CLARA’S POV"Ma’am, I think you should let me teach them a lesson next time," Lydia said as we settled in the back seat of the car.Her words were so unexpected that it made me chuckle. She looked genuinely upset, and I understood why. Nate and Isla were an irritatingly annoying pair that could get on anyone's nerves. Even I wanted to teach them a lesson, not to talk of someone who didn't know them very well.I shook my head. "That's fine, Lydia. I can handle Nate quite easily. That's not a problem."I had been married to the bastard, so if anyone knew him through and through, it was me. I knew the kind of things that pissed him off, I knew he had a fragile ego, and I knew just how to poke it. That was his weakness. Nate was too arrogant to believe that anyone could ever match up to him, and that was my strength. I already knew he would underestimate me, and that was why I would use it to my advantage and burn him to the ground. "Yes, of course, ma'am,” Lydia said, snapping me b
EDWARD’S POV"What are you trying to say?" I asked the council member who had just spoken. My eyes were narrowed as I stared at him, refusing to believe the words that had just come out of his mouth."I-I..I said you will have to produce a child within a year of being Alpha, otherwise your cousin can challenge you for the position."I slammed my hand against the desk in anger, rising to my feet. I couldn't believe this shit. What the fuck were they suddenly saying? Where did this alter to the rules suddenly come from?"What do you mean by that?” I asked him. “I am not blind, and I remember reading that will thoroughly. The only requirement to be Alpha was to get married, wasn’t it?”They all nodded. "Yes, Alpha. You are not wrong. But this…this is our basic law. Alphas of other small packs are given three years to produce a child, but you are only given a year as the Alpha of the territory. That is how it has always been."No way.I sighed and released a shaky breath in an attempt to
CLARA'S POV"What the hell were you thinking?!" Edward was yelling, the expression on his face the very definition of fury.I crouched deeper into the blanket I was wrapped in, still shivering as I slowly sipped on the hot tea I'd been served. I couldn't look him in the eyes, because I was scared to see the anger I knew was shining in them. My entire body ached from walking around that thick forest searching for a way out. Edward hadn't said anything to me when he rescued me, but the moment I was treated and my health proved to be in good condition by the doctor, he descended on me.I had nothing to say, no words to defend myself with, because I knew he was right to be angry.In the corner of the room, Lydia was sobbing violently, her arms wrapped around herself as she begged Edward. "P-Please Alpha Edward…please punish me instead. It's my fault that the Luna was almost harmed. I was too careless, I should have insisted on following her when she left the car.""That's enough," Edward
EDWARD’S POV"You asked to see me, Edward," Jaxon said as he walked into my office, bowing in greeting.I nodded, motioning him to the chair across mine. "You may sit." He obeyed."You may have seen or heard about the news circulating through several packs about my wife." I said. "Yes, I have.” He leaned forward. “Just a few minutes ago I was wondering what you planned to do concerning these rumors. They are quite vulgar. And although I know they are false, I still think something needs to be done about them."I leaned back and smiled. This was one of the reasons why I made Jaxon my Beta. He was smart and sharp, knowing exactly what to do and being able to differentiate right from wrong. "Good. That is why I asked to see you. Do you know which particular news network broadcasted these lies?""I do. I already instructed my secretary to prepare a list, and so far, the only networks are: Break News, Sky News, and Al Blue News."I nodded. "I will use them as perfect examples, so that nex
CLARA’S POV "Isn't that Beta Jaxon's driver?" Lydia asked, pushing her face to the window as she pointed at the car in the distance. We were seated in my car en route to Al Blue News office building. I turned to see who she was referring to. The car she motioned to was driving out of the building as we spoke, but I knew nothing of Beta Jaxon's driver, so I couldn't really say anything about it. "I think you might be mistaken," I told her. "What would a member of our pack be doing here?" Lydia craned her neck further out the window, eager to confirm. When she pulled back into the car, she faced me and shook her head. "I am a hundred percent sure that's him. He used to work for the Alpha before as well. I could recognize him anywhere." I didn't want to dwell on a random person right now. Plus, we were here for a reason, and I didn't want us to get distracted. "Whether it's him or not, that's not important. We are here for important business. Just forget about that. Let's
CLARA’S POV "I think you should get the pharmacist fired," Lydia said as we climbed into the backseat of the car. My mind whirled with thoughts as I tossed my options around in my head. I hadn't forgotten the role that pharmacist played in my misfortune all those weeks ago. But, was getting her fired enough punishment for that? The woman had blatantly refused to help me before I miscarried, and that was something I would never forget. Even though it might have been too late to save my baby, her help would have stopped me from crying and bleeding out on the street. I could have gotten some decency instead of the stares and disgrace I'd endured on the street. And to think that she was a woman. My fists clenched. I couldn't let that slide. After a few minutes of driving, we arrived at the pharmacy. I exited the car with my bodyguards and Lydia in tow. We walked into the pharmacy, and just like I prayed, the person at the counter was the same lady who had ignored me. A fla
