Noah's POVIn the early morning light, I sat behind my desk. Sun was filtering in through the window behind me, warming my back.However, what I felt inside of me was a scary coldness. A cold that had been ever since I left the Moon Stone pack without Astra.I groaned and shook my head vigorously, trying to dispel thoughts of her from my brain. Now was not the time for sentiments. Now was the time for action.I stared at the littered desk in front of me, the scattered papers reflecting my internal turmoil. My eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night, and I couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at my conscience. I glanced up: six men stood at attention before me, including Jasper my beta, watching my every move. The room was tense, and I knew they were waiting for instructions or information.I muttered to myself, my voice strained and ragged, as if I were on the brink of madness. "Where is she? What has she done?" The papers beneath my trembling hands were filled with lists, plans,
Eleanor's POVI stood on the porch upstairs, my eyes fixed on the dense forest that surrounded the pack house. My heart was heavy with anger and disbelief. How could my son, Ramsey, have committed such an atrocious act while I was still alive? He had finally gone through with his wishes. He had finally married that girl and tainted our family line forever. The nerve!As if marrying that gypsy girl, Astra wasn't bad enough, he'd had to engage in a brawl with her former lover on his wedding day in front of hundreds of guests.I had watched the faces of the invited royal guests as Ramsey had fought with that alpha. They had been horrified—of course, they had to act horrified to look like they were on our side—but underneath the horror, I had seen amusement and jest, as clear as day on their faces.They were making fun of us in secret, I knew. They also wondered, like me, why Ramsey had ignored all the eligible women in his pack and gone for a mere commoner instead. A woman who was made
Ramsey's POVI stormed out of the pack house, leaving my mother on the porch. Anger coursed through me like a tempest, fueled by her stubborn refusal to accept Astra. But beneath the anger, a gnawing worry and fear for my mother's well-being lingered.She was a stubborn woman, my mother. But this seemed to be the height of it. She would rather starve than accept Astra!As I walked through the halls of the pack house and out into the open, I couldn't shake the image of my mother's sad and haggard appearance. She looked as if my wedding to Astra was taking a toll on her, and it pained me to see her in such a state. Yet, I knew that I couldn't reject Astra because of her. Eleanor was my mother, but Astra was the love of my life.I reminded myself that Eleanor hadn't eaten for days, which explained her pallor and sickly appearance. She needed nourishment, and perhaps, once she ate, she would feel better. At least, that's what I hoped.I couldn't lose either of them. They were the two mos
Ramsey's POVColin's words rang in my ears like an alarm bell. I stood rooted to the spot, staring into his eyes as if they held unknown secrets. "Alpha?" He called out to me, and I gave a small start."How is the situation of things at the border now?" I asked. "How are our soldiers holding up?""We're taking the lead, Alpha." Colin replied. "But you have to come, fast.""I always knew Ramsey would make good on his promise to come back for Astra," I muttered savagely, anger coursing through my veins. "No, Alpha." Colin muttered quietly. "These aren't Noah's men."I glanced up at him. "Who are they, then?""They're...." He paused. "They seem to be rogue wolves. I don't know where they're from or who sent them, but they're here."Rogue wolves?!Astra appeared at the door, a worried frown on her face. "Did you say rogue wolves?" She asked Colin.Colin opened his mouth to speak, but I interrupted. "Astra, it is nothing you need to worry about." I grabbed her shoulders and tried to turn
Kylie's POVMy heart was thudding against my chest. Relentless and merciless.I couldn't rest; no, I couldn't. Not until I heard news from Kenneth himself.As I paced the perimeter of my room, my mind went back and forth, exploring several possibilities of what might have happened on that battlefield. The fact that I hadn't heard any news from Kenneth all night was extremely worrying.After I'd instructed him to go all the way to Moon Stone Pack to kill Astra, Kenneth had gathered all the rogue wolves he could find. That wasn't exactly hard, as he was a rogue wolf himself, an outcast from another pack. Nobody knew about that, except for me.He'd come here last night to bid me a last goodbye, before climbing out of my window, blending into the night like a dark shadow. Now it was high afternoon of the next day, and the sun was already floating across the sky. It would soon be evening, and still yet there was no news from him.Had he been captured?Was he dead?I stopped short in the mi
Noah's POVAs I gave that last command, my beta nodded in understanding, his face grim with determination. I saw a flash of gold in his eyes, and I knew his wolf was also preparing for battle.Mine was too; I could almost feel the beast rearing its head within me, aching to burst out and take to the battlefield. The time was now, the time to finally reclaim my mate. That Ramsey had drawn the first blood, and it would be a show of weakness to back down now."Your battle is our battle, Alpha." Jasper murmured, eyes locked on mine.I nodded in solidarity. "Which of our soldiers did that man capture?"A frown appeared on Jasper's face. "I am not aware, alpha. In fact, I do not think it is one of our troops, or we would have noticed his absence before Alpha Ramsey even sent this message to us." He waved the parchment in his hand for emphasis. "But do not worry, alpha. I would make my findings.""Ignore that for now." I ordered. "Rally the troops for battle first. We cannot afford to worry
