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
Chad's POV The reports Dane has been getting from our spies are worrisome. There has been an ongoing investigation into my ambush and the attack on Bella's family. Our suspicions have been correct, and they are connected. I have three suspects right now, but I need proof. There was definitely rogue involvement, but who is their boss? Dane and I sit in the underground bar. This is one of my secret meeting places. The entrance to this place is through a human church. Fort, a man I fully trust and one of my best spies, is sitting across from Dane and me. He is pissed about the information he's relaying to me. "This was an inside job, my King. I spent all of these weeks in North Natbia and couldn't find anything about the Lockwoods' attack or yours. This means the ambush was planned on our side." Fort gulps his tequila shot and slams the small glass on the table. "Is that so?...." I suspected something of the sort. "Hudson being here can complicate things. My enemies will want to
Bella's POV Today is finally the day of the first competition. I chose to wear an exclusive dress from House LW—a taupe gown that accentuated my eye color. It featured a high slit that exposed my right leg and showed some cleavage. I spent all morning getting ready with Elise, Lira, and Tessa. We went to the spa, and by the time we did our nails and hair, I decided to leave my hair loose in soft waves. Chad's low growl when he saw me confirmed that I looked good. I needed to make an impression if I was going to compete against Princess Arona. Chad gave me a new tiara and a matching necklace, saying his mother had left him her jewelry for his future wife. "You will be my mate, my wife, and my Luna. I plan to claim you in every possible way, Bella," Chad said as he fastened the necklace around my neck. My heart raced, and I nearly ruined my makeup as my eyes filled with unshed tears. We waited to be announced as Ferragamo introduced the foreign royals first. His voice echoed throughou
Bella's POV Arona waited until the round of applause died. She looked confident. Her aura was at maximum potency, enveloping every single member of the audience. She wanted them to feel her power. On her exquisite red strapless 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 estranged 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
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 co
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 pad
"I'm just glad you liked them," I said with a smile. We continued getting ready, and the room filled with laughter and warmth. They were ready before me when Elise suddenly said she was getting contractions. "Oh no, no, no! Baby, not today. Today is your aunty Bella's big day!" Elise whimpered.
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 m
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.
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