Pov CassandraWe arrived at the grand hall of the castle, where the Alpha King awaited us with his entourage of staff. There were at least a dozen people, all lined up, in uniform, with serious expressions. He introduced each of them with an air of pride—servants to cater to my whims and needs, people who would attend to Xavier, along with a few guards assigned for our "security."I noticed Xavier’s rigid posture beside me, silent, but something in his expression and the restless golden eyes of his wolf showed a discomfort that only I seemed to perceive. The tension was palpable, and to calm him, I held his hand firmly, thanking the Alpha King with a calculated smile.“We deeply appreciate, Your Majesty, the hospitality and this gift. They will be of great help to us. Thank you for everything during our stay,” I said, forcing myself to keep a serene tone.The Alpha King simply nodded, his cold eyes analyzing every detail of our farewell, as Luna Katy approached to say goodbye. She ext
Pov Alpha xavierAs the car engine roared back to life, the world seemed to narrow as I saw Cassandra on the ground, the shapeshifter mere centimeters away from ripping out her heart. A wave of insane rage exploded in my chest, and Ragnar, my wolf, roared within me. The sight of our mate in danger was the trigger I needed. A sharp scream echoed in my mind, filled with hatred and despair, as my eyes locked onto the creature.“Xavier, here!” I heard Josh shout, and instinctively, I turned in his direction. He threw something toward me, and I caught the gun in mid-air, cold and heavy in my hand. In a quick motion, I aimed and pulled the trigger three times. The bullets pierced the creature, which writhed on the ground, letting out a agonizing roar. The shapeshifter fell, its body sprawled out, and for a moment, silence dominated the scene.Cassandra was paralyzed with fear, her wide eyes fixed on the fallen creature. I got out of the car and went to her, extending my hand to help her up.
**Cassandra’s POV**When we finally arrived at the pack, after hours on the road, I saw a crowd waiting to welcome us. People had lined up to witness Xavier’s return, and I watched, still a bit distant, the reverence and respect everyone showed him. As soon as we got out of the car, one of the guards approached Xavier and informed him that his office was ready and the pending contracts had been organized for review. According to him, Jade had coordinated everything during our absence. Xavier asked where she was, and the guard explained that Jade had chosen to return to her father’s pack, Alpha Damon, before our arrival.I remained silent. I knew the real reason Jade was no longer there; she couldn’t bear to see us together. Her loyalty to Xavier was undeniable, but I felt the weight of her disappointment in the air, like a shadow hovering over us.“Can one of the staff take my wife to the room?” Xavier asked, and one of the employees quickly nodded. He gave me one last look before wal
**POV Cassandra**After all the crying, I felt my body exhausted. Carefully, I lifted myself from Jennie's lap, trying to ignore the weakness washing over me, but as soon as my feet touched the ground, the world around me spun violently. The dizziness was so intense that my knees began to give way, and I felt like I was going to faint."Miss, be careful!" Jennie screamed, alarmed. She held me tightly before my body collapsed to the ground and my head struck the edge of the table. The fear in her eyes was evident, but her concern was sincere."I'm sorry, Jennie," I murmured, trying to catch my breath, while a wave of nausea threatened to overtake me. "I suddenly feel very unwell. I think it's because I haven't eaten properly during my time in the King Alpha's pack." My voice was weak, and my stomach churned almost unbearably. A strong urge to vomit bubbled inside me."Don't worry," Jennie replied gently, trying to comfort me. "I'll call for a doctor to prescribe something for the nause
Pov Alpha XavierThe crackling of the fireplace in the office was a low sound, muffled by the weight of the concerns hanging in the air. I stood with my arms crossed, listening to my Beta’s report. His tone was firm, but the tension was visible in every line of his face."So far, no sign of the shapeshifter," he said bluntly. "We've reinforced all entrances, the guards are ready, and we’ve organized patrols in groups. Wolves are roaming the territory nonstop, and security around the pack house is doubled. We’re doing everything we can to keep him away."I nodded, keeping my face impassive, even though the situation deeply troubled me. "And Alpha Damon?" I asked, not mincing words. Just mentioning him left a bitter taste in my mouth.The Beta shook his head, his expression serious. "Since the wedding, he’s been silent. But Jade… she’s suffering a lot because of it." He paused, as if considering whether or not to continue. "The situation is making everyone tense."Before I could respond
POV CASSANDRAI lay in bed, staring impatiently at the ceiling when the nurse entered with a calm expression, carrying my medication on a tray."How are you feeling today?" she asked as she prepared the dose the doctor had prescribed for me.I sighed, looking out the window where the sun was shining brightly, and the sound of children playing outdoors reached me like a tempting invitation."Same as every other day… nauseous and wanting to throw up."She nodded, making quick notes on her clipboard before handing me the glass with the medicine.In the distance, I could hear the clinking of dishes, and when the maid brought in breakfast, the smell of vegetable soup filled the room. Instantly, my stomach turned, and nausea hit me hard. I tried to hold it back, but it was useless. My stomach churned, and unable to stop it, I leaned over the bed, covering my mouth to avoid getting sick on the sheets.The nurse’s eyes widened as she watched me pour a thick liquid onto the floor."Luna? Are y
