Edward’s POV I paced about my office, not any less agitated than I’d been since I was informed that Clara was missing. Almost twelve hours later, and she still hadn’t been found. There were no leads about her whereabouts yet, no sniff of her, whatsoever. I was losing my mind now, no doubt, knowing so well that she was not safe wherever she was. She, and the baby. Anything could happen, anything at all, and if things turned worse than they already were, and something happens to her, I would never be able to forgive myself. Ever. A knock sounded on the door just then, and I whipped my gaze to the door, hoping that whoever was there bore some news about my wife. “Yes?” I called out, and a second later, the door opened, and Henry stepped into the office. Sighing in disappointment, I whipped my gaze away from him, pushing my fingers through my hair as the agitation spiked higher. “What are you doing here?” I demanded, my tone cold. He scoffed, pulling out a seat and sin
CLARA’S POV Violent coughs tore through me, leaving me weaker with each passing second. I rolled onto my side, tears streaming down my face as sobs shook my body. I had screamed for hours, but the gag muffled every sound. Eventually, exhaustion took over. Now, all I could do was cry for myself, for my baby. I hadn’t eaten or had a sip of water in hours. My head swam, my throat raw and dry. I swallowed, but there was nothing left. The door creaked open. I lifted my head just enough to see him—wearing the same mask, the same smug smirk. Hatred twisted in my chest. “Oh, Clara,” he cooed, crouching beside me. He pushed my hair from my face with mock tenderness. “Is your baby okay? Can you feel it?” I couldn’t answer, not with the gag still in place. Realizing that, he leaned in and yanked it down. “Go on,” he murmured. “Let’s hear that sweet, sultry voice of yours.” “You’re a coward,” I rasped, my throat burning. My glare was sharp, even as my body trembled. “Why else
Edward’s POV I sat in my office, cradling my head in my hand, sifting through my thoughts for answers. Where the hell was Clara? Who had taken her? A knock on the door interrupted me, and I lifted my head slightly, a dull ache spreading across my forehead. “Come in.” The door opened almost instantly, and Jaxon stepped inside, his face etched with devastation. Lydia followed closely behind, looking just as shaken. I fixed my gaze on Jaxon, waiting. He cleared his throat. “We’ve searched every warehouse in the pack, Alpha,” he reported, exhaustion clear in his voice. “Still no sign of her.” “For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair as frustration and fear tore through me. Where was she? Who had my wife? Was she even still alive? That last thought sent a fresh wave of dread crashing over me. In the chaos of searching, I hadn’t truly let myself consider that possibility. I pushed to my feet, staggering slightly as the weight of it hit me. “Alpha,”
CLARA'S POV "I'm pregnant.." I practically breathed out the words, my chest tight and eyes pooling with tears of joy for the umpteenth time today. It still felt like a dream, one that I would gladly not wake up from because this was the moment I had been waiting for 2 years. I chuckled quietly to myself as I stirred the pot of pasta I was cooking for dinner in preparation for my husband's arrival. Nate had travelled for a business trip 2 weeks ago and would be returning today. In fact, he was due to walk through the doors any moment now. Which was why I had taken the initiative to prepare something I knew he would love. This baby would heal our marriage. For 2 years, Nate and I had consistently tried for a baby, but it was just one negative result to another. The pack’s council members were already beginning to advise him to take another wife, reminding him that the Alpha position would pass to another family if he didn’t produce an heir. Because of this, Nate had grown di
CLARA A tear slid down my cheek as I stared at the massive gates of what had once been my home. Nate had kicked me out without letting me take any of my belongings. “I bought you everything you have, and a barren woman doesn’t deserve a dime.” He had said as he threw me out and ordered the guards to lock the gate. Where could I go from here? My parents were dead. Nate was all I had in the world, and he had dumped me. None of what had happened felt real, not even the cold slapping my face outside. I took one step as I turned away to leave, and a sharp pain hit me in my stomach. The baby! Nate had pushed me. What if something was happening to my baby? Fear gripped me as I turned toward the only building I could think of: the pharmacy. As I walked in pain, I couldn’t help but think about what had gone wrong. Two years. Two years of marriage to the man I believed was the love of my life and had come to a horrible end. What grave sin had I committed to make Nate turn agai
CLARA'S POV "Edward?" I repeated, still in disbelief. My eyes scanned his face once more just to make sure I was not mistaken. And sure enough, this was Edward Sterling, my childhood friend. We had made a lot of good memories together but lost contact years ago. Seeing him standing right in front of me was almost akin to seeing a ghost. I couldn't believe it. "Oh, Clara," Edward sighed. In a second, he strode halfway across the room. The side of the bed dipped when he lowered himself into it and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. Perhaps it was the comforting gesture or the fact that up until now, no one had shown me comfort and care. Most likely, it was the effect of comfort from a familiar face that did it. Overwhelmed and unable to hold it back anymore, I broke down in tears, my face buried in my hands as I cried helplessly. I cried for the loss of my marriage; I cried for the loss of my baby, I cried for the loss of everything I thought I knew…everything I’d thought I
