Bella's POVImmediately those words “let's get married,” left my mouth, Max became speechless. “Did you hit your head somewhere, love?” He asked and I pouted again. “Obviously, not. “Then why would you suggest that? Or do you love me already?” He questioned playfully.“It's just my idea. I mean if we act as a couple, we don't have to do anything even if your father tries to use it as blackmail.“What about your family? And your pack? Are you ready for the attention that comes with it? And the fact that our enemies might even triple?”I took a deep breath before answering. “We can't continue to hide forever, Max. And I plan on using the popularity to our advantage rather than to our disadvantage. If we remain separated, it'll be easy for them to overpower us. But if we were together, it wouldn't be hard for us.”Max studied me for a moment, his deep eyes searching for any signs of hesitation or doubt. I met his gaze, letting him know if he had a better idea.“You're serious about thi
Bella's POV “Aunty?” I asked Max in through mind link but didn't receive a response, he just stared at her like she was a monster or something. “Our apologies,” I began softly, going to meet her. “Welcome aunty,” I greeted with a smile, asking her to seat then asking if she's had anything to drink yet. Max even asked me why I was being weirdly nice to her and I just told him, in this life, there are people you have to mellow down for just so you can have your way in life and with the few seconds of introduction she gave, she fitted into that category well. Understanding my explanation, Max's demeanor softened a bit but it wasn't still as welcoming and I just told him not to bother as I was here to compliment him in the places he was lacking. After making sure she was comfortable, that was when I finally looked around and found the room, well my room. I guess they didn't believe the marriage could be real huh… “Well, is it? Even me, your wolf can't understand what exactly you're t
Bella's POV The next fifteen minutes were a whirlwind of preparations. Aunty and I helped Max get ready, choosing an outfit that conveyed strength and composure. As we stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the details, Max's eyes met mine. "Thanks for being here and suggesting this," he whispered, and I simply nodded, knowing that our unity was our greatest strength. When the media finally arrived, the room buzzed with energy. Cameras flashed, questions were thrown like arrows, and Max's stoic demeanor faced the scrutiny of the public eye. Aunty, ever the composed presence, stood beside him, a pillar of support. As the barrage of questions continued, I stood by Max's side, my hand intertwined with his, offering silent reassurance. The room felt like a pressure cooker, each moment intensifying the weight on our shoulders. In the midst of the chaos, Aunty stepped forward, gracefully deflecting some of the inquiries. Her calm and collected responses showcased a level of diplomacy t
Bella'S POV Ever since the media visits, our phones have been blowing up as people, especially those who thought we were dead, kept on calling to confirm what they saw or heard. Even Peron's parents and their puppets weren't exempted. As the evening settled, Max and I were still in the midst of sorting out Selena and what she wanted when we were interrupted once again, this time in the form of insistent knocks on the door. I exchanged a puzzled look with Max as we made our way to the entrance. Opening the door, we were met with a family of three. It was mother, father, and a young woman, who greeted us with smiles and gifts in hand. "Alpha Max, Miss, we come with joyous news," the father proclaimed, his enthusiasm contrasting sharply with the bewildered expressions on Max's and my faces. Max raised an eyebrow, clearly perplexed. "And what news is that?" The mother stepped forward, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Our families, blessed by fate, had arranged for a union between
Bellas POV I nodded, maintaining a respectful demeanor. If he wanted a favor, I could use it as a way to make him back off and probably help mend his relationship with Max, well that is if he was ready to mend it. "Of course, Alpha Henry. As long as it is not my son, what do you need from me?" He sighed, a weariness in his eyes. "It's about Essie. She's been away for too long. I want her to come back home." "Why?" Was my first question. "I need someone to take over after me. You have successfully, convinced Max to not want to return to his family so I have to go through her," he answered and I rolled my eyes, seeing that he was trying to use the blackmail method on me. "Alpha Henry, first of all, I did nothing to influence your relationship with Max. Demanding our son, led you to where you are. As for the favor your want, you know I can't force someone to do something they don't want to. Especially not Essie. Essie is an adult, and she makes her own choices." He leaned in, his
Bella's POV "Aunty Valerie," I spoke urgently, my voice carrying a hint of desperation. "It's Bella. The pack is under attack, and Max is to hurt to engage in battle. We don't know the details, but it's bad." Bella, my dear, don't worry. Help is on the way. I have contacts who can assist. Max just needs to hold on and trust his instincts." Relief flooded through me at her words. "Thank you, aunty. We appreciate any help we can get." Aunty Valerie's tone turned serious. "Bella, you stay by Max's side. They would want to hurt him so they can weaken the pack, let me make a few calls, and I'll ensure support arrives soon." As I ended the call, Max looked at me, a mix of concern and determination in his eyes. "What did she say?" "Help is on the way," I reassured him. "Aunty Valerie has connections. We just need to hold on until reinforcements arrive." Max nodded, his gaze hardening and although I didn't hear him say it, I knew he was cursing the heaven's for the kind of father he had
