Kailey’s POV Auren!” I shouted into the darkness, my voice raw and desperate. My eyes darted around the dense forest, searching for any sign of movement. The chill of the night seeped through my skin, but I didn’t care. “Auren! Please, just come back!”Beside me, Ezekiel was shouting too. His voice was stronger, louder, but I could hear the same desperation in it. “Auren! Where are you?”I spun around to face him, my frustration boiling over. “This is all your fault!” I snapped, my voice shaking with anger. “If you hadn’t come back, if you hadn’t barged into our lives, he wouldn’t have run off like this!”Ezekiel stopped mid-shout, his face shadowed but clearly tense. “Kailey, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t know he overheard everything.”“Exactly,” I spat. “You didn’t know. You never know. You just act and leave chaos behind for everyone else to deal with.”He opened his mouth to reply, but I raised my hand to silence him. “Just get away from me. Stay out of my life. Stay out
Kailey’s POV Ezekiel took a deep breath, his shoulders stiffening as he prepared to speak. “It started after Kailey was banished. My father… he…” He trailed off, his jaw tightening. “What?” I asked sharply, my arms crossed. “What did he do?” “He fell ill,” Ezekiel said finally. His voice was low, almost a whisper. “Not long after you were gone. It was as though the strength that kept him going just vanished. He grew weaker with each passing day, and nothing we did could save him. Eventually, he… he died.” Auren’s expression didn’t soften. Instead, his lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at Ezekiel. “So what? He got what he deserved,” Auren said coldly. “He sent my mom away. Why should I care about what happened to him?” “Auren,” I said softly, trying to calm him, but his glare cut me off. “No, Mom! Why does it matter? He didn’t care about us. He didn’t care about you!” Ezekiel’s voice broke through the rising tension. “You’re right,” he said, his gaze fixed on Auren. “He
Kailey’s POV As we stepped through the towering gates of the Blackwood Pack’s palace, a flood of memories washed over me. Some bitter, some sweet, but all deeply etched in my heart. Auren clung tightly to my hand, his gaze darting around suspiciously. His shoulders were tense, his distrust almost palpable. Elyra walked beside us, her sharp eyes scanning everything as though she were cataloging every detail. Ezekiel walked ahead, his steps confident but hesitant, as though he feared one wrong move might shatter whatever fragile truce we had."This is it," Ezekiel said, turning to us with a hesitant smile. "Welcome back to Blackwood." His voice carried a mix of pride and apprehension.Auren snorted. "Back? We never really belonged here."Ezekiel’s smile faltered, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he gestured toward the guards stationed at the entrance. "Make them as comfortable as possible," he instructed, his tone firm. "And gather everyone in the pack square this evening. I have an important
Ezekiel’s POV My desk was cluttered with papers—legal documents, treaties, and the single most important file of the night: the transfer of the Luna emblem from Anastasia to Kailey. I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corner of my lips as I signed the final page. Kailey was back, and though the path ahead was uncertain, I was ready to fight for her.As my pen scratched across the last signature line, the door to my office burst open. Anastasia stormed in, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Her face was flushed with anger, and her fiery eyes locked onto mine with a ferocity that promised a storm."Why?" she demanded, her voice trembling with rage. "Why would you bring her back?"I sighed, setting my pen down deliberately before meeting her gaze. "Anastasia, we’ve been through this. Kailey is the rightful Luna. She always has been.""Rightful?" she spat, slamming her palms on the edge of my desk. "I’ve stood by you, Ezekiel. Through every decision, every war, every
Ezekiel’s POV"No!" he snapped, stepping fully into the room. "I’m tired of this. Tired of everyone pretending he’s some savior just because the old man’s gone.""Auren," I said firmly, rising to my feet. "I’m not asking you to see me as a hero. I’m asking for a chance to prove I’m not the man my father was."He crossed his arms, glaring at me. "And how exactly are you going to do that? By dragging us back here and throwing us into this mess?"Kailey reached for him, but he stepped away, his frustration palpable. "You don’t understand, Mom. You shouldn’t even be here. This place isn’t safe. It never was.""Auren," Kailey said softly, her voice trembling. "I know you’re angry. I know you’ve been through so much. But we have to try. For the pack. For ourselves.""For him, you mean," Auren shot back, jerking his chin toward me. "You’re just letting him walk back into our lives like none of it ever happened.""That’s enough," I said, my voice sharp but controlled. "You don’t have to trust me, A
