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
Bella's POV After I showered an hour later, the maids, whom I now knew as Alyssa and Lana, helped me into a breathtaking Thalia dress. The metallic color added to its beauty, but Chad consumed my thoughts. I let them do my hair and makeup, feeling like a mannequin. They hardly spoke to me, only asking for my opinion on my preferred color palette or high heels. The walk-in closet was filled with luxurious items from all the haute couture brands, including mine. "Is this to your liking, Your Highness?" Alyssa asked. I nodded, not really paying attention to her. When I stood up, I gazed into the mirror. It was me, but somehow, I looked so different. My hair fell in delicate waves all the way to my waist, and a small tiara adorned my head. The high heels accentuated the shape of my calves, and my skin shimmered, making me glow even more. The sultry makeup gave me a vibrant and lively appearance, even though I felt dead inside. "Are you ready to go now, Princess Bella?" Lana asked.
Bella's POV Balzaree Everything is dark. I don’t know how long I’ve been unconscious. My body isn’t responding, but I can hear everything around me. What did Camilla do to me? And what did I do to Chad? My stomach plummeted as I remembered what I had done. Oh Goddess, Chad! Gut-wrenching pain consumes me. What have I done!? I want to run to him, but my body won’t obey. A cold hand brushes the hair off my face. No, stop it. Only Chad is allowed to do that. “She’s a Goldenthorn through and through. A spitting image of her mother,” a woman remarks with a chuckle. “Good job, Camilla,” the lady praises Camilla, sounding joyful. “At your humble service, Queen Aster,” Camilla replies, her voice dripping with pride for receiving the praise of her queen, my grandmother. Fuck! Am I in Balzaree? It hits me then. Camilla brought me here. That cunning bitch. Why did I trust her? Why did I fall for someone's lies again? I'm so stupid!! “Why hasn’t she woken up yet? Are you sure that what
An uneasiness creeps into my gut as I tug at my shirt's collar for the umpteenth time. Dane looks at me, and knowing me too well, he senses something is wrong with me. "Don't tell me you're nervous. This is just the legal union. She's been yours since the moment you saw her at that cavern." He pads my back with a smirk. His tux stretches against his burly frame, and I smirk back at him. "Elise managed to make you look decent for once," I remark, lightening the mood. Trent and Ace came in carrying their gurgling pups. I can definitely picture myself with 2 or three pups. All of them with Bella's eyes. "What!" Dane suddenly received a mind link. "Elise is being rushed to the hospital! So soon!" He panics. He lost his first mate to childbirth "She’s with Grace,” Fort burst in, followed by Tessa and Lira. Dane was already heading out the door. The women grabbed the babies from their dads and also started to leave. "I will return to Bella, and Lira will check on Elise," Tessa sa
Bella's POV I wake up from a long sleep, sitting up abruptly. “Chad!” I exclaim. He stirs beside me and wraps his arms around my waist. “Today is the wedding! I have so many things to do!” He simply tightens his hold. “Come back to bed, ma chérie,” he says in that husky voice that always makes me crave him. I push his hand away, and the blankets slip to my feet. “Not today. Everything needs to be perfect. I finally get to mark you.” That wakes him up; he quickly gets off the bed, but before I can move away, he grabs me by the waist, pulling me flush against him. “You’ll at least shower with me, won’t you?” His breath is hot against my ear, sending tingles through my body. My resolve melts instantly. “Okay, but we need to be quick,” I say breathlessly. “I’m ready!” he replies with a devilish smile, pointing at the appalling bulge in his boxers. "The shower, I meant," I reply. My breath hitched when he lifted me up. He tore my nightgown off and tossed it aside. In no time, I
Hudson's POV Arona flinches as I throw another crystal vase against the wall. Since my return, she has not been any help. I can see her struggling to hold back the urge to say, "I told you so," but she knows better than to provoke me when I'm in this fucking mood. Camilla glances at me and sighs. Ever since I arrived, I have been berating everyone nonstop. A warrior enters the living room, fear clearly visible on his face. “A... Alpha King. None of the men made it back to North Natbia.” I snarled and grabbed him by the collar, throwing him against the wall. He landed on top of the shattered glass. Arona snickered from behind. I turned around, pinning her with a menacing stare. The warrior scrambles to his feet and flees the scene. I was still seething. I had to flee Kaladia like a coward. My warriors stood no chance against Bella, and my useless mother was unwilling to confront her. Therefore, I had to leave Bella and everything else behind. “What kind of witches are you two?
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