Bella’s POV Suddenly, Aunty Valerie appeared, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos around us. "Max, Bella, is everything well?" she inquired, her eyes scanning our expressions. I exchanged a glance with Max, unsure of how much we should reveal. "We're fine, aunty. The immediate threat has been neutralized," Max replied, his voice guarded. Aunty Valerie's gaze lingered on Max's wheelchair, her expression thoughtful. "Max, dear, why are you still in a wheelchair? You know Bella has the ability to accelerate healing. It would speed up your recovery." I felt a pang of confusion. Aunty Valerie knew about something I could do to help Max? I turned to Max, silently questioning him. His expression tightened, a subtle signal for me not to delve into that topic. Max spoke, deflecting the attention. "I appreciate your concern, Valerie. We have our reasons. Bella and I will manage." Aunty Valerie raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Very well, if you say so. But I
Bella’s POV I felt my face instantly turn crimson, and I could almost hear my own heart pounding in my ears. The unexpected word took me by surprise, and I stuttered for a moment before regaining my composure. "Max, are you sure?" I asked, my cheeks still tinged with embarrassment. He grinned mischievously. "It's a part of the healing process, love. It is one of the mysteries of being mates. AuntyValerie would have eventually told you. It accelerates the healing." My mind raced as I processed this new information. Aunty Valerie's reluctance to discuss this aspect suddenly made sense, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and nervousness. "Just give me a moment," I replied, needing a brief pause to collect my thoughts and he just chuckled, giving me a peck. "No need to worry, my love. You dont have to do it. I'll heal just fine." He assured, caressing my hands despite the looks and gossips we got from others. As Max and I were about to stand, ready to leave the venue,
~Isabella~ A few months later… “Max stop. We're going to be late for our own ceremony!” I begged, feeling a fire being ignited inside of me. “They should understand that their Alpha and Luna need some intimate time,” he responded, still planting kisses on every part of me that was bare. “Isn't that what the honeymoon is for? And again, we have a lot of time to have sex, why are you rushing?” I chuckled, closing my eyes as I felt him suck at a particular spot, a hickey already in the making. “Yes, according to her, we do have a lot of time to spend together now that we are forever bonded. But trust me, what you'd witness at our honeymoon or in the future is little compared to this,” he chuckled, and stopped, now standing behind me, making me feel how hard he is for me. “It's been so hard to control myself from having you, Isa. So get ready, tonight, you're mine to devour, your legs are to tremble and ache for me. Your lips are to pleasure me and your vocal cords, to sing my name o
Alpha Max’s POVI didn't know how long I was out but I found myself pushed to the bare ground by the water current. I opened my eyes, scanning my surroundings to know if I was in the afterlife or the mortal realm, and to my surprise, I was in the mortal realm.Did she not take my life to save Bella's?“Moon goddess?” I called out over and over again but no response was heard and it broke my heart to see that she deceived me. “At least she gave me a few moments to spend with my mate,” I sighed, grabbing myself up, changing into my wolf then dashing to the woods till I arrived at the hospital in my soaked attire.Arriving at Bella's room, I sat beside her, grabbing her hands and caressing them slowly. “I'd give my life for you, Bella. I just don't know why she wouldn't take it,” I sobbed, crying on my mate's hand. “Please don't leave me. I really can't do this without you,” I begged, silently praying to the Moon Goddess to also perform a miracle but I waited for five minutes, ten minu
Alpha Max's POV“You lied, didn't you?!” I growled, squeezing his jaw with so much intensity I could feel him straining to break free to avoid having a broken jaw. “She's getting worse!” I spat, tossing his head back, not caring if it hit the tree or not.“Alpha I swear! I didn't think she'd be injected with the real poison! I wouldn't dare hurt the Luna, please, believe me!” Jake begged but all for what? All his begs would not bring my Bella back, would it?“Don't bother begging me. Consider your title withdrawn and from now on, you and your whole generation are…” I was cut off by my wolf's painful tone which almost made me bend over and clench my heart in agony.“She's slipping away, Max,” he whispered. “We can't lose her. Not again,” he begged and despite my calm demeanor, sweats were forming on my forehead. I immediately knew science was useless at this point, and I had to find another way to save my mate.“I'll deal with you later,” I hissed at Jake and ordered some of my men to
