"Mom, you literally got us shot at the way you behaved there," Levi commented, while they all sat in the car."What was my mistake? That fucker was getting on my nerves. Why the hell was he behaving as if I am a criminal, which I am not? I know I came back after 18 years, but that's no excuse for his behavior," Maya shrugged."He was half right too. He is the Alpha, and there is no way you can disrespect him, but I liked it. He is an asshole too," Rish laughed."Jackson, how did he even become the Alpha? Like why is he the one who won the voting?" Maya looked at Jackson, who was driving the car."He got voted because of how he helped everyone. He was not from our pack, but he helped everyone. He was a rogue who helped us fight the rogues who attacked us," Jackson stated."How so? Why would a rogue help? And why the hell did everyone accept a rogue as the Alpha?" Maya gasped in shock as she took in the information."He helped, that's why people in the pack started favouring him. He is
Alisha's eyes widened as she heard Alice's words; she was not expecting to hear them from his mouth, and it was clearly shocking that he even said something like this."Your eyeballs will fall from your eyes, Angel, relax sweetheart," Alice chuckled as he softly grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him.He put her head in his lap, making her lie down comfortably, and started massaging her head very softly, melting her in his lap.Alisha was beyond shocked by his action, the way he just massaged her head, but it relieved all the stress she bore while at lunch.The spell was making her nervous from time to time, and then how that dead body came in the bag, literally was the ultimate button she didn't want to get pushed with.Lucas' behaviour was the cherry on the situation; he made her wary about things. But as Jackson said in the car, he may not be that good, but he handles the pack well, so she can't say or think about Lucas.She herself is not even in the half position where she
"What are you going to do?" Maya asked, seeing Jackson's worried expression."I don't know, but I think it would be better if you send Alisha and Alice away from here. Something feels off, and after seeing Lucas and the dead body in the bag today, I don't think it's safe," Jackson said.Maya sighed, knowing he was right. She herself was extremely stressed. Even in the car, she had told Alisha to get used to it, but the situation seemed very suspicious. Just today, Alisha came to pack, and then the dead body dropped on the territory, when not many people even knew about her existence.Jackson, Levi, herself, Rish, and Alice were the only ones who knew about Alisha's existence as the royal heir.Even though attacks were common occurrences for their pack, this was insanely weird."How can I send her back? This is her home," Maya spoke, snapping back from her thoughts.Jackson looked at Maya. "I'm not saying you don't have to bring her back, but for the time being, it's better to send he
Maya's eyes glistened with unshed tears as Jackson's words hit home. He was right - in her haste and fear, she had been selfish and short-sighted. Her mate had needed her presence, her support just as much as the pack needed his healing abilities."You're right, Jackson. I acted rashly without considering his feelings or giving him a choice in the matter," she admitted thickly. "I robbed him of that choice when I should have included him, after everything we'd been through together."Regret weighed heavily on her shoulders, years of pent-up guilt bubbling to the surface. She had convinced herself she was protecting everyone by leaving, but in doing so, she had caused immeasurable pain.'I have to make this right, somehow,' Maya said resolutely, steeling herself."Let me call him. Do you want to talk to him?" Jackson questioned, pulling out the phone.Maya's eyes widened in shock when he suddenly proposed this idea. "It will be better if you talk on a call because I know for sure Lucas
"Mom, are you really feeling okay? You don't have to push yourself if you don't want to meet dad," Levi looked at her with concern.After Maya told them their father was coming, nervousness hung heavily in the air, filling both her and Rish."I do want to meet him, don't worry about that. I'm just stressed," Maya answered, feeling bothered by the fact that she had to face Elk. She did want to see him, but she was so scared to face him, it felt like her heart was wrecked thinking about it again and again. It was more than just painful, it was causing her major stress all over."Then it's fine, don't push yourself for us. There's no way we wanted to meet him if it will cause you stress or pain," Rish's eyes narrowed.He would be lying if he said he wasn't excited for it, but this wasn't worth it if it was going to cause his mother pain. He had already seen her suffering all these years, no way in hell did he want her to suffer more - meeting their father could wait. He knew his sister
"Who?" Elk asked, the wrinkles around his eyes crinkling. The door was wide open. Levi's jaw dropped, or at least that's how it felt, because she still remembered her father's face. He had just grown older, but was still the same man.Rish's looks were always compared to their father's, while Levi's didn't resemble either of her parents."Who are you? Where is Maya?" Elk asked again, his eyes narrowing."I'm...Levi...""Levi."Hearing her name from her father's lips felt like a meteor shower, the intensity she felt. Levi couldn't even utter the words stuck in her throat. She stepped aside so he could enter. Elk just looked at her with a hard expression, not saying anything as he went inside.Levi led him to the room where Maya, Rish, and Jackson were sitting. She clenched her fists to control her nerves that threatened to burst forth.As they entered the room, Maya's eyes fell on Elk. Tears lingered on her eyelids, pain and sadness in her eyes as she saw her husband, her mate, her m
