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 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“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
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"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
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 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 POV I stood before the beaten man, my heart pounding in anger and frustration. He sat slumped in a chair, bruises marring his face, his breathing shallow but steady. His silence infuriated me. No matter what Ezekiel and the others had done, he refused to reveal who had sent him.But I wasn’t done. If he thought he could outlast me, he was wrong.I stepped forward, my voice low but cold as ice. “You think you’re brave, don’t you?”The man didn’t respond. His bloodshot eyes barely flickered in my direction.“Answer her,” Ezekiel barked, his voice echoing through the room.Still, the man said nothing.I folded my arms, circling him slowly. My voice dropped even lower, filled with venom. “Do you know who I am? I’m the mother of the child you tried to harm. The Luna of this pack. And I’m not as patient as Ezekiel.”He gave a weak chuckle, the sound grating on my nerves. “You don’t scare me.”“Oh, you will be scared,” I promised, stopping directly in front of him. “Because I’m not asking a
Kailey’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing the lady looking back at me. The dress stuck exactly to my figure, the soft silver fabric sparkling in the light like moonlight on water. It was a vision—elegant, royal. A queen’s outfit. My heart swelled with pride and joy as I turned slightly, the flowing train swishing gently behind me. Today was the day. The day Ezekiel would present Auren as his replacement to the pack and all the nearby Alphas. It was the moment I had fought for, dreamed of, even in the darkest times when hope seemed like a faraway star. Finally, I would stand beside my mate, and Auren would be known as the true child. I couldn’t help but smile at my picture, feeling a warmth grow in my chest.“Do you like it, my lady?” the girl asked tentatively, her words pulling me from my thoughts. She stood a few steps behind me, her hands clasped nervously in front of her apron. I turned to her, my smile widening. “Like it? I love it! You did a great job. This
Ezekiel’s POV"Make sure the halls are ready before tomorrow morning!" I yelled, my voice reaching across the room to the guard at the door. My pen scraped across the paper as I signed another letter, the tip pushing harder than required. My mood was already ruffled, and it wasn’t yet midday.Five days. That’s all I had left before the feast for my successor, Auren. It had taken weeks of debates and careful preparation to get Kailey to agree to this. She was careful, protective—traits I liked about her, but this time, they had drove me nuts. “I want these letters sent today,” I stated forcefully to the messenger standing a few feet away. “Every Alpha in the neighboring packs needs to receive this invitation. No delays. Do you comprehend me?” “Yes, Alpha,” he said, bowing slightly before departing the room. I breathed, sitting back in my chair, attempting to push down the weight pushing on my chest. This feast wasn’t just about Auren. It was about demonstrating something to everyon
Kailey’s POV"Good morning, Alpha," a voice called from outside the door, followed by a sharp knock. Who’s that interrupting my sleep? I groaned, trying to open my eyes. My body complained, heavy with tiredness. Turning my head, I caught sight of Ezekiel lying next to me, his face soft and peaceful, like he didn’t have a care in the world. He looked so cute, so calm—not at all like the commanding Alpha everyone feared. I couldn’t help reaching out and running my fingers over his beard, amazed at its smoothness. I smiled, a warmth spreading in my chest. Last night had been perfect, beyond anything I could have dreamed. I hadn’t felt this whole, this linked to him, in so long. It was like our wolves had finally reconnected, their link restored and stronger than ever. The knock came again, louder this time. “Damn it,” I grumbled, pulling the blanket around me as I sat up. I had almost forgotten I was totally naked beneath the sheets. Another knock, more urgent. “Kailey?” Ezekiel mu
Kailey’s POVMy breath hitched as I felt the warmth radiating from Ezekiel’s body, dangerously close. He was using his charm to sway me—I knew his game—but that didn’t stop my heart from racing or the heat pooling low in my belly. Damn him for knowing exactly how to unravel me.“This isn’t the time or place,” I whispered, my voice betraying the desire I tried to suppress.He chuckled, the sound low and tantalizing. “Oh, but it is, my mate. We’re alone, and I can feel your need just as much as you can feel mine.”My eyes widened as his hand reached out, brushing against my cheek. His touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine. I leaned into it, craving more, betraying the part of me that screamed to resist. His fingers traced my jaw, tilting my face up until our lips met in a kiss that ignited every nerve in my body.The kiss was hungry, demanding. I responded with just as much urgency, our tongues colliding and exploring like we were starved for each other. His hand slid down m
