Kamrynn's POV “Surprise!” He announced, his arms spread dramatically as he stood in the doorway.Rmonica shot up, her face breaking into an enormous smile. “Kyven!”The man—Kyven, apparently—bounded over and scooped Rmonica into a tight hug, lifting her off her feet and spinning her in circles. “Did I get you? Did I surprise you?” he teased, his voice light and full of mischief.“You absolutely did!” Rmonica laughed, her voice ringing with genuine delight. “What are you doing here?”“Semester’s over,” he said, setting her down and brushing invisible dust from his jacket. “Figured I’d spend my break with my favorite aunt and uncle.”Rmonica beamed at him, clearly thrilled by his unexpected visit. “It’s so good to see you! Kamrynn, come meet Kyven.”I stood slowly, trying to mask the unease creeping through me as Rmonica gestured toward me with enthusiasm. “This is the Alpha’s nephew,” she said proudly. “Kyven, meet Kamrynn. She’s a dear friend.”Kyven turned his attention to me, his g
Kamrynn's POV The third day finally arrived, dragging itself along as if to test my patience. Each tick of the clock felt like a taunt. When the driver finally pulled up in front of Marwynn’s secluded cottage, my stomach churned with nerves. Intrusive thoughts clawed at my mind like restless shadows. What if this doesn’t work? What if Aryna’s gone forever? What if I’m left broken—again?Beside me, Rmonica must have sensed my unease. Her warm hand closed over mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve got this,” she said softly, her voice steady and confident. “I can feel it in my gut. Aryna’s waiting for you, Kamrynn.”Her certainty was comforting, even if I couldn’t quite share it. “Thanks, Rmonica,” I murmured. “I hope you’re right.”She tilted her head with a small smile. “I know I’m right.”The car came to a halt, and as we stepped out, Marwynn appeared in the doorway. Her sharp eyes, as piercing as ever, studied us both. She nodded in greeting, her presence calm but undeniabl
Kamrynn's POV Marwynn’s chanting grew louder, her voice taking on an almost frenzied rhythm. She picked up the knife, its blade gleaming dangerously in the flickering candlelight, and approached me with purpose. My eyes widened in alarm.“What are you—” I started to ask, but she cut me off.“Stay still,” she ordered. “This is part of the process.”With practiced precision, she made small, shallow incisions along my arms, shoulders, and legs, carefully avoiding my stomach. Each cut sent a fresh wave of agony through me, and I couldn’t stop the sob that tore from my throat.“I can’t—” I choked out, my voice trembling. “This—this might’ve been a mistake—”“Endure,” Marwynn snapped, her voice cutting through my despair. “You are stronger than the poison within you.”Her words were like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge. I gritted my teeth, clinging to her belief in my strength. Then, something strange began to happen. From the cuts she had made, a thick, black liquid started to o
Kamrynn's POV After Aryna awoke within me, everything changed in ways I hadn’t thought possible. It wasn’t just a physical shift; it was visceral, a transformation that radiated from deep within. Strength coursed through my veins, so potent it felt as though I could lift mountains if I tried. My senses sharpened to a near-supernatural degree. I could hear the softest whispers from across the room, smell the faintest traces of herbs lingering in the air, and feel the subtle vibrations of footsteps on the ground before they even reached my ears.Tasks that had once left me winded—bending to pick something off the floor, climbing stairs, or even enduring the day-to-day weight of my pregnancy—now seemed laughably easy. My body felt lighter, almost like I was floating just above the earth but with a grounding force that kept me steady.And my awareness… it was unnerving at first. I noticed details I would have missed before: the slight shift in a person’s tone, the tension in their should
Kamrynn's POV Kyven’s avoidance was immediate and absolute after my rejection, and honestly, it was a relief. The absence of his endless chatter felt like a weight had been lifted, especially now, with the palace abuzz with preparations for the Harvest Moon Festival.The festival was one of the biggest events of the year, a celebration that spanned all Packs, dedicated to honoring the Moon Goddess for her blessings and protection. I had loved it as a child. Back in the Obsidian Pack, it had been my favorite holiday, a time when everything felt magical and alive. Before life turned upside down, Sherelle and I would gather wildflowers to make crowns for everyone, our laughter echoing through the woods.The memory brought a bittersweet ache to my chest. Sherelle had been more than my twin; she was my other half, my anchor. Her absence left a void that even time couldn’t fill. Now, the thought of celebrating without her felt hollow, but I told myself I’d join in, for the sake of the Pack
Kamrynn's POV “I can’t stop thinking about you,” he continued, his voice trembling with intensity. “Your crystal blue eyes, your pink kissable lips, your intoxicating scent—it’s like a drug. I can’t pretend I don’t want you anymore.”“Kyven, stop this,” I said firmly. “You’re drunk. You’ll regret this tomorrow.”“I won’t,” he said, his voice resolute. “What do I have to do, Kamrynn? What will it take to prove I’m serious? Tell me where I’m lacking, and I’ll fix it. Just stop treating me like a child.”“It’s not about you,” I said, my tone softening. “It’s not your age or your looks. There’s nothing wrong with you, Kyven.”“Then what is it?” he asked, his voice breaking. “Why can’t you just give me a chance?”“Because I’m the problem,” I admitted, my eyes stinging. “I’m not fit for you, Kyven. You deserve someone better, someone whole.”His eyes darkened, and he hushed me with a firm warning. “Don’t ever say that again. Don’t talk about yourself like that, Kamrynn, because I won’t sta
