Ashely's POV My body became limp and I couldn't breathe. Tears spilled down my face as my eyes closed in death. A strange feeling of peace took over me, one that I could not explain. "It is over," it was the last thought in my head as I embraced darkness. But something changed. The claws buried in my neck receded. The pressure on my neck vanished and the choking stopped. An arm slid under my neck, jeering my body vigorously. "Ash...ley.." At first it wasn't clear, but the voice yelled repeatedly, calling me out of oblivion. Air rushed into my lungs and I coughed repeatedly. I still couldn't move but my sensation has returned. I felt the arms wrapped around my body and l also felt blood squirting from my cuts on my neck. It took all the ounce of strength within me to push my eyes open, I guess I didn't really want to die. My eyes fluttered open but I couldn't see anything. But my ears caught a sound, it was a sigh, some sighed shakily beside me. "Thank goodness," the person
Adrian's POV The First Responders is a group within the secret sect. It's the arm of offense and defense. It's as old as the sect itself. Although I was the first member, I had to hand-pick leaders for different successions, this is because I couldn't continue to lead the group, I had numerous tasks on my shoulders. But when duties call, I am always in the picture, of course taking the lead. I still remember my first set of operations as a first responder. At that time, King Carter; Prince Regan's father, was just annihilated alongside all the members of his immediate family. Only Prince Regan was spared and he was badly wounded. The three wise men ordered that I get the Prince out of the palace unnoticed, he needed to be treated. Although I was blessed with supernatural abilities. I knew I was going into the Lion's den. We were still in the heat of the seizure. King Muna who usurped the throne was still bleating about like a deranged dog, killing everyone connected to the late
Adrian's POVWe stole into the nearby bushes where the guards had disappeared and took them unawares. Just like we had planned, we attacked them simultaneously, taking them out at a go.We took them down subtly without giving room for alarm. Having done that, we communicated through our links."Targon and I will attack the cartmen from behind. While we are at it, the three of you should escape with the cart. Ensure you offload the gold into our sack before making your escape… Stay clear of rogues too," I instructed."Taken," they responded in unison and we set out of the bushes. Targon and I approached the path stealthily while our man walked in the shadows, ready to take over the cart.Just like we attacked the guards, Targon and I took on the cartmen from behind. There was something off about their outfit. They were dressed in a cloak that covered their form from neck to toe. They also had hoods covering their heads.Simultaneously, Targon and I bludgeoned them from behind. Their
Ashley's POVThe night wasn't different from any other night. I tossed from one side of the floor to the other as I recounted how I got entangled with all this mess. It all started with Becca, she made Stanley, my chosen mate, to reject me. To redeem my family and the pack, I showed up as Prince Regan's substitute bride when Becca refused to be his bride. Prince Regan rejected me and relegated me to a cursed slave.Instead of being initiated as a slave into the slave quarters, I was thrown into a dungeon where I met Allen who was good to me.After leaving the dungeon, I vowed to help Allen regain his freedom.Using my last card with Alpha Simpson, I got Allen released but he was at the brink of death and whilst I attended to his needs, I realized that he was a murderer. He was thrown into the dungeon because he killed one Ashley. Ashley was Allen's second chance mate and the chosen mate Prince Logan; Alpha Simpson's eldest son.Tonight, I just found out why Prince Logan and Allen
Ashley's POVI remained sprawled on the floor sighing heavily. "Now…it is finished," I muttered brokenly as I tried to avoid Allen's gaze. He had squatted beside me and was looking straight into my eyes."Ashley…." He called faintly."Go! Go away from me!" I shuddered, screaming at him. "Really? Is that what you want?" He taunted, smirking like a jerk. I raised my fist to slap him, but he dodged it. With a slight frown on his face, he raised his hands in the air and rose to his feet.The unexpected clashing of gates took us by surprise and our attention was fixed on gates.I was surprised to see Mattias, the head of slaves who had just given the royal edict. He was back again. This time, he came alone, without his subordinates."Ashley Oscar, let me have a word with you," he said, looking at Allen with disdain. I tried to rise to my feet but I couldn't. Mattias stopped me with his hand. "Take it easy, I will come to you," he said as he dashed towards me while Allen stared at us.Ma
Regan's POVIt was becoming tiring and bothersome. I had waited all through the night to hear from Adrian and other members of the first responders, but there was still no information and I was getting worried.After the completion of a mission, Adrian would always mind-link me to give an account of all that went down.This kind of silence was the first of its kind and I was becoming nervous. I wheeled my wheelchair into the yard and tried to occupy my mind. Maya had left very early. As usual, she did not tell me where she was heading and it was none of my concern. Although that was a lie, she was my wife and I considered her as a property. I owned her including all her deeds.Shortly after she had left, Prince Adams rode out of the palace. Immediately, I understood that it was one of their numerous meetings. How could this be? I yelled in my head, totally enraged, but kept mute. When the right time comes I will deal with them, especially Maya.If Adrian was on standby, I would have
Ashley's POV"Thank you for today, my Prince," I said shyly as Logan placed me on the floor. We just arrived at the slave quarters and it was late in the night."I hope you ain't sending me away, Let's go in… I will walk you down," he smiled sweetly and held my wrist tenderly.I wanted to protest but my lips suddenly became heavy. Is it because of the cozy night? We held hands numerous times today and I didn't feel this way, I thought, feeling butterflies in the pit of my stomach.I gave in without struggle, and he led me until we were standing in front of the storage room where I usually slept.Holding me tightly, he drew me closer, his eyes danced as they reflected the stars of the night."I am glad you got back your wolf," he whispered, his voice making me shiver."Me too," I muttered. Like my response was a catalyst, he shifted closer and smirked slightly.My heart throbbed as he brought up his hand. His other arm lifted my chin up while his fingers played with my lips sensually.
