Theron’s POV Panic surged through my system as I hoisted Lara to her feet. Her eyes were wide with confusion, tears still glistening on her cheeks, but she was with me now. I couldn’t let anything happen to her. “Come on!” I urged, my voice sharp with urgency as I pulled her toward the exit. The alarm sounded deafening, but I pushed through the adrenaline, focusing solely on getting us to safety.We sped through the dimly lit corridor, the walls blurring as we raced toward the main hall. I couldn’t shake the feeling that time was slipping away. Grayson was waiting outside, and everything depended on a clean escape. “Where is Grayson?” Lara gasped, but there was no time to answer.Bursting outside, the cool night air hit us like a rush of relief. The chaos of the kingdom loomed behind us, but right now, we were free. My eyes scanned for the car that Grayson had waiting for us. “There!” I shouted, spotting the vehicle parked under the shelter of a tree. I pushed Lara toward it, my h
Rylan’s POV “Rylan, we have a visitor,” Ed announced, causing me to look up in surprise. I glanced at the clock and frowned. “Who would that be?” I sighed. We were not expecting anyone, that I recalled. “Hello, boys.” the colour drained from my face as I stood up in disbelief. I watched my mother’s face transform from anxious to resolute as she stood there with Theron, Prince Alex, and Grayson, the weight of their presence palpable. The tension in the air thickened, setting my nerves on edge. “Mother, what are you doing here? How did you get out? I thought you were being held at the kingdom.” I turned my attention to Prince Alex, but he tutted at me and then let out an irritated growl, which caused my mother to flinch. “Rylan, there’s no time to explain that, there's something very urgent that you need to know,” my mother said, glancing at Alex again nervously this time, her expression suddenly serious. “It’s about your father.” My heart sank. “What about him?” “H
Rylan's POV"Daniella, get out of here and stay with the others." I gestured for her to move it and she did as she was told, quicky scrambling away. "Eliza, stay there. I won't let you out of my sight and I will protect you."Morgan's laughter echoed in the dimly lit basement. "You think you can take me on? You're just a pup, Rylan. You are nothing without your brothers beside you. Your wolf could never be whole without them." he taunted, even as I charged toward him, adrenaline surging through my veins.How could it be that this had been the role model that I had spent my entire life looking up to and wanting to impress? The sight of him made me sick to the pit of my stomach."You are nothing, father. You think you are powerful? You have nothing left and nobody to do your dirty work for you." I growled angrily. He sidestepped me with practised ease, disappearing into the shadows like a coiled serpent preparing to strike. I could hear Eliza's panicked breathing behind me, but my focus
Ryder’s POV I walked through the corridors and came across Abbie. She had been close to Eliza, and I decided to ask her questions thoroughly. I noticed that she seemed nervous in my presence. I smirked at the sight of her, my eyes taking in every inch of her body. For an omega, she looked pretty good. Her curvy figure turned me on, the things I could do with her. She could be my play toy. Eliza was stunning, but she wasn't anything special. She was boring underneath all that royalness. Abbie fidgeted under my gaze, her hair cascading over one shoulder as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.“Ryder, I—I don’t know where they went,” she stammered, her confidence dissolving like sugar in hot water. “Please, you have to understand. They’ve been through so much lately. They needed some space.”I chuckled, leaning closer to her. “Space? In a palace filled with guards and watchful eyes? That doesn’t sound very smart, does it?” I caught her gaze, and the fear and intrigue in h
Ryder’s POVThe tension in the air crackled like electricity as I faced Morgan, his malevolence palpable and infectiously threatening. Abbie, still crouched over the king, was a mixture of shock and panic, her wide, terrified eyes flickering between Morgan and me as though we were two storms about to collide.“Why did you let her go?” I demanded, stepping forward, my heart pounding as adrenaline surged through me. “What if she—”“Don’t you get it, Ryder?” Morgan cut me off, voice low and dripping with contempt. “Eliza is a distraction. She’s nothing but a pawn in this game—one that I can sacrifice if it means achieving my true goal. I’ve wasted enough time tiptoeing around her precious royal status. It’s time to show everyone who truly commands the power in this realm.”I clenched my fists, anger flaring inside me. Morgan’s arrogance had always grated on my nerves, but this—this was reckless. “If you think you can just run amok without consequences, you are sorely mistaken.”His laugh
Eliza’s POV “What’s he talking about, Ryder? What truth? What happened to my father?” I demanded, desperation clawing at my throat. Morgan chuckled, a cruel amusement dancing in his eyes. “What a fool you are, Princess Eliza,” he sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. Confusion surged in me, fueling my anger. I wanted nothing more than to know my father was safe. “Has your wolf returned to you yet?” Morgan taunted, laughter spilling from his lips. He stood there, looking down his nose at me as if he were some kind of god. In truth, he was nothing but a greedy and very cruel fool. “You know, Ryder isn’t who you think he is,” Morgan cackled, as if the joke were the highlight of his day. I scowled at him, disgust filling my gaze. His words were meant to hurt, but I caught Ryder's gaze, and for a moment, I wished he would just silence this loser once and for all. “What do you mean?” I asked, disbelief coloring my voice. Ryder’s expression twisted with anger. “Are y
