George's POVMy men moved, and as they approached her. I felt a strong urge to stop them, to protect her. But I couldn’t. I was the Alpha King, and I had to do my duty, even if it hurt me inside. Whitney crouched a little, her hands clenched into fists. Her eyes, usually bright and warm, were now like cold, hard stones, showing danger.She looked ready to fight, to overcome anything in her way. This wasn’t the Wendy I knew... She seemed like a wild animal, trapped and ready to attack.The crowd, which had just been laughing and talking, quickly formed a wide circle around her with their faces showing fear and dark curiosity. They understood what a trapped wolf could do.“Whitney,“ I said softly, but my words broke the quiet. I moved closer, stretching out my hand. Not to hold her back, but to ask her.“Please. Don’t do this.“ I wasn’t telling her what to do like a ruler. This was a request from a man begging the only woman he had ever loved.I got to her and softly held her hand, my f
I rushed back into the main hall. The witness, the woman who mentioned the attack, was missing. Disappeared. “Where is she?” I shouted. The two guards who had been watching the door, their expressions as blank as the stone statues outside, quickly stood up straight.“Your Majesty.” said one of them. “We haven't let anyone go through. No one has left this room, we promise you.”“Are you saying she just grew wings and flew out the window?” I said angrily. “She was right here. I talked to her just five minutes ago. Where did she go?”The older guard shifted his weight awkwardly. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, we have been standing outside this room for the last hour. No one has come in or gone out. It just can't be true.”My hands tightened as anger bubbled up inside me. “She was here! She warned me about an attack. You're saying a woman just vanished when two trained guards were right outside? Are you joking with me?”The gaurd winced at how I spoke, but he stood his ground. “Not
My heart hurt. I needed to find out if the woman was honest about Whitney. Was she set up? Was this all a big trick? I had worked hard to believe my pack made the right choice, but now, all my worries were coming back like a monster from the dark. I felt like the worst leader ever. I had detained the woman I loved. What had I done?“Is something bothering you, Your Majesty?” Duncan asked with his voice interrupting my thoughts and bringing me back to reality.I concentrated on him, trying to think straight. “The woman I spoke to at the party, the one who talked about the attacks.” I said, my voice tense, “She’s missing. The guards said she never left the room, but she's gone.”Duncan frowned. “That's really strange, Your Majesty. And worrisome.”“It's not just worrying, Duncan.” I said, my hand tightening into a fist. “It's…really suspicious.”He didn't reply, just focused on the road again, but I could see he was tense. He wanted to say something but kept quiet. I knew he was worried
Wendy's POVThe door slammed shut behind me, making a loud noise in the room. It wasn’t a dungeon cell, thank goodness, but a holding room – which was better, I guess. George, despite his issues, wasn’t putting me in the worst place. Or maybe he just wanted to seem fair. Whatever the case, I found myself walking back and forth in the small space.It had to be her, Queen Rosina. How dare she. Making up an attack and somehow blaming me. The woman is ruthless. She probably thinks she's finally got a chance to get rid of me for good. A laugh came out of me, but it wasn't funny. She has no idea who I am now. I'm not the weak person she used to know.I could easily open this room's simple lock. A basic hairpin would work, and if not, I know enough about electronics to unlock any door. This could all be done quickly... but waiting to see George's reaction is more fun.I want to see how he handles this. He's now in charge, or so it seems. Is he really in control or just doing what others tell
Wendy's POVMy laugh bounced off the walls, sounding mean and teasing. “Really, George? You'd actually show me off to the Council for this?” I pointed to the plain room, the simple bed, and the one locked door.“Anybody can see I've been set up! Did you really think this silly show was my own doing?” I crossed my arms, staring at him without looking away. He looked hurt, with anger building up in his usually calm eyes, but I wouldn't back down. Not now. Not ever again.He ran his fingers through his hair, a move I knew very well. “Whitney.” he started, his voice heavy with a need for understanding, “I can’t just let you go. You know I can’t. The Council is already pressuring me to find a mate or step down. If I release you, they’ll call me a weak Alpha, one who lets feelings mess up his decisions.”His words hurt, each one a painful reminder of my past. I had been the reason he was called a weak Alpha. I had been the reason he was seen as too emotional. “You need to understand, this i
George's POVI stepped back from the door, Whitney's words ringing in my mind. 'No, I don't trust you.' Her bluntness hurt more than any hit. I had to prove myself to her, had to show her I wasn't the naive person she used to know.My boots echoed on the stone floor as I walked back to my room, the palace halls seeming wide and empty. I got to my door, my hand on the latch, and then… everything went black.The lights went out suddenly, throwing everything into a scary darkness. My heart raced. Power cuts never happened here, especially in the Royal Wing. I started to think fast. Someone was up to something. Someone wanted to take Whitney away! Anger flooded through me, strong and instant. They wouldn’t take her, not while I was here.“Guards! I need two guards right now!” I shouted, my voice loud and clear in the sudden silence. Two soldiers rushed over quickly. “Go to the holding room, now!” I ordered, “Make sure she is safe.”“Yes, Alpha King.” they said together, and they disappear