Regan's POVIt was just a simple sentence…*We got the gold, but Adrian is wounded.*That was the information I got from Toya. How could I stay still when my right-hand man was dying? I knew it wasn't a simple wound. If it was simple, the three wise men would not have sent Toya."You pathetic fool," I cussed myself as I remained in the chambers unable to do anything. I tried to mind-link the three wise men but it wasn't working. I was too disturbed to even make a connection. I couldn't afford to lose Adrian.While I languished in my misery, I realized my true state. I couldn't even save my man."This is who I am, a victim of circumstances! A relegated, handicapped, and powerless Prince! They should have let me die. Why did you let me live!?" I yelled in agony, almost bolting out of my wheelchair.My eyes were a shade of red. I shook visibly and I couldn't contain my agony."Go away from me!" I yelled as the screeching sound of my door penetrated my ears. Someone was coming in and I
EpilogueAdrian's POVI became King Regan's personal guard. I had a chamber to myself in the palace and I began to live in a house like a normal person. I could say that I had all that I wanted but no, something was missing. I had an argument with Natasha and she left me. It was on the day when we conquered King Muna and the Dowerga. When I returned home, Nat was mad at me. She wanted us to get rid of the Dowerga, it was her revenge. I told her that I had no influence over the Dowerga's fate. Whether she dies or lives was not my decision to make. We couldn't kill her during the shootout and after it all when her grandson, Prince Asher wanted to kill her, but My Lord, King Regan, pleaded on her behalf and sent her to exile instead.Nat wasn't satisfied she wanted the Dowerga dead and wanted me to help her or she would do it by herself. I was in a fix. I understood that she wanted revenge but I couldn't go against my master. His wish is my command. I forbade Natasha from doing somethi
Ashley's POVI knew my chance of survival was slim and I felt accomplished even in death. My mission was accomplished. I was able to inform them about my pups and I was able to see Regan. The look in his eyes when he held me... It was enough for me. I would take it to the afterlife.I wasn't willing to come around. I wasn't ready to face the truth about why the king didn't search me, I wasn't ready to know all that he had with Becca. The last memory of the shock and love in his eyes when he held me was enough for me. Therefore, when I opened my eyes I was sure I was in the afterlife. I did not know how many days I had spent on the borderline between the living and the dead, but I was certain of where I was.I was in an empty room and I was the only one there. I'm free, I smiled and looked around carefully. It felt like I was back in Prince Regan's chambers and in the bedroom that we shared when I was with him.I felt light and I thought I was on my feet. At a closer look, I realised
Regan's POV "Ashley!!!" I yelled but she blacked out. Without thinking, I took to my heels and raced down to the clinic with Ashley in my arms. The royal physician took charge. He put everything on hold to attend to her. I couldn't stay still. I paced the waiting room restlessly, waiting for a report. I couldn't fathom what happened to her, but all I prayed for was that she wasn't beyond saving.Asher was with me and in no time Adrian joined us too. When the head physician came to give his report, Asher was nowhere to be found."I'm sorry, My King…." The physician said and I stopped him. "If she dies, you die too," I said grumpily."Adrian… Can you do something? Can you save the day?" I requested."I don't know…. I have to see her condition first," Adrian replied."One thing… it seemed that she just gave birth," the physician said."Yeah… that should be it…" I responded as I remembered what Ashley said earlier about Becca and her mother taking her pups. What the heck is going on?R
Ashley's POV The journey was indeed hectic but it was worth it. Even if I died, I needed to know that my pups were taken to their father, even if the truth about their mother would be gone with me. I needed to know why all that I had believed turned out to be lies. I needed to know why my own abandoned me and Regan. I wanted to see the look on his face when he beheld me as stands with his new Luna, Becca.Stanley didn't mind the blood and all. He held me in his arms and kept speaking comforting words to me all through the way.He apologized for his misdeeds and told me that Becca left him. He said Becca left him immediately when Prince Regan became the Alpha King. He said it was around the time that I went missing and before everyone knew it, Becca became pregnant by the King.My heart squeezed up in pain and I couldn't bear it anymore. Bitterness and resentment burned inside of me and I ordered Stanley to stop talking. The whole revelation was draining the little strength I had insi
