara, everything had gone downhill for him. His business, the one Violet used to run, was struggling without her, and his new girlfriend was a disaster, that rude girl was spending his money faster than he could keep up.I honestly didn't understand why he wanted to leave Violet for her, but it wasnt my place to judge, after all, i had made the same mistake with Kate."Rough day?" I muttered, catching Richard’s eye as I joined him."That’
Jack's POV Even though most of the Alphas seemed to start believing that I wasn't behind the attack, the room was still tense and everyone was staring at me like I was about to vanish without giving them answers. I understood that Every alpha was on edge, waiting for me to say something that could reassure them that their packs were safe from Dante. But how could I say that when I wasn't sure of what was even going on.But despite that, I sat up straighter, feeling their eyes bore into me, while knowing that I couldnt let them see my own doubts. I needed to assure them that I wasn't their enemy, that the last thing I’d ever do was bring harm to the rest of my family, especially not my grandmother.But explaining that to them without giving away my secrets was like walking on a knife’s edge. “I vow to you all, here and now,” I finally said firmly, “I had nothing to do with an attack on Alpha Dante’s mother. Not a single order came from me for anything like that. Whoever told you ot
Jack's POV “Kate,” I said, trying to keep my tone even, though my mind was racing with the possibilities of why these men were in my house, and whether or not Kate had done something as stupid as poisoning their drinks. I knew her impulsive streak, and the last thing I needed was for her to have done something rash. “Could you excuse us for a moment?” I told her. Kate's smirk faltered, and she crossed her arms, clearly not thrilled with the request. “I don’t see why I should. They were perfectly fine talking with me before you came.” “Kate, please,” I said, my tone firm. “This isn’t up for debate.” She hesitated, but my annoyed expression must have convinced her. With a huff, she spun around and left, casting one last glare over her shoulder. Once she was gone, I focused on the two warriors, keeping my tone steady. “What are you doing in my home?” The taller of the two men, a grizzled warrior with a scar down his cheek, met my gaze steadily. “I'm General Luther and this is Lie
Jack's POV Later the day, Mike my Beta, -- who I didn't always carry around because of his devote loyalty to Tamara -- plus Richard, and I approached the mansion Adrian has bought in my pack.I immediately noticed that he had designed the place to be a Beautiful fortress. There were Warriors and mercenaries standing guard at every corner, with their eyes sharp and weapons within easy reach. The mansion was beautiful and imposing, and it seemed Adrian intended to make it his stronghold here in my pack, like he was preparing to come and stay in my pack very frequently. Mike whistled in surprise beside me, "Looks like he’s not just here for a short friendly visit. With all these weapons and warriors, it's obvious that the guy’s gearing up for something serious." "Yeah," I said, glancing around. "If I had any doubts about Adrian’s intentions for war against the north, they’re definitely gone now." I grumbled.It's true that I'd always wanted Dante out of my way, but I’d never imagined
Jack's POV The room felt colder as his words sank in. "Then who are you talking about?" I asked in confusion. Adrian’s eyes suddenly darkened even more, but somehow still managed to flash a dangerous glint. "Tamara." Adrian finally said. "I was talking about Tamara." I stared at him, completely stunned and confused.What was he talking about?. "You’re joking right?. Are you saying you want to go to war because of my fiance?" i gasped and Adrian frowned."Ex," He corrected. "She's your Ex fiancé.'"Whatever!" i snapped. "When you and I first got into this partnership, you told me it was supposed to be about revenge. You wanted Dante taken down for stealing Amanda from you, and you blamed him for your father’s death. That was the deal. Now you're suddenly saying it's because of Tamara?" I was completely confused. "Yes, you're right about all the reasons I told you, but that’s how it started," he admitted, voice low. "I wanted Dante gone but I wasn't planning to go to war over those
Dante's POV As I waited in the suite with Tamara, I tried to keep the proud grin off my face. Despite everything—the accusations from the corrupt elders, the ridiculous summons to court trying to accuse Tamara of attempting to hurt my mother—nothing could tear down the happiness I felt. Every time I looked at Tamara with my ring on her finger, it was like a shock of joy surged through me. She was mine. Not because she had to be, but because she wanted to be. Proposing to her had been the right decision. I’d never felt this way, not even with Amanda. I’d always thought Amanda was it for me, and when she disappeared, I’d shut down, closed myself off to the idea of ever wanting anyone else. But Tamara had broken through, had shown me that it was possible to love again—and even stronger this time. I was hers, and she was mine, and no one could take that from us. We’d been getting… well, creative, to say the least, in coping with the fact that we couldn’t properly claim each other unt
Adrian's POV I was waiting for Logan's answer but he was hesitant to look at me."Logan? Why shouldn't I talk to her?"“Because I don’t trust her,” he finally snapped. “You shouldn’t either.” I leaned back in the chair, watching him. “No that's not it... I think You hate her. But I what I want to know is why?” Logan crossed his arms, his whole body tense. “Because I don’t like women who choose power and money over love.” For a second, I just stared at him. That was… personal. Before I could ask more, he shook his head like he regretted saying anything and muttered, “Do what you want, Alpha. Permission to patrol the border sir!" He requested. I waved him off and called for a guard. “Send for Candice. Now.” Logan cursed under his breath but didn’t stop me. Candice arrived not long after, dressed too perfectly for the late hour, her blond hair in place and a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You called for me, Alpha?” she said sweetly, walking in with a little too much sway in
Adrian's POV I stormed down the hall with Logan right behind me, my fists clenching and unclenching at my sides. I didn’t even know where I was going—I just needed to move before I punched a wall or did something even dumber. She said she’d leave. She said she’d leave me for him. The words kept playing on a loop in my head, sharper than any knife. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “Alpha Adrian, slow down—” Logan called after me, but I ignored him, pushing through the doors into one of the empty meeting rooms and slamming them behind us. I paced like a caged animal, my heart pounding in my ears. The image of Kayla standing there, choosing Hector over me, made my vision blur. “She threatened to leave,” I snapped, whirling on Logan. “For him.” Logan stayed by the door, arms crossed. “That’s not what she meant.” I scoffed. “You heard her. If you banish Hector, I’ll leave too. Sounds pretty fucking clear to me.” “She was trying to protect him,” Logan said calmly. “Because she bel
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’