This chapter is strictly written in 3rd person POV for better clarity and exploration.Minutes later, Zara was done with the scrolls, she felt dizzy and fell asleep and Forbes stepped into the Alpha King’s private study. The light reaching every corners of the room. His gaze landed on the lone figure at the desk—Zara. She was slumped over, her head resting on her folded arms. The steady rise and fall of her back signaled deep sleep. Forbes exhaled, shaking his head. He had expected this. She had been here for hours, no doubt pushing herself to complete whatever task Cade had assigned her. And knowing the Alpha, it had to be something grueling. Moving carefully, he stepped closer. Her face, usually tense with anxiety, was now peaceful. Her brows weren’t drawn together, and her lips were slightly parted, her breathing soft and steady. It was rare to see her like this since she came, unguarded. Vulnerable. For a fleeting moment, hesitation gripped him. Should he wake her? Or just ca
Cade's POV.The weight in my arms was familiar, but I didn’t let myself focus on it as the walk through the passage seemed unending, quiet and save for the sound of my own footsteps and I realized that servants really work hard. Zara.She was still asleep, her body relaxed against mine, her breath warm against my neck. I could feel every rise and fall of her chest, the way her fingers occasionally twitched in her sleep. She had no idea what was happening around her. What she was unintentionally rising in me. I exhaled sharply, adjusting my grip. I should have just let the servants take her. Or perhaps, should have let Forbes do it. But I didn’t. Instead, I had carried her all the way here myself. A mistake. An unknowing yet craving mistake. Her scent clung to me, wrapping around my senses like a slow, insidious poison. She smelled like pine, soft, something warm, like the kind of thing I should be avoiding. Even though I had not sensed her wolf on her, strangely, her scent was
Cade's POVThe space in my chambers felt suffocating. I could still feel her scent, wrapping around me like an unshakable memory. I let out a slow breath and rolled my shoulders, trying to release the tension that had settled in my muscles. But the moment my eyes fell on my bed sheets still slightly rumpled from Dezecca’s earlier presence, I felt something tighten in my chest. I needed to get out. Without another thought, I turned and strode out of the room, my steps echoing against the stone corridors as I made my way to my study. My mind was loud. Too loud. By the time I reached my study, I barely hesitated before pushing open the doors and stepping inside. The scent of parchment, ink, and burning wood greeted me, familiar and grounding. My gaze landed on the desk, and my steps slowed. There they were. The scrolls I had given Zara. Neatly arranged, not a single one out of place. I exhaled through my nose, moving toward them, my fingers trailing over the aged parchment. She had
The warmth of sleep still clung to me as my eyes fluttered open. For a moment, I was caught between the haze of dreams and the slow realization that I wasn’t where I expected to be. The ceiling above was unfamiliar, smooth stone instead of the wooden beams I had grown used to in my old chambers. Then, the scent hit me. Rich, savory, and mouthwateringly inviting. My stomach twisted in hunger before my mind even had the chance to fully wake up. Blinking, I pushed myself up, my limbs stiff but not as weak as I had expected. A small wooden table sat in front of the bed, a steaming pot of soup placed at its center. I barely had time to process it before a voice spoke. “Eat. There's no time” I turned my head quickly, finding the middle-aged woman standing near the table with her arms folded across her chest. Her expression was...accommodating, though there was a slight arch in her brow as if she were studying me. I swallowed, glancing between her and the food. “What is this?” My voic
Zara’s POVI stepped out of the bathroom, my body feeling lighter but my mind still cluttered with unanswered questions and no matter how much I tried to ignore it. It was unsettling. A reminder that something had happened last night—something I couldn't quite recall.Denai was waiting near the small table, a comb in her hand. Without a word, she gestured for me to sit. I obeyed, perching on the chair as she ran the comb through my damp hair.“You should brace yourself today,” she said after a moment, her tone neutral.I glanced at her through the mirror. “For what?”Denai met my gaze with a knowing look. “It’s going to be a long day with the Alpha.”I frowned. “Why?”“The Alpha King is going hunting today.”That explained nothing. “And So?”Denai continued combing, her fingers surprisingly gentle despite her usual bluntness. “And you’re going with him.”I stiffened.“With him? Huh?” My voice came out sharper than intended.She nodded. “Alongside his Beta and a few servants.”A strang
Zara’s POVThe wheels of the carriage where I sat rocked slightly as it moved forward, the clatter of potholes against the dirt road filling the silence. I sat stiffly, my hands resting on my lap, my fingers twisting together anxiously. Every breath felt heavier than usual, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me as Alpha Cade's words replayed in my head.'A meal for the feral wolves'The morning had started in a blur—waking up to Denai’s watchful gaze, the hot meal that I devoured too quickly, and the bath that did little to wash away the unease I felt. And now, I was here, going to hunting with Alpha Cade, sitting in this carriage, being taken to a place I barely know once again.Isn't it interesting how my fate is usually bound to tragic things? Who knows what would happen this time around? My head throbbed heavily with different thoughts as I silently wished everything would go smoothly.I stole a glance at Cade. He sat across from me, his expression as expressionless as ev
