CHAPTER 56: WHAT'S WRONG?EVERLY:As I entered the main building, I tiptoed into Kaelan's office with the intention to surprise him. I wanted to probably cover his eyes with my palms from behind and make him guess who it was. I felt pain in most parts of my body as a result of the battle and I wanted to collapse in his arms and make him carry me to his room.However, as I approached the door, my enthusiasm suddenly dampened, but I didn't know why. I moved further and hesitated for a moment before I quietly opened the door.There they are.Kaelan and Isabella.I covered my mouth with my hands to stop myself from making a sound.She was in his arms, and her hands were curled round his neck like a snake. Kaelan rubbed her back, and spoke softly, words that I couldn't hear.I didn’t move. I didn’t even make a sound.I just watched.The battlefield had been brutal, and I had fought with everything I had, nearly losing myself to the shadows. I had bled for this pack, and for the man I love
CHAPTER 57: I WOULD NEVER BETRAY YOU EVERLY:“But I didn't lie to you.” Kaelan sounded so genuine but what I saw this afternoon didn't allow me to believe him.“Of course, you didn't. You loved me so much you sent me off to war while you were here rubbing another woman's back.” Kealan tightened his jaw. “It wasn’t like that.”I scoffed. “Then tell me, what was it like?”“She came to my chamber,” he admitted, his voice growing defensive. “She told me about her past, how she was abandoned, how she’s never found her mate. She was upset, and I—”“You comforted her.” My voice was like ice.“I was just being kind,” he insisted.I shook my head. “I don't believe you. You've always defended Isabella and I couldn't understand why. Now I know you have a crush on her.”His eyes darkened. “Everly, that’s not fair.”“What is not fair is the fact that I gave you my heart, gave you my virginity and gave you my life. And this is how you treat me? Like trash?” Kaelan stepped closer, trying to hold
CHAPTER 58: THE DREAM EVERLY:Kaelan's hands brushed against my skin, helping me wash off the blood and ache of the battle. I closed my eyes, basking in the soothing effect of his warm fingers. But then, I slept off.In my dream, I heard a hard knock at the main gate and I rushed over. “Who's there?” I called, but there's no response. I opened the gate but found no one. I turned and headed back to the main house. Then I saw her, a figure that emerged from the shadows, and seemed weightless, drifting in the air.I was left frozen as I stared at her. It was like looking in the mirror. She had my eyes and hair.Her hair flowed beautifully behind her, while her eyes glowed like the moon. “Everly,” she echoed, “I saw what happened today.”She saw what happened today? Is she the Moon Goddess or what?I stiffened. “Who are you?”She floated around. “Take a closer look at me, what do you see?” I swallowed hard as I took a closer look at her. “I'm not sure but I think I see myself in you.”
CHAPTER 59: MEETING WITH THE PRIESTESS EVERLY:I had a few hours of sleep after we pulled apart from each other. Something just made me open my eyes and when I checked the time, it was 4:am. I still felt a bit sore from the battle, but my mind was restless. My mother's words from the dream has not stopped echoing in my head:"Be careful how you use your powers... Be careful who you trust. Be aware of the wolf in sheep's clothing. Your brother is alive.*How can I be at rest when I need answers to all these riddles?A twin brother. Alive. After all these years?I turned to glance at Kaelan, but he was still fast asleep beside me. His breathing was steady, and his arm draped protectively over my waist. A part of me wanted to wake him, tell him everything—but another part knew he wouldn’t let me go alone. And I had to do this alone.Moving carefully, I slipped out from under his arm, wincing as my feet touched the cold floor. My wounds from the battle had mostly healed, but exhaustio
CHAPTER 60: I HEARD YOU TRIED TO KILL MY MATEEVERLY:Duncan glared at me. "The Crescent Moon Luna. All alone." He moved closer. “I heard you tried to kill my mate, Rose.”“I didn't mean to,” I replied. “She mocked me and I got angry.”“I see,” he said dryly. “Well, now I have to kill you. Your presence in the Crescent Moon has destroyed the peace we once had, just as the prophecy predicted.”I didn’t respond. My wolf crouched low, muscles tensed as more rogues emerged. I could take them—maybe not easily, but I could.Another rogue circled me, chuckling. "I wonder how much someone would pay for you?"Duncan growled. “Waste her!”I didn’t wait for them to make the first move.I put the object in my mouth and lunged, my claws slashing through flesh as the first rogue screamed. But the other two pounced before I could turn, one biting into my leg, the other knocking me off balance.Pain spread around my body, and I knew I had to fight with my powers or I would be dead in a few minutes.B
CHAPTER 61: TROUBLE IN PARADISE EVERLY:I can't help thinking about the scene with Isabella and Kaelan. That image is stuck in my brain and keeps replaying itself at will.Kaelan looked pissed when I brought up the issue. He rubbed his temple as if he was having a headache. “We’ve been over this, Everly. Why are you bringing it up now?”“I’m I supposed to just forget about it?” My voice cracked. “I’m not angry because Isabella is chasing after you, but I'm angry because you let her in.”His brows furrowed. “I told you, I only comforted her, Everly. Nothing more.”I let out a humorless chuckle. “And that’s supposed to make me feel better?”He stared at me for a long moment before he moved backward. “I need some air.”My heart dropped into my stomach. “So that’s it? You’re just going to walk away?”“I need to cool off before I say something I’ll regret.” His voice was strained.I crossed my arms tightly. “Fine.”Without another word, Kaelan turned and walked out, shutting the door a l
