"Alpha Finlay," Lewis Duncan bowed instead of curtsying, possibly because she was wearing a man's outfit, "I am here in respect of my duty as your Beta," she concluded, boldly staring deep into Finlay's eyes. It was she who won the pack run just the previous day and she had arrived to start.Finlay sighed and pushed his fingers through his hair from where he was seated on his Alpha throne, "perhaps we could discuss this later. I have an even more pressing issue at hand," he wanted to admire the fact that she was dressed like a man and was bold and outspoken, but he could not. Ophelia was missing."What could that be, Alpha?" Lewis put her hands behind her and stepped forward, unfazed by the powerful-looking guards that were in front."The Luna is missing," Finlay paused to catch a breath because point of correction, she wasn't exactly missing. She sneaked out under a disguise. "She left the place in the early hours of this morning. I saw someone climbing through the walls with the cla
"My Luna, they said you were missing." It was Irene, running towards Ophelia with her skirt fetched in her hands."Missing?" Ophelia narrowed her gaze when she got to her side. She had taken off the hood from her cloak, let her hair down, and washed her face in a stream and so the guards let her in, immediately she approached the gate."Yes, Alpha Finlay is out on the look for you," Irene blurted out.Oh, this was alarming and sort of amusing to Ophelia. She only sneaked out through the walls to head to Down Easton and she was declared missing? Could it be someone was stalking her? Why would she in her right mind run away? It crossed her mind during the first month of her marriage with Finlay because of his behavior and the way he treated her, but she could never summon the courage to do it. Her life was tied behind the thick castle walls, the heavy barrier from the outside world except she wanted to visit her family or the pack house orphanage because of the children.She didn't run
"Loki was impregnated by the stallion's foal and he later gave birth to Sleipnir, a gray, eight-legged horse,""Why? I thought men do not get pregnant," the boy with a missing tooth frowned at Ophelia from the floor."Isn't it rather absurd?" Another asked and then a series of questions started trooping in from the kids who were seated over the floor, and Ophelia didn't know which one to give a response to.She closed the book and raised her hand to gain silence."Calm down, kids, as I have read you, Loki was a trickster god.""And a man-" provided a girl who was stabbing her fingers into her nostrils and peeking for boogers."-who could change his gender and species with ease. I told you he shapeshifted into a female horse earlier," Ophelia explained and the perplexed and rowdy-looking children quieted down."Sleipnir ultimately belonged to Odin right after its birth.""Why?" A few were interested enough to ask."Being the best horse amongst gods and men, Loki gifted Odin, which expla
Ophelia was by the lakeshore, throwing pieces of pebbles into the lake from time to time. She was alone, temporal solitariness was required to have herself to her thoughts once in a while. This was her favorite place in terms of wanting to avoid the entire world, it felt like her own world when a single soul couldn't be found on this side. There were times she would read a series of books to live within the characters written on the pages, then she would forget about her own life with a marriage that was shitty.Tonight, she would go to Finlay be it her choice or not. He was her husband, had rights to her body but she dreaded getting intimate with a man after a year and two months. It would remind her she wasn't the only owner of her body. Her stubbornness was forming into a habit which needed to be put to stop, she was dutiful and loyal even the times he hurt her, why would she resist him now?Because Finlay would be disappointed when she would not conceive a child. And he might grow
"Tell me you don't like this, Ophelia," Finlay asked from behind, dipping his hand inside the water before placing it over her stomach.Ophelia couldn't let her brain properly align what was happening because having him pressed against her like that, was nearly driving her nuts. "I want you to know how it feels to be pleasured, Ophelia. You needn't dwell in the past where I rough-handled you during copulation," Finlay rasped out before turning her to face him."I..I.." Christ, she couldn't even let the right words out, she was falling. Falling into his charm, his blue gaze was stormy with lust that it made her breath get caught up in her throat. Because Finlay was completely irresistible right now. Her body even missed his pressed against it."I promise I'll handle you with care." His eyes, they held so much in them. She didn't know if it was lust making him speak that way or if he meant it."No, Finlay," she found her voice when her vocal cords decided they were done with the little
"She worked at a tavern in Petersburg." First man."I'm certain she must've hawked her cunt during her stay." Second man."And lost count of the men she's bedded, I'll bet they'll pass for a troop of an army," this from the third man and there was a fit of laughter inside the pub."Alpha Finlay hasn't been seen with any woman since his return." Second man."It reached my hearing that his number one mistress is readying herself to pay him a visit since he hasn't invited her over," the third man stroked his nose, placed his hand on the table, and then leaned forward to the person in his direction.From a corner, a boy was playing guitar as these men and women gossiped about Finlay and Ophelia's marriage inside a pub that was jam-packed with people. Someone in a gray hooded cloak of a fine design appeared and made his way past people and tables. His height and large physique had drawn the attention of some prostitutes, but he avoided them all. His face couldn't be seen and they kept thro
