Lita's POV
"Owwwww!" I yawned as the warming brightness of the sun touched my skin. "It was morning already?" I asked myself.I groaned as soon as the sun caused its light to hit my face, slightly o ending my eyes in the process, and forcing me to turn the other way.I looked across the bed and found no one, no one at all. Darrius was never that way. He had never left me on the bed all alone in the morning. It was so unlike him.It was already bad enough that he let the sun wake me up instead of him. He'd usually kiss me on my forehead, causing me to wake up to his reassuring smile. Then we'd cuddle. Yes, we'd cuddle for a minute, two minutes or even more. I never wanted to let him go on those occasions but I knew I had to. I loved the way that I felt whenever I was engulfed by his powerful arms. I felt like he was all I could live for. That feeling of security was pure bliss.Yet, here I was, with nothing else to cuddle but these little pillows, consumed by the thoughts of he, who had left me for good. But how could he? I'd never deprived him of anything he wanted. I'd been so submissive to him, yet dominant in places where I had to be. I was the balance between weak and strong, perfectly suited for him and consumed with the desire to keep him happy always. I did that. Well, I always thought I did. Why else would he struggle to get his eyes o me? Why was it a battle for him to say no to me? Why did we end up on the bed last night? I had to be right. But if I was, why wasn't he by my side?The questions were a lot and the answers were very few. Yet, he was someone Icouldn't a ord to lose. The goddess forbids it! I had to do something. I had to hold on to what rightfully belonged to me and I had to act fast."Melissa!" I screamed as I remembered that I had an ally on the inside. "How did this just cross my mind now?" I asked aloud.Melissa was the wife of the late alpha; Darrius' mother. She was the reason why I got to know him in the first place. She knew how much her son loved curvy women and where he usually went to hook up with them and she made sure I went there. She publicly displayed her a ection for me in his presence and always talked me up, which a orded me more time in the palace and more time with Darrius. She was the one who told me how much Darrius loved to have his hair caressed in a very slow fashion. Surely, she could help me in a situation like this. There was no way I was going to agree to never show up at the palace anymore.I stood from the bed and quickly put on my slippers. I went to the bathroom and washed my face as quickly as I could. I didn't know where Darrius went or how long he was going to stay so I needed to meet with Melissa as quickly as possible.I walked out of the room with giant strides and climbed the stairs to Melissa's room. As I got to the door, I raised my right hand to knock but paused a little on seeing her picture, hand-drawn on her door. I loved drawings a lot. This was very fascinating to me.I finally knocked on the door and waited for a response but I didn't get any. I knocked once again, and this time, I heard a voice from inside the room. I couldn't tell if she said I could come in but I did, anyway."Good morning, Melissa," I said, as I got into this room, turning briefly to shut the door behind me. "I'm very happy to see you, ma'am.""Lita! My sweet girl," she said, her face beaming with smiles, displaying her white, beautiful set of teeth which I always loved to see. "Come here. Give me some sugar, will you?"I ran across to her, genuine excitement buzzing on my inside, and hugged her very tightly. She broke the hug for a moment and planted a kiss on both my cheeks before returning me to her lovely embrace. It felt so good. Why wouldn't it? She reminded me of my late mother. The love, the care, the tenderness, everything that I ever wanted in a mother. Hopefully, she was going to be my mother-in-law soon.As we broke from the embrace, she sat back on her bed and gestured for me to sit on a chair just beside it. As soon as I sat, I squeezed my face lightly and wore a sad visage. I looked up a bit so that she could see that something was wrong."Why the sudden change of mood, Lita? You're not happy to see me anymore? Did I hug