CHAPTER 107: Face-off MAVERICK’S POV:“You stand before Her Royal Majesty, the protector of the Lunaria, protector of the world of beast and humans, the daughter of Alpha Xavier FireHeart and Luna Verona FireHeart, the true bearer of the Crimson bloodline that binds the ancient wolves to the heart of the moon itself, the Queen of the realm, and the Alpha of Alphas; Alpha Rhaella FireHeart!”The words of the priest echoed through the vast, stone hall of the crimson throne room. My throat tightened as I stood frozen, my gaze fixed on her protruding stomach. I had expected many things upon entering the FireHeart borders yet, nothing prepared me for this sight that shocked me to the core. The priest continued, “Bow to your Queen.”I was in too much shock to move an inch, only when Natalie’s hand grasped mine, forcing me to one knee, did I tear my gaze away from her. How’s this possible?What’s going on?Is this a joke? It couldn’t be. My eyes aren’t deceiving me, or is it?Pyra?I dar
CHAPTER 108: The HurtPyra’s POVI entered my chambers, slamming the door hard against the wall as the strength of the impact caused the ground to shake, but I didn’t care. My hands trembled, not from fear, but with the raw anger that boiled inside of me, one that had been building ever since Maverick entered my throne room, bringing that…Bringing her. I sat on the bed, breathing hard as I gritted my teeth. He was here, and he dared bring that vile woman into my kingdom, into my presence, and flaunt her as his Luna. Sitting wasn’t helping and I stood up and began pacing as my heart pounded in my chest. Maverick and Natalie. The very thought of them being together made my blood boil. After everything he’s done, after rejecting me, after that bitch tried to kill me, he dared to show up like this? With that witch by his side, even dared to claim to be his mate. “Arghh,” I screamed, angrily throwing the glass of wine against the large mirror. The mirror shattered under the pressure a
CHAPTER 109: Whiskey Third person’s POV: Back at the RedClaw pack, Alpha Duncan sat on a chair, his face squeezed as he took another sip of his wine. The smell of antiseptic didn't bother him, for he has gotten used to it since most of his time was spent here. “Everything needs to be perfect and in motion,” he said to himself, despite his pack suffering due to most of the resources having been spent on the experiment and project. The RedClaw pack is now a shadow of its former glory, and all due to their Alpha’s quest for power. Even the Minister of External Affairs from the great FireHeart pack had extended concerns to the RedClaw pack concerning their lack of resources, but Alpha Duncan has ignored all their messages, for he knew the great benefits his experiment would behold. “Those bastards won’t let me be. This is the fucking sacrifice I had to give for greatness,” Duncan muttered to himself, drowning in another bottle of whisky. He stared at the now half-empty bottle of wh
CHAPTER 110: The Queen And The Alpha Maverick’s POVI stood frozen, the weight of her command rendering me unable to move, unable to speak as I watched the fury blaze in her eyes. Pyra—no, Rhaella—had every right to be angry, but the weight of her stare made my chest tighten like a vice.“I know you hate me now,” I finally managed, my voice low, dangerously close to breaking. I took a step closer, desperate to close the thick chasm between us, but she moved back instantly, her movements sharp and unyielding.I took another step closer and she took a simultaneous one backward. “Don’t come close, Alpha. Stay the fuck away from me.” Her hands shot up, trembling but resolute, a barrier I dared not cross. “Stay as far away from me as possible.”Her defiance stung. I could feel the anger and hatred coming from her and it did nothing to my throbbing heart. I knew I shouldn’t push her further, not now. Not when she was standing here, alive, after I thought I’d lost her forever.“Pyra… Rhael
CHAPTER 111: The Lingered EyesNatalie’s POV: The bungalow given to us was unlike anything I’d imagined—spacious, and modern. The long, opened-roof hallway stretched ahead of me, lined with individual doors, each leading to a private apartment. Everyone had their own space, a sanctuary within the shared home. Privacy here wasn’t just a luxury; it was a necessity.Maverick’s room stood opposite mine, and as I heard voices coming from outside, I went to check, instinctively only to get to the window facing his room to see two people dressed in black. One was a man, and the other, was a woman with her face covered with a veil, but a part of her red locks showed underneath the veil, and instantly, I knew who she was. “Pyra,” I growled lowly, staying by the side of the wall in order to shield myself from their eyes, my ears alert.“What was she doing here? And this late?” Normally, I would have interrupted them, for that bitch shouldn't be ten feet near Maverick, but the huge man in bla
CHAPTER 112: A Stupid Trail Third person’s POV:The moonlight was dim, as it barely shone through the canopy of forest trees, leaving the entire forest dark. The air was thick with the hum of crickets, their chorus punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind whispered through the trees. And from this dense darkness, a figure emerged—a shadow among shadows. Dressed and coated completely in black, she blended perfectly and effortlessly into the Moonless night. With each deliberate and silent step she took, she got ever so closely towards the mortician’s lab, the heart of the pack’s hidden investigations, where secrets and unsolved cases lay buried, waiting to be uncovered. Her hearing was sharp as she pretended not to notice the sound of shuffling footsteps behind her, proving that she was being followed. Mr. Puckett staggered as he walked. He had just left the bar, his pockets light with a loss far beyond his worth but he didn’t care, for the money wasn’t his, but the
