“Come on, a little farther.” Regan held Ivorie as he helped her towards the forest outside the castle. Her wolf was still persisting to shift and if it weren't for Ivorie's resistance, it would have by now.Regan had quickly thrown random cloaks over themselves and led her out of the room. Using his secret network of tunnels, he had snuck them out of the castle through the back.And now, there they were, in the woods behind the castle, preparing for Ivorie to finally shift.“Reg…Regan…” Ivorie managed to call amidst the sharp jolts of pain that she was experiencing.Regan faced her, worry clearly written all over his face. “You’ll be fine…look at me. You will be fine.” He assured her defiantly.“I…I'm scared…urgh!” Ivorie said before another jolt of pain suddenly spread across her jaw.She fell into Regan's arms and he held her up. “You’ll be fine. I am here.” He told her again, trying to calm her down.She was still whimpering and shuddering, not from fear anymore but from the power
Ivorie was finding it difficult to believe what she had just heard. “Wha…what are you talking about…” she asked in a heavy tone.Regan ran his hand through his hair and sighed in devastation.‘Do not hurt her.’ Boris warned but Regan angrily shut him behind.“Let's return to the castle…”“No, tell what you meant!” Ivorie demanded vehemently.“Okay.” Regan faced her with a grave expression. “I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want the mate-bond.” He declared.Ivorie felt pain tug at her heart. She didn't know why she was reacting to his words this way. She had grown to get used to his harsh words at her. Why was she feeling such immense pain now?“But why…?” She asked, tears brimming her eyelids.“I didn't because…” he sighed, “... because I was selfish. I had a plan to conquer your father's pack and it couldn't work if you were my mate.” He finally divulged.Ivorie's mouth was left agape in dismay. She couldn't believe the words she was hearing at that moment.“And I also did
The Ball was finally nearing its end and Estan was happy he was able to dodge the Duchess throughout the duration. He went back to his brother who was now sitting by the counter, silently sipping from a cup of wine.Estan sighed deeply as he took a seat next to him.“You look like you need a dance.” Nick said with a smirk.Estan scoffed, “I don't think a dance will be enough to alleviate the stress I've gone through tonight.” Estan said as he was given a cup of wine and he drank from it.“Don't beat yourself up, brother. How hard can being a beta possibly be?” Nick asked and Estan turned to him with a look of disbelief.“Oh I'd like to see you try it for a moon and see how you’ll fare.” Estan said challengingly.Nick waved his hand, “I’ll pass. I would rather have other things to become.” he said and gulped down his drink.“What other things?” Estan asked with a raised brow.Nick ignored as his gaze went ahead. “I think it's time to dance with our partners.” He said.Estan looked at t
Night was at its peak and the moon shone at its fullest. The streets of Cresthowl pack were deserted and void of life as everyone had retreated into their homes for the night. The Winter Ball was over, and they would soon return to their regular lives.A carriage rode in the silent night, the sound of its rolling wheels being the only sound at that hour.In the rider’s seat was Nick, yanking the reins of the horse as he rode the carriage.He was seemingly in a lightened mood as he whistled away his favourite tune.He rode through a narrow road for a while, before he finally made a turn to a bushy path.After riding for a while on that path, he was riding the carriage through tall trees and thick shrubs.The moon had been obstructed by the branches and leaves of trees but Nick didn't seem to care as he knew where he was heading to.Soon enough, there was a cottage a distance away that came to his view.He halted the horse about a few meters away from the cottage and jumped off the ride
“That is impossible! Alpha Clawn cannot be dead!” Ivorie maintained once more as she walked into the hall where Estan and other guards were.Estan turned to face her as she stomped towards him.“Luna, his chambers have been checked, it is true.” Estan informed her.Ivorie shook her head and folded her arms over her chest. “Think about it, Beta. Do you really believe he is dead? He is the SCARRED ALPHA.” She pointed out.Estan sighed and glanced around before gesturing for Ivorie to follow him.They went to a lonely corner and Estan said, “You are right, Luna. I also personally do not want to believe he is dead. I haven't even set my own eyes on his body yet.”Ivorie furrowed her brows, “You haven’t? Why?” She asked.“His men that came with him for the Ball, they were the ones who found him dead and have refused to release his body to us.” He explained.Ivorie nodded her head slowly, “We have to check out his chambers for more information. His sudden death, Jenna’s escape. These all so
“Maia.” Ivorie repeated outwardly, a soft smile stretching her lips.“Luna?” Estan called and she turned her gaze to him, still smiling warmly.“I'm fine…it's just my wolf.” She said and cleared her throat. She had no need to update the Beta about her wolf. It was a personal matter and it could only be shared with her mate.Grace walked into the room and knocked to indicate her presence.“Forgive me, Luna. It is time for your breakfast.” She said with a bow.Ivorie exhaled. “Alright, I'll be right there. You can go.” She said and Grace bowed before leaving.Ivorie stood up and faced Estan with a serious face. “The Alpha is busy these days. It is up to us to keep the castle in good hands. Please do some investigation on Jenna's escape, I do not want to believe it is linked to Alpha Clawn's demise but we also shouldn't skip that thought.” She said and Estan nodded in understanding.After she left, Estan waited in the room for a while before he left also.…Kiya sat on a rocking chair in