Rylan's POV "I felt a connection there still, Mother. Why did I feel something when she rejected us as her mate? What is going on? I cannot think clearly with this." I blurted out as I paced the room. My head hurt from all the unanswered questions whizzing about. I needed clarification. How could being so close to Eliza and feeling a spark when she touched my arm make me feel like something was still there? When we returned to the castle, Eliza had run off to find her father. I understood she was worried about him, but I could not hide my disappointment that I didn't get to talk to her properly alone. My mother and I waited in one of the many rooms downstairs. It was quieter than usual, but I was too busy to think about it.My mother stood up and approached me; she placed a hand on my shoulder and told me to calm down. It was hard to calm down when I felt this way. "She accepted your wolf. Her world did not agree with the rejection, and whatever that is with Ryder, I don't know. You
Rylan’s POV The urgency pulsed through my veins like wildfire, igniting a sense of purpose within me. I could feel my heart racing at the prospect of the chaos my father had unleashed yet again. His manipulation of Morgan was another twisted thread in his web of deceit, and I knew I had to intervene before it spiraled completely out of control. I grabbed Daniella by the shoulders, my grip firm yet steady. "Where is Morgan? Where are they?" I demanded, needing to know the exact location so I could formulate a plan. The thought of Eliza caught in the middle of this mess fueled my determination. Daniella's eyes flickered to my mother before returning to me. "They're in the east wing of the castle – the old training room. Theron and Prince Alex are trying to reason with Morgan, but… Rylan, if your father finds out you went in there—" "I don’t care," I interrupted, my voice steel. "My priorities are clear. Eliza needs us, and I will not abandon her again ever." My mother’s hand envelo
### EpilogueThe morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a golden hue across the clearing where the final confrontation had taken place. The air was crisp, fresh, as if nature itself rejoiced at the shift in energy. Eliza sat at the base of a large oak tree, surrounded by her mates—Rylan, Rio, Enzo, and Ed. Together, they had forged an unbreakable bond, not just as lovers but as champions of their people, defenders of their realm.“Can you believe it?” Lila said, her voice bubbling with excitement. “We actually did it. Yelda is gone!” She looked around at the remaining members of their pack who had joined them in the wake of Yelda’s defeat. Though weary, every face radiated relief and courage, a collective spirit united by hope.“Yeah, it feels surreal,” Enzo replied, grinning as he affectionately nudged Lila. “Guess we turned the tide after all.”“Thanks to Eliza,” Rylan said, his gaze lingering on her with admiration. “You showed everyone what true strength looks like.”Eliz
Eliza's POV "Kill us?" I sneered. "You have no power to do such a thing. I know my mates are here. I can feel them." I wagged a finger at Yelda and saw the flicker of uncertainty cross her withered face. She looked at me and threw her head back, laughing loudly, causing her stupid followers to step back in confusion. I saw the way that they exchanged looks and hesitated. "I am the white wolf; I am the royal Princess. You have no say over me. My father is the king." I continued to spout, finding my confidence flush over me. "That is right. She is the Princess, the white wolf, and our mate. We are hers." Four familiar voices shouted in unison, and I smiled, knowing my mates were with me. I did not need to look behind me to see that I was fully backed up. I felt Jasmine howl in the back of my mind. I held my hands and closed my eyes tightly as my mates stood beside me and joined hands. We formed a circle of strength, an unbreakable bond tethered by love and loyalty. My heart
Ed’s POV My heart hurt, and I felt a tight ache in my chest as I fought to pry my eyes open. The world was shrouded in a dim haze, but as I blinked against the dimness, a familiar figure came into focus. Eliza’s beautiful face floated before me, radiant even in this murky world. “Eliza,” I called out, a hoarse whisper barely piercing the quiet. But as the clarity settled in, I realised she wasn’t there. My heart sank, disappointment crashing over me like icy waves. This was just a figment of my mind, a desperate dream conjured from the depths of my longing.Confusion tangled with grief, leaving me disoriented and unsettled. Where was I? What had happened? I tried to push myself up but found my limbs heavy as if weighed down by invisible chains. Panic surged through me, fluttering in my chest like a frantic bird desperate to escape its cage.I scanned my surroundings, the muted light casting long shadows. The walls around me appeared rough, crumbling concrete that groaned under the w
