ZeldaI struggled to open my eyes, as if something was holding them shut. But I forced them open, wincing as the world spun around me. The room was a blur of colors and shapes, my vision distorted. I closed my eyes again, the effort of keeping them open too much to bear. A moment later, I tried again, this time forcing myself to focus on one thing at a time. My head was pounding, a dull ache behind my eyes. Slowly, the world began to come into focus.I felt a hand on my arm, helping me to sit up. I opened my eyes, meeting the concerned gaze of Drake. “Be careful,” he said, his voice soft and gentle. “You have been through a lot.” I let out a small smile, grateful for his support. I leaned back against the pillows, closing my eyes again. I could feel the exhaustion weighing me down, my body still trembling from the ordeal. I let my mind drift, trying to relax.The memories came rushing back to me. The pain, the terror, the fear. And then, the betrayal. I sat up, my eyes blazing. “Whe
ZeldaThe doctor looked at me, his eyes scanning my face for clues. “Who are you visiting?” he asked, his voice gentle but probing. I hesitated, not wanting to say Amelia's name out loud. It felt too dangerous, too vulnerable. But the doctor's gaze lingered on Drake, his brow furrowed with concern. “Someone important,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. “Someone I need to check on.” The doctor nodded, understanding in his eyes. “I'm going to need to take some of your time,” the doctor said, and I nodded, resigned to the fact that this visit would take longer than I had hoped. Drake moved to sit beside me on the bed, his reassuring presence weight next to me. The doctor sat on the couch opposite us, his face calm and reassuring. “The results are in,” the doctor said, his voice measured and calm. But as he handed the results to me, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the air around us growing thick and heavy. Drake's hand reached for mine, but even his touch
Zelda“What?” I said, my voice, rising in pitch. I felt like I must have misheard him. There was no way this was true. I opened my mouth to ask him to repeat himself, my voice trembling. “She's pregnant with the Alpha's child,” he said again, his voice firm. My heart felt like it had stopped beating. I was frozen, unable to process what I was hearing. All I could feel was a deep, all-consuming sense of betrayal.I turned to look at Drake, hoping for an explanation, but he avoided my gaze. My heart sank as I realized what this meant. “How did you find out?” I asked, my voice hollow. “She collapsed, and when I called the doctor, he said she was pregnant,” he said, his words slow and deliberate. “When he asked who, she said it was the Alpha.” A deep, guttural sob escaped my lips. I felt like I was going to be sick. How could this be happening? How could this be real?Amelia started to laugh, a harsh, mocking sound that grated on my nerves. I couldn't take it anymore. I turned and ra
DrakeThe gash in my arm was gushing blood, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were consumed by the realization that I had hurt Zelda again, that I had betrayed her trust once more. I watched as she sobbed in her mother's arms, her face crumpled in anguish. I felt a crushing weight of guilt, a heavy burden that threatened to drag me down into the depths of despair. I wanted to make it right, to fix what I had done, but I knew that it might be too late.I tried to move towards Zelda, but she saw me coming and shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. “Mummy, tell him to stay away from me!” she sobbed. Madeline looked at me, her eyes filled with disappointment and hurt. I felt my heart sink, the weight of my actions crushing me. I had hurt her, betrayed her trust, and now she wanted nothing to do with me. I was torn between wanting to make things right and knowing that I had caused too much damage to ever fix it.“I didn't do it,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I didn't hurt you,
ZeldaI walked over to my closet and opened the door. My hand hovered over the hanging clothes, unable to decide. I didn't know what to pack, what I would need. Finally, I just grabbed a handful of clothes and started flinging them into a suitcase, my movements becoming more and more frantic. Tears were now streaming down my face, and I couldn't seem to stop them. I felt overwhelmed, lost, like I was in a fog. I had no idea what I was doing, or where I was going. I just knew I had to get away.I tried to dry my tears and regain my composure, folding my clothes into neat piles in the suitcase. But the tears kept coming, and I couldn't seem to stop them. Then, suddenly, the door burst open, and I saw Drake standing there. His expression changed from confusion to hurt, his eyes fixed on the suitcase, then on me. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice filled with pain. I couldn't bring myself to answer him, couldn't even look him in the eye. I turned my back on him and focused on f
DrakeI felt the warm pressure of Zelda's hand in mine as we left the room. There was so much left unsaid, but I couldn't bring myself to break the silence. I stole glances at her as we walked, trying to gauge her thoughts. But her face was impassive, giving nothing away. I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach, a sense of dread that things were not going to be easy from here on out. I knew we needed to talk, but I couldn't find the words. All I could do was hold on to her hand and hope for the best.As we entered the meeting room, the Elders stood up and bowed to us. I raised my hand, gesturing for them to sit. They did so, their eyes fixed on me and Zelda as we sat down across from them. I kept my expression neutral, my face a mask of impassivity. I met each of their gazes in turn, trying to read their thoughts. But they were as unreadable as Zelda's had been. The silence stretched on, tense and heavy, as I waited for someone to speak first. But no one did.“What brings your househ
