LYRA'S POVMy hands shook as I pressed them against my belly, a subconscious act of protection, trying to feel my baby's presence.I'm such a terrible mother. How couldn't I have known I had a life growing inside of me? "I'm so sorry my sweet little pea," I muttered to my foetus, clutching on my belly.A knock at the door snapped me from my thoughts, breaking the mother-child moment I was having. I didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Her ayurvedic scent already gave her off. Selene. I redressed myself in an upright position.She stepped in without waiting for me to grant her access, her expression unreadable as always. I clenched my jaw with a serious look. I wasn’t in the mood for another lecture, and I certainly wasn’t in the mood to hear her try to justify Jake’s actions“I don't want to see anyone!” I snapped at her.“I guess there are exceptions to who you wouldn't want to see,” Selene responded as she walked into my room.“Why are you here?” I retorted, visibly angry.“We
ALPHA LEO’S POV>>>>>>“Where is she? I say where is she? My uncle, Logan's voice thundered through the night.Logan was my father's junior brother whom I grew up to know as a man of the people, a peace lover, and most of all, my father's trusted Beta. He had taught me my combat skills and today, I stand face to face with him, not as my loving uncle but as a villain who wanted so dearly to rule over the werewolf clan.“What do you want from my sister?” I shot back at him, ready to pounce at any moment. My hands trembled as he slowly walked towards me with a sinister smile on his face.“This is not your fight, boy. All you have to do is tell me where Lyra is and I'd walk away and you'd still have blood running through your veins,” he said, tapping my shoulders. His voice was low but laced with every bit of evil. My stomach twisted, swirling violently, and I almost threw up. The metal scent of blood oozed all over him as he drew closer to me. I looked around to see the whole p
ELLA'S POVBetrayal had never been a choice—it had been a necessity. My father once said that adage to me. It never made sense then, but I think it does now.My father had informed me weeks back that the Blood Moon Pack had stormed Arakis, my home. My father, Alpha Ben, had fought, but it hadn’t been enough. Alpha Leo took everything—our land, our people, our freedom. But worst of all, he took Jimmy, my little brother.To save his life, I had to carry out a difficult task. Was it that difficult? Somehow not! Mating to Jake was more of an arranged marriage that did little to save my pack when it mattered the most. I had to give him in.The cold breeze of the night bit at my skin as I slipped past the boundaries of Shadowclaw Pack, careful not to be spotted by the security guards. I had applied mint to help mask my scent from the ferocious watchdogs that guarded the border. I properly tucked my hair into the black hoodie I wore, and a long black cloak to blend my shadows with the dark.
ELLA'S POVLying had never been difficult for me—it was survival, but at this point, everything eluded me. I stood speechless. My brain struggled to construct a meaningful sentence.I kept my breathing even, my expression carefully crafted as I stood before Jake. His sharp gray eyes glued into mine, both burning with suspicion. He stood, crossing his arms, his stance unyielding. What was I going to say? I can't be quiet. He also cannot know where I'm coming from. How do I untangle myself from this? Different thoughts clashed in my head.“Are you going to start talking? Or do you want me to drill the words out of you?” He thundered at me. “You know the rules, nobody gets back here by 10pm! Not you, Not even my mother!” Jake growled with anger. Why is he this bitter? Does he know anything about my whereabouts? I was sure not to let anyone hear my conversations. My heart raced as I dug through my head for a perfect lie.I felt something click in my head, a quick way out. “I went for a r
ELLA'S POV The morning rays peered through my window into my eyes. I winced, adjusting to its brightness. I reached for my phone which laid on the bedside cupboard behind my bed lamp. "8:30am!" I groaned in a sluggish tone, shaking off the remnant of sleep but somehow, all my brain seemed to start the day with, was the conversation I had last night with Jake."I love Lyra. I never stopped loving her," Those words were in no way supposed to get me worked up, but somehow they did. It felt like a sniper shot to my chest. The way the words rolled out so effortlessly without remorse, as if my presence had never mattered, made my chest swell in anger. I quickly shoved off the edgy feelings and focused on the task at hand.Slowly, I rolled off the blankets from my body and stood, shaking off the remaining stiffness, before sliding my feet into my comfy flip flops and headed to get a shower. The moment the warm water hit my skin, I let out a sigh, allowing the tension in my muscles to ease.
