“Who's this ugly old man?” Ivorie asked with arched brows as they both stood before a picture frame. In Ivorie's mind, the man on the frame was just so ugly.Regan bursted a short laugh. Ivorie's eyes widened as she had never heard him laughing so sincerely before. It sounded real and she felt a bit dejected for not seeing it.“That is Alpha Ronald, Alpha of Moon Stone pack. Make sure you don't talk about his distorted face in his presence.” Regan said with a tone of amusement as he walked away.Ivorie stayed there, still looking at the ugly picture. She scoffed before following Regan to the next frame.He had been showing her various pictures of important dignitaries for almost an hour. Ivorie wouldn't deny the cramps pulsating through her legs and back. But she also couldn't deny that this was fun.They had gone through Alpha's, Dukes, Lunas and Betas of different packs, most of which were under the rulership of Regan's pack.Ivorie wondered if any of those packs were happy with Reg
“Or what?” She demanded.With a deep growl, Regan's grip around her neck tightened, forcing her to choke. More growls escaped his mouth as he pushed her backward till her back was against the wall.“I'm going to tear your face to shreds!” He growled menacingly. As Ivorie glared back at him, it seemed the hue of his eyes deepened. The blue one had taken a sharper shade and the red was dripping of colour. Yet, Ivorie remained sturdy, she didn't flinch nor fear.“You can't hurt me. I am your Luna and besides, you said it yourself just earlier ago. You are my husband and no harm can come to me from you, or have you forgotten your own words Alpha?” She asked in a singsong tone.It struck a chord in Regan and he bared his teeth, growling slowly. He wanted so badly to snap her fragile neck, to just flick his hand and be done with it. But the restraint, the confines he was put in by his wolf.‘Don’t you dare hurt her!’ Boris growled within him.It wasn't like Boris could stop him from making
Silence instantly descended on the dining hall. Everyone stopped eating and had their gazes turned to Ivorie. Ivorie watched Jenna who had a wicked smirk plastered on her face.But Ivorie didn't plan on being embarrassed today. This wasn't her pack anymore, where she would be treated like trash and without importance. Now she was a Luna and she was going to act like a Luna.A confident smile curled up her lips and she leaned backward into her chair.“I don't remember you being my mother, Duchess? So why ask?” She asked with an air of confidence billowing around her.Jenna's lips twitched, glancing at everyone else around the table. It was apparent that she also didn't want to lose face in the presence of the nobles.“But..we have to be sure, Luna. An heir is an important aspect of a royal life.” She said.“I'm well aware, Duchess and I don't need you to remind me of that.” Ivorie retorted.“But it doesn't look like there is any progress. I mean…everyone knew when the Alpha had you thr
“Here it is Luna.” Grace muttered, in her hands was a tray ladened with a glass of water and a small bowl.Ivorie, who was sitting on a chair in her room, didn't immediately answer her. Her mind had wandered off thinking about what had happened earlier at the throne room.Those peasants had tried to kill her. In some packs culture, that was a terrible omen, a spiritual taboo. What could cause the people to want their leader dead by their own hands?“Luna?” Grace called with a louder tone, successfully bringing Ivorie back to reality. The Luna looked at her handmaid with a blank face.“You have to relax Luna.” Grace said encouragingly. She placed the tray on the table and knelt before Ivorie.As she began to carry the small bowl, Ivorie raised her hand at her. “That's okay, I’ll do it myself.” She said curtly.Grace arched her brows, “Are you sure Luna?” She asked.Ivorie gave her a wry smile and nodded. Grace sighed before standing up and walking out of the room.Ivorie took a glass o
The sun was beginning to set upon the Cresthowl pack lands.At the castle gates, Regan and Estan walked, carrying their hunting gears over their shoulders. They also had different killed animals in their grasp. Their hunting expedition seemed to have been fun.Before they entered the palace, the gears and games were collected from them by the servants.Regan retreated to the first room where the explosion had occurred. He didn't want to deal with Ivorie and her tantrums yet.The atmosphere in the pack house was solemn; each and every servant and maids were going about their duties and there was no noise or unnecessary chatter that Regan detested.He happily strode to his bedroom, entering the closet to pull off his gear.He then headed straight for the bathing room. As he approached it, he hoped he wouldn't meet Ivorie.And he was lucky, because there was no one there. He dipped himself into the bathtub, sighing as the chill ran encompassed his skin. He had deliberately chosen the wat
Ivorie gasped in shock as her eyes landed on Regan. The book dropped from her hands immediately and she quickly reached for the blanket on the shelf next to her. Pulling it over her chest, she used it to cover up her half-nakedness.“What are you doing here?” She asked in a high pitched tone, her eyes dripping with anger.Regan arched a brow at her, “This is my room?” He pointed out.Ivorie's shoulder slumped. She was stupid to ask that question. She had just taken her bath and hadn't fully gotten dressed. Being busy with thoughts of her pack and Cresthowl pack's past indifferences and how she didn't know about it until now, kept her busy.“I didn't know you were back.” She mumbled, walking slowly towards the closet.Regan's eyes followed her, still intrigued by her body which was only barely covered by the blanket.Her eyes kept focused on him as she moved backwards. As a result, she tripped over a small wooden box and fell backwards with a scream.Regan muffled a laugh, averting his
