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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
Bella's POV I was waiting impatiently for Chad. Tonight was the full moon. I was hoping he could be my second chance mate if the Goddess grants me another one. Elise hands me a tea to calm my nerves, but she was as nervous as I was. "Here, Bella drink. You're so restless. It's not good for the baby." I took a sip of the tea trying to calm myself down. Just as I placed my cup on the small plate over the table, a deep growl startled me. "Mate!" What?! I turned around to see where it came from. "Mate!" Elise responds, and she throws herself into Dane's embrace. They were second chance mates! That's incredible! They were kissing frantically, and I almost ran out of the living room as they started tugging at their clothes. I didn't stop until I collided with a giant wall in front of me. "Chad!" I panted. He holds me by the elbows to prevent me from falling back. I looked at him for a second, but I didn't sense the bond. My eyes burned, trying to contain my tears, as I realized we w
Chad's POV I woke up with a loud gasp as I raised my head up. I was still chained on the chair. Dr. Straus sprinted towards me with a worried face. "My King, you've awaken!" He took the keys out of his white coat and started unlocking the silver locks with gloves on. Relief rushed through me as the chains started falling off. "Where's my brother?" I asked with a raspy voice. Dr. Strauss' head turned to the right where there was a person on a stretcher. "Prince Hendrick is already sedated, and we will be taking him back to the castle as soon as possible." Dr. Strauss said. I nodded. I walked towards my brother and stared at his sleeping form. I need to figure out how to break this curse. He has been the most affected, and I haven't been giving it the importance this matter deserves. I will go visit him as soon as I can. I need to talk to him. Now, I'll have to go see what he did during my absence. My heart beat faster on my chest as I thought of Bella. 'Find her!' Cobalt
Bella's POV When I saw the strange woman walk inside Chad's office, I had a bad feeling, but when I saw Dane coming out and leaving them alone, my heart plummeted. I had enough traumatic experiences with men cheating in their office. I took a breath, trying to relax. Chad isn't like Jasper. He would explain to me if I asked him. I turned to look at the closed door again. The woman was beautiful, and she looked free spirited. I shuddered, but I left. I trust Chad. "Hey Bella, are you ready?" Elise came out of nowhere. I just remembered I was supposed to meet my friends to get ready for the Lunas and Alphas' dinner. "Yes, I'm ready. Let's go." I said, still glancing towards the office. "Did you tell the king? Lately, he has been acting like a dog with a bone when it comes to you." I giggled because she was right, and the fact that he was alone with a woman inside his office shouldn't face me. He adores me, doesn't he? I'm sure if I ask him, he will tell me who that woman was.
Bella's POV Arona stood tall with a hand on her hip, ready for her showdown like ways. Chad held me closer to his side, but I pulled myself free, and I stood in front of him. Lava was running through my veins. She had no right to talk about my family. I looked at her fiercely, waiting for her reply. I saw Jasper with the corner of my eye, lifting his glass towards me in a toast. "Well, Alpha's of Keladia, how would you like to know that while you were risking your lives in the battlefield, the cowardly Lockwoods were hiding?!" Arona said, faking indignation. A collection of gasps from the Lunas echoed in the packed restaurant. Chad held me by the arm because he surely saw I was about to pounce on the lying snake. "That's right, my dear Lunas. While your men were dying for your country, protecting your freedom, the Lockwoods were doing nothing." She cackled. "No wonder they always came back victorious from war. They were never in battle!" Arona looked around the room with a smug
Chad's POV I saw the flicker of fear flashing in Arona's eyes, but she stood her ground to keep her charade going. I was so proud of my Bella. She was standing up for her family and being pretty good at it. Bella was fierceless and not afraid to put anyone in their rightful place. The fire in her eyes made my blood drawn to her. I wanted that fire all to myself. I then stared again at the Natbian princess as if she were a petulant child. "That's quite a big mouth you got there, Princess Arona."I spat. She flinched. "I will not allow you to talk like that to my sister, Lycan King!!" Alpha King Hudson protested. "But you fucking allowed her to run her mouth without proof. She insulted my woman and her family. This shit show it's going to hell. I will be giving you 2 hours to leave my country before I retaliate if you don't make her apologize to my Luna or to show proof of her accusations!" Hudson was throwing daggers at me. Arona visibly paled. "It is too late, Lycan King! Th
Bella's POV The Alpha King looks into my eyes as he speaks to me. I could feel Chad's anger building at the blatant audacity of the Natbian King. The Natbian King was extraordinarily attractive. I wondered why he didn't have a mate. "I have a propotition of my own if you want to hear it." Alpha King Hudson says. His gaze lingered on me even when Chad's aura was starting to intensify. "Look at me when you speak Hudson because I swear if you keep staring at my woman, you will lose your eyes." Chad Snarls, making Arona scoff. "You both act like she's something special. She's all but damaged goods, rumor has it she's divorced." Arona remarks mockingly. Chad slams his fist on his desk, making me jump. "You're not helping your case, Princess! You should be grateful I have the interests of my country at best and that you're also a woman, but if you had been a man, I would have tear your guts out already to see where do you keep them, because you sure have some big guts to be insul
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