Four moons had passed since Jenna had surprisingly returned to the castle and was thrown into the dungeon again by Regan. Four moon since Ivorie had almost been killed on the streets of her own pack. Five moons into her pregnancy now.She slept on her side, her breath soft and her face peaceful. Her face had already grown a little plump due to the growth of the pregnancy effects on her.Her eyes slowly cracked open as she yawned and stretched like a cat. She rubbed her itchy eyes before glancing down at her protruded belly. It was now swollen to the brink of labour. Of course it would, she had only a moon left before she bore the child. And according to Shaerah, it was possible for it to be earlier than six moons. There had been cases like that in the pack, according to her.She rubbed her belly tenderly and smiled when she heard the sound of it's heartbeat within her. She felt a shot of warmth and joy overwhelm her.She slowly turned over on the bed as she was ready to wake up. She g
“Come on, let's go!” Regan bellowed as he pulled Ivorie with him. Together, they ran down the stairs. Ivorie could see several maids and servants running helter skelter as well. Noises of distress hung in the air, mirroring the fear that everyone was feeling. Ivorie still found it hard to believe that the castle was under attack. By who?‘Maia, looks like we have no choice this time.’ she said to her wolf as she rushed after Regan as quickly as she could. Maia growled in response.“Brennan! Get over here!” Regan yelled at Ivorie's personal guard and he rushed towards them.“Get her to the dungeon with the others!” He ordered as he handed Ivorie to Brennan.Ivorie furrowed her eyebrows, “What? I cannot leave you!” She said to Regan. The latter faced her and palmed her face.“Look at me. I love you and I care about you so much. The only way you can help me right now is if I know you are safe. If you're out there with me, I won't be able to fight effectively and we’d lose.” He said to he
“Everything will be okay.” Ivorie muttered to a young girl that was in the dungeon with her. The young girl nodded timidly before turning around to join the cluster of people deep inside the massive dungeon.Regan had ordered them all to be put in one single large dungeon. It was more reasonable to do so, so that they could all coordinately protect each other if the need came.Ivorie watched the cluster of maids, servants and guests – all females, that were in the dungeon with her. They were silent, apparently scared to speak lest they attracted the enemies.Ivorie released a heavy sigh before turning to the thick metal door. She pulled up a small part of the gate and peered through to see Brennan's back. He was the only guard securing them all.“Brennan,” Ivorie called, with her voice etched with worry, “Can you tell if Regan is okay?” She asked him.“I'm sorry, Luna. The Alpha already blocked all mindlink between the battling warriors and anyone within the castle walls. I assume it'
“A…Alpha Clawn?” Ivorie stuttered. Utter dismay was evident in her eyes.But Alpha Clawn, alive and well, didn't seem to have the time for explanation at the moment.“You're not safe here, we have to go!” He said in a grave and urgent tone as he gestured for everyone to come with him.Ivorie managed to snap out of shock and faced the people who equally had shocked expressions on their faces. The fact that Alpha Clawn was dead wasn't news to anyone.“Wh…why are we not safe here, my husband was the one that asked us to stay here.” Ivorie said as everyone rolled out of the dungeon hastily. There was a guard outside also.“They are after you.” Alpha Clawn divulged in a whisper. Ivorie's face instantly went pale.She didn't say a word as she followed the guard and Alpha Clawn behind. They all bent their head and walked carefully to avoid attracting enemies to them.“Why me? Why are they after me?” Ivorie asked in a whisper.Alpha Clawn sighed heavily before answering, “I have no idea but s
“Everything will be fine. We are all safe now.” Ivorie muttered to three little girls and patted their heads tenderly. They nodded before turning around and joining the others where they were seated.Ivorie stood up and gave Shaerah a nod, the latter returned it. Grace walked up to Ivorie and bowed. She had a concerned look on her face.“Luna, I hope you do not feel feverish?” She asked. Ivorie shook her head.“You know, if you want to rest a bit, there is some space…”Ivorie interrupted her, “I’m okay Grace. Thank you for your concern. You should also take a rest yourself, you have done well today.” Ivorie complimented the handmaid, gaining a warm smile and a bow from her.As Grace returned to her seat, Ivorie went to the guard that was standing at the entrance of the bunker that they were in.“How come I didn't know about this secret bunker until this day?” She asked as she folded her arms on top of her belly.“It was made a secret for a reason, Luna. Only a few warriors, including
Everyone in the hall gazed at Alpha Clawn with awry eyes. They couldn't believe what they had just heard from him.“Would you care to elaborate, Alpha Clawn?” Elder Callen requested.Clawn sighed heavily before looking straight at Regan. “That night of the Winter Ball, I saw the face of the man that attempted to murder me.” He announced, bringing gasps into the hall from the members.Alpha Clawn eyes darted around before landing on Regan again. “This should be confidential. There may be ears on the walls.” He stated sternly.Regan nodded before glancing at the guards around. “Leave,” and at once, all the guards marched out smoothly.All the Elders and nobles had their interest piqued now. They sat at the edge of their seats, waiting for Clawn's story to continue.“I believed that if I came out that I wasn't dead, it might be a bit difficult to know who my killer really was, or why he had wanted me dead.” Clawn continued. “So I kept the news of my death the way it was and asked my men
The sun was beginning to set upon the Moonbeam pack lands. Alpha Johan and his team of conspirators had been waiting at the pack border for the whole day.“How long more do we have to wait till you believe that your mercenaries failed?” Nick asked in a tone of frustration. He was standing next to Alpha Johan as they both watched warriors training below from the building they were in.Without facing him, Alpha Johan responded, “I’ve told you countless times, Commander, this part of the job requires patience. Which you clearly lack.”Nick scoffed, “You know to be honest, when I initially saw those werewolves you hired, I noticed that they wouldn't be as professional as you said they were.” He pointed out tauntingly.Alpha Johan chuckled but it was beta Jordan who spoke. “Be careful with your words to the Alpha, Commander. He is an Alpha and when he says the mercenaries are good, they are.” The beta stated sternly.Nick, however, remained unfazed and scoffed again. “And how many times ha
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
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