Kai POVA few days later the sun was barely over the horizon when I arrived at the Pack’s training ground.The easiest way to win the heart of someone you love is to spend more time with them and to make them trust you. At least, that was what my grandmother had said yesterday when I had casually asked her the question.I couldn’t demand that Lily leave her school work or training just because I wanted to spend time with her but, according to my grandmother, sometimes spending time with people you love could also mean showing up to things they love too.So, that was why I was here today. I would stay in the background and hope my presence would cheer her up.The air was still crisp and the grass wet from the early morning dew and more importantly, Lily. Hud perked up immediately as he caught her scent amongst the trainees.I spotted her near the edge of the training area, doing warm-up exercises with a small group. She hadn’t noticed me yet and I took the moment to simply watch her. E
Kai POVIt was one of those days when I preferred to come to stare at my mate training than to attend to the growing pile of paperwork on my desk.She was running laps around the training ground and I couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like if she was utilizing that strength for something else. I sighed wistfully, trying to hide my bulge.It was becoming harder to pretend I didn’t want her. I was driven by my loss each morning to come here and it was becoming incredibly difficult to suppress the burst of emotions I always felt whenever she was next to me.I know I promised slow but… I wanted her to trust me quickly enough and fast… I wanted to consummate our bond so fast and become one with her. I’ve caught Jake’s gaze lingering on her more than once – more than he should and these days, I get panic attacks from thinking about someone else trying to woo my woman.As she finished her final lap, I walked up to her handing her a bottle of water and towel.“Well done!” I commente
Kai POVCeleste was lounging in my office, looking at something on her phone with a smile on her face.All week, the only thing I’ve been thinking about was how to be alone with Lily without anyone knowing. It seems that even the most private lounge in restaurants all had eyes and ears that might report to my mother or Briella, exactly the situation I was trying to avoid.“Celeste” I called out to my sister, waiting until she looked up from her phone before I started talking. “Do you have any idea where couples go these days if they want to go out on days and away from the public’s eyes? You know, something intimate and small.”She sneered. “Didn’t know you liked Lily to that extent. I heard you’ve been loitering the training ground like some lovestruck puppy.”“Are you going to tell me or not?” I glared at her.“You need to be careful, Kai. If Mom hears of Lily, she might not be safe anymore. I don’t even need to tell you that. You know right?”“I’m aware,” I said quietly. “Now pleas
LilyI was yet to get used to the fact that Kai was my second chance mate.I mean, he was an Alpha, hot, sexy, desirable, could have any woman he wanted in the world and yet, the Moon Goddess – from all the thousand women available that he could have given him… she gave him me.And talk about obsession.It seems I’ve known him for years now instead of a few weeks. He always wanted to be near me. We’ve gone on several dates, he’d make time for me, refusing to take his Beta Liam’s call or anyone else’s. Whenever we were alone, he’d give me his full attention, undivided.No matter how much I tried to fight the attraction to him that was growing every day, I just couldn’t do it because he was always trying to make me laugh. This afternoon, I was sitting in my favourite coffee shop, absently stirring my latte, still thinking about Kai.“Second chance mate,” I whispered to myself with a smile. The words still felt foreign to me… but it felt like it was compensation from the moon goddess aft
Lily POV“Kai…”“At my place. I’ll cook for you. I’m quite the cook you know.” He leaned forward, with an intense gaze. “Please?”I should say no. These days he was becoming friskier than normal and always touchy, being in an enclosed space with him, was it even a good idea? I wanted to say No… it was on the tip of my tongue but…“Okay.”His whole face lit up, and my heart did a dangerous flip in my chest. “Thank you so much,” he bellowed. “I’ll make you the best dish you’ve ever tasted. By the way, do you have any preference? Maybe something you don’t like or like to eat?”“Anything is fine, Kai and you must promise me that you’ll be appropriate.”He laughed, grinning at me, without skipping a beat. “I promise. I’ll be a total gentleman, you’ll see.”I didn’t believe him, but still, a part of me was already looking forward to being with him. “My last class ends by 4 pm today. You can pick me up then.”“Sure thing.”Later that evening, I found myself in his luxurious penthouse apartme
Lily POVAn hour later, we were in the living room, eating from a box of pizza and watching TV but I was hardly seeing what was on the screen. My body was still humming from the aftermath of the intimacy I shared with Kai earlier.Plus sitting next to him now… our thighs occasionally rubbing, our hands brushing each other accidentally when we try to reach for a pizza slice. The tension in the room was building and I could tell, Kai felt the same way too.“What are you doing this weekend?” he asked suddenly breaking the silence.“Rest, probably. It’s been a busy week for me. I intend to also go shopping with Celeste. Do my hair, my nails…” I trailed off and turned to him, he had a sardonic twist on his lips. “What?”“You spend more time with my sister than anyone else. You spent last weekend at her house too,” he complained.“I had to help her with catering. She had friends over and needed an extra pair of hands.”“I’m beginning to think she’s the mate and not me,” he sighed, turning a
