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
Bella's POV"Why are you asking?" "I figured no one ever told me the story about it and with the baby coming, I really want to know… but if you don't want to talk about it, I understand…" I answered, acting sad."No dear, it's not that," she said as her smile returned. She set the papers aside, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them together. "It all began twenty years ago. Luna Irene and I got pregnant around the same period, but her delivery date was earlier than mine. Unfortunately, she had complications so she didn't deliver until a few days later, which was when I was in labor. Luna Irene gave birth first, then you came later, twelve hours later."Oh," I nodded, letting her words sink in. "I remember those days vividly," my mother continued, her eyes distant as if she were reliving the past. "After you and Selena were born, we were filled with joy. A few days later, it was time for your immunizations…"I leaned in closer, my curiosity piqued, sensing that it was abou
Bella's POVI stood there frozen, my heart pounding in my chest as I eavesdropped on Michael's father's angry words. The revelation hit me like a thunderbolt. I always suspected a connection to the nurse's death, but hearing it right now, confirmed in such a dramatic manner, that left me shaken to the core.I pressed my ear closer to the door, desperate to hear more of the conversation."You're being unreasonable," a woman's voice responded. "The girl was young and we don't even know if it had nothing to do with what happened to your late wife. Blaming the poor girl won't bring her back.""Lies! If not for the birth of that girl, my wife would still be alive!" He roared."So you regret remarrying me then?" She retorted and I could feel the anger in her voice.Just before he could reply, I heard another door open and then Michael joined the conversation. I was relieved, thinking he would calm them down and I could finally greet them. "Enough you two," I heard him say and the whole roo
Bella's POV"Who is she?" I mumbled before I felt Luna Irene's hand on my shoulder. She noticed my hesitation and leaned in to whisper, "Is everything all right, dear? You seem a bit pale.""Pale? No aunt, I'm fine. I just can't believe this is actually happening," I chuckled, looking at everyone at the table while trying to shake off the unsettling feeling. "What a shy bride,” Luna Irene teased before guiding me to the table where both families were already seated. "Is that our bride?" I heard Michael's father ask, as he stood up and pulled me into a hug. "Such a pretty lady," he complimented me then gave Michael a wink."Good evening, Father. Good evening, Mother," I greeted Michael's parents with all the respect I could muster. After the greetings, I proceeded to my seat, ready to get this dinner over with. A few minutes ago, I was excited about it, but now, I could only shake my head in disgust. The dinner started, but I found it difficult to concentrate on the food, just conve
Bella's POVI was trapped in the arms of this mysterious person, my heart pounding in my chest. Their grip on me was firm, and I couldn't break free. Panic welled up inside me as I realized the gravity of the situation. Who is he? One of the Beta's men? Will he take me to him? What will happen if the Beta finds out I listened to his conversation? Whoever they were, they were involved in something sinister, and I knew I had to stay calm if I wanted to leave here alive.With every ounce of self-control, I ceased my struggles and forced myself to listen to the hushed conversation between the Beta and this stranger.The words exchanged were chilling. They were discussing a plan to shed blood if all went bad, and it all sent shivers down my spine. I had to find out more, gather evidence, and expose the truth. But first, I needed to survive this encounter.Before I knew it the both of them went their separate ways and my mind raced knowing this stranger would probably take me to the Beta
Bella's POV"What are you doing?" I stammered.Max's intense gaze locked onto mine, and his voice dropped to a low, husky whisper. "Bella," he murmured, "I can't help but feel a primal urge to mark you right here, right now." His lips brushed against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.I gasped softly, my heart pounding in my chest. "Max, not now," I managed to breathe out.He pulled away slightly, his lips hovering just inches from mine. "Calm down, mate. I won't do it now. We have a business to do." He assured me, his eye color going back to normal. "So what's the plan bride to be?" He teased me and I frowned."Don't call me that! I'm only getting married to save the baby.""Indeed," came his sarcastic response and I rolled my eyes. "Anyways, I noticed Alpha Callum doesn't want to confront the Beta or Selena despite knowing they are doing something fishy. The reason baffles me. He… he acts like an…""Like an idiot?" He asked and I gave him a side eye."I don't know why he acts
Bella's POVI took a step back, my heart pounding in my chest as I listened to their conversation. Soon I heard footsteps approaching so I went back to the kitchen, stylishly peeping at the door.Just like I suspected, Selena walked out of the room, a confident smile on her face. In her thoughts, she already has a plan to get Michael away from me. But how would that help them in securing the Alpha throne? Wouldn't it be pushing me to Alpha Max instead? What is their plan exactly?Just as I was lost trying to decipher the motive behind my father and Selena's actions, Dessa called my attention to something."Bella, look. The double-edged sword is coming," she announced, referring to Michael, who stormed out of Jessica's guest receiving room with a frown and a phone in his ear.Didn't he go home with his parents earlier? I couldn't help but think. Why did he come here again? It seemed the phone call couldn't connect so he groaned in frustration. He looked left, then right and I could see
~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