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
Calhoun's POV"I am so sorry that I couldn't make it to the wedding,""Not to worry, I already received your message.""Well, I must say you've always had a good eye for women. Natalie is breathtakingly beautiful and extremely kind. The Greyhound pack is lucky to have her as a Luna," Landon looks in Natalie's direction across the table, with a smile spreading across his face."Thank you, Alpha Landon," Natalie beams at him before forking some beef into her mouth.It's evening and we're having dinner with Alpha Landon and his family from the Yellowstone pack. He's a long-time friend of mine, ahead of me with sixteen years. He has a wife and a son who's in his twenties."Tell me how you met Calhoun," his wife, Lucy urges Natalie."I was taken off from the accounting department to be his acting PA because the one he had called in sick. Also, I helped with the renovation of the fifth pack house because I have a diploma in Interior design," Natalie has her cheeks red like a tomato freshly p
Calhoun's POVIt's frustrating, seeing Kristen with another guy who isn't me. The way she laughs and smiles at everything Ivan says makes me want to punch my fist into a nearby wall. They excused themselves from the table when dessert was being served, and I am here wondering why they're this close when it's just the first time of them meeting."Good heavens, Calhoun! I've been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes," Alpha Landon almost yells and this makes me snap my gaze away from my mate to the man at my side.Natalie clears her throat and puts her hand on top of mine, wearing that fake smile once again. Something which repulses me.I quickly withdraw my hand because I don't want to be touched by a woman who isn't my mate. I'm indeed letting my wolf take charge here because I don't want the mother anymore but the daughter.And I don't fail to see how pain flickers over her eyes but then she quickly masks it all up.Speaking of how fast my feelings for Kristen ecli
Kristen's POVAlpha Calhoun's behavior was uncalled for. I hate to admit that as much as I tried to get him jealous, I wasn't very pleased with him, seeing him look so jealous because I was with a boy I just met for the first time. Ivan, son of Alpha Landon. I wanted to send Calhoun a message, that was why I faked interest in Ivan, but I hated it. Everything I did was to tell him off because he wanted to divorce my mom for my sake. A part of me wants to be with him but the other is totally against it because my mom is in the picture. Not only I can't hurt my mom, but I'm also afraid of her, what she might do when she finds out the truth.The way Calhoun lost self-control and pulled me away from Ivan made my heart quake in my chest. I was afraid mom and everyone else would see and I found it very hot. Mostly when I deliberately called him stepfather and he yelled in my face, warning me never to call him that.How could he even do that? When mom, Alpha Landon, and his wife were just a
Calhoun's POVKristen reluctantly lets me strip her naked.And right now, I am too dumbfounded to even think straight, because her bare body looks so breathtaking that it nearly sends me to my feet. "I don't have a good feeling about this, Calhoun," her voice is small and strained. For a moment I pause to wonder if I am being a dick who selfishly wants to touch her, after all she went through yesterday."Just relax, Kristen. I won't hurt you."Something about the way her innocent and uncertain gaze rests on me, ignits lust deep within me. Makes my hands itch to touch her.I can tell that she's embarrassed right now, standing naked before me like this. The flush on her cheeks proves it all.My hand reaches for her headband and I slip it off, letting her generous blonde hair drop and pour out to her shoulders.Fuck.My dick is already throbbing in my briefs, making my body ache so badly at the sight of my mate. I've never been driven to nuts by the sight of a woman's body like this. Th
Kristen's POVI wake up to the buzzing of the timer beside me and find myself in a tangled mess of sheets.For a moment I pause to wonder where I am, because this doesn't look like my room. And suddenly images of last night flash through my head and then I can remember everything.Goosebumps rise in my every single pore when I see Calhoun fast asleep beside me.He looks peaceful in his sleep, with his lashes creating a shadow on his cheekbones. His mouth is not even apart with a drool discharging, nor is he snoring.It's the first time I'm sleeping on top of a bed with him. And it's as if we're lovers.The way he made sweet passionate love to me on top of that table makes heat crawl and settle in the pit of my stomach.My phone is still ringing and with my heart in my throat, I get off the bed to see who it is.Mom!"Don't answer it!" Calhoun is getting off the bed already."Sixteen missed calls, she's probably afraid that something has happened to me.""DO NOT pick up, Kristen!" He'
Kristen's POVThe way he popped that question makes my mouth part and no words come out.There's a deep stare exchange between the two of us, until I turn away and start looking for my things, with the sheet covers still hiding my nakedness from his penetrating gaze."What are you doing, Kristen?" Calhoun nears my side when he sees me holding my clothes."I need to go.""I'm not stopping you, but you need to just calm down for a second. I'll take you home.""I don't need you to take me home, I'll go by myself," I'm being stubborn and persistent right now even though I won't know my way back.Calhoun doesn't say anything else, he just stands back and bites into his fist as he looks at me. My throat works as my eyes do once over at his body. He's super hot and big in all the right places. The way he treated me last night would've clouded my mind if we aren't in a tight position right now. Turning away from him, I let the sheet covers slip off my body so I can put on my clothes. He's
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