LYRA'S POVThe sweet songs of the morning birds laced with chit-chats and footsteps of pack members lolled me up. I grunted up from bed, stretching out to shake off the sluggishness I felt. “One can never have a moment of peace in this hell hole" I muttered, my tone laced with irritation. Instinctively, I rested my hands on my belly. A small, sad smile curved my lips."Hey, pumpkin!" I moved my hand around my tiny baby bump. "How are you doing?" I whispered. "Mummy has been going through some difficult moments and is going to be forced to make some tough decisions. Someday you'd get to understand some hard decisions I'm about to take," I said, my tone low, almost inaudibly.I had spent the entire night tossing and turning, contemplating what the future held for me. Shadowclaw was not conducive for me, not anymore. The moment Jake had rejected me, I had been stripped of any real protection here. Selene had already warned me someone was likely going to come after me. I can't trust anyo
LYRA'S POV"Where did I drop my phone?" I muttered under my breath, flipping the bedsheets over in search of it. "Arhh...!" I groaned in frustration as I reached for my bedside drawer pulling it open. "I was just with it a few minutes ago. Where could I have dropped it?" I asked myself, searching through my brain to remember where I dropped it.Just then, I felt a sharp pull in my pelvic area. Was it pregnancy or my bladder had just refused to hold urine for a minute? I thought to myself. It was the umpteenth time I had gone to the bathroom today. Às though called upon, a beep message from my phone rang from the toilet. "Right!" I blurted out. Why wouldn't it be in there, I live in the toilet more than I live in this room these days. Rolling my eyes, I stepped into the restroom to ease myself before picking it up from the automatic hand dryer where I had dropped it earlier.I sighed in relief the moment I crawled back into bed. I swiped my phone, flipping through my contacts for Lisa
LYRA’S POV “My neighbor just called. There’s been a gas leak at my house,” Lisa’s eyes bulged, Her voice shaking as she spoke. I could tell she was exasperated, it showed in every word she spoke, but nonetheless, she tried to hide her worry."What!" I screamed, swallowing in a quick gasp. I’ll go with you. What if you need my help?” I managed to say, my voice showing concern.She shook her head, already stepping backward toward the pack house. “No, It's fine, Lyra. It might likely be nothing serious, but I have to check it out. Don’t worry. Ella can keep you company. Besides, I don’t want to ruin your walk.” she insisted.“But—” “No buts,” she punctuated my statement. “I’ll call you once I get there. Just... enjoy your walk, okay?” she was already moving backward, as the words left her lips. I could only nod, as I watched her sprint away till her silhouette disappeared beyond the trees.“Guess it’s just us now,” Ella said, her voice softer than usual. I turned around and sighed, pu
AEMOND'S POV“Finally, it is gradually coming through! You think of me as a fool! A sheep destined to be led all through life. I have worked my ass off, my sweat, my blood, yet you keep taking credit for all! No acknowledgement! Wait till I take everything from you and have you stripped on the street,” I spat venom at Leo in my head, still maintaining a submissive look. I nodded with my gaze fixed on him, with a forced smile, while I tightened my fist away from his view.“I am happy you're beginning to see reasons with me, your Grace. I'd reach out immediately to Zephyr. I am certain he would be able to give me more insight about the pendant,” my voice rang with so much excitement as I stood up to exit the bar.My phone buzzed in my pocket, I reached out to see it was Ella. I took a sharp glance at Leo. Luckily his face was buried in his phone. Clicking on the message icon, I realized it was Ella.I AM YET TO GET AN UPDATE ON THAT BITCH. WHY IS SHE STILL BREATHING? JAKE ALMOST BUMPED
LEO’ S POVWhy are younger siblings so difficult to handle? I thought, tearing through rogues coming at me from the front gate. I had no idea who they were and why they were attacking. All that mattered to me at this point was to hurry off and get Lyra out of this before she got hurt or worst of all, taken.I disabled the last rogue coming at me before racing off to find Lyra. “Lyra!” I called out, darting through the woods with branches and leaves, slapping and tearing my chest as I ran. All I heard was the sound of dry leaves crushing under my feet as I raced till I heard a scream, my heart stopped. “Lyra!” I whispered, my eyes popped out in fear. “No no no,” I growled, changing my direction towards the east wing.What my eyes saw made me halt in my tracks. I lost my breath for a minute. Bodies littered all over the place. “What the hell happened?” I whispered to myself, my eyes darting from left to right when I spotted Tara, standing on a hill.Her thick white fur was stained with
LYRA’S POV“Tara! Tara! Stop!” I yelled, my heart racing. I couldn’t control her, all she wanted to do was to tear out of me and attack. As the protector of the pendant and the bearer, Tara would never take any chances with anyone who posed a threat to me, even if it was my brother.YOU NEED TO STAY BACK AND LEARN HOW TO CONTROL YOUR WOLF AND YOUR ABILITIESMy mind reeled back to what Selene had told me back in ShadowClaw. Maybe I should have listened. Ever since Tara returned, she was no longer the sweet little pup I used to know. Though she was still sweet, but, a lot of chances had taken place. Changes I couldn’t control.“What are you doing, Lyra?” Leo asked, his voice trembling as his gaze faltered. “I don’t know Leo, just drop the damn pendant!” I yelled again, this time I felt Tara connecting to the Pendant. “Wha…What are you doing?” I muttered inaudibly. Tara’s body began to heat up inside of me. I knew what she was doing. “Arrh! Leo’s voice echoed into the night with a loud
