HANNAH’S POV“I’m Xavier’s mate,” I repeated, my voice firm.She raised an eyebrow. “You? A weak werewolf like you? I don’t think so. Xavier is a powerful Lycan, and he would never choose someone like you as his mistress, let alone his mate.”I felt a surge of anger at her demeaning words but kept my cool. “I assure you, I am his mate, whether you believe me or not.”The female Lycan’s lips curled into a mocking sneer, her eyes narrowing with contempt. "Even if that were true, which I highly doubt, there is no claim mark on you. Xavier would never leave his mate unmarked. You’re just a pathetic little werewolf trying to claim a connection to someone far superior to you.”My heart sank, realizing that she was right. I did not bear Xavier’s mark as he had yet to mark me, but that still didn’t give her the right to talk down to me. I stood as tall as I could, meeting her gaze with all the strength I could muster.My voice was steady, though inside, I was trembling. "I don’t need to prove
XAVIER’S POVAt Hannah's request, I allowed my features to settle into a more serious expression, my gaze locking onto hers. Her eyes, usually so full of light, now reflected a deep concern that sent a jolt of worry through me. The subtle lines of worry etched into her forehead told me something was off—something that had been gnawing at her in my absence."What’s wrong? Did something happen while I was away?" My voice softened, dropping to a gentle tone as I tried to coax the truth from her.Hannah hesitated, her breath catching as if she were weighing each word carefully. Finally, she took a deep breath, the rise and fall of her chest mirroring the tension between us. "I—I went out of your room," she started, her voice faltering. But before she could continue, my instincts flared, and I interrupted, unable to suppress the panic rising within me."You did what?" My voice was sharper than I intended, the fear I felt twisting my words. "Hannah, I thought I told you to stay here until I
XAVIER’S POVHannah and I continued talking about the upcoming party, sharing ideas and plans, when I noticed her expression shift. Her eyes dimmed, and the smile that usually brightened her face faded. Something was clearly bothering her.I reached out, gently taking her hand in mine, feeling the slight tremor in her fingers. "Hannah," I said softly, my voice laced with concern, "what's wrong? You know you can tell me anything."She hesitated, her gaze dropping to our intertwined hands. The silence stretched between us, and I could almost hear the unspoken words weighing on her mind. Finally, she looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and curiosity. "Xavier," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "you've never talked about your parents. Why is that?"The question hit me like a cold wind, and I felt my heart constrict in my chest. I hadn’t expected this. My eyes drifted away from hers, focusing on a distant point in the room as memories flooded back, pulling me
Xavier’s POV Kasper’s eyes narrowed, his jaw set in a firm line. "I’m not against you showing her off, Xavier. I’m just saying, be cautious. A grand party will put Hannah in the spotlight, making her a target. A simple dinner would be safer."A low growl rumbled in my throat, but I kept it in check. "You’re being paranoid, Kasper," I growled, barely restraining the irritation that bubbled to the surface. "As long as Hannah remains within the pack’s territory, she’s safe. That bastard wouldn’t dare try anything on our land. Besides, I want Hannah to feel welcomed. A grand party is exactly what she needs, and that’s final."Kasper met my gaze, his expression unwavering. "I understand your desire to make her feel at home, Xavier, but I have to look out for her safety—and yours. We don’t know what ‘he’ is planning. A public celebration could be the perfect opportunity for him to reappear."I leaned back in my chair, trying to rein in the frustration that gnawed at me. Kasper’s caution wa
HANNAH’S POVThe day of the welcoming party had finally arrived, and despite Xavier’s reassurances that Kara—his Beta’s mate—would be coming around to help me get ready, I couldn’t shake the nervousness gnawing at me.The way Xavier had spoken about Kara, his eyes lighting up as he described her, made me believe she would be kind. Yet the fluttering in my stomach persisted—a mix of anxiety and anticipation twisting within me.Xavier had left early that morning, muttering something about needing to check on the party preparations. But I knew better; it was just an excuse to give Kara and me some space. I appreciated the gesture, especially since I was feeling both lazy and nauseous from the pregnancy hormones.The mere thought of dragging myself out of Xavier’s king-sized bed felt like an Olympic feat. But I had to look presentable before Kara arrived, so I forced myself up, each movement a small victory over the fatigue weighing me down.The cold tiles sent a shiver up my spine as I p
HANNAH'S POVEver since arriving at the Blue Moon pack and being confined to Xavier's room, the outside world had become a distant memory. The walls of his quarters were both my shelter and my prison, with only fleeting glimpses of the world beyond through half-closed curtains.So when he finally told me about the party, I could only think of one thing: freedom, at last. But the momentary joy was quickly replaced by a creeping sense of dread. Xavier mentioned that he had invited all the neighboring packs and allies.Could Coby be among them?The thought sent a cold shiver down my spine, my palms dampening with the anxiety that gripped me. As we walked down the long hallway, my fingers instinctively tightened around Xavier's arm, my anchor in this storm of uncertainty."Are you okay?" Xavier's voice, always so controlled, now had an edge of concern. His eyes flickered toward me, softening at the sight of my tension.I forced a smile, though my stomach was in knots. "Yeah, just... a litt
HANNAH’S POVMy breath caught in my throat the moment I saw him—Andrew. His familiar chiseled jawline, the messy hair that always looked like he had just woken up, and those deep brown eyes that always seemed to be watching, observing everything. My heart stuttered for a second as a mix of shock and something else—something I didn’t want to name—rushed through me. I hadn’t seen him in weeks, and I certainly didn’t expect to find him at Xavier's lavish party. The room around us faded; the hum of laughter and clinking glasses reduced to a dull buzz as my eyes locked onto him. “Andrew?” The word slipped out, barely above a whisper, my voice betraying my disbelief. I swallowed hard, feeling the sudden dryness in my throat. “What are you doing here?” His lips curled into a small smile, but his eyes... they told a different story. A hint of something—perhaps relief, or maybe something darker—flickered there. “Hannah,” he said softly, his voice like a memory. “It’s good to see you again.”
