Chad's POV Bella's scent was an aphrodisiac to my senses. I suckled on her sweet neck, wishing I could mark her. The way every unmated male kept staring at her almost made me lose control on live TV. Hell, she looked so ravishing. Even the mated males looked interested in her. Fucking Jasper was there too, still lurking around, and Hudson never took his eyes off of her. Once all of this is over, I will gauge his eyes out, and I will make his sister eat them. 'Mine! Kill them all now! If she was marked, they would know better.' Growled Cobalt. I blocked him from my thoughts, enjoying Bella's soft and warm body. Enjoying the sweetness of her skin and her soft moans. She grinds against my iron hard shaft, careassing my body, and my control starts wavering. that's when Cobalt starts to push, trying to take control. I feel my canines elongating. I parted off of Bella's trembling form rather fast, startling her. She needs to get away from me. Her intoxicating scent is a magnetic pull,
Bella's POV "Well, well. Luna Bella?" I turned around and found myself face to face with the Alpha King. He oozes power and enigma. His black hair is tussled like he had passed his hands many times through it, or maybe a woman did. His enigmatic blue eyes looked me up and down. "I'm sorry, Alpha King. I got lost. I should go." I said as I started to walk away. He grabbed me by the arm firmly, and I had no choice but to stay in place. I stared down at the hand that was still holding me. "I suggest you unhand me, King Hudson. My mate is very possessive." He chuckled and let go of me. "With a woman like you, I think I would be as possessive as well." His eyes wandered down my face and body. I knew this look of uninvited interest that often times I caught on men when they looked at me. I sidestep him and continued to walk towards the garden. "I wanted to let you know that I accept. I accept to let the prisoners go as you requested once the competition is over." I stopped. Would h
Chad's POV Bella's chest rose and fell, and a cute squeak came out of her throat. The view was formidable from up here. The exquisite dress hugged all her curves in all the right places. "You wouldn't dare?" She said, feigning indignation. I pulled her close to me and whispered in her ear. "Sweetheart, I would spank that pretty butt raw, and then I would kiss it all better." I then pulled apart from her. Her baby blues were wide, and her cheeks were scarlett red. Her eyes were sparkling with curiosity, though. I cupped her cheek with one hand. Her skin was so smooth. Tingles spread to my body, enhancing my need for her. "Chad, I got lost. The Palace is so big. I didn't mean to put myself in that situation." She said softly. My heart squeezed. I should be the one apologizing to her. I lifted her in my arms like I should've done since the beginning instead of dragging her through all of these hallways. I inhaled her scent. "Peaches and cream." I murmured. She giggled. I took he
Bella's POV Chad's eyes darkened, matching the same desired that clouded mine. He made me feel daring and wanted. I put my hands on his bulging biceps, relishing in their hardness. "That sounds decadently hot, sweetheart. But some mere silk ties will not be able to restrain me, I will need to be chained, love." Chad replied. His golden eyes flashed with burning passion. I cupped his face lovingly. The rough stubble of his chiseled jaw brought back erotic memories of the way it felt between my thighs. I brushed my lips with his, and I replied. "Then I'll chain you and have my way with you, my King." He groaned and nibbled my bottom lip. "I could arrange that." He mumbled against my lips. The scent of my arousal permeated the air, taunting us. He slid his hands under my dress until he reached my panties. The gold of his eyes was bright. They penatrated my very soul. "No touching beautiful, can you do that for me?" I bit my bottom lip, and I whimpered as I nodded vigorously. I h
Bella's POV Sadie wanted to speak, but no words were coming out of her mouth. She looked like a fish out of the water. Arona scrunched her nose and moved slightly away from Sadie. I don't even know how she managed to get an invitation. Jasper hasn't claimed her yet, I see no mark on her neck. But if I pointed out the obvious, they will start saying I'm a snob. Arona looked between Sadie and me, noticing there was an obvious connection between us. For once, I was grateful that Jasper never took me anywhere with him. These Lunas don't know me, and Sadie is obviously well known. Everyone here must think she is Jasper's Luna. Good ridance. "Well?" Arona tapped her foot impatiently. Saidie tried to talk again, but she started coughing instead. I was not going to let her reveal my past. If Arona finds out I'm not Chad's true mate, she will use it against me. One of the Lunas started padding Sadie’s back. I really don't know any of these women, but by the end of this tea party, I will
Chad When I heard the piano keys, I was on one of the top floor balconies of the Palace. I had been keeping an eye on that Lunas' reunion. I didn't like that Bella was surrounded by strangers and so close to Arona and Jasper's mistress. I was proud to see that she was able to hold her own and was not easily bullied. Bella started playing Moonlight, but then she switched to a different song, one that I swear I had heard before a long time ago. I just don't remember when or where. I let myself drift away as she played the song, caressing my soul. She was mesmerizing. Bella touches every fiber of my being. "Your Luna is full of surprises, King Chad." Dane said with a sideways smile. He was here too, keeping an eye on Elise and minding Peggy while Elise was busy. "Did you recognize the song she switched to in the middle?" I asked, hoping that he did. "Not a clue, but it was an excellent combination. She first started with a sad song and ended with a happy one." It really was. I
