Bella's POV "I'm afraid Max has left the gathering," Alpha Henry said to us with a smile and my insides turned. It was a whirlwind of emotions, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Essie and I exchanged determined glances, knowing that this was the moment we had been waiting for. "Lead the way, Dad. We need to see him," Essie said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. We followed Alpha Henry through the darkened woods, guided only by the dim moonlight filtering through the trees. Every step brought us closer to the truth, but it also deepened the mystery surrounding Max's reappearance. As we approached the bustling area of the pack, the scent of the familiar woods and the distant sounds of the pack members going about their nightly routines enveloped us. It was a stark contrast to the unfamiliar world I was living in for weeks. Alpha Henry led us to a modest, well-concealed house nestled deep within the forest. My heart clenched as I s
Bella's POVI shot back, my voice trembling with anger and fear. "I'm not going anywhere with you, Louis."He took a step closer, his body language oozing arrogance. "Oh, I think you are, Bella. You see, we've got some unfinished business, you and I.""What unfinished business? You saw me in pain and left me to die! Why should I follow you back? So you can finally kill me like you planned?" I retorted."If you know what's best for you and that bastard inside of you, come with me before Mother Irene finds out you're gone!" He warned."Why? So you both can kill me?" I shouted. "I'm not coming with you!""Kill you?" Louis laughed out. "If we wanted to kill you, we'd have done that a very long time ago, bitch! Now shut up and let's go before she finds out you're gone!" "Fuck off, Luois!" Essie growled, protecting me from Louis and the men who were coming closer."Fuck off? Me? Who the fuck are you to tell me to leave? Step aside. Bella is coming with me!" Louis snapped back but Essie did
Bella's POVI felt like the ground crumbled beneath me, leaving me suspended in a world of uncertainty. "Not my mother? Someone else?" I choked on the words, unable to comprehend the enormity of what Essie was revealing.She nodded, her teary eyes never leaving mine. "No, Bella. It wasn't."I felt a surge of anger and betrayal that I couldn't contain any longer. My voice trembled as I demanded, "Then who was it, Essie? Who was speaking to Louis in that room?" My grip on the armrests of my wheelchair tightened, my knuckles turning white.Essie hesitated, tears staining her cheeks as she tried to find the words to explain herself. "It was a random woman… As I looked into her, I noticed she was sent by the Silver Brothers. It had nothing to do with Luna Irene."My mind raced, trying to process this revelation. "Silver Brothers?" I mumbled, trying to figure out where I saw or heard that name before. A million questions surged through my thoughts, but one overpowering emotion took hold, b
Bella's POV"He did not just say that!" I whispered as my whole being went into shock at his words.My heart felt like it was being torn apart as I eavesdropped on the heated exchange above. The revelations were coming one after another, each more painful than the last. I couldn't believe what I had just heard from Alpha Max's mouth. It was as if a dagger had been plunged into my chest multiple times, twisting and turning, leaving me breathless.My vision blurred as tears streamed down my face. I couldn't comprehend the cruelty of his words. Despite all the things he put me through in the past, I forgave him and thought that Max was the one person I could rely on, the one who would protect me no matter what. But here he was, ready to sacrifice me and our unborn child for the sake of his father's pack. It means if it was his pack, he'd do more than that in a heartbeat! Men!!!!!"Oh heavens," I whispered, clutching my stomach as I had never felt so alone, so betrayed in my entire life.
Bella's POV "Dead body?" Two voices asked at the same time, one in my head and the other being Essie's. "What for? The plan is to run away…right?" I took a deep breath. "Yes, the plan is to go somewhere else. Away from my family who wants me dead for some unknown reason. And since they want me dead, let them think I'm dead… I don't want to be running all my life. If they think I'm dead, they'll forget about me, I think." I explained and she responded with an "Oh.""How do you want to do that?" Essie finally asked and I was at a loss for words. It was just an in-the-moment idea that seemed good, at least to me."I don't know… But we need it to be believable, even to Max.""I don't think we can plan that in," she checked her watch. "...less than twenty-four hours. Any other ideas…"I shook my head. "Unless you have something to put them off my trail."Essie nodded. "Alright, Bella, we'll work something out. First, let's focus on getting you to a safe place. I've already found a few op
Bella's POVThe ride to Starfall City took roughly twelve hours. I was going to the other side of our world after all, far away from those who want me gone. "We'll be arriving at the Starfall station in a couple of minutes," the last sentence came out of the train announcement system and I sighed in relief, happy this ride was coming to an end. Finally arriving at the Starfall City train station, the train stopped. With multiple deep breaths, I gritted my teeth, struggling to stand up. The rush of the people out of the train didn't help my condition as my legs would often give out, causing me to fall back to my chair. After a few unlucky and painful tries, I finally got my legs to support the baby and then I gathered my belongings, making my way out to find a cab.The twelve-hour ride gave me enough time to plan myself for the day. First, I had to go for a check-up. I have stressed the baby and my legs this past twenty-four hours so I need to make sure they are okay. After making su
Bella's POV"What problem?" I voice out my and Dessa's concerns, my voice shaking slightly.The receptionist sighed, clearly reluctant to deliver the news. "It appears that you're not a resident of Starfall City or anywhere around, and we have a policy that non-residents need to pay an additional fee before renting any of our apartments."My heart sank as I processed the information. But I didn't think much about it. I had the money so all I had to do was send the money. It couldn't be that much, or so I thought. "How much is the fee?"She glanced at her computer screen and then back at me, her expression unwavering. "It differs but for you, it's $1,000, Miss Isabelle."A thousand dollars?! Is this a joke? I was frozen for a moment but to avoid looking like a fool, I took out my wallet and started counting the cash I had left. It was nowhere near enough."I... I don't have that much money," I stammered. "Is there any way to waive the fee?""No ma'am. I'm afraid that's not possible…" s
Bella's POVKnowing all my efforts to speak with the men would be useless, I sat in the cramped police van, my cheek stinging from the force of the officer's slap. "If I knew this was how they treated people here, I wouldn't have come here," I sighed and earned an eye roll from my wolf who was clearly angry at me for putting us in this situation.The van jerked to a stop at the police station, and the officers roughly escorted us out. We were ushered into a dimly lit, dingy holding cell. The cold, hard floor sent shivers through my body, and I clutched my crutches tightly. For the first time in my life, I'd be sleeping in my cell, wouldn't I?A police officer on duty approached the cell bars, his stern expression making it clear that he wasn't in the mood for explanations. "You'll be sorted out later. Sit tight," he grumbled before walking away.I glanced around the cell, seeing the unbothered women chewing gum loudly. They weren't moody like you'd think. It was like they were in a s
~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