CHAPTER 62: YOU'RE BEHAVING LIKE A STRANGER KAELAN:When I got back home, I entered my room, took a shower and went straight to bed. I didn't have dinner and didn't talk to anyone.It has been days since our argument and the tension between Everly and I has grown unbearable . Everly was colder than winter’s frost, and I was barely holding onto my patience. Neither of us seemed to make a move to mend things. She had withdrawn completely, keeping her distance. We've not had breakfast or dinner together for a while. This morning, she showed up and my heart fluttered when I saw her.She entered the dining hall with an air of grace that I couldn't just ignore. Her expression was unreadable and she avoided my gaze.“Good morning, Alpha.” She said, her tone formal as she took her seat across from me, and poured herself a cup of tea. She began eating in silence while I watched her closely. I waited for some kind of reaction—some sign she was just as miserable as I was. But she gave me noth
CHAPTER 63: SEARCHING FOR EVANEVERLY:I woke up at the break of dawn and after I had showered, I quickly got dressed and stood before my mirror. I tightened the straps of my leather armor, and wore my backpack behind my back. My heart pounded with a mixture of determination and fear of what I might encounter on this journey. I didn't even know where to start, because there was no trail to follow except a name—Evan. My twin brother.The priestess made it clear that he was alive. She also said that he was a potential Alpha, struggling to claim his rightful place. And he needed me.But how was I supposed to find him? There were dozens of packs across the regions, and probably hundreds of people whose names were Evan. I had no scent to follow, no clue, nothing but blind faith.A knock sounded on my door.“Come in,” I called, as I adjusted my boots.Maria, my personal maid, walked in, looking very concerned. She folded her arms and stared at me. “Luna, you’re leaving, aren’t you?”I sig
EPILOGUE It was the full moon and the gentle breeze stirred the trees, making the palace look very alluring.Crescent Moon has been peaceful for so many months now. This was a hard-earned peace. The occupants of this pack and palace had gone through years of struggle, sacrifice and resilience.Kaelan stood on the balcony of his chambers, and surveyed the vast territory he now ruled. The once-fractured packs of the country were now unified under his reign, and Crescent Moon had become a beacon of progress. He had built industries that now flourished, and provided security and wealth, while the werewolf college he had also recently built ensured that future generations were educated in both the ways of the world and the sacred traditions of their kind.He heard the soft giggle of his toddler and turned to see Everly standing in the doorway. Her eyes were filled with warmth as she carried her son, Maxine in her arms.Maxine was now a vibrant toddler with wild curls and eyes as deep and
CHAPTER 159: THE HEIR IS HERE EVERLY:When Kaelan returned in the evening and learnt about the Carter incident, he became very angry with me.“I told you not to leave our chambers. What did you go to the clinic for?”“I'm sorry, Kaelan. I only wanted to comfort the boy.” I explained.“And what did you get in return, huh? You almost had yourself killed with my pup in your womb.”“Oh, this is all about protecting your pup,” I said calmly.“Don't get me more upset than I already am,. Everly,” he said coldly and stormed out of our room.A moment later, I heard him yelling at someone downstairs and when I looked through the balcony, I saw him yelling at Owen. He told him he was incompetent and couldn't handle a simple task of protecting the Luna.Owen was on his knees begging.I wanted to go downstairs to explain things further but I knew it would make him even more furious. So I held my breath and wished he could calm down. He did calm down eventually but things never remained the same
CHAPTER 158: DUNCAN IS DEAD EVERLY:When we left the clinic, Kaelan decided to go to the library to check things out. He was going through some reports when Owen knocked.“Come in,” he responded impatiently.Owen walked in with hesitant steps. “Alpha, Duncan request an audience with you.”Kaelan closed the file in his desk and turned to him. “Is this some kind of a joke? Do you really think I'm jobless? You should know the rules, Owen. I don't go about entertaining wolves from the dungeon.”Owen bowed. “I'm sorry, Alpha.” And then left the room.We spent a few more minutes in the library and then went upstairs. From this moment onward, Kaelan became clingy. He never let me out of his sight. It has been weeks since the rogues abducted me from the market and almost killed me but I still had nightmares. Kaelan was worried and decided that we should seek the help of a certain witch. But I didn't want to go.I couldn't visit a witch with a pup in my womb. Kaelan decided to go alone. I
