KYRA Zeke stares at me with intent, waiting for the ball. I'm certain the Alpha is wondering what could be behind the seriousness in my tone. It's high time I got it off my chest. "I can't spy on Zane for you anymore," I say, holding my breath. He doesn't seem annoyed, so I continue. "It's wrong to exploit someone's feelings to get what you want—" "Especially when they are mutual." Zeke completes my words, and I'm grateful he's not fuming like a chimney at my disobedience. Since I came to Moon Grove, I've done everything he's ever asked of me without refusal or thought, but Zeke is a good man and a good leader who cares deeply for his wolves. With everything I've got, I always carry out his missions proudly because they are always for a good reason. "You are not angry that I've disobeyed you and disrespected you." "I know what love means. If it's mutual, then I won't stop Kyra Mason from falling in love. In fact, the rest of us actually bet on your love life sometime in the pa
ZEKE After the storm, I head back to the fortress. My brother must have an answer for me now. I'm not confident he will do what I ask because I know it's difficult. Zane won't choose his throne over the lives of his wolves, no matter what. We are similar. The guards let me in at the fortress gates. I'm dressed in a black wrap coat and boots. The air is windy and wet. It's the right weather after the afternoon's scorching heat. His beta welcomes me, and a part of me is relieved I don't run into Chantria at the entrance. Zane's on a patio, sipping from a cup of tea. It's on a wooden platform. I climb a few steps to get to the landing. Bending my head, I step onto the platform with a roof shaped like a hut. "Brother." He calls, standing on his feet to greet me. I bow before him and stay that way until pats my arm, asking me to stand. "You really do not have to do that all the time." "It's my duty. I'm on your territory. I insist." Zane gestures towards the round wooden table he
That bastard. He dropped her the first chance he got. After trying so hard to get her back, it didn't even take him three months to choose her sister again. I want to crush his head beneath my feet. Red Valley's destruction is still pending. I'm clenching my fists at my side and breathing fury. "Alpha Zeke, who knows what that tyrant has done to her? She could be in danger." "Tomorrow, Kyra." Kyra snaps. "Is this still about getting revenge? What right do you have to say she would pay for her mother's sins? Marelyn's innocent. She's also in danger!" Drusila and Aiden surface from their rooms when they hear our voices. They are shocked to see Kyra raising her voice at me, but everything she's saying now, Drusila has said them all before. I'm just too pig-headed to see reason. It's just... it's easy to hate Marelyn. I saw her at peace at Red Valley, and I don't know what came over me after that. Drusila says, "Kyra, who are you to talk to the Alpha in that manner?" "Marelyn's in d
What? Marelyn was pregnant before she left New York? I can't put two and two together. We tried to make another baby to help with the pain of losing one, but I didn't think that worked. It must have worked. I recall the three times I've seen her since I came to Carodia. Nothing could show that she was pregnant. I couldn't even tell, and I felt ashamed. "Another heir." Kyra tastes those impossible words on her lips. "Alpha Zeke, there's hope." I tell Loki. "Lead me to the gallows." "It's right through a secret door in the dungeons. Only the Red Alpha has access to it." Kyra hangs her head when she hears that. Another stumbling block to overcome. I can tell she just wants to make sure Chase hasn't harmed Marelyn or the baby. That's my major concern as well. Flame torches line the walls of their dungeons. "Show me." I command Loki. Loki bows and stands on his feet under my instructions. He leads the way in silence. We get to the end of the dungeon, and he points at the secret do
It's the last fight. Red Valley survived my reign of terror the last time I was here, but this time around, I will not stop until the Red Pack is dust. Loki and walk out of the dungeons. The numbers have increased. We are all surrounded. Leading his wolves is Chase Erickson. Chase is shocked to see Loki on my side. He's looking between the both of us and doing a terrible job at hiding his emotions. "Loki, what is this?" "What I should have done a long time ago." "If father sees you now-" "And! Father would be more disappointed in you and what you've turned his pack into." Chase growls, eyes turning red as a blood moon. "Is that why you betray your own pack, brother? Tell me, what did he offer you?" "Your death," Loki says in a low but icy tone. It's chilling to watch their exchange, but even Chase doesn't see the hate filling his brother's eyes coming. It takes him unawares. "I promised you I will live to see Red Valley become dust by my hands." I growl, shifting halfway and
KYRA The next day, Zeke speaks to us about his decision. It's official. We are returning to New York. It took a child to get his senses back. I'm so glad we've found Mare and that she's finally with us. Aiden's learning to forgive her for everything that has happened. The awkwardness in the air won't just vanish. It will take time, but eventually, this is a bridge we will all cross. I'm excited about returning and abandoning this revenge plan that is bound to cause us heartache, but my heart hurts like hell while hearing the news. It means I won't see any more of him. I found my mate, and now, we must part ways because we are on two different sides of life. My chest is heavy. The second Zeke concludes, I exit the shelter and head over to the bamboo forest, hoping Zane will stop by today. It's all I can do. I can only hope, but this is for the best. I wait and wait for hours to no avail. Sulking, I walk down the path towards the exit of the forest. The tavern is the only place on
Before daybreak, I kiss Zane one last time and disappear from his life. On the way back to the shelter, I'm crying, all snot and tears because how do I forget last night. The pain in my chest is heavy like lead. I want to turn back. I want to change things in my favour, but I'm not that selfish to rob Zeke and Mare of their happiness. The shelter comes into view. I wipe my tears because I want no one witnessing Kyra Mason's vulnerable moment. The Alpha decided to use the previous day to make our plans more certain. He's been the talk of the land since then. There are people gathered about the shelter. They are wondering what's going to happen to the remains of the Red Valley pack. I know Zeke will take them under Moon Grove's wings. Their Alpha and structure are broken. They have no other choice but to embrace whoever presents himself as their next ruler. But the people still wonder how all of this will align. Zane must play his part. Moon Grove will finally have a recognised ter
MARE I can't tell what's on his mind. We've talked about everything and re-talked about it. Our relationship is still awkward. I don't know if it will ever return to the way it used to be, but we have this child to bring us closer and repair the drift. I'm holding my midriff and staring out the window. The road is rocky, and the car keeps jerking like it's on the road to hell. Soon, the turbulence passes, and the port draws nearer. Zeke shuts his eyes the entire way home. He loses himself in his thoughts, but I suspect he does that to get away from me and from the moment. Will we ever find that spark again? We always never had it difficult with conversations, but everything still feels off. I look away from him and continue staring out the window. At the port, we descend the sedans and grab our luggage from the trunk. Aiden and Kass help out with our luggage. We are about to go on board. I'm in the lead, but Zeke and I bring up the rear. He tugs my hand back, and I stop in my tra