HANNAH'S POVI gazed at Eva, my expression cold, disinterested. Every muscle in my face was deliberately still—no flicker of warmth, no hint of openness. The air between us felt thick, suffocating, as if the tension had manifested into something tangible. But Eva, unfazed, stepped closer. She forced a smile—tight, strained—and extended her hand, a hollow gesture wrapped in forced civility. “Let’s start again, Hannah.” Her voice was coated with a sickly sweetness, each word dripping with an effort to seem kind. I could hear the tension beneath it, the way her vocal cords tightened with resentment she couldn’t fully mask. “I think we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe we should reintroduce ourselves, try to make amends. Who knows—we could become allies, if not friends.” A sigh escaped me, slow and deliberate, laden with disinterest. “I’m not interested in becoming your ally or friend, Eva.” The words came out clipped, each syllable sharp, as though I was too exhausted to even bother w
ANDREW’S POV The heavy dungeon door creaked open, and Beatrice stepped inside, her boots echoing against the cold stone floor. She carried a plate of food, her grip tight, knuckles whitening. Her eyes flicked to me, and for a split second, I saw it—hesitation, a flicker of doubt. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by a hard, angry glare. She was trying to convince herself as much as me. My heart hammered in my chest, but I kept my face calm. This was my chance—my only chance to break free. “Beatrice,” I said, my voice low but steady. “You don’t have to do this. Let me go. I’ll make sure Xavier knows you were just following orders. You don’t have to go down with Elijah. He’s just using you.” She stopped short, her lips curling into a sneer. “Save your breath, Andrew,” she spat, her voice sharp but with a tiny crack in it—a fracture. “You’re going to die soon anyway. Why don’t you just shut up?” She dropped the plate in front of me. The bowl clattered, soup slos
HANNAH’S POV Elijah’s footsteps faded down the hallway, and I finally let out the breath I’d been holding. My chest felt tight, my heart hammering so hard I thought it might burst. I turned to Lily, my hands trembling as I reached for her. Her face was pale, her chest rising and falling in shallow, mechanical breaths. I leaned closer, my fingers brushing her wrist to check for a pulse. It was there—faint but steady. Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. The image of Elijah hovering over her, his cold gaze lingering, sent a chill through me. He hadn’t come to check on her. He’d come to finish what he had already started. “Lily,” I whispered, my voice breaking. I took her hand, squeezing it gently as if I could will some of my strength into her. “Please, wake up. You have to fight. We need you.” My throat tightened, and I swallowed hard, blinking back tears. “You’re not alone, okay? I’m here. Xavier’s here. We won’t let him hurt you again.” Her hand twitched—just the sl
ELIJAH’S POV The heavy dungeon door groaned as it swung shut behind me, its iron hinges screaming in protest. My boots scraped against the uneven floor, each step a deliberate act of defiance as Andrew’s muffled groans faded into the oppressive darkness. My chest tightened, a volatile mix of anger and satisfaction coiling deep within me. He deserved this. Every agonizing second of it. Beatrice caught up with me, her face a mask of worry. “We need to kill him before Xavier returns and finds out. If we’re caught, it’ll be over for both of us.” I glanced at her, slightly irritated. “Not yet, Beatrice. I want him to suffer more before I end him. He stays alive for now, and that’s final.” She sighed, shaking her head. “You’re making a mistake. Keeping Andrew alive is too dangerous, especially with Xavier sniffing around. It’s not about Andrew himself—it’s about what happens if Xavier returns with more guards to search for him.” I considered her words for a moment, the scenario
ANDREW’S POV The cold was the first thing I felt—sharp, biting, like teeth sinking into my skin. It wasn’t just the chill of the dungeon; it was alive, slithering through the air, wrapping around me until I could barely breathe. My head throbbed, each pulse a cruel reminder of the blow that had knocked me out. My body ached, every muscle screaming as I shifted slightly. Then came the sound—a sharp, metallic clink. Chains. My wrists were shackled, the cuffs digging into my flesh, and my ankles were anchored to the floor with heavy iron. I was trapped. I blinked, my vision swimming as it adjusted to the dim, flickering light. The walls were slick with moisture, the stones jagged and uneven, as if they’d been carved to inflict suffering. The air reeked of mildew and decay, a nauseating stench that clawed at my throat. This wasn’t just a cell; it was a tomb, a place designed to crush hope. And then I saw him. Elijah stood a few feet away, his silhouette sharp against the gloom.
