Ezekiel’s POVI met his glare head-on, unflinching. “What does it look like?” I said, my voice hard. “I’m dealing with incompetence.”Mark’s eyes narrowed, and he stepped further into the room, his presence filling the space. The guards immediately straightened, fear and respect evident in their eyes. But I wasn’t like them. I wasn’t about to bow down, not now.“Dealing with incompetence by stabbing your own men?” he said, his tone laced with disapproval. “You’re supposed to be leading them, Ezekiel, not turning on them like some rogue.”I rolled my shoulders back, my temper barely in check. “They’ve failed me. Over and over again. I told them to find her, and they came back with nothing. What am I supposed to do? Pat them on the back and say, ‘Good job?’”His expression hardened, his jaw tightening. “You’re supposed to remember your place. You’re not just some hotheaded pup throwing tantrums. You’re my son, heir to this pack. Start acting like it.”I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and
Ezekiel’s POV“What is it?” I barked, rushing over to where the man stood, his hand pointing to the ground.“Footprints, Alpha,” he said, his voice quivering with both excitement and fear. “From the size of them, it looks like… it looks like they belong to a woman.”My heart skipped a beat. Could it be?“Spread out!” I commanded, my voice carrying authority. “I want the owner of these footprints found. Now! Comb the woods thoroughly. If we don’t find Kailey, no one—and I mean no one—is going back. Understood?”“Yes, Alpha!” they chorused, their voices resolute. Without hesitation, the men scattered in different directions, eyes scanning every leaf and branch for clues.I knelt by the footprints, my fingers tracing the edges. “Please, let it be Kailey,” I muttered under my breath. My heart raced as I signaled a few men to follow me. Together, we trailed the footprints, each step heavy with anticipation.The trail led us deeper into the woods, the prints crisp and distinct against the damp ea
Kailey’s POVI woke up to a strange feeling in my stomach. It wasn’t the normal kicks I’d felt before. This was sharper, like a cramp that wouldn’t let go. I groaned and shifted, trying to find a position that didn’t hurt."Elyra!" I called out, my voice shaky. "Something’s wrong."Footsteps rushed to my door, and Elyra burst in, her eyes wide. "Kailey, what is it? Are you okay?""No! It’s my stomach. It hurts so much," I gasped, clutching at my belly. "I think... I think it’s happening."Her face turned serious in an instant. "You’re due," she said, kneeling beside me. "Kailey, listen to me. The baby is coming.""No! It’s too early! I'm not ready!" Panic gripped me as the pain worsened. My breaths came in short, shallow gasps. "Elyra, what do I do?"She grabbed my hand firmly. "First, you breathe. In and out, Kailey. Like this."She demonstrated, and I tried to follow, but the pain was blinding. "It’s too much! I can’t!""Yes, you can," she said, her voice calm but firm. "You’re stronger tha
Kailey’s POVThe last few days had been a whirlwind. Painful, yes, but also so refreshing. Every ache, every sleepless moment was worth it for this tiny life cradled in my arms. My son, Auren, with eyes so much like his father’s, had become my whole world. I still couldn’t believe I had delivered him safely. If it weren’t for Elyra, I didn’t even want to imagine what could have happened to us.I was lost in thought, stroking Auren’s soft cheek as he suckled, when Elyra burst into the room with her usual energy.“Latest mother in town!” she declared, grinning from ear to ear. “Look at you, Kailey! And look at him! Your baby is loving your company so much.” She leaned over, tickling Auren’s tiny foot. “But don’t you think you’re overfeeding him? At this rate, he’ll be so fat, and I, as his godmother, will have to carry all that extra weight!”I laughed, shaking my head. “Elyra, he’s a newborn! He needs all the milk he can get. Besides, if he gets too heavy, you’re still going to carry him.
