“He is losing too much blood,” I said worriedly. Panic tightened my gut as I looked at his pale face. “We can’t wait any longer. He needs medical help now.”“I don’t understand why the backup team isn’t here yet,” Tina muttered, frustrated. “They were supposed to be right behind me.”“We can’t wait. We need to get him to a hospital,” I insisted, my eyes darting around, desperately seeking any sign of help.“Let’s take him to the pack hospital,” Tina suggested.“The pack hospital? That’s hours away, and we don’t have a car,” I argued, my gaze returning to Noel, who was struggling to stay conscious. “He can barely walk. We need to get him to the nearest hospital.”“Have you lost your mind?” Tina barked. “He is a werewolf. A human doctor can’t treat him.”“I don’t care,” I shot back, my fear and frustration boiling over. “He needs medical intervention now, and we don’t have time to argue about this.”“He is an Alpha, Adel,” Tina continued, trying to reason with me. “He won’t die from his
Noel’s POV…Consciousness crept back in slow waves. I wrestled my eyelids open, greeted by a sterile expanse of white walls. My vision swam, blurry, and indistinct. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, a torrent of memories rushed back.I remembered leaving that abandoned building with Adelynn and Tina, but I couldn’t recall what happened after that. Shifting my gaze, I spotted Adelynn dozing beside me. Her head rested on the starched white sheets, one hand intertwined with mine.A warmth bloomed in my chest. She stayed here by my side. A surge of joy, a deep sense of contentment, washed over me. A smile, involuntary and genuine, spread across my face. Adelynn’s presence was what I needed the most. My hand reached out and gently stroked her hair. I couldn’t deny it any longer—I was deeply in love with her.Slowly, Adelynn stirred, lifting her head to meet my gaze with those beautiful eyes of hers.“Hey, beautiful,” I rasped, a smile still lingering. “Good morning.”“Noel! You’re awake
We finally got back home. The relief that washed over me upon seeing that Noel's injuries had healed was indescribable, although he still appeared somewhat pale and fatigued. It was only natural, considering the severity of his wounds and the amount of blood he had lost. A few days of rest would undoubtedly do him wonders.“Are you hungry?” I asked as I headed towards the kitchen, eager to prepare a hearty meal.However, before I even had a chance to take a few steps, Noel's firm grip encircled my wrist and pulled me into his warm embrace from behind. His muscular chest pressed against my back, causing me to catch my breath involuntarily.My eyes fluttered shut as I tried to steady myself, unable to suppress the shy smile that spread across my face. "Wh-what are you up to?" I stammered softly, trying to mask my shyness with humor.He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I am indeed hungry, but not for food.” With those words, he gently bit my earlobe, eliciting a shiver of pleasure tha
Two days later…We stepped into the Mayor's office, the atmosphere tense with anticipation. My hand found its way to Noel's arm as I took in the surroundings. My gaze swept the room, landing on three men, all older than Noel by a good decade.“Good morning, gentlemen,” Noel greeted them with a cordial smile. “I am Noel Wilkinson and this is my wife, Adelynn.”“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson,” the mayor greeted us back. “We appreciate you coming, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson. Please take a seat.”We settled into the plush armchairs, and the mayor introduced the two other men to us. “This is Mr. Simon, and this is Mr. Dawn. They want to talk about several concerns before we renew our cooperative agreement and peace treaty.”“Sure, I am open to any discussion,” Noel said.Mr. Dawn, a man with eyes like flint, spoke first. "Mr. Wilkinson," he began, his voice low and gravelly, "we have concerns about the recent increase of missing persons in town, and we suspect that the werewolves are involved
At the police station…The atmosphere was tense. The officers were hesitant at first about sharing the information with us, but Noel's insistence broke through their reluctance. They played the surveillance footage for us, and I felt my heart sink as the grim scene unfolded.The werewolf on the screen was a terrifying force, attacking innocent people with savage ferocity. The raw brutality of it left me biting my fingers, my body trembling with shock and fear. The images were haunting, painting a grim picture of the danger lurking within the city."People are living in fear," the officer commented gravely. "We've increased patrols to reassure the public, but if these attacks continue, normal life will grind to a halt."Noel let out a heavy sigh, his face etched with concern and frustration. It was clear that he felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. As the leader of the werewolf community, it was his duty to ensure peace and uphold the treaty. I shared his worry, wonderin
I tried to stop Adelynn, but she had already hurried into the house. Whipping around, I found myself face-to-face with Ivy, a fresh wave of irritation crashing over me. "I don't know what game you're playing, showing up here unannounced, but don't even think about causing trouble for my wife. Or else, I’ll not spare you.”“Noel!” Ivy held my hand before I could enter the house. She looked at me with her teary eyes. "I had no idea you were married. If I had, I never would have come. I… Give me some time. I’ll soon find a house and move out. I promise to not trouble you and your wife.”"Spare me the crocodile tears," I countered, my gaze cold. Although her words seemed genuine, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she had some ulterior motives for coming back all of a sudden.Ivy had been abroad all those years, but she had returned right after I announced Adelynn as Luna of my pack. This couldn’t be just a coincidence.I couldn’t trust her, but I didn’t drive her away either because I