CHAPTER 157: ARTIFICIAL FINGERS?EVERLY Viktor let go of my hand when we stepped out of the cell where the rogues had kept me. The building was hidden in a remote forest and I wondered how Viktor was able to locate this place.“I didn't come alone,” he said as if he read my mind. “There are ten Lycans out there, destroying the rogues.”He led me through a hidden path and I saw a car in the distance, waiting.“You brought a car.” I was pleasantly surprised.“Yes, I know you can't shift because of the pregnancy and walking more than twenty miles back to Crescent Moon would be dangerous for you and the pup.”I was impressed with Viktor's thoughtfulness. Who would've thought that the werewolf’s greatest villain had such a good side.I got into the car as soon as we got there and Bennett drove the car away.Beauty was at the gate of the car, pacing. She knew Viktor and the Lycans had gone to rescue and she was obviously anxious. I told Bennett to stop so I could go down. Beauty ran into
CHAPTER 156: YOU TOOK A BLADE FOR ME EVERLY:Kaelan had been gone for three days.The palace felt empty without him, and each second, I looked forward to his return. It doesn't even matter that Beauty was always in my room, keeping me company.To distract myself, I decided to go shopping with Beauty. “I need some fresh air,” I told her that morning. “And I'm yet to buy baby stroller. Maybe I will see the one I like in the market today.”She grinned. “Sure. Can I come with you?”“Of course,.you can. Kaelan will be mad if he finds out I went to the market alone,” I told her.“Then we need to take some guards,” Beauty suggested. “Just for protection.”I nodded. “Okay. Two or three guards will do.”Beauty went downstairs and informed Owen that we needed three guards to escort us to the market. He made them available immediately.I told the guards to wait in the car when we arrived at the market. I didn't want what happened the last time Beauty and I came to the market to repeat itself ag
CHAPTER 155: YOU'RE WELCOME, BABEEVERLY:I felt so furious hearing Kaelan talk about my past in that manner. I don't know if it's the pregnancy hormones but I get easily annoyed these days.I didn't make a fuss. I simply left him in the kitchen and retreated to my room. I always did that whenever Kaelan annoyed me.“Luna, I'm sorry,” he said as he entered my room, a few minutes later, looking worried. “I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.”“You don't always mean to hurt me but you always do,” I replied dryly.I was busy knitting a cap for my unborn pup. Kaelan wrapped his arms around my shoulders and buried his head in my neck.“Don't be annoyed, my Luna.”I didn't utter another word.The silence between us grew awkward.“I'm planning on going for a short business trip.” he whispered.I dropped the pins and turned to him. “Oh I get it. You're fed up with me and now you want to abandon me with your pup in my womb.”Kaelan withdrew his arms from my shoulders and gazed into my eyes. “Ho
CHAPTER 154: I DESERVE WORSEKAELAN:I instructed Owen to take off Viktor's shackles and get him a room in the warrior's lounge. I provided a few pieces of clothing and some toiletries for him. He looked too haggard and really needed to clean up.“I will never again fail you, Alpha.” Viktor couldn't stop expressing his gratitude.But I didn't let my guard down.For days, I kept a keen watch over Viktor, trying to see if there was a reason to doubt him. But there was none yet.Perhaps I needed to put him through a test. And I wasn’t going to make it easy.This morning, Everly curled her arms around me, sleeping soundly. I gazed at her beautiful face. It looked a bit fragile and I couldn't help but plant a wet kiss on her lips.Then I untangled her arms and got out of bed. I headed straight to the tiny room I had given Viktor in the warrior’s lounge.Most of my warriors weren't happy about sharing the lounge with the same terrorist Alpha who had seen to the death of so many Lycans in C
CHAPTER 153: THE OATH OF A FALLEN ALPHAKAELAN:That same evening, I had a series of meetings with the new packs that wanted to join our league.Luckily, Everly was in a good mood and I didn't have to deal with her mood swings.But Viktor wasn't done getting on my nerves. Why would Viktor request an audience with me after all the terrible things he had done?I can be ruthless when I want to. But I can also be considerate. It wouldn't hurt just to hear him out.Owen was in the library with me, waiting for my response. “So what does he want?” I asked, barely looking up from the reports on my desk.“He says he wants to apologize.” Owen informed me.Viktor wants to apologize? That's interesting! For a moment, I didn't say a word.Everly was on the couch, reading a book on pregnancy. She looked up suddenly. “Maybe you should hear him out.”I scoffed. “You think he’s changed?”“I think he has nothing left to lose,” she said simply.That was true.Viktor had lost his pack, his status, his
CHAPTER 152: THE SCHEMER’S LAST TRICKKAELAN:Evan had organised an after party but Kaelan and I didn't bother to attend. We have duties to perform and I needed to leave before my pregnancy hormones start acting up.Kaelan drove us back to Crescent Moon and as soon as we saw Owen, standing by the gate, looking grim, I knew something was up.Kaelan pulled to a halt and whined down the glass. “Is there a problem?”.Owen sighed as he scratched his head. “It’s Viktor. He’s throwing a fit in the dungeon.”I frowned. Viktor? We had almost forgotten that he existed. He had withdrawn to his shell after he lost all his ten fingers.Kaelan also frowned. “And I'm supposed to be bothered about that?”“Alpha, Viktor has been making a fuse all day,” Owen reported, looking annoyed. “Everyone is fed up with his tantrum.”Kaelan stepped down from the car, crossed his arms and leaned on the car. I stepped down too but I didn't go to him. I was tired and wanted to go upstairs. The way I rubbed my stoma