Alpha Harold’s pov;The search for Noreen was driving me to the brink of despair. Every waking hour, I spent tracking her scent, seeking out any whisper of her presence. But she had disappeared without a trace, like a leaf swept into the night.I muttered a string of curses as we walked through the woods, the soldiers I had assembled were with me and I couldn’t help but remember how I had treated her. I felt guilty abd wushed I could go Back in time to rectify my mistake. Had I driven her away? The thought gnawed at me, each hour a reminder of my failure. She had needed me, and I had let her slip awaI vowed to protect her, yet, I had pushed her away, doubted and insulted her. Would she ever be able to forgive me? But I had to try.My search brought me to Ryder’s pack. As I approached, his scent drifted toward me, thick with anger and resentment, echoing my own.“Alpha Harold,” Ryder greeted, his voice taut, the tension palpable as he glared at me.“Alpha Ryder.” I stepped forward, b
Noreen’s pov;Light streaked in through the small crack on the basement wall. I wondered if it had been made by the last person who had been held hostage there. I didn’t know how long I had been in there. I stopped counting after the third day, realizing that nobody would come for me. Harold would believe that I had run away with the father of my baby.I had lost count. Time blurred in the darkness, each hour bleeding into the next with nothing to mark the difference but the muffled sounds of footsteps upstairs and the clink of metal whenever Ian brought me food. Or his twisted form of comfort.I’d tried to escape, thrown myself at the heavy door with all the strength I had left, but he’d designed this place for someone like me—someone who wouldn’t give up easily. He knew just how to make me feel powerless.“Noreen?” Ian’s voice drifted down the stairwell, smooth and controlled, like always. I tensed, instinctively hugging my knees closer. I’d learned not to show him any weakness, t
Noreen’s pov;It was a hot morning when the labor pains came and even though I couldn’t see anything of the outside world, I could feel the heat and coupled with the discomfort, I didn’t think I was going to survive.I prayed to the goddess to help me, to bring this baby to this world and take care ot it.When Ian came that morning and saw my condition, he left immediately and came back almost immediately with a few women and some maids whom I believe were midwives.I couldn’t believe that I had been held captive in this basement for months. I had never felt such hot, raw, searing pain, but I was able to endure and in a few minutes, I heard the first cry of my baby.The women gave him to me and I smiled as I glanced at him. He was mine, my son. He had blue eyes, like his father, but otherwise, the rest of his features were like mine.I was still admiring my baby, unable to believe that I had brought a baby to this world when the door creaked openIan was coming. A chill ran through
Alpha Harold’s pov;Alpha Harold strode into the dimly lit hall, his mind buzzing with the pieces of a puzzle he should have put together long ago. The betrayal felt like ice in his veins, hardening as he reached the cell where Avery waited, her face as unreadable as ever. He couldn’t believe that it had taken him so long to figure all of these out.The guard bowed in acknowledgment as he stepped aside and opened the door for Alpha Harold to enter, letting the silence fill the space between them. Avery glanced up at him, from his expression, she knew that whatever trick she was thinking about using wouldn’t work.I had kept her on house arrest moments after I came back Darken Ville but hadn’t dared to question her. At least not yet.“Alpha,” she said as she stood up from the sofa to meet me, her voice sounded sultry, one that I would’ve fallen for and believed that she wasn’t capable of hurting a fly.“Finally. I was beginning to wonder if you’d forgotten me.”I didn’t respond immed
Alpha Harold’s pov;The day had barely begun to settle into night when a knock interrupted my thoughts. I straightened as Norman, one of my most trusted warriors, entered, looking grimmer than I’d ever seen him.“Alpha,” he began, his voice tight with urgency. “Avery… she’s gone.”It was not a news that I was expecting. Anything but this…I clenched my fists, feeling anger and disbelief burn through me. “Gone? Explain.”He looked down, his tone weighted. “Someone broke her out. They knew the guard schedules and bypassed patrols. This was planned.”I didn’t need him to say more. The pieces clicked together, a dark realization settling in. “Who was involved?”Norman hesitated before finally meeting my gaze. “We found evidence… Alpha, your mother may have played a part in this.”Of course, mother dearest….she wouldn’t want anything to happen to stop her son from inheriting the iron throne.The council meeting was just a few days away and this time, the king would be chosen. I still hadn’
Avery’s pov;The damp, shadowed air of the cave felt like home. I drew in a slow breath, savoring the earthy scent of moss and cold stone. Around me, my so-called followers—outcasts who’d sworn their allegiance to me over the years—stood waiting, their faces a mixture of fear and reverence. They thought they knew me, believed I was just Avery Crestwood, the ambitious heiress and Harold’s dutiful, would-be bride. They had no idea what lurked beneath that surface.But tonight, I decided, they would know. They had to know that I wasn’t whom they thought they knew. It was time to unearth my deeply buried secrets.I had heard from the men that my family had been exiled and the Dowager was placed under house arrest for helping me escape.Harold was stupid and it was time to act!“Everyone!” I began as my eyes scanned the people who had sworn their allegiance to me just like their ancestors swore an allegiance to mine. “I have a very big announcement to make. One that would change everything
