Zuri’s POVThe days that followed Donavon’s outburst were heavy, each one weighed down by the tension that hung thick in the air like an unspoken threat. His fury, though often misdirected, was a constant presence that chilled the very heart of the pack house. No one dared to meet his gaze for too long; not the maids, not the guards, and certainly not the elders. Everyone had learned, in their own way, that under the weight of his anger, things could easily turn deadly.And still, despite everything, the one person he was fixated on—the one who drew the darkest of emotions from him—was me. I felt it with every glance he threw my way, every scathing word he whispered when he thought I wasn’t listening. His obsession was suffocating, and yet, the hold he had over me was just as potent. For all my resistance, all my attempts to escape his reach, there was no denying the fact that I was bound to him in ways neither of us truly understood.I had tried to take solace in the quiet moments—wh
Chapter 32Donavon's POVThe silence in the room was suffocating. I could feel my breath shallow as I stood before the elders. Their expressions were cold, almost detached, as though they were calculating my every move.I hadn’t expected them to be so bold, to openly threaten my position, my birthright. But I wasn't the naive boy I once was. I’d fought for everything I had, including this pack, and I wasn’t about to let some test determine my fate.I clenched my fists, the familiar surge of rage boiling beneath my skin. The thought of losing everything because of something I couldn't control—something that could easily be manipulated—was unbearable."You want an heir?" I growled, my voice a low rumble. "Then I will give you one. And if I don't, it won't be because of my inability."The eldest elder narrowed his eyes, unimpressed by my defiance. "We aren't asking for a show of force, Alpha Donavon. We're stating facts. If you cannot father an heir, you cannot lead this pack."I could f
Chapter 33 Zuri's POV The morning light streamed through my window as I stirred awake. My body ached less now, thanks to Hart’s unwavering support. I pushed myself out of bed, mindful of the little life growing inside me. I couldn’t help but place a hand on my stomach, a mixture of fear and fierce determination swirling within me. “Stay strong, little one,” I whispered. Hart knocked gently on the door before stepping in, carrying a tray of food. His face was drawn with exhaustion, yet he managed a small smile. “You need to eat, Zuri,” he said, setting the tray on my bedside table. “I’ve made sure no one suspects anything about your condition, but you need to be careful.” “I’m trying, Hart. I just... I feel like he’s watching me all the time,” I admitted, my voice trembling. Hart sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Donavon is unpredictable, but he has a council meeting today. That should keep him occupied.” The mention of Donavon sent a chill down my spine. His presen
Chapter 34 Zuri's POV The next few days passed in a blur of caution and whispers. Hart continued to shield me from Donavon’s wrath, but the weight of my secret grew heavier. Every time I crossed paths with Donavon, I felt his gaze linger—sharp and searching, as if he could sense I was hiding something. One morning, as I helped Hart with inventory in the storage room, he pulled me aside. “Zuri, I think it’s time we start planning your escape.” His words struck me like lightning. “Escape? Hart, where would I even go? And what about you?” “I’ll figure something out. But you can’t stay here, Zuri. The pack is unstable, and Donavon...” Hart trailed off, his jaw tightening. “He’s unpredictable. I won’t let you or the baby be caught in the crossfire.” I nodded, though fear gnawed at me. Leaving was the only way to protect my child, but it also meant severing the fragile connection I still had to this place—and to Donavon. Donavon’s POV Something was off with Zuri. Every time I
Chapter 35The escape didn’t go as planned.Hart and I made it to the edge of the pack’s territory, but Donavon’s patrols were everywhere. As we hid in the dense forest, my heart pounded in my chest.“We’re almost there,” Hart whispered, but his voice lacked conviction.Before we could move, a group of warriors emerged from the shadows. Leading them was Donavon, his eyes burning with fury.“Going somewhere?” he asked, his voice cold and dangerous. Zuri’s POV The cold stone walls of the holding cell seemed to close in on me as I sat, clutching my knees to my chest. Donavon’s warriors had been relentless, dragging Hart and me back to the pack house like we were criminals. My heart pounded as I replayed the confrontation in the forest, the fury in Donavon’s eyes seared into my memory. The door to the cell creaked open, and I looked up to see Donavon standing there, his face a mask of cold fury. His presence filled the small room, making it hard to breathe. “Start talking, Zuri,” h
Chapter 36Donavon’s POV Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind as I paced my office, my hands shaking with a mix of anger and confusion. Zuri was pregnant. With my child. It didn’t make sense. She had been nothing but a thorn in my side since she arrived, a constant reminder of the family I lost. And yet, the thought of her carrying my child sent a strange warmth through me—a feeling I quickly shoved aside. There was no way I could trust her. Not yet. I called for Hart, my jaw clenched as I prepared for another confrontation. When he entered, his face was calm, but his eyes held a spark of defiance. “You’ve been helping her,” I said, my tone cold. “Why?” Hart didn’t flinch. “Because she needed help, Donavon. And because you’ve been too blinded by your hatred to see what’s right in front of you.” My temper flared, but I forced myself to stay composed. “Did you know about the pregnancy?” Hart hesitated before nodding. “I found out recently. She didn’t tell me at first,
