ADESSA.
After I was pulled inside the van, I ended up in a very awkward position. I was seated but lying down on my side and with my hands tied behind me. It was harder to move. I struggled to break free for a while, but it was useless, so I slowed my breathing and did my best to calm down.
I didn’t want to freak out. I didn’t want to give them any reason to hit me and make me unconscious.
And I guess it worked.
The man beside me pulled me up and helped me sit straight before tugging away the cloth around my mouth. “Sign this.” He said.
My eyes roamed around. There were only three males with me, and they didn’t even hide their faces. But it was so dark that I couldn’t see them fully, and I doubted I had met them before. They looked and felt unfamiliar to me.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Don’t ask. Just do it.” The man seated in the passenger seat turned around and pointed a gun at me.
I swallowed and kept my eyes on his finger. I had no idea if I could dodge once I saw him press it, but then what choice do I have? I have to at least try.
I felt my hands being untied, and the moment they were free, I clasped them together and rubbed them over each other so they would stop shaking.
“Sign this.” He shoved a paper and pen in my hand. “Here.” He pointed at the exact location where I needed to sign.
I didn’t even think twice and just did it.
Again, what choice do I have? I gave the paper to the man beside me, and at the same time the lamppost illuminated inside the car. I saw that it was a letter addressed to Kael.
It didn’t matter. I shouldn’t worry. Whatever was in the letter would not change anything.
I closed my eyes as my hands were tied again, but I was glad they kept my mouth free. And then I felt something being pushed inside the pocket of my jeans.
My eyes snapped open and I tilted my head down, but I didn’t see anything except for the man’s hand as he removed it from my pocket. “What was that?”
“Don’t ask questions.”
“Are you going to kill me?”
“We might if you keep talking.”
Did that mean they would not if I remained quiet? I hope so.
I watched as the car drove around the area. In just one year, I had already familiarized myself with this territory, as Kael would take me anywhere he went except for the last few weeks before his accident.
He began to leave me often at home while he did his business or his duties. So, if these men decided to hold me captive, it would be easy for me to find my way out if I could get away.
My eyes narrowed when the car stopped outside Miranda’s home. The lights were on, which was unusual as it was only four in the morning.
The gate of her house opened, and she came out wearing regular clothes, not evening or bedwear. She was clearly expecting us.
I thought I would be taken to her, but only the man in the passenger seat stepped out, taking the letter I signed with him. As soon as he closed the door, the car immediately drove away.
I didn’t need to ask. I already got my confirmation. Whatever happened to me today, it was Miranda’s doing. And whatever I signed in that paper would surely make me evil in Kael’s eyes.
Of course, she was the evil stepmother you would never want in your story. I chuckled at my own thoughts.
I should stop watching soap operas because this was where I got all these wicked plots and thoughts. But then, my thoughts could be right.
“Where are you taking me?” I finally asked after a long silence. I asked in a calm tone.
“Why do you want to know?” The man beside me asked back.
“You’re both not from this pack, right?”
“How did you know?”
“I’m the Luna of this pack. You would never do this to me if you were my people.” That was a lie. I doubt anyone would say no to Miranda if she ordered something like this against me.
“Are you trying to play us? We were asked to pick up a new slave, not a Luna.” The one driving answered.
“Slave? For who?” I swallowed.
Before becoming Kael’s Luna, I had heard of Omegas being traded for favors or money. I asked Kael about it, and he assured me his pack had never joined these underground deals.
“Alpha Draco.” The driver answered.
My eyes widened as my stomach churned. Oh, Goddess, not him.
I knew him. He has been Kael’s enemy since childhood. I met him at one of the banquets for Alphas, and he didn’t hide his interest in me once he found out I was Kael’s Luna. Either he was smitten by me or only because he wanted to irritate Kael.
Miranda was there that night. She witnessed how Kael almost fought with Alpha Draco because the latter couldn’t keep his mouth shut about me.
Did she sell me to him?
“Are you from his pack?” I asked.
“Yes.” The man beside me answered, and it was only then that I was able to look at him closely. He was looking at me with lust in his eyes, and he couldn’t keep himself from licking his lips from time to time.
When he saw me looking at him, his fingers began trailing down my arm.
“Don’t touch me. Alpha Draco will not like that.” I said, trying my best for my voice not to break.