Avery’s pov;My mother used to say that curdled milk was a sign of a bad day, but I’ve never believed in such superstitions, what has milk gotten to do with someone having a good day or a bad day?So when that morning, just before I had to adress the men, I spilled curdled milk and remembered my mother. I almost laughed, she should come see me now, I’m going to take back all that was ours.I was still savoring the silence, basking in the reverence of my followers, when a sudden rustle shattered the peace. I turned, narrowing my eyes, sensing an unfamiliar presence outside the cave. My body tensed immediately , and I raised a hand, silencing the murmurs around me. Just as I opened my mouth to issue an order, the cave entrance burst open, sending a flood of dim light onto the damp stone floor.Norman’s tall figure filled the entryway, his eyes blazing with fury, his stance exuding the wrath of an Alpha who had been wronged.“Avery!” His voice thundered, echoing off the walls as his gu
Alpha Harold’s pov;I sat in my office, my heart racing with several thoughts as I stared at the map of the kingdom spread across the desk.Just a few hours earlier, a bounty hunter who had come to claim the reward on Avery had brought me news about Avery’s lair.A lair? I had been more than surprised to find out about that.There was a gentle knock on the door and I glanced up, snapping out of my thoughts immediately.“Come in.”Norman strode in, his expression firm.“Alpha, I have more news.” Norman’s tone was respectful but intense, as though the words themselves carried weight.I glanced up at him, pinning him with a serious gaze. “What is it?”“A contact from Ian’s pack has offered information about… Lady Noreen’s whereabouts.”It felt as though my heart had missed a beat, but I forced myself to remain still, holding onto the slim thread of hope.Noreen, The woman I thought I had lost, or worse, abandoned, I still felt guilty, but I pushed that aside.I would find be her
Noreen’s pov;As soon as I got out of the house, I almost sprinted to the mansion as I walked quickly. It was weird as there was not one single soul in sight, but I was going to go in,I had to. Ian had let me go on the condition that I report everything to him that has been happening at the mansion. I knew instantly that something had happened.From the edge of the trees, I peered at the mansion. First of all, it was surrounded by a ring of guards, which was weird because there weren’t this many guards, but I quickly realized that it was probably the witch’s doing.The huge familiar building in front of me brought back memories. Although it looked nice,it had unpleasant memories for me. It was the beginning of all my troubles. I strode purposefully towards the gate, my heart beating wildly in my chest as I knew what would happen as soon as I got there.“It’s the traitor! Look!” I hadn’t even reached the gate when one of the guards yelled and I swallowed hard as the others turned an
Alpha Harold’s pov;I giggled as she planted a kiss on my left cheek. She was my world,my universe. And it wasn’t because she was the only person I had seen in a long time or the fact that she told me that she was carrying my child. My first born child.I hoped it would be a boy, as good looking as me. Although a girl wouldn’t be bad either,and I didn’t care.She had told me stories,lots of stories about my braveness. I couldn’t wait to get better and hold her. I just wanted to be with her everytime,to hold her, to kiss her and to feel her warm body pressed up against mine.“See you later my love,” she said as she turned the door knob. My chest hurt as I watched her retreating figure.I don’t remember anything on my own,but from what she had told me. My name was Harold and I was the Alpha of Blackburn pack and she was my wife. I couldn’t go outside because I was plagued with some kind of disease that could kill me. She had told me everything I needed to know, still I felt like I was m
Noreen’s pov;Two weeks later;“Are you sure about this?” He questioned for the 100th time and I rolled my eyes.I had told the Queen of my plan and she seemed to have thought about it for a while before agreeing. Norman on the other hand, wasn’t so much as keen on it. He kept stating how dangerous it was and that it was better for me to stay back here and let them help me find my son.“I’ve never been more sure about anything. She lied and took advantage of me, i just want to get my son back and this is the surest way.”The Queen nodded,giving me a knowing look. We had gone through the plan severally to access the risk and to see if there was a way for her to doubt me. So far,we both agreed that it was a good plan.I had told her of how she had taken me to see Baby Harold briefly and how I had betrayed them and was assured of really finding him if I keep being on her side.I glanced at them briefly before stepping out to go into the waiting car. Norman had an unmistakable look of lo
