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42|The Ex
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
Ximena WestOctober 21, 2023, is the date this book gets the first free promotion. Thank you, Readers, for giving my novel a chance. I hope you enjoy Axel and Cora's story. Have a pleasant weekend.
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Claiming Back His Throne 43|Siblings
I held my breath and pressed my body against the wall so he couldn’t see me. My heart was beating so hard, betraying my efforts not to get caught. Things could get messy if they knew I was listening to everything. They wouldn’t let me live after finding out their plan. Although the confession had been a rumor since the matchmaking event, no one had proof that Devon destroyed Axel’s pack for Rory. “Stupid!” snapped Devon in a stifled voice. “If anyone hears your statement, we could be in trouble.” “We?” Aspen pushed her brother’s hand away from her mouth. “Only you will be in big trouble. I had no part in the massacre. I have many witnesses, including my husband, because I was in the bedroom, making love to him all night.” “Do you think you’d be safe if I told Maddox about your involvement?” Devon taunted, challenging his sister. “An Alpha of the strongest pack needs the help of his weak sister, a Luna of a pack far beneath him? Come on, Devon. Who’s going to believe your bullshit?
Claiming Back His Throne 44|Surprises
Everyone sat on the available sofas near the bed. Garrett moved chairs from the kitchen counter as an extra seat. I sat next to Axel, not wanting to be away from him after a day of not being together. Both his parents were watching me intently. We’d met on a few occasions but never had long conversations. A warrior like me rarely interacted with werewolves of the upper ranks. My conversation partners were usually fellow warriors. Although I didn’t memorize their faces, I knew each Alpha’s reputation. It was always a topic we secretly discussed among warriors. Scarlett Sky Pack was fortunate to have Alphas and Luna, who cared about their people and had good relationships with leaders from other packs. Uncle Carwyn, Aunt Rhiannon, Dad, and Mom sat quietly after an emotional reunion with the friends they thought were gone. Maddox didn’t want to miss any more news. I was still surprised he brought our parents to this place to talk to Axel. “We can’t waste any more time. So, as soon as
Claiming Back His Throne 45|Surrounded
[Axel] I didn’t expect everyone to be so happy to see my parents alive. We struggled on the way back, worrying they would reject Father and Mother living in this pack. I couldn’t leave them in our secret cabin. Devon wouldn’t stay silent if he knew his captives were free. Although Maddox and I wouldn’t be able to do much against his evil army, at least we were fighting together with full force. Gamma and Delta followed us to the palace. So, it reduced the troop strength at Royal Blue. “You’re worried about Cora?” guessed Maddox, who sat behind the steering wheel. “Not just her, but everyone. I suspect the same thing as you. Their next target is the Royal Blue Pack,” I admitted. "We'll finish this visit quickly so we can get home. I hope the King won't ask us to wait or keep us too long," Maddox agreed. "The dungeon guards haven't reported the loss to Devon until he returns. They must have been trying to find my parents before he came for fear of being severely punished. We don't
Claiming Back His Throne 46|The King
He moved so fast that I had trouble dodging his attacks. I couldn’t underestimate the power of an Alpha when he was angry or had a strong desire to kill. He was far superior to me because he attacked using his wolf form.But he forgot one thing: I was an Alpha, too. I didn’t just sit in the office taking care of administration, forgetting about physical exercise. I never spent a day without exercising or practicing martial arts. Ryder was still in hiding, but he and I were just as strong.Egor continued to furiously attack me, not giving me a chance to do the same. Failing to hurt me with his punches and kicks, he grew angrier and more impatient. His attacks started to go awry and miss.I took advantage of the opportunity by finding an opening in his every attack. I didn’t give him light blows but a powerful force to conserve energy. I didn’t want to spend too much time throwing soft punches.Once he was exhausted, I attacked him with a vengeance. My fist hit his jaw, his neck, and th
Claiming Back His Throne 47|Transformed
My body grew longer, hurting all my muscles. Black silky hair covered my hands, and sharp claws grew on my nails. My hands and arms became large and firmly muscled. Sharp claws grew on my toenails also. Thick hair covered my entire legs and even my body.The intense pain made my whole body tremble violently, and my heart beat rapidly. I hadn’t felt this when Ryder first appeared on the first full moon when I was eighteen.I was gasping for air, struggling to catch my breath. I had no power to stand, so I was on all fours on the ground. I tried to stand up but failed. My hands and knees were shaking, but I refrained from lying down. I wasn’t that weak.“The first time transforming is excruciating, much more painful than a werewolf shapeshifting. You will get used to it, and it will hurt less and less,” said the king calmly, as if this extreme pain had happened to everyone.“I knew there was something strange about you,” he continued. “There are no similar humans in this world if there
Claiming Back His Throne 48|Recovered
After cleaning myself up in the bathroom, I hurried to follow The King to the meeting room. I couldn't possibly meet people in such a shabby state. The man's invitation was surprising, but I was happy to hear their report with him. The team he'd appointed turned out to be quite a lot, five people in the room besides the two of us and an advisor. They turned at once when I entered and looked at me and The King in confusion. "Please sit down," The King said, pointing to a chair at his side. I complied by approaching the spot. "Well, please start the report." I didn't expect The King to wait until I arrived to start the meeting. I thought they had finished reporting and were discussing the next step. I felt warmth fill my chest. My father thought I needed to be here. One of the men reported on the contents of the medicine and all the potions the Queen had been taking. I recognized some of the substances they mentioned. It was amazing. The Queen survived after years of drinking poison.
