Who can guess what Alpha Draven's plan actually is?
Kamrynn's POV That night, I stayed on edge, pacing my room as though the act alone could shake off the ominous sense of foreboding hanging over me. Every sound made me jump—the soft creak of the wooden floor beneath my feet, even the ticking of the clock felt too loud. Sleep seemed impossible.But exhaustion eventually won. I sank into bed, my body heavy with fatigue. My eyes fluttered shut, and for a moment, I felt the beginnings of peace. Then the nightmare came.It started the same way the others always did—with nothingness. The darkness was suffocating, the kind of abyss that pulled you deeper and deeper, until the pressure in your chest made you think your lungs would burst. I floated in it, weightless, lost, and completely at its mercy.But then, just as I thought I might sink forever, the darkness shifted. Images began to form, sharp and vivid. I was standing in the middle of a field cloaked in darkness. The grass was tall and brittle, crunching beneath my bare feet.Blood spl
Kamrynn's POV “Bait him?” Rmonica echoed, her brow furrowing. “How?”“We need to draw him out, force him to slip up. If he’s as calculated as we think, he won’t make a move unless he feels cornered. We need a public setting, something where he’ll feel pressured.”Rmonica considered this for a moment before nodding. “A gathering. A party,” she said. “A pre-wedding celebration for Kyven and Thalia. Draven will have no choice but to attend.”Relief flooded through me, and I managed a small smile. “You’d do that?”“For you? Always,” Rmonica said, returning the smile. “Leave the arrangements to me. You focus on resting and keeping yourself safe.”I swallowed the lump in my throat, overwhelmed by her unwavering support. “Thank you, Rmonica.”She placed a hand on my shoulder, her gaze steady. “Never stop believing in yourself, Kamrynn. And if you ever feel like the weight is too much, promise me you’ll come to me.”“I promise,” I said softly.Satisfied, Rmonica stood and gave me a reassuring
Kamrynn's POV I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the hem of my dress for the fourth time. It was simple but elegant, a navy-blue piece that hugged my figure without drawing too much attention. My hair was pulled back in a loose bun, and I had applied just enough makeup to look presentable for the party. Not that I cared about appearances tonight—my focus was entirely on my plan.Taking a deep breath, I left my room and headed for the hall where the celebration was already underway. The soft hum of music and chatter reached my ears as I approached. When I entered, the room was brimming with life.The decorations were tasteful, with soft golden lights illuminating the room, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden floors. Guests milled about with drinks in hand, laughter echoing as they shared stories. Near the center of the room, Thalia stood arm-in-arm with Kyven, their smiles wide as Pack members congratulated them.I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing my gaze away. I scan
Kamrynn's POV “I believe the better question,” Alpha Draven said, his voice smooth and slow, “is what do you want, Kamrynn?”I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet his piercing gray eyes. Every nerve in my body screamed at me to run, but I wasn’t about to back down now. Masking my fear as best I could, I took a shaky breath and answered.“I want to end your game,” I said firmly, my voice only trembling slightly. “I want to expose you for the monster you really are.”For a moment, silence filled the room, thick and oppressive. Then Alpha Draven threw his head back and laughed heartily. The sound echoed around the room, chilling me to my core.“Monster?” he repeated, amusement lighting up his sharp features. “You find me that fascinating, little bird? Why so curious about my affairs?”His question caught me off guard, and I stammered. “It’s not fascination,” I snapped. “I know you’re planning something, something sinister, and I won’t let it happen. No matter what.”Draven’s laughter
Kamrynn's POV Alpha Draven’s arms stayed firm around me, his grip a subtle reminder of the power he wielded. He leaned back in his chair, his voice dropping to a low, ominous tone as he began his story.“There was once an Alpha,” he started, his voice steady but laced with an edge that made the air feel colder. “He ruled a Pack burdened by misfortune. The land they lived on was unyielding, the crops sparse, and the hunters returned empty-handed more often than not. Disease and hunger crept through the territory like a shadow, and the Pack’s numbers dwindled year after year.”I felt his breath graze my ear as he continued. “This Alpha was not the sharpest of men, but his heart was kind. He wanted nothing more than to see his people thrive. He sought solutions—alliances, trade agreements, even begging neighboring Packs for aid. But the more he tried, the more the world seemed to conspire against him. His people suffered, and he suffered with them.”I swallowed hard, the weight of the s