Ezekiel’s POV“Kailey,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “You have to understand that this isn’t just about us. It’s about the whole pack.”“I don’t care about the pack right now!” She shot back, narrowing her eyes at me. “My focus is Auren. That should be enough reason for you.”“I get it; I really do.” I took a step forward, hoping to bridge the gap between us. “But we need to show the pack who their future leader is. They need to see that he’s alright, that he’s coming into his role in the right way.”“With everything that happened, how can you not see that parading him around is a bad idea? What if they see him and—”I interrupted her softly, “Kailey, it won't be a parade. It’ll be a celebration. An inauguration, if you will. A way for everyone to feel connected again.”She shook her head, frustration etched on her face. “Ezekiel, this isn’t just about presenting him as the leader. It’s about his well-being. How can you even think of that when Cecilia is still a threat?”“You think
Kailey’s POV I stormed into Ezekiel’s office, the door slamming shut behind me. My pulse was pounding, and my fists were already clenched before I even looked at him. He sat behind his polished wooden desk, calm and composed, his piercing eyes watching me with that infuriating sense of control he always carried.“You sent for me, Ezekiel?” I said, my voice sharp and curt.“Yes, Kailey,” he replied, gesturing toward the chair across from him. “Come, sit. Let’s talk.”“I’m not sitting,” I shot back, folding my arms across my chest. “Just tell me what you want, and I’ll be on my way.”He leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but firm. “You don’t have to be like this, Kailey.”“Like what?” I snapped. “Angry? Furious? Defensive? You’re right, Ezekiel, I don’t have to be. But I am. Now tell me what this is about before I lose my patience.”He sighed, standing and walking around his desk to face me. “Kailey, we aren’t fighting. Or do you really think we are?”I let out a bitter laugh. “Oh,
Kailey’s POV“I need to go and check on Auren,” I said to Elyra, brushing past her.“Sure,” she replied softly, stepping aside.I didn’t wait for more. My feet carried me down the dim hallway, my thoughts a chaotic mess. Cecilia. Her name burned in my mind like a brand. No one else saw her for what she truly was—a manipulative fraud. She had fooled everyone, weaving her web of lies so tightly that even the sharpest among us couldn’t see through it.But I could. And I would make sure everyone else did too.I clenched my fists as I walked. "I need a way," I muttered to myself. "A way to expose her. To show everyone the truth about who she really is."My steps quickened, my anger fueling my pace. "Auren is the only family I have. The only one I can truly trust. Whoever messes with him messes with me," I hissed under my breath.Reaching his room, I pushed the door open gently. The sight of him made my chest tighten. My little boy, my world, lying in bed, pale and fragile. But his eyes—those bea
Kailey’s POVI stormed out of the room, my fists clenched so tightly my nails dug into my palms. My entire body trembled with anger, my chest heaving as I struggled to control my breathing. But the fury within me refused to be contained."Coming here was a mistake," I muttered under my breath. "A huge mistake. I should never have left the woods. I should’ve stayed with Elyra. None of this would’ve happened if I had just listened to my instincts."I paced the dimly lit corridor, my boots slamming against the cold stone floor. The sound echoed around me, matching the chaos in my head."Kailey," a soft, familiar voice called behind me.I ignored it."Kailey, stop," Elyra said, her footsteps growing louder as she approached.I whirled around to face her, my voice sharp and unsteady. "Why should I stop, Elyra? Why? Look at what’s happening! Look at what I’ve done! I walked right into this nightmare, dragging my son into it, and for what?""Kailey, calm down," Elyra said, her voice soothing but fi
Kailey’s POV I stood before the beaten man, my heart pounding in anger and frustration. He sat slumped in a chair, bruises marring his face, his breathing shallow but steady. His silence infuriated me. No matter what Ezekiel and the others had done, he refused to reveal who had sent him.But I wasn’t done. If he thought he could outlast me, he was wrong.I stepped forward, my voice low but cold as ice. “You think you’re brave, don’t you?”The man didn’t respond. His bloodshot eyes barely flickered in my direction.“Answer her,” Ezekiel barked, his voice echoing through the room.Still, the man said nothing.I folded my arms, circling him slowly. My voice dropped even lower, filled with venom. “Do you know who I am? I’m the mother of the child you tried to harm. The Luna of this pack. And I’m not as patient as Ezekiel.”He gave a weak chuckle, the sound grating on my nerves. “You don’t scare me.”“Oh, you will be scared,” I promised, stopping directly in front of him. “Because I’m not asking a