Ivorie looked at him in horror. She instantly put on a frown, overshadowing her initial fear.“And you said no harm would come to me from you.” She muttered, feeling proud to be able to use his own words against him.Regan's eyes darted around hers, as if searching for something in them. His orbs held mixed feelings that Ivorie couldn't quite understand. She could see rage in them, the urge to hurt her, but she also saw something else, something warmer. No, that's not Regan, he wasn't warm.“You're bold, little princess.” He mumbled, a smirk tugging his lips.Ivorie, who could feel his breath on her face, replied, “I am the Luna after all.”Regan chuckled slightly. “And you don't think to be submissive when need be?” He asked, his eyes boring into hers.Trying not to get lost in his eyes, she answered, “Let's hope I won't need to.”Abruptly, Regan pushed himself away from her and that was when Ivorie realised how their bodies had been pressed together. She found herself wanting him cl
“What is she doing here?”Her eyes dilated as she watched the duchess in awe. This was so daunting to her, her eyes held shock in them.But she was also curious, “What is this Duchess doing in our bedroom?” She asked herself again, inaudibly.The Duchess, Jenna, glanced around, her head pivoting left and right. She was apparently checking if there was anyone there. Ivorie was forced to retreat backwards into the dark passage.She peeped again and saw Jenna snuck towards the closet. There was nothing in her hands, so Ivorie couldn't guess that she wanted to put something there. ‘Then, what is she going to do?” She asked herself in thought as she watched Jenna keenly.Jenna finally disappeared into the closet and Ivorie's head instantly began to do a countdown. “I'm going to wait for her to come out,” She whispered decisively. “I have to see what she's up to, but if I come out now, she’ll suspect where I came from. And the last thing I want is for her to discover my new secret passage
The throne room was filled with a heavy sense of calmness. Regan and Ivorie were seated on their thrones, their demeanor calm and collected. They looked out upon the massive gathering of the pack Elders and Alphas from the allied packs. Decorum reigned amongst them as they had their gazes on the criminals at the center of the throne room.Alpha Johan, Beta Jordan, Nick, and Kiya knelt, their heads lowered in utter shame. They awaited their judgements.“Elder Callen, begin the procession.” Regan instructed in a strong voice.Elder Callen stepped forward and bowed to Regan and Ivorie before clearing his throat."Johan Kanin, Jordan Volkov, Nicholas Jenn, and Kiyalera Sven, you have been found guilty of the following; treachery, multiple murders, massacre of warriors, abduction, and attempted usurpation. These are heinous crimes and according to the law of Cresthowl pack, your punishment will be death."The room fell silent, except for the sound of Kiya suddenly bursting into tears. Whi
Regan and Blood Grove crashed into the nearby bush, their bodies entwined as they skidded across the dry underbrush. A thick tree was what stopped Regan from rolling.Blood Grove was the first to regain his footing. A sly grin spread across his face as he faced Regan."Alpha Regan, it's such an honor to finally meet you officially," Blood Grove said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Regan stood up and swatted dust off his body.His eyes narrowed on Blood Grove, his jaw clenched in rage.“I wouldn't say the same for me. You have been a thorn at my side for far too long, assassin. Because of you, many innocent lives were lost, including that of my Beta.” Regan seethed and his hands fisted. His desire to fight burned through his veins."I was simply following orders, Alpha. But I'm sure you cannot understand, since you’re a ruler.” Blood Grove said with hatred.“I’ll kill you, for taking my son!” Regan shot, his eyes flickering red and blue.Blood Grove chuckled, his eyes glinting with a
The courtroom hummed with several voices. Ivorie sat at the end of the long table, silently watching the Elders engage in heated argument amongst themselves. Although it was not a pleasant thing, it took her mind off the worry of her baby."Luna, we understand that you've been grieving the kidnapping of your baby for days, as expected," one of the Elders said, his voice gentle but firm. "But I believe it is time we received more information concerning our Alpha's betrayal. We need to know what happened, and why Regan would betray the pack in such a way."The rest of the elders nodded in agreement.“And most importantly, why would he want his own newly birthed son kidnapped?” Another Elder added. Everyone went mute, awaiting Ivorie's response.Ivorie's eyes darted nervously around the room. It felt like a heavy weight had been placed upon her with the Elders’ intense attention on her.She knew that she had to tread carefully, to avoid revealing the plan that she and Elder Callen had e
