Nora's POV
Not going to lie, I felt like I was dreaming but the sad truth was that it was a reality.Standing before me was Karen and so I decided to solicit help from him but he ignored me like I never existed.He didn't stop there, he walked out on me despite my pleas for help and at this point, I couldn't help but wonder what this was all about.For a while, I didn't make a sound, nor a move.I just sat there, staring into space as I replayed the scene that had happened in my head.With the little drama I had seen, no doubt, Karen was the one who had held me hostage otherwise, he would have untied me.He and Vina were a team and hence made me wonder when they became so close, not to talk of ganging up against me.Tied up, I couldn't move my body properly.Aching all over, I tried to adjust only for me to fall on my face and at once Vina let out a huff.Ignoring her attitude, I decidedCarlos’ POVGrabbing my head, I managed to pull myself to my feet, the effect of the strong substance which I had inhaled, slowly weaning off. “Karen!” I called, stumbling back and forth, trying to maintain my stance. This uneasy movement continued for a while before I could finally stand on my feet and with my hands grasping my waist, I let out a loud howl as anger mixed with frustration racked through me. My failure in getting Karen after all my boast was making me go insane. The more I thought about it, the more frequently I clenched and unclenched my fists as anger raked through me. Karen had outwitted me, I shouldn’t have fallen for his cheap tricks. “What am I going to do now?” I pondered with my hands across my chest as I paced about in a futile attempt to keep still. Still frustrated, I slide through a tree to the ground, pulling my legs to my chin. With my gaze fixed in the space in front of me,
Karen's POVWith my hands folded behind me, I had my gaze out of the window as I awaited the results of the mission. At the end of my discussion with Beta Anderson, I was uncomfortable as I kept thinking about Carlos and his persistent nature. Even though we had managed to shut down his body system back there at the woods, that wasn't a guarantee that he wouldn't come at me again. “He is smart, I admit that. Just a little encounter with me, he was able to detect what I’m up to.” Chuckling, I pushed my hand into my hair and then tugged on it for a while. Frowning really hard now, I began to clench and unclench my fists as anger racked through my veins. Carlos was a thorn in my flesh and the earlier I pulled him out the more better for me. Impatient from waiting for the assailants, I stepped out of my room only to see them walking up to me with a neutral look on their faces. Now in front of me, they all did a curt now while I looked on. All I needed was the results of the operati
Nora’s POV Everything Karen had said to me sounded foreign that I couldn't even believe a bit of it. It was like he was reading from a script for a movie and the more he fed me with the lines he had to offer, the more doubtful I became.Pursing my lips, I feigned like I was listening to him when in the real sense I wasn't, rather I was waiting for just one word so I will be able to attack him from there. Suddenly, I remembered Vina’s words about him being dangerous and not to be trusted but here he was painting someone else in the same light.“What about Vina?” I cut in, sending his words back to his throat. For a moment, he didn't say a thing. He went mute as he darted his eyes around only to focus it on me when he realized I was watching. “She is scared of you. If the both of you are trying to help me then you have to be a team and not the other way around.” I paused to allow the words to sink in. “There is something you aren't telling me and I'm curious to find out what it is
Karen’s POV After leaving Nora’s side, I stumbled into the hallway, clenching and unclenching my fists in anger as I stared into space. The conversation we just had was a clear testament that I haven’t even begun yet as Nora was a hard nut to crack. Convincing her that I was doing this for her own good was a difficult thing to do but I was determined to do so otherwise, my plans would be thwarted. Looking behind my shoulders, I kept staring at the closed door, contemplating my next line of actions. After what seemed like forever, I decided to go back in and try convincing her again but I felt that was going to make her doubt me even more. With heavy footsteps, I made my way towards the exit of the building only to push open the door of the second room where Vina lay. With my face scrunched up in disgust, I cranked my head to the side and with my hands crossed on my chest, I
Karen's POVThe silence in the room became thick coupled with a thickened tension filled room that could be cut through with a knife.Step after step, he made his way into the throne room and now in the middle, he did a curt bow, his hands securely by his side. What is he doing here? — I pondered, my gaze never leaving him even for a minute. “Callum, you never told us you were coming.” Queen Dione said to Elder Callum, her brother and Nora’s uncle who I had met in the Blue Lycan Kingdom. “I should have been here a long while ago but I had no idea what had happened until last night.” He said, folding his hands behind him like he always does.“I had been on hiatus several miles away only to return to learn that my niece went missing without a trace.” He thundered.The anger mixed with disappointment in his eyes couldn't be missed. Nora's family kept acting like she was a child that needed to be looked after all through the day. Their actions were pissing me off but at the same time
