“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.
Smooching sounds rented the air as Regan and Ivorie were locked in a frantic kissing and caressing session. They had both rushed away from the courtroom into Regan's chamber, even leaving the door slightly ajar.They cared less as their minds were only filled with the irresistible need to satisfy each other. All the sexual build up they had both pent up inside them for their weeks apart seemed to suddenly burst open now. They need each other.Regan's frantic kisses went lower to Ivorie's neck, tickling her. She giggled as she tried to push him off vainly.“Do not deprive me of what I own!” He growled throatily, not taking his face off her neck.“I…am not, I just…I need to tell you something…really important…” ivorie said through sharp breaths and low gasps as a result of Regan's mouth assault on her.“You can tell me after we are done.” He growled in protest. He refused to allow anything to get in his way of having his mate now. He had been waiting weeks for that, fighting his heads o
Nick entered his chamber that bright afternoon, meeting Kiya lying on the bed. He heaved a sigh and settled on a chair.Kiya noticed him walking in and sat up. “And?” She asked. “What is the latest on our plot?” She asked.Without turning around, Nick answered by telling her about what he and Alpha Johan had been doing for the past five days – about the Alpha's that Alpha Johan had joined hands with to go against Regan. He told her about their promise to revoke their alliances with Cresthowl pack.“But how will that help us?” She asked, sliding off the bed and sitting on the edge.Nick heaved a sigh before relying, “Alpha Johan believes that using a political weapon against Regan will aid us greatly. So he wants to weaken his toes politically and leave him alone and powerless.”“But you're forgetting one thing,” Kiya said, “Alpha Regan is never powerless. There is a reason he is known as the Dreaded Warlord, Nick.”.“So what would you have me do? I don't know about you but that seems
Regan sat silently at the entrance of a garden, lost in his own thoughts. Thoughts about the messengers that were brought dead filled his mind. He wondered greatly why the Alphas would have done that and what level of boldness they possessed to even think of doing that at all.He didn't know what to feel. Rage, for losing his men or pain and sadness, for the same reason.‘Those Alphas should be vanquished for doing such vile thing!’ Boris growled within his mind, sending a wave of rage through him. Regan took in a deep breath to suppress the emotion. He didn't wish to be angry just yet.‘Sometimes I just wonder how many lives have been lost while following my orders.’ he thought.‘It is not your fault, don't make it sound like it is.’ Boris snarled at him.Just then, he heard footsteps behind him and his nerve ticked.“I believe I made myself clear when I said no one should…” he had turned around to see Ivorie walking towards him before he completed his statement.His emotions lighte
“How long has it been now?” Lady Rosina asked as she mixed a herb mixture in a small metal pot.“A moon and a half, mother.” Ivorie answered from opposite her mother in-law.It was already, according to Ivorie's calculation, a moon and two weeks into her pregnancy. Two weeks since three Alpha's had revoked their alliance with Cresthowl pack and proven it in a gory manner. Nothing had been done in retaliation yet, though.They were in Ivorie's chamber, as Lady Rosina had requested, where she wanted to prepare and administer herbs to Ivorie. “Take this,” said the older woman as she offered Ivorie the small pot. The thick pungent smell caused the latter to instinctively scrunch her face and retreat. Seeing her mother-in-law's serious gaze, she smiled cheesily and collected it.One single big gulp down the throat, like her mother had always told her, saved her from torture of the horrible taste. She slammed the pot on the table, still scrunching her face.“You would have to get used to i
“Argh!” Ivorie groaned painfully on the bed in the infirmary. “Shaerah, would you do something about these cramps, they're discomforting!” Ivorie said to the head healer, who was busy mixing something on a medium sized metal jug.“Hold on, Luna. This herb will stop it when I'm done brewing it.” Shaerah answered, her concentration unwavering from the herb.Ivorie sighed heavily as another pain surged through her lower belly. She had been told beforehand that carrying an Alpha baby would be a bumpy journey for her but she hadn't expected it to be this much. It was excruciating.“Shaerah…” she moaned as she gritted her teeth, gripping the sheets tightly as sweat poured from her face in torrents.“Here here,” Shaerah muttered as she rushed to her with a cup. She put it in Ivorie's mouth and helped her drink the herb.As she downed the contents of the cup, Ivorie felt the cramps recede swiftly. Her belly soon felt the painlessness it was used to. She could breathe properly now.“Thank you,
“Have you folded the cloak, Grace? It might get cold out there.” Ivorie asked as she finished knotting the straps of her gown. She turned to Grace and indeed, the handmaid was folding the emerald cloak into a small bag.However, she also noticed the sullen expression on her face. A twinge of concern tugged her heart and she asked, “Is something bothering you, Grace?” She asked the handmaid. It seemed Grace had been lost in her thoughts as she jerked when Ivorie called her name.“Uhm, there's nothing wrong, Luna. I’ll pack your dress now.’’ she said and rummaged through the bag. It was obvious she didn't have any particular thing to do there and just wanted to keep Ivorie's eyes off her.The latter sighed and walked towards Grace. To Ivorie, she wasn't just a handmaid anymore. Their relationship had grown past a Luna and her handmaid, receiving orders while Ivorie dished it out. She was her sister now.“Are you sure?” Ivorie asked in a soft tone, placing her gentle hand on Grace's shou
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