Chapter FortyKendall’s POVI woke up in the middle of the night, feeling a strange emptiness beside me. The sheets were cold where Declan had been moments before, and a pang of longing tugged at my heart.But as I sat up, the memory of our passionate night together flooded back, and a smile tugged at my lips. Last night had been different, special even.Despite Declan still not marking me, I felt a sense of fulfillment and contentment that I hadn’t experienced before. The bond between us felt stronger than ever, binding us together in a way that was beyond mere physical desire.As I made my way downstairs, the scent of food greeted me, mingling with the comforting aroma of coffee. To my surprise, I found Declan in the kitchen, cooking up a dish with a look of concentration on his face.“Declan wha–“ I opened my mouth to protest, but he raised a hand to stop me.“The food’s for you,” he said simply, his gaze softening as he met my eyes. “I know you’ll be hungry.”I blinked in disbelie
Chapter Forty-oneKendall’s POVI was engrossed in the paperwork spread out before me when the door to Declan’s study swung open, and Olivia swept in with a scowl etched on her face. Without warning, she launched into an episode, warning me to stay away from Declan.I glanced up from my work, unfazed by her threats. “Sorry, Olivia, but I can’t just stay away from Declan,” I replied calmly. “He’s my mate.”Olivia’s eyes narrowed at my words, and she scoffed derisively. “Your mate?” she spat, her tone dripping with disdain. “You really think Declan cares about you? You’re just his little brat, Kendall.”I bristled at her words, my temper flaring. “That’s not true,” I shot back, my voice tinged with anger. “Declan and I share a bond that you’ll never understand. You’re just the side chick, Olivia, and you know it.”The air crackled with tension as Olivia and I squared off with her. But before either of us could escalate the confrontation further, Olivia’s hand darted beneath her fake bab
Chapter Forty-oneKendall’s POVThe last time I had ever felt this way had long been forgotten in my memory. Declan had completely changed around me. He was different now—more passionate and loving.Two weeks ago, I would never have expected this change. I had been so out of control that I couldn’t even control myself. Being in heat, being with him had made me sane.Thinking about it now made my heart flutter with excitement.A wide smile stretched across my lips as I remembered that night two weeks ago.“Well, well, well, who do we have here? Aren’t you done trying to get your filthy claws on him?” I jerked around at the thinly veiled insult thrown at me.I watched the beautifully clad woman with the protruding belly walk sensuously into the room, her facial expression hinting at a frown.I sighed tiredly.“What do you think you’re doing here, Olivia? Can’t you throw your whining tantrums somewhere else? As you can see, I’m really busy,” I said, trying to shelve the folders I had in
Chapter Forty-twoKendall’s POVEverything happened at the speed of light andå I was still in a state of shock. The glare Declan shot my way made me die and come back to life multiple times as my heart rammed rapidly against my chest.“This better be a bad dream which I will eventually wake from.” I said in my head.Still numbed with the sudden turn out of events, I maintained my position, trembling where I stood still clutching the dagger.Olivia hadn’t given me cause to be scared of her up until now. Her action right now was enough to keep me on my lane to prevent any future recurrence.Who knows what will happen next time?“What is going on here?” Declan had asked, breaking the ominous silence in the study. He had his eyes fixed on me all the while and I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me that he had already visualized what had happened in his head.Pushing the dagger on the floor away from me, I straightened up as I opened my mouth to talk but only air came out.Not wanting him t
Chapter Forty-threeKENDALL’S P.O.V.To be honest, I see no reason why Declan would ask me to leave the study even after showing him who Olivia truly is. Deep down, I want to stay back and watch the turnout of events but unfortunately, it wouldn't be possible for me.Taking a deep breath, I placed my hand on the knob and then let out a heave before pulling the door open.“So, why did you lie?” Declan asked, his gaze was now on Olivia who was still on her knees pleading for mercy. I bet she wouldn't have tried blackmailing me if she knew this was going to be the turnout of events.Smirking, I rubbed my nape as I turned in their direction. I needed to hear their conversation and was willing to stay back even if it was going to take hours.“Answer the damn question.” Declan yelled as the atmosphere in the room became thick with tension.I hope he calms down and doesn't end up doing something he would regret — I said in my head, my gaze still on the duo.“I was desperate.” Olivia replied
Chapter Forty-fourKENDALL’S P.O.V.“What happened?” I found myself asking as I fell on my knees beside him. Holding up his hand, I allowed it to fall back to the floor.His body was warmed and still maintained the normal color instead of being cold and turning blue like I had imagined. Still not convinced that he had life in him, I checked his pulse.For more than three minutes, I was trying to feel his pulse. Scared, I placed my ear above his chest trying to hear his heartbeat but since my head wasn't on his chest I couldn't hear a thing so I resumed holding his wrist.After what seems like forever, I felt it. It was weak but thankfully, he hadn't lost it.“What on heaven's name happened to you Caden?” I asked, hitting his cheeks hoping his eyelids fluttered open but it was still tightly shut.Pulling myself up, I grabbed a bottle of cold water from the fridge and then began to sprinkle it on his face. After a few seconds of this practice and there was no sign of life in him, I empt
