KAIThe room felt smaller, the air heavier, as I stared at Mabel. Her name alone was a wound I thought had long scarred over, but seeing her now, alive and standing before me, reopened it. The chaos of the interrupted wedding still churned outside the room, but here, within these walls, it was as if time had frozen.I couldn't believe she was here. Here and staring at me with those fucking eyes. Eyes that destroyed me. Broke me to the point where I almost lost another chance at happiness, and love. She was a jinx, a curse.She stood straight-backed, her hands trembling despite her composed expression. Her presence alone was enough to make my blood roar, but it was the boy standing shyly beside her—dark-haired, wide-eyed, and painfully familiar—that shook me to my core.“I’m sorry,” Mabel began, her voice trembling but resolute. “I know this is not how you wanted your day to go, but I didn’t have a choice. I had to
BELLAThe bedroom was cloaked in shadows, the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the curtains doing little to warm the chill that settled in my chest. I sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall, the events of the day replaying in my mind like a cruel, never-ending loop.The wedding. My wedding. It had been perfect, a scene pulled straight from my dreams. The warmth of Kai’s hand was in mine as I walked toward him at the altar. The way his storm-gray eyes softened as they met mine as if I were the only person who had ever mattered. The vows we had written, brimming with promises of love and loyalty, were ready to be spoken into existence.“I do.” He had said. The words perfectly fell from his lips. It was like a weight was lifted off his chest as he said them. I loved it. I wanted to wake up every morning hearing it. The fact that he chose me. Loved Me. Wanted me. Everything was perfect. Everything. He was goin
BELLA'S POV.Today is the day.I smiled at my reflection in the mirror, my graduation cap hung up on my head. The smile was a reflection of everything I've been through for the past years, my strength and vitality. I sniffed in as tears started to burn in the back of my head, forming in my large black orbs.I took some steps back, pushing back all the bad thoughts away from my head to focus on myself. It was me today. Everything was all about me. I was the Bella that survived all the thick and hard times, and I am now the Bella that needs to start living.I stared at the blue gown I was wearing inside my graduation gown, one that my mother, or adoptive mother has given to me. Another set of fresh hot tears pooled my eyes as I thought about it. I would give anything for her to see me in it, for her to witness that everything she has poured in me and I have in her was now here to see, that I performed well and fulfilled everything.My name is Bella Montagu, adoptive daughter of Alpha Gr
Bella 'S POV.I gulped down, shaking my head in denial as I clutched my bag hard to my chest. No. None of it can be real. Max would not say something like that about me. He loved me. We loved each other. I've spent days on that bed, telling him how much I want to have sex with him but I just needed the timing to be right.I love him. I was going to tell him everything. Tell him I have a wolf and we were fated mates, let him see the mate bond. I was going to give him the whole of me tonight. To let him connect with my wolf and every part of me.My thoughts were cut short as a giggle that I knew too well could not belong to Max came out of the room, causing my heart to clutter more in pain. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, my lips trembling as their words entered my ear.“So why don't you leave her? Why don't you break up with her if she's useless?”I bit down on my lower lips, my heart gnawing in pain already as I waited for his response. Smooching sound came out first before h
Bella's POVMy eyes locked onto his, my heart pounding against my rib cage. And just like I had predicted, his left hand collided with my right cheek, the sound resonating through the spacious room.My eyes fluttered shut involuntarily and I let out a shriek, not daring to utter anything more, silencing the cries that were at the tip of my tongue. I knew better than to show any signs of weakness.Five years later and everything was still the same, just how I remembered it.I opened my eyes, slowly meeting his gaze this time. His dark grey eyes blared in fury and I knew this slap was only the start of it.“Who on earth do you think you are?” He asked, bobbing his head to the side, his brows drawn together in rage.The answer to the question was really simple. In Moonlight Pack, I was a nobody. It hurt to even think it, but it was true.“You seem to forget that you're nobody here, Bella.” He took a step towards me and I took one back.“You seem to have forgotten that I took pity on you,
Bella's POVIn the dark of the night, the stars shimmered in the sky but my hope dimmed.My fists clenched as the echoes of the phone call lingered in my mind. Fury simmered just below my calm exterior, a familiar flame that kept me on edge. I didn't trust the voice on the other end of the line—yet I knew I couldn't turn down any chance to grow stronger.Weakness and pretending to be weak had always been my strong suit. Hide everything to be safe, to be protected, I learned the hard way. I hated it so much but I had no choice. I never chose.The betrayal, the feeling of being unwanted seeped into my bones from my old pack, my old family. My lips curled up in disdain. Where is my family? Now why would I trust someone I had never met. I inhaled and exhaled slowly.The possibility that these people might help me save my Luna, my mother, was too precious to ignore, even if it meant aligning with strangers. With each step closer to their realm, my pulse quickened. I was wary, but I also fe