Bella's POV The next day, I woke up with a new resolve. I was hoping to find that man and unmask him. I have a gut feeling about him. I could use my ring from afar and take his mask off, but I don't want to risk it. It would be way too obvious. Another problem would be to sneak away from Chad. I felt a pang in my heart. Chad is naturally possessive, and I don't like keeping secrets from him, but if I tell him what I suspect and it turns out that I was mistaken, he will just assume I'm becoming paranoid. After all, if the guard was who I think he is, he wouldn't have ignored me. No way, when my brothers are as possessive and protective as Chad. But his scent, it felt so familiar, although it was mixed with something else. The only explanation for a scent to change is when a person gets marked and mated, but my brothers haven't found their mates yet. A knock on my door brings me back from my thoughts. Rose walks in before I answer. "Good morning, Luna." Rose said, with a chir
Chad's POV The reports Dane has been getting from our spies are worrisome. There has been an ongoing investigation about my ambush and the attack to Bella's family. Our suspicions have been correct, and they are connected. I have three suspects right now, but I need proof. There was definitely rogue involvement, but who is their boss? Dane and I sit in the underground bar. This is one of my secret meeting places. The entrance to this place is through a human church. Fort, a man I fully trust, and one of my best spies is sitting across Dane and I. He is pissed about the information he's relaying to me. "This was an inside job, my King. I spent all of these weeks in North Natbia and couldn't find anything about the Lockwoods' attack or yours. This means the ambush was planned on our side." Fort gulps his tequila shot and slams the small glass on the table. "Is that so?...." I suspected something of the sort. "Hudson being here can complicate things. My enemies will want to alli
Hendrick's POV I entered the room as soon as Chad left. The air still reeked of sex, and I felt a sharp sting of jealousy. Lycans have a much stronger sense of smell than wolves. I felt Bella's scent as I approached the bed—she smells exquisite. That natural aroma of hers calms both me and Chaos. I sat on the chair to gaze at her like a fucking stalker. She stirred in her sleep. Her wolf could sense me, but she did not feel threatened by me. She sleeps peacefully. I resisted the urge to brush the silky strands of hair away from her face. Her pillowy lips are slightly parted as she breathes softly. The palace is bustling with activity, all in preparation for her wedding to Chadwick. My jaw tightens. This infatuation has had to go. She's my brother's mate. The one and only, not a second chance mate, but the one the Goddess intended for him. Holloway signed his death sentence with what he did. I know my brother. He does not forgive easily, especially when it comes to her. Hence, m
**Bella's POV** After Dane shared the great news, I got up from Chad's lap and placed the plate of food on the table. I had been so hungry earlier. Although I usually don’t eat much meat, I felt like I could eat everything on the table. Chad had been feeding me tiny bites when Dane walked in, and I noticed the amused glint in his eyes at the sight of us. Everyone at the palace saw Chad as the big bad wolf, but he was so sweet to me. "So, he's gone!" I exclaimed with excitement. "It seems so," Chad replied, leaning back on the couch and crossing his legs in a figure-four position. "We won't let our guard down, though. Don't forget that he is working with a witch." He focused his gaze on me, and I felt my cheeks flush as I averted my eyes. I grabbed the glass of wine Rose had served earlier and welcomed the bittersweet taste. "I will reinforce the security around the palace. People from neighboring packs have started to arrive for your wedding," Dane said before excusing himself
Chad's POV I witnessed everything in those fleeting seconds from a distance. The chaos that unfolded was overwhelming. Her power was immeasurable; she tore through the magic barriers fiercely. My warriors stood helplessly. There was nothing else to do. She eliminated the threat singlehandedly. Now, I cradle her in my arms inside the car as she sleeps like an angel, not as the terrifying witch who just obliterated an army of warriors. The small lashes on her supple skin finally heal, and I clench my jaw at seeing them. The dried blood that smeared her skin had already begun to flake away. Hendrick speeds past on his motorcycle. He knows what Bella is capable of, so he had no doubts when he took her to that place. I can't help but feel jealous of their closeness. Why does she trust him with her secret and not me? Dane pulls through the castle gates, and I leave the car carrying Bella. As we pass by the common room, the women gasp and look in horror as they see Bella covered in bl
