Calhoun's POVFive months ago, I was restless while going in search of Kristen because she was kidnapped by Jack, who was obsessed with her. When I finally rescued her from him, a lot happened. She was paralyzed for twelve days and was suffering from memory loss.Now, I am in the position I found myself in five months ago. Trying to find my mate because she was taken away by Natalie, her own mother who I am sure is up to no good.I shift upon reaching Natalie's home, and Bruce who is beside me, does the same. The door is locked when I hold the handle, and I quickly move backward before jamming my body against the door to push it open. I do this for about five times before it works."There's no one in," Bruce informs me as he returns. He's been checking the whole apartment.While I stay silent as I look through Natalie's stuff for any evidence that I can find.Until I spot some badly carved wood on the floor."Christ!" Bruce exclaims when I lower my height to the floor to pick it up.
Calhoun's POVToday is Stewart's funeral. It's been five days since he was murdered by Natalie.Sadly, he doesn't have any family members. Just a few acquaintances and I figured that he wasn't in any pack, which means he was a rogue the whole time.Still, he's being mourned. The little time he spent here made people grow fond of him, and they're still having a hard time accepting that he's dead. Because he showed up a month ago and ended up dying so quickly.Kristen is in deep regret for not spending enough time with her father more than she did. She keeps blaming herself over his death.She's not herself anymore. She's lost weight because she's been starving. Something that isn't right for her and the baby.And there's nothing I can do because she doesn't even listen to me.Right now, we're about twenty at the cemetery. Just me, Kristen, Bruce, Kristen's friends, and roughly fifteen people who are gathered for Stewart's funeral.Kristen hasn't spoken a word to me or anyone since we c
Kristen's POV Everyone is gone, save for Calhoun who's keeping watchful eyes on me because he cannot leave me out here alone. I am still at my father's grave, with my heart thudding in my chest as I fix my gaze on his headstone which has his age and name.Who would have ever thought that he'd die?He didn't even know about me until last month and when he showed up, he tried to bond with me as much as he could, to fix all the years that I was robbed of a father's presence and love.I still can't believe Mom would kill him. It shows that she's been an awful person all along. How can I ever forgive myself when I know he's dead because of me? If only he hadn't shown up at that hour, he would still be alive by now. But on the contrary, I would have been dead instead.I can't help feeling like I killed him.Mom pretended the whole time, in fact, she still despised me and saw me as her contender. That was why she showed up, lied about moving on, and offered to take me out when she already
Kristen's POVThree months later."It's a boy," the midwife lets this out in excitement, and she puts the crying child on top of my chest.I spent two hours in labor and I have never been through so much distress in my entire life before. My respect grew for all the mothers out there.Life cannot be understood until it grows inside of you.It feels surreal that this child came out of me. He's so small and I am a bit afraid, until I put my hands on him, and then I feel the wide range of emotions seeping through me.Immediately, I forget about all the pains I went through during labor. My heart is interwoven with joy right now. And I can feel tears sliding down my cheeks as I press a quick kiss to my son's head.To think I was having inside of me while I went through a whole lot, with Jack Synder and then my mom.Calhoun makes his way into the room, with fear written all over his face."Congratulations, Alpha Calhoun. It's a boy," the midwife smiles at him.And Calhoun blacks out for a s
Kristen's POV"Are you sure about this?" Janette blinks in confusion."Yes, I need to go meet her," I tuck some strands of short hair behind my ear as I stare at my reflection in the dressing mirror."But you put to bed, you ought to be resting," my female bodyguard persists as she comes to stand at my back.And I revert my head to face her."I will rest after I do what I have in mind," I make this known to her."Alpha Calhoun will not approve of this," she points out in "He doesn't need to know," Upon waving this off, I do the last of my shirt buttons."Fine," Janette agrees at last, but the look on her face says otherwise. I don't blame her though, she's trying to protect me after all.After taking one last look at Aiden who's asleep, I nod at the maids to keep a watchful eye over him. Because I can't leave him out here alone. People have always wanted to hurt me, who knows if someone will jump through the window to harm my baby?The need to protect him is overwhelming. I will do
Calhoun's POV"You all asked to see me?" I inquire as I make my presence known at the door, with my beta right behind me as usual."Yes, Alpha Calhoun." Elder Alphous is the first to speak up, and he rises to his feet immediately."Congratulations on having a son," he says, and the rest of the elders copy him.I mutter my thanks with a straight facial expression."But there's something important you should know," Elder Festus informs me as they all take their seats.And I leave the door, just so I can slide into the power seat at the council hall. It was reserved for me as the Alpha of this pack."It's about Kristen," Elder Adolphus goes straight to the point."What about her?" My stomach churns because I don't have a good feeling about this. Judging from the look on their faces. They're all wearing the same expression. "We have a custom in the Greyhound pack that occurred centuries ago. If a woman puts to bed before becoming Luna, she has to go through the Luna's rite." The head elde
