Bella's POVAs I stood there, the man's lingering gaze made me feel increasingly uncomfortable. His demeanor was icy, and his words sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by "big plans." Without giving me a chance to ask any questions, he turned and walked away, leaving me with a sense of unease. I watched him as he disappeared into the depths of the hotel, and then I exhaled a shaky breath.Ms. Chen, who seemed to observe the whole encounter from a distance, approached me with concern and suspicion in her eyes. "What was that man talking to you about?"My smile returned immediately. "Nothing much, he was just welcoming me," I answered not knowing if I should mention the part where he mentioned family. I wouldn't want her to think I'm stealing their customers or something."Hmm. Okay. Just focus on your work." She turned around and left me to concentrate on my duties. However, the encounter with the mysterious man lingered in my thoughts.The day passed
Bella's POV"Don't yell at me, woman! I did what was necessary," Mr. Dave responded calmly. "Do you think not giving her a salary will make her stay? The girl probably looking for ways to get money to take care of herself. For this plan to work, we need her to trust us. As far as I'm concerned, this was the right move to ensure her cooperation."Trust them? Cooperation for what? My mind was flooded with questions, and I couldn't resist lingering just outside the office door.Lady Lee's voice grew even more agitated. "Look, Dave. We can't afford any missteps. If we lose Belle, we lose everything we worked for over the years."I strained to hear every word, my anxiety mounting. As I listened, my thoughts were a jumble of possibilities. Were they running some kind of scheme that involved me? When did they start? How many people were involved in it? Oh Moon Goddess, what have I unwittingly gotten myself into now?Mr. Dave spoke again, his tone measured. "Trust me, Lee, this was a calcula
Bella's POV"Is that a male voice?" I mumbled as my heart thudded in my chest, the blood rushing in my ears as I realized I had been discovered by someone I didn't know. That voice belonged to a man and no, it wasn't Mr Dave's. "I'm waiting…” I heard the deep male voice again and I knew there was no use hiding any longer, and I knew I had to face the consequences of my actions. With trembling hands, I slowly pushed open the door, revealing myself to the mysterious figure.A tall, stern-looking man with a nose mask covering half of his face stood before me, and I gulped hard knowing he wasn't someone from the hotel."Who are you?" I managed to stutter, my voice barely above a whisper.He regarded me with a penetrating gaze, as though trying to unravel my thoughts with just a look. "Who am I? I should be asking you the same question young lady…""No. I live here and you don't, so if anyone is supposed to ask questions, it's me. Who are you? And what are you doing here?" "Oh really. If
Bella's POV Immediately I got in, Max's scent hit me. Ignoring the guy's question, I looked around thinking maybe Max was miraculously in here somewhere but there was nothing. Rosa's nudge brought me back to the present. "Um, yes," I managed to reply, my heart thumping loudly in my chest as I took in another breath. Rosa's boyfriend? That's why she wasn't in the room last night. But then, who was the other guy? And why is Max's scent lingering in here? Especially on Rosa's boyfriend? As if sensing my unease, Rosa chuckled softly and gestured towards the other man. "And this is Peron, Tyler's best friend." I forced a smile, my mind racing to process the sudden turn of events. I couldn't even think of what to say because I didn't know if this Tyler guy told them about what happened yesterday or not. "Nice to meet you both," I said, trying to sound composed despite the flurry of emotions inside me. Peron gave me a warm smile, "Likewise, Isabelle. I've heard a lot about you from Rosa
Bella's POV With a gulp, I turned around to see Tyler, and my fear was replaced with suspicion. Why am I inhaling Max's scent from him? And shouldn't he be with Rosa? He grabbed me and led me away from the restroom and out the back door. "Did you tell Rosa about meeting me in Lady Lee's office?" "No, I didn't mention it. Why? Is there a problem?" "No problem, just wanted to make sure. We'll talk later." "What do you mean by we'll talk later? Can't we talk now?" I asked, desperately waiting for an opening to ask why he had mixed scents. "I'd love to but my woman is waiting. But if you want us to talk now, I can make it work." "Tonight," I hissed and went back inside after knowing the scent wasn't coming from Max but this so-called boyfriend who seemed to be everywhere I was. Dinner continued with my eyes glued on Tyler, not caring if Peron noticed. Under the lie of Peron wanting to take me somewhere private, Tyler took Rosa home and then came back to meet us in another cafe.
Bella's POV I looked at Peron's outstretched hand and hesitated for a moment. A whirlwind of thoughts raced through my mind, the consequences of aligning myself with these two men. But the chance to uncover the truth, to potentially save myself and others from Lady Lee's clutches, was too compelling to resist. Slowly, I extended my hand and shook his hand firmly. "Partners." Tyler smirked. "Welcome to the team, Isabelle" Peron nodded, and just as he was about to say something, my phone vibrated and a message from Rosa popped up asking why I wasn't back. As if he noticed my body change, Peron offered to take me back, and at the entrance, he even gave me a package. Not wanting to have a conversation with the man, I mouthed thank you and went inside to meet Rosa, who had been waiting anxiously for my return, and greeted me with a quizzical look as soon as I entered the room. "Where have you been, Isabelle?" "Calm down, Rosalind," I sighed, taking off my clothes. "I went out with a
Bella's POV "Isabelle. I've been waiting for you, come in," he said, gesturing for me to enter the office. I hesitated for a moment, but with a deep breath, stepped into the office and Mr. Dave motioned for me to take a seat. "I see you've been keeping an eye out for me, Isabelle. Do you need something?" He asked, pushing a glass of juice to me but I knew better than to drink it. "Yes sir. I need something. I have questions that need answers." "Questions like?" He leaned back watching me. "What is your relationship with Lady Lee? What is my involvement with you both? Especially the master plan you keep on talking about…" "Hmmm," he leaned closer. "Are you sure you want the answers now?" "Of course. I need to know what you mean by master plan. What do you need from me and why?" "Well," he began, "there's no need to hide the truth. You're bound to do whatever you want. After all, once you deliver you'll be mine." He smirked, licking his lips." "Deliver? Sorry, but I'm confuse
Max's POV "We found out he has a new batch of girls he wants to transport, we were able to delay it pending the time you get here, Alpha," Tyler said over the phone. "Good job, Tyler. I'm on my way to speak with the Alpha and Luna of the MoonStar territory. I should have access from there." Came my reply to him. "Okay, Alpha Max. But I have a question and it's not related to the job. Can I go ahead?' "Your first mate, whose picture is on the palace walls? Did she really die?" His questions caught me off guard so I didn't reply for the first few moments. "I saw someone who kind of looks like her, that's why I'm asking," his voice became lower now. "Meet me in the pack, let's talk about it in person," I said and hung up, my insides twisting for the first time in months. Luna Irene didn't have a twin daughter so which lookalike is Tyler blabbing about? Getting out of the car, I headed to the entrance of the pack house, ready to get down with business. "Greetings, Alpha Max," th
~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