Bella’s POV
The beeping of the machines surrounding me matched the thudding of my heart. It all came back to me. The pain and agony. My father and my brothers...the three powerful Alphas of the While Claw Pack forever gone.
I stared at the ceiling of the hospital and the numb feeling was washing me from head to toe. I lay on the bed like a lifeless body and the only thing I could do was touch my belly——a baby was there.
Three months ago, my mate Jasper was summoned by the Lycan King to the North border, where there had recently been unrest. My father and brothers, as Alphas, went to the battlefield together. I waited at home, and every day, I prayed to the Moon Goddess to bring them back safely.
But Jasper bore the bad news when he came back, it was also the day I received the news that I was pregnant, the baby I had expected for five years since I married Jasper.
The increasing pain kept torturing me. I missed my family.
I never saw my mom after I was born. My father and brothers raised me. They were soldiers on the training ground, powerful, dominative and aggressive. But never they let me feel I need to surrender to them. We are only a happy normal family, we talked about everything and created every special moment.
They witnessed my first shift and grabbed my hand walking on my wedding carpet.
They meant everything to me.
But now I lost them. All of them at the same time. How I was supposed to keep going without them?
My pillow was soaked with tears, and I subconsciously looked for my mate. I felt panicked when I realized he wasn’t here.
I remembered I fainted in his arms before he answered my question. “Who killed them?” Dr. Janna wasn’t here either.
It was then that I noticed a figure by the window. It was my friend Sadie.
“Sadie! My father and my brothers.” My voice broke. “I still can’t believe it.” She approached me and held my hand. “They were a force to be reckoned with. How can they have been killed?”
If anyone understood my pain, it was Sadie. We grew up together like sisters. She is the daughter of Uncle Conner, my father’s Beta and best friend.
Five years ago on my marriage day, she moved together with me from the While Claw Bank to Jasper’s Riverbank Pack. It was good to have a familiar friend in a new place.
At this saddest moment, having Saide by my side was a relief. I didn't know How long I had fainted, she must take care of me for a long time.
She leaned closer as if she wanted to wipe my tears.
“I’m really sorry for you.” She laughed. “What? Do you think I came to comfort you?” My eyes widened in confusion.
“Oh, pitiful Bella.” Sadie sneered. “Blissful is this day for at last Jasper, and I could step out of the shadows and proclaim our love to the world.” Her mocking laugh was like a slap to my face.
“What do you mean?” The pang in my heart made me wish it wasn’t what I was thinking. Sadie’s satisfied grin only grew. Her boldness had no limits and continued with her self-satisfying rant.
“Because of you, Jasper and I had to hide our love for five years. Every time he made an excuse for not being with you, he was by my side. I was the woman he loved.” My heart was trapped in my throat and an invisible rope strangled my neck taking my breath This was not possible.
“You've never had enough, Bella. Always wanting more. Always taking away what was meant to be mine. You always had the better clothes, the most expensive jewelry. All the best for the pack’s princess. Then you have to go and shamelessly steal my Jasper!” She bellowed.
She hated me, not from today, but from the day I had a thing better than her
“Sadie...I never knew you thought so...” She was one of the most important persons in my life. We grew together and had each other for our whole lives. My father and brothers treated her as part of our family.
Emotion controlled me, I pulled my arm and the medical needle pricked the back of my hand and bled me.
Sadie walked close to me, her wolf flickered in her eyes. She grabbed my hand making me groan and struggling.
“You know that the worst decision in your life is to marry Jasper, he should be Mine.”
“He is my fated mate. I didn’t steal him from you.”
“I saw him first. I talked to him first. But he chose you, it was Your fault to seduce him.” She growled.
The person I considered a sister and my fated mate had cheated on me for five years, starting from the first day of my marriage.
"If you tell me..." Her face contorted. She hated to hear that.
“Shut up you bitch. He was always meant to be mine. But finally, I’m getting justice. Now you have lost everything. Your daddy and your brothers are no longer here to support you.” She laughed joyfully.
“Stop,” I whispered. Her words were killing me. She had been an illusion in my life. Everything I knew and thought of her was only lies.
“You are no one to order me now Bella, or I must say, ex Luna. You think you are feeling pain now? Wait until Jasper takes over your father’s pack and makes me his Luna. The first thing I will do is strip you of all your ranks. You will be my slave, nothing but a worm in the dirt. Small, dirty and insignificant.” She spewed her venom at her heart’s content.
She left and then slammed the door. I could still hear her laughs all the way from here.
I put my shaking hands on my face to confirm I was still breathing, my head was about to explode.
I sat up and pulled out the needle linked to my hand. I needed to confirm the truth.
Dr Jana appeared at that moment as I was changing my clothes.
"Luna, you’re leaving? The Alpha wanted you to stay overnight. He seemed concerned about you.” Said, Dr. Janna. Obviously, he probably wanted alone time with Sadie.
