|| ELINDA'S POV ||" LET HER GO, MATT!!!"A roar from Elinda stopped him from pulling me out. I was already sobbing in anger and pain. I felt like a villain here among these people. Leonid stood up from the couch, wincing in pain that made me hate myself even more. He stopped in front of Matteo and demanded, his Alpha aura radiating through the room," APOLOGIZE TO HER! NOW!! She is the princess of this dynasty. Don't you ever fucking dare!!"Matteo hung his head low, his face turning red in shame. He muttered politely without looking me in the eye," I..am sorry...I thought..she was hurting you..Alpha Don..."" GET OUT! ALL OF YOU!"We shook in terror by his voice. Fiona left first hurriedly, Matteo glancing at me. As I made my way to the door, another roar broke through the room," NOT YOU! I didn't ask you to leave, Princess."Matteo closed the door behind me. It was just me and Alexis standing in the room. Alexis crossed the room with a long stride, his eyes darkening differently,
|| ALEXIS's POV ||" I am not fucking going anywhere unless you tell me why we are shifting again!!"Elinda's scream buzzed in the whole room. She was furious that I didn't share anything with her. How was I gonna tell her that her brother was scarier than she ever thought?Matteo pinched the space between his brows. I knew that Elinda was challenging his patience. Letting out a frustrated sigh, I tried to convince her, stepping near her," Listen to me, Princess. Whatever it is to keep you safe. You have to trust your brother. At least not me but you have to trust him."Elinda refused to listen to anything. She crossed her arms, raising her head to confront me," Unless I have a better explanation from you, I am not going anywhere."I had already expected it to come. Groping her by her arms, I muttered into her ears, pulling the syringe out of my pocket," Sorry, Princess. It had to be done."I injected it straight into her neckline before she could say another word. A startled gasp
|| LEONID's POV ||" The western pack has blocked all our trade. They destroyed it even before we could reach the Dead Sea."Matteo came with the news of our latest trade. I pulled my eyes from the laptop, a deep frown appearing between my temples. I never had an issue with the Western pack. I wondered why they were instigating a war.I replied with a low growl, waiting for Matteo's opinion," Why are they acting jerks? We didn't have any issues with them."Matteo shook his head unknowingly, seeming too deep in thought," I don't know, Alpha Don but it seems like they are unhappy with something. You should visit their Alpha. If they keep blocking us, we will lose our collaborations."I clenched my jaw tight. I hated unnecessary wars. But after the death of my grandfather, I noticed that many of them didn't appreciate my position. Most of them claimed that I was too young and inexperienced to be an Alpha Don. With time, I proved them wrong.I gave my order to Matteo, lightening up a ci
|| ALEXIS's POV ||The question was left unheard of as she collapsed in my arms. For the first time, I was scared after years in the Mafia World. She was drowned in blood. Her pale face scared the shit out of me.I picked her up in my arms. Matteo shot one last glare at Fiona before running after me. She didn't open her eyes. A part of me tried to convince me that she was a Royal. Healing her wound was just a matter of time. But I was anxious and eager to see her fine.I called her a few times as I laid her on the bed," Elinda!! Elinda!"She remained unconscious. Matteo tried to comfort me, patting my back," Alpha Don! She will be fine. Give her wolf time to heal."I clenched my jaw hard and turned around furiously," Check the CCTV FOOTAGES. I want to know how she got in there."Something wasn't feeling right about the whole incident. Black monsters were always kept locked. They didn't act wild unless they were triggered and met any new faces. Matteo understood the assignment, head
|| ELINDA's POV ||Fiona shifted her attention to me. When she saw me standing, her face grew red in anger. She shouted at me, her eyes filling with hatred," YOU!! YOU DID THIS TO ME! YOU!! You whore..how dare you!"I was awestruck by her audacity. She accused me even after she did wrong to me. I didn't have the heart to let go of her. I replied with a twisted smile," Yes, I did seduce her. What can you do to me, Fiona?"She growled at me angrily. Her wolf died and she had no power left in her body. She sneered at me, her jealousy maddening her," HE DOESN'T EVEN CARE FOR YOU! It's all for your brother..and your title...He isn't interested in a low-class woman like you."I couldn't endure her insult anymore. In my impulse, I turned around and put my lips on his lips, pulling him into a hard kiss. It took him off guard but Alexis didn't push me away. Instead, he tried to deepen the kiss when reality kicked me hard. My wolf was tempted to go further. I pulled it back, breaking our kis
|| ALEXIS's POV ||" The western pack has agreed with the meeting. They would like to meet in the Italian Bar."Matteo informed me, his eyes narrowing in confusion. I was also stunned to know that they had agreed to the meeting so easily. It had only one meaning they had certain demands.I put down the revolver and looked up at Matteo," Sure! Let them come and see what they want."Matteo nodded, typing the answer on the iPad," I am booking the venue. Are you going alone? I mean.. the princess..."I cut him off with a glare, not wanting to take any risk," She stays here! It's dangerous to bring her around them. Put as many guards as you need. Not a single harm shall come on her."Matteo understood the assignment and gave direction through the speaker. I turned back to find my laptop. I was distracted from the moment the kiss happened. My wolf shouldn't be tempted but I was craving to stay near her. Such certain feelings were questionable. Since we had no bond, I shouldn't have felt
