Benita’s POV Nathan carried me like I weighed nothing, cradling me against his chest with ease. My breath hitched in surprise, but I was too drained to argue or push him away. The murmurs of the crowd grew louder as Nathan turned toward the pack house, his movements quick. “That’s enough for today,” he announced, his authoritative tone leaving no room for objections. “She’ll return tomorrow to continue the healing.” I barely registered his words, my body sagging against him as exhaustion consumed me. The healing process had taken more out of me than I expected. Pulling toxins from others and into myself wasn’t just painful; it was draining in a way I couldn’t describe. Nathan glanced down at me, his expression unreadable. “You should’ve stopped sooner,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to me. His voice, though low, carried a hint of concern I didn’t want to acknowledge. “I’m fine,” I mumbled weakly, though the weight of my own body said otherwise. My eyelids flu
Benita's POV“Where is Theo?!” I demanded, my voice trembling with panic as I clutched Nathan’s shirt tighter. My heart raced wildly, and every possible worst-case scenario flashed through my mind.Nathan’s brows furrowed as he placed his hands gently over mine, trying to calm me down. “Benita, breathe,” he said softly, his eyes filled with confusion. “Theo’s isn’t gone. We’ll find him. He might have wandered off.”“Wandered off?!” I snapped, shaking my head as tears threatened to fall. “He’s a child, Nathan! He wouldn’t just disappear without someone seeing him!” My voice cracked as I released his shirt, turning to scan the room, searching for any sign of my son.Nathan stepped in front of me, his hands on my shoulders this time, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Listen to me,” he said firmly, his eyes locked onto mine. “I’ll call the guards to start searching. We’ll find him. I promise.”I glared at him. “Tell me you don’t have a hand in this! Did you ask your men to hide him? You want
Benita’s POV Nathan stepped closer, his infuriating smirk plastered across his annoyingly handsome face. My fists clenched at my sides, aching to knock that smug look off him. “Why don’t we make this interesting?” he drawled, his voice a low hum of arrogance. I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Interesting how?” “A bet,” he said simply, leaning in just enough to make me uncomfortable. “If I win, I won’t sign the divorce papers.” The audacity of this man. My jaw tightened as his words sank in. Of course, Nathan had to turn this into a game. He knew as well as I did that he wasn’t called the Blade Alpha for nothing. No one in their right mind would take him on in combat, let alone expect to win. But I wouldn’t let him see my fear. “And if I win?” I shot back, refusing to let him intimidate me. His grin widened, and he tilted his head as though considering my words. “That’s not happening.” “Humor me.” The confidence in his tone made my blood boil. “Typical Nathan,” I muttere
Alpha Nathan's POV “Kiss her.” The thought hit me hard as I stared at her alluring lips, but I didn’t act on it. Instead, I found myself lost in her mesmerizing sea-blue eyes. They held so many emotions—pain, anger, and hatred—all directed at me. Before I could regain my composure, she moved swiftly, pulling me to the ground. In seconds, she was straddling me, the edge of her blade pressed against the crook of my neck. “It seems I won,” she said with a smirk, her voice sharp and triumphant. I growled low in my throat, watching as she stood gracefully, leaving me on the ground. “That was incredible, Mother!” Theo exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement as he rushed to her side. He gave her a high five, which she returned with a smile before kissing his forehead. With admiration, I stood up and glanced at her. During the past five years away, Benita had transformed into a different woman. She seemed so different in almost every aspect, and I loved it so much. I loved the woman
Benita’s POV I gently kissed Theo’s forehead as he slept peacefully beside me, his small frame rising and falling with each soft breath. Pulling the blanket over myself, I turned off the lights and closed my eyes, hoping for sleep to take me. But no matter how hard I tried, it wouldn’t come. My mind was restless, a certain man haunting my thoughts. Moments ago, he was here, acting like the perfect father he should have been to Theo, but it seemed Theo didn’t want to have any relationship with him. Somehow, I felt pity for Alpha Nathan. Despite how hard he tried to hide it, I could still notice the hurt in his eyes when Theo lied to him, claiming he was tired just to avoid interacting with him. But who is to blame? It’s him and no one else. “Are you certain about divorcing him and rejecting him? He seems different now, like he’s changed,” my wolf whispered, her voice tinged with concern. I scoffed in response, my anger flaring. “I don’t care if he’s changed or not. I’m done wit
Nathan’s POV “Fine,” she spat, and I froze. I hadn’t expected her to agree. I was teasing her, daring her, fully expecting she'd snap back and storm out. But Benita shocked me by not backing down. I watched, stunned, as her hands moved to the zipper at the back of her dress. My smirk faltered, my breath catching in my throat as I realized she was serious. The soft sound of the zipper lowering seemed to echo in the room, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away as the fabric slipped from her shoulders. My gaze traveled down the curve of her body, over the soft, warm flesh that had haunted my dreams for years. The dress fell to her waist, revealing a matching black lace bra that hugged her full, round breasts perfectly. I swallowed hard, my wolf stirring restlessly in the back of my mind. She paused for a moment, glancing at me with challenge and hesitation. It was as if she was daring me to look away—but I couldn’t. Then, without breaking eye contact, she pulled the dress down fur