How could she ever get her mind off the way Finlay had his mouth on her cunt during the previous day's evening? His hot breath fanned into that area which made her realize what on Earth she had been missing."My Luna, you've been smiling," the voice of Lady Smiths pushed Ophelia out of her thoughts and she immediately composed herself, before letting her eyes meet the rest of the women at Thursday's meeting which was known to be held once a month. Most of them who didn't like her had frowns on their faces and Ophelia didn't mind. She was used to this, being the Luna and youngest in their midst. "My apologies, my ladies," she maintained her position on the power seat within the elites, "please carry on.""As I was saying…" Mrs. Smiths began but immediately cut herself short when the large conference doors flung open, and in came the tall intimidating woman who was tall enough to reach the ceiling.Elodie Chatterley. Finlay's lover.Ophelia's eyes widened in disbelief because the wom
"I'll bet you'll steal everyone's breath away, my Luna," Irene gushed when Ophelia stood in front of the mirror to take a look at her outfit and the way her hair was styled. "To say she's beautiful is an understatement. No one can withstand her beauty in the whole of our pack," This from lady Athena who had a bright smile on her face as her eyes admired Ophelia. "Alpha Finlay asked me to design the best dress I've ever made for any woman. I'll bet you'll be a head-turner tonight,"Ophelia forced a smile on her face.Of course, she looked pretty as they claim and it didn't seem as though they were exaggerating.But Finlay asked Athena to design that dress for her.It made her stomach churn because he was trying to be a good husband, only for the sake of taking in a second wife. Ophelia mused.The ball gown attire was made of the detachable collar of lace, ribbon, and fabric called Berthe. With an elbow-length sleeve. Smooth-fitted civil waistline just below her ribcage and not on her h
Six months later…Cameron was tense the entire time he heard Ophelia's screams from her room. She had been in labor for three good hours, and he was starting to feel unsettled the entire time. Pacing to and fro with his hands right behind him and his lips in a thin grim line. He was a powerful man with exceedingly great might, feared and loved by many because he led men to war in the south, past the seven treacherous seas. But there he was, trembling like a culprit who was sentenced to death. And it was all because of his wife.No one had any idea Ophelia would be in labor that day. They had woken up beside each other, had breakfast together, and gone to take a look at the new packhouse that was being built when Ophelia stopped walking and told him her water just broke.She was rushed into a carriage and taken back to the castle, through a gurney because she couldn't walk. The contractions seemed to be coming. Cameron had never seen Ophelia look so scared in his life. And it made him
Men were carrying Cameron's unconscious body through a gurney and Ophelia was beside them, running along because she feared for his life. This was like the third time they had been through into such a position, except it was way worse. Cameron had never been beaten and injured like this before.Ophelia swallowed hard, not wanting to cry because it would make her seem weak. She wanted to be strong for Cameron because she strongly believed he would survive.It was all over, with most of Alpha Bailey's men dead and a few running off because Ronan and his men had come to join the unexpected war. Ophelia's eyes caught something that made her steps falter and the men who were carrying Cameron's body left her. It was Lewis, who was over the floor next to a few dead bodies and fire. She looked completely exhausted with blood gushing from her stomach and mouth."Lewis!" Ophelia dashed toward her side and gathered her head in her hands. She didn't even know when she did it, because seeing Lew
Ophelia wondered if the gods were against her having happiness to her fill. She had suffered in making everyone discover that Cameron was Finlay's twin and he was the rightful heir to the Alpha throne. Then she proceeded to tell him that she was pregnant, only to have Alpha Bailey show up in the middle of it all.She bit down on her bottom lip from where she was hiding behind Cameron. Because the man who had killed his twin had come for him too."I told the members of this pack that you're mine to kill," Alpha Bailey kissed his teeth as he took another step toward Cameron whose wolf was starting to surface because he wanted to fight."It seemed as though you're Finlay's twin after all and you want to claim his throne, take his woman as well,""This face is the last thing you'll see before you die a horrible death," Cameron growled and immediately took the form of his wolf before lunging at Alpha Bailey.Alpha Bailey shifted too and went crashing into Cameron, something which made Ca