Rylan’s POV I felt my heart nearly stop as recognition washed over me, a cold sweat breaking out on my skin. The voice was unmistakable; it was deep and authoritative, sending chills down my spine. It belonged to someone I had once considered a friend, trained alongside during those grueling days of alpha training. “Rylan,” Lila whispered, her breath hot against my ear. “What’s happening? Who was that?” “It's him,” I said, barely able to keep my voice steady. “Marcus. He was—he was with us during training. He went dark...said he’d do anything for power.” “Who?” Lila pressed, her eyes wide with fear. “He was one of the strongest prospects,” I explained, recalling his fiercely competitive nature and the way he had pushed everyone to their limits. “But something changed. He wanted power, and I thought he’d fallen off the radar. Now… he’s here, leading the very intrusion that could destroy everything we’ve fought for.” “Then we can’t get caught,” Daniella whispered urgently. “
Rylan’s POV I felt the weight of his words crash over me like a wave. Grayson and Lila—a bond forged in the fires of loyalty and love. It made sense, but we now didn't have time to unpack that realisation. Not when danger lurked beyond the door, and chaos threatened to engulf us. “Grayson, please!” I urged desperation creeping into my voice. “We can’t just leave you to fight alone!” Enzo stepped forward, determination etched across his face. “You’re outnumbered, Grayson! We’re stronger together. We can figure this out!” The door shuddered again, and approaching footsteps pounded against my ears. Grayson’s eyes locked onto mine, fierce and resolute. “There’s no time! Get Lila out of here. I’ll buy you some time—go!” I hesitated, torn between my instincts to protect my pack and the agonising urgency of Lila’s situation. “Grayson, I—” “Stop! We don’t have the luxury of debate,” he snapped, his voice cutting through my tumultuous thoughts. “You have to trust me. The moment those c
Rylan's POV I stepped further into the room, senses hyper-alert, scanning for any sign of danger. The figure lay still, and for a heartbeat, I feared someone might need our help—or worse, succumbed to whatever wrath had brought us here. "Stay behind me," I instructed softly, keeping my voice steady even as adrenaline surged through my veins. As I edged closer to the figure, I could finally make out the familiar features of my brother, Enzo. His face was pale, and his usually vibrant blue eyes were closed, but there was no mistaking him. Relief and dread mixed in my gut like a heavy poison. "Enzo!" I called, my voice stronger now. My brother stirred slightly, a groan escaping his lips as he slowly opened his eyes, squinting against the dim light. "Rylan?" he croaked, confusion flickering across his expression. "What's going on? Where are we? Where is Rio and Ed? I rushed to his side, dropping to my knees next to him. "I don't know, but I'm glad you're here. We need to get
Rylan’s POV “What the heck happened?” I rubbed my head and blinked a few times. I was surrounded by darkness. “Rylan?” Daniella called out and I could sense her fear and relief from her tone. “What’s is going on? Where are we?” She started to get hysterical. “Daniella, I have no idea.” I shouted back. My voice was loud and echoey. I guessed that we were in a big room but I couldn’t work out where. My mind was blank. Where was my brothers and my pack? Daniella was here but still remained the question of how and why? “Where is everyone?” I said out loud. “Rylan something bad is happening, isn’t it?” Daniella started to whine and I couldn’t be bothered to deal with her right now. I needed to find a way out out of this place. “Daniella, focus!” I snapped, trying to shake off the fog that clouded my mind. “We need to keep calm. We can’t let panic take over.” But even as I said it, I felt the knot of worry tightening in my stomach. “Right, okay, calm,” she murmured,
Eliza’s POV My blood boiled at the sight, infusing me with a raw, uncontained rage that eclipsed everything else. “THERON!” I howled, my voice filled with desperation and fury. It shattered the air around us, reverberating with primal energy. As if my scream had triggered something, I charged forward, a blur of fur and fangs, desperation propelling me. The world narrowed to that intense moment, each heartbeat a drum calling me to action. I could feel Jasmine stirring again, the need to protect a power surging through us, binding us in our shared purpose. In an instant, I leapt, agile and relentless, my claws outstretched. The black wolf turned its attention to me, its glowing eyes narrowing. But it was too late—I collided with it, knocking it off Theron. The force of my assault sent the beast sprawling back into the shattered glass, sparks of fury igniting from my body as I fought to assert my dominance. “Get up!” I shouted at Theron, my voice fiercely determined. Momentarily
Eliza’s POV “Yelda?” I gasped, unable to believe she was standing in front of me. What had she done? The smirk on her face said it all. “What have you done to my alpha mates? You bitch.”I could feel my anger boiling over as Yelda's smirk grew wider. Jasmine, my wolf, was stirring, sensing my distress and ready to take control. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but it was useless. The sight of Yelda, her eyes gleaming with malice, was enough to push me over the edge."Tell me what you've done with my mates," I growled, my voice low and menacing. Theron's hand on my shoulder was a cautionary reminder to keep my emotions in check, but I was beyond reason.Yelda chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, Eliza, you're so predictable. Do you think you can waltz in here and demand answers? I've been waiting for you, and now that you're here, you'll play by my rules."I snarled, baring my teeth. Jasmine was rising to the surface, and I could feel my body beginn