Lily POVIt was Kai.“Kai?” I whispered shaking off his hands from my face as I turned on the bedside lamp. “What are you doing here? Is it not morning yet? How did you get into the house?”He rubbed at the back of his neck, taking a hesitant step back. “I have a spare key and I… I just wanted to check on you. To make sure you’re safe. I didn’t mean to wake you,” he stammered, his eyes darting around, avoiding my stare.My eyes narrowed as I folded my arms over my chest. “Safe? You wanted to check on me? At midnight? Kai, I’m in my bedroom, it’s not like I’m outside or anything. You can’t just sneak into my room like this! What if I was naked or something? This is a breach of my privacy.”“I… I know and I’m sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just… I worry, that’s all and your door was open, I couldn’t help it.”“That’s not the point!” I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. “You can’t just come in here whenever it suits you because you have
Lily POVI whirled around to find Kai standing in the doorway. His gaze shifted from me to the half-open drawer and immediately, an embarrassed expression and something defiant clouded his features.“Why are my things here? In your drawer? I don’t remember giving you any of these things. You’ve been taking my stuff.”“Not taking,” he corrected, moving into the room. “Keeping. Safe. Why are you here? Are you snooping around?”“I wasn’t snooping. I was bored and decided to look around. I don’t understand, Kai… why do you have my things? What do you need them for? That’s…” I gestured helplessly at the drawer. “That’s not normal, Kai.”“Well, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it. It was the only way I could stay grounded.”I stared at him, convincing myself that this was all a dream. “You’re not the first person to find a mate. Don’t you think you’re going overboard with everything? Coming into my bedroom, taking my things… it’s not healthy.”“Now you want to lecture me about what’s healthy or n
Lucas POVI sat in my study, nursing a glass of whisky as a storm brewed in my mind.The revelation that Lily wasn’t Alpha Gregory’s biological daughter had changed everything. It explained so much—the coldness she had endured, the scorn from certain members of the pack, the maltreatment from both her father and her sister. It all made sense now.I clenched my jaw, the glass trembling slightly in my grip.No wonder he had been determined to drive her out of the pack in the middle of the night with nothing but an old rickety car. Alpha Gregory, the man who had raised her, who had pretended to be her father, had been behind it all.My wolf snarled beneath my skin. How many times had Lily cried herself to sleep, believing she wasn’t good enough? How many times she had endured the pack’s whispers, the subtle jabs that she killed her mother and the not-so-subtle exclusion?I set my glass down, leaning back in my chair as a grim determination settled over me. I had failed to protect Lily in
Lily POVI flinched at the words but I held my tongue.“You’re not the mate I would have chosen for my son,” she continued coldly. “But Kai made his choice, and as much as I disagree, I have to respect it.”I swallowed hard, my heart sinking further with every word. I thought the learning sessions with her occasionally meant we were bonding. Guess I was wrong.“Luna Helen, I-”“Don’t,” she raised her hand, stopping me mid-sentence. “I’m not here to scold you. I’m here to warn you.”The air in the car seemed to grow thicker.“But before I do that,” she continued lowering her voice as if she wanted to tell me a secret, “this situation with the she-wolf is different. It’s dangerous. Well, the woman is not dangerous in the way you might think, but dangerous.”My brows knitted in confusion. “Dangerous? How?”Luna Helen’s expression darkened. “You don’t understand the influence someone like her can have over an Alpha. A connection—whether from the past or something more recent – can disrupt
Lily POV“I’m sorry to interrupt,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “But I need to talk to Kai.”Luna Helen pursed her lips, but she gave a stiff nod. “We’re not finished here,” she said to Kai before turning and walking away, her heels clicking against the polished floor. As soon as we were alone, Kai sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. He looked exhausted, shadows under his eyes, and tension etched into every line of his face.“What are you doing here, Lily?” he asked. His tone was not unkind but distant.I stepped closer, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. “I could ask you the same thing. You’ve been avoiding me for days, Kai. If it’s not this hospital, it’s somewhere else. What’s going on, Kai? What about us? Who is she, truly?”His expression hardened and his gaze drifted to the almost lifeless form of the woman lying on the bed, then back at me. Suddenly, he stirred me towards the door, taking one last glance as we closed