Ivorie paced to and fro in her chamber, her mind reeling with thoughts of her baby. It had been two days since she had sent Jenna out to find him, and yet there was no update. The thought of that alone made her shiver occasionally.No word from Nick, no message from Jenna. The silence was horrifying, and Ivorie's anxiety was growing by each passing hour.She went to the fireplace, pacing back and forth in front of it with her hands clasped together in a futile attempt to calm her racing thoughts. ‘What if Jenna has betrayed me? What if she has used the opportunity given to her to gain her freedom without the need to help me?’‘What if Nick has harmed my baby? Oh goddess! Please help me!’ Ivorie's heart beat in accordance with thoughts in her mind. She covered her face with her palms, sobbing silently Just as she was starting to lose hope, the door of the room was thrown open. Ivorie raised her head and saw her mother walking in, a look of genuine concern etched on her face. "Ivori
The streets of Cresthowl had become totally different from what she remembered. She was used to a quiet and deserted night but tonight, the streets were reeking with a lot of people. And not just regular pack members, warriors also. The pack Watchmen and even guards were roaming and patrolling every corner of the pack.It made her wonder what in the name of the Moon goddess happened in the past year.It took her great knowledge of every nook and cranny of the pack streets to evade the warriors. She had grown up in the streets of the pack and she knew it like the back of her hands.Finally, she arrived at a lonely alley, near a very busy market. There were no warriors there.Her eyes were on a particular woman in the market. Black short hair and a skinny build. She was only going about her market scouring but Jenna had other plans for her.When the woman was done in the market, she headed through another alley adjacent to the one Jenna was in. She followed her.She paced after the woma
The darkness of the dungeon seemed to press in on Jenna from all sides, the cold stone walls and damp air a constant reminder of her captivity. She had been in there for about a year now, if her counting of sunrises through the small gap above her were accurate. One year of captivity in this wretched dungeon. An entire year of living in an unfavourable condition, consuming unhealthy food and breathing pungent air.She had begged the guards multiple times to clean the other corner of the cell where decayed human dung lied for a long time. She had learnt to live with it overtime.She sat in a corner, busy playing with a small stone. In this place, that was about the most interesting thing she could do.But she knew all these conditions she found herself in, were caused by her. She brought it upon herself. She blamed herself for going against the Luna of her pack. Especially when the Alpha himself had never taken a liking in her from the onset. She had made a grave mistake and she was
“I have given you milk, I bought some cookies for you from the market, risking my own safety. I even tried to sing you a song. But you keep crying!” Kiya wailed as she sat opposite Ashken in a small ramshackle hut.They had decided to remain in Cresthowl pack for the time being. As they believed that Ivorie would do their bidding because her baby's life was at stake.Although with Kiya's experience with Ashken, she feared she’d have to end his life sooner than planned.Kiya's eyes were fixed on the baby, whose loud cries filled the entire hut. Kiya's hands trembled, her veins coursing with rage. She glared at the child intently, her mind racing with many homicidal thoughts.Her killing intent reached its peak when she sprang to her feet. But fortunately, the door of the hut was opened.Her attention moved to Nick as he walked in. Any second later and she would have done something she would regret greatly.“What's all that dreadful noise?” Nick asked with a frown.Kiya walked over to
“...may not be back anytime soon. And if I don't return at all, please do right by your Luna. She is the perfect woman for you, your life changer. You may not see it, but she has brought a new light into your life. Believe it when your Beta says it. Believe it when your best friend says it.”Regan sighed as he read the last letter he got from Estan. His hands became heavy with great despair, almost clouding his very soul. He dropped the letter on the table before him as his eyes stung with tears.He raised his head, shaking his head and refusing to shed tears.‘Get a damned grip on yourself! You're the Alpha!’ Boris scolded harshly within him.Regan controlled his breath, but it was hard. He had lost his Beta, his friend. Not only Estan, but Brennan also. They both were his friends although he didn't acknowledge one until his death and that guilt was eating him up from within.Rapid footsteps invaded the room he was in and he quickly put on a stoic face, shrouding his sad expression.
His feet crushed the dried undergrowth of the thick forest in the outskirts of Crescent Moon pack. His feet carried him as fast as they could, but even with the speed, he was still as stealth as ever. It was as though he was running on the air and not on land. He practically appeared like a blur under the dim moonlight.He glanced around frantically multiple times, hoping no one was tailing him. Until he arrived at a particular cave surrounded by thick and tall trees. He looked back once more, making sure he was alone there before walking into the cave.As he entered the small cave, Kiya looked up, worry etched on her face. "Nicholas!” She exclaimed as she sprang up to her feet. “Goddess, I was extremely worried about you," she said in relief, rushing to his side.Nick cracked a smile at the corner of his lips, embracing her. "I'm fine, my love. I just had a close call with Regan's warriors."“Oh goddess, are you okay?” Kiya asked, checking Nick out for any form of wounds.“I'm fine,