Darren's POV.I couldn't believe my eyes, my wolf was already restless and disturbing me for sending her away, so I had to come out.Yet I didn't know I would come and meet her kissing Dylan, I didn't know it'd have such a crumbling effect on me.My heart clenched in pain as I saw them kiss, their lips were locked in an instant passion."What the fuck is going on here?" I yelled.I couldn't control the anger that began simmering on the surface, I was fuming, my throat burned with the urge to scream. But I had to control my rage. I didn't want to scare her, but the desire to kill him was hovering in my thoughts.It was like a virus in my brain, making me furious everytime I looked at him."Alpha good evening." He bowed and my eyes narrowed.I really wanted to kill him right here and now but I have to restrain myself for my mate's sake."You can leave." I said immediately.Dylan nodded walking away immediately, I sighed, turning to the tree at the corner, punching it immediately.The
Shantel's POV.I waited for the Alpha to run off, I couldn't believe he almost caught me here.I ran and hid immediately, my heart beating fast as he searched for me.The sound of his footsteps was so close I thought the ground would shake. My breathing quickened again with anxiety.Why didn't I just run away before now? If he had seen my face he would ask where I was heading to.I sighed in relief when he left, he looked very angry and I somehow felt like his anger was more than mine.I couldn't believe my plan failed and I couldn't kill Leila the way I wanted.I groaned in anger, I couldn't believe the witch deceived me by giving me a drug that didn't work.I couldn't believe she didn't die after eating that food I prepared by adding the drugs,she even appeared stronger.The witch deceived me, she could see that I really wanted to kill Leila, she was a witch and she could see my heart.I sighed as I hit the tree next to me in frustration. I hit it repeatedly until my knuckles bled.
Leila's POV.I'm still shocked by the Alpha's outburst that day, I'm more upset he had the audacity to say I shouldn't have kissed Dylan.I can't believe him, one moment he acts all nice and extra and sweet and the other times he's all about hating me and making me suffer.I sighed as I cleaned the windows, the glass was a little foggy from my damp clothes.The sun was already setting on the horizon, a beautiful sunset over the forested hillsides of the pack house. I glanced out the window, watching for any sign of activity or activity smell.No sign of it, though. A few werewolves were still out patrolling through the territory but none so far in the distance. I could barely see them.I saw a figure slip in fast looking at different places, my eyes followed the action suspiciously, trying to find out who it was.My eyes widened when I realized who it was, I wondered why Shantel was sneaking back home, I shook my head, willing myself to mind my business.My eyes shifted back to the w
Leila's POV.I packaged her hair strand that I got in a little plastic bag.I put it inside the little sling bag I held rushing out immediately, I couldn't wait to know why the drugs didn't work on Leila.She was weird when I met her. For someone who was always timid and avoided me as much as she could, this Leila wasn't timid.I'm sure if I didn't catch her eating she wouldn't have let me touch her, and even with that, she was defiant in every way when she spoke.It's like she suddenly had bravado and grew some spunk. She made eye contact with me and told me that she saw me earlier.When she said that the shiver that ran through my body was enough to shake a mountain, I was terrified of what she saw and how she saw me. I hoped it wasn't serious.I walked as fast as I could, my feet ached yet I needed to find out about Leila and the long journey to the witch's place was very essential.I needed her to find a way to kill her, an effective way, I paused slightly leaning on a tree as my
Leila's POV.I ran to the edge of the pack's border tirelessly, it felt like my energy got recharged every time I ran.I expected to get drained soon, but it didn't happen, I was pumping with energy immediately.I was running at full speed again and couldn't care less if someone saw me. I was happy at that moment. It felt great just to be here. To have this energy.I've never felt such strength in me, it was greater than adrenaline flowing through my veins.The wind blew in my face as the breeze blew against my clothes. I smiled at the feeling of it. Everything around me was so vivid and beautiful, the sounds of nature were singing to my ears.It felt like the forest had been singing its song for hours before it became quiet. The silence wasn't scary or uncomfortable but it made it feel like something good had happened. It gave me peace.My thoughts trailed to Shantel and I swallowed nervously.She's been acting extremely strange, as much as I felt powerful and I could see that my w
Darren's POV.My state of mind these days is something I can't explain to anyone.I was constantly agitated, and my wolf was constantly irritated, wanting to be free every second, so it could cause chaos.I know how I am when I'm upset, I make sure I avoid shifting to my wolf form, my wolf doesn't listen to anyone, except me,and it doesn't sometimes."You should go to her." My wolf snarled,I rolled my eyes hoping it'll stop anytime."I won't." I sighed ruffling my hair."Then stop panic pacing." My wolf replied and I paused realizing I was pacing.I looked around and the stares of my pack members were on me.I realized I was pacing in the training room, and all eyes were on me.I offered them a small smile as I walked out of the training room, training didn't seem to help lately, it felt like a waste of time.Yet it was better than not training at all, not training would've left me tensed and more irritable.I smiled when I saw Aidan walking close," Hey bro, do you have an idea of wha