Ophelia ran after Cameron upon seeing him leave. She couldn't understand why a cloud befell his face after the truth was out and everyone had bowed to him. She had expected him to be happy at least. But he surprised her and every one by walking away as if everything meant nothing to him.She caught up with him before he could reach the gate that had guards already bowing to him.Cameron.. she tried to call his name but her voice wasn't giving out. She had lost it after shouting a lot in the courtyard because of the explaining she did.And Cameron stopped because her hand had grasped his elbow. He wanted to be away from everything and everyone, and there she was.Ophelia's heart rose in her chest when he turned and let his tearful eyes meet hers. It made her emotional to see him like that because she knew why he was like that.She knew it had to do with her explanation to the crowd and she hated the fact that her voice wasn't working. This man deserved so much more than he could ever
The following day.Cestus had a wicked glint in his eyes as he put his hands together and in front of him, watching the crowd pouring into the courtyard wearing their cloaks because it was snowing. They had come to witness the killing of Cameron Snow, the man who had impersonated Finlay, his late brother and former Alpha of the Crimson Paw. It was dawn, and nearing nine. Cestus had an under butler holding onto a clock beside him, whilst he waited. He wanted the time to hit nine and then he would order for the execution of Cameron Snow. Hamilton, the head butler was perplexed. It was clearly written on his face that he didn't want the death of Cameron to take place, be him an Impostor. So many of the servants were unsettled as well because Cameron was good to them. The best Alpha they ever had. Elder Adolphus exchanged a glance with someone in the crowd and the man nodded at him. No one knew what these two had planned.Cestus kissed his teeth and fixed his gaze on the heavy wall cl
The journey to Kathleen's home was quicker than expected. Ophelia and the people who had accompanied her reached there within five hours. And on the outskirts of Silverline pack sat a small cottage that looked like it hadn't been occupied by the presence of a person in ages. To think Kathleen had lived there because of her hardheadedness. Her refusal to let her pride down and settle whatever quarrel she had with her husband. No one knew what had happened between the two, but it did seem like a huge fight which was the whole thing that made them part ways. A dull pain spread through Ophelia's chest as she hopped off her horse and neared the cottage because Cameron had lived there as a child. As a child who had no clue that he was an Alpha's first son and heir to the Alpha throne in the Crimson Paw pack, Easton. "Wait," Lewis stopped Ophelia upon seeing how she was about to make her way in, "you wouldn't know what is inside waiting for someone. Catidy perhaps," she pointed out beca
After spending the next day in search of the midwife, they found her at last. Through some wolf-less beggars along the way. Thankfully, Ronan's men had arrived so Alpha Caden couldn't send his men after then. Lewis Duncan had come in handy at the right time. She and the rest of the men were asked to wait outside whilst Ophelia was ushered in to meet with the aging woman who had gray hair and could barely see. Lady Leslie lived alone even though she was old and needed support. It seemed as though she was a thoughtful woman because she looked in Ophelia's direction for a long time. "I was told that you came to see me," she said at last, after staring at Ophelia to her fill. "Yes, my lady," came the response from Ophelia. "May I know who you are?" Lady Leslie inquired almost immediately. "I am Ophelia, my lady. From the Crimson Paw pack," Ophelia answered, rubbing the side of her arm as she looked around the small room. "Why are you here?" Lady Leslie asked quickly once more. O
Ophelia struggled to break free from where she had her hands tied to the bedpost. She was in the chamber of the cruel Alpha Caden, on top of his king-sized bed. And it was exasperating to the bone that he had his men tie her to his bedpost because he wanted to have his way with her. Ophelia knew she couldn't let him touch her, it was insane. She belonged to another. Was carrying the child of Cameron. She had come to the Silverline pack because she wanted some information that she could gather as evidence that Cameron was Finlay's twin and the eldest. The rightful Alpha of the Crimson Paw pack. Alpha Caden made his way into his chambers, with that sick smirk never leaving his face. "You'd make things easier for yourself if you stop struggling. Because it'd be of no help to you, I'd have you either way," Alpha Caden smiled sickly at Ophelia. At last, he would have her to himself. The beautiful, beautiful woman. She had caught his eyes even when Finlay was alive. But he had kept his
Cameron wondered if Ophelia was safe, wherever she was. He didn't trust those men she was with, they could try to take advantage of her upon seeing she was the only woman in their midst. He didn't like that she would feel alone, he wouldn't be there to protect her if someone wanted to touch or hurt her. But he had to let Cestus's men take him away because he had an ulterior motive. He was in his old dungeon once more, the place he had been freed from barely twenty-four hours ago. Ophelia didn't waste her efforts to bring him out, they had met and made up. It was a good thing to happen. The thought of Ophelia sending men to come rescue him still baffled him. How in the seven hells was she able to convince those men into sneaking into the Dupree's castle to liberate him from where he was locked in? Ophelia was brave since he went to Easton to impersonate Finlay. She started coming out of her shell the night she took a boat and sailed after his ship because she wanted to be with him