12Kane,I stared in disbelief as I took in the right before me, I had to blink my eyes a few times to ensure that I was seeing well and right, Gazing at her form, I could see dry flakes of tears on her face as I approached hesitantly,"Serena? Is it really you?"My voice was barely above a whisper as I questioned her with furrowed brows,Staring at her, my heart and head were in a battle, on one hand, I wanted to rush to her and never let her go, on the other I wanted to berate and ask her when she had been, her absence had cost me a lot. Serena barely acknowledged me as she got on her knees before the king, clasping her hands she begged in a broken voice,"Please, Sir! Please don't kill him, please save his life for the sake of our children" Everyone present let out a loud gasp, with their eyes as wide as saucers. “What is she talking about?”“Children? For the Alpha?”“I cannot believe my ears, this has to be a lie I tell you!”Everyone around began asking all at once, but I co
13SerenaI don't know how long I sobbed there on the ground, the emotions consuming me in waves. Some small part of me registered Kane's presence still near, though he made no move to touch me. Not that I would have allowed it in that moment. Eventually my tears slowed, leaving me feeling hollowed out yet again. I dared lift my gaze, met with twin pairs of eyes - the kind man's, full of concern, and Kane's, unreadable yet intense. 'Who was this man?' I wondered.A shuddering breath left me as I pushed myself up on shaking arms. My voice was barely a rasp as I spoke. "All I could think to do was come find my mate. He is the only one with a chance of helping me now." Kane remained silent, waiting. I turned to the man. "You have shown me kindness sir. If there is any influence you can lend to the search for my pups, I beg of you."He nodded solemnly. "You have my word, child, all resources will be committed to bringing your children home safely. But first, rest - you are worn to the
15KaneThe city lights flickered in the distance as I walked through the bustling urban jungle, lost in a sea of thoughts. Serena's words reverberated in my mind, cutting deeper than any critique. How had I let my pride and ego sabotage what really mattered?I had allowed my pride and ego to come between us, betraying the sacred bond of mate and pack. Because of my mistakes, Serena had suffered unspeakable hardships alone - and now our pups were missing too. Guilt and self-loathing consumed me.Stopping under a dimly lit streetlamp, I let out a frustrated sigh, the city noise drowning in my anguish. What right did I have to mourn when I was the architect of Serena's pain? I had to find a way to fix this mess, to earn even a shred of her trust and help locate our missing kids. But how?A rustle behind me snapped me from my dark thoughts. I tensed, scanning the shadows, catching a familiar scent on the breeze. "Show yourself," I growled, ready for a confrontation.A figure emerged, han
16SerenaI walked beside Kane in stiff silence, barely containing my fury. How dare he approach me after everything? My hands balled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. The royal gardens came into view, bursting with colorful blooms. I spun to face him, eyes ablaze. "Well? You have your five minutes. Speak before I change my mind and call the guards." Kane held up his hands placatingly. "Serena, I know you have every right to despise me. But please believe that I'm here only to help find our pups."A bitter laugh escaped me. "Our pups? You lost any claim to call them yours the day you told me that my unborn child was a bastard." My voice rose as pent up rage and hurt bubbled over. "Do you have any idea what I went through after your rejection?!" Tears pricked my eyes but I refused to let them fall. "I was heavy with your cubs and had nothing - no home, no family, no means to provide for them. I nearly died giving birth alone in the wilderness because of you!"Kane
17SerenaThe week passed in a flurry of preparations for the ball. As word spread, RSVPs poured in from neighboring kingdoms. I whiled away my hours in fittings, selecting the finest silks and jewels from the royal treasury for my gown. As the week passed in a flurry of preparations, I found my thoughts often drifting back to Kane, no matter how I tried distracting myself. Alone in my chambers in the evenings, I would sit holding Thomas and Evelyn's delicate silver necklace, tracing its teardrop moonstone pendant with my fingertips. May their gentle souls rest peacefully. Memories of their kindness when they took me in after Kane cast me out would flood back, bringing a fresh wave of grief and loneliness. I recalled nights sitting by the fire as Evelyn tended to my wounds, her gentle hands and soothing voice like a mother's. Thomas teaching me to read by the afternoon light streaming through the windows. Their love and acceptance had been my saving grace in the darkness that foll
18SerenaFrozen in place, my pulse thundered in my ears while my mind raced. Had all my guards disappeared into the night, leaving me defenseless? As the figure turned, a familiar face emerged from the shadows. "Kane!" I breathed in horror and rage. "What are you doing here? How did you get past the guards?"He took a step toward me, hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Serena, please. I just want to talk."I backed away, hand groping behind me for anything to use as a weapon. "You've said more than enough. Get out before I call for help!"Kane sighed in frustration. "Will you not listen to reason? I know what you must think of me, but the past is the past. We were happy once." Another step forward prompted a matching step back from me. "Happy?" I spat. "You made my life a living hell! Give me one good reason I shouldn't end you where you stand." His eyes flashed dangerously in the lamplight. "Because whether you like it or not, we are bound. I am your mate."My fingers closed aro
19SerenaRigel sputtered, caught off guard. But another bowed respectfully. "Forgive us, Your Highness. Old Rigel speaks out of turn."I held up a hand. "No need for apologies yet, friend. I welcome honest counsel, however gruffly delivered. Now Rigel, share your views - but choose words carefully."Rigel eyed me warily. "With respect, Princess, you've yet to face true hardship. War is no place for delicate sensibilities."I arched a brow at Rigel. "Pray tell, what do you know of my hardships?" I asked calmly. Rigel shifted, clearly unaccustomed to being questioned. "With respect Princess, I meant no offense. It's just that war ain't no place for a lady." "Is that so?" I replied evenly. "Then enlighten me, Rigel - what defines a lady, if not her character?"Rigel opened his mouth then closed it, at a loss. I pressed on. "You assume I am weak or delicate because of my title, my birth? Things over my control. But you should rather judge me for those within - my character, convictions
20SerenaMy heart raced as Luka's lips met mine tenderly. All thoughts of duty and rumors fled my mind, lost in the gentleness of his kiss. Too soon, he pulled away, gazing down at me with questions."Princess, I did not mean to overstep. Your duties and station..."I silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Please, say no more of duty right now. In this moment, I am but a woman seeking comfort in troubled times. And you have been the kindest of companions these past days."Luka gazed at me with such tenderness it made my breath catch. "There is no one I would rather stand beside as you weather life's storms, my princess. But I would never presume or compromise your position in any way."I smiled softly. "Then do not think of status or station for now.""Princess, we must be cautious. Your position demands it, and I would never endanger you." I knew he spoke wisdom, yet in that moment all I wanted was to lose myself in his embrace. "Please Luka, just a little while longer. No one