Bella's POV
I almost fell on top of the wounded man. It was still night before dawn. The man moaned in pain slightly. He must be one of the warriors who fought in the war. Before I disappeared from my pack, I thought of my father, and I wished to find him. I'm near the battlefield now. The weather was cold but not as bad as Jasper made everyone believe. I put my arms around me. The night was chilly. I needed to find a safe place to spend the rest of the night. I looked at the warrior on the floor. He must have fought side by side with my father and brothers. They were all protecting our country. The least I could do was to help him. Moving him wouldn't be easy. The soldier was impressive. With massive hands and muscles. Even wounded on the floor, he looked threatening. I played with the ring on my left hand. It belonged to my mother. My father told me how the ring worked, but he never wanted me to use it. He was always overprotective of me on that matter. I had already exposed myself when I used it to get away from Jasper. At least this is for a good cause. I kneeled closer to the soldier. Rubbing some of my blood on the ring, I wished for a sheltered place close by. We appeared inside a cave. I rummaged inside my bag and grabbed a small blanket to put under his head. The light of dawn was shining through the cave's entrance. He was breathtakingly handsome, like a God. I found myself shuddering as I studied his face. I couldn't resist touching his perfectly defined features. When I touched his cheek, I felt like an electric current was coming from my hand. I retracted my hand instantly, but his eyes flew open. His golden eyes pierced through mine. They were cold and menacing, but they seemed to soften when he saw me. "I won't hurt you." I said. "I will take care of you.!" He blinked a few times before his eyes closed again. I gathered some wood to make a small bonfire. The rest of the hours flew by as I spent them taking care of the handsome warrior. With the use of my ring. I gathered everything I needed to treat his wounds. If my father were here, he would've been appalled. I had used my ring so many times in one day, more than I had ever used it throughout my entire life. "By the third day, the warrior seemed to be better. His wounds were starting to heel. The herbal medicine made him drowsy, though. I rarely saw him opening his eyes, but when he did, he would watch me intently, making me blush under his scrutinizing gaze. Sometimes, our eyes would lock, and I fell an increasing pull towards him. The electric tingles I felt every time I touched him were unsettling as well. He never fully woke up, though, and we were never able to have a conversation. Later that day, I was going to gather some berries. I needed to take care of myself as well. The pregnancy was making me constantly nauseous. Sometimes, I had to force myself to eat something. I came to an abrupt stop when I saw the cave surrounded by warriors. My heart plummeted to my stomach. They didn't look friendly at all. They barged inside when they saw me. The tallest, meanest one looked at me threateningly. "Search inside the cave." The burly and intimidating warrior said. He looked like he was their leader. The men scurried inside the cave, looking for something. They were dressed in a similar manner as the wounded God inside the cave. "Who are you, woman?" He asked icedly. I retreated a few steps, fearing for my baby. I wetted my lips, feeling them dried. My mouth had probably been agape. Before I could say anything, profane exclamations were heard from inside the cave. "Fuck! He's here, Dane!!" One of the soldiers yelled. The scary warrior named Dane almost pushed me when he ran inside. They were here for him. They sound happy to have found him. I saw Dane's cold Demeanor changed when he heard that the wounded God was here. "Do not leave that woman out of your sight!" He growled. I fidgeted nervously. Who were these men? They all looked dangerous and powerful. I was sure they would harm me. I was tempted to use my ring, but one of the warriors grabbed my arm. "Do not attempt anything. You don't want to make him mad." He warned menacingly. One of the men came back and dragged me forcefully inside the cave. My hands moved instinctively to my abdomen. We stopped near that Dane guy who was staring worriedly at the wounded warrior. "Who did this to him?" His voice was laced with a dangerous edge. "Speak woman, if you value your life!" He snarled. He was clenching his fists. I could feel his anger rolling out in waves. Where were they when this happened to him if he was so important to them? Usually, I would have something smart to say, but I didn't want to make this beast angrier. "I found him unconscious, and