The Moonlight Pack Logan's POVIt was a full moon and my wolf wanted to come out, but I was not in the mood. I sat down on my patio, resting.Tonight, all I could think about was Ashley, my ex-girlfriend. Something about the night made me remember her and that brought the case of Ashley Oscar to my mind. Well, she ditched everyone and no one knew of her whereabouts. It's been almost a year and was still missing.Memories came and I remembered all that we shared. I remembered Allen too, the time I spent loathing him and the short time we spent as friends. May his innocent soul rest in peace.I remained there thinking about a series of past events when one of my guards sought to speak with me. He whispered into my ears and my eyes widened.Stanley? Ashley Oscar's ex-mate? What the heck is he doing here? He was the last person I wanted to see. Whatever it was, I didn't turn him away. I allowed him into my presence but treated me like the thrash that he was."What the heck is this?" I gl
A Few Months LaterAshley's POV The pain of abandonment hit me like a typhoon and I loathed in pain and resentment until I couldn't anymore. My Stepmom treated me as she deemed fit. Sometimes she acted so nice and all and sometimes she was like a demon. Although I didn't know what was going on with Becca, she never showed up again. I knew that my Stepmom's mood swings had something to do with whatever was going on with her daughter.When it was time, I had my pups. They were a pair of identical twins. The process was excruciating and I almost lost my life. The wolfsbane interfered with the delivery and until every single one of it was cleaned up, I couldn't bring forth my pups.In the end, I realized that no one really cared. I was all alone and it was the scary truth. Two days after I had my pups, they were taken away from me and I understood my Stepmom's game. She let live to take my pups for her daughter. Does that mean that Becca's seduction of Regan succeeded? I couldn't beli
Regan's POVI was losing my mind and I knew it. I had joined the guards and tore down unfamiliar paths in Colleen looking for Ashley, but there was no sign of her. I even went to see the Dowager, but she knew nothing about her disappearance. It was becoming easy to assume that if Ashly was still alive, she left of her own accord and did not want to be found. But she was carrying my pup, she wouldn't do that.Adrian had visited on different occasions but he came with the same testimony. He couldn't find her nor connect to her. His explanation was simple. He said she was possibly being held by someone with higher supernatural abilities than him. He also suggested that she could be confined with wolfsbane or possibly dead. The last statement almost cost him his head.I was unstable and didn't fit in as a King. Ashley's disappearance was a colossal loss, it affected everything about me. Although I occupied the throne and I was officially the King, it was my right-hand man, Asher, who mad
Regan's POVWaking up at dawn, I realised that I slept all through the night. It was unusual, I wasn't a heavy sleeper and with Ashley's disappearance, my sleep had been lighter.The most alarming thing was that I slept naked. As if that wasn't enough, I felt something soft in my arms, it felt like the body of a woman. What the heck! What have I done? Ashley was still missing.The memory of the previous night came in flashes. I remembered the hotness and the uncontrollable urge for sex. But I didn't call the girls. Who the heck is this? I asked as I flipped on the lamp.The dim room came alive and I saw the woman cuddled up and naked on my bed. It was Becca, Ashley's sister. My body vibrated in rage as I remembered partially, all that I did to her. I mistook her for Ashley! Oh my God! How the heck did she get in here? She even used drugs on me to make me have sex with her. I was sure of it. What I felt the previous night wasn't natural.unable to control my anger, I flung her off the
Regan POV"We will find her," Adrian and Asher assured me for the umpteenth time, but I wasn't convinced. Yeah, Ashley was stubborn and bent in her own ways. But I saw the look in her eyes when I told her to go to my chambers. I saw the remorse in her eyes which tells me that She would want to please me first even if it meant she would defy my orders the next hundred times.I had the guards comb through the palace but she wasn't there. Rossi didn't know either. I had sent messages to her Pack and family, I needed to know if she was with them.Adrian had also tried to look for her. He tried to locate her with his supernatural abilities but he couldn't connect to her. Everyone told me all is fine but I didn't buy it. There was this longing feeling and I just couldn't help but think that something was wrong.I dozed myself with drinks late into the night until Asher came to see me. He took away my drink and berated me."Common Regan, you are the king now. Stop acting indecently…" "The