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At this point, I don't give a damn if we're in human territory. I'm ready to lash out at whoever holds my Lyra hostage. My senses are heightened as I make my way into the abandoned warehouse.Conor and Zach follow suit. I turn back and realize that Holly too is right behind.Inside the warehouse, the air was thick with tension as we cautiously went through the dimly lit corridors. Every shadow feels like a potential threat.There's no one in sight, and everywhere looks quiet. Doubt creeps into my mind as I turn to Holly and ask, "Are you sure this is the location you tracked?"She gives a firm nod, It seems like she's certain of the location, especially considering her call was picked up and helped with the signal to retrieve her location. I have to trust in Holly's expertise. With a nod, I move forward.I try my best to be observant, taking note of every sound. Suddenly, my Lycan senses pick up a faint heartbeat. My heart leaps with hope as I follow the sound, praying it's Lyra and t
The panic in the doctor's eyes mirrors mine as we hurry back to Lyra's side. The medical team springs into action, assessing her condition and making urgent adjustments to the equipment.Time seems to slow down as the team works tirelessly to stabilize her. Each moment feels like an eternity as they fight to bring her vital signs back to a safe range.The doctor approaches me with a worried expression. "Your Highness, can you please step out for a couple of minutes? We will alert you when everything is stabilized."Dolph protests in my head, urging me not to heed the doctor's request. However, I trust Daniel and his judgment. If he says I should step out, then so be it.Reluctantly, I comply and step out of the room. The beeping of the machine still echoes in my ears as I pace back and forth in the corridor, my thoughts consumed by worry for Lyra's well-being.I could see the worries etched on the faces of the nurses around me. I knew I must have looked like a complete mess— a leader o
Zach’s POVSeeing Olivia again brings back emotions I've tried to bury for a long time. She was my first love, and though we tried keeping it subtle, away from prying eyes, our connection was undeniable.However, I know Kessler saw beyond what we showed but chose not to mention it.I was head over heels in love with Olivia, but when I found Chloe, she was devastated. I tried to keep it subtle, but the mate bond cannot be denied. Chloe and I made love countless times.Chloe came into my life like a storm, turning everything upside down. Our connection was instant and passionate, a force of mate pull that couldn't be ignored. Yet, as I stand here, face to face with Olivia once again, I feel a tug of longing mixed with regret. But as much as I cherish those memories with Olivia, my heart belongs to Cara now. The emotional rollercoaster between was high. Olivia pleads for me to end things with Chloe, professing that she doesn't care if she found her mate or not, and that she is ready to
Cara's eyes narrow as she observes the intimate embrace between Olivia and me. Her jaw clenches, and I can feel the tension building within her.Olivia notices my tense emotions and follows my gaze to where Cara stands. Her brow furrows.I couldn't help but wonder what might have transpired between them in the past. The tension in the air was palpable, and I felt like I was caught in the middle of a storm brewing between these two women.Cara's gaze remained fixed on Olivia, her expression guarded yet curious. I could sense her unease and the questions swirling in her mind.Olivia's voice brought me back from my thoughts, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled over us. "I've seen this face before." Her words sparked Cara's curiosity even more, evident in the way she furrowed her brow."Not you, but an older version of someone that looks like you," Olivia continued, her expression thoughtful.Suddenly, it dawned on me. Olivia must have known Cara's mother as well. She used to vis
Kessler’s POVI wanted to protest with the doctor when he said I shouldn't come in with the medical team, but the firm grip and the pleading eyes of Zach stopped me. My heart races as I struggle against the urge to demand answers, but Zach's grasp tightens, his eyes mirroring my fear.At this point, I am hoping against hope for all this back and forth to just come to an end. I am drained of emotions.I just wish, more than anything, for Lyra to be fine again. Every minute feels like an eternity as we wait for news.I pray the elixir injected in her shouldn't affect her, not the baby, though the pack doctor said everything is under control, my mind is plagued with worries and what-ifs.I just want my petit, annoying mate back. I slump on the floor, letting my emotions show. I am vulnerable. I didn't care if anyone was looking, but thankfully, they were just my close pals.Suddenly, the door bursts open and the doctor steps out. I hurriedly get up on my feet again, eager to hear whatever
Lyra’s POVI found myself surrounded by darkness, trying to find my footing. But in the midst of it all, I kept hearing a voice, that small still voice, giving me the strength to come out of the darkness that surrounded me.Suddenly, after much attempt and struggle, I muster the courage and flutter my eyes open.I see the panic in the eyes of the people around me as I try to take in my surroundings. The room feels unfamiliar, the beeping of machines foreign to my ears. Confusion clouds my mind as I try to piece together what happened, but the urgency in the room tells me that something serious has occurred.I jerk up and realize that I am in the hospital. The realization makes me slump back to bed as I contemplate how many times I've been in and out of the hospital.I rack my brain to remember how I got here. Everything is in a fog, but the last thing I can remember is my encounter with Jack and Annie.My emotions are all over the place as someone walks in. I try to recollect who the
