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
Ivorie's heart raced within her chest as the noise coming from the crowd increased. However, she suddenly felt a soothing feeling from within herself. Her hands stopped fidgeting and her nerves seemed to magically calm.‘Be calm, Ivorie. I’m with you.’ Maia reassured her from within. Ivorie closed her eyes and exhaled in relief. She had almost forgotten about her wolf.‘What would I do without you?’ she exclaimed inwardly.Now that she had crossed that line of keeping calm, she was ready to speak to them. But then she realised something and frowned.“How would they hear my voice from up here?” She asked herself.‘I don't suppose you know of any magic spell that can amplify my voice, do you?’ she asked her wolf playfully.‘I’m a wolf, not a witch!’ Ivorie could almost see Maia's eyes rolling at that moment.‘Luna.’ another voice entered her mind and she knew it was Brennan’s.‘I’ve got a witch.’ he announced into her mind and Ivorie turned to her right to see Brennan ushering an older
“I want you all to be strongly vigilant this evening! The pack depends on it!” Regan hollered to the squad of warriors saluted before him under the bright moonlight in the castle compound.It was almost time for the fake meeting and fairly all of the Alphas had arrived. All of whom were still oblivious to the actual purpose of the meeting. Regan, however, had a plan to change that.“Once we get sight of him, Alpha, what should we do?” One of the warriors asked from the squad. The others murmured after.“The aim is to capture him for interrogation, so you must surround him first. But if he refuses to submit, you have permission to engage. Although, you do not go for the kill. Is that noted?” Regan explained and the warriors all nodded. He made sure to drill the rest of the instructions into their heads as he wanted -the pack needed -no mishaps from them.‘Alpha, Alpha Clawn has arrived.’ Regan was informed through mindlink. He immediately dismissed the squad and went towards the approa
“But princess, you have to eat something! Your father will have my head if you don't!” A middle aged woman said to Evangeline in a pleading tone.The Alpha’s little daughter scoffed and folded her arms pompously. “My father is not me. I will only eat once my father apologizes to me!” She maintained stubbornly, not bothering to face the woman behind her.She began to move her tiny legs forward but the woman walked after her.“Princess, your father is out, you…”“Then I'll wait for him to return!” Evangeline cut the woman off.Ivorie watched as the poor woman sighed heavily and ran her hand through her long hair.Ivorie suddenly decided to talk to Evangeline. She had wanted to since she yelled at her father at the dining hall the previous day.Walking out of the corridor she was in, she caught up with the little princess and her maid.“Evan…um…princess Evangeline, wait.” Ivorie said, almost forgetting to address her by her title.She wasn't quite sure what to address her by since she wa
Regan stood before his great-grandfather’s mighty statue which was situated at the far corner of the castle wide compound. It was the only statue in the castle and Regan knew it was the former Alpha's achievements that won him a statue. Achievements that none of Balor’s descendants were yet to uphold.Many thoughts ran through Regan's mind as he stood with his arms behind him. He had just ordered the scribes to send messages to invite his allied Alphas –those that were left on his side– to an important meeting at the castle. The purpose of the meeting was only for one single aim –to capture the assassin. He was their only hope to uncover their enemies and understand their motives fully.Footsteps intruded his thoughts and he adjusted his posture while sighing.“Alpha, the letter have been sent.” Elder Callen informed as he walked up to Regan's behind. The Alpha simply nodded.There was silence for a while before Elder Callen broke it. “Do you believe it is of best interest not to tell
Ivorie and Grace went back to Ivorie's chamber afterwards. Ivorie had a pained look on her face, and Grace couldn't help but notice. "Luna, what's the problem?" Grace asked, worried that her Luna might be having pregnancy cramps again. Ivorie, on the other hand, had more pressing issues going on in her mind than pregnancy cramps. Watching how Evangeline could speak to her father without fear made her think about the kind of life she lived with her family. "Grace, what was it like growing up? How was your relationship with your family?" Ivorie asked, and Grace was taken aback by her question, as she wasn't expecting it. "Uhmm... Luna, despite my family being poor, growing up was very fun," she said. She paused and smiled. "My parents were the best thing that could ever happen to me. My father loved my mother so much, and they both showered me with lots of love, always protecting me." Her smile faded as she muttered, "I missed them." Ivorie held her hand and smiled, giving her a ge