I brought him here." Before I even finished, I realized my big mistake. His eyes went wide, and then he sneered. "Do you want me to believe that a fragil woman like you carried him to this cave? Who else helped you?." He stepped closer to me, trapping me between him and the cave's wall. "Look for her accomplices. Find them!" Roared Dane. He stepped back, making me release the breath I didn't know I was holding. "There's no accomplices! I didn't do this to your... friend. You have to believe me!" I said frustratedly. He punched the wall above my head, making me flinch. He literally made a small dent on the solid rock. How strong were these people? "Oh, I know you didn't do this to my...brother. It'd take more than a weak woman to bring him down. He was clearly ambushed. Someone else helped you, and I will make you talk one way or another." What does that even mean? How did I get involved in all of this? I was just trying to help. My breaths started to quicken. His look was murderous. I was in danger. I needed to make him understand he was wrong to judge me. "That is not how it happened! You're horribly mistaken..!" I kept arguing as they all ignored me. He started barking orders to the werewolf warriors. Some of them brought a stretcher I didn't know they had. "Seize her!" He ordered, like I hadn't had been threatened since the very beginning. "You will be threated as a suspect until my brother wakes up. You better be telling the truth. Otherwise, we will not show you mercy!" My heart sank. 2 soldiers restrained me and forcibly tied my hands. I was beginning to regret having helped Dane's brother. I stared at him on the floor. Oblivious to everything that was going on. If he were awake, he would tell them, but even though he was healing, the herbs and lack of proper food weakened him. I saw them pull him out on the stretcher. He was too big for it, his legs were dangling. I was unceremoniously thrown in the back of one of their cars once we made it down the mountain. Dane had gotten impatient at my low pace and had thrown me over his shoulder when we were descending. All I could think of was my child. I can't reveal my identity to them. They would send me straight to Jasper. I praid to the Goddess that Dane's brother woke up. Only he could save me now.Dane's POV Once I sat inside the car, I let out a breath of relief. We've won the war days ago, but the king had been MIA ever since. We had kept it a secret to avoid unrest within our nation. Our King doesn't have any heirs yet. It was up to me, his Beta, to make sure he was found while maintaining order in his absence. I turned around to look at the woman in the back. She looked harmless, but we couldn't trust anyone where our king was concerned. He has many enemies who wished him dead. Who's to know they didn't send a beautiful woman like her to seduce him and deceive him. My men made a total check around the area but found no sign of anyone else there. Nevertheless, I still feel that she didn't work alone. "mmmph." The woman protested. I had gagged her earlier because she wouldn't shut up. I was avoiding any more interaction with her until the Lycan King awakened. I was not going to be deceived by those innocent looking blue eyes as well. Harming women is not something I choo
Bella's POV I slept with one eye open. I didn't trust any of these people. At least they didn't hurt me physically, but they were starving me instead. My stomach was growling. I needed to eat something urgently. I carresed my stomach, promising my child I would find something to eat as soon as I could. The door of the cell opened with a squeaky sound, making me jump to my feet. In came Dane with a cup of steaming coffee, smelling like the heavens. The coffee, not him. My stomach growled. I was famished. I could almost taste the bitter yet smooth flavor of the coffee in my tongue. He stood right in front of me. I had to throw my head back to lock eyes with him. Goddess that coffee smelled so good. For a minute, I thought he was going to hand it to me. He just smirked. I felt the need to kick him on the shins if he weren't this stupidly tall. He doesn't look anything like his brother, though. Even their hair color ir different. Dane's hair is sandy blond, and his handsome brother h
