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 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 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 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,
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 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
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
JAMES POV.I watched as Cecilia walked out of the conference room together with the two rogues holding Auren and also the leader of the rogues,Damon.I hated how powerless I felt at that moment, I hated the fact that I could do anything to stop them from taking Auren.How could Cecilia do this?How could she be this wicked?How could she do this to Ezekiel's son?Even if he wasn't hers, why would she think of hurting him?.I shrugged off the thought asin brought myself back to the reality before me,the twelve rogues some holding swords while others had just their claws out. They were ready to tear me apart, I could see it in their eyes, the rage, the confidence that they have finally got me. I gulped, I knew it won't end here, or so I believe, I would never go down without a fight and I have promised Ezekiel that I was going to protect Auren till he gets back and that was exactly what I was going to do. Before I had the time to think, three of the rogues lounged at me, I dashed forwar
LYDIA'S POV My mind raced and my heart pounded heavily in my chest as Jon and I dashed through the long hallway of the pack house. I could hear the sound of my boots, not just mine but also that of Jon as we ran, each step echoing IIn the tense silence between the distant sounds of battle outside.I could hear and see the walls shaking causing dust to fall from the ceiling, Jon had seen this too.It was clear that the rogues had gotten into the pack house so much, and it was mostly in the area where we both were coming from.I could still remember vividly how my lungs almost burst from the thick smoke which covered the area at the time. Right now, I could hear angry growls and loud crashes from the direction we had just come from, My heart thudded so hard I could feel it in my throat.“Stay behind me, Lydia,” Jon said firmly, his hand gripping his sword as he led the way. His voice was calm, but I could see the tension in his shoulders. He was ready to fight if needed.The image
James pov The conference room was just a stone's throw from where I was right now, I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing, I couldn't really trust that rogue. However.I had listened to his heartbeat at the time, there was no way he could have lied to me.If Auren was taken to the conference room, then there must be a reason for that. Why was Cecilia doing this?.I had known her to be heartless but not to ti's degree, I have been doubting and forcing myself not to believe that Cecilia was behind all of this, but with the confession of the rogue, I didn't know what to think anymore. A serpent like Cecilia has been living in the pack house all this while. I shook my head as I began to jog through the hallway.The place was silent except for the sound of my boots connecting to the dry ground. My senses were at alert, and my eyes were watchful, I needed to be ready for anything. Right now my wounds had completely healed and I was back to my best, though not totally, it was all I
LYDIA'S POV. It had been aWhile since I Was in the store room, I sag with my let's curled up in a corner, my knees pressed to my chest with my arms wrapped around them. My heart pounded in my chest so hard it echoed in my ears. The thick silence inside the room was only broken by the distant sounds of battle, the clash of swords, growls, and screams. Smoke drifted in through the cracks of the wooden door, making it hard to breathe.Jon had told me to stay put. “Don’t come out until I return. Promise me, Lydia.” His voice had been firm but gentle. I had nodded, and he had rushed out, returning back to the battlefield. That was... a while ago and right now I was beginning to get worried, I had no idea what was happening to Auren and James. I just couldn't stay here any more. I didn’t know how long I had been hiding, but it felt like forever at this point. Every second stretched like an hour. My hands were shaking. I wanted to believe Jon was still out there, alive, and would com
James pov. With the few rogues I had encountered here inside the pack house, I was already convinced that they had gotten their way somehow.It was obvious there must have been an inside man, someone who had given them access into the pack house. Come to think of it, the rogues wouldn't dare attack the pack if they were not confident about the outcome. Someone was pulling the strings. I shook my head, holding my sword in my right hand. This was not the time to put my sword inside its sheath as there might be dangers lurking around the corners.Right now the wounds on my body had completely healed, however, the blood stains still remained on my cloak, a reminder of the battle I had been involved in a few minutes ago. The two who had taken Auren, they had come through this part of the pack house, I frowned, halting as I took on my surroundings. There was no one around, the whole place was totally silent, it was just like a graveyard, except for the loud screened from outside and
Lydia's pov. The battle continued as the loud sounds of howls and metal clanging filled the air. I pressed my hands against my ears, trying to block it out, but it was no use at this point. The pack house was shaking. The screams of warriors, the growls of rogues, and the crashing of bodies against walls was everywhere.“Move! Lydia, stay close!” Jon shouted, grabbing my hand and pulling me through the corridor.Jon was one of the best warriors in the pack, always calm, always sharp and James had ordered him earlier to get me to safety. Another warrior followed behind us, tall and strong, but I didn’t know his name. His face was set, eyes darting back and forth like he expected an attack any second.“I’m scared,” I whispered as we ran.“I know,” Jon said, his voice steady. “But I won’t let anything happen to you.” We turned a corner, and my heart dropped. Part of the hallway was on fire, smoke curling into the air.“They’re everywhere,” the second warrior muttered. “We need to g
Cecilia's pov. My heart raced, toes curled as I laid stretched out on the bed, both of my legs stayed handing in the air as all I felt at that point was pleasure, extreme pleasure.Damon continued moving back and forth, plowing into me with so much energy and I just couldn't hold back the moans which escaped my lips from time to time. I squeezed my legs, wrapping them against his wait and pulling him more into me as I reached my climax. My whole body spasm and in that moment, I also felt his rod twitching inside of me, in no time I could feel him filling me up from the inside.After that, Damon collapsed on me for a few moments before rolling off, we both laid back on the bed panting and trying to catch our breath.I can't believe I had given myself to him again, how could I do that? How could I let a rogue have so much power over me?. How could I let him have his way with me right here In the pack house?. Of Course I knew this as a disrespect to Ezekiel, I still had no regrets, a
James pov As I stood on my feet, eyes locked on the rogue in front of me, I had confirmed his strength already and I knew this wasn't going to be an easy fight at all. If I wanted to win this, I would have to be serious with this. “Come on” the rogue muttered, cracking his knuckles. And cracking his neck. At this point I could hear my own breathing, rough, ragged, loud in my ears. The hallway was quiet, but only for a second. Dust floated in the air. Blood stained the walls, Of Course it was clear it was from the little fight we had. Some of those blood were mine and the rest of his. He stood at the far end, chest rising and falling steadily. Right now, His claws were out, long and black, tipped with blood. He was grinning, enjoying this. I on the other hand was tired, sore, and bleeding, but I still had my sword. However, my wounds were already healing. “You don’t look so good, Beta,” he said, taking a slow step forward.“You talk too much,” I answered, lifting my blade.We
James pov. My mind was still occupied with the thought of how the rogues managed to get past the guards and into the pack house. A large frown appeared on my face as I inched deeper into the hallway. The pack soldiers had held their ground well, fending off the never ending wave of rogues, so how then were those two able to get into the pack house?.Seeing those two earlier only confirmed my fear, there were more of them inside the pack house, and these few must have not been in the sea of rogues who attacked the pack house. They must have snuck in through a secret passageway, there was no way they had done this themselves, it was clear that they had help from someone, someone inside the pack house. I gritted my teeth, my eyes sharp as I took in my surroundings. I wonder who it was, the one who had aided the rogues.Suddenly my mind went to Cecilia, I haven't heard or seen her since the beginning of the battle, where the hell has she been. Oh I just hope She has no hand in thisI