Benita’s POV“So, Theo, what’s your favorite color?” Lady Anita, Alpha Nathan’s mother, asked as we sat around the table having breakfast.“Red,” Theo answered confidently. “Because it looks so good on Mom,” he added, grinning brightly. His words brought a smile to my face, but when I glanced at Nathan, who was seated at the far end of the table, my smile faded.Our eyes met, and for a moment, I was pulled back to the events that had transpired in his room just minutes ago. The memory sent an unwanted warmth to my cheeks. I quickly broke the gaze, focusing on Theo instead.You’re five years old, right?” Lady Anita continued, her voice filled with curiosity.“Yes,” Theo nodded. “But I’ll be six soon,” he added with pride.Lady Anita’s expression brightened. “When’s your birthday, sweetheart?”I expected Theo to reply with a straightforward answer. After all, that’s what any child his age would do. But, as always, Theo had a way of surprising me.He turned his sharp little eyes to Natha
Benita's POVI was healing the remaining infected children in the courtyard when I noticed my father walking toward me. His presence alone was enough to make my chest tighten, but I kept my focus on the little girl in front of me. He didn’t stop until he was standing a few feet away, his expression a mix of surprise and desperation.“Benita,” he said, his voice shaky as he reached out for me. Without thinking, I pulled my hand away, my frown deepening.“Please, you have to come with me. Your mother… she’s at home, dying,” he said, panic and desperation in his voice.There was a time when hearing something like that would’ve shaken me to my core. I would’ve dropped everything, rushed to her side, and done whatever I could to save her. She was my mother, after all. She birthed me. But that was five years ago. That naive, forgiving version of me was long gone.“I’m sorry, I can’t go with you,” I said, turning my attention back to the little girl in front of me.My father dropped to his k
Lagertha’s POV I took a deep breath and stared at my reflection in the mirror. “You can do this, Lagertha,” I whispered, trying to steady my nerves. My wolf stirred within me. “Calm down. It's just a family dinner,” she soothed. But she was wrong. This wasn’t just any family dinner. It was my first time sitting at the same table with Oscar’s parents, Theo’s parents, Oscar’s siblings, Theo’s siblings, Theo and Oscar—all in one room. And I had to pretend to be in love with Oscar, right in front of Alpha Theo. My mate. It was a huge task. “You can do this," my wolf encouraged again. I exhaled deeply, forcing myself to push aside my emotions. Straightening my dress, I left my room and walked down the long hallway. My heart pounded with each step. The mansion was eerily quiet, aside from the faint clinking of dishes coming from the dining hall. The scent of roasted meat and warm spices filled the air, but it did nothing to settle my nerves. As I reached the entrance of th
Alpha Theo’s POV Lila stiffened beside me, her discomfort obvious in the way she tensed. I could feel the weight of her pain pressing down on both of us, but she kept her expression carefully blank. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay composed, to not let my own emotions betray me. “They had to step out,” I said evenly, keeping my voice devoid of the frustration clawing at my insides. “Oscar had some business to handle, and Lagertha went with him.” It was a lie. I had no idea where they were. Mother’s brow furrowed slightly, but she nodded. “I see. Well, we’ll have to see them soon. The wedding preparations must be keeping them busy. I heard it’s happening in two weeks,” Mother announced, and my brows furrowed. “Two weeks?” I asked in panic, unable to control it. Mother furrowed her brow and gave me a suspicious look. “Yes… do you have a problem with that?” she asked, and where I stood, my heart sank. My furious wolf howling loudly in my head. Not getting any response
Alpha Theo's POV I stood on the balcony, gripping the railing so tightly as I watched Lagertha step into the car with Oscar. Everything in me urged me to go downstairs and pull her away from him, but I forcefully forced myself to remain in place as I watched the car drive out of the mansion. “Do something,” my wolf growled angrily in my head, and I wished I knew what to do, but I was confused. Oscar had put me in a tight corner—I was cornered. The sound of my door creaking open pulled me from my thoughts. I turned, my chest tightening when I saw Lila walk in. Her green eyes—identical to mine—were red and swollen, her usually radiant face pale and lifeless. My protective instinct kicked in, and I rushed to her, gently holding her arms as I studied her pale face. “Lila, why are you crying? What happened?” I asked worriedly but also angrily. Lila’s tears had always been my weakness, and seeing her like this, utterly broken, shredded me from the inside out. Lila broke into a loud sob
