--Alyssa--The noise outside my bedroom window grew louder, a cacophony of voices that carried a heavy undertone of frustration and anger. I cautiously approached the window, peering through the ornate curtains to catch a glimpse of the commotion. My heart sank as I saw a sea of pack members gathered below, their faces etched with concern and agitation. The sight of them was overwhelming, and their voices carried a mixture of urgency and frustration that sent shivers down my spine.“We need answers!” came the shouted demand from the crowd. The tone was sharp and insistent, and I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead. I could see the tension in their movements, the way they jostled each other in their eagerness to get answers.“What’s going on?” I muttered to myself, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding before me. I pressed my forehead against the cool glass, trying to catch any hint of what was driving the uproar.The murmurs from the crowd grew more distinct. “Is she a Wh
--Alyssa--Everything indicated that I would give birth in my third month, which was next month. At this point, Xavier had decided to hide me from everyone before something happened, or they revolted against me, or worse, came in here to make me shift.I remember that night clearly when he relayed the news to me. We were in our room, the dim light casting shadows on the walls, the air heavy with tension. Xavier's face was etched with worry as he spoke.“I’ve thought about it long and hard with Nathaniel, and the best option now is for you to leave for a while. If possible, take care of our pup somewhere safe,” he said, his voice a mix of determination and sorrow. I knew that was the only solution, even though it meant I wouldn’t be seeing him for a long time. He wouldn’t be able to come to where I was so that he wouldn’t be followed.Lily was packing my things now, her movements efficient but tinged with sadness. She carefully folded the child’s clothes, some of which Xavier had bough
"Get up, Alyssa," I heard someone calling me. I opened my eyes, groggy and disoriented, realizing it was still night—possibly just before dawn."Why?" I asked Grandma, my voice thick with sleep as I attempted to burrow back into the warmth of my bed."We need to leave now. The people are in front of the palace wanting to inspect you. It's the leaders this time, and Xavier can't stop them for too long. Hurry," Grandma said urgently, her voice laced with fear. The gravity of the situation jolted me awake, my heart pounding with sudden adrenaline.Lily would meet us behind the secret door, known only to Xavier and his family. The palace was eerily quiet, the stillness outside starkly contrasting the turmoil I felt inside. I saw Nathaniel picking up our bags. He bowed to me and walked out with them, his expression serious and focused.I was still in my nightwear, a simple cotton gown that clung to my form. There was no time to change or gather my thoughts. Grandma grabbed my hand and led
--Alyssa--We were watching a movie, a popular request from Grandma, but my mind kept wandering back to Mom and what could have possibly happened. I couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at the edges of my thoughts, despite trying to focus on the screen in front of me. Something didn’t feel right, and I could tell that both Grandma and I were distracted.“There’s a knock, Grandma,” I said softly, even though it had been faint. My ears had picked it up nonetheless. Grandma didn't seem to notice at first, but then came another knock, louder this time, clear enough to be undeniable.“I’ll check it,” she said, motioning for me to stay seated. She rose slowly from her chair and made her way to the door, her steps deliberate, as if she, too, felt a shift in the air.A moment later, I heard her say, “Elizabeth.”The sound of that name startled me to my feet before my brain could even register what was happening. Mom. She was here. “Mom?” I called out, my voice filled with both relief and conf
It had been an entire month since I last heard from Xavier, and the worry gnawed at me constantly. Every day, I cried myself to sleep, the emptiness in my heart growing with each passing hour. I couldn’t help but think about him, about where he was and what he might be going through. But there was one thing that kept me going—the certainty that he was still alive. If he weren’t, I would have felt it deep inside me. That was the one thing mates shared, a connection that transcended distance and time. It was that bond that reassured me, even in the darkest moments, that Xavier was out there somewhere, fighting to return to us.Yet, despite that fragile hope, I was falling apart. In Grandma and Mom’s words, I looked terrible. My skin had paled, and the bags under my eyes were dark and heavy from countless sleepless nights. My clothes barely fit, and I’d stopped caring about my appearance long ago. The weight of uncertainty was crushing.As much as I tried to stay positive, the constant
Tears blurred my vision as I glanced at Mom, who stood beside me, her own eyes filled with emotion. She had been so strong throughout it all, but now, seeing her grandchild, her tears flowed freely. Grandma was nearby too, her hands clasped together, a proud smile lighting up her face. The room was filled with so much love, so much joy.But just as I began to think it was over, a sudden, sharp pain shot through me, taking my breath away. I gasped, my body tensing as fear gripped me once more. “Something’s wrong!” I cried out, panic creeping into my voice.The midwife, who had been carefully watching over me, quickly moved to check. Her expression remained calm, and after a moment, she looked up at me with a reassuring smile. “No, Alyssa, nothing’s wrong. You’re having another baby.”Another baby. The words took a moment to register in my exhausted mind. Another baby? My heart raced as the realization dawned on me. Twins. I was having twins.The pain came back in waves, and I gripped t
