Calhoun's POV Servants are running around, arranging the dining hall, dusting tables and chairs, and turning on the lights, the whole house hasn't been the same since Kristen returned from the place that she went."What's the celebration about?" Bruce has a thoughtful look on his face as he stares at the buzzing servants."Don't ask me, ask her," I point at Kristen who's at the door, welcoming guests.Her announcement for a little feast came unexpectedly because it's something she hasn't done before, which makes it questionable because it's clear she has something up her sleeve.She went out of her way to invite people over, asking the servants to send them messages and when an invitee gave an excuse, she would move on to the other person. She did this until all the chairs at the dining table were completed. Sixty-two guests in total and it happened under three good hours. She's Luna, after all, she has great influence over these people. They have regarded her highly ever since she
Kristen's POVAfter taking one last look at Aiden to ensure he's asleep in his crib, I quietly shut the door before hurrying to meet my friends in the room opposite mine. The feast ended quicker than I thought because of the tension from earlier, my guests couldn't be at ease anymore, Sapphire's sudden announcement of pregnancy to Bruce whose outburst threw everyone off guard. Calhoun sensed the uneasiness and calmly dismissed everyone, after ordering the servants to give them gifts to help make the evening less bad for them. My husband is such a lifesaver, if I hadn't done that I don't even know what would have become of me. My first feast would have ended up in an absolute disaster.Sapphire's cries ring in my head when I open the door to the dimly lit room. "Hey," I gently place a hand on her shoulder, offering comfort because she's been like this for an hour. Maddy doesn't even show any signs of pity or make any move to come close to our friend, she's just staring at Sapphire
Calhoun's POVThe silvery good from the moonlight reflects on the serene lake as I first emerge from the water, and then Bruce follows. The cool breeze carries the scent of damp earth as we advance towards the shore, with droplets of water rolling from our bodies and our wet skin reflecting on the moon's radiance. We're at the lake a mile away from home. Picking up my clothes, I put them on since I was just in my briefs earlier. And dampness clings to my skin as I fumble with my clothes for some seconds until I eventually wear them on."Feels like we're teenagers again, sneaking out to the lake," I smirk while slicking back my wet hair.While Bruce chuckles and shakes water from his disheveled hair. "Yeah, Nana Joyce was so strict," He reminds me. And it's a good thing to see he's not in the foul mood from earlier when he stormed off from the dining hall and I went out to look for him. Only to find him at the lakeshore, throwing pebbles into the water."Remember how she used to mak
Kristen's POVAt last, Calhoun came back. At the sound of heavy feet approaching the door, I know it's him.Thankfully, he's home at last. So many bad things have been happening to us lately for me to fall asleep so easily, so I have to be vigilant and alert at all times. It's one thing to have your husband leave and then return safely, because since I've known Calhoun, he's either getting poisoned, stabbed, and even attacked. He's the strongest person I know because he's managed to survive everything. And I pray we don't get to suffer as a couple again because we've already been through so much together, including Aiden.Quietly, Calhoun opens the door because he's aware it's already past bedtime for our son who is currently asleep, so Calhoun doesn't want to make any noise to upset Aiden while he's asleep.He's a great father and he's great with our son. It's his first time being a father and he's already so good at it. A smile hits my face when I realize he just noiselessly clos
Kristen's POV"You're up," Calhoun doesn't even give me a shoulder glance. He's still holding the fridge open, and he's already used to my presence to know it's me from the sound of footsteps approaching him."I noticed you slipping out of bed," letting out a sweet sigh, I hug Calhoun's naked body from behind. "Don't tell me you want to go for the sixth round," he teases but relaxes in my arms."I'm not tired, Calhoun. I can go for as long as possible with you," I confess without any shame. He's my husband after all.Chuckling, Calhoun turns his head to my side to steal my lips with a swift sweltering kiss. It's weird that we're both naked like this even though it's past midnight with no servants in sight, except the guards outside. Still, I doubt anyone will come in at such an hour.The kiss takes a different turn with Calhoun feasting on my mouth. He even lets the milk box he's holding to slip from his hands, and it splatters everywhere when it falls to the floor.Calhoun puts his
Kristen's POV"Are you sure about this?" Maddy cannot hide her discomfort as she nears my side on the dressing mirror, holding Aiden.It's noon the following day, and I have this meeting with all Greyhound women."To be honest, I don't even know. I keep seeing his face everywhere and then I act up. Flinch when someone approaches me from behind or calls my name when I am zoning out," My hand trembles along with the lipgloss in my grasp because I shuddered from the dreadful experiences I've been having since the nightmare in the early hours of this morning. "This is getting serious, you need help," Maddy props Aiden on her hip and looks at me with worry making her forehead lines visible. Sapphire couldn't show up because she doesn't want to run into Bruce, so she's keeping out of his way for good."You seriously need help, my friend," Maddy repeats."I don't want Calhoun to think I am too much trouble, it's been one problem after the other," My shoulders sag as I heave deeply."The sam
“You really handled that situation well,” Maddy praises, her eyes reflecting genuine surprise. “I wasn't expecting you to address them like that.”“They asked for it. It was never my intention to be mean,” I respond, defending my actions.“You weren't mean, you stood your ground as the Luna of this pack. You made yourself clear, and you've changed. I’m so proud of you,” Maddy pulls me into a quick hug, leaving me slightly stunned. I can't help but wonder why she was so thrilled about what I just did.After we pull away, I walk out of the hall with the guards following behind me, their obedience a result of Calhoun’s orders.As I step into the open, my heart flips in my chest when I spot Darcy, Theodore’s sister. She is holding to her aid stick for support as she walks toward her chosen spot.The melancholy etching across her face unsettles me. It’s the first time I had seen her since Theodore's funeral. The palpable sense of loneliness she carries without her brother tugs at my emotio
Kristen's POV"What are you doing?" Sapphire has this unsure look on her face as she stares at me. I drove her all the way down here a few minutes ago. And the place is already set up for the date, just the way I was told by Bruce."Just relax, friend," I assure her with a friendly smile, before jabbing my shoulder against hers, to make her feel at ease."Is this a date?" Sapphire has her head swinging in different angles and directions. Bruce really outdid himself on this one. Renting the entire expensive diner just for tonight, so he could get some alone time with her."Yes, for me and Calhoun. And I want you to be present too," I answer at last, schooling my face into a straight expression so she won't suspect anything just yet."Do you feel that bad for me?" Sapphire has a dull facade this time, totally getting the wrong idea of everything."No, not at all. You just need to be here tonight. This place is already fancy as it is," I flip her long hair away from her shoulder."Fine,"
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