“Markus, enough. You know the instructions. Take her there without any scratch.”
“I’m sure the Alpha won’t know if…”
“Shut up! I would rather take the woman Alpha Draco will give us than risk having my head cut off if you touch that girl.”
“But what’s the difference? He will just share her with his friends and with some of us one of these days. A little taste won’t make a difference.”
I wanted to vomit at the way they were talking until I caught sight of the border.
I hoped I could scream once they opened the window, as the guards usually checked the cars coming out.
I prepared myself to scream, but my heart dropped when the car just drove by, and the man guarding just gave them a salute without even checking us inside. Miranda surely had planned this.
They were still talking. Not about me anymore but about the women that they would get as a reward and the vile things that they would do to them.
I needed to get away before I reached their pack. Or I would be as good as dead, either in Alpha Draco’s hands or theirs.
“I need to pee…” I finally spoke after more than an hour of silence.
“Hold it.”
“I can’t anymore. Please… I don’t want to make a mess here. It would take a day to get to your pack and more hours to reach the city.”
“Definitely not in the city.” The driver said. “We can stop somewhere, but don’t you dare run.”
“I just need to pee,” I repeated.
I kept fidgeting, and soon the car stopped.
“Take her out.” The driver told Markus.
ADESSA. “Take her.” The driver told Markus, the man beside me. They both came out of the car, and I was pulled out. The driver lit a cigarette and rested his back against the car, which I was grateful for. I needed him outside.Markus held my arm and led me behind the bushes. I kept brushing my arm against his body before I smiled at him when I finally faced him. His eyes swirled with lust as he licked his lips. He was good-looking. A boy next door type that you wouldn’t even think he was a pervert. “My hands…” I mumbled.“I can break your neck if you try to run away.” He warned me.I nodded. He untied me, and I rubbed my hands together, my eyes darting to his pockets. “Can you turn around?” “Of course not. I’ll watch you…”I playfully rolled my eyes at him, flashing a seductive smile — the one I would use if I wanted to be playful with Kael. My heart was thundering in my chest because I was playing with fire. But I had no choice. I needed to get out of here alive. I had no idea
KAEL. After the rejection, I didn’t see Adessa the whole day. I heard she was in her office. I didn’t even bother to check what she was doing there. I had no idea what to do with her.I knew she couldn’t stay here, especially since Desiree was planning to move in, but I was also concerned for her safety. Everyone knew she was my Luna and could be the target of any danger or maltreatment. I didn’t want her hurt. My people might love me, but I was sure I didn’t have a good reputation with other packs. I lived in the solitude of my own territory. We thrived well both in industrial and agricultural businesses, so I had no need for other packs. I ruled as I pleased, and if I failed, I learned from it and started all over again. Since I was indifferent to other packs, I was sure if they found out about her, they might take advantage. Of what? I could only imagine what terrible things they could come up with. But then, I was sure Adessa was aware of this. So, surely she would not leave th
KAEL.I went to the shower, and when I came out, my clothes were already in bed, but Desiree was nowhere in sight. So I put my clothes on and went down to the main floor of the house.It was already nine in the morning, so everyone was already up and running except me. My stomach was already complaining, but instead of going to the kitchen, I headed toward the area where the offices were. I wanted a word with Adessa so we could discuss her setup and where she should stay.I chuckled at my own thoughts. I didn’t want to admit it, but the truth was, the idea of seeing her was something I was looking forward to more than the discussion. However, given what happened yesterday and the rejection that came between us, I doubt she would be up for a conversation. But I had to try. I turned to the corner and immediately halted in my spot. Desiree and Miranda were in the middle of the hallway between my and Adessa’s offices, and it looked like they were having an argument based on how crumpled
KAEL. Landon volunteered to pick up the documents from Adessa’s office. As soon as he left and it was just the two of us, Dexter looked at me with raised brows. “Are you okay?”“No. Adessa left.” I grunted in a low voice. “I heard.”“She took the wedding ring with her.”He shrugged his shoulders and eased back into his chair. “I expected that.”My hand resting on the table coiled into a tight fist. “Send someone to check all pawn and jewelry shops around the territory and the nearby cities. I want it back in my hands. I’ll send you the description, including the code engraved inside it.”“I’ll do that.”“Do you know if she’s seeing someone?” I asked after a while.“What do you mean?”“She said our marriage was already on the rocks before I had an accident, and we were already discussing divorce. I wonder if there was any man between us.” Although Adessa claimed it was because of Desiree and me, I wanted to know more. He shrugged his shoulders again before speaking. “I didn’t see an