Karen's POV“To determine if Nora is still alive or dead, I will have to summon her blue blood.” Elder Callum said, his voice firm and resounding. Swallowing hard, I grabbed the arm of the chair I was sitting on, my gaze never leaving him even for a minute. Summoning the blue blood of a royal Lycan is Iike unleashing a suppressed demon that the Lycan possessed. If Elder Callum goes through with this plan of his, it wouldn't be long before Nora would be found and not only that, the other part of her wolf which my grandfather suppressed will rear its head. “I think we should go with that path.” King Salvador said, increasing my heartbeat. Somehow, I will have to come up with a contingent reason to dissuade them or else, I wouldn't be able to defeat the kingdom and for certain, I was going to lose my life. Right there where I sat, a million and one idea was spiraling through my head all at once but none of them seemed viable. The adults kept talking but I was too bothered to liste
Nora's POVIf I was told that someday I would be a captive, I wouldn't have believed it a bit but here I was, restrained like a common prisoner. The thought alone made me furious that I was itching to get out as quickly as possible to deal with whoever was behind this. Karen's words all sounded unreal to me no matter the direction I looked at it from. “I mean, Carlos had been open to me from the very beginning even when we drifted apart.” I muttered. Shaking my head sideways, I added, “Carlos is not a traitor and he won't become a traitor all of a sudden.” It's either Karen was making up stories about him or he was telling a tale based on the information he had gotten from someone who was trying to tarnish Carlos' image. Blinking my eyes, I sent my teeth into my lips. My lips, which had been bearing the brunt of my anger, were badly wounded by now but I couldn't help it. The more I thought of Karen's words, the more frustrated and confused I became. Even Vina has begun to av
Karen's POVAt the moment, I had my back against the wall with a smirk dancing on my lips. Things were going well as planned and so I had no other choice but to be thankful as I reviewed the next phase of my plan. Suddenly, I remembered Elder Callum who had wanted to call Nora back with her blue blood and on impulse , I clenched my fist by my side only to send it into the wall. “You're lucky you didn't disrupt my plan.” I smirked, already visualizing what I had intended to do to him if his plan would have fallen through. I had intended to end his life as he was an obstacle.“My lord, we heard a crackling sound, is anything the matter?” One of my assailants asked, poking his head through the door. “Not at all.” I shook my head in the negative, pushing my hand forward but after a few seconds of thought, I pushed my hand into my hair, noding at him to take his leave. Now left alone to myself, I had my hands folded across my chest as I roamed about the little space I was in, the smi
Nora's POV With her eyes glistening with tears, mother ran into the study, pulling me into a tight hug that I felt my breath being cut off. Too weak to do a thing, I just stood there as she continued to squash me in a bear hug while muttering some words in my ears. When she finally pulled away from me, I attempted to wipe the tears off her face but she grabbed my hand mid air. “I'm sorry Nora, please forgive me.” She said, tears rolling down her eyes in torrents. “Come on mom, it's fine.” I flashed her a smile, rubbing her palm to soothe her. “That's not the case Nora.” Wiping her eyes with the back of her palm, she took in a deep breath. “I allowed Karen to mislead me. I was a toy in his game and he made sure to sway me with different talks to get what he needed.” Mother went on and on to talk of how Karen had used her but I didn't judge her a bit. If I was in her place, I would have done the same.
Nora’s POVCounting in my head to hundred, I kept wishing I could reach the last number as soon as possible as I couldn't stop itching with excitement. At first, it was a dream as I found it hard to believe I was back home, I was back in my kingdom and with my family. Finally, the whole ordeal of being kidnapped was over and now, another round of battle which I was mentally prepared for was lurking around. I was still on my bed, my body limp and my eyes dull while pretending to have memory erased. But little did Karen know that I was just biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.And now, I knew exactly what I had to do. I would use Karen's own motives against him, exploit his weaknesses, and turn his own game back on him.I could hardly wait to see the look on Karen's face when he realized he had been outsmarted by the very person he thought he had broken.I took a silent sigh, my heart racing with excitem
Karen's POVI decided to return to the kingdom with the unconscious Nora. It would be quite impossible to kill her without a full plan. I needed to have some time to help me restrategize. Carlos' sudden appearance had made all my plans go to naught as I strongly believed that he hadn't acted on his own. He must have solicited help from Nora's kingdom and so I had to be extra careful while dealing with them. On arrival, I handed Nora to the physicians. I stood before King Salvador and Queen Dione, and the elders of the kingdom. I could see the concern etched on their faces as I recounted my tale."I am afraid Carlos had already poisoned Nora by the time I reached her," I said, my voice laced with feigned regret. "I managed to rescue her, but I had to escape quickly, as my army was vastly outnumbered."Queen Dione's eyes welled up with tears. "Oh, Karen, you're a hero! We can't thank you enough for saving our daughter."