Ramsey's POV"They're here." I repeated. "Astra, Noah is here!"Astra rushed to my side and glanced from Colin to me. "So what now?"I turned to her, fear and urgency evident on my face. "We have to get you to safety, Astra. Noah is here for you, and we have to keep you somewhere he can never reach."I watched as she furrowed her brow. "And what about you? Where will you be?""I will be on the battlefield, Astra. We talked about this, didn't we?" I murmured. "I'll be fine, I promise.Fear flashed across Astra's face. "Will you be safe, Zey?" She asked."Yes, I will. I'll come back to you, I promise." I reminded her. "I always do, don't I?""Yes, Ramsey." She whispered. "I love you.""I love you too, Astra." I whispered back. Then I pulled her into a tight hug, not wanting to let go.I heard her sniff as her arms wrapped around my back. I could almost feel the terror and the fear of losing me. I knew she would rather avoid a battle, but I had to do this for her. If we were to be togeth
Ramsey's POV"You killer!" I bellowed, hot anger coursing through my veins like blood. "You deranged fool!"Noah was also running in Astra's direction, a look of alarm on his face. But as he got closer to her, he stopped halfway across the field, too scared and weakened by what he had done to move any closer. I stopped too, shielding Astra with my body and facing him squarely. The harsh sounds of the battle around us seemed to fade into background noise, as though it was just Noah, Astra and I on the grassy field."No...." I heard him mutter loudly, eyes on Astra's unmoving body. "No!" He yelled again, as tear after tear slipped from his eyes."Do you see what you have done?" I bellowed. "Do you see what your anger and you delusions have caused?""No!" He roared. "This is all your fault. If you hadn't stolen her from me, she would still be mine! She would not be here now—none of us will be!""Can you hear yourself?" I spat, feeling hatred and pain deep within me. I tried not to think
Ramsey's POVSix months later...."Ramsey, the contractions are getting harder!"My head shot up at the sound of Astra's voice. I turned back to see her sprawled on the bed: legs wide, face full of fear, and my own heart jumped in fright.I turned back to Colin. "Find the pack's physician, stat!" I ordered. "Tell him the Luna's contractions have started.""On it." Colin replied, then gave me a short bow and turned to leave the room.I turned and crossed the room to my luna in two quick strides. I slipped to my knees, crouching before the bed and gripping her hand tight."You'll be fine," I whispered in reassurance. "Remember our breathing lessons....""Oh, Ramsey!" Astra wailed as tears slipped down her cheeks. Her fingers gripped mine, as I pushed all my strength and resilience into her.I stayed with Astra until Colin burst into the room again, followed by the pack's physician and a few frantic wolf nurses. "Step aside, Alpha!" The physician called out, pushing past me to crouch be
At that point, I had absolutely no doubt that this woman absolutely hated me.I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of unease as she walked towards the stand meant for the accused, her head regal and her eyes full of a sense of pride.She paused halfway to the stand, and her eyes fell on her son. "You are an absolute disgrace to me, the royal family and this entire pack!" She spat."Move on, mother!" Ramsey snapped, and she continued walking.Ramsey remained standing at the head of the courtroom, his gaze locked onto his mother with a mix of anger, disappointment, and sorrow. The air in the room felt heavy with the weight of the accusation, and I couldn't imagine the turmoil he must be feeling, torn between his loyalty to his pack and his blood ties to his mother."Let the trial begin!" Ramsey declared, his voice firm, as his eyes roamed around the room.The Council of Wolves, along with the gathered pack members, watched with bated breath as the trial commenced. Lady Eleanor stoo
Astra's POVThe dining hall seemed to close in around us as Ramsey jumped into action, his protective instincts in full force. I watched as the maid promptly went to her knees, pure fear on every inch of her pale face.My heart beat with fear and disgust at the maid's behaviour. Fear about the fact that someone, somewhere wanted me dead, and disgust at the homicidal behaviour of the young maid. I could not imagine that someone who had served me a plate of food could actually attempt to have me killed.I stared down at the plate of food before me—the lamb chops of death. A sudden wave of anger came over me as I glanced up at the maid again, and I swore right there and then to end whoever had tried to have me killed.The maid was practically trembling now, drop after drop of tears falling from her eyes. "Please...." She whispered. "Alpha, please show mercy!""You do not deserve mercy!" Noah snarled, the bridge of his nose crinkling with barely-concealed anger. I watched, my heart still