Kailey’s POVI woke up feeling feverish, my body shaking uncontrollably. My head throbbed, and my muscles ached as if I had run a marathon in my sleep. I tried to sit up, but every movement made me feel worse. Elyra walked in just then, balancing a glass of water and what looked like a plate of fruits. She froze the moment she saw me. “Kailey!” Her voice was sharp, laced with concern. She rushed to my side, placing the tray down on the bedside table. “What’s wrong? You look terrible!” “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence,” I muttered, trying to smile, though it probably looked more like a grimace. “I’m serious,” she said, pressing a hand against my forehead. Her eyes widened. “Kailey, you’re burning up! Why didn’t you call me earlier?” “I didn’t want to bother you,” I whispered, wincing as I leaned back against the pillows. “I thought it would pass.” “Bother me? I’m your best friend and your baby’s godmother!” Elyra practically growled. “You *better* bother me next time. Now,
Kailey’s POV“Auren, go and give this bowl of food to your mother,” I heard Elyra call out from outside the hut. A few seconds later, my little boy came rushing in, balancing the bowl with his tiny hands. His steps were wobbly but determined, and his bright eyes lit up when he saw me.“Mum, Godmother Elyra said I should give this to you,” he announced proudly, holding the bowl up high.I smiled, taking it from him. “Thank you, sweetheart. You’re such a big helper.”He grinned, puffing out his small chest. “I’m a big boy now!”“You are,” I agreed, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. “Why don’t you go back and tell Godmother Elyra I’ll eat it soon?”He nodded eagerly, then spun around and toddled back outside, calling out as he went, “Godmother Elyra! Mum said she’ll eat it soon!”Elyra’s laugh drifted in through the door. “Good job, Auren! You’re my favorite little helper!”Over a year had passed since Auren was born, and he’d grown so much. Gone was the fragile newborn I cradled in my a
Kailey’s POVI was outside the hut one hot afternoon, chopping vegetables on a wooden board. The sun was high, and the air shimmered with heat, but it didn’t bother me. I liked the quiet moments like these when life felt simple—just me, my work, and the sound of the forest in the background.Auren came running up to me, his small face flushed with excitement. “Mum, can I go hunting today? Please?” He asked, his little hands clasped together as if he was praying.I sighed, wiping my hands on my apron. “Auren, how many times have I told you? Hunting is dangerous. You’re not old enough yet.”“But Mum, I’m big now! Godmother Elyra even said I’m a brave warrior,” he argued, puffing out his chest like he always did when he wanted to prove a point.“Auren,” I said, trying to keep my voice firm but kind, “being brave doesn’t mean you’re ready for everything. Hunting isn’t just a game. It’s serious.”He let out a dramatic sigh and plopped down on the ground, crossing his arms. “But I’ve been practi
Kailey’s POVThe tension in the room was unbearable. The air was thick with frustration, anger, and the suffocating weight of expectations. The elders were seated around the long wooden table, their expressions a mix of concern and fury. My head throbbed as their voices echoed off the stone walls of the council hall."This is a serious matter!" Elder Sia slammed her fist on the table, her sharp eyes piercing through me. "The crops are dying, humans are dying, everyone is dying. Alpha Ezekiel, this has to stop!""And what would you have me do?" I retorted, my voice steady, though my insides churned. "I have tried everything! The hunters have doubled their efforts. The healers are working day and night. I've prayed to the Moon Goddess more times than I can count! What more do you expect from me?""Results!" Elder Harren barked, his wrinkled face flushed with anger. "You’ve been Alpha for a year, Ezekiel, and in that time, this pack has only seen death and despair.""Do you think I don’t see
Ezekiel’s POV“Keep an eye on Kailey and my son,” I ordered the guards stationed outside her room. My voice was like steel, cutting through the air with authority. My glare bore into each of them, leaving no room for error. They immediately straightened, gripping their swords tightly.“Yes, Your Highness,” they replied in unison.Without another word, I turned on my heel and strode down the corridor. My blood was boiling, anger pumping through my veins like fire. Someone had dared to kidnap my son. My son! The audacity was maddening.As I entered the garden, the crisp night air failed to cool my fury. My fists were clenched at my sides, my jaw tight as I replayed the events in my head. Who would dare challenge me like this? And why?Lost in thought, I didn’t notice the maid rounding the corner until she bumped into me. The collision jolted me from my thoughts, and I snapped.“Watch where you’re going!” My voice was sharp, louder than I intended.The maid’s face turned pale, and she stumbl
Kailey’s POV“Stop,” Elyra said firmly. “We can’t think like that. Aurnen needs you to be strong. Ezekiel needs you to be strong.”“Ezekiel?” I scoffed. “Do you think he’s ever truly cared about me? About Aurnen?”Elyra’s eyes softened. “I know you’ve had your doubts about him, but he’s doing everything he can to bring Aurnen back. You have to trust him.”Before I could respond, another guard entered the room, his face pale. “Luna Kailey, we’ve found something.”“What is it?” I demanded, my heart pounding.He held out a small, silver bracelet. “This was found in the woods near the border. It belongs to the prince.”I snatched the bracelet from his hand, my fingers trembling. “Where exactly did you find it?”“Near the riverbank,” he replied. “But there’s something else. We found tracks leading deeper into the forest. They were faint, but they’re fresh.”“Then what are we waiting for?” I said, already moving toward the door. “We need to follow them!”“Kailey,” Elyra called, stopping me in my tra
