CHAPTER 6: WE'LL FINALLY HAVE A LUNA
EVERLY: That night, Kaelan took me to the room he’d prepared for me in the main house. I stopped on the threshold, as I admired the splendor before me. The room was very large and could not be compared with any room I've ever been in. The bed was king-size, and I wondered how I could sleep in that bed alone. The fabric of the sheet looks softer than clouds and I liked how the floor-to-ceiling windows opened onto a private balcony. The room was cozy and warm, and I fell in love with it instantly. “Oh this room is beautiful. It feels like a dream,” I said, standing in the doorway. “You deserve a space where you feel comfortable.” He took my hand gently. “I don't go about bringing random people home.” I found myself stepping closer. “Why are you doing this, Alpha? Why do you care so much?” He hesitated, then focused his gaze on me. “I think the Moon Goddess brought us together for a reason.” I took a deep breath. I could not deny the sincerity in his voice, and for the first time in months, I felt something other than despair. “Goodnight, Everly,” he said, his voice soft. “Goodnight Alpha,” I whispered, watching as he walked away. I walked around the room, taking in every detail of this classic furnishing. Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. “Come in,” I said softly. One of Kaelan's maids walked in with a tray laden with food that smelled delicious. As the delicious aroma filled my nose, my stomach growled, reminding me that I had not eaten all day. “Hi,” she said. “My name is Maria. I've been assigned by the Alpha to attend to you. If you need my services, don't hesitate to ask.” “Nice to meet you, Maria. I'm Everly and thanks for your kindness.” I responded with a warm smile. I wanted to start ravaging the meal but Maria remained in my room and that made me a little nervous. She scanned my face, looking a little enthusiastic. “We are all happy that you are here. At least we'll finally have a Luna. The Alpha king has been searching for his second chance mate for so long.” Second chance mate, so what happened to the first one? And where the hell did Maria get the idea that I was going to be their Luna? Kaelan just rescued me from some rogues and was kind enough to offer me a place of abode. That was all. “You are getting it all wrong, Maria. I'm just the Alpha’s guest.” She took a long look at me and nodded. “Okay, miss. I'm always available whenever you need me.” As soon as she left, I dug into the meal and savoured every bite. I ate to my fill and set the empty dishes in one corner of the room. I didn't know my way around here and wondered if Maria would return to take the dirty dishes away. I was already in the hot shower, halfway through bathing when I heard another knock at the door. I assumed it was Maria that came back for the dirty dishes. I had locked the door before I entered the bathroom. Since I was new and wanted to make a good impression, I came out of the bathroom to open the door for her. It wouldn't be nice to keep her waiting for long. I had a white short towel wrapped around my chest as I headed towards the door. Without asking who it was, I unlocked the door and froze on the spot. “Alpha!” I cried in shock as Kaelan and I stared at each other face to face. For a minute, I couldn't utter another word. He stared from my chest down to my feet and back to my face. I blushed profusely and tried to handle the edges of the towel tightly. But to my utter dismay, it slipped and came undone. I gasped, totally embarrassed. I wished the ground would open and swallow me up. I quickly took the towel and struggled to cover my nakedness. Kaelan sensed my unease and withdrew his gaze. “I came to inform you that I would be leaving early tomorrow morning for a meeting with the Werewolf Council.” I simply nodded, not knowing what to say. The situation was awkward and I expected him to leave immediately but he stepped closer to me and whispered in a sexy voice. “You are beautiful, Everly, more beautiful than any woman I've ever set my eyes on” I blushed all shades of red and tried not to meet his gaze which now focused on my lips. Was he thinking of kissing me? A shiver ran down my body and he probably noticed it. “Go back to the shower before you catch a cold.” With that, he turned and left.CHAPTER 7: DON'T YOU FEEL ANYTHING FOR ME? KAELAN:The days that followed were hectic for me but I made sure I spared some time to check on Everly. She was a cautious person and as much as I tried to build a relationship with her, her walls remained firmly in place. I didn't give up and I knew her walls would eventually crack little by little.One afternoon, as I returned from one of my engagements, I found her sitting on a small stool by the edge of the castle, doing laundry. I moved closer to her and was shocked to see the clothes she was washing belonged to Rose, my Beta's mate and her children..“What are you doing?” I asked.She glanced at me, “I'm doing laundry. Welcome Alpha.”“Who told you to do this?” I was livid. “Where is Rose? And Maria?”Even though Everly has not acknowledged me as her mate, the bond is there and no one has the right to disrespect her. I mind linked Duncan. I need you in the library, I ordered through the mind link.I took Everly's wet hand and pulled
CHAPTER 8: EVERLY IS MY MATE EVERLY:After Kaelan left, I remained in the library until it was dark. I didn't want to bump into Rose because of the fear that she might pick a fight with me. Honestly I wasn't willing to offend anyone in this pack. Doing laundry was the least task I handled in my former pack. So why should I feel offended because Rose asked me to wash a few of her clothes? Kaelan obviously didn't like it so I had no choice than to dump the task. He was the Supreme Alpha and his word was law.Sigh.I returned to my room and ate dinner alone. Falling asleep on my fine cozy bed came so easily and I slumbered away until the next morning.I opened my eyes and stretched out my hands, feeling very refreshed. I felt more alive this morning than I had felt in years. The soft rays of the sun streamed through the window and it felt like an invitation to give life a chance. Today, I would try to mingle with more of the pack members and see if we can bond.I looked at the wall c