you too tightly?""No, ma'am. It's not that," I answered."What is it then?""It's your son, Darrius. He's the problem; my problem.""What about him?""He has asked me never to set my feet in the palace again to see him," I said, still seeing a need to make the point sink in better. "He said he never wants anything to do with me anymore.""That's absurd! I won't let that happen, my dear. How would he say something like that?" I got the exact reaction I hoped to elicit. There was a fire in her eyes and her voice as she spoke. She was visibly livid and I loved it. I always let out a smile of comfort but I knew it wasn't the time for that, lest she'd feel I was playing with her. "Did you do anything wrong to him?""Nothing at all, Melissa," I replied. "Unless, of course, my presence has become a crime, then I'd consider myself guilty. I just came by yesterday, just like other days and as we began to talk, he made it clear that he was done with me and any other lady that he has had something to do with in the past. He said something about trying to set his life straight and get a mate and I wondered why he'd say that.""It's a good thing for him to want a mate. You know, leave the life of jumping around from one lady to another and stay committed to his mate. Why not choose someone who knows so much about him and also loves him truly and not just because he's the alpha? Why not choose you?""I think only he can answer that question, Melissa," I replied, as sadness began to overwhelm me. "I've given him everything and I do not regret it. I'm willing to give him even more, no matter the cost. Darrius is all I can think of. I can't imagine myself with anyone else but him. I don't know what else to do to get him to see this. I don'tknow…"I broke down. I couldn't take it anymore. Tears flowed from my cheeks uncontrollably and my sobs went from inaudible to very audible in a matter of seconds. I couldn't explain what I had done wrong to Darrius. It was far beyond my reasoning."Hey, hey, calm down, Lita. Please, don't cry." She got up and walked across to me, cleaning my tears with her hands. I felt so much comfort that I kissed her hands and held on to her so tightly. I loved the woman and it was clear she loved me too. I just wished it could be the same for her child. "I need you to be calm, Lita. This is all going to be sorted out.""But how?" I asked her. "How are you going to convince him? You know he always loves to do whatever he pleases.""You'll soon find out, my dear. I'm his mother after all, aren't I?"Chapter SevenRiley's POVI felt something moist on my skin in a very small amount, and then in larger amounts and I wondered what it was. Then, I felt it again, this time, all over my body as I jumped to my feet in record time."Wake up, you sloth!""I'm sorry, ma'am."I fell asleep on the floor as I worked for the alpha's daughter. Close to me was the rag Iwas cleaning the windows and the furniture with. I couldn't remember sleeping though. The last thing I could think of was the fact that I felt really weak but was determined to finish up the task given to me. It was true, what they always said, that you can't cheat nature.I was so cold. I couldn't tell if it was the water that was poured on me, the clothes that I wore, which had become very soggy or the fever that was building up within me. All I knew was that I was very cold.I clenched my teeth as I stared at Sharon, hoping she could take pity on me and let me rest for just a while. I had hoped that deep down that outward beau
Darrius' POVI opened my eyes to see that the darkness remained. Yet, it wasn't as it was before I went to bed, so I guessed it was quite early in the morning. I yawned, still feeling a bit weak from the intense sex that I had with Lita.I stared at her as she lay right next to me and caressed her hair gently. I didn't want her to wake up. She looked so beautiful even as she slept and I wondered what kind of man would leave a woman as beautiful and charming as Lita for anyone else. Yet, Iknew she wasn't my mate and I wasn't willing to be with anyone who wasn't mine. My father married his mate, his father too and his grandfather also. I wasn't going to be the exception, as tempting as it was. Lita was truly tempting.She was all that any man could wish for. She knew just how to do things and exactly when to do them. I would have said that I fell in love with her but if I did, I wouldn't be thinking about being rid of her. Yet, I did feel something for her, something very strong and if
