“Alpha Johan, these are your guests.” Beta Jordan announced as he stood aside.Nick's eyes narrowed on the chubby man before them with a curious gaze. Even as the commander of his pack Watchmen, he hadn't set his eyes on the Alpha of Moonbeam pack before.Kiya, on the other hand, was expressionless. She didn't know how to react in front of him. If she should act respectfully before him or be as stern as Nick was, she had no idea.But since she was there with Nick, she might as well just follow his lead.“Alpha Johan,” Nick acknowledged, still with a curious frown.“Ahh, you must be Commander Nicholas. I have heard so much about you.” He faced Kiya with the same cheeky smile, “And you're Lady Kiyalera,”“Princess, Alpha.” Beta Jordan instantly corrected.“Hmm,” Alpha Johan hummed but didn't correct himself.“Well, let us get straight to the reason you are here, shall we?” He said as he shifted on his seat. He pointed at the chairs opposite him.Nick and Kiya took the indication and sat
Ivorie's eyes snapped open to the loud banging of her door. With peachy eyes, she glared at the door with deep contempt. Groaning in frustration, she managed to lift her back off the bed even though every nerve in her system screamed against that. All she wanted to do was to just sleep.“Who is it?” She barked at the knocker, not bothering to hide her anger. Whoever it was must know how displeased she was.The door cracked open and a guard peeked through. It was Brennan.“Luna, forgive me…”“What is it? I do not need your apologies!” She cut him of curtly, still scowling like a disrespected peacock.Brennan swallowed hard before going straight to the point, “The warriors that were sent to the Blackwood pack have returned, Luna.” He said.“And?” She said, almost groaning again. Three weeks had passed and Nick and Liliana – the witch – had not been found. It was now up to her to find them and bring them to justice.It would have been easy if Regan was there with her. But with the long a
Three weeks ago…“Come on, it's getting dark, we should leave now.” Nick pointed out as he stood up from a chair that he was sitting on in the room offered to him and Kiya by Alpha Johan.He went on to grab his dagger and as he sheathed it, he glanced at Kiya who was still seated on the bed.He furrowed his brows and walked to her, looking worried.“What is it, love?” He asked softly, taking a seat next to her and stroking her hair gently.Kiya had an extremely worried look on her face as she gazed back at Nick. “I–I don't know…I just feel like…we shouldn't put our faith in him.” She finally divulged what was bothering her.Nick released a long sigh and shifted closer to her. “We already went over this several times, if he shows any sign of an ulterior motive…”“...we will cut ties with him immediately. I know, but what if he doesn't show any sign? What if he has an ulterior motive even right now? How are we sure we can trust him?” She asked worriedly.Nick lowered his head, sighing d
A jolt of pain struck the back of Ivorie's head as soon as she regained consciousness. A low groan escaped her lips as she tried to concentrate on chasing away the pain.Her eyes soon parted slowly, squinting at the load of sudden light that fell into her eyes.Her eyes darted around, taking in her surroundings. She couldn't remember what had happened before she blacked out. The first person her eyes landed on was Shaerah who was standing close to her.“Shaerah what…”“It's okay, Luna, you should still relax.” The head healer said, motioning for Ivorie to relax.“What happened?” Immediately Ivorie asked that question, her memories began to rain in. She remembered how she got to the infirmary and what brought her there. She remembered how she lost consciousness also.“Where's Estan?” She asked as her gaze swept around only for her to see a bunch of people standing silently by the door.She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. “What is going on?” She asked softly.A sense of cautiousness
“Luna?” Shaerah called Ivorie but the latter didn't hear her. She was lost in her own thoughts. Her jaw rested on her fists as the thought of her unexpected pregnancy filled her mind.It was only at that moment that she realised that neither herself nor Regan had taken prevention herbs before their sexual escapades. Apparently, they had been so lost in the bliss of the act to even think of any consequences.Consequences? It shouldn't be a consequence. Having a child, a male child, should be great news to her. A new source of happiness for her. She had conceived an heir for the Alpha of the pack. The future Alpha was lying in her womb. Yet, she still felt this hollow feeling in her gut.“Luna.” Shaerah called for the umpteenth time in a louder voice, successfully bringing Ivorie out of her thoughts.“Forgive me, Luna. Are you certain you are fine?” Shaerah asked in a tone of concern.Ivorie feigned a smile before nodding, “Of course.” She muttered.Shaerah sighed, she had tried her bes
‘Brennan, help!’ she mindlinked her guard.The door banged open and Brennan came rushing in. Having heard his Luna's agitated tone, he was on high alert.“Luna, what is wrong?” He asked.Ivorie couldn't utter a word, she only pointed her finger at the balcony, her heart palpitating against her ribcage.Brennan didn't waste time. He went towards the balcony, tearing the doors apart to check it out.He spotted the arrow on the wall instantly and squinted his eyes. He gritted his teeth then turned his gaze downstairs, where he speculated the arrow came from.There was no one there. This got him more angry and his hands balled up into fists.‘The Luna was attacked, the culprit might still be around. Check the castle grounds immediately!’ Brennan immediately mindlinked another guard.‘Yes, captain!’ the guard answered back.Brennan went back to Ivorie's room. She was on her bed, her legs folded up to her chest as her heart was still threatening to burst out of her chest.“Luna, it's okay.
“Nick,” Kiya called as she walked out of the closet of the room given to them by Alpha Johan in his castle.“How do I look in this dress?” She asked as she held the hem of her red lacy flare gown and twirled around.Nick eyes scanned her from top to bottom, his eyes obvious with disinterest and disgust. But he feigned a short smile before looking away.“It's glamorous, isn't it?” She asked, still busy admiring the dress. “It's certain that Moonbeam pack harbours the best dressmakers around.” She muttered.Her gaze turned to Nick, whose gaze wasn't upon her like she had thought. A sigh escaped her lips, realising that she was doing it again – actively deviating her attention from their sole purpose of being here.“Nick…” she walked over to her lover and sat next to him. “What did Alpha Johan discuss with you about the previous day?” She asked in a soft tone, placing her hand on his shoulder.“I had presumed you had no concern about those matters. What has changed now?” Nick asked witho
Five days later…“You need to know that, as a shifter, you only have six months till you deliver this child.” Shaerah said.“I'm aware of that.” Ivorie shot back in a slightly irritated tone.“Very well. Now, let me check your abdomen, Luna.” Shaerah muttered as she placed her healing tools on a table at her side.Ivorie, who was seated opposite her, put on a quizzical expression. She hadn't thought checking of abdomens would be among her pregnancy treatments.“Don't worry, Luna. I just want to sense the baby.” Shaerah gave her a sense of assurance.Ivorie heaved a sigh before rolling her dress up to the bottom of her breasts, revealing her bare torso.Shaerah placed a hand on it gently before shutting her eyes in concentration. She was a shifter so her inhuman hearing was intact, making her hear the little heartbeats of the foetus within Ivorie.The Luna heard it too. She shut her eyes as the heartbeat echoed in her ears lightly. Her lips curled up into a small smile. Her own child.
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