Kailey’s POVI was pacing in the room, left, right, and center. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, spiraling out of control as my emotions battled for dominance. Restless, angry, and scared—I was a whirlwind of all three, with no outlet for relief. My hands balled into fists as my chest heaved with each labored breath. At that moment, I even started wishing I had remained in the woods with Elyra.“Shut up,” I muttered to myself, disgusted by the thought. “How could you even think that? How could you wish something like that?”My voice cracked as tears spilled over. Punching the wall beside me, I ignored the sharp jolt of pain that shot up my arm. It was nothing compared to the ache in my chest. My son was missing. My precious Aurnen was gone, and I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again.The door burst open, and Elyra rushed in, her face etched with worry. “Kailey! I came as fast as I could when I heard the news. What happened?”I collapsed into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “Someone t
Kailey’s POV"Aurnen has been kidnapped."I stared at the guard who had just uttered those words, my mind spinning. For a moment, I thought I had misheard him."Are you trying to tell me that my son has been taken?" My voice trembled with disbelief. "How? When? Where?!"Everything around me blurred, and Ezekiel’s voice, sharp and commanding, faded in and out of my consciousness. It was as if the world had tilted, and I was struggling to stay upright. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst out of my chest."Where is my son?!" I suddenly shouted, my voice rising in panic. Before I realized it, I had grabbed the guard by the collar. My vision blurred with tears of anger and fear, and my hands shook as I tightened my grip."How could you let this happen?" I yelled, raising my hand, ready to slap him.Ezekiel’s strong hand caught mine midair. "Kailey, stop!" His voice was firm but not unkind. "Let me handle this."I looked at him, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. His golden eyes b
Kailey’s POV"I really had a good time with Ezekiel... I feel it was basically the best ever," I murmured to myself as I stepped into my room. A contented sigh escaped me. The entire day had been a whirlwind of emotions, from our romantic dinner to the way he held me like I was his whole world.But now, all I wanted was a warm bath. My body felt drained, like I had been running on pure adrenaline since last night. From the moment Ezekiel whisked me away to the woods for our evening together, it had been an emotional rollercoaster filled with love and affection.And Cecilia—oh, how it had peppered her to see me with Ezekiel. I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled in my mind as I thought about the stunned look on her face. “Finally, I have my man to myself,” I said aloud, a small smile tugging at my lips.I stretched my arms over my head and stood up from the edge of the bed. My muscles ached slightly, a dull reminder of the tension and release of the day.“Time for a bath,” I said to mys
Kailey’s POVAs we got back from the woods, Ezekiel held my hand firmly, his warmth seeping into me. His grip was strong but comforting, like he never wanted to let go.“Where are we going?” I asked, giving him a curious side glance.“You’ll see,” he replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. We walked through the pack’s main path until we reached the dining area. As soon as I stepped in, my breath hitched. The room was stunningly arranged with flowers of every color, their sweet aroma filling the air. Candlelight flickered softly, casting a romantic glow over the space.“Ezekiel,” I whispered, unable to keep the awe out of my voice. “What is all this?”He turned to me, his golden eyes shimmering with pride. “This is for you, my love. Just a little something to show how much you mean to me.”My cheeks heated up, and I couldn’t suppress the smile spreading across my face. “You really outdid yourself,” I said, biting m
Kailey’s POV “Rise and shine, my love,” Ezekiel’s warm voice broke through the remnants of my dreams. He tapped me gently on the shoulder, his touch as soft as the morning light streaming through the windows.I groaned and turned slightly, my eyes still heavy with sleep. “Just five more minutes,” I murmured.“No way,” he said, his tone playful. “You’ll sleep the whole day away. Besides, you’ll miss this.”Curiosity got the better of me, and I forced my eyes open. Ezekiel was sitting on the edge of the bed, a tray balanced on his lap. I blinked a few times to clear my vision and saw the spread he’d prepared—eggs, toast, bacon, fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of tea.“Breakfast in bed?” I said, a lazy smile spreading across my face. “You’re spoiling me.”“You deserve it,” he said, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “After last night, I thought you could use some extra TLC.”I laughed softly, memories of the night before flooding back. “Last night was… intense.”He grinned, his golden eyes spar
Ceceilia’s POV“Here goes nothing,” I muttered, gripping the wheel tightly. The forest loomed ahead, its shadows twisting like dark promises. My heart raced, but not from fear. It was excitement—raw, reckless excitement. Tonight would change everything.I parked the car at the edge of the woods, the headlights slicing through the thick darkness. Turning off the engine, I grabbed my phone and a small vial from the c upholder.“Don’t mess this up, Ceceilia,” I whispered to myself as I stepped out. The forest’s cold air greeted me like an old friend, wrapping around me as I ventured deeper into the trees.Just a little farther. He’ll be waiting.I reached a clearing lit faintly by the moonlight. My eyes scanned the shadows, my heart pounding harder now. And then I saw him.A hulking figure stepped out from behind a tree, his golden eyes glowing. The rogue wolf. His presence was menacing, his massive form dwarfing mine. His voice was deep and gravelly when he spoke.“You’re late, Ceceili
Ezekiel’s POVI obliged, letting the urgency between us take over. My movements became more primal, driven by the overwhelming need to be closer to her, to feel every part of her. Our bodies moved in perfect sync, each thrust drawing moans and cries of pleasure from her lips. The sound of her—Kailey, mine—only fueled the fire within me.My hands gripped her hips, guiding her, meeting her rhythm. We were a blur of passion, lost in the moment, the rest of the world fading away until only she existed.“I love you, Kailey,” I panted, the words tumbling from my lips between kisses and gentle nips at her neck. “Always have, always will.”Her response wasn’t in words but in a cry that sent shivers down my spine. She tensed around me, her release washing over her, the sensation driving me to the edge. With one final, deep thrust, I followed her, my own release crashing over me like a wave, my name falling from her lips like a prayer.Together, we tumbled into the abyss, our cries filling the roo