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
Wendy's POVDaven opened the car door with a friendly smile. “After you Ms.”I got into the passenger seat. “Thanks, Daven.” I said, buckling my seatbelt.He softly shut the door and got into the driver's seat. We drove away from the palace. “So.” I said, looking at Daven. “You knew, right? About the message that came in, the one that cleared my name.”Daven looked at me, his eyes shining with a bit of playfulness. “Maybe.” he said, still watching the road.“You sly wolf“ I chuckled, shaking my head. “You always have to stay ahead, right?”He laughed softly. “Someone has to be.” he said, his smile turning serious. “Listen, Ms Wendy, I knew right away that it wasn't you. Queen Rosina, her tricks are always so obvious. I switched to investigation mode the second they pulled you out. I began searching for proof of her role in the Dawn Valley massacre.”My eyebrows raised in surprise. “You were looking for proof of her involvement?”He nodded, his jaw set tight. “I thought she was behind
Rosina's POVI walked across the soft carpet of my room, the fancy patterns fading with each quick step. I paced back and forth, like a trapped animal, the soft wool doing nothing to ease my anger.My grip tightened on the phone I held, the screen showing my worried face, the lines around my eyes more noticeable. The message, that nasty, bold threat, still stared at me from the screen“Leave Whitney alone, or face the results.”The words felt like a snake wrapped around my heart, ready to bite. They came just after that awful email, the one with the…proof. Proof of my carefully crafted plans, my detailed strategies, all now exposed and weak. And this…this obvious threat. How could they?I turned around, my anger boiling over. This wasn't how things were meant to be. Wendy Ashton, or Whitney Decodes, or whatever name she used now, was supposed to be buried under a pile of accusations, her life ruined, her future gone. Yet here she was, not just free but daring to threaten me!The door
Chapter 154.George's POV. She hung the call before I could say Jack.I picked my car key before I stormed out of my office, gaining attention from the staff, especially my secretary who was , at that time, in the office with me.The drive to the Peak Hotel felt longer because of the packed road. My hands tightened around the steering wheel as I drove through the traffic, my mind running with different thoughts. Wendy already knew. Of course, she knew. Nico and the others , I should have known they wouldn't be able to keep up the act for long."Shit," I muttered under my breath as I pulled into the hotel's driveway. The valet approached, but I waved him off and parked the car myself. My heart was hammering as I stepped into the hard floor of the hotel, the soft hum of music didn't help with the situation, I just felt sick to my stomach.Conference room A2B. I knew exactly where it was.I spotted her the moment I pushed the door open. Wendy stood at the window, arms crossed, her b
Wendy's POV.I stood in front of Peak Hotel, taking my time to admire the luxurious building while the valet left to park my car.When he returned the keys to me, I exhaled sharply before I entered the hotel.Conference room A2B. I really hope I get it in the nick of time.Minutes later, which is still in my favor, I was standing behind the mahogany door, inhaling and exhaling.I hated to admit how nervous I was. And anyone in this situation will probably be more nervous than I am. The investors are not just investors, they are big in the industry.For them to have picked my business to invest in, I must not mess anything up. And God help me with that.I wondered why they're not public, but I knew they couldn't care less.Hesitantly, I got myself to knock.“Come in,” a timbre voice said. I opened the door. a short gasp fell out of my mouth.The first thing that took my breath was the floor-to-ceiling windows that were as clear as air.In the middle of the room sat a long ebony table g
Wendy's POV.I was going to leave. But I have to close an important deal, before I hand over my business to an expert.Yes, I was planning to leave it all and go, and that's how my meek revenge plan went.I will leave till I hear the news, that maybe one of them is out of the way – either in prison or…who knows.That's how weak I am, I'm not taking revenge, am running from revenge, hoping someone will take it for me.I was deep in my thoughts when someone interrupted me.“Berlin,” I called.I eyed the man in front of me. He was in a corporate wear of suit pants and ironed out shirt.“Any news?” I asked, knowing he wouldn't be here if there was no news.He nodded. I gestured for him to continue.“Apparently Alpha George had a blow match with Beta Edward,” he reported.Immediately my eyes squeezed shut as I took in the information.“Was anyone hurt?” I pushed further.“The angle it was taken from showed it vividly,” he said as he showed me the picture.I zoomed in on it and my heart s