XAVIER’S POV I stormed out of the hospital, my mind racing as I headed straight for Elijah’s compound. Andrew’s impulsive decision to confront Elijah alone was reckless, and I knew it could only end in disaster. Elijah wasn’t the kind of man you confronted without a plan, and Andrew’s grief and rage had clouded his judgment. I had to stop him before it was too late. When I arrived at Elijah’s house, the guards at the gate immediately tensed, their hands hovering near their weapons as they recognized me. I didn’t have time for their games. “I need to speak to Elijah,” I said, my voice sharp and commanding. “Now.” The guards exchanged uneasy glances but eventually stepped aside, allowing me to pass. I strode through the compound, my senses on high alert. The place reeked of arrogance and deceit, and I hated every second I had to spend there. Elijah was waiting for me in the main hall, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. “Xavier,” he said, his voice smooth and mocking. “To wh
ANDREW’S POV The night air was cold, biting at my skin as I stormed through the streets. My mind was a whirlwind of anger, grief, and desperation. Every step I took felt fueled by the fire burning in my chest—a fire that had been ignited the moment I saw Lily lying there, broken and bleeding. The image was seared into my mind, playing on repeat like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. And now, the doctor’s words echoed in my ears: “She’s hanging on by a thread.” Elijah did this. He hurt her. He took the one person who meant everything to me and tried to destroy her. I didn’t care if it was a calculated move or some twisted message to the pack. All I cared about was making him pay. He was going to regret ever laying a hand on her. My fists clenched at my sides as I picked up speed, my feet carrying me toward Elijah’s territory. I didn’t have a plan, and I didn’t care about the consequences. All I knew was that I couldn’t sit there and wait while Lily fought for her life. I had
HANNAH’S POV Andrew’s sobs tore through me, raw and unrelenting, as he clung to my shoulder. His body shook against mine, each cry a knife twisting deeper into my chest. I held him tighter, my fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as if I could somehow anchor him to this moment—to me. The sterile smell of the hospital burned my nose, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart. Lily—sweet, fierce Lily—was just beyond those doors, fighting for her life. And Andrew… he was breaking in my arms. “Why?” he choked out, his voice muffled against my shoulder. “Why her? Why today?” His words were ragged, each one laced with a pain so deep it felt endless. I didn’t have an answer. There was no answer. The world was cruel, and it had chosen them—two of the kindest souls I knew—to bear its cruelty. I pulled back just enough to cup his face, my thumbs brushing away the tears that wouldn’t stop falling. His eyes were bloodshot, his cheeks streaked with grief. “Andrew,” I whis
XAVIER’S POV The sterile, fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway buzzed faintly, casting a cold, unfeeling glow over everything. Each second stretched into an eternity, the silence broken only by the rhythmic tapping of Andrew’s frantic footsteps. He paced like a caged animal, his hands clenched into fists, his face pale and drawn. His eyes—bloodshot and hollow—darted toward the surgery doors every few seconds, as if willing them to open. The air felt heavy, suffocating, and I could barely breathe under the weight of it all. I wanted to say something, anything, to ease his torment. But what words could possibly matter now? My throat tightened, and I swallowed hard, forcing down the helplessness clawing at my chest. Then, the sharp echo of hurried footsteps cut through the tension. I turned, my heart sinking as I saw Hannah and Kas rounding the corner. My stomach twisted. What are they doing here? I had told Kas to take them home, to keep them safe. “Kas,” I said, my voic
XAVIER’S POVThe moment I saw the blood, my stomach dropped. It wasn’t just a trickle—it was a pool, dark and glistening, spreading beneath Lily like a cruel stain. My heart hammered in my chest, but I shoved the panic down. Focus. Move.“Get the car ready—now!” I mind-linked the nearest guard, my voice sharp, urgent. The response came instantly, but it wasn’t fast enough. Nothing felt fast enough.I shot another message to Kas: Take Hannah and Jackson home. I don’t want them around for this.Back in the hall, chaos had erupted. The air was thick with gasps, cries, the sharp tang of fear. Lily lay limp in Andrew’s arms, her dress soaked in crimson, her face ghostly pale. Andrew’s expression was a mask of raw terror, his arms trembling as he held her close.Someone in the crowd fainted—her mother, I think—but I didn’t stop to check. There was no time.“Out of the way!” I barked, shoving through the crowd. Andrew followed, his steps unsteady but determined, his grip on Lily never loosen