Eloise's POV:A smirk formed on my face as I watched the expression on Alyssa's face."You what?" She hissed, her brows furrowing in confusion and disbelief.Are you sure you know what you're doing? My wolf asked me, genuinely curious on whether I just made a mistake or just downright stupid.I heard that. I shoot her a disapproving glare. She shrugged.Well, don't blame me. I'm just looking out for you. You want to train this girl? Adeline sounded with just as much curiosity and disbelief.Yup. Her potential is strong. Her aura is weak, but over time, if she builds her strength, I'm sure she will improve.I could feel Adeline's jaw hitting the surface of my mind with a resounding thud of incredulity. I rolled my eyes at her.Stop being so over-dramatic. She needs this. All women here do. I know you felt her desperation, her loss of will despite the inner strength she has.And you took advantage of her challenge to convince Kaden to train other females? I nodded, a smirk twitching o
Eloise’s POV:“Having fun, huh?” Kaden’s deep voice rang in the air, and I find myself putting on a smirk as I face him with a slight tilt of my head.“Enjoyed the show?”He inched closer, towering over me and I look up at the gigantic mountain before me.“What exactly were you trying to gain by training Alyssa?” he asked with a raised brow.There was something with the way she spoke of her name that irked me.My eyebrow twitched and I shot him a look to kill.Eloise, what are you planning? Adeline’s voice echoed, barely above a whisper, as she took an innocent peek at the dark thoughts storming in my mind.I wanted answers. Answers that he was going to give me whether he liked it or not.Eloise? My wolf pressed, but I ignored her.“What, you wouldn’t want your precious luna to get a single bruise on her body?” I scoffed.His eyes widened in surprised, before an amused look took place on his sharp, edged features.The corner of his lips curled in a way that was seductive, yet also dan
Eloise’s POV:“f*ck you,” I spat, snapping my teeth as I glared up into his blood-red eyes.Who was he to decide what any wolf could or couldn’t do in this life?He could burn me along with every other wolf who dared challenge him to fight against what’s wrong, but I am not going to stand still and look pretty while he stands against everything I have lived for. These past few years, fighting, combat training, and hunting have been everything. Even just as a distraction, at least I had not buried myself into a wallowing pit of fear, guilt, and regret over everything that happened since the day I met him.A furious, deadly growl ripped through me. I watched as Kaden suddenly rose taller. Adeline could already feel his wolf come forward in the challenge from my voice, and honestly, I was dangerously close to breaking a common law.His eyebrow raised in shock, but his wolf I noticed, seemed rather unhappy.“You are playing with fire, Eloise.” He growled out, his eyes darkening.“She-wolv
110Eloise’s POV:“You’re not really thinking of being his luna, are you?” Adeline butted in my thoughts and the smile instantly disappeared from my face.“Of course, not,” I huffed, rolling my eyes at my wolf.I sensed a tinge of sadness emanate from her, but if I was correct she made no indication.She backed off, leaving me to my own thoughts. Only then did I realize she left me completely alone with Kaden, left me on my own to fight the mate bond blazing within close proximity with him.At this moment, I realized how I made it through training with other people, as if their presence enabled me to keep my sanity around him all this time.I pursed my lips together, taking in the awkward silence that filled the air as he drove in complete silence. Only the sound of the engine and birds seeking for shelter outside reached my ears, until he opened his lips.“You know, for a second there, I thought you wanted to kill her.” He chuckled which had me cocking my eyebrow as I turned my eyes
Eloise's POV: I walked into the building, leaving Kaden in the dust. I walked inside with my head held high and my Alpha aura swirling around me, not taking any chances or opportunities for anyone to think I had no right being in here. They could try, but they'll have to sit with their asses handed to them after. Adeline chuckled, lightening the dark mood that took its place in the air around me and Kaden, who I noticed followed merely two meters behind.I received judgemental stares from every she-wolf passing by as I made my way to the council chamber. Although the last time I was here, I was here by force. Having Kaden invite me felt different, and I felt somewhat nervous.Standing in front of the doors, I stopped just before Kaden stepped to my side. His towering form created a huge shadow that was impossible to ignore.I glanced up at him, his eyes moving down to meet my own."I tried looking for you, El. Once I found you were carrying our pups, I was desperate." He breathed,
Eloise's POV:Before I could answer for myself, Kaden’s muscular build moved in front of me, blocking me protectively from Alpha John’s heated glare.“She is here for the same reasons you are, John, she’s an Alpha staying at my pack territory. You will treat her with the respect her rank demands," Kaden growled, his voice carrying the authority of a true Alpha. His stance was rigid, his shoulders squared as he shielded me from John’s unwarranted hostility.My eyes fell on Alpha John who looked past Kaden towards me, a permanent sneer etched on his face.John scoffed, his lip curling in disdain."Are you f*cking serious, Kaden? You invite this rogue wannabe Alpha into such an important meeting, and expect us to give her respect?” he barked back, allowing his own aura to spread throughout the chamber in his anger.Adeline growled at the condescending tone and the rudeness of this man who calls himself Alpha.I raised my brow at him, amused.“What’s so funny?” he gritted, shooting me a s
