Lyra's POVMoving into Rylan's chambers felt strange. I told myself it was only temporary, something we were doing for the sake of appearances. The pack believed we were together, and if I stayed elsewhere, it might raise questions. Still, stepping into his room with my belongings made me feel… like I wanted more from him.The space was distinctly Rylan, rugged yet tidy. His scent lingered in the air, warm and earthy, and it made my wolf stir inside me. Snow didn’t say much, but I could feel her watching, waiting.I set my things down near the bed, hesitating for a moment. The bed was large, easily big enough for more than two very large people, but sharing it wasn’t something I had planned for. I tried to focus on settling in, arranging my clothes and a few personal items. Rylan wasn’t in the room, giving me some time to adjust.As the evening stretched on, I found myself standing by the window. I simply stared below into the dark night. I placed my hands on my stomach absentmindedly
Damian's POVThe thought of Eloisa with the young Kaius gnawed at me. I had no proof, nothing solid, but the way they spoke to each other, the way her eyes lingered on him when she thought no one was watching—it was enough to make me wonder. My wolf, Roy, growled softly in the back of my mind, restless and uneasy.“Are you going to accuse her?” Roy asked. His tone was sharp, almost mocking.“I need to be sure,” I replied aloud, pacing my chambers. The stone walls seemed to close in on me, the silence growing heavier by the second.I didn't care who she slept with, but she was bound to me as my Luna and there was no way she could disrespect me that way by letting her knowledge of another man known to me. I'd sworn to myself that I was never going to touch Eloisa again, I knew she would want to satisfy her sexual desires elsewhere, but she couldn't do it within the royal pack house where she knew I was bound to find trails even if I was not looking.“Maybe you could summon her and find
Rylan's POVFor the time in a long time, I sat outside alone to get some fresh air. While I was sitting, just looking at the sapce ahead, a voice called out, pulling me from my thoughts. “Rylan.”I turned to see Caspian approaching. He was grinning, the way he always did when he had something on his mind. His steps were quick, and his eyes held a spark of mischief. I already knew this conversation wasn’t going to be straightforward.“Good morning, Caspian,” I said, nodding toward him.He stopped a few feet away, folding his arms across his chest. His gaze lingered on me, then shifted back to the workers before returning. “You look... different this morning.”I frowned slightly. “Different how?”He tilted his head, a sly smile spreading across his face. “You’ve got a smile on your lips. That’s not something I see every day.”I rubbed the back of my neck but didn’t respond.Caspian chuckled, clearly not willing to let it go. “Let me guess, you’re happy we’ve finally settled in the pack?
Lyra's POVThe morning was bright, the sun climbing higher into the sky as I walked toward the quarters where food was being distributed. It was important to me that everything was done fairly. People depended on us now, those too frail to work, the elderly, and the children. They deserved as much care and respect as anyone else.Olivia walked beside me, her steps light and quick as she tried to keep up. She was always full of energy, her presence making the heavy weight of responsibility feel a little less suffocating.“They’re starting early today,” she said, her voice cheerful.“They should,” I replied. “It keeps the lines short and ensures everyone gets their share.”As we approached, I could see the workers busy at the tables, handing out bread, fruits, and dried meat. The children waited eagerly, some holding baskets too large for their small hands. The elderly stood in quieter groups, their faces lined with patience and gratitude.Olivia leaned closer to me as we walked. “Lyra,
Lyra's POVThe day had been long but oddly fulfilling. Olivia and I had spent hours inspecting the quarters, checking on repairs, and listening to the pack’s concerns. Despite the weariness creeping into my bones, I couldn’t ignore the sense of satisfaction that came with knowing my efforts were making a difference.The fact that I was trusted enough with certain decisions was something that both excited and humbled me.“Luna, how do you think this distribution can be made?”“Luna, here's the bag of corn we're giving out to the old. Some of them are in their homes and it has to be carried to them, please send some men from the royal pack house.”These were all things that kept me busy and at the same time, fulfilled. Knowing I was playing a role in people's lives to make it better than it was, was satisfying.As we walked back to the pack house, I glanced at Olivia.“I think the repairs in the west wing are coming along nicely. What do you think?”She nodded, her ever-practical demea
Lyra's POVThe air inside the pack house felt heavier after we stepped back in, as though the lingering shadows of the past still clung to its walls. Olivia remained close to me, her protective instincts sharp, but I could sense her discomfort with the situation.I wanted to tell her that she was perhaps that way because she'd just met Mildred, and that was fine because she didn't even know who this Mildred was. I didn't know her either. But I refused to say something about it.She clung to me, making sure every step I took, she watched.“Olivia, it’s fine,” I said softly, hoping to ease her worry. “Mildred helped me when I needed it. You’ll see. I can totally do my walking on my own now,” I said with faint amusement in my tone, but she didn't back down.We walked back toward the rear entrance where Mildred had lingered by the doors. She was carrying a small basket. As expected, she seemed to have been running errands. Her presence was calm yet strong, and she seemed completely at eas