Adelynn’s POV…A bitter cocktail of jealousy and resentment churned in my stomach as I witnessed the embrace. I was furious with Noel. Hadn't he assured me his past relationship with his ex was over? Why, then, did Ivy find herself under our roof? Did he still have feelings for her?I felt a sense of loss. A wave of despair washed over me. As a human, my strength was not comparable with the werewolves. My body lacked their lightning-fast healing, their honed fighting instincts. In a world of supernatural beings, I felt so out of place. Because of me, Noel had nearly faced death. I wasn't strong enough, not worthy of him.Thoughts of our unborn child added to my anxiety. Would our baby inherit the strength of its werewolf heritage, or would it be burdened with my human frailty? Would it even be able to shift?The uncertainty gnawed at me, filling me with dread. The mate bond, a gift bestowed upon werewolves by the Moon Goddess, could it be so easily broken?I doubted whether Noel and I
I arrived at the upscale restaurant where Ivy had invited me. Before coming here, I had shot a quick message to Noel, keeping him informed of my location. However, he did not reply to me.Upon entering the establishment, I immediately spotted Ivy situated at a secluded corner table, engrossed in her phone. Dressed in an alluring off-shoulder silver gown, she appeared every bit the renowned supermodel she was. A flawless application of makeup adorned her face while her lustrous locks were expertly coiffed. The very air around her seemed charged with self-assurance.For a brief instant, I hesitated, transfixed by her stunning appearance. Undeniably, Ivy possessed a beauty that could captivate anyone. It was no surprise that she held the title as the reigning queen of the modeling industry.Compared to her polished appearance, I felt underdressed and plain. I was wearing a loose-fitting sweater coupled with a pleated skirt. I had merely applied some mascara and swiped on a touch of lipst
Meanwhile, Adelynn entered. “Noel!”“Come here.” I beckoned her. “Richard is… dying. Talk to him for the last time.”Her eyes, glistening with unshed tears, darted between me and Richard. Hesitantly, she approached the bed.Richard stirred slightly as she neared. A weak smile, tinged with regret, flickered across his lips. “Adel, I am sorry,” he whispered and then coughed. “I-I wanted to reject you properly, to sever the mate bond completely.”“Don’t talk,” she said. “You will be fine. Noel… why are the doctors not treating him?” Her gaze flicked to me, a question brimming in her tear-filled eyes.“He was poisoned,” I replied. “It’s too late.”“What?”“You still feel bad for me even though I hurt you so badly,” Richard chimed in, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t deserve it, Adel… Now…” He coughed. “I, Richard Gray, reject you, Adelynn… Have a happy life… with Alpha Noel…”With that final declaration, a long sigh escaped his lips, his eyes fluttering closed. The faint rise
Upon arrival to the pack, we sent Richard for treatment. Adelynn materialized at my side. Her eyes were clouded with worry. Before I could say a word, she wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight.“I saw the news,” she murmured. “The attack was brutal. So many casualties. I was terrified… terrified the witch would hurt you."Holding her close, I inhaled the comforting scent of lavender that clung to her hair. "I'm alright, my love," I murmured, stroking her back gently.“Are you hurt?” She pulled back slightly, scrutinizing my face. Her concern intensified as her gaze lingered on the faint line of dried blood near my chest. Her fingers brushed the injury with a feather-light touch, sending a jolt of electricity sparking through me.“Are you seducing me?” I asked, grinning mischievously.She looked at me with her wide eyes and my heart thumped. At this moment, I could only think about pulling her into the bedroom and claiming her.“How mean?” She pushed me away, jolting me back to
Noel’s POV…Two days passed, and we were still looking for the pregnant human ladies who had been taken away. But we found no clue. We had been keeping tabs on the Black Hounds Pack also, but nothing suspicious was noted. Instead, Tina had been helping us in the investigation, which was a stark contrast to the suspicion in my mind.On the other hand, human representatives were happy with us for rescuing the abducted people. We also presented evidence of witches transforming those rogues to attack the humans. While they acknowledged the explanation, the growing public outcry demanded a formal clarification. To quell the rising anxiety, they conducted a press conference.I was invited to the press conference. With all the evidence, I was ready to face the inquisitive reporters.The conference hall buzzed with anticipation. The mayor, with a reassuring smile, took the stage. He began by welcoming the assembled crowd. He announced that the kidnapped people had been rescued. He reassured t