"Lyra, I know what you are trying to do," Conor says, his voice low so only I can hear. "But your time away has been dreadful for Alpha Kessler."He continues, "I haven't seen him scared all his life the way he was while you were kidnapped. He was terrified, and I can't imagine what would become of him if he lost you."His words sink in, revealing a side of Alpha Kessler I hadn't considered. I can't deny the depth of his feelings despite the pain and hurt he caused me.I look at him, shocked.He nods his head in affirmation."But seeing him this close to having lost you made me realize that you two are meant to be together," Conor continues.I ponder on what he said, but something in my head keeps telling me it was all a lie. That he is a devious, scheming liar. That he can't be trusted. The doubt bites at me, clouding my thoughts with suspicion. As I struggle to shake off the lingering feeling of distrust, unable to fully believe that Alpha Kessler's feelings are genuine.I am confli
The past weeks have been eventful for me. I was relieved when I realized I would be occupying the adjoining room to Alpha Kessler.He didn't want to take any chances regarding me. Despite his protective gestures and the love he had shown, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of unease.It didn't just sit well with me because the voice kept coming to my head each time I wanted to lose my guard. The doubt and suspicion lingered, reminding me to remain cautious even amid the show of care and concern.He has been nothing but loving. I know he is trying to take things slow, hoping that I'll open up to him and give him my all.To be honest, I know I won't be able to stand staying in the same room with him all night, and I won't misbehave by letting him take me there. Not that I haven't thought about it, but Sasha had been happy knowing Alpha Kessler was in proximity.Each time the temptation and the lingering desire knocks, I remind myself of the importance of setting boundaries and main
Julie’s POVFinding one mate should be a blessing, but I'm left heartbroken and shattered into pieces over Ryder.I have not been there emotionally ever since Ryder was injected. I doubt I'll recover from it.I can't stand looking into his face and knowing that I haven't gone to check on him ever since the incident happened.I wouldn't want to see the hurt and pain that he will be going through. It would break me even more.I know I can't keep avoiding Ryder forever. The guilt of not being there for him weighs heavily on my conscience, and I can't bear the thought of adding to his pain by staying away.I know something isn't right. Ryder isn't a member of this pack, which explains why I haven't come in contact with him even once.To top it all off, he is Xavier’s friend. My brother is a lot of things, and sometimes I doubt his loyalty to this pack because most times he speaks ill of Alpha Kessler.To be honest, Alpha Kessler has been nothing but good to me and my brother. He provided v
I'm startled. "For fuck's sake, I just had my bath, and you're engulfing me in a hug. I'm sorry to say it makes me feel dirty again," she says softly, gently moving her away from me.I look at Cara in shock, wondering what could be going through her mind to behave in such a manner. But her voice is somber as she asks, "Don't you like it here?"I stare at her in disbelief, wondering what she means by "don't you like it here.""Care to explain, ma'am?" I ask in a mocking tone.She stomps her feet like an erring child. "I'm not joking, Lyra. Don't you like it here?"Then it occurred to me that she thought I was serious when I said I would go back to Northville to continue what I started there. She truly believes I'm considering leaving."Please don't leave us again, your time away from us was hell, and Kessler might not admit it, but it was torture for him not to have you around."I swallow hard, feeling the weight of her words. I didn't want to go through that route, of feeding her the
She has this contemplative look like she's debating whether to tell me something or not. But trust me, I won't accept a no for an answer.And I have no intention of pressuring her. I move closer, gently squeezing her shoulder. She places her hand on mine, acknowledging my presence. Her gaze seems distant, and she fidgets with her nails, a sign of nervousness. Zach and I are great, but whenever I'm on my period, I notice he gets that look.It's like a switch flips, and suddenly, there's this tension in the air. I try to brush it off, but it's hard not to notice.She pauses as if trying to piece together her thoughts. I wonder if he always wears that expression as if he wishes I were pregnant instead of menstruating.Finally, I grasped the issue. But I must choose my words carefully, so as not to hurt her, because it's one thing to open up, and another for your heart to find solace from that vulnerability."So, you mean he expects you to be pregnant, and seeing you menstruating means yo