LEO'S POV“Easy!” I winced in pain as the nurse gently wrapped medicated gauze around my palm.“Sorry sir,” the nurse responded to my reaction.I hadn't spoken to nor seen Lyra since the incident last night. “How bad is the burn?” I asked.“It is just a first-degree burn sir, you should be fine in a couple of weeks, with proper dressing, some analgesic, and antibiotics,” she responded, clipping the loose edge of the bandage.“Good morning sir,” Aemond greeted, walking in on me and the nurse. His gaze shifted to my hand in shock. “What the hell happened to you, sir?” He queried, examining my wrapped arm.“It’s nothing, I got burnt but it's just a mild scratch,” I responded casually, hoping it would stop him from asking further questions but Aemond was one inquisitive individual. “You may leave us now, Nurse Zoey,” I shifted my gaze to the nurse, who nodded, packing up her first aid box. Aemond and I just stared at each other for the period she was putting her things in order.“These a
JAKE'S POVI pushed through the entrance of the jewelry store, racing outside. “She couldn't have run that far!” I heaved deep breaths as I looked from left to right and right to left. “ Fucking hell!” I screamed, my nerves pushing against my skin around my neck.“Jake! Stop! You are embarrassing yourself! You are embarrassing me!” Ella scolded as she ran towards me, struggling to keep herself balanced on her heels.I spun around, my face contoured into a non friendly form. I stormed towards her as though I was going to take out my frustration on her. “Don't fucking tell me to stop! I knew what I saw!” I yelled at her face, saliva spreading into the air. “She was right there! I saw her! And thanks to your bullshit, I'm sure she saw me too! Gosh!” I clawed my finger into my head, holding it tightly. “If you hadn't insisted I accompany you to get some jewelry, I wouldn't be in this compromising situation.“I’m sure she'd be thinking we are likely getting married. You've always wanted h
LEO’S POVMy thoughts had constantly been haunted by Aemond's words. Just last night, I could barely sleep. What if he was right? Would giving in or somehow considering his proposal make me evil? This is what every Alpha yearned for! To be in charge, to be the controller of vast nations.“No!” I subconsciously barked out loud. “Do not turn yourself into a villain! Let this slide! Get a hold on yourself, Leo!” I spoke to myself, walking up and down the room with a glass of red wine in my hand.“What if Aemond was lying? On the contrary, what does he stand to gain from all of this? It's not like he is a power-thirsty individual. If he wanted this ability for himself, he wouldn't have informed me,” I gave voice to my thoughts. “I don't know about you, but I can't imagine possessing double the strength I have now! Double of my size and bite force,” Zeus, my wolf snarled in my mind. “I don't think you understand how powerful the legendary white wolf is! It is the raw energy of the moon g
LYRA'S POVI hurried up to my feet, swerving through the display glasses stationed at different points.“Hey, ma'am! Watch your steps! The angry sales attendant spat at me, as she picked up her merchandise from the floor, though I didn't stand to apologize. “I'm so sorry,” I whispered almost inaudibly in between my heavy gasps as I ran towards Caspian. “Sorry, excuse me!” I said, pushing through onlookers and those purchasing some items.What the hell was he doing here? He didn't even have the dignity to search for me. How long has it been since I disappeared? Here he is, splashing luxury on a traitor! How demeaning can this get? Jake will always remain Jake! A manipulator!“Lyra? Lyra, is that you?” Jake's voice came behind me.“Jake, where are you going? You can't be running after someone just like that! Stop embarrassing yourself! You are creating a scene!” A second voice came through. It was Ella. She also joined the chase but not to find out if it was truly me, instead, she tri
LYRA'S POVIt has been a rough couple of days for me since Caspian walked out on me at the hospital, not saying a word after overhearing the doctor mention my pregnancy. The cold look on my face, the disbelief, the disappointment etched on it was soul-shattering for me. No questions, no accusations, no goodbye—just silence and distance. That silence now filled every corner of my mind.I guess I should’ve told him. Maybe I should’ve been honest from the beginning, but everything was happening so fast. I was completely swept off by his charm, so deep I didn't pay attention to my head.I sighed, looking at my phone screen for the umpteenth time today before sliding into my pocket, straightening my shoulder, and stepping outside of the house.The wind gradually became cooler by the minute with dark clouds beginning to form in the sky. "I think it's going to rain today," I whispered to myself, taking a look at my phone again, hissing in disappointment. I blew into my hands, rubbing them
LEO'S POVI stood under the shade of the stone arch that framed the training grounds, the midday sun casting broken light through the dense canopy above. I was lost, totally torn between anger and confusion. What is he even saying? Lyra? How is that even possible? My mind was a jumble of thought that I didn't notice the condensed liquid of the energy drink in my hand, dripping down my wrist. "She was the vessel. The Moon’s Chosen. If you don’t take the power, someone else will. You deserve it. You’re their legacy. She’s just the bearer."The words he said somehow kept echoing in my head twisting inside my gut like a knife."How did you get to know?" I had asked him, curiosity etching in my tone. "How come my better now knows more than I do?"He'd smiled that sly, venom-laced grin of his and said, "When the men we had sent to abduct Jake's Luna brought her in, Zephyr had to take her with an enchanted collar. I'm sure you know what that means?" Aemond asked, raising his brows slightl