NATE’S POV I threw my head back and let out a sharp grunt as I released in Isla's mouth, feeling satisfaction spread through my body. She got off her knees and wiped the corner of her lips before smiling and plopping down next to me on the sofa. "Pour me a glass?" “Of course.” She smirked. Just as she was pouring the wine, there was a sharp knock on the door, reminding me that I supposed to be working. The door opened and Mike, my friend walked in. "Hey Mike," I said absently. "Have you heard the news?" he asked. There was something about his voice that had me dragging my eyes away from Isla's cleavage. "What news?" "It's about Clara-" I couldn't resist an eye roll. "Mike, why would you mention her name here? Do you want to ruin the mood?" I glanced meaningfully at Isla. Mike did too. Isla was already pouting. Oh great! Now I would have to buy her something fancy to make her happy again. Not that it would be a problem though. There was plenty of money to throw
CLARA'S POV I was a bit nervous. Yes. To be fair, everything had happened so fast that I'd barely had the chance to settle into this new role I was to play. It all still felt like a dream; that I had married Edward, that I would soon be the Luna of a powerful pack. All in less than a week. Sometimes, I pinched myself to know if it was real. The glint of the diamond ring on my finger was real enough. As I looked at it, I thought of Edward. If someone had told me in high school that I would marry Edward Sterling, I would have called them mad. We were the most unlikely match to ever grace the earth. I wouldn't even have believed that he would ever look my way. My cheeks warmed at the memory of the huge crush I'd had on him in high school. I had written several letters to him back then, and he had turned me down. Yet, he stuck by my side; defending me at every turn and protecting me from bullies. Now he was helping me again to get my revenge on Nate, my ex-husband. I lea
Edward’s POV I sat in my office, cradling my head in my hand, sifting through my thoughts for answers. Where the hell was Clara? Who had taken her? A knock on the door interrupted me, and I lifted my head slightly, a dull ache spreading across my forehead. “Come in.” The door opened almost instantly, and Jaxon stepped inside, his face etched with devastation. Lydia followed closely behind, looking just as shaken. I fixed my gaze on Jaxon, waiting. He cleared his throat. “We’ve searched every warehouse in the pack, Alpha,” he reported, exhaustion clear in his voice. “Still no sign of her.” “For fuck’s sake,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair as frustration and fear tore through me. Where was she? Who had my wife? Was she even still alive? That last thought sent a fresh wave of dread crashing over me. In the chaos of searching, I hadn’t truly let myself consider that possibility. I pushed to my feet, staggering slightly as the weight of it hit me. “Alpha,”
CLARA’S POV Violent coughs tore through me, leaving me weaker with each passing second. I rolled onto my side, tears streaming down my face as sobs shook my body. I had screamed for hours, but the gag muffled every sound. Eventually, exhaustion took over. Now, all I could do was cry for myself, for my baby. I hadn’t eaten or had a sip of water in hours. My head swam, my throat raw and dry. I swallowed, but there was nothing left. The door creaked open. I lifted my head just enough to see him—wearing the same mask, the same smug smirk. Hatred twisted in my chest. “Oh, Clara,” he cooed, crouching beside me. He pushed my hair from my face with mock tenderness. “Is your baby okay? Can you feel it?” I couldn’t answer, not with the gag still in place. Realizing that, he leaned in and yanked it down. “Go on,” he murmured. “Let’s hear that sweet, sultry voice of yours.” “You’re a coward,” I rasped, my throat burning. My glare was sharp, even as my body trembled. “Why else
Edward’s POV I paced about my office, not any less agitated than I’d been since I was informed that Clara was missing. Almost twelve hours later, and she still hadn’t been found. There were no leads about her whereabouts yet, no sniff of her, whatsoever. I was losing my mind now, no doubt, knowing so well that she was not safe wherever she was. She, and the baby. Anything could happen, anything at all, and if things turned worse than they already were, and something happens to her, I would never be able to forgive myself. Ever. A knock sounded on the door just then, and I whipped my gaze to the door, hoping that whoever was there bore some news about my wife. “Yes?” I called out, and a second later, the door opened, and Henry stepped into the office. Sighing in disappointment, I whipped my gaze away from him, pushing my fingers through my hair as the agitation spiked higher. “What are you doing here?” I demanded, my tone cold. He scoffed, pulling out a seat and sin