KAEL.The day went by so slowly. My personal doctor was here and checked all my vitals. According to him, it appeared that I had recovered well, but he still advised me to take things slow and not strain myself by overworking.If he only knew I was not even thinking about work.After lunch, Desiree asked if we could go around the open market as it officially opened today, marking the start of spring. Since I had no intention of working, I agreed.While we were there, she tried to hold my hand, but it felt wrong as I hadn’t officially announced my divorce from Adessa, so I told her to keep her hands off mine for now. She didn’t like it, but she didn’t complain, but I was sure she would scold me later. We went around, and some of my people approached us, but no one seemed to ask about Adessa, but they were ignoring Desiree as well. Until one female approached me and gave me a bouquet of flowers. I thought it was for me, but she wanted me to give it to Adessa. She said she was her bigg
KAEL. “If you press a fucking alarm, you will surely not like what I’m going to do with you.”“This is harassment, sir.”“No. This is frustration, sir! I want my ring back. My wife is missing. She has that ring, and I want to know who sold it here!” I snapped at him.He swallowed. “Do you have a wife?” I asked him. He nodded. “Do you love her?” He nodded again.“I have a wife, too. I want her back, but I don’t know where to start.” I put my hand in my back pocket and pulled out my wallet. I opened it and took out stacks of bills, placing them on the counter in front of him. “Now, I just want to see the CCTV of the person who left this ring. And who bought it. Also the buyer’s information on when he will come to pick it up. I meant no harm. I want to know so I can buy it from him.” I was talking calmly this time. He didn’t talk, but his eyes were on the cash in front of him. “You can buy many things with that money. Buy something for your wife or kids if you have any. I’m not e
ADESSA.My hands were trembling, and I knew I couldn’t drive further. I had been in this car for the last four hours, driving slowly and carefully to make sure I would never hit anyone or anything. Thankfully, no one was following me, or I would easily get caught. I didn’t like driving. But I had no choice. I had to get away before someone found the bodies of the men I killed. I turned off the engine and rested my forehead against the steering wheel. I had no idea where to go.I ended up in Bayson Bay, a human territory. Although humans were very much aware of the existence of shifters like me, we continued to live in harmony. But for their safety, they seldom travel or stay in shifters’ territory, but we were often found in theirs. So, I knew I could thrive well in this place. The problem was, I had to hide my identity, and this place being near Kael and Draco’s pack, I would easily be caught here. I needed to go further. I wasn’t even sure if the men I killed were just ordinary
ADESSA.“Where will you find a couple of thousand to pay it back?” I let out a sigh, and my shoulders slumped. “I’ll think of something.”“We don’t take jewelry here. We have a pawnshop on the other side of the city.”“Do you think you can ask your boss to make an exception? I don’t have enough money to get to the end of the city. Please.”She looked at me, and we stared at each other for a while before she took a deep breath. “I’m the manager here. I can make an exception, but are you sure you’ll return for this? I also have to put an interest on the amount you will loan.”I nodded. “I will come back. I don’t want to lose that either.”“Fine. Let me check this first and label it. Sit there.”I nodded and went to the nearby couch to wait. I had no idea how long I waited. When she came back, she handed me two thousand, two hundred dollars. She informed me that the listed amount was two thousand. Her eyes told me not to question anymore, but I wanted to assume the extra two hundred came
ADESSA.I was acting calm compared to the turmoil within me. Everything the King told me led to one thing: I had no freedom to choose who I would end up with. He was implying I should give up Kael and accept whoever ended up as my future husband. I had told him I had been married and that I was no longer pure. He said it didn’t matter anymore. He was sure everyone wanted to have the possibility of ruling Absalom. I felt like I was just a tool for Absalom. I wanted to tell him I didn’t care about his kingdom. I only wanted my husband.But how ironic my life had turned out. What was happening was exactly how my life started with Kael. I was also just a tool to save him—his ego and his heart—from being broken by Desiree. Only this time, I had no idea who I would be marrying. And at least with Kael, he asked me if I wanted to. I was not forced into marriage with him. My eyes stung as I tried to keep from tearing up as we walked down toward the hall where the breakfast banquet was. I c