My initial apprehension morphed into a cautious scrutiny. She was a mess. A worn-out white gown, once elegant, now hung on her frame in tatters, revealing glimpses of dirt-smudged skin. Her face, pale and gaunt, reflected a hardship that went beyond simple neglect. The stench that hit me then confirmed that she had not taken a bath for a long time.I was shocked. How did someone end up like this within the pack? My gaze drifted to the exposed skin on her arms and neck, marred by livid bruises and angry red welts. It was clear that she was abused. Who could have done this to her?Taking a deep breath, I forced my voice into a neutral tone. "Who are you?" I demanded. “What were you doing there?”She dropped to her knees and cried. “Please don’t hurt me. I didn't mean to… I didn't mean to hurt anyone here."“Who are you?” I asked again.“Ava,” she replied, her voice trembling. “Please don’t hurt me.”The fear in her posture, the raw vulnerability in her plea, chipped away at my initial a
I confirmed with a nod."Are you serious?" he breathed, disbelief coloring his voice. "The baby… It's mine? I am the biological father of your baby!” A flicker of a smile, hesitant yet hopeful, played on his lips. “That means… my infertility issue… Why did you lie to me? How could you be so cruel?” He barked, glaring at me. The pain in his eyes ached my heart."I'm so sorry," I whispered, regret gnawing at me. "I… I thought you didn't love me. That you just needed a temporary wife to solve some pack issue." Shame burned in my cheeks. "I-I was afraid," I stammered, tears stinging my eyes. "Afraid you'd take the baby away from me if you knew the truth."“What?” Hurt flickered across his face, morphing into a grimace of frustration. "Take the baby? What are you even talking about?" He shook his head. "So, you planned on leaving me… with the baby? That's why you were so eager to break the contract. Why wouldn't you trust me, Adelynn? I promised to take care of you both. Didn't that mean a
Ivy’s words caught me off guard.Second chance mate? The revelation slammed into me with the force of a rogue wave. She'd already found her fated mate? So that was it. The realization dawned upon me. Ivy had returned because her mate had been kidnapped.Who could have done this and for why? Why did Ivy approach me? What did she want from me?Several questions rushed into my mind, increasing my confusion.“Tell me clearly,” I demanded.Her eyes, red-rimmed and pleading, met mine. "I'll tell you everything," she choked out. “When I met Jack abroad, I realized Mood goddess had blessed me with a second chance mate. I immediately fell in love with him despite him being a human. We thought we would have a happy life together.”She choked back a sob, her voice cracking. "Then everything changed. We learned that a werewolf had kidnapped his sister. We rushed back, hoping to find her, to help. But we were wrong. So wrong."Her eyes welled up with tears, and she chomped with emotion. She regain
Adelynn’s POV…When I regained consciousness, I found myself in the familiar bedroom nestled in the warm bed. Relief washed over me, followed by a wave of dizziness. I blinked, trying to focus on the figure sitting beside the bed."Hey, sweetheart, you're awake." Noel's voice, gentle and warm, filled my ears. His smiling face stirred conflicting emotions in my heart.Gratitude warred with resentment. Yes, he had saved me once again. If he had not appeared on time, I would have been killed. But I couldn’t forget the fact that he had ignored my calls."Why did you come for me?" I blurted out, the anger laced with a tremor I couldn't quite control. "Shouldn't you have been with Ivy?"His smile faltered, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "I know you're upset," he said slowly, “but it’s all Ivy’s doing to make you jealous. She invited me to dinner, but I declined the invitation. I had an important meeting to attend to. She knew about it.”Noel explained everything to me.After heari
With a dismissive wave, I signaled for Caleb to leave. When he walked out, I answered the call.“Hello?”"Noel... Did I disturb you?" Ivy's voice, usually dripping with sweetness, came through the receiver. It used to sound endearing, almost playful. Now, it grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard."You already did," I replied flatly. "What is it, Ivy? Get to the point."A hesitant pause followed before she spoke again. "Don't be rude," she whined, the playful facade slipping slightly. "I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay at your place. I called you to invite you to dinner. Look, don't say no right away! I already invited Adelynn, and she said she'd come. It’s a treat from my side. Please, Noel… come.”I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance at Ivy's persistent attempts to insert herself into my life. I rubbed my brow, hesitating for a moment.I had an important meeting that I could not postpone. But the prospect of Adelynn alone with Ivy made me anxious. I did
Consumed by unease, I mechanically ate small portions of food whilst grappling with increasing turmoil within. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Noel was in trouble.Suddenly, she broke through my reverie, probing gently, "Is something wrong with the dish?"Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I muttered half-heartedly, "No, it isn't that. I just... don’t feel like eating.”“Oh, are you okay? You don’t look good.” She squinted at me inquisitively.“It’s normal for a pregnant woman to feel revulsion to certain food,” I replied nonchalantly and took some more bites.The next few minutes passed in a blur. Ivy resumed eating, eventually finishing her meal. However, I scarcely touched my plate, rendered unable to focus on anything other than Noel.Eventually, Ivy turned her attention back to me. “You must be thinking why Noel has not answered your calls. Isn’t it obvious that you mean nothing to him? As soon as I returned, his suppressed love for me emerged. He will soon break up