--XAVIER POV--It had been two whole months since Aurelia left, and every single day, I felt the urge to break own, to cry, but I knew I couldn’t afford to lose my composure. I had to stay strong, to remain calm if I was going to survive this manipulative game the Alphas were playing. Aurelia had slipped away quietly before anyone noticed. By the time the council arrived, she was already gone, leaving me to face their barrage of questions. I was questioned endlessly, but thanks to the bond with my wolf, I was able to lie convincingly.They didn’t believe me—why would they? But they had no proof, and more importantly, no right to treat me like a prisoner. I had played my part well, and it baffled me how foolish they were to think I would simply tell them the truth. The bond with one’s wolf was sacred in the werewolf realm, and by the decree of the Moongoddess, a wolf could never lie. But mine did. Somehow, I managed to deceive them, and it worked.I couldn’t help but wonder if the Moo
I entered the room, and the atmosphere shifted. As usual, all the Alphas were present, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain. I didn’t bother to greet them; instead, I took my seat with an air of defiance, determined to remain unyielding in the face of their scrutiny.“Xavier Black of the Blood Moon Pack, do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?” Elder Simon asked, his voice authoritative yet tinged with a hint of amusement. I knew he had always been fond of me, and it seemed that sentiment hadn’t waned, even in the face of this farce.“I swear to tell nothing but the truth,” I replied, my tone steady.Before Elder Simon could continue, Elder Samuel shot up from his seat, interrupting the proceedings. I rolled my eyes in exasperation; he always seemed to have a knack for stealing the spotlight from Simon, making it difficult for the process to flow smoothly.“Do you still not know the whereabouts of your mate?” he inquired, his tone sharp.“I passed the tes
--Alyssa--Meridith couldn’t stop smiling as she leaned closer to get a better look at the twins nestled in my arms. “Pups? They are so cute and look just like Xavier,” she cooed, her eyes sparkling with affection.Xavier, however, was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on our babies with an intensity that made me chuckle. He seemed entirely absorbed, as if the world outside didn’t exist. Seeing him so captivated by the sight of our children softened my heart, but I couldn’t shake the nagging guilt that lingered beneath the surface.Everyone in the room seemed unbothered by the events outside, as if the weight of what was happening hadn’t reached them. They were caught up in the joy of the moment, admiring the twins, and it made me feel strangely out of place. I was here, surrounded by warmth and family, while others were grieving just beyond the palace walls. The contrast was hard to ignore, and I knew I had to act soon.“Can we break the curse now?” I asked, my voice cutting through th
“Xavier!” Meridith called out to me, her voice cutting through the quiet murmur of the room. “When is Alyssa coming?” she asked, making everyone turn their attention toward me, waiting expectantly for an answer.“Soon,” I replied, though their faces showed clear disappointment. I knew they missed her, and so did I, but for her safety, I couldn’t do anything reckless. The weight of their expectation hung in the air, but my priority was always her protection.But something gnawed at me. Why would Nathaniel—who always kept me informed of his whereabouts—suddenly go off on an errand without telling me? It wasn’t like him. He always let me know where he was, and this sudden disappearance made me unease.Aurelia’s POVThere was a knock on the door, causing all of us to freeze. Nobody ever knocked on our door, not unexpectedly like this."Did Xavier tell you he was coming?" Mom asked, her eyes filled with concern. I shook my head, feeling a pit form in my stomach. We were supposed to leave
I could hardly believe what was happening. Most of the Alphas had been killed—just in one night—which sent panic rippling throughout the Kingdom. This was not how I envisioned welcoming my mate and pups home. The atmosphere was thick with tension and fear; I knew that those who had plotted against Alyssa and my innocent children were receiving their just desserts.“Have you heard? The Alpha of St. Lucas was reported dead just now,” Nathaniel said, his expression grave. My heart sank as the weight of his words settled in. This was more serious than we had initially thought.“So what are their families doing about it?” I asked, my voice strained with uncertainty. I was in no position to intervene after everything they had done to me.“They are calling for your help,” he replied, a hint of mischief playing on his lips.“Now they want my help when just a few days ago they wanted to kill me?” I laughed, incredulous at their desperation. This was surely the work of the Moon Goddess, a twist