Claiming Back His Throne 49|Intruders
[Cora]They quickly ran out of the building, but I took the time to go to the changing room to put on my warrior outfit. Because of my pregnancy, I wasn't allowed to shapeshift. So, I would need a shield on my body and some weapons to kill and protect myself.The mind link was bustling with commands and reports from several people regarding the current situation at the wall and the entrance to the pack. I only focused on Garrett since he was our supreme leader during Maddox's absence.I touched my stomach and silently hoped for him to be strong for my sake. 'Moon Goddess, please, protect us.'Axel wasn't here, so I had to be careful. If something happened, he wouldn't be around to speed up my recovery or avoid death. I only had Garrett and all my colleagues in this pack to look out for each other.'Do not advance to the front line, Cora,' Garret ordered through the mind link. 'You must remain in the vicinity of the settlement. Protect the elders, women, and children. I'll let you know
Claiming Back His Throne 50|Cowards
[Axel] I clawed at the palace terrace floor in pain. My whole body was churning with anger, blood boiled, knowing that someone dared to hurt my partner again. My beloved Cora. I knew our arrival here would open a chance for the enemy. But I didn’t expect Garrett and all those people could not keep their word. Everyone had failed to keep their promise to look after my Cora. My parents were also wrong to keep me here a day longer. I should have been there with my Cora. ‘Elric! Control your emotions!’ I heard the King’s voice through the mind link, but I didn’t care. ‘Cora is hurt, and I will lose her!’ I raged. ‘Don’t tell me to control my emotions!’ ‘You can’t shapeshift now! Control yourself!’ he ordered again. 'I don't care! I just want to help my Cora right now!' I let Ryder take control and shift. 'I'll be back faster with Ryder!' 'You haven't learned to control your new form yet, Son!' the man said worriedly. I felt the pain again as my whole body adjusted to Ryder's new fo
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Claiming Back His Throne Epilogue|Shift of Fate
[Axel] The messenger Father sent did not say the reason for summoning us to the palace. But hearing the word immediately, I knew I had to get the news directly from his mouth. I was sure this had nothing to do with his health or my mother. Then what was it? Many royal guards were accompanying us. Why would Father add more people to escort us? I didn't hear any bad news from any pack. The disputing Alphas promised to resolve their issues peacefully. The journey seemed too long because I couldn't wait to reach the palace. Cora was silent, busy with her thoughts. She must have been thinking the same thing as me, guessing why Father had urged us to come and see him. The King and Queen not welcoming us in front of the palace. It was the first alarming sign. The bodyguard invited me to follow him to Father's study. Cora and I followed him. Arriving on the second floor, he approached the large door and opened it for us. "Ah, welcome, Elric, Cora," Father greeted. "Thank you, Father," I
Claiming Back His Throne 65|A New Beginning
After going through a tearful goodbye, Axel and I headed to our new residence. Although it was only temporary, I had a feeling we’d be in that painful place for quite a while. Therefore, I had to brace myself and learn to accept them as new people who would live a long time with me and my little family. The two of us were silent on the way to the new pack. I was pounding in anticipation of our meeting with them while Axel remained calm. His heart was beating regularly, and his breathing was steady. Unlike me, who repeatedly let out a long sigh. Axel held my hand, breaking my reverie. “Don’t worry about our new place. They’ll accept us well.” “I kind of doubt that,” I admitted. “What if someone wants to avenge Devon by hurting us or even our children?” “Devon is not an Alpha to look up to, Baby. In a few days, you’ll believe they’re different from their former Alpha,” Axel said confidently. Hearing that, I realized one thing. Axel had been friends with Devon for a long time. Of cou
Claiming Back His Throne 64|Interruptions
I clenched my fist at the conditions he put forward. What an ignorant man. How dare he put forward terms when he was in a difficult situation. We were the ones with the upper hand. Wasn’t he afraid we could cut his head off this very second?His self-confidence made me resentful, but Axel held my hand, calming me down. My heart was beating so fast, and my breathing was ragged with anger, but he was being so calm. He should have been outraged at that sly witch’s arrogant words.“Did you not listen to what I said earlier?” the King asked calmly. “You and we have different beliefs about mates. Forget about your conditions. I propose unconditional peace because we should not let our parents’ problem create a conflict between us.”"Then the war will continue." The man's face turned red. "You are too proud of your power and beliefs to want to unite with us. Who now does not want peace among our people?""The terms you propose-" the King objected."See you later, Edmund." The man effortlessl
Claiming Back His Throne 63|Retaliation