Rylan's POVThe cool evening breeze swept gently across the pack's land, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and the distant rustle of leaves. I sat outside the main gathering hall with Caspian and Finn, enjoying the rare moments of calm after a long day. We had finished our patrol duties earlier, ensuring the safety of the borders, and now it was time to relax and reflect.The wooden bench beneath us creaked slightly as Caspian leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. His sharp gaze wandered over the pack lands, but his tone remained casual.“I think we need to focus more on farming,” he said, breaking the silence. “The soil here is good, and we’ve already cleared enough land for crops. But we’re not planting enough to make a difference. If we do, we can rely less on hunting and keep our food supplies steady.”Finn nodded thoughtfully, his brown hair catching the fading sunlight as he rubbed his chin.“You’ve got a point, but don’t forget about the mines. There’s still a l
Eloisa's POVThe pack house was silent, and the air was cool. I stood at my window for a moment, gazing at the peaceful scene of the pack at sleep. It was almost laughable how calm everything seemed when chaos brewed beneath the surface.I pulled on my dark cloak, the fabric brushing against my skin as I fastened it securely. Moving silently through the corridors, I avoided every creak in the wooden floors, every shadow that might give me away. I had done this many times before, and each time my heart pounded with the thrill of it. Tonight was no different.Once outside, the cool night air kissed my cheeks, and I inhaled deeply, letting it calm my nerves. The world seemed so much bigger under the moonlight, but I knew where I was going. My steps were deliberate, towards the sleeping quarters of the one man who now made my body tingle with desire.I reached and I knocked. He heard at the first knock and came to Open the door because he was waiting for me too.“You’re late,” he said, hi
Lyra's POVThe room was silent except for the soft rustling of the bedding and the quiet hum of Olivia and Mildred as they worked, moving about the room with the same gentle care they always gave the babies. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands resting in my lap, fingers nervously twisting the fabric of my dress as I stared at the floor. My mind wouldn’t settle.Damian was on my mind."No," I whispered to myself, shaking my head in frustration. "It’s not true. You don’t feel anything for him anymore.""It is true," Snow, my wolf, replied in a calm but insistent voice inside my mind. "You’re still drawn to him. Stop trying to deny it."I bit my lip, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to spill over. "I don’t," I muttered, more to myself than to Snow. "It’s only because he’s the father of my babies. And my former husband. That’s it.""Lyra," Snow said, her voice soft but firm. "You know that’s not the whole truth. You still have feelings for him. You’re still attract
Damian’s POVAs I left the nursery, I couldn’t help the anger simmering beneath my skin. My fists clenched at my sides as I stomped down the hallway, my chest tight with frustration. The image of Lyra leaning into Rylan, her trust in him so clear, replayed in my mind like a taunt. It stung more than I wanted to admit.It wasn't just a knowledge that he was in love with her. I could see it now. It didn't make it hurt less. If anything, the more I thought of it, the more exasperated I got over the knowledge of it.The way he looked at her, the way he hovered protectively—it was obvious. But seeing Lyra respond to him like that, seeing her find comfort in his presence, was a slap in the face. I’d hoped, prayed even, that she hadn’t fallen for him. Yet, what I saw in that room spoke volumes.They were already a pair, weren’t they? A couple.They are running the pack together after all. What did I expect?The thought tore at my heart, and I felt a pang of jealousy so sharp it almost brough
Rylan's POVLyra didn't ask for me to keep Damian away from the babies. Later when she said she was calm enough, she asked for Damian to come take a proper look at the babies.But I wasn't sure she'd completely gotten over her anger like she said she had.Standing near the door, I watched Lyra’s body tense, her anger sharp and clear as she confronted Damian again. The same thing she'd said she would not do. She looked so strong, but I knew the pain behind her cold words. I took a deep breath and walked to her side.“Lyra,” I said softly, draping my arm over her shoulders. “You don’t need to do this. Forget that terrible night. Forget what he did. You’re in a better place now.”Her body relaxed against me, just slightly. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for me to feel her leaning into me. I kept my hand there, steady and firm, silently reminding her that she wasn’t alone.Damian turned then, his eyes catching the way we stood together. His jaw tightened, and a frown spread across his
