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
Bella's POVI watched in the shadows as Michael's footsteps grew nearer, panic gnawing at my insides. I couldn't let him discover me eavesdropping on his conversation with Selena, especially after what I just learned.His voice was closer now, and I could hear the faint rustling of leaves as he approached. My heart pounded in my chest, and my mind raced for an escape plan, but there was nowhere to hide."Who's there?" Michael's voice sliced through the still night air, sending a shiver down my spine. I remained silent, hoping against hope that he wouldn't find me.His footsteps halted just a few feet away from me. I could feel his presence, his scent, and I knew that any sudden movement could give me away. My fingers trembled, clutching my phone tightly, praying it didn't ring or vibrate again.Seconds passed like hours, the tension in the air was almost unbearable. I prayed that he would give up and move on, but my luck seemed to be running out.Then, with an exasperated sigh, Michae
Bella's POV "Where's Selena?" I stylishly asked her maids and once they confirmed she wasn't around, I made my way to Selena's room. The morning sun was starting to cast its gentle glow upon the palace, but the corridors were still mostly empty. I had to seize this opportunity before Selena returned and possibly discovered my intentions.As I reached Selena's door, I paused for a moment, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. The gravity of my mission weighed on me, but I knew I had to find out what was hidden inside that envelope. I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves, looked left then right, and then I gently turned the doorknob.The door creaked open, and I slipped into Selena's room, closing it quietly behind me. My eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of the brown envelope. It didn't take long to spot it, resting on a small, ornate desk by the window. It seemed Selena hadn't yet had the chance to hide it away. Or maybe she planned on giving it to Michael today.I ap
Bella's P As they entered, they looked around for a moment. Suddenly, one of the men spoke in a hushed tone, "Is it ready?" Another voice, deeper and more authoritative, replied, "Yes, it's time. Let's release the gas and get out of here." Gas? My heart pounded even faster as I realized the danger I was in. They were planning to release some kind of gas in Alpha Max's room, and I was trapped inside! Frantic thoughts raced through my mind. I needed to escape before they released the gas, but I couldn't risk making a sound. My only chance was to wait until they left and then find a way out. Minutes felt like hours as I crouched in the dark, listening to their muffled conversation and the faint sound of their movements. Finally, I heard the door open and then close. They were gone. I couldn't waste any more time. I had to get out of there before the gas spread. With trembling hands, I covered my nose and mouth then I carefully cracked open the door and peered out into the corridor.
Bella's POV I stared at Selena in surprise as she stormed into my room. Her face was flushed with anger, and she looked like she was on the verge of exploding. I had never seen her like this before, and it sent a shiver down my spine. "What's going on, Selena?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite my own confusion and unease. She didn't waste any time. Her eyes bore into mine as she said, "Bella, we need to talk about your marriage with Michael." I furrowed my brow, not sure where this was coming from. "What about it?" Selena took a deep breath as if preparing herself for what she was about to say. "I have proof, Bella. Proof that you have been unfaithful to Michael." My heart sank at her words. "Me? What proof do you have?" Selena reached into her purse and pulled out a small envelope. She gave me a picture and I turned it around with trembling hands. My eyes widened in shock as I saw the image captured in the photo. It was a picture of Alpha Max and me, standing cl
Bella's POV "Dad, this is Jessica. She's going to help us in taking Bella and Michael apart." Selena informed her father after a nudge from Jessica. "Why? Why is she helping us? What's in it for her?" he asked. "Because of Bella. She lost Alpha Max so she wants to see Bella suffer. I told her Bella would get married to someone else. That way, Alpha Max can't get her either." Selena answered. "Then why are we here?" "She has some questions to ask and I felt it'd be better to answer them so we can get rid of Bella faster." "Yes, Beta Desmond. I just need the truth so I'll know what to do to help. But if you don't trust me, I'll take my resources and leave," Jessica added, pouring herself a drink. The Beta still didn't say anything so Jessica turned around to leave but Selena stopped her. "No wait! We'll tell you our part of the truth!" Selena answered Jessica and my racing heart calmed down a bit. "Isabella is Alpha Callum's daughter!" "Wait what?" Jessica shouted, shocked. "
Bella's POV The whole room fell into silence once more and Alpha Callum cleared his throat. "If you aren't as dumb as me, you should know the person who switched you at birth would try to cover his tracks!" With that he stormed out of the hall, leaving all eyes on Beta Desmond."Why are you staring at me? Yes, the lady died because she couldn't keep her mouth shut. If you all love yourself, you'll keep that secret within the family unless all of us are going down!"With anger in his eyes, he stormed out of the room with Selena and his wife by his side and the tension remained thick in the air. Alpha Max, Luna Irene, and I were left standing there, still in shock from the revelations that just unfolded. My emotions were a mix of anger, confusion, and hurt. I couldn't believe that my own father admitted it all and didn't even feel bad for one second.I couldn't hold back the tears any longer, and they streamed down my cheeks as I sank to the floor, my knees giving way. I sobbed uncontr
~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