POV CASSANDRAThose words echoed in my mind like a shock, but I couldn’t believe it. "Pregnant? Me?" I looked at Jade, trying to find any hint of deceit in her expression, but I found nothing. She looked… serious. And something in her eyes told me that, indeed, she wasn’t lying. But I didn’t want to accept it. "You’re lying!" I said, my voice trembling with anger. "You’re trying to trick me, to give me a false sense that I’m pregnant. This must be some kind of scheme of yours!"Jade looked at me with disdain, a cold smile appearing on her lips. "I have no reason to lie, Cassandra. And honestly, this is the last thing I wanted to tell you." She took a step forward, her expression hardening. "I’d rather say you have a terminal illness and that you’d soon be dead. That would be much easier to deal with than this situation."I laughed mockingly, unable to believe what I was hearing. "How convenient, right? Now you’re playing the good girl, saying you’re trying to help me… after everything
POV ALPHA XAVIERI repeated the words in my mind, trying to believe them: *Cassandra is pregnant!* I never imagined news like this would come so suddenly. Before I could fully process it, Josh looked at me with a mix of disbelief and irritation."How could you let this happen?" he pounded the table, his voice laced with indignation.I took a deep breath, running my hands through my hair. I knew he was partly right; Cassandra had already been through so much. I hadn’t been careful enough, and, at the same time, I never thought she’d get pregnant again so quickly, considering her history.Josh was watching me closely."So let me get this straight." He crossed his arms. "Cassandra is pregnant, and the first to find out was Jade? You really thought it was a good idea to let Jade examine Cassandra? And Alpha Damom—how do you think he’s going to react?"I leaned back in my chair, frustrated. I knew that Alpha Damom would likely do everything he could to prevent a child of mine and Cassandra
Pov cassandraThe walls of the dungeon were cold and damp, and the smell of mold filled the air, mingling with the bitter taste of despair that refused to leave me. I sat in the dark corner of the cell, arms wrapped around myself, trying to suppress the trembling that overtook me. The chains on my wrists were heavy, but not as heavy as the weight of the accusations hanging over me.The echo of firm footsteps interrupted the oppressive silence. I lifted my head, quickly wiping away the tears that had fallen without my permission. I couldn’t appear weak, not in front of him. And there he was, Alpha Damon, standing outside the bars, wearing that cold, mocking smile that made me want to scream."What do you want here?" I asked, my voice firmer than I had expected.He entered the cell with the confidence of someone who knew they were in control. "You know why I’m here, Cassandra," he began, his tone calm but laced with venom. "I want you to take responsibility for the deaths."My hands cle
**Xavier's POV**Days had passed since the dust of war had settled, and I was finally crowned king. A grand ceremony took place, filled with ancient rituals and solemn words, but for me, the most significant moment was when Cassandra, by my side, received the crown of Luna. As the weight of gold was placed upon her head, I knew that, despite everything, she was my anchor, the reason why all of this was worth it.I looked at her, admiring her strength, even after all she had endured. There was an undeniable sadness in her eyes, but also a determination that made me believe that together we could overcome anything.After the coronation, my focus shifted to rebuilding the pack. The palace, devastated by the conflicts, began to be restored. The wounded soldiers received care, and the people returned to their homes. I made it a point to visit the families who had lost loved ones, offering help and ensuring that the future would be different. I promised myself that my leadership would be ma
The pain of childbirth had been excruciating, but nothing could compare to the wave of love that washed over me when I heard that fragile, delicate cry for the first time. My baby was here, in my arms, so small, so perfect.He was a boy. A beautiful, healthy boy, with eyes that, although newly opened, seemed to gaze directly at me. His skin, still red from the effort of entering the world, glowed under the flickering light of the flames illuminating the sky in the distance."My love... my boy..." I whispered, tears streaming down my face as I cradled him to my chest. Even with my body still aching from the pains of childbirth, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I kissed his small forehead, feeling the warmth of his skin, and silently thanked the goddess of the moon for giving us this moment, even amid the chaos.But the moment of peace was brutally interrupted.The door was smashed open with a crash, and a group of men entered, their faces dirty and filled with hatred. I instinctively h