ZeldaAs the rain pounded against the roof, I sat by the window, my head in my hands. I could hear the sobs that escaped my lips, but I felt numb to the pain. The Elders' words played on a loop in my mind, taunting me, torturing me. “Wombless.” It was a cruel word, one that cut deep. I knew that I was not what they wanted, that I was not the ideal choice for Drake. But I had thought that they had accepted me when I found my wolf. I had been so wrong.I felt so alone in my pain. No one seemed to care that I was hurting that my dreams of becoming a mother were dashed. All they cared about was Amelia, and the fact that she was carrying the heir. I felt like a means to an end, a tool to be used and discarded. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. Anger and sadness warred within me, a storm of emotions that I didn't know how to control. I wanted to scream, to lash out at the world that had betrayed me. But I remained silent, my grief and rage a raging sea that threatened t
ZeldaThe early morning sun streamed through the window, bathing the room in golden light. I groaned as I opened my eyes, cursing myself for waking up so early. I turned my head and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was only 7:00 a.m., and I still had hours of sleep left before I had to start my day. But I couldn't get back to sleep, my mind already racing with the day's responsibilities. I closed my eyes, trying to still my mind, to relax my body. But the sun kept shining, taunting me with its early morning glow.My eyes flew open, and I stifled a scream. Drake was sitting there, mere inches from me, his expression unreadable. I scrambled to the other side of the bed, putting as much distance between us as possible. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. “What are you doing here?” I hissed, my voice coming out as a whisper. Drake simply stared at me, his face an impenetrable mask. “Let's talk, Zelda,” he said, his voi
DrakeThree years later.I stood at the grave, my hands clutching the flowers I had brought. My kids stood beside me, their eyes fixed on the stone before them. I took a deep breath, clearing my throat. “Owen looks exactly like you,” I said, my voice quivering. “I know you're not here, but occasionally I believe you are.” I paused, my eyes hard as I looked at my kids. “He's as strong as you are. He's selfless, just like you. You would have loved him.” The words hung in the air, heavy with emotion.“Sometimes it's difficult to believe that you're not here with us, that I won't ever hear your voice again or feel your touch. Sometimes I think it's all a nightmare, that I'll wake up and everything will be like it was before. But I never do. The truth is, life without you is hard. I find it hard to trust anyone, to open up to anyone. “My kids ran off, giggling as they chased each other through the grass. I got up to follow them, making sure they didn't go too far. As I walked over to whe
ZeldaNine Months Later.I looked in the mirror, my eyes drawn to the slight bulge in my belly. I placed my hand on my stomach, feeling the life within. It was a strange sensation, one that filled me with both joy and fear. I was growing, my body changing, my life changing. But I was still me, still whole. And that was all that mattered to me. I traced my fingers over my cheeks, feeling the slight swelling of my nose. Drake said I looked beautiful, but I couldn't see it. All I saw was a monster. But he loved me anyway.He still wasn't happy that I was keeping the pregnancy, but I knew in my heart that this was the right decision. I wanted to have this child, to give Drake the heir he deserved. He might not have needed it, but the pack did. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. I could do this. I could be strong for both myself and my child. I placed my hand on my stomach again, feeling the flutter of new life within. And I smiled.The door to my room burst o
ZeldaI couldn't tell how long I'd been unconscious, but when I opened my eyes, my head was pounding. I struggled to sit up, but someone helped me, supporting my weight. I looked up, and my heart sank. It was Drake. His expression was unreadable, and I was unable to remember the last time he had smiled. “Where's my family?” I asked, my voice breaking. I was afraid of the answer. “The doctor had asked that we give you some space,” he said. I nodded, my mind racing. He was staring at me with a strange look in his eyes, and I knew something was wrong. “What is it?” I asked, my heart in my throat. “Nothing,” he said, his voice monotone. I knew he was lying. We'd known each other for too long. He knew I could see right through him. I waited, the silence weighing on me like a heavy blanket. “Just tell me,” I said, my voice shaking. He let out a long sigh. “You're pregnant,” he said, his voice low and serious. My jaw dropped, and I looked down at my stomach. “I thought about what the
