CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVEMELISSAIt wasn't the way Xander stiffened that made me stop. Rather, it was the sudden dark aura that I felt— Dark, overbearing, strong, and imperial.Just as Xander turned, I also turned to see Darius watching us. My stomach twisted in knots. Xander bowed, and my fingers found each other, fidgeting, as I tried to bring back the look of hopelessness onto my face.How much did he hear? His face seemed just as stiff as usual. Did he hear anything at all?“What have you been doing?” He asked, walking towards us with a cold gaze. My lips trembled a bit. He couldn't see that. I let my head droop, helping my hair fall pitifully around my face.“I was trying to cheer her up, by sharing a story my mother shared to her friends.” Xander said easily.Wow. Lying was second nature to him. He was getting better and better at lying everyday. Especially to Darius. He told fearless lies. Lies that slipped out wherever and whenever he needed it.“Ah, I see.” Darius muttered, but hi
CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIXHAZEL'S POVXander zipped open his bag hastily, taking out tablets, pills, capsules, syrups— they lined the little table in front of which I was standing. “I'll have to leave. King Darius is going on a short trip, so I must be with him. You will need these, so I had to…” he paused, counting the drugs, and I stared at them. “But I'll need prescriptions. How do I know these will be compatible with my system?” I asked softly. “The number I should take, and how frequently I should…”“Everything is all on the pack, and forget what you're saying about ‘system’. A pregnant woman is a pregnant woman,” He snapped, then went back to the drugs. “This should be all. Never use them on an empty stomach, and don't take more than is required. I will calculate the amount of pills that ought to remain when I'm back, so don't try anything funny.” He warned, and I nodded.It was my own health we were talking about. Why would I do anything to jeopardize it?Xander left shortly, and it
CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVENDARIUS' POV.“This is a huge issue of concern for the Pack as a whole. This has taken way too long. You have come of age a long time ago.” The voice echoed through the large empty room, bouncing off the walls, and the large meeting table. The elders continued talking. Just like a relay race, they kept on passing the baton of words to each other. When one was done talking, another picked up from where the conversation stopped. I could barely get a word in. “This is a sign of weakness, and vulnerability that we can't continue to ignore.”With each word said was a pound in my head. I couldn't think straight. My head was throbbing like a drum was being hit ferociously inside it. Yet, the men would not stop. I rubbed my temples, and sighed, hating how the headache sank onto one eye. Even the soft throne seat I was seated on suddenly seemed like the most uncomfortable thing on earth. “The enemies will see this as an opportunity. If we don't have an heir, then they
CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHTMELISSA'S POV.The look in his eyes shook me to the core. His anger felt like something solid. Could I actually manage to escape?The day had finally arrived— the day when we were going to fight. “Wh… what is wrong with you, Darius? Why are you so cranky?” My voice shook no matter how I tried to steady it, “We should talk when you're in a better mood, not when you're like this.” I said, wheeling my chair backwards. “Answer me; is your situation absurd, or is it not? Four months have passed, and you're still this way. You’re a damned wolf! It shouldn't take you so long to heal. So who do you think you're fooling?” He growled, stepping closer. “Nothing is absurd about this. I went through trauma. Shock, Darius. Do you know how it feels to lose the child you were so desperate to see?” I asked, trying to pull on the victim card. I'd enjoyed his attention so much that I wasn't even willing to stop. I could have gone on in the wheelchair for God-knows-how-long.“Eno
CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINEHAZEL'S POV.The liquid continued to gush out, and I feared the acrid smell of blood would fill the house. What would I do if I lost the only reminder of Darius?I rose, and pulled up my gown, looking at my soaked legs. Isis was the first to break a sigh of relief. I'd peed on myself. Fear had taken over, and had given my bladder rest. ‘But we still can't be too sure all is fine. We have to be very careful. This pain isn't natural. We shouldn't be feeling any pain.’ Isis pointed, and I tried to rise, only to be stopped by the sharp tug in my belly, like a knot around my intestines had been pulled tight. “What if we indeed lost the baby, and this isn't pee?” I asked, suddenly feeling panic rise.‘Then get some drugs!’Giving deep grunts and winces, I pulled myself to my feet, holding onto the door, as I rose. “Damn!” I grunted, and began to walk while bent over. I went straight to my room, with my soaked gown, and knelt in front of my chest of drawers, pulling i
CHAPTER NINETYDARIUS' POV.{FOUR YEARS LATER}I walked out of the room, and saw Melissa turn hastily, and rush down a flight of stairs. Better as she did that. Ever since our fight four years ago, every last bit of tolerance I had for her had turned into pure hatred. She was the reason for every misfortune I had. Not even the elders could say it to my face to produce an heir with her. “King Darius,” Xander called, as I bumped into him on the way. “Yes?” I asked, crankily. I'd rather no one said a word to me if possible.“Alpha Craig is asking for a meeting. Would you like to meet him?”“Are you asking me? Just do as you've done all these years, and see the old fart in my stead. Don't call me for anything. Do it on your own, and drop the records in my study when you're done.” I snapped, and walked past him.As I strode past the halls, the maids all stopped to bow, with shaking legs and arms. Without sparing them so much as a glance, I got into my car, and drove out. The place tha