Darius’s PovI stood up and left my secret chamber immediately. I got to do something real quick. The affection I had for Lita has just been destroyed by her.“Tell Danny to meet me in my chambers.” I said to one of the wolves guarding the palace: He bowed and left immediately, while I headed for my chamber.I opened the door and went in.The scent of Lita still lingered. I am an alpha, and I can pick up the tiniest scent from anything or anyone.I looked at the bed and was reminded of the hot moment I had last night. I still admired her, but not anymore. That scent and the bed disgust me now.She involved my mom in this. I wouldn’t forgive her for that. I always made sure not to get my mother involved in anything I did so I wouldn’t cause her any trouble at all. She is the only family I have left, and I wouldn’t put her in trouble for any reason.Danny walked in and closed the door behind him. “Darius, what did you do to Lita?”“Nothing. I just cut ties between the both of us. "I am
Riley’s Pov I rushed out of the house, heading for the Alpha’s house, dressed in one of my rags, but at least better than others, even though the yellow gown was much better. It got torn yesterday while working. I was able to finish up my work at nightfall and rush back home, but here I am, rushing back to the Alpha’s house because Sharon called and said my service was needed at the Alpha’s house. How miserable can my life ever be? I am feeling very sick, but no one would even give me a stare or ask why I was so sick. I am worthless to them and mean nothing. “Riley…” Mother called behind me. I halted and turned back with my head bowed. “Yes mother?” I felt dizzy at that moment and so had to close my eyes, trying to get stabilized. I heard footsteps walking towards me and then stopping right before me. What does Mother want again? I opened my eyes and wanted to raise my head, but a hand connected to my face and forced me to shut my eyes again. I should receive the award for bein
Chapter eleven Riley’s Pov My breath hitched and my legs gave way, making me fall to the ground. I began to panic as she stared down at me in disgust and hatred. “This is who you truly are; you tried to kill the son of the beta." "You will be punished for it.” She said it angrily. “Please. He tried. He tried to force himself on me. I pleaded, with tears falling from my eyes. I looked at Bruce beside me and noticed that he wasn’t moving. My world came crashing down. My life, which I never started, is over. This is it for me. Bruce is no more, and that means my life is over too. “You murderer!” she thundered, making my body hairs rise up. I am done for. “Please forgive me. Please.” I pleaded, but there is no way I can be justified. Oh my life! “Guards, take this thing away.” She yelled. Why does she have to come in? Why Sharon of all people? The guards, hearing her call, quickly rushed in and took me away, not hearing my pleas for mercy. “I can explain. is not what you think.”
Chapter twelve Darius’s Pov Unfortunately, the horse was sick, and that was why Danny called to tell me there was a problem. My planned fun ride was ruined. It is decided that I will just go in my wolf form; that will make it even faster for me. I left immediately. I got my bag containing what I will be needing. Some guards wanted to come with me, but this is a journey I must take alone. I shifted and went on my journey. I will be going to the Misty Night Park in Alpha’s. I might find my mate among his daughters. The sun was shining so brightly between the tall trees, whose branches were spread out, giving a covering to the forest. The sun was scorching, but the trees gave the forest a relaxing atmosphere. I walked down the forest, not in my wolf form but in human form. I just wanted to have the feeling of the cool breeze in the forest. It’s been a while since I took a walk because I've been busy trying to be the best, and I haven’t done anything fun since forever.
