Wendy's POVThe woman’s voice broke through the nice chatter at the party. “You!” she yelled, her finger, twisted and dirty, aimed right at me. “You bad snake! It’s you!”I gasped. How bold this woman was! Her clothes were torn and dirty, and her hair was a mess. She looked so different from the fancy ballroom. This woman was like a monster, causing trouble, and she was targeting me with her anger.“Stay calm, Whitney, stay calm.” I told my wolf, a deep growl coming from inside me. Whitney was tense, ready to jump and attack this woman. I pushed back her anger and made myself feel icy calm. “Who are you?” I asked, my voice steady and surprisingly gentle.George stepped forward, his face filled with anger. “Who is this woman? How did she get in here?” His voice was quiet but full of rage. “Guards!” he shouted loudly in the hall. “What is going on here?”Two guards, looking very embarrassed, rushed over. They bowed deeply to George. “Your Majesty, we don’t know how she got in. We are ve
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
George's POVThe link, newly forged screamed with her agony."Your Highness!"I heard Edward’s voice tinged with instant worry. Hands, warm and familiar, were gripping my arms, trying to steady me. My vision swam."What is it, George? What's wrong?" Edward’s voice seemed nearer now, persistent.“Wendy,” I finally gasped, the word a hoarse whisper. “It’s Wendy. I feel… I feel her pain.”Edward’s eyes flashed with recognition, then flickered with worry. He knew what the link signified, knew what I felt for her. Without a word, he barked orders."Get the car ready! Now!"The pack warriors sprung into action. I pushed up to sitting, ignoring the residual throbs in my chest.“I have to get to her,” I said, my voice declaring some of its authority. "Now. Drive!"I waited for no confirmation. I nearly flung myself into the back of the waiting car. Edward squeezed in next to me, solemn-looking."Where to, Your Highness?" “Where to?” Marco, my driver, asked, steadying his hands on the wheel.“
George's POV“They have revealed their intentions, Edward,” George said, coolly angry; not something he had to fake; something barely held in check. The heavy boots he wore clicked a perilous rhythm against the polished stone floor as he paced the length of his office. “The Moonlight Pack has war on the brain. Fine. Let them have it."Beta Edward, a man as unmoving and steadfast as the mountains that surrounded their territory, shifted his weight uncomfortably. “Your Highness, if I may speak freely, is war really the best path forward right now? And we have just discovered Rosina’s plots and the pack is still repairing..."George paused his pacing, his stormy sea-colored eyes snapping to Edward. “Know your place, Edward,” he said with a dangerously low voice. "I am Alpha King. I make the decisions. You counsel, but you do not question my judgment. Criminals have hidden with the Moonlight Pack who have wronged MY pack, murdered MY people. When I ask for justice, they spit in my face. W
George's POVI rubbed my hand over my face, trying to get rid of the feeling their visit left. Rosina and Gerald, they were a big problem for me, always reminding me of the bad things in my own pack.“Edward!” I shouted, my voice echoing down the quiet hallway.My helper showed up right away, standing up straight and ready. “Your Highness?”“I'm going to see Sirius.” I said, turning towards the jail cells. “Get the guards ready.”Edward walked next to me. “Of course, Your Highness. Everything is ready.”We walked quietly, the only sound being our boots hitting the stone floor. As we got to the room we were supposed to go to, I saw something was wrong. Two guards were standing straight outside, but the door was a little bit open. I stopped, feeling a bad feeling in my stomach.“Why are Rhys and Sirius's son in the same room?” I asked, my voice low and angry.Edward hesitated, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Your Highness, I... I didn't know Prince Derek was with his father.”“Explain
Wendy's POVHe didn't waste time. "Wendy," he started, his voice low and serious. "The Shadow Fangs Pack has had a lot of problems lately.""Problems?" I repeated, acting like I didn't know. I knew exactly what he meant. The group was still dealing with George's quick, harsh grab for power and the trouble that followed."Yes, Wendy. More guards, tighter security, fights on our borders," he said, looking straight at her. "I think a lot of these problems are because we don't have a Luna."I crossed my arms, trying to figure out what he meant. "Yes?" I said, keeping my voice calm. Where was he going with this? Was he saying it was my fault the pack was in trouble?He sighed, a tired sound that said a lot about how old he was and how much he had to deal with. "A pack needs a Luna, Wendy. A leader, a symbol of being together and being strong. Someone to help and calm the problems.""And?" I asked, getting annoyed. "How does this affect me?""When a pack has a Luna, there's a better chance