Noreen’s pov;The room was white and pristine and unfamiliar, I searched in my memory of I had been here, but I couldn’t t remember, yet, there was something calling me and this place.“Hello,” I called out a my eyes darted around for some kind of clue.It was then that I saw the door and for some reasons, I believed that I had to open the door and I did just that, although I knocked a little as though to seek permission.That was when I saw it, the small light blue Cradle.I ran towards it and sure enough, there was my baby! He looked just as I had remembered with his littke hands which were curled into a small fist.This one right here was a fighter, he was just like his father!His tiny fingers reached out, and he whispered, “Momma…”A sob broke free from my chest as I knelt, reaching toward him. I was so close, just a few steps from holding him in my arms. But as I reached out, his image started to flicker. Shadows crept in, twisting around usSuddenly, the room began to blur and
Noreen’s pov;"I found out who your old man is," she smiled softly as she glanced at me.I furrowed my brows, having no idea what she was driving at."You have even more powers than you think of," she continued and I rolled my eyes.I had nothing anymore. I was just someone trapped in a body I absolutely hate, without a wolf and having to bear the pain of seeing my mate with someone else.I would be fortunate if I lasted long with all the pain I had been feeling in this body."The Lycan’s daughter,"My breath hitched in my throat as my eyes widened. She knew. She had somehow found out."What?" Candace and I glanced at her."I'm not—I'm not a cooper. I'm—I could be the only daughter of the past Lycan alive," I confessed and she squinted her eyes, the confusion evident on her face."You're——""Yes, I found out not long ago."The Queen wasn't saying anything and she sighed as she moved towards the log of wood to sit.We had come out of the house for some air. Norman had left earlier an
Alpha Harold’s pov;You are all dismissed," I said after a long silence.I needed to talk to Norman , but I had to do it privately, not In front of some of the guards who were already seeing me as some sort of dummy Alpha who was being controlled by Noreen.How two weak women could break out of a well guarded cell was something I just couldn’t understand and I needed answers!Someone had let them out! Someone who knew the nooks and crannies of the dungeons.This wasn’t who I was and I had already allowed a lot of bullshits from her because I didn’t want her to feel bad and she was carrying my child again!As soon as the guards all left, I faced him."Where were you yesterday, I couldn't get a hold of you?" I questioned as I looked at the window, shoving my hands into my pocket, my back to him."I was out," he replied casually. He was either a good pretender or he didn't realize I was already Suspecting him."Out where?" I demanded as I spun around to face him."I had to go get some ai
Noreen’s pov;We spun around to see his very familiar face. I furrowed my brows, wondering what he was doing here.Norman!The Alpha’s best friend and Gamma! Had Slpha Harold sent him?"You rescued us?" I asked, confused.I felt my heart flutter at that thought. He probably didn’t want to offend the woman he thought he loved, Noreen, but somehow, he felt something for me and had secretely ordered his Gamma to rescue me.“I did.”All the times I had seen him, he was always nonchalant and indifferent. I remember Alpha Harold telling me that he was actually fun if I get to know him, beneath his very tough exterior. He apparently, considered himself an adventurer of some sort. "Well, I couldn't let any harm befall an innocent person and the Queen. I didn't know what that witch fed the Alpha that could make him imprison his late father’s wife and the woman he loved," he said, shoving his hands into his pocket as he glanced at me, as of to tell me that he knew my real identity.“You kno
Noreen’s pov;It didn't come as a surprise when I was in my room pondering on what the healer had said when some guards barged in and arrested me, on the order of Luna.I did not resist nor complain as I had already expected even worse than that. I had expected her to even feed me poison.I was thrown in a cell, this time,a different cell, not the same one I had stayed at before.What did surprise me was when a few hours after I had been arrested and kept in a cell, the Queen joined me."What—""Don't ask," she said, cutting me off."How?""The bloody witch, who else," she shot out as she laid down properly on the floor."Why?, I mean,how?, you are—-," I stuttered."The former Queen ? the Alpha’s stepmother? Ian’s mother?—I guess all that means nothing to her," she stated and turned her face away from me."She said we were rebels. Members of the outlanders and I being an accomplice to murder and associating with a traitor," she chuckled darkly, and from her voice, it was obvious tha
Alpha Harold’s pov;It was indeed a difficult situation and very weird too!I remember marking Noreen at that very spot, but when we got married, she had requested that I marked her again, that the witch couldn’t done something to wipe off her mark.Had the witch done something truly? Why else would my mark be on Avery’s body? A woman I had never touched!Even if I wanted to try to Save her which was very weird, that would compromise my position with Noreen.She kept insisting that the healer was telling a lie, she believed that both the healer and Avery were in league and were members of the outlanders.She insisted that the healer be interrogated in order to ascertain the truth, but I knew better.I have known the healer since I was born, she was trustworthy. I had to find a way to save Avery without compromising my relationship with Noreen, while also finding the truth about everything.Avery had refused to leave, despite getting her father involved, she said she wasn’t at the mans