Bella's POV“Good morning, Luna.” I curtsied as I entered into the opulent dining area, my eyes scanning through the room. It was an open hall space, the walls painted in a pretty ivory color with gold lines intricately forming beautiful designs. The elegant chandeliers hanging over the table casted a golden glow, making the whole dining area look like a scene from a Disney movie.“Bella.” My mother's voice had me turning my attention back to the table. Everybody had paused, watching my warily.A nervous smile touched my lips.“Have a sit.” She spoke curtly, gesturing to the empty sit besides her.I sat and a few maids crammed around me, filling my empty plate with food. I had never been treated like this in my entire life—treated like I mattered and I felt warmth spread in my chest.Once my plate was filled with the most decent meal I had ever had. As I ate, I watched from my peripheral vision as my mother clenched and unclenched her fists, her brows drawn together, tension etched on
KaiMabel was the only woman I had ever loved. I couldn't tell if it was her piercing blue eyes, or her voice, or her smile, or if it was how perfect she was and how she was easily mine that made me love her as much as I did.The thought of her sent light pangs through my chest, reminding me of the void that has been present since she died five years ago.The most painful part of it was that I was on a business trip when she suddenly lost her life to heart failure. I wasn't there when she needed me the most.And till this day, I've thrown myself into an abyss of work, growing my empire in England after giving up on the idea of ever finding another mate.But in this moment when Bella placed her hands in my extended one, time froze. I felt that familiar spark. My wolf howling was the confirmation I needed. She is my second chance.I suppressed the groan that threatened to spill from my lips. Fuck. Our eyes met and I know she felt it too. The strong urge to pick her up, throw her over my
BELLAThe bedroom was cloaked in shadows, the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the curtains doing little to warm the chill that settled in my chest. I sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall, the events of the day replaying in my mind like a cruel, never-ending loop.The wedding. My wedding. It had been perfect, a scene pulled straight from my dreams. The warmth of Kai’s hand was in mine as I walked toward him at the altar. The way his storm-gray eyes softened as they met mine as if I were the only person who had ever mattered. The vows we had written, brimming with promises of love and loyalty, were ready to be spoken into existence.“I do.” He had said. The words perfectly fell from his lips. It was like a weight was lifted off his chest as he said them. I loved it. I wanted to wake up every morning hearing it. The fact that he chose me. Loved Me. Wanted me. Everything was perfect. Everything. He was goin
KAIThe room felt smaller, the air heavier, as I stared at Mabel. Her name alone was a wound I thought had long scarred over, but seeing her now, alive and standing before me, reopened it. The chaos of the interrupted wedding still churned outside the room, but here, within these walls, it was as if time had frozen.I couldn't believe she was here. Here and staring at me with those fucking eyes. Eyes that destroyed me. Broke me to the point where I almost lost another chance at happiness, and love. She was a jinx, a curse.She stood straight-backed, her hands trembling despite her composed expression. Her presence alone was enough to make my blood roar, but it was the boy standing shyly beside her—dark-haired, wide-eyed, and painfully familiar—that shook me to my core.“I’m sorry,” Mabel began, her voice trembling but resolute. “I know this is not how you wanted your day to go, but I didn’t have a choice. I had to
BELLAThe sound of Mabel’s voice sliced through the air like a dagger, halting the ceremony in its tracks. All the warmth, the joy, the elation of the moment evaporated, leaving an icy tension behind.“I object!” she had said, her voice ringing with authority and venom.At first, I couldn’t even process it. My head turned instinctively, searching for her face in the crowd. And there she was, standing in the grand doorway of the hall, her figure backlit by the fading afternoon sun. The train of her crimson gown swept the floor like a river of blood, but it wasn’t her dramatic entrance that held me captive. It was the boy standing at her side.He was small, maybe five or six years old, his dark curls wild and unkempt. But it was his eyes that made my breath catch in my throat—storm-gray eyes, the exact shade as Kai.I didn't get what was happening. What was she doing her? My throat constricted.Whispers rippled through the crowd like a wave. My chest constricted, a crushing weight press