Kristen's POVI am having a hard time falling asleep, I've never been this restless before.It's past midnight and I still have my eyes wide open and clear of sleep because Mom's words are still haunting my mind.How she looked me right in the eye and confidently told me I would suffer. I gave birth to Aiden fifteen hours ago and the joy I had when I held him in my arms became short-lived when I paid Mom a visit in her dungeon.Even though I despise her, it doesn't change the fact that her words still affect me deeply.I can't tell Calhoun about it because he'd find out I visited my mom and he'd be upset over it because he doesn't want me near her.Speaking of Calhoun, I haven't seen him since he left. It's been over eleven hours.I wonder what's keeping him away, or if he's working overnight and was too busy to pick up his phone and call me. But he's never slept out since the five months we've stayed together.Loud hoarse cries from Aiden pull my attention to him.He's awake, and I
Kristen's POVCalhoun didn't return home the rest of the night, and I stayed alone in the room with our son until dawn. Nor did I sleep a week.As a new mother, resting is required because I lost a lot of blood. I am still losing a lot of blood, but the piece of information from my bodyguard left me in horror throughout the night."Miss Kristen, Bruce just texted me that they're at the council hall this morning, and Alpha Calhoun is looking for a way out," Janette informs me later that morning."They're still there?" I inquire."Yes, Miss Kristen," Janette nods.And suddenly something slams through my mind."I need you to watch Aiden for me," I say, upon pulling away from my son's crib."May I ask why?" Janette seems unsure of my order."Just do as I say," my voice is loud and authoritative.And she hesitates before eventually nodding.___Calhoun's POVFor the past two hours, I've been trying to seek a solution from it all, if there was a plan B because I can't risk losing Kristen
Kristen’s POVIn the midst of the Alpha gathering, as discussions about the Moon's Veil unfold (A disease afflicting werewolves across different packs, causing loss of control during transformation and weakening their abilities), I catch sight of Ben Gregory for the first time in ages. His presence is a reminder of the Game of Alphas, where he betrayed Calhoun, leading to a dangerous confrontation with sharks.As Ben's phone rings, he excuses himself from the Alphas' table. Curiosity piqued, I notice Calhoun rising from his seat and following Ben. Intrigued and sensing tension, I decide to trail after them, wondering about Calhoun's intentions.My suspicions prove right when I witness Calhoun cornering Ben, pinning him against a wall. The boy struggles, attempting to free himself from Calhoun's formidable grip, but Calhoun's strength is overpowering. His eyes glow with a fierce red intensity, reflecting the lingering grudge from their past encounter."You thought you could get away wi
Kristen’s POV"It's a girl," the midwife announces, pulling the child out of me, leaving me exhausted and perspiring, helpless on the bed. All the pains wear out from me once the woman places the crying child in my arms.Baby number two.I smile through my tears as I kiss the child.Shortly after, Calhoun and Nana Joyce enter the room to take a look at our newborn.Calhoun, his eyes filled with warmth, approaches me and the baby. "She's beautiful, just like her mother," he says, his voice filled with affection. Nana Joyce stands beside us, a smile playing on her lips."Our little girl," I murmur, my eyes shining with a mix of exhaustion and joy as I look at Calhoun.He gently takes the baby into his arms, cradling her with utmost care. "Hello, my princess," he coos, his deep voice soothing the newborn. "You've got the best mom in the world right here."Nana Joyce, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness, adds, "She's a blessing, Kristen. A beautiful blessing."Calhoun looks down at
With Calhoun back, the pack feels more alive. People are taking their duties seriously, and we've resumed the search for Bruce's murderer. But Calhoun is different now, just half the size he used to be. His clothes hang loose, showing the toll of the curse.Despite his changed appearance, Calhoun doesn't bother with new clothes. He dives into managing the pack, tirelessly addressing the chaos that unfolded during his three-month absence. A man on a mission, determined to make things right.In the middle of all this, our one-year-old son, Aiden, doesn't recognize his father anymore. Calhoun's presence, comforting to me, confuses Aiden.Trying to help Aiden understand, I say, "Look, Aiden, it's Daddy. He's been away for a while, but he's back now."Calhoun, bending down, extends his arms to Aiden. But our son hesitates, eyeing him with curiosity and uncertainty. Calhoun smiles warmly, coaxing, "Hey there, little buddy. It's me, Daddy."Aiden ignores him and runs into the arms of his nan
