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Bella's POV Arona waited until the round of applause died. She looked confident. Her aura was at maximum potence, enveloping every single member of the audience. She wanted them to feel her power. On her exquisite red strappless gown, she had put her 4 military medals on the left side of her chest. The medals glinted with every one of her movements, and I could tell she was proud of her achievements. I got distracted for a second when I spotted the masked guard in the audience. He was watching Arona, enthralled by her every movement. His presence brought me an estrange sense of comfort. I turned to look at Chad, and his smoldering gaze made me gasp softly. He knew I was looking at the masked man. He gave me a warning look. A look that promised consequences for my transgression. I remembered when he threatened to spank me, and my cheeks reddened. "Like I said, if you choose me as your Queen and Luna, I will bring a substantial dowry with me. A huge one." People cheered and clapp
Chad's POV Bella takes the mic from Ferragano with confidence. All of these vultures here are waiting for her to fall and shred her to pieces. Not on my watch. What's mine is Bella's as well. Hell, she owns everything now, including my heart and my life. I look around, and I l see the Alpha King still staring at Bella with the pretext of being interested in the competition. Bella looks stunning in that dress. I have imagined taking it off of her with my teeth more times than I dare to admit in this short period of time. 'Kill him.' Growls Cobalt. Hudson is not the only one here looming over my woman. Jasper Holloway is here as well. Always watching her under his eyelids, watching over his prey. He had the audacity to growl when I kissed her on her wrist. I lifted her arm high as she was so much smaller than I am, and I planted a sensual kiss on the tender flesh of her arm. I can't wait till this is over and kiss her the way I crave right now. "Greetings, citizens of Keladia." M
Bella's POV The votes on the screens were moving rapidly. Chad held me firmly at his side as we both stared at one of the huge tv screens above. I suddenly fell a chill run through my body, and I buried my face on Chad's chest. It wasn't the first time I felt someone looking at me and provoking this unwelcome reaction on my body. Chad kissed the top of my head, probably thinking I was nervous about the results. When I turned to look at the screen, I was surprised I had won the first tournament. The votes were favoring me by a lot. Chad squeezed my arm lightly and kissed my temple. Ferragano jumped to the middle of the stage with the results in his hand. "Citizens of Kaladia, you have chosen the winner of this first competition.... Luna Bella Lockwood!!" Showers of confetti and metalic colored papers fell from the ceiling. Celebratory music blasted from the speakers as the majority of people celebrated, and a few others complained. Arona's berating screams were drowned by the
Chad's POV I tried thinking if I ever met Apha Maxwell's Luna, but nothing came to my mind. Although, I probably did meet her if Alpha Maxwell ever brought her to the palace. I took off my jacket, and I put it around Bella's shoulders. Her beautiful, perky, round tits kept tempting me, but I wanted to take her inside the palace. "If your father ever brought her to the Palace, I probably met her." I said with a shrug. "Let's go inside, I'm not done with you yet. I owe you a spanking." She squeaked, making me chuckle. I lifted her up in my arms, and I walked towards my room. She wrapped her arms around my neck and looked at me with the cutest scowl. "Now, why would I deserve a spanking?" She exclaimed. "Well, for instance, for having wandering eyes. During the event, I caught you looking at Arona's guard." She pouted. "Also for hiding your secret identity to me, and so on." She gasped. "Do you know how many times I requested to meet with Leanne Wayne just to be rejected every t
Bella's POV When I opened my eyes and saw Chad's perfectly sculpted face, I smiled. It was real. It hadn't been a dream. Chad had spent the whole night with me, worshipping my body through the night. But now he is talking about secrets. Is it possible he knows I'm still hiding things from him? I need to tell Chad everything about me, about my ring and how it channels my powers. If he finds out on his own, he might think I don't trust him, and then he's not going to trust me either. No, I wouldn't be able to whitstand it. I need to tell him everything. "Chad, I need to tell you something." His intense golden eyes bored into mine. They possess a magnetic pull that never fails to entrap me. 'Wait, Bella, remember what Father said. Don't tell anyone about your powers.' Anaisha spoke with urgency. I felt torn. I trust Chad, but until I really understand my powers and where they come from, I will tell him just some part of the truth. "Is something bothering you, my queen?" He tilted
Chad's POV I rubbed my hand on my face, still unsure of what to do. How? It was way too soon. Does that mean my time was shortened as well? There is a possibility. The think is, I only drank wolfsbane yesterday because Cobalt was not being himself. I thought of Bella and my heart sank. If something happens to her, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I went inside my office and called the number back. He answered on the first ring. "Dr. Strauss, where is he now? What do you mean you don't know!" I boomed. That's seriously irresponsible from your part. He knows better not to show himself here before the full moon." "My king, he threatened me. I had to let him go, but he was being himself rest assured. He wouldn't do anything stupid." Dr. Strauss' voice trembled over the phone. "He better won't, or I will hold you responsible. Come back to the palace and be ready for anything." I ordered him and hung up. My brother Hendrick has regained his sanity sooner than in previous t
Bella's POV I changed into a pair of jeans with an off the shoulder sweater. My belly has started to show more, but I don't want my pregnancy to gain attention during the competition. I use my ring to conceal my bump. I look on the mirror, and the illusion of a flat stomach reflects on the mirror. I rub my little bump tenderly. "It's just while we're done with the competition, little one." I head towards the restaurant that's inside the Palace's grounds. Elise was going to meet me there after she had put Peggy down for a nap. Tessa and Lira were already there. The Royal City was bustling with people from all over the country. They were here for the competition. Bryan took me all the way to my table where Tessa and Lira were waving at me. "Thanks, Bryan. I will be fine here with them. I'll call you when I'm done." He nodded and went outside. There are guards everywhere inside the restaurant. "Bella, you're glowing. The king is treating you well!" Tessa said. I laughed, but I n
Chad's POV The day I was going to tell Bella the truth, Cobalt became even more erratic. I drank some Wolfsbane, but still, it would be impossible for my closest people not to notice that something was wrong with me. I went to the palace's secret chambers, almost stumbling on my feet. I went through secret passages, opening secret doors. I went down deep below the ground. I managed to call Dr. Strauss, and he made his way inside the palace from our hidden entrance in the forest. "My King!!" Dr. Strauss hurried to my side. I sat on the iron chair as Dr. Strauss chained me with silver chains. A guttural growl tore from my throat. Cobalt was fighting for control, but Dr. Strauss injected me with more wolfsbane intravenously. "Where's Hendrick!!" I asked between pants. The pain caused by the silver chains combined with the wolfsbane was excrusiating. "He is on his way, my king. He has started to become more lucid a few days before the full moon, and he has been exploring the tow
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