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Hudson's POV I was in a fucking good mood right now. One by one, all the obstacles will fall apart. I served myself another cup of bourbon, smiling, contemplating my impending victory. "You look exceptionally happy today, Hudson?" My sister Arona points out the obvious as she twirls the contents of her cup of wine. She sits on the couch, crossing her legs nonchalantly as she studies me from afar. "I am, and you better keep your matters under careful watch. I won't hesitate to eliminate your puppet if he continues to be a problem." I pointed a finger at her with the hand I was holding my cup. She stands up furiously. "You wouldn't dare! He is my mate!" She says it as if that would stop me. "Please, Arona." I scoff. "You and I are the same. If you wanted to acknowledge him as your mate, you would be playing the dutiful Luna at the White Claw pack by now. Instead, you're here, trying to become the Queen of this country." I raise my cup as if toasting before taking a sip. "
Bella's POV I entered my room after training. I was still feeling annoyed about my encounter with Hudson. I took a shower before heading downstairs to eat with Elise. Chad and Dane weren't here today. I don't even want to think about Chad's reaction when he finds out. The idea of challenging Arona to a fight came in the heat of the moment. I have been feeling this all-consuming anger after losing my child. I can't even cry anymore. I feel this constant pressure inside my chest, and only when Chad is with me, I'm able to breathe again. I stepped out of the bathroom in my bathrobe. I was drying my hair with a towel when a subtle scent of jasmine hit me. "Camilla, are you here?" She materialized right in front of me. She knew how to become invisible—something that she had been teaching me, but it took time for me to master it. She smiled gently at me. "Princess, shouldn't you be taking it easy? Are you back to training so soon?" She spoke with concern. I walked towards the vanity an
Chad's POV I was meeting with Abelina and Fort at the church's bar. Usually, our meetings occur during the night, but Abelina said she had important news. I also wanted to ask her about her vision. In her vision, there was a woman who would be either my doom or glory. So I asked her if she had had any more visions lately. "No, my king. That vision happened to me just once. The reason I called for a meeting is because I discovered something important. I started investigating why the North Natbian royals hadn't sought marriages from the Keladian royal line for years. It turns out it was a well-kept secret that Alpha King Aaron's mate was a witch. They married secretly and had two children, Alpha King Hudson and Princess Arona." "The fuck!" I snarled. "How did you come up with this information?" The mere thought of having been hosting witches at my home for weeks and so close to Bella made my heart raced, and I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach. "I told you befo
Bella's POV The ring was breathtaking. It has the biggest diamond I have ever seen, surrounded by light blue gemstones. He had asked me to marry him before, but seeing him on one knee with the ring in his hand, it all became real. I threw myself at him, almost making him fall. "Yes, Chad! A million times, yes!!" He chuckles huskily. He manages to steady me up and gets up from the floor. The searing kiss that followed made my knees weaken. "Aunty is marrying the King! Aunty is marrying the King!" Chad and I separated at once when we heard Peggy's happy squeals. Elise and Dane came running at once. Elise looked embarrassed, and her cheeks sported an intense blush. "What happened to the candle-lit dinner you said you were planning, Chad?" Dane asks with amusement. "Some things should not be delayed," Chad said as he put one of his muscular arms around me, pressing me to his side. "I would marry her right now, but I need the world to see me marrying and marking this woman. The
Bella's POV Chad's newfound information came as a surprise to me. I would have never thought that Arona was a half-witch. Should I be worried? With everything Camille taught me, I won't be disadvantaged, and I don't want to start doubting myself. Besides, we can't really use magic during the fight. All eyes will be on us, and someone is bound to notice. Chad has also offered to train me, but I told him I wanted to do it alone. He would be more of a distraction, to be honest, and I don't think we would be able to train at all. The mild soreness still lingering from this morning was a not-so-subtle reminder of Chad's insatiable lust. Well, of both of us. Hendrick was furious when he found out about the competition's fight. "I still can't believe Chad is allowing you to do this, Bella!" He growled from inside his cage. It pained me to see him like that. My daily practices with him made him unpredictable, and Chad only allowed me to see him if he was caged. Of course, Chad still di
Chad's POV The day of the competition was finally here. This morning, Bella visited the shrine where she placed the urns of her father and son. On his son's funeral day, Beta Luca brought Alpha General Lockwood's ashes to accompany his grandson. Bella didn't want her Beta to take them back with him. She needed them near. I had given her a few minutes alone with them while I waited for her outside. "Are you ready, mon amour?" I asked her as I kissed her temple when she came back. She was already in her fighting gear. The skin-tight clothes were driving me up the wall. Bella wore a black steampunk corset with tight leggings and high heel boots. Someone braided her hair intricately, making her look like a Viking princess. "I am. Let's go." She said, pushing her loose hair behind her shoulders. I grabbed one of her braids and murmured softly. "I like these," I said as my darkened gaze traveled down her face. Her makeup was unique, too. She gave me a sexy smile and walked away. I wa
Bella's POV My heart raced when I heard my name. I squared my shoulders and stepped outside with determination. My mind echoed my father's words of encouragement: "Never let your enemy think you're afraid. Fight with everything you've got; even when you believe you're doomed, there's always something you can use to your advantage." I won’t let you down, Father. The loud music and rowdy crowd were deafening, yet I could still hear Chad growling. My heart ached; it was hard for him to accept my decision, but he respected it. I couldn’t mess this up. I took a deep breath and stood in front of Arona, who smirked triumphantly at me. "Well, Princess and Luna. May the best win. You may begin!" Ferragano gave the signal, and Arona threw her head back, laughing. "You played right into my hands, sweet little Bella." Arona cooed in a way that only I could hear her. "'l'll try not to ruin your pweety face, or my brother won't like it." She taunted, not liking that she had to spare my fac
Arona's POV I was seething. My blood was boiling. I entered my room and put on my clothes quickly. With the back of my hand, I cleaned some angry tears falling down my eyes. I need Braxten to help me dissipate some of this anger before I explode. The door opened, but it was Hudson. He was enraged. "What the hell was that, Arona?!" He snarled. "I went with your plan because I thought you could defeat her. You also wounded her when I specifically told you not to!!" I winced when he threw a chair across the room. "What the fuck did you want me to do?!" I yelled. "The bitch is well trained; we underestimated her. Sadie told me she was well-trained but believed Bella couldn't compare to me. I also thought Mom would help me, but she did nothing!" Hudson pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you still trust that witch?! Don't forget that she left Father to raise us alone." Hudson seethed. He had never forgiven our mother. Mother was important in her realm. It was not like she was an
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
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