Kamrynn's POV The morning sunlight streamed through my curtains, warming my face as I blinked awake. Stretching my arms above my head, I let out a soft groan. Memories of last night came rushing back, unbidden and vivid. My fingers brushed against my lips, a traitorous part of me savoring the lingering sensation of the kiss.“Nope. Stop,” I muttered to myself, sitting up abruptly and tossing the blanket off. “We are not going there.”“But you are,” Aryna teased, her voice playful in my mind.“I’m not,” I insisted aloud, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. “There’s too much to do today. The festival’s starting.”“Keep telling yourself that,” Aryna chuckled.Ignoring her, I shuffled to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep and last night’s thoughts. Once clean, I padded back to my wardrobe, where Rmonica’s special gift hung waiting for me.The dress was a masterpiece—a deep emerald that shimmered faintly in the light. The cut flatt
Kamrynn's POV By noon, the invited Alphas began to arrive, their entourages adding a new layer of energy to the already bustling palace. The first to make their grand entrance was Alpha Zane and Luna Isla of the Moon Blood Pack.The entire palace staff gathered outside, lined up neatly to welcome them, while Alpha Orion and Luna Rmonica stood at the forefront, their presence regal yet inviting. I lingered toward the back, watching the sleek black Lamborghini come to a stop, followed by a small fleet of expensive cars.When the car door opened, Alpha Zane stepped out first, his posture stiff and commanding. His blue eyes swept over the gathered staff and pack members with an air of superiority. Luna Isla followed, her movements deliberate and her expression unabashedly bored as she adjusted the folds of her intricate crimson dress, the plunging neckline so low it almost made me uncomfortable.“Alpha Zane, Luna Isla,” Alpha Orion greeted with a polite nod. “Welcome to the Blue Bell Pac
Kamrynn’s POVSleep refused to come.I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind an endless swirl of questions. The key sat hidden beneath my pillow, yet it might as well have been burning a hole through the mattress.I couldn't stop thinking about it.For once, I was grateful that Lorien had chosen to sleep in the living room tonight. The distance between us gave me a rare moment of solitude, a chance to breathe without his watchful gaze lingering over me.I sat up slowly, careful not to make any noise. The room was dim, moonlight casting silvery streaks across the floor. My fingers hesitated for only a moment before I reached beneath my pillow and retrieved the key.Holding it up to the light, I turned it over between my fingers, studying the intricate grooves along the metal.What if this was a mistake?What if Lorien had placed the collar around my neck to protect me from something?I clenched my jaw, gripping the key tighter. No. That didn’t make sense. If it was for my safety,
Kamrynn’s POVI stared at the key in my hand, turning it over between my fingers, the weight of it sinking into my skin.What did it open?My mind ran through possibilities, but nothing seemed to make sense. Lorien had hidden it carefully, tucked away where I’d never think to look.My hand drifted up, almost absentmindedly, brushing against the shackle jewelry thing around my neck.I froze.A keyhole. That's right, the other day I realized it had a keyhole. Which is very much strange for something that's supposed to be jewelry.I turned the key over in my palm, my fingers tracing its cool, metallic surface. It was small, unassuming—yet its existence unsettled me in a way I couldn’t quite put into words.I inhaled sharply, my grip tightening on the key as realization slithered through my mind like a shadowy whisper.Could this key… unlock it?If it did, that would mean this wasn’t a necklace.It wasn’t a piece of jewelry meant to symbolize love, devotion, or commitment.It was a shackl
Kamrynn’s POVIt had been days since I heard that name."Kamrynn."A voice in my head had whispered it so clearly, so intimately, that it sent shivers down my spine.And I hadn’t been able to get it out of my mind since.I didn’t understand why it unsettled me so much. I knew my memory wasn’t whole—I had long accepted that pieces of my past were missing. But was Kamrynn someone I used to know? Someone important?Someone I had forgotten?I should ask Lorien.It was the logical thing to do. He would have answers.And yet, every time I thought about it, something held me back.I couldn’t explain it. It was just an instinct, a whisper in the back of my mind warning me to stay quiet.But why?Why couldn’t I bring myself to tell him?I had no reason to hesitate. Lorien had always been there for me. He was my husband, the only person I had ever known. The only one who had ever cared for me. He had been nothing but patient with me, always so gentle, always—I trusted him.Didn’t I?I sighed,