Bella's POV As we approach the crumbling, abandoned building, my heart races like a wild drum in my chest. The eerie silhouette of the structure looms before us, its broken windows resembling dark, unblinking eyes. Despite the unsettling ambiance, my real fear lies not in what might be lurking within those walls but in the possibility of Chad discovering my location. Tonight, I plan to unravel all my secrets to him, a daunting task that sends a flutter of anxiety through me. I rub my palms together, feeling the cool air against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of my apprehension. Hendrick catches my gaze, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “Don’t tell me you’re getting scared? Bella, you single-handedly subdued the four men who tried to kidnap you in Royal City,” he teases, his confidence radiating like a beacon. Though my stomach twists slightly, I can't help but quirk my lips at his words. “Well, I didn’t mean to kill them. I was just learning to harness my newfound p
Chad's POV I scrubbed my hands under the harsh stream of water, watching the crimson droplets swirl down the drain, remnants of a tense interrogation fading into nothingness. The North Natbians were attempting to breach our borders, and one of their spies had finally divulged unsettling information. They were on a mission to capture Bella, to deliver her to their king, and every one of them carried her picture, a haunting reminder of the stakes at play. Frustration boiled within me, and I slammed my fist against the wall, the sound echoing like thunder in the sterile room. The realization that he could hold Bella hostage, forcing my hand and sealing Kaladia's fate, ignited a fire of desperation in my chest. “Chad, I know you’re trying to protect Bella, but she needs to understand the peril she’s in,” Dane insisted, his expression taut with concern. "I will talk to her," I snapped, my voice rough with guilt. I hated the thought of burdening her with fear. I felt like I was failing
**Bella's POV** I rummage through the drawer for the fourth time, knowing I left Jasper's letter inside. However, the envelope containing my son’s sonogram is nowhere to be found. I hear Rose’s footsteps approaching, and I turn to face her. "Queen Luna, the team from Lynne Wayne has arrived for your final dress fitting!" Rose announces with enthusiasm. I glance at my Audemars Piguet Royal watch, a recent gift from Chad, and I remind myself that I am finally marrying him and claiming him as my own. Butterflies flutter in my stomach at the thought. "Thank you, Rose. I’ll be there in a few minutes. Make sure to inform the Lunas as well," I instruct firmly. Rose nods and exits. When I step into the spacious fitting room, my friends eagerly await me. "Bella, your dress is absolutely stunning! You definitely have to design my dress too!" Elise declares. “Of course I will,” I reply confidently as the assistant zips up my dress. The skirt sparkles with tiny diamonds, my shoulders bar
Chad's POV It had been weeks since I forced Jasper Holloway to go back to Riverbank's Pack with his mate and daughter. Bella stopped me from killing Jasper, just like I had been itching to do for a long time. Only Bella's intervention and the fact that he has a pup now saved him. Bella did not want a fatherless pup in her conscience. It had been the first time we had fought. I hated every minute of it. I stormed out of my office when Dane mindlinked me. Jasper Holloway had intercepted Bella outside the maternity hospital. She had accompanied Elise for her prenatal checkup. When Dane met them outside, Holloway was practically dragging Bella by the arm. I had given the order to throw him out of the city, and he dared to think he could take Bella away with him. I lost it when I got to the scene. "Get your filthy hands off of my mate!!" I snarled as I lunged at him, claws out and elongated teeth. Cobalt demanded blood, and I was going to deliver. I will paint the Palace's grounds wi
**Camilla's POV** I watched from the shadows as the Lycan roared furiously. That she-wolf, Sadie, had slapped the Princess. Sadie had played a key role in my plan, but I no longer needed her. I made sure her pup never made it out of the ICU. She had to pay for gloating when the Princess lost that wolf's spawn. That pup was born weak anyway, and it was her mother’s fault. She gave me her pup's blood from the womb to create the potion that killed the Princess's pup. It's a shame that the Princess, being too soft-hearted, cured the pup already. She will soon learn that kindness is futile. "Who hurt you?!" the Lycan asked her again, kissing her reddened cheek softly. Even though he touched her with care, I could sense his aura darkening. He was clearly furious yet treated her as if she were made of crystal. "I had a confrontation with Sadie..." The Lycan spun around and moved toward the exit, but the Princess held him back. "Chad is okay, really. I slapped her back." The Lycan seemed t
Bella's POV I passed by the common room on my way out. Elise and Grace were there. Grace looks so much better after giving her the amulet. She has even asked me to be her baby's godmother. Elise is a little bit farther along. I hope their babies can become friends in the future. Lira appeared as well, nursing her baby. "Are you heading out, Bella?" Lira asks. "I'm going to visit Saidie's baby at the hospital. I heard that she's not doing well." Elise stands up, with a protective hand on her belly. "Wait, you're not going alone. I don't like that woman!" She affirms, leaving no room for denial. Just then, Ace comes carrying Tessa, looking alarmed. "Her water broke!" He growls. "I'm fine. We just need to get to the hospital." Tessa tries to calm him down as he darts towards the exit. "I guess we're all going to the hospital," Lira says as she passes her baby to his nanny. "I will text Fort to let him know. I wish I had a mind link as well. " Grace sighs. Tessa i