CHAPTER NINETY-ONEDARIUS' POV.‘Spill.’ I'd told the seer four years ago on the night of the blood moon. ‘My King. I bear grievous news, and it might shake your heart so, but it is for the good of the pack, the Kingdom, and for our King.’ She'd begun, with her voice sounding as soothing as waves. Her gray eyes held deep concern, and sadness as she regarded me, making her look more ominous with the circlet around her dark head. ‘Go on.” I told her. ‘She will die.’‘What?’ I asked lightly, with a raised brow. ‘She will leave you broken forever, and you'll forever regret every decision you've ever made to get closer to her.’ She said, and took in a sharp breath.‘Who are you talking about?’ I asked, feeling a little alarmed with her actions. She began to breathe heavily, as her gray eyes rolled up in their sockets, leaving only the whites. ‘The Luna you have given to us will die!’ She said in a rough, raspy voice that echoed through the room like a storm rolling on the water. ‘Sh
CHAPTER NINETY-TWODARIUS' POV.My heart seemed to squeeze in that moment. Four years ago, I'd broken off my mate bond with hazel painfully. I left her confused, hurt, and in danger. I'd hurt the both of us deeply because I was a fool to believe a random lady who showed up at the mansion was sent by the mood goddess. I was blinded by my love for Hazel and fear that something might happen to her if she remains in the mansion according to the prophecy. My fists clenched just as much as my heart did. “Name your best price,” I said coldly, jerking my chin in the direction of the seer. “No, no!” Celia shouted, looking like she was going to faint from the mere shock of it. However, one look from me silenced her.“You're willing to pay anything for Celia? Why?” The lady asked, her face showing disgust as she looked Celia over. “Because we have a debt to settle.” Celia went on her knees, even though my grip was still firm on her. “I'm sorry. Don't take me. Please, if I'm ever seen near
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINEHAZEL'S POV {One Year Later}I pushed the baby in the cot, hearing him moan and look up at me with twinkling eyes. “Sweet Dennis, you know you want to sleep. Don't give mom a headache. You know I should be with the twins, right? It's their birthday, and you had me with you all day.” I said, touching his cheeks, and he giggled. His giggle— my freedom.After Xander had been banished, and Melissa had been cast into the dungeon, I'd been so traumatized. She'd truly given birth to a baby, but it had been given to Xander. That was the last thing Darius could do to compensate him as a Beta as he sent him off to never return. As for Melissa? She remained in the dungeon. The moment she gave birth to the baby, she hated it. She complained the baby didn't give her freedom and seeing it made her remember Xander whom she painted to be a traitor and a snitch. Staying in the dungeon had broken her and the maids whispered of how she murmurs inaudible words,
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTMELISSA'S POV I yawned, stepping out of the room to get myself something to eat. Perhaps, it was just my intuition, but the house felt strangely quiet. The fridge light reflected on my face as I pulled it open, and I saw that Hazel's food for the day hadn't been given to her. “Are you planning to starve her now that we're going to kill her?” I called out, “Well, good riddance!”My voice bounced back to me in echoes, and I stepped back, “Xander?” My feet crossed the living room quickly to the room he usually slept, and I pushed open the door. He wasn't there. Did he really go to a hotel, or was he down in the basement with Hazel?Turning around, I went straight to the basement, and pushed it open, looking inside as I switched on the light. Hazel wasn't there!It hit me like a bolt of terror. “Xander! Hazel!” I called into the empty basement as if they would reply from some hiding place.“No, no! Stop thinking crazy thoughts, Melissa!” Quickl
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVENHAZEL’S POV I couldn't believe it when Xander was loosing the ropes from me. I was finally free. My hands were so white, and devoid of blood, completely lifeless. After freeing my legs, he helped me rise to my feet, but I fell back almost immediately. He caught me, and we waited a while for me to be able to regain the feeling in my legs. Walking was strange and difficult after being tied up for so long, but after taking a few steps, I finally began to get the hang of it, my heart pounding in excitement as we left the house. Xander took me in his car to the mansion, and I rubbed my hands in anxiety. I would see my kids. I would see Darius. Night had fallen completely by the time we got to the mansion, and when the guards at the gate saw Xander, they gave a signal, and different guards came out from different angles, surrounding us with weapons trained on us. “Beta Xander, you have been…” A guard began.“I know. I know… just take me to the Kin