Kamrynn's POV Draven sighed heavily, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of desperation. “We’ve tried everything, you know,” he said, his tone uncharacteristically somber. “But nothing—not even the most powerful magic—can seem to break the curse.”His words hung in the air, thick and heavy, making it hard for me to breathe. I stared at him, my thoughts racing. For the first time since I met the man, he didn’t look like the untouchable Alpha with all the answers. There was something raw and vulnerable in his eyes, a glimpse of the torment he must have endured.He continued, his gaze distant as if he were staring into a memory. “I lost my wife to that curse,” he continued quietly. “She thought she could break it. She believed she could save me—save us all—but in the end, it cost her her life.”There was a flicker of something in his expression—grief, perhaps—but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. He turned his piercing gaze back to me, his lips curling into a humorless smile
Kamrynn's POV I squirmed and twisted in Draven’s grip, trying desperately to break free, but his arm locked around me like an iron bar.“Let me go!” I snapped, my voice sharp with desperation. “You can’t take me away from here, Draven. Your plan will fail. You won’t get away with this.”“Oh?” Draven tilted his head, his lips curling into that infuriating, condescending smirk. “And why is that, little bird?”“Because,” I hissed, glaring at him, “people will come looking for me. Rmonica knows about my plan. If I go missing, you’ll be the first suspect. They’ll tear this palace apart, Draven. You won’t have anywhere to hide.”Draven chuckled, a deep, dark sound that sent shivers down my spine. “People will look for you, I agree. But not for the reason you think.”“What does that mean?” I demanded, a sick feeling coiling in my stomach.Draven’s smile widened as he leaned closer, his breath brushing against my cheek. “It means Alpha Orion will send his warriors to hunt you down like the c
Kamrynn's POV The hours dragged on, each second stretching endlessly as if the universe itself was mocking me. My body ached from being bound, my wrists raw from the ropes that had become all too familiar. The gag stifled my voice, turning even the smallest cry for help into a muffled hum that no one would hear.Through the thick, soundproof walls, faint noises seeped in. Laughter. Footsteps. The clinking of dishes. I couldn’t make out words, but I knew what it meant. The palace was alive, buzzing with anticipation for the mating ceremony. The thought made my stomach twist into knots. They were celebrating, completely oblivious to the danger that lurked within these very walls. Oblivious to me, bound and helpless in Draven’s private hell.The first time I’d screamed for help, I had dared to hope. I’d waited until Draven untied me for one of his twisted mealtime routines. The moment the gag was gone, I’d sucked in a deep breath and screamed with everything I had.“HELP! PLEASE, SOMEON
Calvin’s POVThe night stretched on, quiet and still, as I finally concluded my duties for the day. The weight of leading a struggling Pack never seemed to ease, but at least for now, I could leave it behind. Franklin stayed behind to organize the last of the documents, locking the office as I stepped out into the cool night air.There was only one thing on my mind.My children.I made my way to their room, my steps slow but purposeful. The moment I opened the door, a soft melody greeted my ears.Lysaa.She was sitting on the rocking chair, gently swaying back and forth as she sang a lullaby to the twins. Her voice was quiet, soothing, almost like a whisper against the night. Astor and Arabella were lying in their crib, gazing up at her, their tiny hands curling and uncurling as if reaching for her voice.My heart palpitated in my chest.How could something so small, so fragile, hold such power over me?Lysaa must have sensed my presence because she stopped singing and turned toward m
Calvin's POVI never imagined that two tiny beings could change my life so much.Even with the weight of the Pack still pressing down on me, demanding my time and attention, I found myself drawn back to them—Astor and Arabella. My children. My twins. No matter how chaotic things were, no matter how much my responsibilities as Alpha demanded of me, I refused to be absent from their lives. I had lost too much already.And if there was one thing I was certain of, it was that I couldn’t afford to lose them, too.That first week with them had been a trial by fire. The first few days had been the hardest—two-month-old infants didn’t just accept new faces, even if that face belonged to their father. They didn’t understand who I was, and so they wailed. Loudly. Relentlessly.At first, it made me panic. I could hold my own in a duel, could lead warriors without flinching, but two tiny babies crying at the same time? It left me utterly lost. Marlana—my mother—would step in then, taking them fro
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