ZeldaI heard footsteps approaching, and my heart leapt into my throat. A guard appeared, a limp body slung over his shoulder. He dropped the body on the floor, and I held my breath, dreading what I would see. The guard stood back, his face pale. “He's dead,” he said, his voice flat. I forced myself to take a step forward, my knees shaking. I knelt beside the body, my hands trembling as I reached out to touch it. I pulled back the blood-stained cloak, revealing the face of Jake.“Jake, the Fierce,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Don't do this. You can't leave like this.” I reached out to touch his cold cheek, my hands shaking. I looked down at him, my heartbreaking as I took in his broken body. “Please… please don't go.” I cradled his body in my arms, my tears falling like rain.My mother rushed to my side, her arms wrapping around me. “Shh, my dear. Be strong,” she murmured. Drake stood in front of me, his eyes hard and unyielding. His arms were crossed behind his back, hi
ZeldaI felt Jake's hand slip from my grasp, and I heard a sickening thud as he hit the rocks below. I wanted to believe he was still alive, but I knew it was a futile hope. I sank to my knees, my eyes fixated on the jagged cliff that loomed before me. “Jake! Jake! Jake!” I heard Drake’s voice as he called out, but the only response was the echo of his own voice. Desperately, Drake yelled again, his voice hoarse and cracking. But there was no reply, only a heavy silence. I turned to Drake, his expression unreadable. “Let's go,” he said quietly, his voice heavy with grief. “No!” I cried, shaking my head. “We have to find him! We have to save him!” I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I couldn't accept that he was gone. Drake took my face in his hands, his eyes filled with sadness. “He's dead, Zelda,” he said softly, his voice cracking. “I'm so sorry.” I shook my head, refusing to accept that Jake was gone, and then I freed myself from hi
Zelda“Help!” I screamed, my voice hoarse with fear. My claws were digging into the wall, my muscles straining as I fought to stay in place. But I could feel myself slipping, and I knew I couldn't hold on much longer. My eyes darted to the ground below, my heart racing as I thought of the fate that awaited me if I fell. I heard the guards. Drake and Jake were shouting, but I was unable to make out what they were saying. I closed my eyes, my mind spinning as I tried to find a way out of this.I howled in desperation, the sound tearing from my throat. “Zelda!” I heard Drake call, his voice echoing through the cavernous space. I opened my eyes, straining to see him through the darkness. He was standing on the edge of the cliff, his arms outstretched toward me. But it was no use. I was too far away, the space between us was too great. “I can't reach you, Drake,” I cried, my voice cracking. He took a step closer, his eyes pleading. “Just try, Zelda,” he said, his voice shaking.I strugg
ZeldaDesperate, I reached out with my mind, trying to connect with Drake. To my relief, I felt him there, his mind close and receptive. I tried to send him to our location, hoping he could understand my message. Suddenly, I felt his presence grow stronger. He was coming, and he was coming fast. I sent him another message, pleading with him to hurry. He responded, his mind filled with a sense of urgency and determination.Cindy's wolf was impossibly fast, making it difficult for me to shift into my wolf form. I heard a loud growl in the distance, and my heart leapt. I knew that growl, that deep, angry sound. It was Drake, coming to save me. I just had to hold on until he got here. But I could feel my strength waning, and I knew I wouldn't last much longer. I had to find a way to keep myself safe, and quickly.Suddenly, Cindy's wolf stopped, her ears perked up and her body tensed. I could tell she had heard Drake, too. She turned to face him, her tail low and her eyes blazing with hat
ZeldaThe cold water stung my face, jolting me into consciousness. I squinted against the bright light, my eyes taking a moment to adjust. I could feel my wrists and ankles bound, my body aching with the strain of being tied up. My head pounded, a dull ache spreading from the base of my skull. As I took stock of my surroundings, I noticed that I was in a small stone room, the only light coming from a small window high above my head. The room was bare, save for a single wooden chair in the corner.The last thing I remembered was a sudden, blinding pain as something hit me on the head. Now, here I was, tied up and at the mercy of Cindy, a woman who had always been a pest in my life.“Why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice cracking with fear. Cindy's smirk only widened, her dark eyes glittering with malice. “Oh, you know what you did,” she said, her voice dripping with venom. I tried to think of what I could have done to make her so angry, but my mind was blank.“We were friends, C
Zelda“My lady,” a voice called from behind me, making me jump. I turned around to see a maid standing there, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. “Your room is ready,” she said, her tone deferential. “How many miles is it from here to Cindy's grandmother's house?” I asked, my voice betraying my anxiety. The maid hesitated, then said, “I do not know, my lady.” I felt a wave of frustration, but I bit my tongue. “Thank you,” I said, my tone cool.I pulled the curtains closed, blocking out the moonlight. With a weary sigh, I let my shoulders slump. “My lady,” the maid said, “I hope you find the room to your liking.” I nodded my thanks, too tired to speak. She left me alone, and I entered the room, closing the door behind me. I sank onto the bed, its softness enveloping me. The silence was broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall. I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me, and I closed my eyes, my thoughts swirling.I felt my blood boil as I thought of what that woman had d