Calvin's POVI gritted my teeth, weighing my options.I had no idea how long it would take for Rmonica to fall asleep—or if she was even a heavy sleeper to begin with. Every second I wasted was a risk, a gamble I couldn't afford to take.I had to act. Now.Overpowering her would be easy, especially in her current state, but that didn’t mean I could just pin her down and walk out of here. She was the Alpha’s mate, the Luna of this Pack. One mind link, one call for help, and I’d be dead before I even reached the front gates.I was already screwed. No matter what I did, the odds weren’t in my favor.Just as I clenched my fists, readying myself to take the risk, Rmonica suddenly sat up in bed.I froze, holding my breath.She pressed a hand to her mouth, her expression twisting in discomfort. Then, with a sharp inhale, she shot up from the bed and rushed out of the room.Gone.She left.A wave of relief crashed over me.She was probably going to throw up.That meant I had minutes—maybe seco
Calvin’s POVI remembered it as clear as day; their scent. Though they were too young to have developed their own unique scent, especially with no wolf, I could tell their presence from a mile away.Soft, warm, pure. A delicate blend of milk, the gentle sweetness of talcum powder, and that inexplicable, almost heavenly aroma that only babies carried—the scent of innocence itself.It tugged at something deep inside me, something primal. They were close by.I closed my eyes for a brief moment, allowing my senses to fully absorb it, to let it guide me. I had memorized this scent from the very moment I had discovered their existence. No matter where they were, I would always find them.Astor. Arabella.Selene, please let them be safe. Please don’t let them be in the same room as Rmonica or Orion.I took another deep breath, following the softest traces of their scent, weaving through the corridors with careful, calculated steps. The palace was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the dista
Calvin’s POVThe air was thick with tension as we arrived at the outskirts of the palace under the cover of night. The towering walls loomed ahead, their stone faces bathed in the pale glow of the moon. Every inch of the palace was guarded, every pathway watched. One mistake, one misstep, and this mission would be over before it even began.I clenched my fists. Failure is not an option.Lysaa stood beside me, clutching her white cane tightly. She was tense, but she had agreed to do this. Franklin was positioned with the car a safe distance away, waiting for my signal."Alright," I whispered. "You remember what to do?"Lysaa exhaled sharply. "Unfortunately, yes.""Good. I’ll direct you from here. Just walk straight ahead for now."Lysaa took careful steps forward, tapping her cane against the ground. The two guards patrolling the walls immediately noticed her and rushed over."Halt!" one of them barked. "Who goes there?"Lysaa flinched, playing the part of a vulnerable blind woman perf
Calvin’s POVThere was a time when I had firmly believed that there was nothing I couldn't do. But lately I've been reminded over and over again that I'm still a mere mortal, one who the moon goddess herself had to humble. This was one of those situations.The bitter feeling of helplessness had become a common presence in my life of late. This wasn't any other situation, this was my flesh and blood we were talking about. Every second that passed, my children were slipping further away.Franklin paced in front of me, his boots crunching against the gravel. Lysaa sat stiffly on the hood of the car, arms wrapped around herself, her expression unreadable."What the hell are we supposed to do now?" Franklin finally spoke, his frustration evident. "Blue Bell doesn’t remember Kamrynn, and they sure as hell won’t just hand over the kids. We can’t fight them for this. So what’s the plan?"I didn’t respond right away. My mind was working through every possible option, every path that could lead
Kamrynn's POV I should feel something when I think of him.Butterflies. Warmth.But there was nothing.Only familiarity.Only dependence.I relied on him. He was the only person I had in this world. The only one I trusted.I liked him.I really did.Lorien was kind to me. He was attentive, always making sure I was comfortable, always treating me with care. He was affectionate, in his own way—gentle words, teasing smiles, an unwavering presence that never left my side.He was… sweet.And yet, there were no sparks.No rush of warmth when he touched me. No butterflies in my stomach when he whispered my name. No longing when he held me close.I wanted to love him the way a wife should love her husband. I should have loved him that way.But I didn’t.I felt safe with him, yes. But not desire. Not connection.Sometimes, it felt like he was treating me more like a pet than a wife—something delicate to be doted on, sheltered, and kept in place.But I always brushed it off as my imagination.I
Kamrynn’s POVLorien’s arms were warm. Strong. Protective.His steady breaths brushed against the back of my neck, deep and even, rising and falling in perfect rhythm.I should have been asleep.I wanted to be asleep.But no matter how much I willed my mind to quiet, I remained painfully awake, my eyes open, staring into the dimly lit bedroom.Something felt… off.I didn’t know what.I just knew that an odd, restless feeling gnawed at my insides, making my fingers twitch and my heart race for no reason.Carefully, I shifted against Lorien’s embrace, trying not to disturb him.It wasn’t easy.His arm was heavy across my waist, and even in sleep, he held onto me like I was something precious, something he wasn’t willing to let go of.I swallowed, hesitating.I shouldn’t move.If I left his arms, he’d wake up.He always did.Lorien was the lightest sleeper I had ever known. A single stir from me and his crimson eyes would snap open, his protective instincts kicking in immediately.And yet