Chapter Forty-fiveDeclan’s POVAfter our intimate encounter, I quietly slipped out of Kendall’s room, feeling both exhilarated and conflicted. My thoughts raced as I made my way to the room where Caden lay sleeping.As I peeked in, relief washed over me to see him sleeping peacefully. But even in the presence of my best friend, my mind kept wandering back to Kendall.Unable to resist the pull any longer, I found myself back at Kendall’s door. It was like I was being drawn to her, unable to resist the magnetic pull she seemed to have over me. I entered her room, finding her asleep in bed. I should have gone to my own room, but I couldn’t tear myself away from her.I watched Kendall sleep, her face serene in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains. My fingers itched to reach out and touch her, to wake her up and pull her into my arms again. But instead, I stayed rooted to my spot, simply observing her.Feeling parched, I reached for the glass of water on the bedside ta
Chapter Forty-sixDeclan’s POVThe next morning, I woke up with a bitter taste in my mouth, still reeling from the betrayal I had discovered the previous night. I glanced over at Shannon, who was still fast asleep, her peaceful expression mocking meI wanted to wake her up, to confront her about what she had done, but something held me back. Instead, I got up and prepared for the day ahead, my mind consumed with thoughts of Kendall and the betrayal I felt.After I dressing up, I left the room and went straight to see how my friend was holding up that morning. I entered the room and saw Caden still sleeping, it didn’t seem as if he’d woken up since yesterday even though he looked stable laying there peacefully.I sat there with him for some minutes and then decided to leave so I could check things in at the boarder. When I returned after an hour, as I entered my office, I saw Kendall sitting at the desk, buried in paperwork. Without a word, sat down too, then handed her a stack of pape
EpilogueWith their love reaffirmed and their bond stronger than ever, Declan and I embarked on a new chapter of our lives together. In just a few short days, surrounded by our loved ones, we exchanged vows and pledged our hearts to each other in marriage. It was a day filled with laughter, tears, and overwhelming joy, as we celebrated our love and commitment to each other.And then, four months later, our joy knew no bounds as I gave birth to twin boys, healthy and strong, who bore a striking resemblance to their father. Holding them in my arms for the first time, I felt a sense of completeness wash over me, knowing that our family was now complete.A week later, as the moonlight filtered through the curtains of our quarters, causing a warmth over the room, I stood watching our twin boys sleep peacefully in their crib. Their tiny chests rose and fell in perfect rhythm, a sight that never failed to fill my heart with warmth and gratitude.Suddenly, I felt Declan’s presence behind me.
Chapter 150Declan’s POVAs the sun painted the sky in colors of red and orange, our pack returned to our home, weary but victorious. With Kendall and her mother by my side, we made our way back to the safety of our camp, the weight of our recent battles slowly lifting from our shoulders.That night, we gathered together for a feast, a celebration of our hard-won victory. The air was filled with laughter and music as we ate and drank, the scent of roasted meat and spiced wine mingling in the air.Around the fire, our pack members shared tales of bravery and triumph, their voices raised in joyful celebration. Kendall’s mother, her face illuminated by the flickering flames, shared stories of her own, her words a testament to the strength and resilience of our pack.As the night wore on, the tension of our recent battles faded into the background, replaced by a sense unity. For the first time in what felt like ages, we were able to relax and enjoy each other’s company, free from the con
Chapter 149Declan’s POVAs the excitement and rejoicing of our victory began to fade, I knew there was still one matter that needed to be addressed. I gathered everyone in the camp, their eyes fixed on me with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.“Friends,” I began, my voice carrying across the clearing, “we have emerged victorious from this battle. But there is still one question that remains unanswered: what should we do with him?” I asked, pointing to my father-in-law bounded in chains.A murmur of voices erupted from the crowd. Some called for mercy, while others demanded justice. But as I looked around, I could see the steely determination in their eyes. They knew as well as I did that Kendall’s father was a threat that could not be ignored.Turning to Kendall, I sought her counsel, knowing that her opinion held weight among our people. “Kendall,” I said, my voice gentle yet firm, “what do you think we should do?”Kendall’s gaze was steady as she met mine, her expression