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
Kailey’s POVYeah, sure. I know I was having a good time... I definitely was. More Alphas and their pack elders recognizing me... more than Cecilia. Yes, I was definitely the reigning Luna, I said to myself, even as I just smiled and continued sipping my wine so gently.Then, suddenly, someone tapped me from behind. I turned, expecting to see Elyra or Cedric again, but when my eyes landed on the person in front of me, I nearly dropped my glass.Kyle.What the fuck?!"Ey, Kailey... it's really been a long time," he said, his lips stretching into a grin.I blinked. Then blinked again. "Kyle? Are you serious right now?"His deep chuckle sent a wave of nostalgia through me. "What? No hug for an old friend?"Old friend? The man was my ex-boyfriend from college! The first guy I ever really cared about before life and duty pulled us apart. And now here he was, standing in front of me, looking... well, looking absolutely incredible.He had grown. Like, really grown. His shoulders were broader
Kailey’s POVAs the ceremony went on, I was just so happy. Seeing my son, Auren, being ceremoniously decorated as the next Alpha of this land, my heart swelled with pride. Tears almost ran down my face. My ten-year-old son, given such an important role—it felt unreal. I was beyond happy, even as I thought of a name to call myself.“Alpha’s mother,” I murmured, tapping my chin thoughtfully. “No… Queen of the Alpha.”I giggled to myself, shaking my head. It was funny. I was giving myself so many options, and the more I thought about it, the more ridiculous they sounded.Then I burst out laughing. Like, really laughing. I couldn’t help it. It was just so amusing to me.“Kailey, what the hell is so funny?” Elyra’s voice pulled me back. She had walked up to me, her brows raised as she stared at me like I’d lost my mind.I tried to talk between laughs. “I was… I was just thinking…” I took a deep breath, wiping a tear from my eye. “What should I be called now? I mean, I can’t just be Luna an
Kailey’s POV"Alpha Ezekiel, I'm so happy for you. Finally, you have a son who will continue your legacy."Alpha Darius raised his glass, and I met his cheers with my own. The clink of our glasses echoed through the great hall, filled with the voices of powerful Alphas gathered for Auren’s coronation."Yeah, that was perfect," I said with a nod.Darius chuckled, leaning in slightly. "I just hope your new heir will continue the good relationship we’ve all kept through the years. You know how these young ones can be. Always eager to prove themselves."I smirked, taking a sip of my drink. "Sure, why not? He will. I trust him. He will be perfect. Though he's still very young, I know he will do his best."More Alphas began to approach, one after the other, congratulating me as they lifted their glasses. The air was filled with laughter and hushed conversations, everyone exchanging pleasantries and well wishes."Ezekiel, my friend," Alpha Tobias called as he clapped me on the back. "Tonight
Kailey’s POVToday, a lot of Alphas were going to be around. The full coronation of my son, Auren, was today, and I was so happy. I was fully ready and dressed up. Elyra helped me with my dress even as she was telling me that there shouldn’t be any fight between me and Cecilia today.“I didn’t promise anything,” I muttered, adjusting my necklace.Elyra gave me a side-eye. “Kailey…”I smirked. “Yeah, yeah. As long as Cecilia don’t step on my toes, I’m gonna be good.”Elyra folded her arms. “You’re always the one finding trouble.”I turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “Me? Finding trouble? Elyra, be for real.”She sighed. “You don’t even see it, do you?”“I see plenty.” I smirked, checking my reflection. “I see that I look damn good. I see that my son is about to be crowned. And I see that if Cecilia breathes wrong today, I just might—”Elyra groaned, cutting me off. “Kailey! This is Auren’s day. Can you, for once, not start a war?”I chuckled. “I’m not starting anything.”She gave me a