Calhoun's POVBefore Kristen can lose her balance and fall off, I'm already at her side, steadying her to her feet. Her eyes flutter, revealing her impending faint, and her breaths come out sharply, her mouth parting."Kristen..." I tap her cheek repeatedly, but she's already lost consciousness. Cursing under my breath, I gather her in my arms, carrying her in a bridal style.As I raise my head to look around, everyone stiffens. The shock in their eyes mirrors the astonishment I expected. It's been a week since they last saw me, a week of torment for Kristen and the pack.Gregory, with eyes nearly popping out of their sockets, stammers, "Is that really Calhoun?"I shake my head at them, my gaze hardening as I respond, "Yes, it's me. I heard everything. Trying to replace me and marry off my pregnant wife, calling me a dead man."The elders, attempting to explain, are met with my stern silence. Raising my hand, the room falls into an immediate hush. I take a moment to look at Kristen, m
Kristen’s POVA full week passes, and I find myself paralyzed by emotions and fear, reluctant to face the possibility of witnessing Calhoun's last breath. The elders, sensing the weight of the situation, gather all pack members and call for my attention. Reluctantly, I make my way to the gathering, where they confront me in front of the entire pack."We've consulted the pack doctors, Kristen. Calhoun has only a few days left," Elder Festus declares, his tone somber.The weight of their words hangs heavily in the air as the elders present an ultimatum. I must either step down as Luna of the Greyhound pack or marry Gregory, the chosen successor to the Alpha throne.Disagreeing swiftly, I say, "Calhoun will not die. I won't entertain such decisions."The elders, resolute in their stance, continue pressing me. Gregory, a mix of sympathy and determination on his face, steps forward and implores me to consider the proposal. But I know it’s all a facade. He’s not truly who he claims to b
Kristen’s POVWhere is Alpha Calhoun?The question keeps popping up and spreading within the pack.Until I decide I’ve had enough, and so I called for a meeting with the council of elders."He's sick, okay!" I burst out, my patience exhausted, tears welling up in my eyes."What do you mean, Kristen?" Elder Festus inquires, concern etched across his face.Taking a deep breath, I begin the painful revelation. "It's a curse. Calhoun is bedridden, reduced to a skeleton. We've been trying to find a way to break it, but it's relentless."Gregory, the ever present pain in the assinterjects, "A curse? Are you serious? This sounds like nonsense.""It's the truth," I retort, frustration evident in my voice. "I've been trying to handle things, but it's not easy. The pack needs to know what we're dealing with."Expressions of shock and disbelief rises through the council of elders. Gregory scoffs, "A cursed Alpha? You expect us to believe that?"Elder Adolphus, usually calm, leans forward, "Kris
Kristen’s POVThe following day, the council of elders, along with some men in our pack, call for a meeting.“We’ve noticed something strange going on,” Elder Festus begins, his eyes narrowing.“Yes, what is it?” I ask, feigning innocence, my gaze locked on him.“Our Alpha has been absent for three months, and it’s you who has been handling things,” Elder Adolphus states, his expression stern.“He’s on a long business trip, but he’ll return soon,” I lie, maintaining a straight face and gesturing confidence with a slight nod.“Bullshit, that’s what you keep telling us all the time!” Gregory interjects, a young man holding a high position in our pack.I meet his gaze squarely, a controlled defiance in my eyes. “Do not raise your voice at me,” I say quietly, my tone firm.“Something is happening right under our nose, and you’re keeping it away from us,” he adds, fuming, his eyes searching mine for any signs of deception.“There’s nothing going on, it’s all your overthinking doing a great
Kristen’s POVWeeks keep passing, and I'm stuck in a routine, caring for Calhoun, who stays still on the bed. When the pack asks, I lie, saying he's away for business, hiding the dark truth. The lies get heavier every day.The useless ritual hangs over me like a dark cloud. Daily, I tend to Calhoun, silently begging the moon goddess for help. I'm scared. Will Calhoun end up like his grandfather? It's a scary thought, following me in everything I do.Taking care of him becomes a routine, a desperate act of love against an unyielding curse. I change his clothes carefully, trying to bring a bit of normalcy to his unmoving body. He can only have liquid food, his mouth unable to move, only responding with blinks and closed eyes.As the Greyhound pack's Luna, I live a double life. Outside, I pretend to enjoy parties, hiding the hard truth at home. The pack doesn't know about our tragedy.Three months pass, no progress, and questions about Calhoun grow. The lies get tougher.One day, cleanin
I return home, my heart hurting for my husband. The house feels empty in his absence and the silence makes the pain worse.Bruce, Calhoun’s beta and best friend, is gone. He was Calhoun's right-hand man, and his death took away a possible solution. Sapphire, who is still mourning Bruce, now holds bitterness towards me. Because she thinks I have it all. Except we’re almost in the same position now.Maddy, busy with her own life, stays distant amid the chaos. It’s been one problem after the other, so I don’t blame her at all.I can’t face Aiden at this point, so I let his Nanny, Cynthia take care of him, while I ponder deeply on how to help my husband break the curse.Inside, my turmoil rages. Bruce's death left a hole in my support system. Bruce’s absence makes me feel more alone. Because together we could have find a way to help Calhoun.Thoughts of my own family haunts me. My father got murdered by my own mother, else. Else I could have confined in him.And my mother is just out of