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
James pov Jon frowned. “James…”“We can’t leave her out there. Not with Cecilia. You know what that woman is capable of!” I muttered. “I know. But rushing out there in the middle of the night isn’t smart.” Jon muttered, his voice laced with concern. “I don’t care if it’s smart,” I snapped. “Lydia’s out there and she’s not a fighter, you know this”Jon raised his voice. “And we’re not in good shape either, James! You’re bleeding. I can see the cut on your side, though we are healing fast, it's still not enough.”I looked down, my shirt was soaked in blood. I hadn’t even noticed the pain until he pointed it out. But it didn’t matter.“She could be hurt,” I said quietly. “She could be dying out there and we’re just standing here.”Jon ran a hand through his hair. “Look, I’m worried about her too. I know you care about her, James. But going out there like this could get us killed. And if we die, who’s going to save her? We can’t help her if we’re dead.”I didn’t answer. I just stared a
James pov. Despite the coolness in the air, beads of sweat hung on my forehead, my eyes were filled with worry and my eyes were fixed on Jon. Jon remained on the ground, his chest rising and falling, however, his eyes were closed. His wounds were healing, I could see this, however, they were healing at a very slow pace. “Stay with me, brother” I muttered, grabbing Jon by the collar. I placed the back of my palm on his head. We remained like that for a while until his eyes suddenly shut open. A wide smile appeared on my face that minute as I saw this, he was wide awake now. How et l, he still remained on the ground, I could tell he was trying to gather some energy. “You are awake,” I muttered with a smile.Jon coughed gently as he tilted his head slightly to meet my gaze. “I'm a tough man you know” I smiled widely, “Yes you are” With that We remained like that for a little while until all of his wounds were totally healed. After that Jon was able to sit back up and after a li
Lydia's pov. Cecilia stood by a small lake, her back to me. Auren was on the ground, tied up. He looked scared, his little eyes were wide, and he was crying.Seeing this, I didn’t waste a second. I ran forward and screamed, “Let him go!”Cecilia turned around fast, her face twisted with anger. “You again? Don’t you ever give up?”I frowned immediately, though my heart pounded in my chest. “Not until I take him back!”She laughed. “You? You can’t stop me.”I raised my knife, hiding my fear. “Watch me.”Cecilia dropped into a fighting stance. “I guess what I didn't to you the first time isn't enough for you, you seem to have learnt nothing from that encounter. Do you really think you can beat me?”Hearing this, I didn't answer, I summoned all the courage I could get and with that, I charged at her” As I got closer, my eyes widened, Cecilia was fast m, much faster than I expected. She kicked the knife out of my hand before I even got close. It flew into the grass, I gasped and backed
LYDIA'S POV.I didn't know if it was due to the determination and zeal to bring back Auren or if it was something else, but my broken ankle was fully healed nowI could fully flex it the way I was supposed to. Right now, the only sound coming from the Forrest was that of my boots crushing the dried leaves on the forest floor.I ran as fast as I could, this part of the forest was thick and dark with trees which had gigantic leaves, wide enough to wrap around a person. Which was why it was a little difficult to navigate through this part of the forest, as one would need to dodge these wide leaves which were alps blocking the moonlight from entering the forest. As I ran, my hands were tight around my knife,my heart pounded on my chest like a drum.Right now, I could barely see Cecilia ahead, I could make out the shape of her, however, it was more like a shadowy figure. The only thing I noticed very clearly was her long hair which swung from side to side behind her as she ran, pulling
James pov My mind was still occupied with the thought of Lydia running of into the night all by herself. We have all seen how dangerous Cecilia can be, we have seen what she was capable of, which was why right now, it was hard to take my mind of it. What if Lydia was hurt already? What if Cecilia had some rogues waiting and then they Ambushed Lydia, how would she come out of that? However, even with all of this thoughts, I knew I needed to be positive, Lydia has a strong will and I'm sure her string will would save her. All of this still narrowed down to the man in front of me, Damon, I needed to take him out as fast as possible so I could go help Lydia, but that didn't seem like an easy task. The night air was cold, but I barely felt it. Right now, my muscles burned, my chest rose and fell with each heavy breath I took. I could see blood dropping from the cut above my eye, although it was already healing, it was healing at a slow pace. Probably because my body have been stres
Lydia's pov. I could hear the sound of my heart beating wildly on my chest. I wasn't sure if chasing after Cecilia was a good idea, but I just knew I was doing the right thing.I didn't really give it a thought before dashing after her.What were you thinking Lydia?. A voice rang in my head, I shook off the feeling and quickened my pace. I had no idea what was happening behind, James and Jon taking on the leader of the rogues. I sighed as I darted passed a tree, Damon was strong, so strong that he would even be able to go tie to tie with Ezekiel, which was why right now I could hope James and Jon were alright. The night was cold, and the forest felt like it was closing in around me. Shadows moved with every step I took, but I didn’t care. My heart pounded loudly in my chest as I ran, I could hear it, my own heartbeat, like a drum following me as I ran.I gripped the small knife with my right hand, however, I could feel it shaking in my hand, I just knew I was scared, so scared an
James pov. As we ran through the forest, fast but quietly, I knew Cecilia was nearby, there was no way she could have gone that far.As we moved together, I noticed anything and I was certain Jon and Lydia must have noticed it too. The forest was quiet, a little too quiet than usual, which was odd. Jon tilted his head to look at me “you noticed that too don't you?” I nodded in affirmation, glancing at Lydia, “Stay close” I gripped my sword tighter as we moved deeper into the trees. The air was cold and damp, and the only sounds were the soft crunch of leaves under our boots and the occasional snap of a branch coupled with the sound from the battle back at the pack house which slowly faded behind us. My eyes kept darting around, watching the shadows, I knew Cecilia was not far from here l, however, the least I wanted was an ambush. There was nothing she couldn't do, she was that bad. “With how quiet the forest is, I am beginning to think we might get Ambushed” Jon muttered wh
James pov. The wounds on my body were already healing, at first they healed at a slow pace, clearly because they were much heavier than I thought. However, after a while, they began healing fast and rapidly. The only injury left was a large cut at the side of my head which was already healing too. “Are you okay?” Lydia asked, her voice laced with concern as we stepped into the hallway. I tilted my head to look at her, a slight smile playing on my lips “I am fine”My chest still rose and from the fight, it hadn't been an easy one, but with Jon's help it had been easy, we have trained together for moments like this before in the past which made it super easy to take down the twelve rogues. Blood still smeared across my shirt, and my sword was still warm in my hand. Jon came out right behind me, limping slightly, however I could tell.it was just a minor injury as it was visibly healing already.Lydia still had.pale look on her face with her eyes wide with fear. “We have to move,”
Kailey’s POV. I gulped as my whole body tensed, I shit my eyes for a while, trying to think, trying to see if all of this was real.This was different from the illusion I had right here in the forest. At least during those times, I was still aware of where I was, the only thing that was odd were the voices of people who were not there. My eyes flew open and I gulped again, still standing at the edge of the cliff. I tried to move my right leg a little bit and it caused debris to fall down the cliff. It was scary, so scary that I began to calm myself down. “Calm down Kailey, you can do this, you can figure this out” I took a deep breath.I couldn't see the base of the cliff, not like I even wanted to know what was down there anyway. I knew I needed to come up with a plan, a suitable plan which could help me get out of this situation. I ran a hand through my hair and moved backwards a bit. My legs felt heavy like my boots were dipped in mud. I sighed and began to look around me.Th