Everyone watched as the little girl - Evangeline, as Clawn had referred to her as - went mute. She still had a deep scowl on her face, which in reality, made her look cute rather than angry. “You will NOT speak to our guest in such manner!” Clawn ordered in a grave tone, his sharp and menacing glare rooted on his daughter’s face. She, however, didn't give the reaction Ivorie had thought she would. She instead fisted her hands, turned around and dashed off. A guard went running after her. Silence still reigned around the table, silence that carried awkwardness. “Let the feast proceed.” Clawn said in a low and unhappy tone before picking his spoon. ‘Well, that wasn't awkward.’ Maia remarked within Ivorie, sarcasm dripping from her calm voice. ‘I’m going to ask Clawn what this is all about.’ ‘I believe a father and daughter issue should be solved by them alone.’ Maia interjected. ‘Does this sound like a mere father-daughter quarrel? It obviously has something to do with me
“So he has a daughter.” Grace stated as she walked into the chamber offered to Ivorie after her. The latter slumped on the bed and exhaled heavily while Grace dropped the small bags she brought along with her. As they had been informed by Alpha Clawn, the rest of them would be brought by his servants.“I do recall him mentioning his family once, but it didn’t occur to me that he ever had a daughter.” Ivorie expressed, her gaze sweeping around the room they were in. Massive wardrobes, extravagant candle chandelier, lush rug – the usual furniture expected to be found in a proper castle chamber. Although a bit smaller in size when compared to her chamber in Cresthowl pack, Ivorie couldn’t complain. Alpha Clawn had helped them enough and she wouldn’t worry him about a change in accommodation. That would be an act of ingratitude.“You must be tired, Luna. I will request for a bath to be prepared for you so you can have your bath. Then you can have some food…” Grace ranted on as she dropped
‘’Luna, we have to remain quiet!’’ Grace whisper-yelled, holding Ivorie’s arm and desperately trying to keep her calm.Ivorie, however, was writhing in pain. Her hands clenched tightly that her veins popped and her teeth gritted as she tried to no avail to suppress her painful scream. She faced her handmaid and looked into her worrisome eyes.‘’I’m in…pain…’’ Ivorie cried through her gritted teeth.Panic surged through Grace and she fumbled with Ivorie's hands. Suddenly, a male voice from outside bellowed. ‘’You bloody liar! How many women are with you? Answer me!’’Grace’s face went pale immediately. She remembered Alpha Clawn’s words about how the rogues won’t know they were in the carriage if only they kept mute. Now that possibility is gone. She knew she had to find a way to protect herself and the Luna.Outside the carriage, two bulk-sized men stood before a more lanky but taller one. Of course, the taller one was the coachman riding the carriage while the two other men were rogu
Regan stood on the balcony of his chamber and watched as Ivorie entered the carriage. He watched as her handmaid came rushing to her front and kneeling before her.He was the one who had quickly informed the handmaid of Ivorie's departure. It was an impromptu departure and so most people in the castle weren't aware of it, including Grace. Regan had thought that she would need a friendly company with her in a strange land. And he knew she and her handmaid had grown into that friend zone. He also noticed that she was a very loyal servant and wouldn't leave Ivorie's side.Regan's heart bled when the carriage left, his wolf wailed and pushed him to stop her from leaving. To hold her to himself and embrace her forever. But he couldn't do that, he couldn't be selfish. She had to leave, not only for her safety, but also for the safety of those still in the castle.“Alpha,” a voice called him from behind and he snapped out of his saddening thoughts. He quickly wiped the drop of tear that tric
It was the following morning, the day Ivorie was to leave Cresthowl pack with Alpha Clawn. She wasn't running but playing her part to keep what the enemies wanted away from them.Ivorie had woken early that day and taken her bath. After dressing in her favourite obsidian green flowery gown, she ordered some servants to help her pack the necessary stuffs she wanted to take with her. All the while, she had a sulky look on her face.She waited outside her bedroom as she watched the servants do their work. Her mind had wandered off to the possibilities of a good and comfortable life in Blackwood pack.She knew she wouldn't be able to see Regan everyday. She wouldn't even be able to see him at all for moons or as long as she needed to stay there.‘I cannot believe you agreed to stay away from mate.’ Maia reprimanded her from within. She had been doing that all night, robbing ivorie of a sound sleep. Not that the latter could sleep anyway.‘It is for the best, maia.' ivorie said to her wol