CHAPTER 113: The Disapproval To Solhaven Maverick’s POV:The morning air carried a heavy silence, thicker than the frost clinging to the large windows of the throne room. Everyone had dressed impeccably for the meeting, their attire a statement of preparedness. We had taken a short breakfast, though no one had truly enjoyed the meal as it seemed to be tension-filled, the kind that seeped into the skin and settled in the bones.My gaze swept across the large expense of the room, taking in every detail, every subtle shift of emotion. Natalie was beside me, her usual composure nowhere to be found. She bit her lips ever so often, her fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve, the fabric fraying slightly under her restless grip. Her foot tapped an irregular beat against the marble floor, the sound barely audible but noticeable enough to me. She was nervous—more so than the previous night I saw her by her window after I was done speaking to Pyra. I shook my head, trying to hide the exciteme
CHAPTER 114: Jest Of The PastMaverick’s POV:The murmurs continued to spread amongst the Ministers, the intense glare from Beta Thane of FireHeart pack, bearing on me but I kept my head high. It was the necessary risk that had to be taken or else the realm of Lunaria as we know it, might never be the same again. “It’s dangerous to associate with humans.”“They were the reason for the blood war that occurred decades ago.”“How dare he associate with those vile creatures.”“We’re strong and united, we need not the help of those power-hungry humans.” The voices grew louder, a cacophony of accusations and discontent rippling through the room like an impending storm. The Ministers of FireHeart Pack weren’t holding back, their disdain for the human world evident in each and every word they uttered. “They’ve always sought to exploit us, to turn our gifts into their tools of war!” One minister barked.“And now, an Alpha brings their veil influence back to our realm? Have we learned nothin
CHAPTER 127: A Call From The Dungeon Third person’s POV:The open clearing emptied slowly, the heavy tension lingering in the air even as the Alphas and Ministers departed. Their murmured conversations echoed faintly, a mix of anxiety and unease woven into every word. As the soon to be Alpha of StoneClaw, Steven, passed by Alpha Duncan, there was an eye-to-eye exchange, a glint shining in their eyes as if they knew and acknowledged each other. With a trade of nods, Alpha Duncan turned away and left. Maverick, who stood at the center of the clearing, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes vigilant as they followed the exchange between Steven and Alpha Duncan. His eyes narrowed in skepticism as he continued to watch the Alpha of the ruin pack, StoneClaw.‘Why would there be an exchange between them when they have never met each other?’ Maverick questioned silently, his suspicion growing even greater. ‘There’s something amiss, and I intend to find it. Moreover, Steven looked too familiar,
CHAPTER 126: To Be The ShieldMAVERICK’s POV: The murmurs spread wide and far, growing louder with every second that ticked by. Their whispers filled the room, swirling around like a storm.“Who’s that?”“Was he attacked?”“I don’t recognize him; maybe a member of some pack!”“Maybe a member of the StoneClaw pack. I can’t seem to find any of their members here in this meeting!”The Alphas and ministers’ whispers grew louder, their unease palpable. I couldn’t help but stare at the lone figure standing in the center of the open space. He looked like he would collapse at any moment. The tension was suffocating, and the air seemed to grow heavier with every passing second. “Enough!” Pyra’s sharp voice sliced through the noise, silencing the crowd instantly. Her fiery eyes swept over the gathered crowd, daring anyone to speak out of turn. Her presence was magnetic, and for a moment, I could only watch as she took several steps forward, her expression unreadable. “This is no time for ba
CHAPTER 125: Steven StoneClaw Pyra’s POV: The sound of tires screeching and footsteps coming from miles away reached my ears. The Alphas and their ministers are arriving, their commanding presence already thickening the air of the arena. From the shadows of the private chamber overlooking the gathering, I glanced down at the tables and chairs arranged with military precision. One by one, they began to take their seats, their expressions a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and barely veiled arrogance. But my duties are first to my children. My arms cradled one of my triplets as Lior stirred against me, his tiny hands curling against my chest as I adjusted his position for better sucking. The soft tug of his latch grounded me, reminding me that I was now more than just an ordinary girl, nor even the Queen of Alphas; I was something more. I was a mother. Lior’s bright, crimson, curious eyes fluttered open briefly, and I brushed a kiss against his soft forehead. “Drink your fill, my b