Chapter 148Declan’s POVAs the battle raged around us, I caught sight of Kendall’s mother among the chaos. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, a sense of dread flooding through me.What could she be doing here? I asked myself. Before I could approach her, she met my gaze with an expression. She approached me, her eyes filled with a fierce determination.“I can help weaken them,” she said, her voice steady. “But I need your men to attack fiercely when the time is right.”I nodded, understanding the gravity of her words. Even though she appeared weak and powerless, Kendall’s mother was a force to be reckoned with, her unique blend of werewolf and witch abilities giving her a power unlike any other.As she began her chants, I watched in awe as the magic began to take effect. The rogues fell to the ground, their movements sluggish and uncoordinated. The rest of our warriors seemed strengthened by the rogues’ weakness, their attacks more focused and precise.With a renewed sense
Chapter 147Kendall’s POVI sat in the small tent, my heart heavy with worry and fear for Declan and the men at war. The sounds of battle echoed in the distance, every sound sending shivers down my spine.As I prayed for their safety, a wounded warrior stumbled into the tent, his face pale and painted with blood. He gasped for breath, his words tumbling out in a rush.“We’re losing,” he said, his voice trembling with fear. “Your father… he’s using the rogues. They’re tearing through our men like… like nothing I’ve ever seen.”My heart sank at his words, a cold knot of dread forming in the pit of my stomach. I knew what it meant if my father succeeded in taking over our pack. We would become slaves, forced to bend to his will or face the consequences.The others in the tent looked at each other with wide eyes, the weight of the news sinking in. We were facing a force unlike anything any of us had ever encountered before, and the possibility of defeat seemed all too real now.But even i
Chapter 146Kendall’s POVOver the next hours, the palace courtyard buzzed with the energy of warriors readying themselves for battle. Guns were loaded , swords sharpened, and strategies were whispered among the ranks.Declan had ordered all women to stay back, to tend to the wounded who might make it back, but I had no intention of staying behind.Declan stood before me, his eyes filled with worry. “Kendall, you need to stay back with the others. It’s not safe for you and the baby to be out there.”I shook my head. “I can’t do that, Declan. These are my people. I can’t just sit back and watch them suffer the consequences of my father’s actions.”His face hardened with frustration. “It’s not just about them. It’s about you and our child. I can’t lose you, Kendall.”“I understand that, but if there’s going to be a war, I need to be there. I need to try and save as many people as I can. I’ve known these people all my life. I can’t abandon them now.”Declan sighed, running a hand through
Chapter 145Declan’s POVBack at the palace, the weight of Caden’s betrayal pressed heavily on my mind. Kendall and I couldn’t shake the horror of the things we saw, along with knowing that my best friend had been working with the enemy all along.We sat in the guest room given to us. Kendall’s eyes reflected my worry, her presence both a comforting and a reminder of the gravity of our situation.I had always relied on Caden, counted on him to have my back, and now that foundation had been destroyed by his greed and betrayal. I suspected Kendall’s father promised him control over my pack in exchange for his alliance.“I can’t believe it,” Kendall whispered softly. “How could he do this to you? To the pack?”I shook my head, the anger and hurt boiling within me. “I don’t know, Kendall. I thought I knew him, trusted him with everything. But now…”“I trusted him too, I sincerely thought he was my friend.” Kendall chimed in.My voice trailed off as I clenched my fists, trying to contain
Chapter 144Declan’s POVMy mind raced as the gravity of what we’d uncovered settled in. Turning humans into Lycans and placing them under his control—Kendall’s father was trying to resurrect an ancient power for his own gain. The implications were deadly.Just as we were about to leave, we heard footsteps through the corridor. We exchanged a panicked glance and quickly sought cover behind a large machine. The outside door creaked open, and my heart nearly stopped when Kendall’s father walked in.“Stay quiet,” I whispered, barely moving my lips. Kendall nodded, her face pale with fear.We peered through the gaps in the factory, watching as her father surveyed the lab with his men. He moved with a confidence that showed his confidence in the security of this place. He approached the table we had been examining and began rifling through the papers, humming to himself.“He has no idea we’re here,” Kendall mouthed, her eyes wide. I nodded, grateful we had locked the door when we entered.
Chapter 143Kendall’s POVThe atmosphere of the basement was thick with dust too, and the echo of our footsteps was the only sound in the emptiness.It looked like a factory, with machines and equipment, more sophisticated than the ones we saw above, spread around.“This place is huge,” I murmured almost to myself. “It feels like we’re in the wrong place.”Declan’s brow furrowed as he scanned the room. “We might not be. The spy said this was the place. We need to figure out what is going on here.”I couldn’t shake the feeling that we might have been led into a trap. “What if he set us up, Declan? What if my father knew we were coming and had the spy mislead us?”Declan shook his head, his eyes sharp and focused. “I don’t think so. I can sense something. There’s more to this place than meets the eye.”I nodded, trusting his instincts. We began to search through the factory, moving cautiously through the huge space.As we moved deeper, I noticed a section of the floor that looked differ