Wendy's POV"I'll handle Brittany," George said, his jaw clenched. "You go home, Wendy. Get some rest."I nodded, giving a small smile. "Okay, be careful."He gave me that look, the one that made my stomach drop - a strong mix of worry and something else I couldn't describe. I turned and walked away, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my chest.The ride home was a haze. I kept thinking about all the time I spent with George since I got back. How he looked at me, how he listened to me, how he stood up for me... It was all so different from the guy I used to know. Is it possible? Am I... falling for him again?I held the steering wheel tighter, trying to push away the bad thought. This was George, the guy who hurt me, even if someone had tricked him. I made a new life and became a new person after him. I won't just give it up.I drove into my garage, the door closing automatically behind me. The house was quiet, really quiet. I normally like the silence, but tonight, it made
Rosina's POVMy lungs hurt as I walked through the thick bushes. The smell of pine and wet dirt filled my nose, very different from the nice smell of George's home. Every time a leaf moved or a stick broke, it made me very nervous.I know George. He won't let me get away that easily. He'll send his best trackers, the meanest wolves in his pack, and they won't give up.I had to keep moving.Time felt like forever as I walked through the tough land. My muscles hurt a lot, but I didn't listen to them. Each step I took was a win, a way of saying no to the Alpha King who thought he could boss me around.Then, I heard it. A quiet sound that was almost too soft to hear, carried by the wind. It was the signal. My heart jumped with a mix of relief and fear. Logan.I gave the planned reply, a slightly higher sound that went through the trees. I waited, watching closely, looking for any sign of movement in the dark.A person came out of the dark, standing out against the spotted moonlight shinin
Wendy's POV“What do you mean, Captain?” George asked.He squirmed, his broad shoulders lifting a bit. “Your Highness, I'm sorry, but the report said there was a really strong cologne smell. It was so strong that it seemed like someone was trying to hide something.”My thoughts sped up. Cologne. Brittany. It all made sense suddenly, and I felt bad. “Rosina.” I said softly, the name tasting sour. “She's hiding Rosina.”George's jaw tensed, his eyes flashing with anger. “Brittany is helping her? That tricky...” He stopped, taking a deep breath. “Didn't you search the house carefully, Captain?”The Captain stood up straight, sounding a bit defensive. “Your Highness, I had my men search the house thoroughly, from top to bottom, twice. They didn’t find anyone else.”George laughed sharply, “Twice? And nothing? A woman doesn’t just disappear, Captain. Especially not someone as… noticeable as Rosina.” He walked away, pacing a bit.“Clearly, your men didn’t look hard enough. Keep searching. E
Brittany's POVWhen Rosina's head went into the dark cellar, I didn't wait. My hands shook a bit as I grabbed the old door and closed it fast. The noise was loud in the room, but I made myself stay still. I reached under the shelf nearby and got a small mat, then quickly put it over the hidden door, so it looked like part of the floor. I was breathing fast and could hear the sound of footsteps coming near.The smell. The smell! The soldiers' keen senses would catch Rosina's scent in seconds if I didn't act fast. I opened the kitchen cabinet and grabbed a small bottle of strong perfume - not the light, flowery kind I normally wear, but the thick, heavy kind that can fill a room. I opened it and sprayed a lot, almost using up the whole bottle in the small area. The air got thick with the strong smell, and I coughed, waving my hand in front of my face.Focus, Brittany. Get it together.I put the perfume down, took a deep breath, and walked to the door just as a loud knock came through it
CHAPTER 105Brittany's POVIt was almost dark. I wrapped my hands around the glass of whiskey, the yellow drink shining in the light. The drink hurt my throat as I drank it down, but I liked the feeling. It was better to feel this than to think about him again. Him—and her.George.And Wendy.I frowned, my fingers gripped the glass tightly as my heart pounded in my ears. That weak and timid woman had won George's heart years ago, and even when she left, she still had a hold on him. Nothing I did could change that. Not even my best efforts or my charm and ambition.That woman always messed up my life even when she wasn't around.If Wendy hadn't interfered, George would be with me. I was so close to getting what I wanted, I could almost feel it. But Wendy managed to ruin everything for me. Then, after she was gone for a while, she came back six years later as a powerful and secretive business leader. She was more powerful, smarter, and seemed impossible to beat.I disliked her even more