Ezekiel’s POVI was just there, still sitting in Ezekiel’s office. What am I even doing here? I asked myself for the hundredth time. My hands fidgeted with the edge of my dress as my mind swirled with doubts and emotions. I had to be here, yes. Ezekiel has hurt me in ways words can’t describe, but the pack’s curse had to be lifted, and my son deserved to know his father.“Phew,” I sighed, standing up. My legs felt heavy as I walked toward a massive portrait of Mark Ezekiel’s father hanging on the wall. The man’s cold eyes seemed to pierce right through me, dragging memories I wished would stay buried.That night… how could I forget? Mark Ezekiel had stood before the court, his voice a venomous growl as he condemned me. Banished me. Dragged me into darkness and despair. Even after that, he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted me dead. The pain of those memories clawed at my chest, anger simmering just beneath the surface.“Kailey?” A voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see Auren standing
Kailey’s POV I lay in my room, staring at the ceiling as my mind churned with endless thoughts. The events of the past two days had been overwhelming, and doubt gnawed at me. Coming back to this pack had felt like the right decision then, but now? Now, I wasn’t so sure. Auren’s anger burned brighter than ever, and Ezekiel… well, he was trying, but nothing seemed enough to bridge the gap between them.I sighed heavily, pressing the heels of my palms to my eyes. “Was this a mistake?” I murmured to myself, my voice barely audible.Elyra had gone back to the woods to fetch a few things, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My son didn’t want anything to do with his father. That was the main reason I’d returned—to give Auren the connection he deserved, the father he’d never truly known. But it seemed I’d only stirred more chaos.A sharp knock on the door startled me.“Come in,” I called out, sitting up and smoothing my dress. The door creaked open, and Anastasia stepped in, her lips curled i
Ezekiel’s POVThe packhouse was unusually quiet tonight. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as I tried to focus on the stack of paperwork in front of me. It had been a long day—training schedules, rogue patrols, and disputes between pack members. My mind was a jumble of thoughts, but one stood out above the rest: Kailey.I smiled to myself, thinking about her. Bringing her and Auren back had been the right choice, though it had stirred more chaos than I anticipated. Still, it was worth it. I’d made my decision: Kailey was going to be my Luna. I just needed to handle things carefully, especially with Anastasia.I sighed, pushing the papers aside. What I really needed was a cup of coffee.“I could use a break,” I muttered to myself. “Maybe a strong coffee to clear my head.”“Why not?”The voice startled me. I looked up and saw Anastasia standing in the doorway, holding a steaming cup of coffee.For a moment, I was too stunned to speak. Anastasia, offering me coffee? That wasn’t jus
Ezekiel’s POVI narrowed my eyes. “Peace isn’t usually your priority, Anastasia.”She laughed softly, a sound that would have seemed pleasant if I didn’t know her better. “You’re so suspicious, Ezekiel. I brought you coffee earlier, and now I’m here to see if you’re okay. And somehow, that’s cause for concern?”“Considering the circumstances,” I said carefully, “yes. It is.”She walked closer, her hands clasped in front of her. “I know I’ve been… difficult lately. But I’ve been thinking about everything—about us, the pack, even Kailey and her son. Maybe it’s time I let go of the resentment.”Her words caught me off guard, but I kept my expression unreadable. “That’s… unexpected.”She smiled again, her gaze steady. “I’m trying, Ezekiel. Isn’t that what matters?”I studied her for a moment, searching for any sign of deception. She was calm, too calm, and it was unsettling.“Why now?” I asked finally. “Why the sudden change?”“Because I realized I was fighting a losing battle,” she said simply. “Y
Ezekiel’s POVKailey’s voice stopped me just as I reached the door."Ezekiel."I turned, my hand still on the doorknob. "Yes?"Her expression had softened, her gaze dipping to the floor before meeting mine. "Stay. Just for a little while."My pulse quickened. She wasn’t the type to ask for company unless she truly needed it. I let go of the knob, stepping back into the room and closing the door behind me. "Of course."Kailey gestured toward the chair across from her, but as I sat, she stood, pacing toward the window. Her movements were restless, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress."Kailey, what’s going on?" I asked, leaning forward. "You’ve been distant since you returned."She stopped mid-step, her back still to me. "Do you know what it’s like to carry so much pain that it feels like it’ll crush you? To be so full of love and yet feel like there’s no place for it?"Her words struck a chord deep within me. "I think I do," I said quietly. "I’ve felt that every day since you left."
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
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
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
Kailey’s POVThere was a knock on my door.“Who’s there?” I shouted, my voice laced with agitation.Aurnen was getting better, but every inch of me itched to leave his side and conduct my own investigation. Whoever wanted my son dead wouldn’t get away with it, but being stuck here, waiting for answers, was driving me mad. Every little thing seemed to set me off.The knock came again, louder this time.“Come in!” I shouted.The door opened hesitantly, and a maid stepped inside, her head bowed. “Sorry, Luna, for disturbing you,” she said timidly.“What is it?” I snapped, immediately regretting my tone but too on edge to soften it.“Alpha Ezekiel sent me to inform you,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “that you are needed in the courtroom. They’ve found who kidnapped Aurnen.”My heart stopped for a moment before hammering in my chest. “Really?”The maid nodded quickly. “Yes, Luna.”I was on my feet in seconds, practically flying out of the room. My mind raced with possibilities. They
Kailey’s POVFor the past three days, I hadn’t left Aurnen’s side. He had been in and out of consciousness, his small body wracked with the aftereffects of shock. I’d barely eaten or slept, my world revolving around the fragile state of my son. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this place, this pack, wasn’t safe for us.As I sat beside Aurnen, gently stroking his hair, Elyra entered the room. Her concerned eyes softened as she saw the worry etched across my face.“Kailey,” she began, her voice gentle yet firm. “You’ve been through so much, but you’re stronger than this. Aurnen needs you to be strong.”I looked up at her, the fear in my heart almost suffocating. “I can’t do this, Elyra. This place isn’t right for me or my son. I was telling you before that we should leave, and I still believe it. I don’t feel safe here.”Elyra sat beside me, placing a comforting hand on mine. “Kailey, this is your birthright. You’re the rightful Luna of this pack. You shouldn’t have to live in fear. The pa
Kailey’s POV"Pass me the bowl of warm water," I said quietly to the maid beside me. Though I spoke calmly, inside I felt a storm of fear and anger. The maid handed over the bowl, her hands trembling. I dipped a soft towel into the water, gently dabbing it on Aurnen's arm. His deep cut looked angry and red, but the bleeding had stopped."Poor boy," I murmured, brushing his dark hair away from his forehead. Aurnen finally seemed at peace, his breathing steady. Earlier, his fever had been dangerously high, but now it was subsiding. "Thank the goddess," I whispered, checking his temperature again.The maid fidgeted nervously. "I'm sorry, Your Highness," she began, her voice shaky. "I should have been more alert. I—"I raised my hand to silence her, focusing on Aurnen with a commanding presence. "Enough. What's done is done. Apologies won't change anything now." My tone was firm but not harsh, my attention solely on my son.Aurnen stirred slightly, whimpering softly. My heart ached, and I whi
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