[Cora]I knew something awful would happen. Everything ran too smoothly, which raised my suspicion. My life had never been so peaceful since I met Axel. Even a daily routine became a nightmare. It was an excellent opportunity for them to harm us on my big day.Many influential people gathered in one place was a temptation for our enemies. I didn’t know the reason for their attack. I hoped the King had prepared a defense plan for this unexpected event.I shouldn’t have to worry because everyone here is a strong man. Axel is not the only royal lycan who shapeshifts to face the enemy. Many other royal lycans had sprung up and spread out to counterattack.Nevertheless, the enemy wouldn’t be so reckless as to attack if they weren’t sure of winning. I’ve seen the proof myself. Scarlett Sky Pack was flattened to the ground. Their attack was no joke. They managed to wipe out one pack from the northern kingdom.'Mom, I know you're strong. But please enter the shelter with the others. I can't l
Claiming Back His Throne 62|The Day
She didn’t speak while I relayed the things we needed to discuss. After I finished saying everything, she was still silent. She wrinkled her forehead, a sign that she was thinking about it seriously. I knew this was a big decision.Although she was used to her job as a trainer of young wolves to become formidable warriors in their pack, I believed she could be my best companion in leadership. The Moon Goddess would not have matched us if we were not compatible.But what she would do in the future requires enormous sacrifice, especially in the transition. I didn’t want to go back there and rehash every single one of those excruciating moments. Moreover, Cora lost our baby there.That was why the King asked my parents to move out immediately. So, they didn’t have to come with me and Cora. They would refuse to stay in a place that has treated them terribly. If it wasn’t for my responsibility, I wouldn’t want to do this, either.“The King asked that you lead the Blood River Pack until the
Claiming Back His Throne 61|Responsibilities
I couldn’t sleep that night after talking to the King. The duty of leading this country was nothing compared to the special responsibility he gave me. I didn’t expect that the solution he had in mind would involve me. His offer for my foster parents to live in the capital made sense. I could lead with peace of mind if they were in a safe place, unreachable by my old or new enemies. My coronation as crown prince would cause turmoil in the witch community. But if all werewolves and royal lycans were united, they couldn’t divide us. The strength of all of us was enough to fight back if they rebelled in the future. That was why they were looking for someone like Devon to ruin the peace between us. To ease my mind, I let Ryder go for a morning run in the forest near the palace. I only stopped near the lake I'd seen with the King on my first night of shapeshifting. The view was much more beautiful near sunrise. 'We can do this,' Ryder said, reassuring me. 'You led a large pack once. So y
Claiming Back His Throne 60|Royal Family
[Axel] I didn’t expect my parents to announce my identity so soon. Gathering all the people from different parts of the world was no easy feat. No wonder they rushed back to the palace after defusing Devon’s attack on the Royal Blue Pack. They asked all the Kings to attend today. I was not ready to take on my duties as a prince. But I wouldn’t be prepared if I didn’t force myself to learn. After lunch, I did not return to the bedroom with Cora. Father requested something from the King, which he immediately granted. We headed for the dungeon, and I walked behind, allowing my second parent to get closer to the destination cell. We had no trouble figuring out where he was because since we entered, he was the only one yelling for the guards to let him go. I didn’t hear anyone protest. Perhaps there were no other prisoners in the same corridor, so they weren’t bothered by his screaming. “Looks like you enjoy your new home,” Father teased the man inside. Egor moved his head and was stu
Claiming Back His Throne 59|Gala Dinner
The King, Queen, and Alphas stood in the first row while I and the rest stood behind them. Axel was on my right, Alicia on my left. They all knew what happened, but only my entourage was clueless.When three cars entered the grounds, I knew they belonged to the royalty who must have just picked them up from the airport. They were the guests of honor. Oh my! Were the envoys from the neighboring kingdoms coming to join us?"King and Queen of the West Kingdom," the attendant announced.I turned to Axel, who frowned, equally confused. Then I glanced at Alicia, who was smiling meaningfully. I squinted at her, but she just chuckled, unwilling to open her mouth about what was going on.The King and Queen greeted their honored guests, while we just smiled and nodded our heads to them. The King took them to a side garden, so we followed as quietly as possible.I was amazed that the garden had been decorated with beautiful little lights. A round table had been neatly arranged with chairs surrou
Claiming Back His Throne 58|Not Ready
“Maddox!? What are you doing? Are you crazy!” shouted Dad as he approached him and took the knife from his hand. “What have you done?”He looked at the bodies in horror. They were lying on the floor, so I could not see them from my side. The conference table covered their bodies from my sight. Dad knelt and mourned for his best friends. My chest tightened as I witnessed my best friend doing an unexpected action.Maddox looked cold. His expression was unreadable. Could he turn mad because he lost his mate? Everything was fine yesterday until last night. He was attending the dinner and giving a speech. He didn’t show any suspicious behavior."Oh, Goddess!" Dad suddenly stood up and took a step back. His face turned pale as white as a sheet."What happened?" asked Mom and Aunt Ursula in unison. They approached Dad and looked at the floor where the bodies were. "My Goddess!" they closed their mouths with their hands, shocked."They still have my parents," Maddox declared, surprising us. H