“Grace, get me that corset.” Ivorie said to Grace, pointing to a small opened drawer across her bedroom.She was seated at the edge of the bed, her mind weary. She was still thinking about Regan. She was also still mortified at how strong he had an effect even with his absence.“Luna,” Grace’s voice jolted her out of her thoughts with a start. The handmaid was pointing the corset at her with a look of worry on her face.“Oh,” she collected the corset and put it on.“Are you okay, Luna?” Grace asked in a tone of concern.Ivorie chuckled, “Why wouldn't I?” She asked as she put on her corset.Grace paused for a while, her mouth opening and closing as she was unsure of what to say.“Forgive me, Luna.” She muttered with a slight bow.Ivorie didn't hear her, however. Her mind had once again wandered off. She was worried about Regan.He was at the border and the borders at these times tended to be dangerous because of raids and ambushes.She could only hope there wasn't one at the eastern b
Ivorie's eyes parted slowly and she met herself still being dragged by Nick. It took her a while before she gathered herself but when she did, she pushed herself away from him.“Why…didn't you…stop her…” she asked weakly. The fear of being killed, the fear of standing right in front of death just a few minutes ago was taking its toll on her.“Luna, you need help, I have to get you to the infirmary, now.” Nick said while spreading his hands.Ivorie shook her head and wanted to speak when they heard approaching footsteps. In no time, Estan appeared in their midst.“Luna!” Was the first word he blurted when he got to them. “Are you okay? What's going on?” He asked with concern.“She was attacked, someone kidnapped her and was about to take her life.” Nick explained before Ivorie could utter any words. “But I stepped in on time.” He added stiffly.Estan’s eyes darted confusedly between Nick and Ivorie. “Luna, I hope you are…”“I'm fine. The assailant is still somewhere in this castle prem
Flashback “Regan,” Ivorie called his name softly. But he was deeply engrossed in playing with his newly born son. He tickled the little Alpha, muttered incoherent words to him and spinned him around playfully. All the while, Ivorie watched him unbelievably.After the midwives departed, it was getting late, and bedtime seemed imminent, but Regan seemed to have other plans.“Regan.” Ivorie called his name more firmly this time, successfully gaining his attention.“Who would've thought you were such a baby lover?” Ivorie asked, folding her arms across her chest with a smirk on her lips.Regan’s face lit with a happy smile as he gently laid the baby in his cradle. Now he could focus on his mate properly.“Well, I could be a lover of anything.” He said with a sly smirk, propping on the bed next to Ivorie. She giggled as he grabbed her and tickled her.“Stop, Regan. I need to tell you something really serious.” Ivorie's tone dropped a few octaves, testifying that she was being serious.Reg
Ivorie and Luna Ivy joined the guests in the dining hall. As Luna Ivy sat, Alpha Johan turned to her with a slight frown.“Where have you been?” He asked in a low grumpy tone.Luna Ivy took in a sharp breath and froze for some seconds. For a moment, it seemed as though she would falter but she exhaled and turned to him with a serious face.“To ease myself, husband.” She answered.Alpha Johan kept his glare on her for a while. He gave a suspicious glance at Ivorie but when he saw that she was speaking casually with a guest, he took his focus away from his wife.Luna Ivy sighed and sat upright. She gave Ivorie a subtle look and they both acknowledged themselves secretly.Ivorie sat upright also and kept a straight face.‘It’s time, Regan. Mother is clean.’ She mindlinked Regan.Regan, who was discussing with some other Alpha's, didn't change his facial expression when he heard her.‘Excellent. Play along.’ He returned.“Attention, please! Everyone!” Regan's voice overshadowed others’. S
“From Luna Ameriel of Blood moon pack!” An old gift bearer announced as he walked up the throne where Regan and Ivorie were seated.Ivorie smiled down at the old man as he knelt before them, carrying a large basket.Ivorie's eyes went to one of the guests seated on the rolls of chairs in the throne room and smiled at her -Luna Ameriel.“Thank you, Luna.” She said and the Luna smiled back warmly.They have been on it for several minutes now. Various dignitaries from various packs were gifting them, showering them with prayers and blessings for the birth of their baby.Although, Ivorie was smiling on the outside, she was worried inwardly. She hadn't heard of her parents’ arrival yet. She had specifically sent messengers to Moonbeam pack to inform her parents about her delivery. She was especially keen on seeing her mother.‘Won’t you relax? Your mother will be here soon!’ Maia scolded Ivorie as the latter kept on eyeing the entrance of the throne room. She was expecting them to walk in