NATE’S POV "Let's toast to the downfall of that bitch!" I laughed raising my glass to clink Isla's. Isla laughed as we sipped on our wine. We were seated in my office celebrating the success of our plan. I was confident it was going to go accordingly, but I hadn't anticipated just how well it would play out. It was even better than I expected. I'd heard from my sources that the news affected Clara so much that she went missing for hours. It had left her a mess, to say the least. Laughter bubbled in my throat as I imagined her crying and walking through the forest, trying to take her life. I almost wished I'd been there to watch, but it was satisfying nonetheless. "That bitch had no idea who she's dealing with. She must have thought her petty quality inspection would hurt me, but oh, she had no idea how far I could take it. Now she's the one crying," I laughed. "Even with all the money and power she has attained, she's still so dull and stupid. She couldn't even think of a g
CLARA'S POV I could see the anger flashing in Nate's eyes as I called the director of health. Mr. Gregory was the director of health for the territory, meaning that he could overrule an Alpha's orders regarding health matters. The only person he was inferior to was the Alpha the territory, Edward, my husband. And it was clear by the look on Nate's face that he knew this. I put the phone on loud speaker so the entire room could hear the conversation I was about to have with Mr Gregory loud and clear. "What can I do for you today, Luna Clara?" He asked. "I need you to file for the suspension of licence of a certain Mr Albert who owns a pharmacy in Breakstone Pack. I also want his pharmacy shut down due to his inability to render unbiased health care and services." I demanded. "Alright, Luna Clara. As long as you are the one asking me to do it, I will get it done immediately without further questions." Mr. Gregory responded. With a smile, I ended the call. Albert's smi
CLARA’S POV I leaned back in the hammock, eyes fixed on the clear sky, gently rubbing my stomach. I used to wonder how women could carry life inside them and still manage to do so much. But now, I understood. Ever since I felt my wolf, since the night Edward marked me, I’d felt like a completely different person. Healthier. Stronger. More alive. “Here are the documents you asked for, Luna Clara,” Lydia’s voice broke into my thoughts. I looked up and saw her standing beside me, holding out a few papers. “Everything about the company launch is in here,” she added as I took them from her hand. “I’m really glad we’re moving forward with the plans, Luna,” she said, her grin wide and excited. I forced a small smile, nodding as my fingers brushed over the papers. But inside, I felt a sense of unease. No matter how far I tried to move forward, the fear still clung to me. Maybe it was just paranoia. Maybe not. I hated the way my chest tightened every time the memories c
Nate’s POV Getting a bit suffocated inside the car, despite the blasting cold air-conditioner, I pressed the button in the arm of the door, the window rolling downwards. I inhaled sharply as the wind hit me in the face, natural and soothing. More like it… The car radio static cackled then, a female voice drifting through. “…Luna of the territory has been found and rescued, following her kidnap that happened a few days ago.” “Turn that up,” I quickly instructed, and the driver leaned forward and turned up the volume of the radio. “She was found in good shape and health, despite a few injuries,” the broadcaster continued, “and the perpetrator is still at large, no traces of them found.” I scoffed, shaking my head. So she’d survived, after all. That was quite disheartening, because for a while, I’d really thought this would be her end. But somehow, she keeps surviving. My jaw ticking, I lifted my fingers and pushed them through my hair, a bit unsettled by this informa
CLARA’S POV A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. My eyes flew open, and I could feel something stirring deep inside me: a soft, steady thumping. Was that… my wolf? Lying against Edward’s chest, I lifted my fingers to my neck, gently caressing the bite mark. Then my hand drifted to my chest, pausing over my heart, feeling the pulse beneath my skin. Yes… that was truly my wolf. “Clara…” A faint, almost whispering voice called to me, and I jolted upright, clutching my chest as my heart hammered wildly. Was that her voice? Edward stirred beside me, his gaze sharp and cautious as he watched me. “Is everything okay?” I nodded shakily, rubbing my palms against my chest to steady myself. “Yeah, I… I think I just heard my wolf’s voice.” My words were breathless, disbelief still clinging to them. Edward’s eyes widened, and he quickly propped himself up. His hand gently covered mine, his touch warm and comforting. “And I think I can feel her too,” I added, my voice barely
