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
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 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
Kailey’s POVI stood there, the weight of the room’s energy sinking into my chest as I made the news. Seeing Auren stand tall, facing everyone with that immovable determination, filled me with a joy so deep I could hardly control it. Nothing—nothing—felt sweeter than this moment. My son, my heir, the next Alpha. And Kailey… she stood beside me, oozing power and grace. My mate. My love. My everything.For a second, I allowed myself to remember the long months they spent in hiding. The thought of what could have happened out there in the woods, the risks they faced… it sent a chill down my spine. But I had them back. I had fought for them, and now they were here, safe, and in their proper place. I swore to myself that I would step up as a father, as an Alpha, as someone Auren could look up to.“Ezekiel!” A soft voice broke through my thoughts, and a gentle tap on my arm brought me back to the present.“Yes?” I turned to find Kailey, her warm brown eyes twinkling with amusement. She held
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