Darren's POV.The meeting room was already filled with pack members seated at the long tables that were placed in a semi circle in the center of the hall.They looked up to see when I closed the door and their heads turned expectantly as I entered.I watched my pack members sigh, some looked distraught and I know they heard the news already, they know that the Lycans will attack us soon and witches joined hands with them."I'll be brief." I said quickly."Yes Alpha." they all replied."I'm sure you've heard what's going on and I don't have to repeat myself." I started."I'll take whatever I heard as a rumor for now, before I confirm anything." I said and I could hear murmurs."I've thought about it, and I don't think Lycans have any business with the attack and it may be the work of witches trying to instill fear in us." I continued."I'll train some of my soldiers and the guards to be more watchful and guarded." I continued."So I want everyone to feel safe." I added and they nodded
Darren's POV.I'm pissed that I have to keep another meeting today, yet I have no choice, I can't stand the thought of my pack falling for the tricks and fighting aimlessly.I've suffered to build this pack to what it is today after escaping torture.And I don't want it changing because I mindlessly let myself fight a war I don't know the stem of and also a war an Alpha instigated.I will be here to have the last laugh as one of the packs who didn't fall for that sham of a news.I could see some guards inside already, but lots of them hadn't come in yet.I pace the hall, waiting for them patiently, I knew Aidan had to call all of them apart from the ones we saw when we came back.I saw them come in one by one and some of them in two's, they bowed immediately they saw me and I waved them off.The hall was filled with guards and soldiers and I sighed in relief when I saw Aidan walk in and shut the door."I'm sure you're all wondering why I called you all here again." I started explainin
Leila's POV.I followed him, I was too giddy and excited.He kissed me, ruffling my hair, as I giggled in delight. He told me how proud he was of me and we both laughed at it. His face formed into a smile that didn't exist and it made the butterflies I felt in my stomach go wild again. I loved it when he smiled at me or made me happy.I felt so good, everything was lovely and wonderful, and then he looked down and whispered, “We have to go or we won't see the sunset." He said.I followed him, feeling like I was floating on air, as he carried me up.I couldn't stop thinking about everything that happened and how I felt now.I was filled with so much happiness, love, adoration. I wanted more than anything else to spend my life with this amazing man who had given me all I had ever wished for.He gave me protection, love and care, and I couldn't ask for anything more."We're almost there." He whispered.He covered my eyes as I stumbled trying to find my balance."Be careful." He said
Leila's POV.I groaned as the incessant knocking on the door jolted me awake from my peaceful slumber. Rubbing my eyes, I stumbled out of bed and made my way to the door, struggling to shake off the lingering remnants of sleep.I swung open the door to reveal a young maid standing on the other side. Her hair was neatly pulled back into a tight bun, and her eyes darted nervously around the room. She curtsied before me, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke."By Alpha's orders, I have been sent to get you ready for the celebration, ma'am," she announced, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's the mating ceremony today."Confusion washed over me like a cold wave, and I frowned, trying to gather my thoughts. Mating ceremony?"What... what ceremony?" I stammered, my voice still laced with drowsiness."The mating ceremony, ma'am," the maid repeated, her eyes widening. "You and Alpha Darren's he had been preparing for it all day"My heart skipped a beat at the realization. How could I h
Darren's POV.I stepped into the kitchen, the savory aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. It had been a long day, but I wanted to make sure Leila had a proper meal.She deserved something special, something that would nourish her body and lift her spirits. As I glanced around the kitchen, my eyes settled on the ingredients neatly arranged on the countertop. It was time to create a healthy and delicious dinner for my mate.I started by selecting a vibrant array of vegetables. Bright red tomatoes, crisp green lettuce, and vibrant orange carrots caught my attention.I carefully washed and chopped them, the sharp knife slicing through the vegetables with precision. Next, I reached for a head of cauliflower and broke it into florets, ready to be roasted to perfection.With the vegetables prepared, I turned my attention to the protein. I had bought fresh salmon, knowing that the omega-3 fatty acids would be beneficial for Leila and our unborn child. I seasoned them with a d
