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
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
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
ZeldaI ran through the lonely woods and thick fog, giving no damn about the scratches and cuts on my feet. My heart felt like it was struck by a sword as his words rang in my head. Jake was my childhood crush. My best friend. He is the strongest wolf in the Silvertail pack and the soon to be alpha. He was my coach and protector. My everything.We decided to take things further when we both turned eighteen and still didn't find our mates. We went from friends to lovers and I never could have wished for myself. I've always loved Jake, even as a child, so this was a dream come. He was the best thing that happened to me since we moved to Silvertail twelve years ago.Who would have thought that my jackass best friend would ditch me at the first chance he gets? As soon as beta Phillip’s daughter, Cindy, arrived from the city, Jake threw me right in the gutter. Cindy was my first and only female friend after Jake. Never would I have imagined that they would do that to me. “You're worth
ZeldaWhat the freaking hell!She must be kidding! What is wrong with my mother? Why the hell would she think that I need a father at this age? I’m almost twenty for crying out loud. What do I need a father for? To spoon feed me? Or to read me a bedtime story? Like hell! When will my mother see that I’m a fully grown woman and I don’t need a father? Not at this age. Besides, the guy looks nothing like dad material. I mean, he’s too handsome to be. I ran up to my room, leaving my mother and her boyfriend or should I say my new dad or…. Mate. I don’t even know how to address him. Urgh… can things get any worse for me? Wasn’t Jake’s betrayal enough pain for one night? Why did the goddess have to add this?With my back to the door, I sat on the floor and hugged my knees as I tried to recall all that happened. All I saw was his smiling face and his tightly knitted abs. What the hell, Zel! What am I thinking? I tapped my cheek to take a reality check. This is totally wrong. I m
Zelda“Thank you,” I muttered as I stepped out of the truck.“Pleasure is all mine munchkin.” He smiled. Munchkin? Seriously? He’s gone into daddy mode. Already?I scoffed inwardly and shook my head as I turned to leave. Taking another look at my wristwatch, I sighed in exasperation as I stepped inside the store. I was thirty minutes late. I just hope that Randolph leaves some crumbs from my brain after chewing on it. I could survive on that. “If it isn’t princess Zelda.”Randolph was right at the door as I stepped in. He seemed to be waiting there for me. “I had a fever,” I lied. Without waiting for him to speak further, I went into the changing room to change into my work suit. It was a yellow polo shirt with the store’s logo written boldly on it. “Oh really?” Randolph was right behind me, manning the door. “I’m so lucky to have you here right now,” he gasped dramatically. I rolled my eyes and smacked my lips. The man is one hell of a drama king. “I’m fine now,” I said as
Drake Silvertail.My return to this pack is solely for one reason and that is to find the man who murdered my brother.Lucas Wayne, my treacherous uncle. The infamous Alpha of Silvertail. Lucas stood by us when my father died. He helped my mother out with the palace and Pack business. He helped train me and my older brother Denver in combat. He taught us all we needed to know about palace affairs. However, when the time came for Denver to step up and become the king, he was suddenly murdered. Denver wasn't just my elder brother, he was everything to me. Friend, companion and partner. However, he was killed by an unknown man whose origin was later traced to having been hired by my uncle.My world shattered after the death of Denver, but I took a vow to avenge his death.After years of waiting, it's finally time to get rid of my evil uncle, but for that to happen, I have to pretend to be someone else and travel to a far away land where he now resides as the Alpha. I arrived in Silv
Zelda"You called for me." I mumbled as I arrived in his cabin. "Come in."I stepped inside to find him sitting elegantly. His back turned to me as he swivelled the chair. "Yes sir," I tried to sound formal. It took a lot of effort for me to stay focused. His scent was all over. His auburn hair shone like the setting sun. I was tempted to touch and ruffle his hair, but I managed to stay within my limit. I stood there for goddess knows how long, yet he didn't say a word. He seemed determined to torture me. Does he know how much he affects me? This mate bond is so compelling. It's making me want to do outrageous things even though I know that it's totally wrong. My mother deserves all the happiness in the world. After my father's death, I've never seen my mother with any other man. She chose to bury herself with work and she made my welfare her priority. However, in the past few weeks, I've noticed the difference in her. I didn't know the reason behind her happiness, but I was
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