Alpha Johan groaned and rolled on his bed as the loud gong sounded. He muttered some incoherent words but didn't open his eyes.Luna Ivy, who was sleeping next to him, however, woke up immediately the gong sounded. She rubbed her eyes and saw her husband still sound asleep.She reached for him to wake him but before she could, Alpha Johan felt a sharp burning sensation on his lap. He yelled and sprang up. His action startled Luna Ivy, who looked at him in shock.“What did you do?” Alpha Johan asked, gripping Luna Ivy’s shoulder roughly.The Luna shook, “N…nothing, I haven't touched you!” She cried.Alpha Johan growled and pushed her away roughly. He felt something in his lap again and touched the area through his trousers. He felt something in the pocket and with a frown, dipped his hand in and pulled out a piece of parchment.“How did this get here?” He muttered as he turned to the side of the bed to read the parchment.Squinting his eyes, he read. The letter was from the witch from
“Ahhhh!!!!” Ivorie's screams of agony reverberated through the wall of her chamber as extreme pain ripped through her body.Regan had refused to take her to the infirmary, claiming that a personal space like her chamber was most perfect for labour.“Luna, you need to remain as calm as you can!” One of the midwives said, holding Ivorie's hand to support her.“It hurts! It hurts so much!” Ivorie wailed, tears falling down the sides of her face. She shook her head again and screamed through gritted teeth as another wave of pain ripped through her.Her world had narrowed to a singular focus: survival. The contractions ripped through her body like a raging storm, leaving her gasping for breath. “Quick, hold her down!” The midwives scurried around upon their leader's instruction. They were all keen on keeping their Luna alive and helping her deliver her baby safely."Push, Ivorie, push!" The oldest midwives urged, her voice firm but motherly. She would have probably gone through the same p
The courtroom was abuzz with anticipation as the Elders and councilmen gathered around the wide table, ready to interrogate Liliana. They murmured amongst each other and it was evident that excitement was brewing within them.They were finally going to know who their enemies were and maybe, if the goddess willed it, they would be able to defeat them.Regan walked in and as expected, silence descended in the room. The Elders and councilmen rose to their feet and gave their Alpha a short bow as he made his way to his majestic seat. They sat down only after Regan did.Regan’s gaze swept over theirs. It was obvious that he was equally as excited as they were. But he couldn't deny that the air was also thick with tension. He could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Liliana's involvement with Nick and whoever else was behind the numerous attacks on the castle and pack altogether.“Bring the witch.” Regan inst
“That's impossible! What would she be doing here?” Regan asked no one in particular.‘Alpha,’ just then, a mindlink filled his mind. ‘The witch, Alpha…she's here…at the gates…’ a guard stuttered.Regan's jaw dropped before his hands tightened into fists. His face then switched to a mixture of joy and fury.He was joyful because his enemy had made it easier for him to kill her and furious because he remembered what she caused Estan.“Remain here with the witches.” He instructed the two guards with him and stomped out of the hall.Regan paced down the stairs and hallways, rage coursing through his veins. He was in the spirit of killing at that moment. And he was going to take it all out on that witch.‘Alpha, what should we do with her?’ a guard mindlinked him.‘Chain her to her knees, I'll be right there.’ he instructed as he increased his pace.As soon as he descended the last flight of stairs, it dawned on him that Liliana was a witch and she could easily take down his warriors witho
Meanwhile, Ivorie was in her chamber, fiddling with the old parchment she had stolen from Elder Sherman's chamber back in Blackwood pack.She went through the content again, still finding it difficult to grapple with the truth that it held.‘Is this real?’ She thought.‘You’re holding the parchment in your hands.’ Maia’s smug tone filled her mind. Ivorie was sure she was rolling her eyes but she ignored her.‘Do you think I should tell him?’ She asked Maia.‘It’s your choice to make, Ivorie. If you really want to live the rest of your life as Alpha Clawn's sister, then tell him.’ Maia replied.Ivorie sighed, her shoulders slumping. She shifted her position as she felt slightly uncomfortable in her lower belly. Her baby was always stirring.She contemplated the difficult decision further.‘Maybe I should tell Regan, instead. He’ll know what to do. Or perhaps we'll be able to come up with a solution together.’ She thought.She looked up, determined. “Yes, that's what I'll do.” She decla
The golden rays of the sun upon the pack shrine illuminated the solemn faces of the gathered pack members. Five days have passed since Estan's tragic demise. Five days of absolute pain for his loved ones. Especially Regan. The Alpha hadn't just lost his Beta and most trusted advisor. He lost a friend, a brother. And the thought of that weighed on him for days.The burial ritual for Estan had begun, and the air was thick with grief. Regan, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep, stood at the forefront, where the priests were lined up and chanting. His jaw clenched in a mix of despair and rage.Soon, the priests were done chanting and one by one, members of the royal family and Estan’s own extended family, moved forward to the wooden platform his body was tied to.One by one, they poured handfuls of red sand on his lifeless body. Some wailed, some simply couldn't utter a word.Regan moved forward after Ivorie, he was last to pour his sand. He stared longingly at his lost friend. Memori