Astra's POVI was alone in my room, the moonlight streaming in through the windows, casting a soft glow on the walls. My hands gently cradled my swollen belly, the life within me kicking and squirming as if in response to the turmoil that had enveloped me.The silence of the night was broken only by the soft rustling of leaves outside, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to drift into the memories of happier times, when the weight of secrets and betrayal had not yet burdened our hearts.For some reason, my thoughts drifted to Noah. I sighed as I stared out of the window of my room, my eyes darting across the moonlit courtyard. Noah had been absent from my thoughts for a long time: I wondered why I would suddenly think about him now. My heart had healed since he banished me from the pack, and Ramsey had mended the pieces, filling my life with love and happiness. Ramsey was the one who truly mattered now.So why was I still thinking about Noah?I shook my head, relentlessly trying
Noah's POVMy actions were purely driven by anger and hurt, and it had led to a brutal end. I had taken a life, and there was no turning back.But slowly, I felt all my guilt ebb out of me. All I was left with was sadness and a brutal, heavy emptiness.The garden lay in ruins around me, a reflection of the turmoil within my heart. I knew I had to confront Kylie, to face the woman who had hidden such a devastating secret from me. My steps were heavy as I turned to the carriage drive that was waiting for me at the end of the garden. "Alpha...." He stuttered as I walked towards him. I could see concern and a glaring fear in his eyes. Whether he was scared of me or scared of something else, I had absolutely no idea.When I didn't say anything in response, he continued. "What should I do about the.....the body?"I waved a dismissive hand. "Do away with it, somehow.....""Alright." He nodded, then turned and walked ti the carriage. He opened the door and held it open for me.In silence, I
Noah's POVMy world seemed to shatter around my ears at Kenneth's revelation. The words hung in the air like a death sentence, a heavy weight that crushed my chest, stealing the breath from my lungs. I released my grip on Kenneth, stumbling back in shock, my heart pounding in my ears."What... what did you just say?" I stammered, my voice trembling with disbelief.Kenneth straightened his clothing, a smug satisfaction still dancing in his eyes. "You heard me right, Alpha. That child is mine.""Liar!" I screamed, shaking my head in denial. "You are a crazy, pathetic liar!"Kenneth grinned again, as though he was relishing my anguish. "You want it to be a lie. Deep down, you want to paint me as this crazy lunatic who lies his way through every tight situation. But think about it, Alpha. Think."I cast my mind back, trying to think about the circumstances of Kylie's pregnancy. Kenneth continued. "Has that pregnancy ever felt like yours for even one second? Have you ever felt any real con
Noah's POVAs I watched Kylie leave the room, a growing sense of unease settled over me like a heavy cloud. When she got to the door, she turned as though she was about to say something else. But I knew, deep down, that whatever she said would be far from allaying the fears inside of me.Her words had been convincing, but something in her eyes had hinted at a deeper truth, something she was keeping from me. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this situation than met the eye.The scars from my previous heartbreak still lingered, and I couldn't bear the thought of being hurt by a loved one once again. My soul and my mental health had barely healed from the scars left from the whole issue with Astra.I wanted peace, but it seemed as though the harder I tried, the farther it was from me.A small part of me wanted to dig deeper, to uncover the truth behind that strange man, but another part of me dreaded what I might find. What if his name wasn't really Julian? What if Kyl
.Kylie's POVOh, Goddess!The silence that fell at that moment felt so strong, almost tangible. I could feel it pressing against me, could feel the shock and curiosity moving from Noah in palpable waves.Noah's eyes moved to Kenneth, then back to me, then to Kenneth again. "Who is this man, Kylie?" He asked, his eyes never leaving Kenneth's face.My heart pounded in my chest as I turned to face him, my mind racing for an explanation. Noah's eyes darted between Kenneth and me, suspicion etched across his features. I had to tread carefully, to ensure that the carefully constructed facade I had built didn't crumble before my eyes. The consequences of this encounter could be disastrous, not just for me but for the entire pack.Any little wrong word, and I could as well be placing my own head on the chopping block myself.Kenneth chose that moment to strut forward, his shoulders raised. There was a mocking smirk on his face as he bowed low. "Alpha Noah," he greeted, his voice laced with
Kylie's POVWhen Noah was done, I felt him pull away, a sigh slipping from his lips. I lay against the cold, hard surface of the table for long seconds, as the memories of our steamy sex lingered in my mind."Are you ever going to stand from that desk?" Noah spoke up finally, breaking the silence. "Or have I completely immobilized you with our...ah, act?"I smiled, betraying the raging emotions I felt within me. "No, Noah. I am fine. I'm just taking a moment here."I felt, rather than heard him pause. "Alright...."The room seemed to hold its breath as I listened to the soft rustle of fabric, knowing that Noah was dressing behind me. Every passing second only intensified the strange mixture of emotions swirling within me.This was happiness, I thought. This was what it felt like to own Noah, to finally have him to myself.After what felt like an eternity, I finally stood up. I turned to face Noah, who was now fully dressed. There was a poignant silence between us, a moment when words