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXXANDER’S POV As Melissa walked past me, my hands balled into a fist, and shook so much that I couldn't even find a way to calm myself. She had crossed the line. She had done way too much. She had said way too much!My chest burned intensely, as a wild heat rampaged around, spreading deep within me, like a fire racing down a forest, burning everything in sight. Damn everything. Damn it all. I wouldn't let her have what she wanted. My baby! She was going to give it to Darius. And then killed Hazel? That was impossible. Yes, I'm mad at Hazel, but I still love her and wouldn't just let her die. The thought ate at me for hours, digging deep inside of me, probing me, disturbing me, until I finally realized I couldn't stay still. Hazel couldn't just die like that. I know it sounds crazy to not want her dead after everything she did to me, but for the sake of the past… perhaps just for the past…I stormed down to the basement where she stayed tied u
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE MELISSA’S POV Yes, Three long weeks went past, and my life became so static, and stagnant. Seeing Hazel’s face everyday honestly made me want to puke. At times, I’d meet her praying for her kids, and that would anger me more. She’d become a kind of punching bag for me because I vented my full anger on her whenever I felt like it. As for Xander, I didn’t know how he was doing it. For the time being, there was no trouble even with Darius having the kids, so I guessed all was going well. Perhaps he’d been avoiding Darius, although that was almost impossible and risking.However, how he handled it wasn’t really my problem. The only thing he’d become useful for was pleasing my body’s sexual desires. When he wasn’t doing that, everything else he was doing naturally became annoying. That very morning, I woke with a fever; something that was very rare for me to have. I got up, took some water, but my headache only got worse. Eventually, I crawled back
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR DARIUS’ POV {Three Weeks Later}The last three weeks that passed were hectic. Azel was still so closed off, and wouldn’t talk to me. He would not eat, and get me worried so much that I’d have to ask Theresa to find out what he wants, and take care of him so he wouldn’t get sick. Recently, things got worse. Azella, who was the more receptive one suddenly locked herself up, and wouldn’t leave her room. It was what baffled me the most, and caused me sleepless nights. A knock sounded on my door, and Theresa came in, holding Azel, who had a lollipop in his mouth, and a scowl on his face. “Yes?” “You asked for my report. Azella still won’t come out, and keeps crying. She won't let anyone talk to her.” She said, and I pushed aside the hectic work on my desk, with a sigh, before rising to my feet. Damn. My men were all over, looking for Melissa now. She’d simply gone off the grid. Her phone was untrackable. All of her records were blank. How she did
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE DARIUS’ POV {The Previous Day}My heart stirred as I beheld the two children before me. My kids. Seeing the girl again, my resemblance was present in her shining face. And the boy… he was a combination of me and Hazel. They were really my kids—my heirs. They were… mine. The feeling in my chest felt tight. Like I couldn’t breathe. Just the pain of seeing them so close to me. I’d missed so many important things in their lives. Things I wanted to do with my heirs—take first steps, go out somewhere nice, hear them call my name. The girl smiled happily, her cheeks turning a deep pink as her adorable smile reached her ears. However, the boy had a deep-seated frown on his face, making him look more like me instead of Hazel. I raised my hand, and the guards following all came to stand behind me.“Take the kids in. Give them to Theresa. Food, water, clothes, a bed… give them everything they need.” I said, and they nodded, going to the kids. Azella'
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWOMELISSA'S POV Damn it. I was drunk.She was probably not in her right senses too. The silence was too thick, and my eyes fell on his lips. Firm, smooth, full… like a magnetic attraction, I was drawn to them, and couldn't take my eyes off them. And he made the move. He placed his hand behind my head, and bent to kiss me. It was when his lips touched mine that I knew it—my body ached to be loved. It ached to be wanted, wanted to be remembered. I'd spend so many years aching for Darius who never looked my way that I forgot what my body craved, and needed. My tears dropped as the kiss between me and Xander ran deeper, like we wanted to devour the whole of us, tongues gliding over tongues, over lips. My hands found the hardness of his chest, roaming around it as the feet seemed to pull out from underneath me. I fell against him, and he supported me, since the world was becoming unstable. My fingers ended up ripping his buttons, pulling his shirt
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONEMELISSA'S POV PRESENTLY “The kids are what?” I asked, shocked. “Missing for three days.” My whole world crashed on me. They were dead. Two malnourished kids on their own for three days. They were dead. What would I do? My hands slowly threaded into my hair. If Darius ever found out…What would be my plan? What exactly was the whole plan from the start. Darius was never supposed to find out. He found out, and ruined everything. His patience would soon wear thin. He would soon realize that I would never ask for anything, and all I wanted was their deaths. What exactly was my plan?My hands fell limply to my sides, and I turned away from my parents, feeling the devastation continue to creep on me, snatching my chest in its iron grip. “Melissa! Where are you going in that manner? You…”“Don't act like you care! You ruined me!” I screamed, without even looking back. I needed to think. There was no way I'd see the twins if I wanted to start search