CHAPTER 124: The StoneClaw’s Dust Third person’s POV: Deep in the heart of the woods lay a small clearing, a seemingly ordinary patch of land surrounded by a dense mass of forest.The moonless sky seemed to be a harbor of dangerous looking men as the clearing was filled with lines of warriors, all ready and at attention, their faces devoid of emotions. For appearances were deceiving and mostly misleading, as the seemingly empty clearing bearing the Warriors of Redclaw pack, bears within a hidden underground lab, covered by leaves and moss, leaving only a small door that has been exposed due to the entry of their Alpha. The edges of the door show its sleek design, showcasing cutting-edge, ultra-sophisticated technology that bared a scanner, only allowing a few people to have access to the chamber. Inside, an underground facility came into view. Men and women clad in lab coats moved with purpose, their eyes glued to iPads or clipboards. But they weren’t the main focus of the lab. A
CHAPTER 123: For The CrimsonsPyra’s POV:Different emotions crossed through my mother’s eyes and tears brimmed in her cornea, wanting to spill but she didn’t let it out. “Really?”I nodded, squeezing her hands for comfort. I knew how hard this must be for her and as her daughter, I shall stand with her to the very end. “I-I knew I wasn’t crazy.” The tears finally fell from her eyes. “For years since he left, I had always felt him. The bond remains in my heart, even though it is not as strong as before.” She touched her chest, the pain in her voice too much for me to bear. I hugged her, sharing in her pain. “Everyone thinks I’m clinging on to a loose thread even as I’ve searched for him. He’s alive.”I nodded, my eyes now traveling to Maverick who stood by the corner, frozen like a snowman during the winter. His eyes shifted from mine to the babies and I knew what he was thinking at the moment. “Alpha Maverick,” I called, my voice weak after the events of today. “Do you want to?” I
CHAPTER 122: Back To LifeMaverick’s POVThe cold, tiled floor bit into my thighs as I squatted by the door, but I didn’t care. My hands massaged my hair, hoping it could ease the tension but to no avail. I stared blankly at the white floor, regretting everything I’d ever done. It was late—or maybe it was early. Time had no meaning anymore. This was only just a loop of regret, like a noose tightening around my throat.I am a fool! I cursed at myself, rubbing a hand down my face as the ache gnawed in my chest, intensifying with each passing second. I could still feel the bond, but barely, like it was fading away and fading fast. If only I could take her place, I would do so without missing a heartbeat. I had messed up—no, I had destroyed everything. I rejected her. I rejected my mate. The words echoed in my head, slicing through me like a blade. I abandoned her, and…. And she thought I sent someone to kill her. I never did. I regretted my rejection ever since that day, and no matte
CHAPTER 121: Tape And The First Checkmate Luna Elodie’s POV:I stormed into Beta Derick’s office, my heels clicking furiously against the marble floor as I reached his office. With a strong force, I slammed my fist against the door and it gave way to a disgusting sight. There he was, leaning casually against his desk, his arms spread apart and shirt half undone, while some scantily dressed woman perched on him, her legs draped over his lap as she rhythmically bounced on him. Both of them turned sharply to me, their expression one of shock. The woman immediately jerked away like a startled doe, fumbling to wear her underwear and straighten her dress while Derick fixed his buttons. “Luna,” he drawled, coughing as he ran a hand across his hair. I watched the woman run past me, leaving me alone with this disgusting Beta. “I see the apple doesn’t fall far away from the tree, hmm.”He didn’t reply, only staring at the ground in shame. “My son left the pack in your hands until he retur
CHAPTER 120: The Realm In-between Third person’s POV:Pyra stood motionless with widened eyes as she took in her surroundings. Before her stretched a boundary unlike anything she’d ever seen before—a vast, shimmering expanse of mist that pulsated like it had a life of its own. It was neither dark nor was it entirely bright, and right there Pyra knew she was no longer in her realm. This was the realm between life and death. The entire atmosphere was heavy with faint whispers and cries that came from everywhere and nowhere, as if tugging at the edges of her sanity. The unnatural breeze swayed her crimson hair gently as if forcing her to stay, but how could she? She wasn’t even sure how she’d ended up here. With a heavy heart, she prepared to take a step forward into the mist and the never-returning land of the dead, but a voice stopped her. “And where do you think you’re going?”Pyra stiffened, turning sharply towards the source of the voice, her amber eyes scanning but seeing no
CHAPTER 119: Slipped Away Maverick’s POV:“Sometimes I don’t just understand you, Maverick. You just act like… like, urgh,” Natalie groaned in annoyance, gripping her hair like she was about to pull it out. I crossed my arms, leaning against the soft chair prepared in one of the hospital’s waiting areas, far from the private area where Luna Verona and other pack members waited. Natalie's words trailed off into an irritated groan. Her hands flailed in the air, a gesture she always made when she was too frustrated to form coherent thoughts. I remained silent, my expression blank for she was the least of my worries now. “See!” She snapped, pointing a finger at me like I was some unruly child. “This is what I mean but you say I am a damn talkative. You just stand there! No reaction. No movement. Nothing! It’s like talking to a damn wall, Maverick!”I sighed, my mind trailing back to the event of today as Rhella was rushed to the hospital. I chuckled, it was funny how I had started call