Chapter – Alpha KaelZoey’s PovWho exactly is Alpha Kael? I knew almost all the powerful Alphas in the country and surrounding regions—Lyon always had one business or another with them. They would feast in the palace, so I was familiar with many faces and names. Every harvest season, dozens of Alphas would troop into the palace with their Lunas. I remember the beautiful dresses I wore—but not once did Lyon compliment me.During those feasts, I had to speak to the Alphas. I knew their names. But I had never heard of an Alpha Kael.“Alpha Kael? Who is he?” I asked, scratching the back of my head. I didn’t want to seem ungrateful. They had found a solution, and here I was asking questions. But I needed to know who this man was. Honestly, I was thinking about the consequences of the sanctuary law. I was going to be taken away from my grandmother—again.“Why do you ask that?” Nana said. I couldn’t tell if she was angry or confused. It felt like everything that had happened to me was still
Chapter: The Dinner GuestLyon’s POVI wasn’t in the mood for visitors. I had barely made it through the day without losing my temper, and now my father was bringing the whole family over for dinner—again. Not just him, not just my mother. He was also bringing Serena.Of all people… Serena.I stood by the window in the dining room, watching the driveway, arms folded. My jaw clenched the moment I saw my father’s black SUV pull in. Darian was already seated at the table, slowly sipping his wine, clearly picking up on my mood. He didn’t say a word, but the look on his face told me he knew I was ready to snap.“She’s with him,” I muttered under my breath.Darian raised an eyebrow. “Serena?”I gave a tight nod.“You said it was just dinner.”“That’s what I thought.”The doorbell rang a second later. A maid rushed past to get it, and I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. But as soon as I heard Serena’s voice echo in the hallway, my hands curled into fists.She walked in behind my fathe
Chapter – The Face Behind the NameZoey’s POVI couldn’t sleep.I tossed. I turned. I sat up. I got back down. Nothing worked. My thoughts just wouldn’t let me rest.I had made my decision—I was going to move in with Alpha Kael. But that didn’t stop the fear.What if he was worse than Lyon?What if he turned me in?What if I made the wrong decision—again?The night felt endless. My room was quiet, yet my mind was loud. The moonlight poured in through the window, and I just kept staring at it like it would whisper the right answer to me.By the time the sun started to rise, I was already sitting at the edge of the bed, fully awake. My fingers were laced together tightly on my lap, my shoulders tense. I heard voices outside and walked to the window. It was Tiara—she was standing by her car, throwing a small bag into the back seat.Without thinking, I rushed out of the room.“Tiara!” I called out as I stepped into the soft morning sun.She turned to look at me. “Hey, you’re up early.”“A
Chapter – The Damsel in DistressZoey’s POVThat’s Alpha Kael?I instantly took a step back, hiding behind a rack of cake jars. He didn’t notice me. Or maybe he did and just didn’t react. I watched from the corner, my heart thudding in my chest. So this was the man I was supposed to live with?He didn’t look like a cruel Alpha. He didn’t look like Lyon. In fact, he looked more human than any Alpha I had ever seen. He even smiled when he talked to Tiara. His voice was deep but kind.Tiara moved toward him and said, “I haven’t seen you around lately.”“I was out of town,” he replied, looking around the place with a warm expression. “Things came up. But I missed your cake.”“Let me guess,” she grinned, “Your usual?”“You know me well,” he nodded.They shared a friendly laugh as Tiara began slicing the cake. I stood frozen. Watching. Wondering.What kind of man is he? How does he run a pack without rules, warriors, or palaces? What would living with him be like? Would he judge me? Would h
Chapter – Not a Damsel in Distress, Just Zoey . Zoey’s POVAll day at the cake bar, my mind refused to stay still.Even as I served customers, packed slices, and wiped down tables, my thoughts kept drifting back to him. Kael. The way his eyes met mine. The way he said, “We should get to know each other.”What kind of Alpha says something like that?It wasn’t just his words that stuck with me—it was the way he said them. Calm. Soft. Like he didn’t see me as a problem or a burden. He saw me as… a person.Even when I tried to focus, my thoughts would circle back. His smile. The way he leaned casually on the counter like this place was his second home.Kael was different. And that scared me a little.By evening, the air outside had cooled. Tiara and I closed up the cake bar, locking the doors and flipping the sign to Closed. She held her purse and looked at me.“Wanna take the long way home?” she asked.I nodded. I needed fresh air—space to breathe.We ended up at the small park nearby.
