Kristen's POV"Did you hear about the intruder last night?""Yes, he's a rogue from another pack."Some say he's got the face of a devil.""No, he's way too good-looking. But his sister is a blind, scrawny little thing whose bone I can break into two. They arrived looking like beggars, with no car or anything. Alpha Calhoun took pity on them and let them in. I saw it with my very eyes." The first maid pauses from wiping dust off the staircase.I came right on time to overhear their gossip.I have been standing outside, listening to the maids gossip as they set to work this evening. And then, I decide it's time I make my presence known. "My Luna," they flinch upon seeing me, clearly not expecting my presence at such an hour."What's going on here?" Propping Aiden on my hip, I scan the faces of the maids."It's about the man from last night," the tall maid blurts out."A man?" My eyes lower into a squint as I pull Aiden's hand away from tugging my hair."Yes, a Rogue," replies the sec
Theodore's POVA few minutes earlier.I've heard about Calhoun, the rumors of him being an unusually generous man. How he goes out of his way to help thousands of people rise to their feet. Men envy him. Women admire him.Children adore him.So, when my blind sister and I got kicked out of our pack due to our late dad's unmeasurable debts, I knew the Greyhound pack was the only option we had left. We let our wolves do the running for thirty hours, past several other packs, until we reached the Greyhound pack at midnight. At first, they thought we were intruders, his men fought with me upon knowing my sister and I were rogues. Right until we were held captive and then someone called the attention of Calhoun who arrived with his beta. It was my first time seeing the most talked about Alpha in the East, he looked exactly the way he was described. At first, he was skeptical when I told him the truth about my identity but when he saw my sister, Georgina, he took pity on us and accepte
Calhoun's POV"Have you ever thought about having a second mate, while Kristen is still in the picture," Bruce barges into my study without even having the decency to knock."Where the hell did that thought come from?" My face is quick to contort in anger because the question is just ridiculous."This," Bruce holds up a big, old book, "I happened to find it in a box when the first packhouse renovation was ongoing, it was buried underground." He adds.My gaze narrows at the book which seems like an ancient book. Bruce brings it closer to my face for me to get a proper look. And I don't fail to notice that there is no title written on it, so I'm starting to think he's trying to prank me or something."I'm not joking, Calhoun," Bruce breathes out, as if reading my thoughts, "Every word written in this book is true, people do have two mates at times and they're torn in between choosing one. Most times, your first mate isn't good enough for you anymore and so the moon goddess brings the s
Kristen's POV "Why didn't you tell me you had a child from the very beginning," Theodore is walking out with his back so that the whole of his front will face me."Was I obligated to? You kept following me around even when I told you off a couple of times," for a moment, I want to push this tugging matebond aside, as I look at the man in front of me. He's tall, almost as tall as Calhoun. And no, I am not comfortable with any man apart from Calhoun. Be him my second mate or not?"You know, it's hard to just let you go like that," Theodore opens the door for me so I can exit the mall.But I just ignore him and take the second door, because I don't want to give him the impression that I want him. Although there's a slight attraction, it's hard not to appreciate his looks. "It's my first time having a mate," Theodore continues as he keeps following me."Good for you," I press the remote to unlock my car, and to my uttermost dismay, Theodore jumps in right after I do."You're crazy, get
Calhoun's POVIt's happening all-fucking over again.Kristen hasn't returned since she left three hours ago. Just like when she stays out way too long and I can discern something is wrong with her.Since our marriage seven months ago, she's never been out this late, wherever she goes, she takes Aiden along with her. But this is different, she went out to get him diapers and she hasn't returned. Why the hell would she go all by herself when we have a ton of servants here?Did she receive a piece of bad news pertaining to one of her friends?Why is her line unreachable? "Alpha Calhoun," my thoughts are cut short when I hear my name. And it's Harry, the head prison guard."Yes?" This is to make him go straight to the point, although a part of me fears that the worst might have happened without my knowledge."Our prisoner is still in the dungeon, the iron bars are too powerful for her wolf to break through," Harry breaks this to me."Good," I give him a curt nod before dismissing him.
Kristen's POVWhen the concussion made me pass out, I thought I would wake up several hours later and find myself still lost in the woods. But I am back home again.Is this even real?How did Theodore help us out of there? Did Calhoun come to our rescue at last?"Don't move," The doctor instructs in a firm tone, he's wrapping a bandage around my head."I need to see my son and my husband," I breathe out."I'll go get them, but you need to stay like this and let me finish," he instructs me.While I just shut my eyes because I can't even nod at this point. It hurts to stay awake. My wolf is suffering the same thing as me, so she can't even help me.___Thirty minutes later…"Kristen," my eyes open to the familiar voice of my mate and husband.Calhoun takes careful strides to my side because he has Aiden in the baby carrierAnd my heart swells at the sight because Calhoun is truly here. He's here at last."I'm so sorry you had to go through that," the fear in his eyes is enough to ma
Calhoun's POVKristen would never lie to me.I can swear I heard a man's voice earlier, but then she assured me no one else was in except her. But the look on her face said otherwise. I could tell she wasn't settled. Was it the pain, or she just wanted some time alone?And then the scent which clearly wasn't hers. A deep, rich herbaceous smell.Purely male.Or can it be one of the doctors who took his leave right before my arrival? But it was so strong as if the person was present in the room, except I couldn't find anyone. Aside from that, Kristen hasn't lied to me before, so it might be just my doubts getting into my head. I walk until I am in front of where I have my stacks of wine because I can use a drink now.Upon pouring myself a glass full, I dawn it within seconds and proceed to pour myself a second glass, when the throne room's large doors give off a screeching noise. Something which indicates that the guards are opening it and letting someone in."What took you so long?"
Calhoun's POVSilence fills up the atmosphere at the shocking outburst of the man whom my men are holding hostage. Theodore Fitzgerald.My face squeezes into a frown as I slowly walk up to meet him. While he on the other hand seems completely stiff."I have what's yours?" I ask carefully, wanting to know if I misheard him or something."Hurry and speak up, perhaps I misheard you," I continue.At this point, Theodore choose to remain silent as he glared at me right in the eye as if we have been having beef for a long time now.I know I never got offended by this man until the moment I commanded my guards to hold him. And it was he who still triggered my anger, because his remarks were rather snarky, showing disrespect, when I am way above him."What is it that I have which belongs to you, Theodore?" I am getting impatient at this point, hating the fact that he's not responding at all."Hurry and speak up now, do not keep Alpha Calhoun waiting," Bruce urges him.But the man chooses to k
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