Eloise’s POV:He is fuming. Adeline pointed out, peeking at his reddened face through my own eyes.You got to admit, he’s more handsome when he’s mad. My wolf chuckled shamelessly and I rolled my eyes at her.I’m not trying to make him jealous. I defended myself. Adeline clapped back with a scoff.You know you can never lie to me, El. We’re basically one and the same. She prodded.This time, I did not pay my wolf any attention as I glued my eyes to Kaden’s face. His features, I noticed, had gotten sharper and darker.He did not even try to hide the fact he was angry with me for choosing a seat far from his side.“Hello,” the silky-smooth voice eased into my mind, and I raised my eyes.He extended his palm to me, “I’m Caleb, by the way,” he smiled, the man with light blonde hair who invited me to this seat.His eyes twinkled brightly and his smile reached his ears. It was contagious, I admit, and to think he was actually more handsome up close. There are specks of sky blue that surroun
113Eloise’s POV:Alpha John kept his mouth shut during the meeting.Adeline scoffed in my head.He made the right choice. She commented.I giggled, knowing she is right.Kaden gave him deadly stares the entire time, even when it was not his turn to speak. I found it amusing that the dark Alpha could influence the other alphas into submission. Well, despite the huge age difference. From what I heard, Alpha John is already over his forties. I won’t lie though, he still looked good. He would be more handsome if he wasn’t such a prick.Adeline snorted.Yeah, right. What are the chances for that?I shook my head when Kaden’s voice tuned into my mind.“In conclusion, training for the females will begin as early as tomorrow.” He announced. Then his eyes scanned the crowd, landing on mine. The moment our eyes locked, my heart stopped.“Any other questions?”The crowd fell silent. Just as I thought nobody was going to speak, the handsome bloke beside me cleared his throat.We all turned to h
I hear Kaden chuckle, but I ignore him. Thankfully, he does not say anything as we make our way to our table."Alpha, luna," an omega whose name I recall would be Vera, stepped toward us. Her head bowed in full submission.I resist the urge to roll my eyes. How many times do I have to say it?"I am not your luna, I'm--""Alpha Eloise," Kaden continues, looking at the omega with a firm gaze. The omega freezes and looks at me furrowing her brows."From now on, you will address her with the proper title. Do you understand?" His voice thundered across the hall."And that goes for every single one of you." He echoed, before a collective roar of 'Yes, Alpha' reverberated through the walls."I'm sorry, Alpha Eloise. It won't happen again," Vera cranes her neck, baring it to me in submission.I nod to her, "It's alright. You may go."When she left, I catch her glance back at me. But I was already looking at Kaden, mesmerized."Thank you," I tell him, and he smiles."You are an alpha first, th
Eloise’s POV:“Let’s go.” I look at his hand, then take it, allowing him to lift me to my feet before we walk out the door, side by side. My heart felt light and warm with his hand wrapped tightly around mine.“Where are we going?” I ask him, and a smile curls on his lip.“Don’t you want to see your friend?”My eyes lit up at the mention of Abbie. I have been worried about her, and the conditions she is in when Kaden opens a door just to my right.Kaden gestures me to enter so I did, and the moment I reach a few steps my eyes caught sight of Abbie.“Abbie!” My breath caught in my throat as I practically make a beeline straight towards her on the bed. To my surprise when I walked in, she’d been squinting at the huge TV, in her hand a remote and had been switching the channels with a deep frown on her face.“Oof,” she blew out a breath as our chests collided. “Eloise, you’re squishing me,” she grunts, and I immediately let go of her before looking her up and down, checking for any kind
153Eloise’s POV:Kaden promised to let me see Abbie, on one condition. I have to meet with my father and get him to let me see Mum.“How do I know you won’t hurt her?” I ask, searching his eyes. I want to know.Kaden pins me with his dark gaze, and slowly he lifts my chin to meet his orbs. They had turned pitch-black which means his wolf has surfaced.“He won’t.” a deeper, huskier voice rasps, making me gasp. It was his wolf speaking.Dark, dangerous eyes peers into me, leaving a burning sensation down my spine. A familiar feeling.“What’s your name?” I ask, looking at his wolf. I have barely seen him in action, and my wolf’s growing curiosity at what he looked like was killing her inside.“Rictus,” he says his name was, as he looks at me like he wants to devour me whole.‘Gladly. Hell, I’ll even offer myself up to him,’ Adeline snorts, and I roll my eyes at her comment. Horny-ass wolf.“I promise you, my human may appear all tough and stubborn, but he’s kind and wants to protect you