Chapter – A Picture on the WallLyon’s POVThe room was full of laughter.Alphas from different territories were gathered in the grand hall, dressed in their finest, standing tall with their Lunas by their sides. Except me.I stood alone.I could feel the weight of their glances, their curious eyes flicking in my direction, wondering why the great Alpha Lyon had shown up without his wife. Some whispered. Some raised eyebrows. One even asked me quietly, “Is everything alright with your Luna?”I didn’t answer, They were acting like they haven’t heard the news of her death to ask me stupid questions?I gave a tight smile and nodded, the kind of smile that lies through clenched teeth.She used to be here. Zoey.Every time we attended events like this, she stood beside me. She never said much, but she was always there—calm, composed, and quietly strong. I remember how I used to think her silence was a weakness. Now, I’d do anything just to hear her quiet voice again.I walked to a corner o
Chapter: From his PovZoey’s POVThe evening was quiet. The wind moved gently through the trees, and the sun was slowly disappearing behind the clouds. I sat on the porch with Nana, a warm cup of mint tea in my hands. The wooden chair creaked softly each time I moved. Nana sat beside me, her knitting needles clicking lightly.We had been quiet for a while. It was peaceful. The kind of silence that didn’t feel awkward—it felt like home.Then Nana spoke.“Zoey,” she said, her voice soft, “talk to me about your marriage.”I looked at her, surprised. I wasn’t expecting that. But I guess I should have. Nana always knew what was on my mind, even when I tried to hide it.“I don’t know what to say,” I said, staring at the sky.“Say anything. Just talk to me,” she replied, her eyes warm.I took a deep breath. “It was hard, Nana. From the very beginning, everything felt forced. Lyon didn’t want to marry me. I didn’t want to marry him either. But we had to.”She nodded but didn’t interrupt.“I f
Chapter: The HotelZoey’s POVIt started the way most days did now. Quiet.I stood in front of the mirror, holding the hem of my shirt just above my belly. There it was. The small curve I couldn’t deny anymore. My baby bump had finally shown itself.I let out a shaky breath. It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t joy either. It was something in between.“Nana,” I called softly.She was in the kitchen, but I heard her steps coming. When she entered and saw me, her eyes dropped to my belly. She didn’t say anything right away. She just came close and placed her hand gently over the bump.“It’s time,” I whispered.She looked at me, her eyes kind. “You want to see Kael?”I nodded. “Yes. I should start preparing. If I’m going to stay in his hotel, I should know what kind of place it is.”“And the kind of people that lived there “Nana added softly.I didn’t reply, but she wasn’t wrong.—Kael’s hotel was unlike anything I imagined.It wasn’t just fancy—it was grand. Wide glass doors opened up to a tall c
Chapter: The Pregnant corpseLyon’s POVI didn’t want to be here.The room smelled like polished wood and expensive cologne. My mother had set everything up like it was some royal meeting. Long table. Fresh flowers. Fancy wine. Fake smiles.Serena sat across from me, wearing a soft pink dress and that fake sweet expression she always wore around my family. Her father sat beside her, talking about wedding dates like he was booking a business deal.“And I think a December wedding would give us enough time to prepare,” he said, tapping a gold pen against his notebook. “High society loves a winter wedding.”My mother nodded. “A winter ceremony would be perfect. Classy and memorable.”I stared at the glass in front of me, barely listening. My jaw tightened.Zoey used to hate winter.“Lyon,” my father called, breaking my thoughts. “What do you think? December?”“I don’t care,” I muttered.Serena chuckled lightly. “That’s okay. I’ll take care of most of the planning.”Of course, she would.M
Chapter: The DealZoey’s POVThe room felt smaller with every item we folded.Nana sat on the edge of my bed, gently rolling a sweater into my bag while I packed the rest. The silence between us wasn’t heavy—it was just thoughtful.“I did the math again,” she said softly, her eyes not leaving the clothes. “You’re five months along, Zoey.”I froze for a second, holding a pair of socks in my hand. I already knew, but hearing it from her made it real all over again.“You were already pregnant while you were still in Alpha Lyon’s house,” she added.I nodded slowly. “Yes.”Nana looked up at me. “You knew?”There was no point lying. “I found out a few weeks before I left.”She didn’t ask why I didn’t tell her. She just let out a quiet sigh and ran her hand over the bag. “So… in four months, you’ll be holding your baby.”I smiled a little, then looked at her. “And after those four months, Nana… do I still have to stay with Kael?”She blinked, like she hadn’t thought that far ahead. “I don’t
Chapter – The New Luna“What?!” Darian gasped in shock. He turned to me immediately, but my eyes were fixed on Serena. Her head was lowered to the floor, refusing to meet my gaze. I wanted her to look at me—look me in the eyes and repeat what she had just said.Serena is pregnant…for me?“How did that happen?” one of the elders asked. Serena started to stand, as if she was about to respond, but instead, she broke into tears.She was putting on a show.“I don’t think the Alpha would want his personal life discussed in public like this,” one of the elders muttered, trying to de-escalate.“You came here to say you’re pregnant for the Alpha, and now you can’t tell us how it happened?” my uncle, the eldest among the council, spoke up harshly. “Do we look like the kids in your school?”Serena wiped her eyes and finally spoke. “We…we had sex a few days after his wife’s body was found.”The entire council erupted into murmurs.“Oh, so he had sex during his mourning period,” Jorah said loudly,