Chapter 37Zuri’s POV The night air was cold as I sat on the balcony of my temporary room in the pack house. The events of the day weighed heavily on me, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. I hadn’t expected Donavon to stand up to the elders like that. His firm declaration of my protection was so unlike the man who had treated me with such contempt before. But did it mean anything? Or was it just another play in his endless battle for control? A knock on the door broke my thoughts. I stood, hesitating briefly before opening it. Donavon stood there, his expression unreadable. “Can we talk?” he asked, his voice softer than I’d heard in a long time. I nodded, stepping aside to let him in. He walked to the center of the room, his gaze drifting briefly to my stomach before meeting my eyes. “We need to figure out what happens next,” he said, his tone measured. I crossed my arms, trying to steel myself. “What do you mean?” “This pack doesn’t forgive easily,” he began. “The elder
Chapter 38Zuri’s POVThe weight of Donavon’s words lingered in my mind long after the elders left the hall. His declaration was bold, reckless even. It put both of us under a harsh spotlight, but it also did something I never expected—it gave me hope.I spent the rest of the day avoiding him. Not because I was angry, but because I needed time to process. I couldn’t deny that something had shifted between us. He was still the same man who had tormented me, but now, there was a vulnerability in him, a desperation I hadn’t seen before.Later that evening, I found myself walking along the pack house grounds, the cool air helping to clear my head. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice someone approaching until they were right in front of me.“Zuri,” Javi greeted, his voice gentle.“Beta Javi,” I replied, offering a small smile.“You can call me Javi,” he said with a soft chuckle. “I think we’ve been through enough for formalities.”I nodded, my smile widening slightly. “What bring
Chapter 62The voice that echoed through the trees was low, guttural, sending a wave of dread through Zuri’s veins. She hadn’t expected anyone to be out here, not this deep in the woods. But the sound of footsteps—shuffling, hurried—drove her heart into her throat. She instinctively moved closer to Hart, her breath shaky as the cold night air wrapped around them like a cloak.“Stay quiet,” Hart whispered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the surrounding darkness. His hand went to the hilt of the sword at his waist, the metallic sound echoing softly in the stillness.Zuri’s pulse raced, her body tense, and though she wanted to ask who it was, she trusted Hart’s judgment. She didn’t need to speak. Her body communicated the fear, the uncertainty, and the urgency she felt. Every instinct she had screamed at her to run, but Hart held firm. He wouldn’t let her go.The sound of rustling leaves was growing closer, and Zuri could hear the soft whisper of branches bending under pressure. Then,
Chapter 61Hart's grip on the reins tightened as they traversed the dense woods. The forest around them was dark, but it was the silence that made Zuri uneasy. She had grown used to the sound of the pack, the rustle of leaves beneath shifting paws, but now it was all too still. They were no longer part of the pack—they were fugitives, forced into hiding.She had tried to push the thoughts away. After everything—being accused of betrayal, the lies, and the heartbreak—it seemed as if she was trapped in an endless loop of questions. But her body, her heart, her mind... they all kept pulling her back to the same haunting thought: What if they were wrong? What if they lied about everything? But that was a question for later. Right now, her focus had to be on survival—and on keeping her unborn children safe. Hart glanced over at her, concern clouding his eyes as he noticed the exhaustion etched on her face. They hadn’t stopped for hours. He pulled the horse to a halt, his hand gently cupp
Chapter 60The forest seemed endless, a maze of towering trees and tangled undergrowth. Each step Zuri took felt heavier than the last, her body and heart weighed down by exhaustion and despair. Hart walked beside her, his eyes darting around for signs of danger, his protective instincts on high alert. They couldn’t afford to stop for long, not with the pack’s hunters possibly on their trail. When they finally came across an abandoned cabin hidden deep within the woods, Hart pushed the creaky door open and ushered Zuri inside. The small space was dusty and worn, with cobwebs in the corners and broken furniture scattered across the floor. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do. Zuri sank onto an old chair, her hands trembling as she cradled her belly. The reality of her situation hit her like a tidal wave. Just days ago, she was Donavon’s mate, standing at his side as they planned their future together. Now, she was on the run, labeled a traitor and carrying a child that the pack