Reader's POVThe news Greg brought, sent cold chills running through the spines of everyone present. Just like Greg had said, he stated that things were getting sour quicker than expected and this was the perfect example for it. Several times, Justin tried to speak but his tongue was tied. It seemed like a lead was tied to his tongue, stopping him from lifting it. Frustration simmered within Justin during the ride to the Blue Lycans pack. Elder Callum suggested that they bring them to his kingdom. Until they find out exactly how to get Karen, Carlos wasn't safe in the werewolf kingdom.But as soon as they arrived, ominous news awaited them.The guards informed Elder Callum and Justin that an envelope had been discovered at the entrance of the throne room, sent by an unknown source. Without hesitation, Justin snatched the envelope and tore it open, scanning its contents.“No, no, no!” he shouted, his fist crashing into the wall.
Reader's POV While all these were going on, Justin and the secret army he had gathered were trying to find out Karen's secret hideout. With the description Vina had given to them, it seemed easy but since they embarked on the search for the location, they haven't been able to reach their destination. Exhausted, the men gathered under a large tree to catch their breath while Justin and the members of the Blue Lycan Kingdom who had offered to help them went over the directives again. Drumming his foot against the floor, Justin had a look of worry on his face. He believed that Karen had caught Carlos and now he was in grave danger. “Calm down.” It was Elder Callum who had accompanied them that spoke. He too was trying to trace Nora’s scent but it was to no avail. “I can't reach him through the mind link.” Justin replied, still hitting his foot against the floor with his hands crossed on his chest. His distress got to the point that he began to pace about, all in a bid to clear his
The last thing Vina expected was a bloodied Carlos, looking half-dead and lying at the entrance of the room where Nora was kept hostage.“ Carlos!" She screamed but quickly placed her hand over her mouth, not wanting to attract the guards.With her eyes almost falling off its socket and her heart beating heavily against her chest, she swallowed hard as if that would stop her wobbling legs. Not even the fear of the guards could topple the scary scene before her.Vina stepped backwards, her palm over her mouth. “What am I going to do now? Nora-!” she questioned no one as her eyes darted around the place.Vina's heart racing, she rushed towards Carlos, her eyes fixed on his pale and battered face. She couldn't believe the state he was in - bruised, bleeding, and seemingly lifeless. She quickly assessed the situation, realizing that there were no guards nearby, and sprang into action.With a renewed sense of determination and g
THIRD POVSlowly, Vina moved her body which was aching slightly as she tried to snap her eyes open. After her encounter with Karen where he had dealt mercilessly with her, he had ordered his men to throw her into one of the rooms so she would die a slow and painful death. “Ugh! I'm not dead yet.” She muttered, finally snapping her eyes open as she pulled herself to a sitting position. It took a while before she could adjust to her environment, and when she tried to stand up in a bid to escape, she fell back on her behind with a little sigh. Wiping the blood that was on the side of her lips, she sucked her teeth, letting out a little grunt at the same time. If she was told before now that her collaboration with Karen was going to cause a lot of damage, she wouldn't have dared.Vina's eyes clouded over as she reminisced about the horrific event. She had thought that being Karen's mate would afford her some level of protection and care, but the memory of that fateful day still haunt
Carlos' POV Standing in front of me was no other person than Karen, a smirk dancing on his lips. He wore an official coronation attire. A thick, black fur glistening in the light, perfectly groomed and sleek. His piercing yellow eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, radiating confidence and authority. Pulling myself up, I tried to square off with him only for me to fall face first to the floor and the next thing that happened was a loud laughter that rang all over the hallway. “I knew you were up to no good so I decided to lurk around.” Smacking his lips with a shrug, he added, “Too bad you are yet to understand that I’m always one step ahead of you each time.” He hissed. “Why are you doing this? If you really love her like you claimed, you wouldn't hurt her this way.” I yelled, grasping the wall for support. Clicking his tongue, I was itching to hear what he had to say to me but he didn't speak. “You know…” Rub
Carlos' POVTo my delight, all of my plans fell into place. Thanks to the mask that covered my face, Karen couldn't recognize me and my masked smell made it hard for him to detect my presence. The moment I saw Nora, the urge to save her hit me with so much force but somehow, I was able to hold back. Karen's eyes suddenly fixed on me with a smirk carefully plastered on it. That's when I realized that he must have known it was me.I glared at Karen, my eyes blazing with fury as he approached me with his men. He looked smug, too confident, and I knew I had to warn him."Game's over, Carlos," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You're going down."I let out a scowl, my eyes gleaming with anger. "Oh, I don't think so, Karen," I responded, my voice dripping with condescension.With a sudden movement, he kicked me brutally, sending me crashing to the ground. I grunted in pain as he dragged Nora away from me, his men closing in to surround me.But I refused to back down. "Nora's see