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Bella's POV I walked with Chad side by side. People stared at us as we passed by them. Chad's presence was imposing. It was impossible not to stare at him. He looked magnificent, not to mention that he was impossibly tall. His muscles flexed with each of his movements, and his aura, although reigned in, was still threatening and powerful. Nobody dared to whisper about me in his presence anymore. The whispers were still there, though. They couldn't fathom the fact that their king was with a woman who was pregnant by another. 'Is the king not a jealous man?' Some would ask. 'If she was his real mate, he couldn't possibly stand this.' 'I would've gotten rid of that pup by now if I were him. It would only bring discord with his biological pups in the future.' All of those whispers hit me like lashes soaked with wolfsbane. What pained me the most was that all of those whispers would torture my son throughout his childhood as well. Would he hate me for abandoning his father's
Hendrick' POV I woke up feeling groggy. Dr. Strauss' tranquilizers are worse than a hangover. There's a soft pillow next to me that smells so much like Bella. I grabbed it and inhaled its scent, making me feel better already. Vanilla and honey. An image of her flushed face and tempting body projects in my mind, and I try to erase it as quickly as possible. "Lycan King Chad brought it for you." Dr. Strauss chimed in. I nodded without looking at him. "I want to see her. Tell him to let me have dinner with her. He could meet with the spies, and I'll cover for him." I said almost pleadingly. "I only suffered this relapse because Chad has not been giving me a chance to be close to her since the pillow incident." I had too much time on my hands, and I started researching everything about pregnancies on my phone. Soon, all my social media was infested with advertisements about all kinds of products for pregnant women. That pillow had called my attention. I did not expect to find Bel
Bella's POV I turned on the water faucet at the exact moment that some noises came from my room. A door slammed seconds after that. I couldn't hear well, but I thought Chad said, "fuck!" I shook my head. He was acting very weird. When I looked into his eyes, they seemed different. They had the same golden eyes, but the ring outside of them was grey. I thought I had seen that change before, but I just thought the light was hitting differently at that moment. My cell phone rings with a message, bringing me out of my thoughts. 'Dane and I are here. Do you want me to go up and help?' Elise texts. 'I will be down in a minute.' I replied. I put aside my thoughts and started to get ready. The dress I chose was red with a delicate, flowy material. It was just above the knee. It concealed my stomach perfectly. It had a V neckline, showing a little cleavage. I paired it with nude mid-size high heels. I lifted my hair in a loose updo with some strands meticulously falling at the sides. I pu
Chad's POV As soon as I realized the purpose of those fireworks, I felt my blood boil. Hudson and Holloway were mocking me on my own turf. They think they can disrespect me and my woman and get away with it. If a war starts all over again, be it, but tonight, both of their intestines will air dry in my fists. I ran towards the offending bastards with a single purpose: to rip them both apart. I was seeing red. "Kill them!" Cobalt snarled. My aura pushed away every guard who tried to stop me, making them crash against the walls as I passed like a blur between them. They were in the garden just outside the lounge room. Holloway was the first to lunge at me. I punched him in the jaw, making him fly out with a powerful impact. Arona moved Swiftly away, avoiding Holloway by an inch. Another woman screeched. "Don't abuse your status as the Lycan King! You're attacking my guests!!" Hudson Growled, but I was past any sense of reasoning. Jasper Holloway took advantage of my distraction and
Bella's POV I felt Chad tensing at my question. We entered his room, and I heard some noises coming from mine. Chad kissed my temple. "I always treat you the same." He said, sounding hoarse. Something crashes in my room next door, making me startle. "Relax, it must be Rose. Once I mark you, you will have my pack's mind-link, and you will be able to communicate with every pack member." He put me on the bed, and I sat on the edge. He kneeled down to undo my shoes' straps. My breath caught in my throat. I would never get used to the Lycan king kneeling to me. Chad locked eyes with me, and I felt myself drown in them. "Your irises," I said. "They change color sometimes." "Do they?" Chad asked without looking at me. He cleared his throat and concentrated on his task instead. He slid out my shoe and kissed the bottom of it, making me tickle. My toenails were painted pale pink, and he stared at them. "I like them." He said as he slid off the other shoe. He kissed the inner side of my
Chad's POV Bella followed me through the cold hallways in my underground lair. I tried to help her down the steep stairs, but she wouldn't let me. My heart clenched. I don't know if I was leading her to the beginning of my own doom by taking her to meet Hendrick. I was still mad at Cobalt. I blocked him from my thoughts as punishment, but I could feel how sorry he was. "Watch your step, my love." I urged her, but she just glanced at me. I felt another pang in my heart. I had to tell her the truth and vowed never to lie again. Dr. Strauss had mindlinked me. Hendrick was in the middle of one of his crises. I ordered Dr. Strauss not to sedate him. Bella needs to see everything. We were almost there when we heard Hendrick's ferocious snarl. Bella jumped. "This way," I said, grabbing her hand. She took my hand this time and followed me. When I opened the door, Dr Strauss vowed. "My King! Luna Bella. The Prince must have experienced something stressful that made him relapse once ag
Bella's POV When I saw Hendrick inside that cold cell-like cage, my heart pang sent a wave of nauseating dread to my stomach. It was like looking at two water droplets. I got closer and couldn't help but reach out to cup his face. It was as if he was my Chad in that heart-wrenching state. When he rubbed his face on my palm, and I didn't feel the sparks, I knew he wasn't Chad. Back in our room, I hug Chad, and I cannot stop the well of tears from falling like a cascade. I know I'm drenching his shirt, but I can't bear to let go of him. The witch and the werewolf that caused him and his brother to be cursed were my parents. I know it. I feel it in my gut. It all matches. My family owes an unrepayable debt to Chad and his family. I promise Chad that I will find a cure. These are not empty promises. I have the means to do it. I don't confess to Chad that I am a product of the couple that brought this tragedy upon his family. I'm afraid he would hate me. He stares into my eyes as I k
Braxten's POV Arona had ordered me not to go near her guests tonight, but I was never good at following orders. I heard a commotion, and I decided to investigate. They had been at it for a while, it seemed, because I had only arrived after the aftermath. A man burst through the door, dragging a pregnant woman while yelling profanities at her. I followed them out of concern for the woman. I stayed hidden behind the shadows but had a clear view of them. The woman dug her claws into his arm, making him stop abruptly. "Are you fucking insane!!" He snarled. "I will spill everything, Jasper. I have been way too patient with you!" The woman seethed. She was berserk. "Don't you dare, or I'll make sure your child doesn't see the light of day!" He seethed. "Why Jasper? Why are you like this to me?! How can you not feel anything for me?! " she bellowed. The man's face turned furious, and he dragged her further into the shadows. The moonlight shone on his face, and recognition struck
"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
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 and 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