Alpha Max's POV “Bella don't,” I quickly warned, my gaze fixed on Jake and Cayden. No matter how I tried to reach him through the mind link, I couldn't. It was like there was a barrier or something. Instead, I requested backup from my men and they reassured me that they would come here soon. “I'll inject myself instead,” I proposed but Luna Irene just shook her head and then chuckled lightly. “It's Bella I want… not you,” she said and motioned to the syringe on the floor. “The pain you’d feel from losing your beloved mate is enough for me,” she added then faced Bella. “Pick it up, Bella,” she said and Bella nodded, bending down and then picking it up. “Luna Irene please,” I started begging. “Don't do this.” I pleaded but it all fell on deaf ears. “If you're trying to stall, know that the timer is ticking,” she chuckled, and it only intensified the pain Bella and I felt since we were already connected. Even Alpha Callum, in his weakened, stroke-like state, could only beg and sh
Bella's POV As he left the room, I exchanged a worried glance with Max, who seemed to share my concerns about what lay ahead. "I'll handle Louis," Max assured, and I helped him to the bed. Together, we made calls to Peron and his men. We told Peron to be watchful as Louis might vent his anger on anyone or anything and he wasn't exempted. After that, we told the men to watch Louis and hold him if he tried anything stupid. Once we were done, I heard Max wince and although it was faint, my heart still broke knowing he was in pain because of me. Like that wasn't enough, I noticed his shirt was stained with blood and that only meant one thing, his wounds reopened once again because of me. “Max,” I began to sob, seeing him trying to fight the pain. “Let me call the doctor,” I sobbed, about to leave but Dessa stopped me. “There's little the doctor can do, Bella. They need us. His wolf needs us,” she pleaded and I just remained there like a statue. Although I knew it might happen soon,
Bella's POV Seeing as he was still alive, I called some men. "Take Alpha Callum to the hospital. He needs medical attention." “Yes Luna,” they chanted, taking both my parents away. "You did what you had to do, Bella,” Max coaxed, patting my back and I just wrapped my hands around him.. “I'm sorry,” I cried, apologizing because he almost died, and lost his father because of me. “I'm sorry.” Max, his strength unwavering despite the pain, gently lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "You don't have to apologize, Bella. You saved us. I'm grateful that it's finally over and we know the real truth." The mixture of gratitude and concern in Max's eyes offered a reassuring anchor amid the storm of emotions I was facing in me. "Get yourself together. Think about our son, Cayden. He needs his mom," Max urged. Nodding through tears, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead. Cayden's innocent face flashed in my mind, a reminder that the fight was not just for me
Bella's POV Max, blood staining his side from the earlier gunshot, stood defiant. "I won't let you harm her, Irene." "Shut up!" She fired at him when we weren't looking. "I'll kill her and there's nothing you,.or anyone would do about it. This foolish girl ruined my life." "Irene stop," I heard Alpha Callum grunt but she wasn't having it. Finally, she spoke, her voice a haunting whisper. "You want to know why, don't you?" Luna Irene's gaze shifted to all those present, her words a chilling revelation. "The truth behind the years of deception and hatred." Max, though injured, stood firm, urging her to reveal the hidden layers of her torment. Luna Irene took a deep breath, as if preparing to expose the deepest recesses of her soul. "It started long before Isabella was born," she began, her eyes reflecting the pain of a buried past. "I was to be mated to another Alpha, the man I loved, the man who stole my heart. But then, circumstances changed." Luna Irene's narrative unfolded lik
Bella's POV “Bella run,” he choked, with blood all over but I was too shocked to move an inch. Did my mom just try to kill me? All of a sudden, Max and his men rushed in, some went to my dad, and some went to my mom, who was still trying to reach her gun. “What's going on?” My voice broke as I tried to comprehend what was happening. “That was a mistake right? She tried to shoot him instead, right?” I asked, wanting to rush to my mother but Max stopped me, holding me tight, and I immediately burst into tears. “It's a lie! She wouldn't have! She loves me! My mother wouldn't do that!” I yelled crying and hitting Max's chest to let me go and help my mother. “You can't die now, Irene,” I heard my father's voice and I turned around to see him, removing the bullet in her. “She has to know the truth! Bella has to.” He coughed. The world blurred as Max held me firmly, restraining my desperate attempt to reach my mother. Tears streamed down my face, blurring the image of Luna Irene lying
Bella's POV The hospital room was a sterile cocoon, isolating us from the outside world. Luna Irene, weakened but resilient, squeezed my hands in acknowledgment of the pact we had just made. As the doctor approached, gently urging us to give her some time to rest, Max and I exchanged a knowing glance. "We'll be outside," Max said, standing up and gesturing for me to follow him. Once in the hallway, away from prying ears, Max spoke first. "Bella, I think your mother is right. Callum won't stop until he gets what he wants. We need to plan carefully." My mind raced with conflicting thoughts, torn between the values I held and the harsh reality that demanded action. "I can't believe it has come to this," I murmured, more to myself than to Max. He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Sometimes, circumstances force us to make choices we never thought we'd face. It doesn't define who we are; it's about survival." I nodded, absorbing his words. "We need to act fast, Max. Every momen