LilyI took Celeste’s advice.My heart pounded as I made my way to the pack hospital. The air was crisp, and the faint scent of pine mingled with the distant sound of chirping birds returning home to their nests for the evening, but none of it eased my nerves.I could hardly sleep last night, going over Kai’s distant behaviour, replaying every word, every moment where he had ignored me, and it was driving me mad.It was not just about the mysterious she-wolf anymore, but about Kai shutting me out completely. I feared the growing distance between us would become insurmountable if I didn’t confront him now.But today, I could confront him.When I reached the hospital, I continued to the VIP floor. The VIP floor was a world of its own. It was quiet, exclusive, and reserved for only members of the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma families. I had been here before, but today felt different.As the elevator stopped and I stepped onto the floor, squaring my shoulders, preparing myself for whatever lay
Lucas POVSince our mating ceremony, I didn’t only gain Vanessa’s trust but also the pack’s respect.The grand hall of the Golden Moon Pack shimmered with opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting soft, golden light across the gathering. Tonight, it was a celebration of the annual Moonlight Gala, the most prestigious event in our social calendar every year.I stood beside Vanessa, my arm loosely draped around her waist. She looked stunning in a deep emerald gown that clung to her curves, her radiant smile drawing attention from everyone in the hall. This would be our first appearance as mates since our ceremony.The gala celebrated the pack’s achievements for the year. Speeches were made, and awards were distributed. Aside from that, this would be a perfect opportunity to begin my plan. I wanted the pack for myself.I was tired of waiting for Alpha Gregory Stone—Vanessa’s father- to die or willingly retire before he handed over the reins of the pack to me entirely. I wanted to be in
Lily POVThat evening, I walked towards the Pack Hospital. Each step felt like walking on hot coal. I wasn't sure what I would find there or what I even wanted to say, but I needed answers.I was sure it was just the maids gossiping, as usual. I was sure it wasn't Kai, but somehow, for the sake of all the doubts running around my head, I needed to clear them.The pack hospital was quiet as I approached. Using the signs, I took the elevator to the VIP floor until I stopped at the door that read 'Alpha'. Steeling myself, I moved closer to the door, wondering if knocking would be a better option or something else.Just as I contemplated, the door swivelled open, and a team of healers and nurses stepped out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. Thankful for the quick fix, I moved closer and peeked in.Kai was sitting beside the bed of the injured she-wolf. His shoulders were sagged as if the world's weight was on him. He stared intently at her as if his gaze were her oxygen. The sh
Lily POVThe day passed in a blur.I attended all my classes, barely able to concentrate as my thoughts kept drifting back to Kai. I replayed our last few interactions from a week ago, searching for clues or signs I might have missed.But there was none.So, what was the problem?After my last class, I rushed to the pack house, determined to wait for Kai. I won’t let his distance or silence push me away. If he needed time, I would give it to him, but I needed to hear the words from his mouth—I deserve that honesty, at least.I waited all afternoon for him, but he didn’t come home. Suspecting he was held up at the office, I decided to work on my school project.By evening, there was still no sign of him. I busied myself with inconsequential tasks around the house, hoping he’d come home soon.I opened several gift boxes sent to Kai… Some were already a year old. I reheated dinner—I didn’t eat yet; I wanted us to eat together and in my mind; I kept rehearsing everything I would say to hi
Lily POVI paced the length of the living room in the pack house, my mind replaying everything that had happened that day.Kai’s cold dismissal at the hospital had stung more than I wanted to admit. I’d come to his side out of concern, but he’d pushed me away as though I was some stranger.I had left out of anger and the plan was to go back to my dormitory and never bother myself with him again until he reached out, but here; I was still waiting for him. I made some food for him, hoping he would come back any moment soon.But after 9 pm, I was growing worried.It was well past midnight when I heard the front door creak open, announcing his arrival. I froze where I sat on the couch in the living room, my heart racing with fear and anger. Deciding I would approach calmly and reasonably. I had to address what happened today.As he stepped into the living room, I rose to my feet, watching as he paused slightly; his face was pale and weary, dark circles shadowing his features. His shirt w
Kai POVI cradled the lady in my arms, gazing at her. This was definitely the face of the woman I’d been seeing in my visions. The eyes, the nose, the lips, everything about her was familiar.I felt a close affinity with her, even though everything was just so mysterious. But at least, I knew her name—Maya, and that was something.A while later, the ambulance arrived and the Para-healers that had come with it gave her first aid, after which they strapped her onto a stretcher and loaded her behind the van.“She’ll be fine, Alpha,” one of the Para-healers said assuring. “Her vitals are good, although she has loosed a lot of blood, but she’ll be fine. We’ll take her to the pack hospital immediately.”I nodded. “Thank you so much for coming at such short notice.”“No problem, Alpha. I’ll give you feedback on how everything goes from here on.”“You don’t need to do that,” I brushed past him, hoisting myself to the back of the ambulance “Because I’m going with you to the hospital.”The Para