Chapter- The Moon celebration.Lyon’s POVHow do you move on from someone who once held an important role in your life?I woke up with that question in my head.The morning sky was clear. I could hear the sound of workers moving around, going on with their day. It’s been the same routine every day since she left and never came back. Waking up, the annoying house workers, my father and the council grumbling, pack duties piling up—but still, I would sit in my study, writing letters to my dead Luna.Grabbing my journal, I flipped through the pages. I had written so much over the past few days. I wondered what it would have felt like if I had actually said all those words to her out loud.“Mira… I hope you’re happy wherever you are.How’s the weather over there?When my little sister died, my mom used to say she was up in a happy place.Are you happy?Do you still take care of flowers?I really miss you, and it’s driving me crazy.I wonder if you feel the same about me.I sit down every
Chapter: The HotelZoey’s POVIt started the way most days did now. Quiet.I stood in front of the mirror, holding the hem of my shirt just above my belly. There it was. The small curve I couldn’t deny anymore. My baby bump had finally shown itself.I let out a shaky breath. It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t joy either. It was something in between.“Nana,” I called softly.She was in the kitchen, but I heard her steps coming. When she entered and saw me, her eyes dropped to my belly. She didn’t say anything right away. She just came close and placed her hand gently over the bump.“It’s time,” I whispered.She looked at me, her eyes kind. “You want to see Kael?”I nodded. “Yes. I should start preparing. If I’m going to stay in his hotel, I should know what kind of place it is.”“And the kind of people that lived there “Nana added softly.I didn’t reply, but she wasn’t wrong.—Kael’s hotel was unlike anything I imagined.It wasn’t just fancy—it was grand. Wide glass doors opened up to a tall c
Chapter: From his PovZoey’s POVThe evening was quiet. The wind moved gently through the trees, and the sun was slowly disappearing behind the clouds. I sat on the porch with Nana, a warm cup of mint tea in my hands. The wooden chair creaked softly each time I moved. Nana sat beside me, her knitting needles clicking lightly.We had been quiet for a while. It was peaceful. The kind of silence that didn’t feel awkward—it felt like home.Then Nana spoke.“Zoey,” she said, her voice soft, “talk to me about your marriage.”I looked at her, surprised. I wasn’t expecting that. But I guess I should have. Nana always knew what was on my mind, even when I tried to hide it.“I don’t know what to say,” I said, staring at the sky.“Say anything. Just talk to me,” she replied, her eyes warm.I took a deep breath. “It was hard, Nana. From the very beginning, everything felt forced. Lyon didn’t want to marry me. I didn’t want to marry him either. But we had to.”She nodded but didn’t interrupt.“I f
Chapter – A Picture on the WallLyon’s POVThe room was full of laughter.Alphas from different territories were gathered in the grand hall, dressed in their finest, standing tall with their Lunas by their sides. Except me.I stood alone.I could feel the weight of their glances, their curious eyes flicking in my direction, wondering why the great Alpha Lyon had shown up without his wife. Some whispered. Some raised eyebrows. One even asked me quietly, “Is everything alright with your Luna?”I didn’t answer, They were acting like they haven’t heard the news of her death to ask me stupid questions?I gave a tight smile and nodded, the kind of smile that lies through clenched teeth.She used to be here. Zoey.Every time we attended events like this, she stood beside me. She never said much, but she was always there—calm, composed, and quietly strong. I remember how I used to think her silence was a weakness. Now, I’d do anything just to hear her quiet voice again.I walked to a corner o
Chapter – Not a Damsel in Distress, Just Zoey . Zoey’s POVAll day at the cake bar, my mind refused to stay still.Even as I served customers, packed slices, and wiped down tables, my thoughts kept drifting back to him. Kael. The way his eyes met mine. The way he said, “We should get to know each other.”What kind of Alpha says something like that?It wasn’t just his words that stuck with me—it was the way he said them. Calm. Soft. Like he didn’t see me as a problem or a burden. He saw me as… a person.Even when I tried to focus, my thoughts would circle back. His smile. The way he leaned casually on the counter like this place was his second home.Kael was different. And that scared me a little.By evening, the air outside had cooled. Tiara and I closed up the cake bar, locking the doors and flipping the sign to Closed. She held her purse and looked at me.“Wanna take the long way home?” she asked.I nodded. I needed fresh air—space to breathe.We ended up at the small park nearby.
Chapter – The Damsel in DistressZoey’s POVThat’s Alpha Kael?I instantly took a step back, hiding behind a rack of cake jars. He didn’t notice me. Or maybe he did and just didn’t react. I watched from the corner, my heart thudding in my chest. So this was the man I was supposed to live with?He didn’t look like a cruel Alpha. He didn’t look like Lyon. In fact, he looked more human than any Alpha I had ever seen. He even smiled when he talked to Tiara. His voice was deep but kind.Tiara moved toward him and said, “I haven’t seen you around lately.”“I was out of town,” he replied, looking around the place with a warm expression. “Things came up. But I missed your cake.”“Let me guess,” she grinned, “Your usual?”“You know me well,” he nodded.They shared a friendly laugh as Tiara began slicing the cake. I stood frozen. Watching. Wondering.What kind of man is he? How does he run a pack without rules, warriors, or palaces? What would living with him be like? Would he judge me? Would h