Chapter thirteen Sharon’s pov Darius is here. I can’t believe it; Darius is standing right beside me. I couldn’t scream out loud, but I could scream in my mind. This is a dream come true for me, but first, I have to maintain my emotions if I want to win a space in his heart. This is my opportunity. I must get this Alpha, because he is mine. I let go of that servant because I wanted to impress him, and from his expression, I could tell he was impressed. He couldn’t stop staring at me, and the way he bent a bit to get a sniff of me changed my world for that moment. I want him now. Before we got home, I had one of the warriors inform Dad about the arrival of Darius, and Dad seemed prepared when we arrived. I could tell how pleased he was to see Darius. Well, Darius is not only the alpha of the most powerful and richest kingdom; his family is also prominent and influential. They are big shots. While they were about to talk, a woman ran in and fell at the feet of my fa
Chapter fourteen Darius’s Pov That strong scent from earlier filled my nose again, and immediately Sharon went out. I felt my insides tightening because of it. This is not something that happens to me. This scent raised my desires, and I just wanted that person—the owner of that scent. My wolf wanted to come out, which it never does unless I permit it to. It was struggling to come out. Alpha Jerry was speaking, but I didn’t hear a bit of what he was saying. All that filled my mind was the thought of having that person. I can’t explain this new feeling. It is something I have never felt before. I was battling with my wolf because it was losing control, and at the same time, I felt the urge to mark that same person. I have perceived many scents before, but this one is doing something crazy to me that I can’t explain. This is not from Sharon. It wasn’t this strong when I was with her. This scent must be from my friend, who would be outside at that moment. I stoppe
“What am I going to do?” she silently mumbled to herself as she frantically tried to come up with a plan to avoid facing her own wrath. All of a sudden, she felt a firm grasp upon her arm, pulling her back behind the safety of a pillar near a nearby window, away from prying eyes. She felt relieved and surprised – until she realized who exactly had grabbed her and whom she recognized.. Her heart sank slightly. Of course. Why wouldn’t it? It was Rachel. She had heard rumors that there was a consummated marriage between Darius and Rachel after her mating ritual to Darius. Apparently she’d had no intention of marrying either of them, much less Darius, but Rachel had always loved Darius anyway. Now, it seemed like they were having problems reconciling their differences over Darius. That didn’t matter anymore though, she supposed. Rachel hadn’t shown herself to be happy or supportive during Darius’ mating ritual, which was why she’d refused to speak to him when she’d returned
For the longest time, she hadn’t even thought about whether or not her feelings were reciprocated. To hear such heartfelt reassurances was definitely overwhelming…but what was she supposed to tell him? That she wasn’t interested in anyone right now, even though he was the one person she most desired to spend time with? How could she possibly confess something like that without sounding like she was lying to him? And yet…how could she convince him otherwise? Couldn’t he tell she was just playing along? Hadn’t she been doing the exact same thing? Before she could respond, a knock came to her door, effectively cutting short their discussion. Both of them turned to find a servant standing outside her chamber door. “Excuse me Your Highness, but your chambers are ready,” the servant informed her politely. “Please follow me.” Darius glanced in her direction briefly before nodding his consent. Once the servant had withdrawn, he released Riley’s hand and made his way inside his room w
Darius’s expression hardened once again, and he motioned towards the door. “Go to your chambers,” he instructed, his voice distant. “We’ll talk more later. But for now, I suggest you start by apologizing to the guard at the door for your behavior.” Feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension, Riley nodded and stood up, her legs feeling weak beneath her. She made her way towards the door, aware of the lingering gazes from the pack members around her. Whispers filled the air as she passed by, and she couldn’t help but feel the weight of their judgment. As Riley approached the guard at the door, she noticed the hesitance in his eyes. He seemed wary, as if unsure of how to react to her presence. She mustered up a small smile and spoke softly, trying to convey her sincerity. “I’m sorry for my actions,” she said, her voice filled with remorse. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.” The guard’s gaze softened slightly, but there was still a hint of caution. “Just don’t let it happen