Zara’s POV The first howl had been distant, a chilling sound that sent a ripple of unease down my spine. But now… now it was close. Too close. Another howl rang through the trees, this one deeper, more guttural. They were here. My body tensed, my heart hammering painfully against my ribs. The dense bush around us seemed to close in, the trees stretching longer, suddenly darker. The air smelled different now—rusted, wilder. Beside me, Angla’s grip on my wrist tightened. “Run,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. I hesitated, my body refusing to move. And then, they appeared. From behind the trees, five wolves dived out, their glowing eyes locking onto us with predatory hunger. They were massive. Bigger than any normal wolf. Their fur was matted and rough, their bodies lean but powerful. Snarls vibrated from their chests, their sharp teeth glinting sharply. They had us trapped. A deep, terrifying growl rumbled through the clearing from them. I felt Angla shift
Zara's POVThe forest was eerily quiet, the only sound being my heavy breathing. My heart was still hammering in my chest from the near escape, my legs aching from running. But then—I had remembered Angla.My stomach twisted violently.I had run. I had left her behind.Fear clawed its way into my throat as I whirled around, my pulse hammering. “Angla!”My voice broke through the silence, raw and desperate.I took a shaky step forward, then another, my body trembling as the weight of guilt pressed down on me.“Angla!” I screamed again, my voice cracking. My feet moved before my brain could catch up, carrying me back toward the depths of the forest.A strong hand suddenly clamped around my wrist.I gasped, trying to yank away, but the grip was unrelenting.“Let me go!” I twisted violently, my heart slamming against my ribs.But the hold didn’t budge. It only tightened.A deep, cold voice cut through my panic.“Your best friend? Since when? You’ve barely been here a day, and now you sudd
3rd person POV Cade’s gaze softened, just for a moment, before it turned even colder, more calculating. "We’ll see about that, We’ll see." He pulled back completely, standing over her as she lay there, trembling—not just from the weight of his presence, but from the turmoil of emotions swirling inside her. "I’m going to give you some space," he said, his voice light, almost casual. "You need time to think about your decision. But don’t take too long. I’ll be waiting." Zara watched him as he turned, his tall form effortlessly gliding toward the door. But before he left, he paused, his hand resting on the doorknob. "One more thing," he said, glancing back at her over his shoulder. "I’m a patient man, Zara. But patience has its limits. And when I decide you’re ready to come to me… you will. Whether you like it or not." The door clicked shut behind him, and the silence in the room became deafening. The space he’d left behind, every corner of the room reminding her of the war
3rd person POVThe Alpha was pushing her, testing her. And with each passing moment, it became harder to ignore the truth that was slowly worming its way to the surface.He was right about one thing: her body did betray her.She clenched her jaw, resisting the heat that surged through her every time his hand brushed against her skin. He knew it, too. The bastard knew exactly what he was doing. And yet, she couldn’t stop the way her pulse quickened at the mere thought of him."Do you want to go ahead with the challenge or not?" Cade's voice was low, almost teasing, as if he had already won.Her defiance flared again, the need to fight him rising in her chest. Zara wasn't a woman who crumbled under pressure. She would not let this man, this Alpha, break her."I don't make bets with people like you," Zara finally bit out, her voice steady despite the internal chaos threatening to tear through her. "You think you can just force me to submit to you because of some stupid game?"Cade's lips
Zara’s POVTension thickened between us, every breath I took laced with an intoxicating aura I couldn’t escape. Alpha Cade’s towering frame hovering over me, his dark gaze fixed with a mix of amusement and something far more deadly, possession.His fingers traced a slow path along my cheek, and despite my best efforts, I shivered beneath his touch. His grip wasn’t gentle; it wasn’t tender. It was commanding, a silent warning that I belonged to him now, whether I liked it or not.“You're wanting to disobey the rules Zara, aren't you?.” His voice was low, edged with something sharp, something final.I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “I—I don't know what—”A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Don't know what I'm talking about?” He leaned in, his breath fanning against my skin. “You’re either a liar Zara, or you’re pretending to be reckless. Which is it?”I averted my gaze, my pulse hammering. I didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what answer would satisfy him.His fingers caug