I strode straight into my room, Nathaniel still at my heels, his excitement palpable. I approached my phone, heart racing as I prepared to dial the number I had yearned to call every night and day.Taking a deep breath, I punched in the digits, my fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.“Hello?” I heard my mate’s voice on the other end, and a wave of relief washed over me.“Alyssa,” I breathed, the sound of her name sending a rush of warmth through my veins. “It’s me.”There was a moment of silence before she responded, her tone a mixture of surprise and joy. “Xavier! I can’t believe it’s really you!”Hearing her voice brought back the memories of our moments together—the laughter, the love, the dreams we shared for our future. I closed my eyes, allowing the sound of her voice to wash over me like a soothing balm.“I’ve missed you every day,” I confessed, my heart aching with longing. “I finally stood up to the council. They tried to break me, but they can’t control what I’ve bu
I entered the room, and the atmosphere shifted. As usual, all the Alphas were present, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain. I didn’t bother to greet them; instead, I took my seat with an air of defiance, determined to remain unyielding in the face of their scrutiny.“Xavier Black of the Blood Moon Pack, do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?” Elder Simon asked, his voice authoritative yet tinged with a hint of amusement. I knew he had always been fond of me, and it seemed that sentiment hadn’t waned, even in the face of this farce.“I swear to tell nothing but the truth,” I replied, my tone steady.Before Elder Simon could continue, Elder Samuel shot up from his seat, interrupting the proceedings. I rolled my eyes in exasperation; he always seemed to have a knack for stealing the spotlight from Simon, making it difficult for the process to flow smoothly.“Do you still not know the whereabouts of your mate?” he inquired, his tone sharp.“I passed the tes
--XAVIER POV--It had been two whole months since Aurelia left, and every single day, I felt the urge to break own, to cry, but I knew I couldn’t afford to lose my composure. I had to stay strong, to remain calm if I was going to survive this manipulative game the Alphas were playing. Aurelia had slipped away quietly before anyone noticed. By the time the council arrived, she was already gone, leaving me to face their barrage of questions. I was questioned endlessly, but thanks to the bond with my wolf, I was able to lie convincingly.They didn’t believe me—why would they? But they had no proof, and more importantly, no right to treat me like a prisoner. I had played my part well, and it baffled me how foolish they were to think I would simply tell them the truth. The bond with one’s wolf was sacred in the werewolf realm, and by the decree of the Moongoddess, a wolf could never lie. But mine did. Somehow, I managed to deceive them, and it worked.I couldn’t help but wonder if the Moo
Tears blurred my vision as I glanced at Mom, who stood beside me, her own eyes filled with emotion. She had been so strong throughout it all, but now, seeing her grandchild, her tears flowed freely. Grandma was nearby too, her hands clasped together, a proud smile lighting up her face. The room was filled with so much love, so much joy.But just as I began to think it was over, a sudden, sharp pain shot through me, taking my breath away. I gasped, my body tensing as fear gripped me once more. “Something’s wrong!” I cried out, panic creeping into my voice.The midwife, who had been carefully watching over me, quickly moved to check. Her expression remained calm, and after a moment, she looked up at me with a reassuring smile. “No, Alyssa, nothing’s wrong. You’re having another baby.”Another baby. The words took a moment to register in my exhausted mind. Another baby? My heart raced as the realization dawned on me. Twins. I was having twins.The pain came back in waves, and I gripped t
It had been an entire month since I last heard from Xavier, and the worry gnawed at me constantly. Every day, I cried myself to sleep, the emptiness in my heart growing with each passing hour. I couldn’t help but think about him, about where he was and what he might be going through. But there was one thing that kept me going—the certainty that he was still alive. If he weren’t, I would have felt it deep inside me. That was the one thing mates shared, a connection that transcended distance and time. It was that bond that reassured me, even in the darkest moments, that Xavier was out there somewhere, fighting to return to us.Yet, despite that fragile hope, I was falling apart. In Grandma and Mom’s words, I looked terrible. My skin had paled, and the bags under my eyes were dark and heavy from countless sleepless nights. My clothes barely fit, and I’d stopped caring about my appearance long ago. The weight of uncertainty was crushing.As much as I tried to stay positive, the constant
--Alyssa--We were watching a movie, a popular request from Grandma, but my mind kept wandering back to Mom and what could have possibly happened. I couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at the edges of my thoughts, despite trying to focus on the screen in front of me. Something didn’t feel right, and I could tell that both Grandma and I were distracted.“There’s a knock, Grandma,” I said softly, even though it had been faint. My ears had picked it up nonetheless. Grandma didn't seem to notice at first, but then came another knock, louder this time, clear enough to be undeniable.“I’ll check it,” she said, motioning for me to stay seated. She rose slowly from her chair and made her way to the door, her steps deliberate, as if she, too, felt a shift in the air.A moment later, I heard her say, “Elizabeth.”The sound of that name startled me to my feet before my brain could even register what was happening. Mom. She was here. “Mom?” I called out, my voice filled with both relief and conf