MARCELLUS’ POV.I paced the council chamber, The room was filled with the pack’s most influential members—elders, warriors, and the six women I’d once called my mistresses. Their eyes followed me, some curious, others wary. My heart thudded heavily, but I kept my expression calm. Raymond stood silently by the door, his reassuring presence grounding me. “Are you sure about this, Alpha?” he asked through the mind-link. “I am,” I replied firmly. “It’s time.” Stepping to the center of the room, I cleared my throat, commanding silence. The murmurs died instantly, and the weight of their attention bore down on me. “I’ve called this meeting to address a matter that can no longer wait,” I began, my voice steady but laced with authority. “For years, I have maintained traditions that no longer serve us. Traditions that, I now realize, have held us back.” I turned my gaze to the six women seated at the far end of the chamber. Tasha and Thelma exchanged glances, their smugness clear. In
FIONA’S POV.I couldn’t stop the tears from falling as we sped down the road toward Crestwood General Hospital. My chest felt tight, each breath a struggle against the lump in my throat. The memories I had buried long ago clawed their way back to the surface, leaving my heart heavy. They had said it was critical. That he might not make it. I wanted to steel myself, to feel nothing, but the emotions came rushing in like a flood. My father—the man who had once been my hero, the one I used to look up to as a child—was now a shadow of those memories. He had changed so much after my mother died. I was only nine years old when she passed, and my world shattered in an instant. I thought he would be there to pick up the pieces, but he wasn’t. Instead, he remarried within a year. The woman he brought into our home, the woman he called his wife, made it clear I wasn’t welcome. My father, too consumed by his new life, let it happen. I remembered the countless nights I cried myself to s
FIONA'S POV.The sight of Fiona curled up on the chair in the hospital waiting room broke my heart. Her eyes were red, her cheeks streaked with dried tears, and she looked so small, so fragile. It wasn’t a look I ever wanted to see on her again. I cleared my throat as I walked in, and her head snapped up. For a moment, she seemed relieved to see me, but that relief quickly gave way to pain. She looked away, wiping at her face, trying to hide the evidence of her sorrow. “Fiona,” I said softly, coming to kneel in front of her. “Look at me.” She hesitated but eventually turned her gaze to mine. Her hands trembled in her lap, and I reached out, taking them into my own. “You’re not alone,” I told her, my voice firm but gentle. “We’ll get through this together.” Her lips quivered, and for a moment, I thought she might break down again. But instead, she gave a small nod. “I don’t know how to feel,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “He hurt me so much, but he was st
FIONA'S POV.The room was quiet, but my mind refused to follow suit. I tossed and turned in the enormous bed, staring up at the ceiling, hoping sleep would find me. But it didn’t. The emptiness beside me was impossible to ignore. Marcellus’s side of the bed felt cold, a constant reminder that he wasn’t here. I hugged the blanket tighter around myself, but it wasn’t the same. With a frustrated sigh, I sat up and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. The moonlight streaming through the curtains cast soft shadows across the room. I slipped into a robe and padded quietly to the door, hoping a short walk might calm my restless mind. The hallways were dimly lit, and my bare feet barely made a sound against the floor. But as soon as I turned the corner toward the stairs, two guards stepped forward from the shadows. “Luna,” one of them addressed me respectfully, though his tone was firm. “Alpha Marcellus has ordered that you remain in your room at night. It’s for your safety.” I b
FIONA'S POV.I sat on the cold, hard floor, shivering as the chill seeped into my bones. My hands, still raw from pulling at the chains, hung limply in my lap. The dim light overhead flickered, casting eerie shadows on the concrete walls. The room reeked of dampness and despair. Every breath felt heavy, as though the air itself weighed me down. My stomach churned with hunger, but the restlessness inside me was far worse. My body felt different, like a storm brewing under my skin. I couldn’t stop shaking, and it wasn’t just from the cold. I wrapped my arms around myself, rocking back and forth, trying to calm the gnawing anxiety that clawed at me. I closed my eyes, recalling Marcellus’ words about the baby. A true-blood Alpha heir. The significance of that weighed on me now more than ever. Was this why they’d taken me? Did they know? Or was this just some sick attempt to hurt him through me? I needed him. It wasn’t just the usual longing to see him; it was something primal, l
MARCELLUS’ POV.I sat on the edge of the motel bed, my arms crossed, glaring at Raymond as he paced the room. His face was calm, but his words had set my blood boiling. “This is the best way,” Raymond said, his tone firm. “You think leaving her alone, defenseless, is for the best?” I snapped, my voice low but filled with anger. “Do you have any idea what could happen if this goes wrong?” Raymond stopped and faced me, his hands on his hips. “Do you think I don’t care? Marcellus, I’ve been with you for years. I’ve watched over this pack as much as you have. But there’s no other way to draw them out. Elder Thomas isn’t working alone, and you know it.” I clenched my jaw, trying to contain my frustration. “You said there were rats in the pack house. We should have dealt with them. Not played this game of waiting.” Raymond sighed, rubbing his temples. “And risk tipping them off? You know how these people work. If they even suspect we’re onto them, they’ll go into hiding, and we’ll