|| ELINDA's POV ||" How dare you fucking kiss me in front of everyone!"I was furious, not over Alexis but over myself. Every time he touched me or kissed me, it awakened my old feelings. My wolf stirred with excitement. I had the urge to pull him down for a kiss.Alexis clenched his jaw, glaring down at me," You should have fucking remembered it before coming here. I was only trying to save you. That jerk wanted you."I could tell from the expression of Alpha Luca that he had ill intentions with me. But since Alexis was there, I didn't mind his eyes. I replied with a scoff, getting on his nerves," So what? You can keep whores. Why can't I?"Alexis's expression grew dark over my comment. He stomped on his feet, growling through his gritted teeth," ELINDA! MIND YOUR WORDS! You are a princess, not a cheap whore."The reminder of my identity hit me hard. I swallowed hard before muttering my reply," Yes! It was cheap. That's why you could throw it off in the past. Since I am the prin
|| ALEXIS's POV ||Alex...My love...In a moment, my entire past flashed in front of my eyes. I remembered those loving eyes that held love for me when I took her virginity. Elinda fell silent as if realization had knocked her over as well.Then all my self-control exploded in a second. I pushed it deep inside her core, a sweet painful moan coming out of her lips. My wolf released a satisfied growl. I had bedded women after rejecting our bond but nothing made me feel so good like her.Elinda collapsed in my arms after she had her release. The moon went behind the clouds and the effect of her heat had reduced already. She stayed limp in my arms. I carried her up in my arms. For the first time that I held her, I felt complete. As I walked past the corridor, Matteo's voice stopped me abruptly," Alpha Don! What have you done? Don't you that... it's a crime? How can you touch a princess during this time?"I swallowed the discomfort hard. I was aware of the consequences that it was going
Chapter 93|| ALBERTO'S POV ||I hate to leave plans for Alexis, but I must say—when it comes to starting chaos, he's a master at it. Tonight, he mapped out every guard patrol, every blind spot in the mansion, every alternate escape route. Dressed in the uniform of one of Mikhail's personal enforcers, I passed through the iron gates with a forged ID chip Alexis's crew hastily created. My heart pounded in my ears as the scanner gave me the all-clear to enter. The moment I crossed the threshold into the mansion, the scent enveloped me. Her scent. Clara.My wolf growled within me, restless. I clenched my fists hard to keep from shaking.Concentrate.The corridors smelt rich and cold, with black polished marble casting golden dancing chandeliers above. I kept my head down, mimicking the guard walk I had picked up from spy videos. Sweeping past two guards standing by a staircase, talking, I nodded to them quietly. They barely glanced at me.Clara was in the east wing. Alexis had overheard
Chapter 92|| Clara's POV || (Three Years Ago)My chest thudded as I approached the healer's little hut. I walked closer,feeling vulnerable yet oddly reassured by the emptiness around me.The groan of the wooden door creaking open slowly, and there in the peaceful, knowing eyes of the healer, an old woman whose peaceful presence always had the power to calm my restless soul. She nodded in acknowledgment, stepping aside to let me in."Come in, Clara," she whispered, guiding me into a chair beside the fire. I sat down in the worn seat, letting out a deep, trembling breath.The healer studied me deeply, her understanding eyes easing with compassion. "Have you made up your mind yet, dear? Alberto is suffering, and so are you. Your wolf weakens daily."I swallowed hard, wincing back tears that pricked at the corners of my eyes. "I don't know what to do," I admitted softly, my voice cracking. "I'm afraid of Mikhail's anger more than anything. He is a revengeful man. He won't think twice abo
Chapter 91|| Elinda's POV ||I had barely emerged from the car when the chaos descended on me like a wave.Cameras snapped one after another in my face, and microphones were shoved under my nose in every direction. A group of reporters hovered around me.Their faces were tough and full of judgmental :"Elinda! You actually did run away from the ceremony of finding a mate!""Are you with anyone special last night?""Is your engagement to Duke Alaric cancelled now?"I couldn't answer. I couldn't breathe.They weren't just shoving—they were standing on me, yanking at my sleeves, blocking every move I made towards the palace. A woman's heel ground into my ankle. A man jammed a mic into my shoulder so forcefully I almost stumbled. Panic coursed up my throat."Get back!" Alaric's voice came behind me, deep but not nearly loud enough to overpower the crowd. "You're hurting her! Move aside!"His hand gripped mine tightly, but it was not strong to save me. He seemed more like a noble trying to
