Calhoun's POV "You ought to be enjoying the honeymoon phase with your wife, not stick around like an unwanted guest. You should pass for a boil in the armpit." Nana Joyce casts me a suspicious look through her glasses."Ouch," I put my hand on my chest and feign sadness, "you hurt my feelings.""Cut me that crap and tell me why you've spent two nights here, Calhoun." The look on her face shows that she's not ready to listen to any excuses."I miss the good old days," putting my glass of wine on the table, I release a low breath and jam my fingers through my hair. It's not as if my response is a lie but it's far from the truth.Nana Joyce chuckles to herself before shaking her head at me."You know, that's not a very honest response. I am eighty-six and my wolf isn't agile like she was twenty years ago. We don't go out for runs anymore because I'm weak and you find me boring," she pauses to catch her breath before continuing."You built this mansion for me and put omegas at my beck and
Kristen's POVIt's been two days since Alpha Calhoun left. I thought he only didn't show up for the rejection and was somewhere around, only to find out the next day that he just went AWOL. No one knows where he is but they seem unbothered. Everything else is going smoothly even in his absence.He's in the wrong.Wanting to stay mated to me will only lead to disaster.Mom getting mad and hating me when she learns the truth. Their marriage crumbling to the ground.Why did he disappear after asking me to meet him at the council hall for the rejection? It's just insane.Can he not be man enough to do the right thing irrespective of his emotions and the connection we share? I've been anxious and restless since I stepped foot in here. Avoiding Mom lately, staying out until midnight because I'm afraid she'll show up in my room and try to hurt me. And I always have a hard time falling asleep because she might just burst in, damage things and yell the roof off. She's a good person but she
"Did you see the way Alpha Calhoun went after his stepdaughter? "Pst! Something's definitely going on between those two because he stopped several other guys from touching her while he carried her in his arms.""And he married Natalie the previous day. Who even acts like that around their wife's daughter?""It's clear he fancies Kristen. Natalie is 37, while he's just 31, six age gaps. So don't blame him if he's attracted to the young and youthful daughter."Having four women gossip about me, Alpha Calhoun and my mom is doing no justice to my mind. It's hair rising and scary because mom is hearing every single little thing and these women don't even know we're here. How can they gossip so loudly? Calling my mom old because she's ahead of her husband by a few years?On the other hand, I hate that I'm the center of the topic.Worse, Mom's face is calm but she's gripping onto the chairs so hard that I can see her nails digging into it. No one, not even her stylist can see this except m
CalhounNatalie didn't question my whereabouts. And I am surprised she didn't. Instead, she's in a happy mood and acts like nothing happened two days ago at the Greyhound pack run.We're inside our bedroom, kissing and trying to undress each other. But something doesn't seem right. The more I touch her, the more I want to be away from her as much as possible."Oh my god, I've missed this, Calhoun." She moans and angles her head backward, so her throat can be open for me to rain more kisses.From where she's seated on the table, she hooks her legs around my waist and grinds into me, moaning at the same time to arouse me but I'm not even hard downstairs.Images of myself in the rain with Kristen are stuck in my head right now, that's the only thing I can think about because I'm picturing her as Kristen. But her moans are rather dry and not soft like that of my mate. It's all shades of wrong to see her as her daughter due to the bitter truth that if I see her the way she is, I will be un
Calhoun's POV "Alpha Calhoun, my daughter has been missing for three days," sobs the middle-aged woman in front of me."Are you sure she didn't elope with a lover or something?" My eyes narrow in their sockets."No, Daisy doesn't even sleep out. She tells me of her whereabouts but it's been three days and she hasn't returned home. Her line isn't reachable.""How old is your daughter, again?""She's just twenty, Alpha Calhoun." Almost the same age as my mate, Kristen."Just return home, I'll have my men look into this and Daisy will be found," I assure her, meaning every word.The tearful woman nods and reluctantly takes her leave, while the guards shut the doors. Leaving just me and Bruce alone. It's been seven hours since my return and I went to the Greyhound council, especially to attend to pressing issues that have to do with my pack."Do you think the girl is alive?" Bruce inquires, stroking his chin."Maybe, maybe not," turning my head in his direction, I make this request, "Win
Warning: This chapter contains disturbing sexual harassment but no rape. Please skip if you find it unsettling.Kristen's POVI didn't leave when Mr. Rob asked me to return the next day, instead, I stayed back and asked Matteo to teach me a few things. He's the guy with a buzz cut. It was by noon I arrived there but I stayed until it was evening. And by that time, I had learned the few things I needed. Because of how fast I was catching up, Mr. Rob even let me serve a few customers, something which I did without any protests. A few people noticed I was the Luna's daughter and they proceeded to ask questions like why I was there serving people when my stepfather was Alpha of the Greyhound pack. I just rewarded them with smiles.It's past ten now, and the diner has closed for the day so I stop to drink some water. But Matteo is already there and he's holding out a bottle of water to me."Thanks," I say after accepting the water from him."You're welcome," he winks at me and stares as I
Calhoun's POVI am still on the search for my mate when I hear muffled screams and men talking from afar.There's this tugging feeling inside of me and I don't want to think that Kristen went to the club and left with the wrong set of guys. My wolf and Bruce exchange a glance and we dash in the direction from where the noise is coming from. It's dark, but there's a fluctuating light that lends a hand of help in tracing the noise until we stop at the exact spot.Just like that, my heart drops in my stomach because I can feel her even before I see her. Kristen is tied to a pole with a rag on her mouth. Her shirt is torn, and her trousers are slipped down to her knees, putting her butt on display. Three tattered-looking men are surrounding her and the smallest is already stripping naked, to touch what's mine.The fact that it's truly Kristen who's helpless like that and in tears, makes the body of my wolf invigorate for war.He charges at the first man and the impact makes us bump int
Kristen's POVI wake up the next morning and find myself on my bed. Suddenly, images of what happened last night flash through my brain and I can remember everything. Vomit rises in my throat and as I rush to the bathroom to throw up, I see Alpha Calhoun quietly sleeping on a couch.Shutting the bathroom door in a rush, I barf as much as I can and it's not even undigested food but water. And then I recall a pack doctor waking me up at night just to give me some drugs to help me rest. After rinsing my mouth, I wipe it clean with the back of my palm and then leave the toilet. I feel utterly weak and dizzy right now, so maybe I am hallucinating and Calhoun isn't here.But my thoughts are confirmed wrong when I see him standing upright."Kristen…" Hearing his clear and distinct voice brings tears to my eyes. Because if he hadn't shown up, I would've been raped and then murdered."Hey, hey…it's okay...no one can hurt you anymore," he leads me to the bed to sit and then goes down on his kn
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