Lyra's POVThe room was calm, quiet except for the soft voices of Mildred and Olivia as they talked about the babies. I listened, nodding along, but my mind wandered. The boys slept peacefully in their cot, their tiny chests rising and falling, oblivious to the chaos around them.The door creaked open.I looked up sharply, my body immediately tensing. Rylan stepped inside, his expression unreadable, but before I could ask him what he was doing, someone else appeared behind him.Damian.My breath caught, and my chest tightened. The sight of him made my stomach churn. His gaze found mine, and I felt my anger flare instantly. I gripped the arm of my chair, willing myself to stay calm, but it was nearly impossible.“He needed to see the babies, Lyra,” Rylan said, his voice steady.Those words knocked the wind out of me. I felt my anger dissolve, but only slightly. I couldn’t let it fade entirely—not when Damian was standing there, looking at me as if nothing had happened. I clenched my ja
Eloisa's POVDamian wanted to get his babies. And of course their mother too. There was no way he would bring back babies without their mother.He left me behind. He doesn’t care about me or my position here. He’s going to see Lyra. If he brings her back, she's going to take back her place and I will be kicked out of this pack that I’ve worked so hard to take control of. That’s what I’m worried about. What if he comes back with her? What if she manages to worm her way back into his heart?No. Maybe she didn't want him. But what if he found a way to convince her that she still wanted him?What if she takes revenge on me for what I did? I’ve stolen her place, her title. She’s going to hate me for it. And I don’t know if I can handle it. She was always a threat to me, and now, with Damian gone, she could very well come back and take everything. She could ruin all my plans, and I would be left with nothing.I curl my fingers into a fist, clenching them tight as I try to control my breath
Damian's POVI stand in the royal pack house, looking around the room they’ve given me. For a moment, I feel a rush of anger. This is not where I belong. I shouldn’t be here, stuck in this foreign place with Rylan in charge. I’m an Alpha. I should be calling the shots. But as I scan the room, the fact that I’m being treated like an Alpha here is hard to ignore.They’ve brought me food, fitting for someone of my status. A roasted leg of lamb, vegetables cooked to perfection, and bread that’s warm, soft, and fresh. It's not what I would have chosen for myself, but I can’t deny that it’s well prepared. It’s almost as if they’ve tried to remind me of my former standing. I hate Rylan, but even I can’t argue with the care they’ve taken to serve me.The food is good. The treatment is what I’m accustomed to. But still, this isn’t my home. This is Rylan’s home. He’s the one with control now, not me. It burns me to think about it. I’ve spent years leading my pack, the Blood Nest Pack and it's a
Lyra's POV I sat alone in the nursery, staring at the two little faces that were resting peacefully in their cribs. The door to the nursery creaked open, and I turned toward it. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Rylan step into the room. His expression was serious, and there was a weight to his steps, like he was carrying something heavy that he needed to share."Rylan," I greeted, my voice steady but cautious. "What’s going on?"He didn’t answer immediately, his eyes flicking over to the babies, before he met my gaze again. "I need to talk to you about something," he said, his tone firm but calm.I already knew what this was about. There was no need for him to tell me. But I also knew that Rylan had never been one to leave things unsaid, so I didn’t interrupt. I just folded my arms over my chest and waited for him to continue."If it’s about Damian that you let into the pack," I said, trying to keep my voice even, "then you should know by now that I’ve heard. It’s not a secret."R
Rylan's POVThe grand hall of the pack house was empty, save for a few of my trusted men who had been ordered to stand guard. They glanced up as we passed, their expressions serious but unreadable. I was sure they were as alert as I was. Damian had always been a wildcard, and there was no telling what kind of trouble he might stir up if left unchecked.When we reached the center of the hall, I stopped and turned to face him."Damian," I said, my voice firm, "I’m only letting you into the royal pack house because you claim you’re not here for trouble. You’ve made your intentions clear, and I’m choosing to believe you.”He didn’t speak right away, just watched me, as if sizing me up. It was clear he wasn’t intimidated by me, and why should he be? We had been enemies for years, and yet there was still some mutual respect between us."But let me make something very clear," I added, making sure my words cut through the silence. "I’ve already sent men to comb the woods surrounding the pack.
Lyra's POVI was pacing back and forth in my room when Olivia pushed the door open. Her face looked tense, and I could tell something was wrong. The air in the room felt heavy, and I could feel my pulse quickening as I turned to face her.“What is it?” I demanded, unable to hide the impatience in my voice.Olivia hesitated, like she was trying to figure out how to deliver the news. That only made me more anxious.“Alpha Damian’s in the pack,” she said finally, the words tumbling out like they had been too heavy to hold back.For a moment, it was like the floor had dropped out from beneath me. Damian? Here? That didn’t make any sense. My heart pounded as a wave of anger rose in my chest.“What do you mean Damian’s in the pack?” I snapped. “How could that even happen? And why would Rylan let him in?”Olivia flinched slightly at the edge in my tone, but she stood her ground. “From what I’ve heard, he came to see the babies,” she explained quickly. “He told Alpha Rylan he’s here for peace