Kaden’s POV:I wipe the tears from her eyes. The hurt flashing across them tells me I may not be the only one who feels regret. We both made mistakes. But now, all I want is to gain her full trust. I want to show her I can be her mate, to support her, protect her, and love her all the days of my life. I want to give my life to her and our pups if that means keeping them safe.“I will protect you, protect our pups.” I say with determination and promise, “That is,” I lean down and move closer until our foreheads press together, “If you let me?”Eloise slowly lifts her head, staring up at me and searching for even the slightest hesitation in my eyes. But I could feel her own fade away as she bit her lip, and damn, did I want to crash mine against hers.“Okay,” she finally says.One word. Soft. Fragile. But it shatters me inside out like a damn grenade.I exhale shakily, pressing my forehead harder against hers, memorizing this moment because I know it’s everything. It’s Eloise, my Eloise
151Eloise’s POV:The sight of him being vulnerable, losing control beside me makes my heart clench. As I watch his lower lip tremble, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. It felt like stealing a part of his life. One I can never give back.A lump forms in my throat. I swallow, instantly feeling the dryness of it in my tongue as I drown in my own guilt.“They’re beautiful,” he says finally, his voice hoarse. “F*cking beautiful,” he chuckles, wiping the tears off his face as if to get a grip.I nod, “They are,”Kaden takes his eyes off the screen for a minute and looks at me. I bite the inside of my cheeks, holding his gaze. There is an intensity in it that made knots in my stomach. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.Until he rips his gaze away and I let out a breath.“Are there more?” he asks, in a gut-wrenchingly polite way. His eyes move between our triplets back and forth.I press my lips in a line, and we both focus on the screen before I show him other pictures of them growing up
Eloise’s POV:We make our way back to the grounds. I’m relieved Kaden at least saw through the wolf for who he is. A man, and for years, he’d been lost after losing his mate and unborn pup. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how he felt that day, when the rogues clamped their teeth around her belly and ripped it out of her. Even now, outside that memory, I can see it. All the blood, and his hands covered in Maya’s blood and his unborn pup’s, makes my heart break.I couldn’t imagine my life without my pups. They are everything, and I would give my last breath for them in a blink.Still, the anguish and excruciating pain he felt was devastating. He lost everything, and I couldn’t help but feel, in some way, how it must have felt for Kaden.I glance at Kaden walking by my side. He had been awful silent for a while ever since Walter shifted. I noted the shock on his face, but his lips had been sealed shut.Logan left to run some errands, but before he left he winked at me and smiled, earnin
Kaden’s POV:Eloise’s body is flush against mine. I could feel Logan’s piercing gaze glare holes into the back of my head, but he’s the last thing I should worry about right now. I’ve just witnessed my mate search through a rogue’s memory, which is near to impossible, unheard of. I can tell by the way her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Also by the way the wolf whimpered and his eyes flicker like his life had flashed before him. And also because Rictus told me.But how could this be? Even Rictus have no idea. But something else stirs inside me, unsettled.Eloise sobs into my chest. Her body shaking uncontrollably.I lift her chin with my finger, whispering sweet nothings into her ear before she lifts her eyes, locking onto mine.“Tell me,” I rasp, “What did you see?”Her bottom lip quivers before she finally speaks, and proceeds to tell me everything. Apparently, this wolf right here is beta to some unknown pack. And her pregnant mate was attacked by rogues who had the unquenchab
Eloise's POV:Kaden slits his eyes and looks at me, "Eloise," "No." I glue my feet to the ground, letting him know I am not going anywhere until he listens.Why does he want me to leave so bad?"You have to listen,"Kaden moves his gaze between me and Logan who tosses a knowing smirk my way.Kaden sighs, "Fine." He grunts.Logan gives me a nod, and I turn back to the wolf, Walter.I extend my hand, slipping it between the bars which inevitably elicits a growl from Kaden. I shoot him a glare and he does not move, but his eyes are glued to my hand, preparing for the worst.Before I can place my hand on the wolf's fur, he leaned forward, pushing his forehead onto my hand instead. The moment my fingertips brushed his fur, my eyes roll to the back of my head as I am transported to a place where my feet is rooted to the grass. I felt my soul leave my body as visions began to flash before my eyes in nanoseconds, but I feel as if I am right there.I blink, opening my eyes slowly. When I look
Eloise’s POV:The cells is probably the filthiest place in the pack house. While everything above these old cages are filled with luxurious pieces from floor to the damn ceiling, everything down here gathers dust and filth. What’s more, I feel like the prisoners here were plucked and tossed into the pit of the abyss, never to be seen or heard from again. And it reeks of blood and feces that can never be seen clearly as not a single ray of sunlight touches these dark cells.Is this what the rumors were all about when they labeled Kaden as the notorious, merciless alpha ever known?I can’t believe this. I can’t believe him.I step towards the cell Logan has brought me to see, and I duck my head to see the same wolf who took my side unexpectedly that day I was attacked in the forest.“Hello,” I speak out, trying to reach him. He was still in wolf form, curled up facing the far wall.“Can I talk to you just for a second?” As my eyes focus on his form, I furrow my brows when I see blood co