Leila's POV.I woke up with a pounding headache, my temples throbbing as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. Slowly, the fog lifted from my mind, and I realized I was in my own room. Relief washed over me, mingling with confusion.How did I get here? Why was my head hurting so much? And then, like a dam breaking, my memories flooded back, crashing into my consciousness with the force of a tidal wave.I remembered meeting the healer and all, I just know the memory didn't leave. Shantel. The name echoed in my mind, carrying with it the terror of the past few days. I had been kidnapped by her and the witch, held against my will in a nightmarish ordeal.Tears welled up in my eyes as I allowed myself to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. The Moon goddess had spared my life, and for that, I was eternally grateful, I'm sure she sent the blasting moon to kill them.The room seemed simultaneously comforting and alien. The familiar sights and sounds of my sanctuary took on ne
Leila's POV.Opening my eyes, staring at the healer as she cleaned off my bruises, applying ointment on it as the memories of Shantel's wickedness dawned on me.I felt so proud of myself for surviving all the pains and all the torture I received in the hands of that monster Shantel.I remembered how the Alpha carried immediately when he saw me there.She made my life a living hell, my child was my hope and my strength so I had to survive.I would have been devastated if I had lost my child to Shantel's torture, even at the expense that she doesn't know that I'm pregnant her torture was enough to kill a mother and her child."Whoever did this to you must be hell bent on having you dead" The healer said as she slowly rubbed the ointment on my legs."Oh she's definitely hell bent on killing me and Alpha Darren, she's a monster. You should have seen what she did to me. This is just because the wounds were healing." I uttered hastily, trying hard to shade off the thoughts of Shantel becau
Darren's POV"We have to go and find Leila, if anything happens to her I wouldn't forgive myself" I uttered, wondering what Leila must be passing through in the hands of Shantel, the fact that I wasn't there and I don't know where she could be filled me with the thoughts of incapabilities.I've got to find Leila to shade off my thoughts of incapabilities and also to prove to Shantel that she can't get away with her plans, her obsession is quite killing her. "It's dangerous out there,we got hurt when we came back."Aidan stuttered, knowing that his words would get me pissed. Truly his words got me pissed to some point, I lost my appetite for even eating this beautiful meal."I don't care... Besides it's the reason I want to rescue her out of the hands of Shantel" I retorted in a manner that he understood that he had to think about his words before saying it to me to avoid my wrath."Having you in the hands of Shantel would mean her gaining full victory over you and her plan could be to
Leila's POV.I was tied up on top of a stone, my hands behind my back.I was nervous, wondering how the ritual would be, when I woke up, I saw myself here.I was about to become a sacrifice for a greedy witch, and here I was.I couldn't move, I felt paralyzed, everything in me was frozen, unable to respond to anything other than the cold.The sensation spread throughout me like ice, freezing every part of my body. There wasn't enough air in my lungs, and yet I could feel nothing, no air moving through my throat. My stomach turned uncomfortably and I started to gag involuntarily.The nausea came in waves, and it took all of my will power to fight them off until they subsided again, slowly returning to a normal state.I was terrified, my heart beating so fast I thought it might explode.My mind went blank, my breathing slowed, and the world stopped spinning around me, just as my body was starting to slow down from its frantic heartbeat.In an attempt to distract myself, I began counting
Leila's POV.A scream rips from through my throat as ice cold water cascades down my body."Get up" Shantel hisses at me in a harsh tone, I can see her silhouetted figure in the room, my mind is in a haze and I try to focus, to regain my bearings. Her voice pierces my ears but all I see are blurry spots, "Get up" she repeats with more emphasis, I can't move, my limbs are shaking violently, "Stand up at one and do not waste my time, the ritual is happening elsewhere. " She snaps at me, it takes my brain a few seconds to process this, the ritual she speaks of means death. They are going to kill me and take my powers, I try to stand, and immediately I am hit with another wave of dizziness.Fear shoots through my spine in a hot wave, gripping me, my mouth goes dry, my throat clogs up and my eyes water. I feel my knees give out, they give way beneath me, and I collapse on the floor once again, a sob tears from me as I curl up into myself, wrapping my arms around my shivering body.
Shantel's POV.I shivered, fear filled my body, and I could barely breath for a second. It wasn't because of the cold due to the rain. No, this was more than fear and pain.I couldn't believe what I heard from Dean, the Alpha was suspicious of me and I didn't know what to do.I was so terrified and Dean wasn't picking up his calls, or even texting me like he usually would. He's not picking up his calls, I wonder if the Alpha caught him already.I paced the corridor, trying to figure out what to do.I called his line again, and it was switched off.I bit my fingernails, my whole body shook, but my eyes stayed glued on my phone as I waited for another text message or a call.The witch came back already and she was doing her final preparations as she told me.I really didn't care about that, all that mattered to me was seeing a reply from Dean.I kept looking at my phone, waiting for anything, any kind of notification. My hands were shaking as I tried to text him again, my mind raced