Chad My mouth felt parched. My head was going to explode, and the incessant beeping close by was making it worse. I opened my eyes, but the bright light in the room hurt my eyes. It took me a minute to adapt to the brightness. Where am I? I looked around, trying to recognize this place. It looked like I was in the pack's hospital. My wolf just woke me up. He's been complaining about Dane, nonstop. 'Dane, the idiot, he has imprisoned her, and you wouldn't wake up!' Said my wolf Cobalt with a snarled. No wonder my head throbs. He is utterly enraged. 'What are you talking about, Cobalt?'I asked. 'The fair woman who saved our lives, Dane imprisoned her! Do something!' The same anger started to build inside me as well. 'Dane, where the hell are you?! I'm awake! Report to me now!' I was still grudgy, so the mindlink went broadly to every member of Mountain's Peak pack. Great! In seconds, I was surrounded by doctors, and the buzzing of people outside was insane. "How are you feeling, m
Bella's POV I woke up with a jump. I was having another nightmare. In my nightmares, Jasper always finds me and forces me to go back. Then, he overtakes White Claw pack, my father's pack. I checked the time on the clock. It's early morning . I slept most of the day yesterday and throughout the night. After I took a shower, I decided to explore the town. I needed to buy clothes and a few toiletries. I ate something quickly at the hotel before I ventured outside. The locals were friendly people. If I wasn't on the run, I would've considered staying for a few more days. Unfortunately, now I wasn't only running from Jasper, but from Dane as well. There was a woman walking with a little girl holding her hand. I wondered if my child was a boy or a girl, and I smiled. The little girl thinking I was smiling at her, she smiled at me. "Look, Mommy, she's so pretty!" The little girl whispered out loud. Her mother shook her head and smiled as well. They seemed to be good people. "You're not
Chad 'I told you. You shouldn't have listened to Dane. This is the third hotel we searched, and she is not here!' I sighed, but Cobalt was right. We wasted so much time. I can't help but feel desperate and annoyed that we couldn't find her. Somehow, I feel that she's important to me. Hell, if Cobalt's possessive behavior towards her wasn't a clue, I don't know what was. If something happens to her, I won't be able to live with the guilt. "Chad." Dane called me. When we were alone, he would address me by my name. We were childhood friends, and I've always considered him my best and only friend. There aren't many people I could trust in my position. "Did you find anything? A clue to where she might have gone, perhaps?" He shook his head. "I'm not going back to the pack until we have found her. Cobalt would go feral if I leave." I rubbed my eyes, trying to remain calm. Dane's apprehensiveness grew, as well. "I know, Chad. I wouldn’t dare to leave either. I could tell she is ver
Jasper My wolf was bristling with need and anticipation as I pushed my body against the door one last time before it burst open. I froze in shock when she was not there. I searched in the closets and bathroom, even under the bed, but nothing. I howled loudly, as my wolf's pain and our rage combined made me lose control like never before. I started trashing the room, hurling, kicking, and smashing everything in my vocinity. "Alpha Jasper!!" Beta Conner called. My eyes flashed when I saw him. In two quick movements, I pinned him to the wall, grabbing him by the collar. My labor breathing was fanning his face, but he didn't look scared. "Where is she?! I growled. He pushed me away with force and looked at me accusingly. "She was here just now. If you had kept it in your pants, you wouldn't be in this situation. Alpha Jasper, you brought this to yourself. Your mate wants nothing to do with you, I only allowed you entrance for the benefit of our pack." I could tell he was mad at me,
Bella's POV I walked around the forest most of the morning, searching for possible clues. I also went to the spot where I found the warrior. He was definitely not attacked at this place. He came running from the mountain. There were only his footsteps and mine here. What huge feet he has. I chuckled. 'What do you think, Anaisha? Should we go to the mountain?' She seemed to ponder for a bit. 'Yes, but be careful and disguise your scent.' I did, as Anaisha said, disguising my scent with the scent bloker I always carry with me. My stuff was well hidden within the cave. Nobody would know I was staying there. I kept walking until I reached the edge of the mountain. The battlefield was on the other side. All the warriors had to cross this mountain on their way back. I felt I was closer to getting answers. I started climbing the mountain when halfway there, an overwhelming feeling made me stop. Tears started dripping from my eyes. What am I doing? This place is dangerous for me to be