Beta Oscar’s POV Three years ago. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched Lila chatting happily with some guests, completely unaware of the storm raging inside me. Tonight was the mating ceremony, where aged wolves who didn’t find their mates after turning eighteen would participate in the bond. I had just turned eighteen a few days ago, and I was anxious—anxious about what lay ahead of me. I looked at Lila again—the only girl I had ever loved. I had liked her for as long as I could remember, ever since I truly understood what it meant to have feelings for someone. The three-year age gap between us had never mattered to me. I had convinced myself that if we were mates, she would see past it too. So I kept my feelings hidden, waiting for this night, clinging to the hope that fate would be on my side. I prayed every night for the Moon Goddess to grant my wish—to make her mine. And now, the moment of truth had arrived. We were all called to stand in line, but Theo refused, s
Lagertha’s POV The moment she walked in, I stood abruptly, my heart pounding. I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. My body tensed as I met her gaze—her confused expression only making my nerves worse. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could, Beta Oscar beat me to it. “Lila, you’re here,” he said, straightening to his full height. Then, unexpectedly, he wrapped an arm around my waist. I flinched but didn’t move away. I could see the stunned look on Lila’s face. “Lila, Lagertha and I are now dating,” he announced. My breath caught in my throat as I turned to Miss Lila, watching as a disapproving look flickered across her face. I swallowed hard as I began to wonder if the whispers among the other servants were true. According to the gossips I had heard, it was said that Miss Lila has feelings for Beta Oscar—that was why she had been rejecting all the eligible suitors that came for her. But I had never believed in gossip from the staffs. However, seeing the reaction
Lagertha’s POV I reached my room and leaned against the door, trying to catch my breath. My heart was still pounding, and my mind raced with everything that had happened. “Well done, Lagertha. You did well,” I murmured, offering myself a moment of encouragement. I stood there for a while, willing my pulse to slow, before finally pushing away from the door and sinking onto my bed. I kicked off my shoes and stared at the floor, my thoughts circling back to Theo—what I had said to him and the way he had reacted. If Lila hadn’t walked in when she did, I had no idea what would have happened. A sudden knock at the door made me jerk, but I quickly relaxed as a familiar scent filled the air—Mother Agatha. She always smelled like dried coffee, a scent I could recognize anywhere. The door creaked open, and she stepped inside, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Happy eighteenth birthday, dear Leggy,” she said cheerfully. A small smile tugged at my lips as I stood up. In her hands
Alpha Theo's POVI wanted to pull her back and tell her that I was never going to allow her to get married to Oscar. She could choose any of the men, and I would be able to live with it, but not my best friend… not him.“Theo… is everything okay?” Lila asked, concern lacing her voice. I sighed, turning my back to her. My wolf was howling in fury, sending a splitting headache through my skull. “Theo, please talk to me," she pleaded, placing a hand on my shoulder. I stood rigid, debating whether to tell her the truth. It was a risk. If she found out, she might tell our parents, and that could land me in trouble. “Are you in love with Lagertha?” Lila suddenly asked. I neither confirmed nor denied it. Lila sighed. “Theo, I noticed the way you look at her. You might pretend to others and make them think you hate her, but I know that you like Lagertha. I see the way you look at her when you think no one is watching,” Lila said, sounding so sure about it, and I didn’t bother to deny it
Alpha Theo’s POV Everything in me screamed to go after her—to hold her, to tell her the truth, to make her understand that whatever pain she was feeling, I felt it too. It was torture to stand before her and reject her. Torture to breathe in her intoxicating scent, to have her so close yet not able to touch her. It was torture to see the tears in her eyes and know that I was the reason for them. But the most agonizing part? Knowing that I was about to give her away to another. It felt like handing over the most precious jewel in my possession to someone else, someone who might cherish it more than I could. Someone who wasn’t bound by the chains of hatred and the past. “You are a fool.” My wolf growled, his anger suffocating. He had been restless all night, growling, howling angrily at my choices. But, as always, I ignored him. I sighed, consumed by thoughts of her. Was she still crying? Had she soaked her pillow with tears? Did she hate me now? But this was for the best. It had to
Lagertha’s POV I stared at him, searching his face for any sign that this was a cruel joke, but his expression remained impassive. My fingers trembled as I reached for the files, flipping them open. Each page contained a name, a pack affiliation, and a brief description of the man’s status. It was like I was some sort of business deal, being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall again. I clenched my jaw, swallowing back the anguish in my throat. “You can’t be serious.” He finally lifted his gaze to mine, and for the first time, I saw something beneath the cold mask he always wore. Pain. Guilt. Or was I just imagining it? “You wanted to know what happens next, Lagertha,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. “This is what happens next. You choose.” I gripped the edges of the file so tightly. “You can't force me to marry any of these men.” His lips pressed into a thin line. "This is for your good, Lagertha. You will g