CHAPTER 9: CERTAINLY UNEXPECTED EVERLY:Suddenly, something whooshed past me. I glanced around to see what was going on and before I could react, a large, grey wolf slammed into me, and knocked me off my feet. His move was more playful than aggressive, but the force of it sent me sprawling.“Whoa!” I yelped, scrambling back. “Hey! I’m not—"My words died in my throat as my vision blurred, and my bones cracked loudly. Then I felt a surge of power flood through my bones. No, no, no! I tried frantically to stop myself, but it was too late. I was on all fours, before I made sense of what was going on. This was my second time shifting and I was puzzled cuz I thought I was supposed to have control over my wolf. The grey wolf, now looking slightly sheepish, whined and took a step back.“Everly?” Kaelan’s voice sounded quite… intrigued.Then another wolf, a sleek black female, darted forward, and growled playfully. She was obviously challenging me for a spar. My wolf responded in kin
CHAPTER 10: MEETING SERAPHINA EVERLY:The fire burned softly, and I enjoyed how its warmth made my entire body cozy. I sat next to Kaelan and put my head on his shoulder, while my eyes remained closed. I felt so comfortable leaning on him and I was willing now to give our relationship a chance. He has assured me on several occasions that I was safe with him.I actually liked Kaelan, despite the fact that he looked very intimidating.“What are you thinking about?” He asked suddenly, as if he read my thoughts.“Nothing.” I responded quietly. After a thought, I said, “I'm just wondering how I went from being a homeless werewolf to being here with the Alpha King.”Kaelan chuckled. “It's fate, Everly. The Moon Goddess has already destined it.”I nodded. I think I actually believe him.We chatted over minor issues, and I was really beginning to feel at home when someone made a throaty cough behind us. I followed Kaelan's gaze and saw a beautiful girl standing within a short distance. I've
CHAPTER 11: I'LL BE WAITING EVERLY:“You are the little miss who thinks she can take my place?” she said smoothly as we faced each other.I assessed her with suspicious eyes, “It depends on what you mean, Seraphina.”Her lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I am the strongest female warrior in the Crescent Moon Pack. Haven't you heard about me?”“No, I haven't.’ I said, shaking my head.“Well, I'm here to inform you that I deserve a place beside Alpha Kaelan as his Luna and not some weak creature like you who has nothing to offer.”I felt a flush of embarrassment as I lowered my eyes.“You’re ashamed, aren’t you?” she taunted, stepping closer. “You know deep down you’ll never be enough for him. He was probably bored while I was away and you think you can step into my shoes? How pathetic.”I didn't say a word because I was embarrassed. Kaelan never told me that he had a girlfriend. Seeing that I didn't respond, she continued. “You’re nothing but a placeholder for the
CHAPTER 12: MEETING THE MONSTER EVERLY:I focused my eyes in the direction of that sound and trembled when the large, shadowy figure emerged. It shifted and changed into different forms and shapes and I wondered if I was still alive. It was a creature of nightmare, a beast with razor-sharp claws and a murderous hunger that burned in its eyes."Who... what are you?" I stammered in fear. I backed away as fear took over me.Run! Ruby advised me. But I knew it was no use.The creature let out a guttural sound, and the sound seemed to vibrate through my very soul. It lunged suddenly with its outstretched claws, and I barely managed to dodge the attack.As I stumbled backward, I caught a glimpse of its face. It had a human face but looked distorted. This creature was probably once human, but something had twisted it into a monster."What have they done to you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.The creature paused, and locked eyes with me. Then, it turned and vanished into the darkne
CHAPTER 13: I LOVE YOU TOO KAELAN;—It was getting late and we needed to get out of the forest fast. Not that I was afraid—a Lycan King can never show fear—but I didn't want to put Everly in any form of danger. The fastest way to get back home was by moving in our Wolf forms. I caught a glimpse of her Wolf today but it wasn't very strong. So I shifted back to my Lycan form and crouched down, ordering her to climb on top of my back. She hesitated for a moment and obeyed. As she held tightly onto me, I raced with a lightning speed. In a quarter of an hour, we were back in the castle.As we returned home, I noticed Everly was unusually quiet. Too quiet. “What's on your mind, beautiful girl.”“Nothing,” she said without meeting my gaze. I watched her all evening, hoping to see a change in her attitude but she remained cold and aloof. Dinner was served and as we settled down to eat, I focused my gaze on her.It was unlike her to sit silently, with her fork pushing food around and he
CHAPTER 14: SHE IS A ROGUE EVERLY:“Alpha King,” Elder Jonas greeted. His graying hair was a testament to his decades of service to our kingdom. His tone was respectful, but the unease in his eyes betrayed his intentions.“Elders,” I said, standing tall. “I summoned you all here to introduce my mate to you. Her name is Everly and she is from the Silver Cross, one of the pack's within our kingdom.”Jonas exchanged a glance with Elder Miriam, the oldest and often most vocal member of the council. She's also Seraphina 's mother.“Oh you found a mate,” Miriam said, her voice sharp. “ And her name is Everly.”The sound of Everly's name on Miriam’s tongue sent a flicker of anger through me, but I kept my face neutral. “Yes?”“She is... a rogue,” Jonas began delicately. “We understand if you claim she is your mate, but her arrival has stirred unease among some of the pack.”“Unease?” I echoed, my voice dangerously low.Miriam folded her hands with a stern expression . “She was chased out of
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