Wendy's POVThe door creaked open with its hinges crinkling as it was being disturbed. Bright sunlight flooded in on the floor. I was already awake with the blanket I had been given tossed aside on the small bed. Sleep felt far away last night with my mind filled with restless memories and plans.Beta Edward stood in the doorway with his face blank with two guards beside him who looked just as unfazed. He looked perfect as usual in his sharp uniform. There was no sign of the man who had come to see me in the dark last night the one who had given me a chance to escape.“Good morning Whitney.” he said with his voice calm and polite.“Good morning Beta Edward.” I said while keeping my voice neutral. I didn’t show that I knew about his late-night visit just as he didn’t show what he had done. It was important to keep up the act to reveal nothing.“The Alpha King has allowed you to wash up and get ready before meeting the Council.” Edward's eyes shifted slightly as he spoke “He wants you t
Wendy's POVThe whispers in the throne room quieted as George's words filled the space. Everyone's gaze seemed fixed on Gerald, who looked confused. It was a clever act, I’ll admit, but I was paying close attention. I leaned back in my chair, appearing relaxed, but my mind was busy. Gerald’s quick change in mood, from upset to surprised, caught my interest.George, speaking in a deep voice, asked again, “Gerald, why was your dagger at the Dawn Valley massacre? Tell me!” He looked hard at his brother with a type of anger I hadn’t seen before, and I felt like I was part of the reason for it. A muscle twitched in his jaw. I stayed relaxed, trying to appear calm.Gerald's eyes grew wide as he quickly looked around the room and then focused on his mother. Queen Rosina, sitting proudly on her throne, gave a slight shake of her head, a quiet sign of refusal. I caught it, naturally, the almost hidden message. It was so fast that many wouldn't have seen it, but I had learned to spot the little
Chapter 164George's POV The hall was bright and all. I saw familiar faces, they were l smiling at me but all that really mattered at the moment was Wendy.Wendy. My Luna. My wife.The elders stood in front of her, their expressions a mixture of both respect and reverence. One of the elders Elder Marcus, cleared his throat. "Wendy Ashton, do you accept this position as Luna, to stand by Alpha George and lead the pack with wisdom and strength?"Her gaze shifted toward me for a brief second. That smile — soft, knowing — calmed something deep inside me."I accept," she said, her voice breaking but it remained a bit steady.A low ritualistic howl sounded across the pack as they welcomed their Luna, I walked closer to her, taking her hands in mine, they were so soft."You’re finally mine," I whispered to her.She smiled. "And you’re finally mine."I leaned down, brushing my lips slightly against hers. The hall erupted in cheers. But the celebration wasn’t just for Wendy’s coronation. The
Chapter 163The courtyard was dangerously silent. It was the day the evil shall be rewarded. Gerald, Brittany, Rosina and Edward. They knelt side by side, their hands tied to their backs as they looked like criminals. They all had spiteful looks, befitting each other. Criminals, aren't they? That's what they were and they're taking their punishment.George wasn’t there. He didn’t need to be. Neither did Wendy. They had already won. What will they gain in watching the disgraceful sight?.Elder Mikhail stood there in front of them. His white hair cascading gorgeously on his shoulders. His robe's rope dangled just above the floor. He looked at them with disgust, before he started his judgement.“Gerald. Edward.” His voice was sharp, cutting through the silence like a knife cut through bread. “You have been found guilty of conspiracy against the… Alpha and the pack. You plotted to destabilize our leadership, and in doing so, you endangered not only the pack’s unity but its very survival.
George's POV.After she had pecked me goodbye, I stood outside watching her sit back down on the couch, pulling the curtains as I told her to.I wanted to go, but my legs seemed to be stuck on the floor.I should leave.I hopped in my car, looking at the distant house in my front before I turned the car on.I already bid her goodnight, made sure she was safe.But why did I feel this tightness in my chest?I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling, shakily and…sharply. I could go back in. Stay the night. Make sure she’s safe. But I knew Wendy would call me paranoid. She’d tell me that it was over, that we could move on.Still, something not so comforting gnawed at me.Maybe I was imagining it — the feeling that someone was watching us, the unease burning in my gut. But the thought of leaving her alone tonight made my wolf shout inside uneasily.My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, seeing a message from Liam.“Everything’s secured. Gerald’s not getting out of this one.”I sighed.