**Alpha Xavier's POV**The smell of gunpowder and blood filled the air as we led the attack on the central hall. I could hear the echoes of our wolves' howls mixed with the cries of resistance from Alpha Valetim's guards. Everything was going according to plan — we were surrounding the palace, closing off all escape routes.Ahead of me, one of Valetim's army commanders trembled, his eyes darting quickly over the men surrounding him. His breathing was heavy, and I could see the sweat dripping down his face."You’re surrounded," I said firmly, my deep voice cutting through the air. "It’s no use resisting. This isn’t just a battle, it’s the revolt of the people. Your tyranny, and that of King Valetim, is over. There’s no way out for you. Surrender and open the gates."He hesitated, gripping his sword with trembling hands. I could see the conflict in his eyes — a mix of fear and desperate loyalty. Before he could respond, one of my men advanced, pressing the sharp point of a blade against
*POV Cassandra*As I followed the servant through the dark corridors, we heard the unmistakable sound of Alpha Valetim’s voice echoing nearby. He was coming toward us. My heart nearly stopped, and for a moment, I froze.“It’s him...” I whispered, instinctively placing my hand on my belly.The eunuch glanced at me, alarmed, but remained calm.“We need to leave now! If he finds you here, Alpha Xavier’s plan will be ruined,” he said urgently, trying to pull me toward the exit.I looked in the direction of Valetim’s voice and felt a wave of despair. I knew he suspected something. If he realized I was trying to escape, not only would he imprison me again, but he would destroy all of Xavier’s efforts to save us.“Wait,” I whispered, gripping the servant’s arm firmly. “I need to throw him off track.”“That’s madness! Alpha Xavier wants you safe. You have to come with me now!” he whispered, almost desperate.“Trust me. I’ll delay him. Go to the meeting point and wait for me. I promise I’ll co
**Cassandra's POV**The months dragged on like centuries since Xavier disappeared. The last thing I heard was from some servants who claimed to have seen him working as a simple carpenter in a humble house nearby. They mocked him, calling him "The Crippled Alpha." The title had spread, and the rumors of his disability made him the subject of ridicule.His pack had abandoned him. When Valentim brought his punishment to everyone, most ran to save their own skins, including Jennie. From time to time, I would hear of hunts, captures, and the executions that followed. Valentim thought all of it was a big joke.Worse than the rumors were the photos. He sent them to me like slow poison, depicting Xavier limping, leaning on a cane, his exhausted face. Each image came with a messenger carrying gifts that piled up high in my room. They were never opened. I didn’t need to look to know they contained more insults than sincere intentions.That day, a servant entered, carrying a new batch."Luna, K
POV ALPHA XAVIERI was dragged through the dark, damp corridors of the dungeon like an animal about to be slaughtered. My wrists were bound by iron shackles that dug into my skin, causing constant pain. Two guards shoved me with every hesitation, their eyes filled with contempt. Finally, they stopped in front of a cell that smelled of urine, decay, and despair. Without ceremony, they threw me inside, and I stumbled, falling to the filthy floor.The sound of the iron door closing echoed through the dark space. I struggled to get up, wiping the blood from the corner of my lips, only to notice that the floor was infested with rats scurrying back and forth, fighting over pieces of spoiled food."Enjoy the hospitality, Cursed Alpha," one of the guards mocked. He held a plate with what looked like moldy bread and a bowl of sour broth. He pushed the food through the small opening in the cell and smiled maliciously. "This is your only meal of the day. Better save it."I didn't respond. I simp
**Cassandra's POV**The hall plunged into chaos the moment Valentim drew the knife. My heart stopped as he approached Xavier, his gaze overflowing with hatred."Valentim, don’t do this!" I screamed desperately, but he seemed to not hear.Xavier raised his arms defensively, trying to deescalate the situation."There’s no need for this, Valentim! Leave Cassandra and our child out of this. Deal with me, but not like this!"Valentim didn’t respond. With a swift movement, he grabbed Xavier's arm, pulling him close, and before I could even scream, the knife glinted under the light of the hall before plunging into the side of Xavier’s abdomen, just below his ribs. A muffled sound of torn flesh echoed through the hall, followed by Xavier’s scream of pain."Traitor!" Valentim roared, pointing the bloodstained knife at the guards around us. "The Cursed Alpha tried to kill me! He conspires against the kingdom, and for that, his whole pack will be condemned!""NO!" My scream ripped through the ai
POV ALPHA XAVIER"Another victim of the Alpha King," I heard someone comment."Was that an execution, or a horror show?" someone else replied.My body froze. Everything inside me was about to explode. The sight of my beta, my friend, dead before me was more than I could bear.Cassandra shrank beside me, sobbing quietly, yet she gripped my hand tightly, trying to hold me back, as if she knew what I was about to do.But nothing could stop me."Josh..." My voice was a low growl, full of pain and rage. My wolf howled in response, slamming against the barriers I had put up to control it.I knew that from that moment on, everything would change.The Alpha King's palace was dark at night, its oppressive architecture reflecting the chaos that reigned in the mind of the man who inhabited it. The doors slammed open as I entered, the sound echoing through the vast halls like thunder. My chest burned with anger and pain, my wolf growled impatiently within me, while my eyes found Valentim sitting