Wendy's POV.My fingers traced the thick rim of the wine glass while I waited for him in the same grand restaurant I have always wanted to go.I knew he would want an explanation. Or maybe just something to let him know he's in his right senses.And he is, but I'm not.As my focus drifted , I let George linger in my mind – his touch, his warmth…everything.A sharp knock on the table pulled me from my thoughts.George appeared with a wide smile but I maintained a straight face. He looked dejected at that instance and of course, I beat myself up for it.“Why did you leave? – I thought you were ready to stay,” he finally said after a long, uncomfortable moment of silence.“It was just a fling and you know that,” I said almost immediately, like I had practiced my response. I bit my inner cheeks. I don't want to sound harsh to him.“Really? But I'm not ready to call anything a fling with you,” he said, his face dripping with determination.I sucked in. How am I going to make it clear to h
Chapter 150.Wendy's POV. The golden light filtered into the bedroom, directly into my eyes.My eyes immediately squinted as they made contact with the streaks of sunlight. I turned over to the other side and I saw him, still sound asleep.The events of the previous day played in my head like a perfectly working CD, and a blush crept up my face.I was still naked, given that I was undressed after the warm but not near innocent bath.It was the best sex I have ever had, with George of course because we both wanted to savor the moment and take everything it has to offer. To be honest, i didn't rethink or regret my decision as at yesterday. But now that I'm awake and he's not, I feel I need a moment to know what's next.It's definitely a topic we would still discuss, and I don't think I'm ready to make our ‘fling’ more than that.All I want in my life for now is for my business to thrive. I know it's already among the top three, but still I want more.Whitney Decodes must be a worldwi
Chapter 149.Wendy's POV.He was taking too much time outside with Brittany.I didn't tell him it was Brittany because I was scared to see his reaction. What if he didn't look as angry as I wanted him to be?.When he opened the front door, I turned back from the staircase.I loathed to admit but yes, I was eavesdropping.And I heard everything. The point where Brittany called me a girl to the point he defended me, saying I'm the woman he loves.Still, I was feeling both emotions. Jealousy and happiness.Jealousy that Brittany was standing in his front and I know she won't keep her hands to herself.And happiness that he finally spelt it out to her how important he said I am to him.As he left his final words and turned to enter, I quickly ran into hiding.He sat on the couch, fuming.I gently walked towards him, “You're fuming,” I said behind him and he immediately looked back.Terror was written on his face and he walked to the back of the chair where I was.“You’re here,” he said an
Chapter 148.Wendy's POV.He immediately caught me, and we found ourselves in an awkward position.His knees were bent to support mine and his arms wrapped around my shoulder - my back to be precise.Only that I can't afford to be precise at this moment. My chest kept threatening to erupt and I could feel his calculated breathings.Everything was not normal, and the casual air seemed to be replaced with tension - sexual tension.After what seemed like eternity, he detached his arms slowly and carefully, but as I was about steadying myself, his hands slip and I fell butts flat on the floor.“Fuck, are you okay?” he exclaimed immediately crouching down to my level.He touched my arm in a bid to apologize but I shook under his touch which made him retract immediately.“I'm sorry,” he said, standing up from the floor.He reached out his hand and I took it hesitantly. I dusted my clothes immediately and I was back on my feet.“It was a mistake, I know,” I said and he nodded, pinching his f
Chapter 147.George's POV.My words seem to have gotten to her. She turned back on heels and crashed right into the cushion next to my bed with a loud thud.It's not the exact kind of close I want but at least I get to catch the whiff of her berry cologne and I could hear her soft sighs.I turned to sleep in a way that I could see her every movement. Her head was thrown back, her hair spreading around the neck of the cushion. She was tired. I made her tired and I can't help but beat myself up for it.“I'm here now…and you're not sleeping,” she said coldly without looking at me and I immediately went wide eyed.I pretended like I shifted, “I'm sleeping,” I said in a fake snore.“Right? I guess you can stare at me while you're sleeping now,” she said, finally looking at me.For a moment I forgot the question, focusing on her brown eyeballs on me. She stared deeply like she was looking into my soul and my chest did a backflip.She blinked her eyes when she realized she was staring inte
Chapter 146.Wendy's POV.One second George was standing tall , the next his knees buckled underneath him.“George,” I shouted running towards him as he collapsed on the cold floor.Gasps tore across the room and everywhere scattered in confusion, the elders murmured among themselves, Edward took a step back.I didn't have time to look at his expressions as I was expecting help from them but his smirk was replaced with confusion.I dropped to my knees beside George, I carried his head in my palms and I felt his burning temperature.His breathing was ragged, and his heartbeat hollow.“George,” I lowered to whisper in his ear, “Come on, open your eyes,” I said but I got no response, just a fragile attempt of raising his finger.He looked so weak. He shouldn't have shown up in this state – it was obvious he was pushing himself and it has taken a toll on him.“Step back,” Edward's voice tore the silence.“Don't you dare come closer,” I glared at him and he stopped just at my front.He sm