“I’m fine, Dr. Janna. Remember our dea1. Nobody can know.” She nodded. I headed to Jasper’s office.
I walked into the Alpha’s mansion with determination. It was the middle of the day, and everyone was busy elsewhere. I heard voices coming from Jasper’s office. The door was ajar. I could see Sadie straddling Jasper’s lap on his office chair. A growl was caught up in my throat.
“I missed you so much Jas.” She said in between kisses. Bile rose inside my throat. Each kiss to my mate was like a lash with spikes against my body. “I can’t believe the excellent news you brought. We don’t have to hide our love anymore. As soon as you take over their pack, you can make me your Luna. My father will help you at every step.” Sadie cooed.
"Shut up and bend over. It’s been a long time, and Bella is still at the hospital.” Sadie’s exaggerating moans mixed with their unmistakable wet pounding almost made me empty my insides right then and there.
I went straight to my room, feeling like a ghost of myself. The wedding picture of Jasper and me hanging from the wall was a mocking reminder of his lies.
Bella, I will love you forever.
I will protect you for the rest of my life
The promises he made to me and my family were not true. All five years of care were his disguise. He even pretended that he expected to have a baby with me.
Two stray tears fell down my cheeks. Should I give up on this little life?
Jasper was a bastard and he conspired to take the Alpha title of my father’s pack.
If I keep the baby, Jasper will use it as a weapon to threaten and imprison me.
No! My heart arched immediately for thinking of losing my child. I just couldn’t, the baby was the only one who shared the same blood with me. I needed to protect my blood and I still had the chance now.
Sadie thought I lost everything with the death of my family, she was wrong.
She didn’t t know the true me.
Bella's POV I left Jasper’s place in a hurry. I took my small bag and walked through the roads towards the parking lot, trying to act normally. I needed to leave fast before Jasper felt my absence. If not him, but Theron his wolf. He wouldn’t like it. I froze when I saw Beta Luca standing there in the parking lot. Luca, Dr. Janna's mate and my friend. Another jab at my heart. He must have known everything since the start. He is Jasper’s Beta. The closest person to Alpha. He knew about Jasper and Sadie, but he chose to stay quiet. I stood there, not knowing what he was going to do. He saw me and gave me a knowing nod. “Get in the car, Luna. I’ll take you wherever you wish to go.” He opened the door and helped me get in. It was never lost to me how, as Beta, he had always been protective of his Luna. Whatever were his reasons to stay quiet I’m sure one day he’ll let me know. Inside the car, I breathed a sigh of relief. Luca didn’t ask me anything. He was probably still emba
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
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 caressed 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 on 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 in the shins if he weren't this stupidly tall. He doesn't look anything like his brother, though. Even their hair color is 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 snarl. 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 grudge, 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, my
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 blocker 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 b
ChadAfter searching every hotel, I finally got the information that she had gone into the forest. I decided to visit the cave where Dane found me first.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 apart, body parts were flying through the air. Goddess, let me not be too late.Cobalt was on high alert. I am mid-shift 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. Hidden 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 didn't want to attract mor
Bella's POVI woke up to the sound of voices. I was still in a daze, but something was smelling really good. Just then, I felt someone getting closer to me. Gathering all the little strength I had left. I threw a punch that landed on someone's jaw. A man's chuckle and a sharp gasp from a woman made me open my eyes. My eyes widen in disbelief. It was him, the God Warrior I have saved! He was still smiling as he rubbed the spot where my fist landed."What a mean right hook you got there." He smiled broadly. Goddess, he was ao handsome. I was hopelessly mesmerized by his looks. "Sorry." I whispered. I had never been at a loss for words before. "I...I thought I was still with the rogues." He stretched his hand trying to touch me, but he curled his fingers before he reached the strand of hair he seemed so focused on. I realized then that the Dr. had left quietly, and it was just the two of us."You're safe now. Do you want me to contact someone for you? A family member, perhaps?" His eyes los
Chad.I am 36 years old, and I haven't found my fated mate. At first, I thought, because of me being a Lycan, I was destined to die alone. The Goddess might not want to pair me with a shewolf. As of now, I just think the Goddess hasn't been doing a good job. How could she have paired Bella with Alpha Jasper of all people. The Holloways have always been, power hungry, hipocrites, and without morals. I glanced at the beautiful woman sitting on the chair, and I crouched to her level.I stared intently into her beautiful baby blue eyes. They were stained with tears. I felt another wave of rage. "No, Bella. If I had a mate, I would do everything in my power to never make her cry. I would give her the moon and make sure to always look at her with stars in my eyes. She would always be my priority and the source of my adoration." Cobalt agreed within me. Bella stopped crying. It was so easy to get lost in her eyes.I stood up and sat across her again. My blood boiled with rage and jealousy. I do
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
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 repl
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 wou
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 t
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
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 throu
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
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 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?