MARCELLUS’ POVI carried Fiona into our home, cradling her gently against my chest. She was unconscious, her face pale, her breathing shallow. The sight of her in such a state only fueled the storm brewing inside me. My mate, my Luna, had been taken and hurt. Raymond followed closely behind, his expression tense. “Alpha,” he started cautiously, “what do we do with the men we captured?” I didn’t hesitate. “Kill them,” I said, my voice cold and final. Raymond’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you sure? They could provide more information—” “They’ve said enough,” I cut him off, my tone leaving no room for argument. “I want their deaths to serve as a warning. Make it a spectacle, Raymond. Let everyone know what happens when someone touches what’s mine.” He nodded reluctantly, bowing his head. “As you wish, Alpha.” Satisfied, I turned my attention back to Fiona, carrying her up to our room. Her soft breaths were the only sound I could hear as I gently laid her down on the bed. I br
LENA'S POV.I sat in the dimly lit cabin, my legs curled beneath me as the weight of the silence pressed down like a heavy blanket. The men my father had sent to escort me sat scattered around the room, speaking in hushed tones. Their conversation grated on my nerves, reminding me of how restless I’d become. The plan was simple. Father was supposed to meet us here. Yet hours had passed, and there was no sign of him. The sinking feeling in my chest grew heavier with every passing minute. I glanced toward the door for the hundredth time, hoping—praying—that it would swing open and he would walk through, wearing that stern expression that somehow always made me feel like everything would be okay. “Where is he?” I finally snapped, my voice breaking the uneasy silence. The men turned to look at me, their expressions unreadable. “He’ll be here soon, Miss Lena,” one of them said, though his voice lacked conviction. I clenched my fists, biting back the urge to lash out. “He said he
FIONA'S POV.The silence in the room was heavy after Marcellus left. I sat on the bed, my arms wrapped protectively around my belly, trying to reassure myself. “He’ll be back soon,” I whispered, but the words didn’t chase away the lingering fear. The muffled sounds of chaos outside didn’t help. My instincts told me to stay calm, but every fiber of my being wanted to run after Marcellus, to be near him. A sudden creak from the door snapped me out of my thoughts. My head whipped toward the sound, my heart racing. The door swung open violently, and a figure stepped in. “Lena?” I gasped, recognizing the Alpha’s daughter who had always been cold and distant toward me. She shut the door behind her with a slam, her movements sharp and furious. Her eyes, wild with rage, locked onto mine. “You,” she spat, her voice dripping with venom. I instinctively backed up, pressing against the headboard. “Lena, what are you doing here? Marcellus told me to stay here—” “Shut up!” she snapped
MARCELLUS’ POV.It was a cool evening, the stars twinkling in the clear sky I had been planning this for days, making sure everything was perfect. Fiona deserved nothing less. “Where are we going?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity as I guided her outside the packhouse. “Patience, my love,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. “You’ll see soon enough.” She clutched my arm as we walked through the garden, her steps light but hesitant. The cool night air made her cheeks rosy, and her fiery red hair shone under the moonlight. She looked breathtaking, as she always did. Finally, we reached the spot I had prepared. A blanket was spread out on the soft grass, surrounded by lanterns that cast a warm, flickering light. A basket full of her favorite snacks sat in the center, and a small bouquet of wildflowers rested beside it. Her eyes widened as she took it all in. “Marcellus… this is beautiful.” I watched her reaction closely, feeling a wave of satisfaction at her
MARCELLUS’ POV.The sun was blazing hot as Raymond and I stood in the training arena, sweat dripping down my face as I readied myself for another sparring session. I couldn’t help but smirk at him as he adjusted his stance, trying to look confident. “You ready to lose, Raymond?” I teased, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension. He chuckled, shaking his head. “You talk big for someone who barely landed a hit last time.” “Barely?” I raised a brow. “Let’s settle this with a wager then. The winner gets a wish granted by the loser. Deal?” Raymond hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Deal. Don’t cry when you lose, Alpha.” We circled each other, the air thick with tension and determination. He came at me fast, throwing a punch that I dodged easily. I countered with a swift kick that nearly knocked him off his feet. For a moment, I thought I had him, but Raymond was nothing if not crafty. He feigned a stumble and came back with a series o