Chapter 59The council chamber was cloaked in shadows, reflecting the darkness brewing within the elders’ hearts. They sat in a semicircle around Tobias, whose steely gaze commanded the room. The air was heavy with tension as they plotted their next move, emboldened by their recent success in shattering Donavon’s relationship with Zuri. “This is the perfect moment,” Tobias began, his voice low and measured. “Donavon is at his weakest. His fated mate has turned out to be a lie, and the pack knows he has no heir. We’ve sown doubt about his leadership, and now it’s time to finish what we started.” Miriam nodded slowly, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “The pack has already begun questioning his decisions. Without a mate or a child, what future does he offer the pack? His infertility is proof that he’s unfit to lead.” Gideon leaned forward, his sharp features glinting in the dim light. “But how do we convince the pack to act against him? Despite his faults, Donavon is stil
Chapter 58The atmosphere in the pack was tense as the morning sun peeked through the horizon. The previous night's chaos still lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the warriors and the pack members who dared not speak openly about the upheaval caused by Zuri’s sudden disappearance. Donavon, however, seemed colder than ever, his once fiery demeanor replaced by a hardened resolve. The rogues had been spotted again—this time at the northern border. Their persistence was unusual, but their motives had always been clear: they wanted Zuri. Now, with the elders’ whispers planted firmly in his mind, Donavon’s view of her had shifted, clouded by betrayal and rage. As the warriors prepared to face the rogues once more, Donavon strode out to the training grounds where they were gathered. His presence commanded silence, his voice cutting through the quiet like a blade. “No more half-measures. We confront them directly this time.” Kira watched from the shadows, her heart heavy. She ha
Chapter 57The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a pale glow over the pack house. Deep within the elders’ chambers, a secret meeting was underway. The air was thick with whispers and plotting, their voices hushed but laced with venom. “This is the only way to protect the pack,” Elder Tobias declared, his hand slamming down on the table for emphasis. His eyes were sharp and calculating. “Donavon is blinded by his emotions. If we don’t act now, Zuri will destroy everything we’ve worked for.” Elder Miriam nodded, her expression equally grim. “We must sever their bond. Zuri’s presence is the cause of these attacks. The rogues won’t stop until she’s gone.” “And how do you suggest we do that?” another elder asked. Tobias smirked, a glint of malice in his eyes. “We make Donavon doubt her. Turn his love into fury. If he believes she’s deceived him, he’ll have no choice but to cast her out.” Elder Miriam leaned forward. “And the pregnancy?” “That will be our weapon,” Tobias
Chapter 56Zuri’s POVThe howls from the distance seemed to grow louder each night, echoing across the camp and through the thick trees surrounding us. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the sense of impending doom that clung to the air. The rogues were closer than we had anticipated, and every minute felt like a countdown to a battle we weren’t prepared for.I could hear Donavon’s heavy footsteps approaching, his presence a familiar comfort. He opened the door without knocking, his eyes scanning the room before landing on me."You're still awake," he said quietly, stepping inside. "We need to talk."I sat up, the weight of his words pulling me from my restless thoughts. "About what?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. There was no escaping the tension between us. Donavon ran a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening. "The elders have made their decision. They want you gone. They think you’re a liability, that your past is going to bring the rogues straig
DnnlChapter 55Zuri’s POVThe weight of Donavon’s words pressed heavily on me. "Then it’s not just the pack they’re after. It’s you." His voice was filled with tension, and the air between us seemed to crackle with unspoken fear.I couldn’t fully grasp what it all meant yet. All I knew was that the symbol carved into the tree was no coincidence—it was connected to my past. The past that was slowly being revealed to me in fragments, each one like a shard of glass cutting through the veils of my memory. But what did it mean for me, for Donavon, for the pack? Was there any way to stop the storm that was coming?The moment felt suspended in time, the forest around us eerily silent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, waiting for something to happen. Donavon stepped closer, his gaze locked on mine. His hand reached out and cupped my cheek, his touch warm against the cold air. The intensity in his eyes was enough to make my heart race. “You don’t have to face this alone,” he whisper
Chapter 54Zuri's povThe stillness of the night was deceptive, masking the unease that had settled over the pack. My body ached from the relentless training sessions, but I couldn’t stop. The rogues were still a looming threat, and I needed to be stronger. The pack relied on me, and I wouldn’t let them down. Donavon had noticed my exhaustion earlier and tried to persuade me to rest, but he didn’t understand. Rest was a luxury I couldn’t afford—not with the elders circling like vultures, ready to rip apart everything we had built. A sharp knock on my door startled me. When I opened it, Kira stood there, her face pale and her eyes wide with worry. “It’s Donavon,” she said, her voice trembling. “The elders are challenging him again. You need to come.” I followed her to the gathering hall, my heart heavy. This wasn’t the first time the elders had questioned Donavon’s leadership, but each confrontation left him more isolated. The weight of their doubts was beginning to show in the