Lyra’s POVWatching Kessler walk out the door, I have mixed feelings about everything that has happened. I rest my hand on my chest, trying to still my racing heart. The scent of my arousal fills the room, and I blush, knowing he can suggest hot, steamy sex when he returns. He knows I want him, and the feeling is mutual. The thought of the kiss lingers in my mind as I drift off to sleep, clutching the pillow tightly.I have a rather nice sleep with thoughts of Kessler resting on my mind. His presence in my life helps take away the thought of Ryder trying to get rid of me. I wake up the next morning feeling refreshed yet apprehensive. The events of the previous night play in my mind like a movie reel. I know I have to confront my feelings about Kessler.Sunlight pierces through my room. The last time this happened, Kessler was in the kitchen cooking breakfast. With that thought in mind and a smile on my face, I make my way to the kitchen, hoping to see him there. I am disappointed when
Kessler’s POVI don't like it when Lyra stays mad at me. I didn't know she was going to take the role of godmother to Annie's baby. Given what Annie had done to her, I had my doubts. So, I followed her to her room to be sure she'd stop being mad at me. When she complains about her leg, all I want is to massage her legs and make her feel better.Her moan makes my member twitch in my trousers; I can sense she wants me. There's no doubt I want her, but I want my time with Lyra to be special again. Dang, I can't think straight when I catch a whiff of her arousal. With hurried steps, she heads into the bathroom. I can tell she is embarrassed; she takes her time in there. But when she steps out in her towel, all I want is to take her right there and make her scream my name.She looks at me, surprised to see I’m still in the room. I need to take control of my emotions; I want her as much as she wants me. With a smirk, I walk closer to her, noticing her expectant gaze. I run my hand through he
When Kessler called me "Sunshine" and mentioned there was something else, my curiosity piqued. I could sense his uncertainty, but I leaned in, asking, "What is it?""I know she did many things to you that she wasn't proud of," he began. "She said it before she passed away—she couldn't look into your eyes and ask for forgiveness."I nodded slowly, trying to grasp the significance of Kessler's words and where he was leading this conversation."Annie wants us to be the godparents to her baby," Kessler said hurriedly, as if the words were burning on his tongue. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across my face. Playfully, I smacked him on the chest and teased, "Is that what was taking you forever to say?"Kessler chuckled, a weight lifted off his shoulders. "Yes, I wanted to make sure you were okay with it.""Of course," I replied with sincerity. "We'll be great godparents. But you hurt my feelings, Kessler, for thinking that I would say no to being the godmoth
Kessler’s POV With hurried steps, we made our way to the pack hospital. I wonder what might have gone wrong for my attention to be needed at the hospital, but I was grateful that Lyra was right by my side. The thought of anything happening to Lyra filled me with dread as I remembered what had happened in her room. As we approached the hospital, my heart raced with worry. The memory of finding Lyra in distress in her room flashed through my mind. It's a relief that Lyra was able to control her powers without harming the baby. Ryder must have taken advantage of the situation, knowing we were all focused on Annie's well-being. I wondered if there was a connection between Ryder's actions and Annie's condition. Regardless, I made a mental note to investigate the matter swiftly. The safety and security of our pack were important and we needed to uncover the truth to protect everyone. Many serious issues have happened within my pack, and I can no longer afford to overlook them. We arr
Kessler holds me close as if I mean the world to him. His scent is comforting. "Please, get me water," I tell him as he stands up, goes to the kitchen, and brings back a bottle of water. I sit up and look at Ryder, realizing he is almost lifeless on the floor. I guess it's the impact of the syringe he brought to inject me. I rushed to Ryder's side. My heart races as I check for signs of life, hoping for any flicker of movement. "Ryder, can you hear me?" I whisper, my voice trembling with worry. Fear grips me as I realize I could have been almost lifeless like him, and I doubt I would survive it. I can't begin to imagine the trauma that would follow. Someone wants me dead for sure, and now I don't think Ryder can say anything to reveal who sent him. I was consumed with worry, but my thoughts turned to Julie. How would she handle the revelation that her mate is not who she believes him to be? Just then, Kessler walked in with the bottle of water in hand and handed it to me. "Thank
I was tired and I had to put my clothes back on, wondering who it could be, dragging myself to the door. I opened it and lo I was shocked to realize that it was no other than Ryder, I know I had just thought about him not being a good guy, but he just confirmed my suspicion by coming to my room. "What do you want?" I ask politely, trying my best not to be rude, but inside, I'm seriously annoyed. He smirks and pushes the door open, making his way inside without waiting for an invitation. I stand there, my annoyance growing as Ryder enters without any regard for my privacy or invitation. "I just wanted to talk," he says casually as if his intrusion is perfectly acceptable. "Well, I don't feel like talking right now," I reply curtly, crossing my arms over my chest. Ryder shrugs nonchalantly, unfazed by my obvious discomfort. "Suit yourself," he says, moving further into the room as if he owns it. I grit my teeth, feeling my patience wearing thin. "You need to leave," I say firmly