FIONA’S POVThe morning sun streamed through the curtains, filling the room with a warm glow. I sat on the bed, my hand resting on my now-visible baby bump. It still felt surreal, knowing that three little lives were growing inside me. Marcellus walked into the room carrying a tray of food, his face lighting up when he saw me. “Good morning, my love,” he said, placing the tray on the bedside table. I smiled at him, though I couldn’t hide the slight frown as I glanced at the food. My eating habits had been all over the place these past few months. Some days I couldn’t stop eating, while on others, even the smell of food made my stomach turn. “What’s wrong?” he asked, sitting beside me and taking my hand. “I’m just not sure if I can eat,” I admitted. He gave me a soft smile, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Just try a little, for me? And for the babies?” His words always had a way of melting my worries. I nodded, picking up a piece of toast. As I ate, Marcellus wa
FIONA'S POV I sat on the sofa in Marcellus’s room, my legs tucked under me as I absentmindedly flipped through a book. The sunlight streamed through the large windows, warming the room and making everything feel peaceful. Marcellus was at his desk, stacks of files surrounding him as he worked. It was strange seeing him like this—calm, focused, and completely off I couldn’t help but watch him. His golden hair caught the light as he leaned forward, his brows furrowed in concentration. Every so often, he’d glance at me and smile, making my heart flutter. “This is nice,” I said softly, leaning back against the cushions. “I could get used to this.” He chuckled without looking up. “Used to what? Watching me work?” “Used to spending quiet days with you,” I replied, smiling. “It’s peaceful.” Marcellus looked up then, his eyes softening. “I wish every day could be like this,” he said, his voice full of warmth. I felt a surge of happiness, my hand unconsciously resting on my stomac
LENA’S POV The room was quiet, the kind of stillness that made every little noise louder. I sat on the edge of my bed, my nails tapping against the wooden frame as I stared out the window. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the pack grounds. My father was late. I checked the time again, biting my lip to stop myself from screaming into the empty room. Finally, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, followed by the creak of the door opening. Father walked in, his face stern and his steps heavy. “Lena,” he said, closing the door behind him. “It’s late. What’s the matter now?” I didn’t wait for him to come closer. Instead, I jumped up and ran to him, grabbing his arm as tears spilled down my cheeks. “Father,” I whimpered, my voice breaking. “It’s ruined! Everything is ruined!” He frowned, his hands resting on my shoulders. “What are you talking about, child? What’s ruined?” “Marcellus,” I cried, my voice shaking. “He knows. He knows it was all an act!
LENA’S POV The silence in my room felt suffocating. I paced back and forth, my bare feet sinking into the rug I’d heard the commotion earlier—Father’s yelling could probably be heard from miles away. I knew he was down at the pack house. Shouting at Marcellus, throwing accusations around like arrows. It was all part of the plan, but it still made my stomach twist into knots. I sat down on the edge of the bed, gripping the edge of the mattress tightly. My heart raced as I thought about everything that had happened. No, I didn’t try to end my life. That wasn’t part of the plan. But the idea of it, the mere suggestion, had been enough to send a ripple of panic through the pack. Marcellus needed to know that I wasn’t someone to be discarded so easily. He thought he could just cast me aside? That I would just vanish into thin air while he paraded that human woman around like some trophy? I laughed bitterly, the sound sharp and hollow in the still room. He didn’t know me at all if h
MARCELLU'S POV.The shouting hit me before I even reached the entrance of the pack mansion. A loud, angry voice echoed through the pack grounds, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. My heart sank as I recognized it—it was Elder Thomas, Lena’s father. I pushed open the doors and rushed outside. The scene was chaotic. Pack members had gathered around, whispering in hushed tones as Elder Thomas stormed through the center of the courtyard. His face was red with fury, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. “Thomas, what’s going on?” I called out, stepping forward to face him. His eyes snapped to me, filled with rage and pain. “You dare ask me what’s going on, Marcellus?” he spat. “You cast my daughter out like she was nothing! And now this!” I frowned, trying to piece together what he meant. “What are you talking about?” “She’s my daughter, my blood!” he shouted, his voice shaking. “You humiliated her! You stripped her of her title and sent her away from her home, her fami
MARCELLUS POV. I woke up early, the sun just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden glow over the room. Fiona lay beside me, her face peaceful and serene, her red hair sprawled across the pillow. She looked so beautiful, so fragile, and yet I knew the strength she carried inside her. Careful not to wake her, I slipped out of bed. Today, I wanted to do something special for her, something that would show her how much she meant to me. Breakfast. It seemed simple enough, but for Fiona, it had to be perfect. She deserved the best, and I wanted her to feel loved and cared for. I made my way to the royal kitchen, where the staff were already busy preparing meals for the pack. As I entered, the clattering of pots and pans came to an abrupt halt. The maids froze, their eyes wide with surprise. “Alpha,” one of them stammered, bowing her head. “What brings you here?” “I’m making breakfast,” I said simply. The room fell silent. “Alpha,” another maid said cautiously, “we can pr