CLARA’S POV I woke up with a pounding headache, like a hammer was slamming between my eyes. I sighed, not in the best mood. I wasn’t just sick—I was sad, angry, and overwhelmed. Everything with Edward had taken its toll on me. We hadn’t really spoken since the outburst, when I told him I’d be leaving once the contract was over, and after I gave him his baby. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been trying to talk to me. The problem was me. I didn’t give him a chance. The night before, he’d come into my room, trying to get me to open up, but I ignored him. Every time he touched me, I shoved his hands away. Eventually, he’d left, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Sighing, I forced myself up and shuffled toward the bathroom. Just as I was about to push the door open, a knock came at the main door. “Who is it?” “We’re here with breakfast, Luna,” a female voice called. I rolled my eyes. Breakfast already? I just woke up. “Come in!” I called out, slamming the bathroom door shut an
Clara’s POV Henry and I stared at each other for what felt like forever, my eyes burning with anger, his full of something else. Maybe surprise that I wanted to see him. Finally, he sighed, leaning back with a shrug. “Fine. I’ll tell you, since you’re so desperate to know.” I couldn’t help the small sigh of satisfaction that slipped from me as I leaned back in my seat, folding my arms. “I’m all ears.” “But first,” he said, smiling, “Why are you so covered up?” He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Let me guess, you don’t want to be seen with me?” I shot him a glare, my lips pressing into a tight line. “That’s not important right now.” He shrugged again, biting back a laugh. He signaled the waitress, ordering an iced coffee and a bagel, then leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. I watched him, trying to decide if I could trust anything that came from the mouth of someone so… off. There was something unsettling about him with each
Clara’s POV I tossed and turned on my bed, my mind heavy with thoughts and frustration. I’d been thinking for nearly an hour, and I still couldn’t understand why Edward would do this to me. Why had he kept something so vital from me? If he’d told me we were mates long ago, when he first found out, I wouldn’t have had to suffer so much. Maybe I could’ve avoided the tragic turn my life took after marrying Nate. If only Edward had been honest with me… Sighing, I couldn’t shake the thoughts that plagued my mind. I threw the sheets off my body in a fit of frustration and stormed toward the door. As I unlocked it, I found Lydia standing there, looking worn and concerned. “Luna Clara,” she said softly, her hands clasped in front of her. “Are you still angry?” Ignoring her question, I cut to the chase. “I need you to do something for me.” She blinked, the hurt in her eyes fleeting before she nodded. “What is it, Luna?” “You saw the man with Edward, right?” Her brows fu
CLARA’S POV I turned slowly, pressing my back against the pillar as my heart pounded in my chest. What did I just hear? I was Edward’s mate? What kind of joke was that? I stole a glance at the two men, my gaze locking onto Henry’s face. His lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes were deadly serious. He wasn’t bluffing. He wasn’t joking. Edward was my mate. But how? And why was I only finding out now? I shifted my focus to Edward whose back was still turned to me. He wasn’t denying it, just stood facing Henry, his jaw fingers clenched. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Why wasn’t he telling this man that he was lying? “What happens in my family is none of your business, Henry,” Edward finally said, stepping closer, his voice low with warning. “So leave. While I’m still asking nicely.” Henry cocked a brow. “Is that what you think? That I’m not family? That’s ridiculous, Edward. Telling me to leave won’t change the fact that you’ve been keeping this from her for G
CLARA’S POV Edward stood at the foot of my bed, his face tense with frustration. I had insisted on carrying this baby, no matter what. He wasn’t happy about it, he wanted to keep me safe, but I wasn’t changing my mind. Lydia walked in, carrying a bowl of water. Edward glanced at her. “Make sure she’s looked after at all times,” he said, his jaw tight. “I want more maids assigned to her, and she isn’t to lift a finger. Understood?” Lydia set the bowl down on the bedside table and curtsied. “Yes, Alpha.” Edward sighed, then leaned down, cupping my cheek. “Get some rest, okay? I’ll check on you later.” I nodded, giving him a weak smile. He returned it before heading for the door. But just before leaving, he paused and turned back to Lydia. “Make sure she doesn’t strain herself,” he added, his voice laced with worry. “No single task. Nothing strenuous.” Lydia nodded, and he slipped out, closing the door softly behind him. I pulled the sheets up to my chin, staring ou
Clara’s POV I stared down at the blood trickling down my thighs, my heart pounding. My eyes blurred, and tears began to fill them, making it hard to see. What was causing this blood? Why was I bleeding so suddenly? Where was it coming from? I slowly turned my gaze up to Edward’s face, seeing that he looked just as shocked and scared as I felt. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of my bloodied thighs and the soaked sheets beneath me. “Edward…” I whispered, my voice breaking as the weight of fear settled heavily in my chest. “Get the doctor!” Edward suddenly yelled, his voice sharp with panic. A guard rushed in, looking confused. “Alpha?” “Get the doctor, now!” Edward’s voice was desperate, and his panic spread across his face. He bolted to his feet, lifting me into his arms with a gentleness that didn’t match the urgency of the situation. Without hesitation, he carried me out of the room, half-sprinting down the hall to his own room. “Edward,” I whimpered, my ch