Finding Clyde.Jason:Clarissa’s resilience was the strongest I had ever come across, to apologize for an offense she had it committed, to hold back her anger and pain as though she too did not need to be taken care of. She was in so much by the conversation concerning Clyde’s pack, It worse obvious that we were digging up old wounds that had clearly not healed. Maybe that was why she was distant from me, and ask why she channeled her pain into trying to build a family for the lost ones like her. She inspired me so much, and I felt her pains so much that I wanted to pull her into my arms and ease all the pain away with my warm embrace, but I knew I could not do that, so I just watched.Apart from the stories they told, I was also very concerned about the whereabouts of Clyde. There’s no how he would have survived the dungeon for that long alone, without food, water. We had brought back all the war prisoners with us and we were slowly planning to begin a plan for a bigger and better p
Darius blushed furiously, averting his gaze. “Uh, yeah. Well, um,” he stumbled and cleared his throat nervously. “You see, I just…uh,” he struggled to find words as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “What I mean to say is…um…” he muttered, glancing back up at her. His pale cheeks flushed even deeper red as his eyes met hers. “Well, um, I’m just…hmm…I guess I like talking to you.” His face grew impossibly more crimson as he spoke, his blush becoming nearly unbearable as he attempted to justify himself. Riley giggled, enjoying the way he floundered. “Well, Dai, how come you never spend time with me?” I asked. “ I’m busy” he abruptly replied her. “Besides, why do you care anyway?” Riley’s eyes narrowed as she gazed sternly at him. “I know what kind of life you lead,” she told him bluntly. “We’re not really friends, are we? You never ask for my advice or my help. In fact, your attitude towards me has always been completely hostile.” A frown m
She was no stranger to the hurt she felt after each rejection. Her heart ached as she realized that Darius didn’t feel the same. She smiled as she gazed at Darius’s beautiful blue eyes, a smile so tender that Darius felt his heart tighten. ‘No, it isn’t you.’ She thought with a bitter laugh. ‘How could he possibly return my love if he cannot bear the burden of keeping secrets?’ She glanced away. ‘Perhaps I should just leave him and live out the rest of my life alone.’ Her voice cracked slightly, as though her resolve was crumbling. As tears brimmed in her eyes, she fought the urge to cry out, ‘I’ve lost everything! Why should he care? What does he see in me? A sudden, sharp pain erupted in her chest, as if a dagger had pierced it. She gasped sharply as she doubled over in agony, clutching her injured heart. It felt as though someone had stabbed her repeatedly, rendering her unable to breathe or move. Pain shot through her entire torso, threatening to ri
“Darius, I have received some distressing news,” the elder began, his voice laced with concern. “Your father’s sudden withdrawal has put our community in a precarious position. We have made commitments to Rachel’s family, and we cannot afford to break them.” Darius’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean, commitments? I thought my marriage to Rachel was already arranged.” The elder sighed, his gaze fixed on Darius. “Yes, it was. But your father’s decision has created a complicated situation. We need to salvage the agreements and ensure the stability of our community. There is an alternative plan we have devised.” Darius leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “What is this alternative plan?” The elder’s voice dropped to a hushed tone. “We can arrange a consummated marriage for you with Rachel, in secret. This way, we fulfill our obligations to her family while maintaining the appearance of your marriage with Riley, as was originally planned.”
She needed someone who would guide her. Someone who would help her. Her head snapped upright suddenly as a loud, deafening sound filled the air. The noise pierced her ears, making her wince. The sound continued to grow louder and louder, shaking her whole being, until it became impossible for her to hear anything else except for the terrible shrieking noise that was echoing around her and reverberating inside of her skull. Suddenly it stopped, leaving a painful emptiness in its wake, as she lay on her side, panting heavily. She opened her eyes wide and stared blankly into space, her hands covering her ears. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she struggled to breathe. She looked up, searching blindly for the source of the sounds; the sudden silence made her panic and she screamed for help. She waited for several minutes, trying to make sense of the events surrounding her, trying to grasp what was happening. Suddenly she realised that a door had creaked open somewh
She pressed a soft kiss against his lips. “Me too.” She whispered. He turned his body so they were lying on their sides facing each other, mirroring each other’s position. He gazed down at her with pure adoration in his deep brown eyes. “I love you,” he whispered. She raised herself up on her elbow, reaching out and stroking his stubbly chin with her finger. “I love you, too.” Their gaze locked into each other, feeling the same overwhelming emotion. They both leaned forward until their lips were only millimetres apart. Rachel’ eyes widened as he began to lean towards her, pressing their bodies together. Their lips met in slow motion as their tongues mingled together in an intense, sensual embrace. As their lips parted they remained connected as they savoured the moment, breathing heavily. He moved his arms underneath her bottom and picked her up, carrying her over to the bed and laying her down gently. She s