'I was suspecting it,' Maya thought to herself. She knew Elk for so many years, and her heart couldn't believe that he didn't do anything after seeing the letter.It seemed like an impossible thing, but she had her doubts too, thinking that it had been 18 years, and things could have changed without her knowing.Even today, he came here on just one call, so it showed that maybe things had changed, but one thing hadn't – Elk never left anything unresolved.As usual, he was the person who would do anything to communicate, so the issue could get closure."I'm not lying, Maya. You know me; I never run away from things. If I had received the letter, there's no way I wouldn't have come, especially when you're telling me that it mentioned how you found the royal heir," Elk's voice filled with sincerity as he looked towards Maya."I trust you," Maya answered.She could trust anything when it came to Elk because she knew he didn't lie, and that's how it was. She had been away from him for near
"You didn't just break my trust, you broke me whole, Maya. What are you expecting from me now? To forgive you? To forget this? Really, you think it's easy to do so?" Elk's eyes flared up, his wolf on edge."I know I was wrong. I know you can't forgive or forget, but the reason was clear. I couldn't take you with me because the pack needed you as a healer. I couldn't be selfish enough to take you away," Maya said as tears started falling. She gripped the edge of the sofa, trying not to break down completely.The hatred she saw in Elk's eyes was something she couldn't unsee. Maybe she could hear him not forgiving her, because it was justified, but him looking at her like this was something she couldn't take at all."Maya, have you ever thought about considering my feelings on this? How could you make a decision for me? Don't you think you should have asked me? I understand your leaving, but not telling me and leaving me behind is something I don't understand at all," Elk said, his jaw t
Alice’s gaze burned into hers, wild and desperate, as his fingers found the delicate string of her wedding dress. With a slow, deliberate pull, the fabric loosened, slipping from her shoulder. He pressed his lips to her bare skin, his breath hot against her. Alisha gasped, her head tilting back. "Agh..." Her voice broke into a breathy moan as a shiver ran down her spine. His hands traced down her arms, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. "You're beautiful," he murmured, voice thick with longing. Alisha's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. "Then show me," she whispered.His lips traveled lower, trailing soft kisses along her collarbone. The loosened fabric of her dress slid further down, pooling at her waist, exposing the warmth of her skin to the cool night air. Alisha’s breath hitched as his hands traced slow, teasing circles along her sides. Every touch sent sparks racing through her veins. “Alice…” she whispered, gripping his shirt and tugging him closer. He
"I do." The words spilled from Alisha’s lips as she stood at the altar with Alice. Six months had passed, and so much had changed. They had returned to their normal life with Daisy and Mary. The battles, the burdens—they were behind her now. She still remembered the conversation she had with Maya six months ago when she told her it was better for 'her' to lead the pack. Alisha had never wanted that responsibility. She only wanted to live a simple, normal life. Maya had disagreed at first, but eventually, she understood Alisha’s choice and accepted it. Since then, Alisha and Alice had stepped away from the chaos and reclaimed the life they once had. And today, standing before everyone, was proof of how far they had come—because today was their wedding day. "You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced. Alice’s smile stretched wide as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Can I?" His hands rested gently on her waist, his touch reverent. He still couldn't believe t
“Amm.” Alisha moaned, her body aching as she tried to move. With effort, she forced her eyes open, blinking against the dim light. Her gaze landed on Alice. Alice was sitting beside her, but his eyes were closed, his posture slumped in exhaustion. “Alice…” Her voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. He jolted upright instantly, eyes flying open, and within seconds, they brimmed with tears. Damn emotions. He hated them—loathed them, even. But seeing Alisha like this? He couldn’t stop them. After so long… she was finally awake. His chest tightened with overwhelming relief. “Angel.” His voice cracked as he sobbed. “You’re awake.” Alisha swallowed, her throat dry. “How long… have I been sleeping?” “You were in a coma.” He pressed the call button beside the bed before looking back at her. “It’s been over a week.” Within minutes, the doctor arrived and checked Alisha over. “She’s stable now. Her wounds will heal with time,” he assured them before stepping out. Alisha’s ga