Chapter 90|| ELINDA's POV ||I awoke curled around Alexis's chest, feeling the gradual beat of his breath against my hand. His skin was warm now. Not fever-burning like last night. Just warm. Alive. I didn't want to move, but the sun that sliced through the blinds brought memory.There was a gentle knock at the door, and then servant's whisper. "My Lady… the healer has arrived."I glanced at Alexis, who remained asleep. His eyelashes fluttered slightly, and I knew he would come awake soon. I moved off the bed, gently tucking the blankets back around him, and opened the door far enough to see."I'll speak with him alone first," I breathed.The servant nodded and disappeared down the hallway. A minute later, the healer—a soft-faced middle-aged man with grey hair and a scent of rosemary—stepped silently in. I guided him into the next room so Alexis wouldn't hear us."He's better, isn't he?" I asked as soon as we'd closed the door behind us.The healer smiled half-heartedly. "Yes… and no
Chapter 89 || Elinda's POV || The clapping palms of the crowd, the flowers, Alaric's soft smile—these all disappeared into the past for me as I boarded the boat. My heart never dwelled inside those walls.It stayed with him.Alexis.Sea air stung my face, but nothing could shake the guilt burning beneath my skin. I shouldn't be doing this. Tonight, of all nights. After accepting another mate before the council mere hours before. But the image of Alexis—sick, alone, possibly dying on that island—called me like a moth to flame. No cause, no royal duties, not even the mate bond could keep me away.The instant the boat docked at the Dark Crescent island's dock, I ran. My heels hit wet soil, and the wind tore through my hair.I did not wait for a servant or for leave. I burst through the entrance and flew up the stairs two steps at a time."Princess!" Lysa's voice echoed in warning as she appeared at the head of the stairs, arms out to hold me back. "You can't go in! Alpha must have rest—
Chapter 88|| ELINDA'S POV ||The council chamber was too silent.Alberto and I sat side by side, hands resting tense in my lap, fingers intertwined.Old, stern-appearing councilors with glaring eyes leaned toward me at a glance that I could not define quite so well—whether it was respect or annoyance.Or maybe… they're just tired of waiting for me to catch up and just make up their minds already, for goodness' sake."Princess Elinda," one of the older males began, his tone like an Alpha, "now that Prince Alberto's been crowned Alpha, the pack will need a strong Beta to support him. Someone familiar with royal bloodline. and fighting." He glared at me. "We all decided it should be you."I swallowed. My throat was dry and tightened.Alberto glared at me sideways, his eyes gentle but supportive. "You're the only one I trust, Elin. You've done it again and again."Have I?The memory of the shattered mate bond danced at the edges of my mind. The pain still hasn't gone yet. I was on my feet,
Chapter 87 || ALBERTO'S POV ||The moment I stepped into the hall, my wolf lifted her head. Not due to the politics or the constant chatter swirling around us, but because she was present.Clara.Even now, even after all of it, my wolf l recognized her. Her presence was a magnet that I couldn't shake from my head, no matter how faint the melody had become. I stood on the sidelines, glass in hand, pretending to listen to Alexis's negotiation with the North Alpha, but my eyes kept wandering to her.And every time I glanced, I saw something that made my blood boil.Mikhail.He loomed over her like a predator, cold and commanding, his voice sharp and snapping whenever he addressed her. I noticed the tension in Clara's posture when he spoke, the way her shoulders tensed, the glint of something in her eyes she tried to hide—fear or indifference, I couldn't tell. But I did.My wolf did too.Go to her, he snarled within me, pacing back and forth."I can't," I grumbled under my breath.Alexis
Chapter 86 || Clara's POV ||I was sitting at the window, pretending to read a book, but my hands trembled so violently.My thoughts were elsewhere, as they always were now—on Alberto, on the painful bond inside me that grew heavier with each passing moment I stayed here, held captive by fear.The door creaked behind me.I didn't need to turn to know who it was. His presence made the room suffocate, forcing me to barely breathe."We are going to a reception tonight," he stated in a neutral tone, showing no feeling whatsoever. "The top designer will be there. Prepare yourself."I kept my back to him, my fingers tightening around the book.A meeting. Meaning all the power players would attend. And if Alberto was indeed in Bravta's borders, he'd certainly be there.The mere idea of being within the same air space as him—to look upon him, feel the tie between us scream for attention— wracked my chest with pain. It would hurt. I would know it would."I am not going," I said, voice small bu
Chapter 85 || Clara's POV ||The sunlight pouring through my window in the morning fell gently on the floor of my bedroom. I had not slept. Not actually. Each time I shut my eyes, the power of the bond felt out and pulled at my soul, whispering a name I could not voice. Alberto. My mate.But I was married to another man.The door creaked open and I stiffened, my heart racing before I could even turn around. To my relief, it was the healer—the elderly woman with warm eyes and gentle fingers. She gave a polite nod before she approached, her bag slung over one shoulder."How do you feel, Lady Clara?" she said softly as she sat beside the bed."Fine," I replied too quickly.Her eyes furrowed together, obviously not believing it, but she did not press the issue. She had grown accustomed to living in this house by now and was smarter than to ask questions she wasn't supposed to ask. I remained numb as she laid cool fingers on my wrist, feeling my pulse. Then her hand moved to my forehead,