Adriel's POVI sat there, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. Going back to that place was something I didn't know if I wanted to do, but I needed to see my parents. The idea of visiting their graves stirred emotions within me.As I wrestled with my inner turmoil, Grandma Grace's gaze held mine. Rose's touch on my shoulder was soothing, a reminder that I didn't have to face this decision alone. "Adriel," she said softly, "it's a choice only you can make. But remember, facing the past can sometimes bring healing."I nodded, grateful for her wisdom. And then, meeting Grandma Grace's gaze, I found my voice. "I want to go. I want to see my parents," I finally said, surprised by the certainty in my own words. "I want to visit their graves, to pay my respects, to finally have the chance to say the things I couldn't before."A tender smile touched Grandma Grace's lips. "Thank you, my dear.""But Grandma," I began, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling within me, "before w
Adriel's POV"Emily…" I heard Grandmother Grace's voice answer me with disgust laced in her voice.The woman, Emily, exuded an air of confidence and authority as she descended the stairs. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes held a sharpness that seemed to cut through the tension in the room.My uncle's lips curled into a faint smile. "Emily, always the one to ask the bold questions," he remarked. First, we must welcome our guests properly."He turned his attention back to me, his expression softening slightly. "Welcome, Adriel. Your father would be proud to see the man you've become." I extended my hand, my uncertainty momentarily forgotten. "Thank you, Uncle. It's an honor to finally meet you."He clasped my hand firmly, his grip strong and reassuring. "The honor is mine. Now, allow me to introduce you properly." He gestured to the woman beside him. "Adriel, this is Emily, your stepmother or father's concubine… anyone you feel comfortable with."I nodded in acknowledgm
Rose's POVMy eyes widened in shock when I saw my first mate and cousin walk in. I internally shook my head in denial. How can Luke be Adriel's stepbrother? Why cruel twist of fate is this?"Luke, my only son, and his beautiful Luna Sienna. How are you," Emily, his mother asked. "We are fine Mother," they both replied, giving her a sweet hug.As their greetings at the door concluded, Sienna and Luke made their way towards the table. And then, they saw me. Sienna's reaction was priceless! Sienna's eyes widened, her mouth falling open in disbelief. I held my breath, watching her reaction with relief bubbling inside me. It's like she saw a ghost. Luke on the other hand stared at me for what seemed like eternity. His shock was minimal as he masked it properly but I could see it. Adriel stood up and I did too. "Alpha Luke," he stretched out his hand for a handshake and did the same to Sienna. "It's a pleasure to meet you."Luke didn't reply, he only nodded and we all sat back down to co
Rose's POV"Feisty, I see," Emily remarked, her tone dripping with condescension. "But this is a matter of family, Rose. You may be Adriel's mate, but you're still an outsider in our pack's affairs."I squared my shoulders, refusing to back down. "Outsider or not, I won't let anyone question my husband's legitimacy without proper evidence. If you have doubts, then let's settle this through a test.""A test?" Luke raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued."Yes, a test. We can do a DNA test on Adriel and Luke or someone else to be sure Alpha Gabriel's blood is truly in his veins. What do you think Uncle?" I asked, facing the head of the table. "I'm in support of this decision,” Grandmother added and Adriel's uncle nodded. "It is settled. We will call the family doctor to do a DNA test on both men to see if they are truly the sons of Alpha Gabriel. Till then, I'll remain as the Alpha. Good night everyone." He said then stood up and left the room.Grandmother Grace followed suit then Adri
Adriel's POVEmily shook her head. "Nothing is wrong. We're not in a hurry," she replied, but her eyes flickered with an unease that didn't go unnoticed by Grandmother Grace and me. I exchanged a knowing glance with Rose. There was more to Emily's insistence than met the eye.Grandmother Grace's stern gaze bore into Emily, "If you say so. Rose, Adriel, follow me." With a nod, I arranged the paper back into the envelope and followed Grandmother Grace with Rose by my side. We followed Grandmother Grace through the hallways of the ancestral mansion, our footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors. Her pace was deliberate, and the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my mind. What was it that Grandmother Grace wanted to discuss in private?Finally, we reached her chambers. She motioned for us to enter, and as we stepped inside, the heavy wooden door closed behind us with a soft thud then we heard the sound of locks. I exchanged a puzzled look with Rose. It was unusual for Grandmothe
Adriel's POVI stared at Sienna for a moment, my patience wearing thin. Her attempts at seduction were both transparent and irritating. "I'm sorry, Luna Sienna, but I'm not interested in taking a walk right now. We have an early flight tomorrow, and there's a lot to prepare."Her eyes flashed with annoyance, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "Oh, come on, Adriel. It'll only take a few minutes. I promise."I crossed my arms, my tone firm. "No, thank you. We really need to get some rest. If you really have something to say, say it now."Sienna's smile wavered, and a glint of something darker flickered in her eyes. "That aside, you know, I've heard some interesting rumors about your wife, Rose. I thought she wasn't the one but when I looked closer, she is."I rolled my eyes at her. What could a murderer like her possibly know that she is trying to use to manipulate me? "What rumors are those?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady as I played along.Sienna leaned in closer, her v
Adriel's POVEver since we arrived, the twins were full of stories from their time at the pack, each word bubbling over with excitement as they recounted their adventures. Rose and I listened with rapt attention, my heart swelling with pride as they spoke about their newfound friends and the activities they had taken part in. They were growing older with every passing moment."Leilani, Lucien, you both have made us so proud," I said, tousling their hair. "You've already started building strong connections within the pack. I'm so proud."Leilani beamed up at me. "Daddy, we even helped organize a scavenger hunt with the other kids! I wish you were there though."Lucien chimed in, his eyes shining. "And we learned about tracking from Uncle!"After promising to give them a big reward, as the evening sky darkened and stars began to twinkle overhead, Rose and I tucked the twins into our bed. "Goodnight, my little ones," Rose whispered, pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads."Sweet dr
Adriel's POVI exchanged a quick glance with Rose, our minds working in a duo to process the gravity of the situation. "Aiden, have you been able to gather any information about the attackers?"Aiden nodded, his jaw clenched. "Yes, we've captured a couple of them. They're not from any neighboring packs or groups we've dealt with before…"I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing as I tried to connect the dots. "This sounds like a well-organized group with a specific motive. They're not just targeting us randomly. They must have a reason for hitting our businesses."Rose's voice was steady, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Could it be a rival pack trying to weaken us?"Aiden shook his head. "I don't think so. The attackers don't seem to have any allegiance to known packs, and their tactics are different. It's almost as if they're working for someone else."I rubbed my temples, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. "We need to find out who's behind this and why. Our b