Zara’s POV Everything was suddenly feeling, stifling, charged with something I didn’t want to name. I had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, yet so incapable of moving. Before I could process what was happening further, his hand brushed over my chest. I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat as his rough palm moved deliberately, grazing against my bare skin, My breasts. I felt my entire body tighten, every nerve suddenly hypersensitive, burning under his touch. No. I didn’t want this. I couldn’t want this. But my body? The sheer Betrayal. A sharp, brutal betrayal. Alpha Cade’s fingers closed around my breast, squeezing roughly, testing my reaction. And my reaction? A moan, soft. Unwanted. Yet it slipped from my lips like a sinful confession. I clamped my mouth shut, my face heating up in humiliation. No, no, no. I refused to but then he leaned in. Too close. So close I could feel his breath, warm, teasing, brushing against my lips. And before I
Zara's POVThe tension in the room sat like a storm about to break.Alpha Cade moved towards me, his presence suffocatingly powerful, his amber eyes gleaming with something dangerous. Something undeniably primal. I forced myself to breathe, my pulse erratic as his gaze traveled over me, slow, like he was taking his time memorizing every reaction I gave him. And then a smirk appeared on his face. Not just any smirk. A smirk that curled his lips slightly, teasing, dangerous, and utterly infuriating. "You're awfully quiet, Zara." I clenched my jaw. "I have nothing to say, Alpha." His eyes sparkled with amusement. " I think that’s rare for someone who knows how to survive" I had the strongest urge to glare at him, to snarl, to remind him that I wasn’t here for his amusement. But before I could, his fingers—warm, rough, brushed against my cheek. I stiffened. The unexpected touch sent a shiver down my spine, my body betraying me in ways I did not want to acknowledge. "Do you k
Zara's POVShe turned and stalked out of the room, leaving behind an icy silence. I exhaled, my hands shaking slightly. Siriah watched me carefully. "You shouldn’t have provoked her," she muttered. I let out a bitter laugh. "She already wants me dead," I said. "What difference does it make?" Siriah sighed, turning back to her work. "Rest," she ordered. "You’ll need your strength for the day."Her words somehow held meaning I couldn't place well.For the day?I nodded, as I laid back down on the chair, my mind raced. I had a target on my back. And I was running out of time. I am supposed to work on getting Alpha Cade's ring and leave as soon as possible and not making enemies for myself. Instead, everything was happening in opposite of my plans. First it was meeting Angla, second it was looking like the Alpha King's wife and now Dezecca is my greatest reckoning.oH Goddess please help me just this once I plead. Soon, Siriah was done packing her kits and stepped out. "S
Zara’s POV The air still held the weight of Alpha Cade’s presence, his words echoing in my mind. "Make sure not even a single mark remains." Why? Why would he care about my wounds? The Alpha King was ruthless, known for his lack of mercy. He had barely acknowledged me beyond commands. So why—why did he sound so adamant about my healing? "Sit," Siriah’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see her gathering herbs and ointments, her eyes held no room for argument. I obeyed, slowly lowering myself onto the cushioned chair at the wall. The pain flared through my body, but I swallowed the discomfort. Siriah moved with practiced ease, crushing leaves into a thick paste. "What was that about?" I finally asked, watching her carefully. She didn’t glance up. "What do you mean?" I exhaled sharply. "The Alpha. Ordering you to heal me completely." I narrowed my eyes. "He sure doesn't seem like one to care about things like that" Siriah paused, just for a s
Zara's POV A thunderous voice sliced through the commotion, sending a wave of silence crashing over the courtyard. It was deep, commanding, and laced with an authority so absolute that it made the very air thrum with tension. "You have indirectly disobeyed me by punishing a girl who works as my personal attendant without my notice." Every muscle in my body stiffened. The voice— Alpha Cade. I turned, my chest heaving, and there he stood. At the edge of the courtyard, his presence was a storm brewing on the horizon. His icy gaze swept over the kneeling guards, and they visibly trembled under his stare. Even the crowd—the ones who had been watching the spectacle unfold—were silent now. The tension was dreadery. The guards dropped to their knees in terror, their heads bowed so low they were practically pressing into the dirt. "It was Mistress Dezecca, My Lord!" One of them burst out, his voice riddled with fear. "She gave the orders to punish the girl—" "But she
Zara's POV"Zara, stop!" Siriah’s voice barely registered in my ears as I pushed past her. My heart was hammering, my body screaming in pain, but I didn't care. Not when I saw Angla being dragged away like a criminal. My best friend—the only person who had truly cared for me—was about to suffer because of me. I wouldn’t let that happen. Ignoring the burning agony still searing my back, I bolted forward, my bare feet hitting the dirt as I ran toward the guards. “STOP!” I shouted. They didn’t even spare me a glance. Like I was a peasant. Like I didn’t exist. Rage surged through me. I wasn’t someone they could just ignore. With all the strength I had left, I shoved one of the guards. His step faltered. The movement was small, barely noticeable. But it was enough to make them pause. All eyes turned to me. Angla’s face filled with fear. The guards' filled with irritation. “Zara, go!” Angla pleaded, her voice desperate. “Please! Save yourself!” Save my