Chad My heart was thumping. The rogue activity around here was alarming. What are they looking for? Usually, they don't get too close to my territory. Dane had asked for reinforcements, but we can not wait for them. She is in imminent danger. We encountered 7 rogues near the cave. Dane and I tore them appart, body parts were flying through the air. Goddess, let me not be too late. Cobalt was on high alert. I am midshift right now. Part man, part Lycan. I am letting Cobalt lead me to her. Her scent is stronger inside the cave. Dane is right behind me, covering my back. I walked further inside, claws out, ready to pounce. Hidded behind a rock, there was a bag. I grabbed it and pulled out a cloth item. I lifted it to my nose and inhaled deeply, peaches and cream. That's definitely hers. Cobalt almost howled, but we don't want to attract more attention. I've never known fear before. My heart accelerates, afraid to lose her, before I even get to know her. "She was here! This bag is
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
Bella's POV I lay naked on top of Chad, resting my cheek on his chest, listening to his steady breathing. He caresses my arm lazily with one hand while playing with my hair with the other. I draw circles on his pectorals with my finger. I was a spent and satisfied mess. I sighed with contentment. The bed sheet covers me from the waist down, and Chad lowers his hand to spank my butt playfully. "Hey!" I pouted, lifting my head up. Chad quiets my protests with a kiss. I moaned against his lips, feeling my core clench so ready for him again. Chad grazes his nose softly against my jawline and neck, inhaling my scent. I tremble with pleasure at his touch. "Don't worry; I won't spank you this time." He chuckles, flipping us over and pressing me against the mattress with his body. I locked my legs around his waist, feeling him hardening against my core. If my wetness was not enough evidence, the scent of my arousal was the unashamed proof of what I wanted, of what I needed from him. "
Chad's POV 'Mate' Cobalt nags in my head. 'You made her get upset.' He's been complaining nonstop since I left the palace. "It was for her own protection. She is safe inside the palace." I retorted. I was feeling like a total jerk for leaving her like that. I did not need Cobalt's nagging to make matters worse. My mind wrestled with the many ways I could make it up to her. I arrived with Ace and Trent at the Tavern. Fort and Dane were already here. I was surprised to see Roderick here as well. He was still sporting a bruised and bandaged head. The men rose to their feet when they saw me. I gestured at them to sit down. "You summoned us, my King." Murat, their leader, spoke first. He was an alpha from a neighboring pack. He was fierce and loyal to his people. "I had tried to avoid any further wars with North Natbia. I don't want any more Keladian men perishing on battlefields, leaving widows and orphans in despair. Their Alpha King, though, had other plans. He wants these land
Bella's POV As we walk toward the hospital, I start to debate again whether to tell Chad the truth. Chad has demonstrated to me in many ways that he loves me, and yet I can not bring myself to tell him. My stomach plummets at just the idea of him seeing me differently when he learns that I'm part Witch. The people we encounter bow as we pass by them. Chad, who has been holding my hand, grabs me by the waist instead and kisses the top of my head. "Worrying your little head again? We'll find the Natbians Ma Belle, and I will bring you Hudson's head on a platter." I bite my lip and nod, suppressing these emotions. I hate keeping secrets from him, and I'm terrified of losing him. I step in front of him and throw my arms around his neck. He grabs me by the waist with both hands and lifts me from the floor. I bury my face in his neck. His scent soothes me and makes me feel whole. "Just be careful, Chad... if something happens to you, I won't be able to..." Chad stops my speech as he
Chad's POV Bella puts the towel away and starts brushing her hair. I could hear her heart racing. She's hiding something from me, and Hendrick knows all about it. Why can't she trust me as she trusts him? It takes her a minute to respond, but she does not look me in the eye. "What do you mean? Hendrick killed them, of course." She responds and continues brushing her silky hair. I got up from the bed and took the brush from her. I begin combing her long hair. I notice her uneasiness, and I decide not to pressure her. She will tell me when she's ready. "Don't ever cut your hair," I said, changing the conversation. "It's awfully long now." She chuckled. "I like to wrap it around my wrists when I take you from behind, Ma Petite." She turns crimson red. I open her bathrobe, exposing her perky breasts. I bite my bottom lip at the sight of her paled nipples. "What are you doing?" She giggles. "I wanted to see how deep your blush goes." I knelt in front of her and swirled my