Kailey’s POVWhy isn’t this soup spicy?” I said even as I tasted the soup the maids were preparing for dinner.“My Queen… it’s—”“Your what?!” I cut her short, my voice sharp. “Don’t call me that. Call me the Luna.”“But—”“Are you trying to question me?” I shot back at the maid.“Sorry, Luna,” she said quickly, lowering her head.“Better. Now make sure this soup is spicy and not this trash you are cooking,” I snapped, turning to walk out of the kitchen. But as I reached the doorway, I paused.Cecilia was standing there, her arms folded, watching me with amusement. And then, she laughed.I narrowed my eyes. “What’s so funny?”Cecilia smirked. “What makes you think you are the Luna?”I tilted my head, my lips curling into a smile. “Oh, don’t worry about that. In no time, I will personally kick you out.”She arched an eyebrow. “Oh? And how exactly do you plan to do that?”I stepped closer, my voice low and firm. “All I need to do is prove you were the one behind my son’s murder.”Cecili
Kailey’s POV"Nothing," I said easily, flashing another smile."Bullshit," Auren grumbled.Ezekiel leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "Kailey, I know you. You were ready to tear this whole plan apart five seconds ago. Now you’re just… agreeing? That’s not how you work."I shrugged, tilting my head. "Maybe I had a change of heart."Auren laughed. "You don’t have a heart.""That’s rude." I smirked."That’s the truth," Ezekiel replied, his eyes still locked on me. He was studying me, trying to read me like a book with torn pages.I kept my face smooth. If they even got a hint of what I was thinking, it would ruin everything."Look," I sighed loudly, tapping my nails against the table. "We all want the same thing, don’t we? This curse broken. That’s why we’re even having this damn talk.""Yeah," Ezekiel said slowly, still wary."And this is the only way?" I asked, trying to sound hesitant."You know it is," Auren said."Then I’m in," I said with certainty.Silence. Thick. Heav
Kailey’s POVHow fucking annoying it is to actually wake up to a text from Ezekiel.Meet me at the eating by 9 a.m. with Auren. Don’t be late! Who the hell does this fool think he’s talking to? I slid my phone onto the table and lay back down. I didn’t even know when I dozed off yesterday. I was so tired and scared that I just crashed, and now I wake up to this buzzing sound? So crazy. “Another crazy morning in this hell of a pack,” I mumbled, looking at the ceiling. I reached for my phone again to check the time. It was almost 8:30 a.m. I groaned, wondering whether I should even bother going to the diner. My wolf stirred, growling lowly, her way of nudging me to get moving. You should go. “Why? So he can piss me off even more?” I asked aloud. You know why. You care. I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, deep down, I still love Ezekiel so much. But what he did in the past? It’s always fresh in my mind. Every damn time I see him, I feel that pain. And it pisses me off so bad. Sometimes, I fe
Ezekiel’s POVJames’s eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t reply. “Alpha,” he said slowly. “I… I think you need to address this head-on. Call a meeting. Confront Remus and the others. Show them you’re still in control.”I scoffed. “Oh, that’ll go well,” I said lightly. “What am I supposed to say? That my house is in shambles but they should still believe me? That my son publicly insulted me, and my Luna and ex-Luna are locked in a power struggle, but I’ve got everything under control?” “You don’t have to say all that,” he answered, his tone calm. “But you do need to remind them of who you are. Of what you’ve done for this pack and the Alliance. They’ve forgotten, Ezekiel. And if you let this continue, they’ll change the story entirely.” I rubbed a hand over my face, tiredness sinking deep in my bones. He’s right, you know, my wolf said, his tone softer this time. You’ve been so focused on keeping the peace that you’ve forgotten how to lead. Maybe it’s time to tell them. And yourse
Ezekiel’s POVAs it stood right now, I was really losing it. Like, I was way too tired of everything. The feast Cecilia told me to plan? A fucking mess. Like, what the fuck? How can a fourteen-year-old boy talk back to me and Cecilia like that? Like, what the fuck?It shocked me to the highest level.You fucking caused all this for yourself.I could hear my wolf’s voice in my head, sharp and cutting, like he was enjoying my misery.“How did I?” I muttered under my breath, dragging my hands through my hair as I paced the room.You let Kailey down years ago, and you think nemesis won’t catch up with you?“You must be joking,” I growled back at him, my anger boiling over. “I have paid for my mistakes. Why the fuck is all this still happening to me?”Paid? Oh, please. You’ve barely scratched the top of what you owe, Ezekiel. And if you’re not careful, Auren is going to become something you’ll regret.“Fuck!” I snapped, striking my hand into the wall. My chest heaved as I tried to calm my