Clara’s POV I slowly regained my consciousness, my eyelids quivering as I struggled to peel my eyes open. I was numb all over, weak to my bones. Sharp rays of sunlight hit my eyes as they peeled open, and I tried to move, getting away from the sharp rays. That was when I realized I couldn’t move. Looking down, I saw that my hands and feet were tied, and slowly, it all came back to me. The gas leakage at the ball, the choking, the coughing. The strange man. And now, I was here. In this strange place. Dread filling my chest now, I glanced around fearfully, trying to figure out where I was. But the environs were unfamiliar, or was it the grogginess, still? My heart was pounding so fast now, at the prospect of being in potential danger. My baby… Oh, no, no. I started to struggle against the ropes tied around my ankles and wrists, trying to get free, trying to get away from this dreadful place, but my efforts proved futile. Just then, the door to my right pushed open, and
Edward’s POV I whirled around, my heart shattering into thousand tiny splinters. “What did you say?” I ground out, my jaw ticking terribly. “T-the Luna,” Jacob stuttered, keeping his head bent. “She’s missing.” Oh, no, no. This had to be a joke. Was this a surprise Clara had prepared? I could barely contain the blinding rage that coursed through my veins, setting me on a dangerous brink, and grunting, I rammed my feet into the table in my office with so much rage that it went flying against the chair in the corner, breaking in two. Jaxon and the few guards that stood around scooted to the side, avoiding being hit by my destructive anger, their faces twisted into sad expressions that somehow pissed me off even more. This was not the time to be sad. No. “Tell me,” I pointed at the guards, my fingers trembling, “where is my wife?” No one said a word in response to my question, instead scooting further backwards, a mixture of fear and sadness clouding their features.
Clara’s POV The night of the ball was already upon us, and I stood at the front of the hall, my gaze sweeping across it. The security tonight seemed really tight, tighter than ever, and before anyone came into the hall, they were properly scrutinized and checked by the guards at the door. No one without an authentic invitation would be let into the hall, that had been the instruction. And once the ball starts in full session, the doors will be shut. I exhaled, already in good spirits, because it seemed like we’d executed a good plan this time. And everything seemed to be going smoothly so far… Tonight will be good, for a change. I glanced at Edward, who stood beside me in a polished tux, his displeasure still very evident in his face. But I was sure that displeasure would only last a while, as he would be duly impressed with how things turn out tonight. “You look beautiful,” he whispered, still keeping his eyes at the entrance, and I smiled at how observant he was, even wh
Clara’s POV It was a beautiful evening, and the air seemed serene, although there was still a strange aura that hung low, permeating the serenity. It’s been around since all these things have been happening… I was taking a stroll around the Estate with Lydia, trying to get some air, and filter my thoughts, exercise a little also, as my pregnancy require I walked around every now and then, but it wasn’t really working, because this strange aura in the air made me feel uneasy. Edward was barely speaking to me, and although I understood that it was because he was really busy, it still kind of annoyed me. Plus I wasn’t feeling my best these days, all thanks to the pregnancy. I let out a deep sigh, wishing that everything would go back to how it used to be before. Before the pregnancy. Before the attacks. Before all these calamities. “Luna, are you okay?” Lydia’s voice rang out beside me, infiltrating my thoughts, and I turned to look at her. “Hmm?” She pressed on, her brows
Clara’s POV I watched the maids scurrying about in the hall, each attending to the duty that was assigned to them in preparation of the Bluemoon ball that was just around the corner, and as one of the maids approached with a pile of silk clothes in her arms, getting closer, I directed her to dump them on the tiled floor in the corner. “Make sure that these materials are complete,” I instructed the other maid that stood to the side. “Sort them by their colors,” I added. “Yes, Luna,” she replied, curtsying briefly, and quickly going to work, sorting through the pile of silk on the floor. I let out a tired sigh, lightly touching my forehead. I felt weak, but I couldn’t allow myself even a little bit of rest, because if I gave in to this tiredness, who would take care of the preparations for the Bluemoon ball coming up soon? It was part of my responsibility as Luna, and I would see to it to the very end. I was still giving out orders to the maids, making sure everything was in
EDWARD’S POV I sat at the head of the table, my gaze sweeping across the faces of the Alphas gathered around the U-shaped table. Their expressions were tight with anger, distrust clearly visible in their faces as none of them tried to hide it. And I didn’t blame them. Not after what happened at the Fruitful Banquet. I hadn’t offered any explanation since that day. They were nearly killed on my territory. If the substance had been deadlier, we wouldn’t be sitting here. “What’s this meeting about?” one of them asked sharply, without waiting for permission. “Are we finally going to talk about the chaos you dragged us into?” I scoffed quietly, shaking my head. Why dance around the truth when they could just say it outright? I let my eyes slide toward Nathaniel, who sat in silence, arms crossed, unreadable as ever. His calm demeanor rubbed me the wrong way. And the fact that he even showed up surprised me. And irritated me. I tore my gaze away from him before the rage b