☆
Bella's POV I was standing at the center of the stage, face to-face with Arona. I looked up at her as she smirked. Her almond-shaped green eyes narrowed even more as she looked at me with disdain. She looked regal with her blond ponytail. It was braided and hanging over one of her shoulders. She had a toga-like golden dress, and her arms were adorned with golden bracelets. The audience once again had divided opinions. I could hear the hush voices behind me. "Luna Bella's beauty is blinding, and she is the Lycan king's true mate." A person said proudly. "But Princess Arona is a powerful royal, a more suitable match for our king. Will the king protect our country with his fated mate's beauty?" The other person sneered. "But the mate bond is sacred. It is forbidden to reject one's mate without reason!" The other person retorted. "And what about the prisoners? They are our people. I have fate that my son is alive and among them. The king should put his kingdom and his people
**Chad's POV** Bella's scent was intoxicating, a pure aphrodisiac that overwhelmed my senses. I buried my face against her sweet neck, longing to mark her as mine. Every unmated male in the vicinity couldn’t tear their eyes away from her, which nearly drove me to lose control of live TV. She looked utterly ravishing. Even the mated males were staring, and Jasper was lurking nearby, while Hudson kept his gaze glued to her. Once this event is over, I would gauge Hudson's eyes out and make his sister eat them. “Mine! Kill them all now! If she were marked, they would know better!” Cobalt growled in my head. I shut him out, trying to savor Bella's soft, warm body, the sweetness of her skin, and her soft moans. She ground against my iron-hard shaft, and my control began to slip. That was when Cobalt pushed harder, vying for control. I felt my canines elongate. I quickly pulled away from Bella's trembling form, startling her. “Run, Bella! Run to your room!” My voice strained as I fought Co
. **Bella's POV** “Well, well. Luna Bella?” I turned around to find myself face to face with the Alpha King. He exuded power and mystery. His black hair was tousled as if he had run his hands through it numerous times, or perhaps a woman had. His enigmatic blue eyes scanned me up and down. “I’m sorry, Alpha King. I got lost. I should go,” I said, attempting to walk away. He firmly grabbed my arm, forcing me to stay in place. I stared down at his hand still holding me. “I suggest you unhand me, King Hudson. My mate is very possessive.” He chuckled and let go of me. “With a woman like you, I think I would be as possessive as well.” His eyes roamed down my face and body. I recognized that look of uninvited interest, one I often caught from men. I sidestepped him and continued toward the garden. “I wanted to let you know that I accept. I will release the prisoners as you requested once the competition is over.” I stopped. Could he really be serious? I hadn’t considered it much before,
Chad's POV Bella's chest rose and fell, and a cute squeak escaped her throat. The view was breathtaking from up here. The exquisite dress hugged all her curves in all the right places. "You wouldn't dare?" She said, feigning indignation. I pulled her close to me and whispered in her ear. "Sweetheart, I would spank that pretty butt raw, and then I would kiss it all better." I then pulled apart from her. Her baby blues were wide, and her cheeks were scarlet red. Her eyes were sparkling with curiosity, though. I cupped her cheek with one hand. Her skin was so smooth. Tingles spread to my body, enhancing my need for her. "Chad, I got lost. The Palace is so big. I didn't mean to put myself in that situation." She said softly. My heart squeezed. I should be the one apologizing to her. I lifted her in my arms like I should've done since the beginning instead of dragging her through all of these hallways. I inhaled her scent. "Peaches and cream," I murmured. She giggled. I took her t
. **Bella's POV** Chad's eyes darkened, mirroring the desire that clouded my own. He made me feel daring and wanted. I placed my hands on his bulging biceps, enjoying their firmness. "That sounds decadently hot, sweetheart. But mere silk ties won't restrain me; I’ll need to be chained, love," Chad replied, his golden eyes flashing with burning passion. I cupped his face lovingly, recalling the erotic memories of his rough stubble against my thighs. I brushed my lips against his and responded, "Then I'll chain you and have my way with you, my King." He groaned and nibbled my bottom lip. "I could arrange that," he mumbled against my lips. The scent of my arousal filled the air, taunting us. He slid his hands under my dress, reaching for my panties. The golden hue of his eyes penetrated my very soul. "No touching, beautiful. Can you do that for me?" I bit my bottom lip and whimpered as I nodded vigorously. I heard the tear of my panties as he discarded them. Chad pulled me closer to t
Bella's POV Sadie wanted to speak, but no words were coming out of her mouth. She looked like a fish out of the water. Arona scrunched her nose and moved slightly away from Sadie. I don't even know how she managed to get an invitation. Jasper hasn't claimed her yet, I see no mark on her neck. But if I pointed out the obvious, they would start saying I'm a snob. Arona looked between Sadie and me, noticing there was an obvious connection between us. For once, I was grateful that Jasper never took me anywhere with him. These Lunas don't know me, and Sadie is obviously well-known. Everyone here must think she is Jasper's Luna. Good riddance. "Well?" Arona tapped her foot impatiently. Saidie tried to talk again, but she started coughing instead. I was not going to let her reveal my past. If Arona finds out I'm not Chad's true mate, she will use it against me. One of the Lunas started padding Sadie’s back. I really don't know any of these women, but by the end of this tea party, I wil
Chad When I heard the piano keys, I was on one of the top-floor balconies of the Palace. I had been keeping an eye on that Lunas' reunion. I didn't like that Bella was surrounded by strangers and so close to Arona and Jasper's mistress. However, I was proud to see that she was able to hold her own and was not easily bullied. Bella started playing Moonlight, but then she switched to a different song, one that I swear I had heard before a long time ago. I just don't remember when or where. I let myself drift away as she played the song, caressing my soul. She was mesmerizing. Bella touches every fiber of my being. "Your Luna is full of surprises, King Chad," Dane said with a sideways smile. He was here too, keeping an eye on Elise and minding Peggy while Elise was busy. "Did you recognize the song she switched to in the middle?" I asked, hoping that he did. "Not a clue, but it was an excellent combination. She first started with a sad song and ended with a happy one." It reall
Bella's POV The next day, I woke up with a new resolve. I was hoping to find that man and unmask him. I have a gut feeling about him. I could use my ring from afar and take his mask off, but I don't want to risk it. It would be way too obvious. Another problem would be to sneak away from Chad. I felt a pang in my heart. Chad is naturally possessive, and I don't like keeping secrets from him, but if I tell him what I suspect and it turns out that I was mistaken, he will just assume I'm becoming paranoid. After all, if the guard was who I think he is, he wouldn't have ignored me. No way, when my brothers are as possessive and protective as Chad. But his scent felt so familiar, although it was mixed with something else. The only explanation for a scent to change is when a person gets marked and mated, but my brothers haven't found their mates yet. A knock on my door brings me back from my thoughts. Rose walks in before I answer. "Good morning, Luna." Rose said, with a chirping
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.
**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
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. N
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 wit
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 informatio
**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
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 wa
**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 w
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 w