BELLAThe soft glow of moonlight spilled through the gossamer curtains as Kai and I stumbled into his bedroom, our laughter filling the quiet night. Kai’s strong arms encircled me, pulling me close as our lips met in a kiss that was both gentle and fervent. The taste of him was familiar yet intoxicating like the finest wine savored anew. My fingers found the line of his jaw, tracing it before sliding into his dark, unruly hair, pulling him even closer.Our kisses deepened, growing more urgent as they crossed the threshold into the bedroom. My back met the cool softness of the bed, and I felt Kai’s weight as he lowered himself beside me, his hands gliding along the curve of my waist. Each touch felt like a vow, a promise of his devotion, and in his arms, I felt the kind of love poets wrote about but rarely captured in words.The room was filled with the murmurs of our love, our intimacy a quiet storm that swirled around us, wrapping us in warmth. Later, when the passion ebbed, we lay e
BELLARuby, the owner of the boutique, held me at arm's length, examining me with a critical eye. "I'm so glad you're here, Bella," she said. "I've been dying to get started on your wedding dress. You're going to be the perfect muse for my new collection."I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. Ruby and I had met online through social media, and we had quickly become close friends. She was a talented designer, and I had fallen in love with her designs. I had already decided to wear one of her special creations for my wedding."I'm so glad to be here, Ruby," I said. "But actually, I just came to get Kai's measurements for his suit. I've already decided on my dress."Ruby's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, wonderful! I'll get my best tailor to take Kai's measurements. And of course, we'll make sure his suit is perfect for the big day."As Ruby called over her tailor, I couldn't help but notice the blonde woman who had been rude to me earlier. She was watching us with a mixture of sho
BELLAAs I settled into the familiar comfort of our home, surrounded by my brothers, I finally felt a sense of ease wash over me. The tension of the past few days began to unravel, and my mind wandered back to the confrontation with Max.His question still lingered in my mind: "Why did you reject me?" I closed my eyes, and suddenly I was back in that moment.I remembered the way Max's eyes had locked onto mine, the way his voice had dripped with entitlement. And then, in an instant, Kai’s fist had connected with Max's face.The sound of the punch still echoed in my mind – a sharp crack that had made me flinch. I recalled the way Kai’s eyes had blazed with anger, the way he'd stood tall, his chest heaving with rage."It's none of your business," Kai had snarled, his voice low and menacing. "You've done enough for her already."The memory of Kai's words, his actions brought a surge of gratitude to my chest. He'd always been m
Max.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at the wall as the memories flooded my mind. Bella. My Bella. The one who got away.Why didn't I take her as my mate when I had the chance? Why did I let Layla deceive me?I thought back to the day I met Bella. Her sparkling eyes, her bright smile, her infectious laugh. I was drawn to her like a magnet. But I was young, foolish, and blinded by my own ego.Layla, with her cunning words and seductive charm, had manipulated me into believing Bella wasn't the rightful heir to our family's legacy. She convinced me that Bella was inferior, that she didn't deserve to be part of my family.But the truth was far from it. Bella was the one the quadruplets loved and cherished more. They saw something in her that I didn't - her kindness, her compassion, her strength.I remembered the way the quadruplets would gather around Bella, listening to her stories, playing with her hair. They adored her, and she l
Kai’s room was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn against the afternoon sun. I paced the floor as I recounted my confrontation with Layla to him, the adrenaline from the exchange still coursing through me.My hands clenched and unclenched at my sides as I replayed every word, every insult she had thrown at me, and her subtle slip about the speed boat.She was behind it or had something to do with it, I was sure.Kai listened intently, his sharp amber eyes following my movements. His presence was steady and grounding, even as the storm inside me raged. When I finally finished, he leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought.“She knew too much,” I said, my voice tight. “There’s no other explanation. Layla was involved. But how? How could she have tampered with the speed boat?” Evil people could always achieve anything, especially someone like Layla.Kai steepled his fingers, his expression grave. “She couldn’t have done it alone. Sabotaging something as complex as a sipped b
BELLAMy body was healed—no more bruises, no more gashes—but the scars on my pride and the questions swirling in my mind remained. The yacht sabotage wasn’t an accident. Someone had tried to kill me, and every instinct screamed one name: Layla.I knew she had something to do with it. She always hated me and every single time we met, she managed to prove that. The conviction drummed in my heart. She had to be the one. But if she was, how could she manage it on her own?She was the only one that had something to gain the most from my death so her motives weren't a problem. It was how.Her smugness, her hostility, her constant presence near Luna Olive—it all pointed to her involvement. Today, I would get the answers I needed, no matter what.The hotel where my mother was staying stood like a gleaming fortress, its pristine marble walls and gold accents reflecting the morning light. I entered the lobby, my boots clicking softly against the polished floors, ignoring the curious glances fro