Bella's POV As Alpha Max and Michael made their shocking declarations, the room erupted into gasps, whispers, and murmurs. I stood there, frozen, my heart racing even faster than before. This situation just spiraled out of control beyond anything I could have imagined. I never anticipated that Alpha Max and Michael would step forward, both claiming to be the father of my unborn child.Alpha Callum, his brows furrowed in confusion, turned his gaze between the two men. "What is the meaning of this? How can both of you claim to be the father?"Alpha Max, tall and imposing, stepped forward, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "I can prove it," he said, his voice steady. "Bella and I have been together before you even found out she's your daughter and I know the child is mine."Michael, standing near the door, chimed in. "I can prove it too. Bella and I are dating."My head was spinning as their words echoed in my ears. I couldn't bear to look at
Bella's POVMy heart dropped as Alpha Callum asked the question I didn't know which answer to give. Saying the truth would only cause more problems for me. As he stared at me, waiting for my response, I noticed the usual familiar warmth I felt while he was near was gone, well not completely, but his anger surpassed it.Michael immediately stepped forward with a bow. "I'm sorry, Alpha Callum. Like I said earlier, the child is mine. A while ago, my team and I found Bella in a rough state. One thing led to another and we fell in love, then… we became intimate. A while later she told me about the pregnancy and I apologize for not telling you earlier as I was preparing to propose and officially ask for her hand in marriage before the news spread. Please forgive me…”"Stop lying, Michael," Selena commented. "You, Jessica, and I were there when Bella confirmed that a rogue is the father of her child! Why on earth are you lying to save her?" She scoffed and rolled her eyes."I am not lying,
Bella's POV"Did Alpha Callum perhaps come here before me?" I thought as I stood frozen in the dark hallway, straining to listen to the conversation taking place behind the closed door. Selena's voice was filled with guilt and desperation as she continued speaking. "I never meant for things to spiral out of control like this."I pressed my ear against the door, trying to hear more of the conversation between Selena and the other person. "You've disappointed me, Selena," l heard my father's cold voice, filled with disappointment instead of Alpha Callum's that I expected to hear. "Your reckless actions have put our family in a precarious position. Alpha Max's anger could lead to dire consequences for us all. How could you hide something this huge from me?""I didn't know Alpha Liam or whatever he's called would announce Bella's pregnancy. I didn't even imagine Alpha Max and Michael claiming to be the father," Selena voiced out, her voice trembling. "I thought it…""It's not about what
Bella's POVI gasped and looked up, my vision still swimming with confusion and fear. Luckily, it wasn't my father and I took a breath of relief. "Alpha Callum," I stammered, my voice trembling. "I... I took a wrong turn. I was just trying to find my way out."My words sounded feeble, even to my own ears, as I fought to keep my composure. The continuous waves of nausea threatened to overwhelm me, and I knew I needed to find a restroom immediately.Alpha Callum's brows furrowed in response, his expression shifting from surprise to suspicion. "You look pale, Bella. Are you alright?"I bit my lip, my mind racing for a plausible excuse. "I... I think it's just the stress of recent events, Alpha. I'll be fine once I get some fresh air." I answered and retched again, covering my mouth, knowing I couldn't hold it in anymore, and immediately, he understood what I was going through so with a hand on my back, he guided me out and into his office. Without warning, I dashed towards the toilet,
Bella's POVI took a deep breath and forced a smile, my mind racing to find a way out of this difficult situation. "I do, Dad," I replied, feigning a sense of gratitude. "I just…" I hissed a little. "I have a sudden cramp in my stomach. It's been bothering me all day…"Michael's concerned gaze shifted from my face to the glass in his hand, and then back to me. "Bella," he called, taking the glass from my hand and onto the table. "Maybe you shouldn't drink it if you're not feeling well," he suggested.My father's smile remained fixed, but there was a glint of annoyance in his eyes that didn't go unnoticed. "Nonsense, Bella. It's just a small gesture of reconciliation. You should drink it. Or are you still angry because of my outburst?"I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew I couldn't risk taking a sip of that drink."No Dad, I'm not angry…" I said the truth because deep down, I was disgusted. "I don't want to spoil the moment with my cramps. Maybe later, after I've seen th
Bella's POV I quickly folded the paper I had been working on, concealing it in my palm, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to maintain my composure. "Oh, just some schoolwork," I replied, my voice wavering slightly as I forced a nervous smile. "You know how it is, assignments and all." Selena's eyes narrowed, and she reached out to grab the paper from my hand. "Let me see that," she demanded, her tone sharp. Panic surged through me as I tried to think of a way to divert her attention. "Selena, it's really not that interesting," I stammered, taking a step back. But Selena was relentless. With a swift motion, she snatched the folded paper from my hand and unfolded it. Her eyes scanned the paper, and her expression shifted from anger to confusion. "What on earth is this, Bella?" she asked, staring at me and the paper in confusion. I didn't reply, just leaning on the table and looking in at her straight in the eye. "A fucking baby naming list?" She scoffed at me. "With ever
Bella's POV "Fine. I'll help you." Alpha Max answered and my lips curved into a smile. "But can you let me know why on earth you think you and the baby are in danger in your parent's pack? It sounds unbelievable!" He commented. "If you want the truth, you have to prove to me that you're a trustworthy ally first. You can start by giving me information…" I suggested. "You want me to prove myself? He asked in disbelief. Seeing as I didn't reply and my face remained serious, he commented, "Wow! You're different." "Different? How? Do you mean I have become meaner?" I couldn't help but ask. He shook his head. "No, not meaner. I'll call it growth. It is charming and I like it. I'm more than happy to prove myself to my mate." Hearing the word mate made my heart beat faster and I couldn't deny the warmth that filled me as he emphasized the word 'mate.' "Stop playing around," I warned, wanting us to stick to the alliance only. "I need you to investigate a Nurse, Michael, and the whole fam
Bella's POVMy hands shook as I stared at the image on my phone, disbelief and shock washing over me. The younger version of Michael, standing solemnly at that grave, sent a chill down my spine. It was undeniable proof that there was a connection between them and if I was seeing properly, she was his mother.As I pondered the implications of this revelation, my phone buzzed again. Another message from Alpha Max appeared on the screen."We need to discuss this further. Where are we meeting?"I hesitated for a moment, contemplating where to see him so that it would be private enough."Is the training grounds a good idea?" My phone buzzed again.Knowing Michael wouldn't be there today, I quickly typed my confirmation and hit send."Alright. I'll be there."In haste, I got ready and made my way to the training grounds.As I reached the center of the training grounds, Alpha Max emerged from the shadows. He nodded as I approached, his eyes scanning the area to ensure our privacy."Are you o
~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