“You need rest, Alice.” Maya ran a hand through his hair, her face as hollow as the corpse he sat beside. A week had passed, yet none of them had moved on from what happened. Alisha was still in a coma. Maya herself couldn't calm her nerves. She had killed her own husband with her own hands. Even if it had been necessary, the nightmares wouldn’t let her forget. Not just because he was her mate—but because she had loved a man like him. A liar. The cause of her suffering. Of everyone's suffering. Mostly Alisha, who had lost everything. And they still didn’t know when she would wake up. Jackson had already explained everything to the pack, but explanations didn’t erase guilt. Alice said nothing, his gaze locked on Alisha’s lifeless form on the bed. The images of that day wouldn’t leave him. They played on repeat, like a broken radio, and the more he thought about them, the more he blamed himself. But he knew—blame wouldn’t change a thing. All he wanted was for her to wake up. If
Lima looked at Jackson, tears welling in her eyes. “If I could, I would have. But I’m old, and my powers are weak after living with wolves for so many years.” Alisha thrashed against her restraints, sobbing as she watched Alice being beaten to the ground, blood pooling beneath him. 'Please!!' she pleaded in her mind. Aman sneered. “He’s human. But aren’t you royal blood? Is this how you save your mate?” He yanked her head back and slammed it against the chair. Alice coughed up blood. “Motherfucker!” He saw the crimson streak trailing down Alisha’s face, and despite the agony wracking his body, he tried to crawl toward her. Another brutal blow sent him back down. Aman laughed coldly. “Yes, I am a motherfucker. But your mother’s not my taste. This bitch might be, though.” Alisha squeezed her eyes shut. She had to save them. Somehow. Could her wolf help? She had royal blood—would it be enough? 'You just have to trust me. Even cursed, I will do anything to save our mate and every
Alisha listened in silence, every word slotting into place, making the picture clearer. The puzzle was finally forming—pieces falling exactly where they belonged. “And we wanted power, so we helped,” Lucas and Harmis laughed in unison. Why wouldn’t they? From being worthless rogues, they had risen to Alpha and Beta. They had enjoyed that power for years. And after today, they would keep enjoying it—until death took them. Maya frozen, tears streaking her face, her eyes locked on Elk. Utter betrayal. The weight of suffering crushed her chest, making it hard to breathe. Levi’s scream cut through the air. “How can you do this, Dad?!” Her voice cracked as she turned to Rish, who looked just as shattered. Heartbroken. Aman chuckled, his grip still tight on Alisha’s hair. “Didn’t he already tell you?” Alisha barely heard him. Her gaze was fixed on Alice. She understood Maya’s pain—because she felt it too. Knowing Alice’s father was responsible for her being an orphan? That was one thin
“Who the hell are you?” Maya screamed, struggling against the ropes, her pulse hammering in confusion. Why the hell were they all tied up? She remembered sitting at home, sipping tea with everyone. Then—nothing.And now, she was here. Tied up.“I never thought you’d be this dumb, Maya.” Aman scoffed. “You don’t even remember me?” Maya’s mind raced. Who was this man? Why had he been talking to Alice on the phone, demanding the key? Her gaze darted to Alisha—pale, wide-eyed, bound beside Levi and Rish. Aman stepped toward Alisha, dragging a rough fingertip along her cheek. “So, you’re the last royal blood,” he mused, his voice laced with amusement. “Gotta say, you’re just as beautiful as your mother.” Alisha flinched, nausea rising in her throat. Every nerve in her body recoiled. “Leave her!” Levi and Rish shouted in unison, straining against their restraints. Jackson, silent until now, felt something click in his memory. His jaw clenched. “You’re the rogue,” he murmured. “The o
Alice reached the house and stepped inside. "Alisha, where are you?" he called, glancing around. Silence greeted him. Maya, Jackson, Rish, Levi—no one was there. His chest tightened as he moved from room to room. Everything looked normal, except for the stillness. It didn't make sense. Frowning, he pulled out his phone and dialed Maya. Tring… ring… After a few rings, someone picked up. "Maya, where are you? Where’s Alisha? Why is no one home?" A voice answered—but not Maya’s. "Because they’re with me." His blood ran cold. The voice was unfamiliar, nothing like hers. "Who is this?" "Aman here. I gave you plenty of time to handle your bullshit, but you didn’t. So now, it’s my turn to do what I promised." Alice’s eyes widened. No. This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen. Alisha can’t find out the truth—not like this. Not when he won’t even get to tell his side. He couldn’t even imagine how this would end. "You son of a bitch," he snarled, gripping the phone tighter
Alice’s eyes filled with tears as the pain he had buried for years tore through his heart. The weight of everything he had hidden threatened to consume him, and before he could stop them, the tears began to fall. His whole life, he had fought, using pain as his motivation. He hated how much his mother had lost in raising him. The man who should have stood by her had left—for another woman. But now, he understood. After everything he had learned about mate bonds, about the way the world worked… he could see it clearly. His father had left for his mate. The hatred he had buried for so long surfaced, but now, a question clawed at him. ‘Can I even hate him?’ Maybe for killing his Angel parents, yes. But what about the miserable childhood he endured? The broken family he grew up in? Move on? His mother wanted him to move on? *Can I?* “Let me ask you… did you ever move on, Mom?” Alice asked, his voice thick with emotion. He let his tears fall freely, feeling the warmth of his mother