Chapter 161Wendy’s POVThe room felt colder after Ryan left the room. His words echoed in my head, tightening my chest until it hurt badly."Because Edward always wins."George stood still, his fists clenched beside him, his face was pale, tight with a quiet, almost dangerous rage.My hand touched his arm. “George?”His jaw is tight. “I should’ve known.”“You couldn’t have.”He shook his head. “Ryan’s been in this from the start. He’s been feeding Edward information this whole time.” His lips curled darkly. “And we trusted him.”I swallowed hard. “What do you think is going to happen?”George’s gaze was immediately darkened. “I will find Gerald before he makes his next move.”The door swung open. A guard stood at attention, breathless. “Sir—”“What?” George’s voice was sharp.“They got him.”My breath caught. “Gerald?”The guard nodded. “We just received word. He was tracked to a private airstrip. Our team tracked him before he could leave the country. He’s back in custody.”Relief
Chapter 160George’s POVThe day started too perfect. It left a weird kind of feeling in the deep part of my stomach.Wendy was in the kitchen, checking the fridge for what she could make. “Do you want eggs or pancakes?” she called.“Both.”She rolled her eyes, smiling. “Greedy.”I stretched out on the soft couch, my arms behind my head. “You love it.”Her lips curved. “Yeah. I guess I do.”My phone buzzed on the table. I ignored it. But it buzzed again. And again.Wendy shot me a look. “You gonna get that?”“Nope.”But it wouldn’t stop. Sighing, I grabbed it. Unknown number. Weird. I almost let it go to voicemail, but something made me answer.“Yeah?”“George.” A voice I hadn’t heard in years. Cold. Amused. Twisted.Edward.My whole body tensed. “What do you want?”“Just checking in,” he said lightly. “It’s been too quiet, don’t you think?”My jaw clenched. “Stay the hell away from us.”He laughed. “Oh, George. You know that’s not how this works.”Click.The line went dead.My ha
George's POVI woke up to sunlight stabbing me right in the eyes. Annoying as hell. I groaned then turned my head, but I immediately felt it , her soft skin under my arm, warm breath on my chest.Wendy.She curled into me, her face was pressed against my chest. Her hair was a mess, it was all over the pillow and my shoulder. I could feel her breath, it was soft and even, against my skin. My arm tightened around her waist.I wasn’t dreaming, right?My eyes opened the more, adjusting to the light. No, I'm not dreaming. She was real. And she's here.Her lashes fluttered, then her eyes opened — those brown eyes that always made my chest feel tight. She blinked but sleepily.“Mornin’,” I said, my voice was rough.She made a small noise, her face scrunching up like she was annoyed I even spoke.“Too early,” she mumbled. “It's…too…early.”I grinned. “It’s almost noon, ma'am,” “When do you plan to wake?”“Too early,” she repeated again, her hand slid up my chest and it rested there, her
George's POVI walked out of Wendy’s apartment, my heart beating hard. Too hard. I could even hear the sound in my ears. For the first time since everything happened, I felt hope. Real hope.She didn’t say yes completely. But she didn’t say no too. That was enough for me.Her words kept coming back to me as I stepped into the night air. What if I really leave everything behind?I grinned, from ear to ear, shaking my head. I will wait. As long as there’s one small chance, I will wait.I entered my car and started driving. The road was quiet. Only the streetlights and the sound of the engine. My phone buzzed on the seat beside me. I reached for it, my eyes looking at the screen.It was my spy.I sighed and picked it up. "What?""There’s movement," the voice said. "Edward is restless. Something big is happening tonight."My jaw tightened. "Watch him. Let me know if anything changes."I ended the call and threw the phone down. Edward again. That bastard. He wasn’t going to ruin this. Not
Wendy's POV"I’ll be there."he had said.I wasn’t so sure. I wasn't sure of everything, yet all I want is stability, and I have only two options. I go on that trip that leads me to avoid George or I get back with him. But the hard part is, either of the options work well with me.But the second seems more bothering, now that I have his possession with me.I pressed a hand to my stomach. A life growing inside me. His life.My ringtone completely pulled me out of all my thoughts.I thought it was a call from George, but …It wasn’t.It was a call from an unknown number.I hesitated, then answered. "Hello?"Silence.A knock sounded at the door. It must be George, but can I take risks?.I stiffened. "Who is it?""It’s me," George’s voice came through.I hesitated, then stood and opened the door.I inhaled a soft breath, it was George."Can I come in?" he asked.I stepped aside, letting him pass. He walked inside the room, but his eyes were on me the whole time."You didn’t have to come ba
Wendy's POVI sat on the edge of my bed, the pregnancy test still sitting on the bathroom counter. Two pink lines. Positive. The result kept flashing in my mind, over and over again, until it felt like it was carved into my skull.Pregnant.My hand drifted toward my stomach. A life—George’s child—growing inside me. I should have been freaking out more, panicking, but instead, I felt… numb.No part of me regretted it. Not really. But the weight of what this meant… that was the part I wasn’t ready to face yet.How was I supposed to tell George? Or was I even going to tell him at all?My phone buzzed beside me. I glanced at the screen. A message from George.George: Are you okay? Wendy, answer me.I sighed and tossed the phone aside. He wasn’t going to let this go. I know how relentless George can be especially when he suspects that something might be happening.I rested my head back on the bed, nothing was running through my mind. I stared at the ceiling, trying to know what to think f