ADESSA.“This is your room from now on, Adessa.” The King’s voice came from behind me.I slowly turned around to curtsy before him. “Good morning, Father.” I almost said, “My King,” and I was glad I was able to catch myself as I wanted to make a good impression.He nodded but remained in his spot while I continued to smile warmly at him. “This room is for me?” I asked.“Yes.” He replied before he motioned with one hand. “Come here.”One man approached him and handed him a beautiful crown encrusted with clusters of small gemstones. It was sparkling, and just looking at it made my heart thud loudly.“This is a ceremony that should be witnessed by our people, but allow me to be selfish and have this moment alone with you. I will give you a grand coronation the moment you settle with a mate.” I bit my bottom lip. I almost got teary-eyed with his words, but the last part made me worry again.“Kneel down, Princess Adessa. Remember that the only time you will kneel before me is whenever I
ADESSA.I was not able to sleep at all last night. After Father left my room, I asked Danielle about the Royal Games. She confessed to me she didn’t know the full extent of the event and that what she knew was just hearsay or stories passed on. The Royal Games were not practiced for many decades because no princess had been born in the Royal Family for a long time.And it seemed the King was reviving the tradition because of my existence. Danielle told me what she knew about the game—it was open only for unmated Alphas, regardless of age. Unmated Alphas were those who were never married, as well as widowed or divorced. They were not only open for Alphas of this continent but also extended to other continents. All the while she was talking, I did my best to keep up a brave front, listening and trying to get all the details as possible, even if everything she said kept breaking my heart. I knew Kael loved me, and I was confident he would make an effort, but what if they didn’t le
ADESSA.“But I think you are the missing royalty,” Danielle added.“Why?”“This mark on your back. It looks exactly like the one that…” She paused, and when I tilted my head to look at her, her eyes widened, and her face turned red.“Like the one that? Like the one that someone has?” My brows furrowed. The King told me in passing that the birth marks on the backs of the royalties were not public knowledge. But maybe workers in the palace knew this thing. “Never mind.” She replied. “We should rinse off your body.”“Have you seen a mark like this?” I asked as I stood up, pointing to the red mark on my hip bone. She swallowed, and her face was turning more red. I already assumed many things. “From my father?” I teased her, and she immediately shook her head. “No. Of course not.” “So… from one of my brothers?” I leaned closer, enjoying the blush on her face. Despite the discomfort on her face, I could say this was the only thing that felt natural in my fairytale life at the moment.
Author's Note: This is officially part 2 of Adessa and Kael's story. The title will change to THE ROYAL LUNA from this chapter forward. ✨✨✨ADESSA.After they swabbed something inside my mouth, I was allowed to leave the room. The woman that came with the two men was named Danielle, and she was to be my handmaid. I was still trying to get a grip on what was happening. A part of me wanted to wish the Alpha King was wrong with his assumption that I was his missing daughter and that I was a princess so I could be free to look for Kael again, but making that wish reality could only mean more trouble for me. If I were not his daughter, he would surely have ordered me to go to prison. Either way, I was at the losing end. But maybe, if I were his daughter, not allowing me to see Kael would just be temporary. If I could explain to him our history, he would surely understand. I kept my hopes and head high as I followed Danielle along the long corridor until I realized we were heading for
KAEL. It had been hours since she was taken, and I had no idea where she was. King Essak returned to the ballroom and stayed for ten minutes, but I was not able to get to him. Unlike earlier, he was fully guarded this time. No matter how I tried to ask politely and professionally, I was not allowed to talk to him. And regardless of whether I positioned myself within his peripherals, the King would always avert his gaze away from me. Something was off. It was taking too much of me not to snap and create chaos. I was worried, but I knew that if I let out an outburst, I would be in a bad position. The last thing I wanted was to give them a reason to throw me out of the perimeter of the Absalom Palace. After the event, there was an after-party. I also went there, hoping to find Kevin or meet someone who could tell me anything about Adessa, but I was not successful. I then proceeded to Mindorf Manor, which served as the hotel for guests. Everyone invited to the Moonlight Ball had auto
ADESSA.“I’ve been looking for you for twenty years,” the King said, and it kept resonating in my ears.I looked at him, and slowly, the words came out of my lips. “Looking for me? For twenty years? I’m not sure I understand.”“Your mother’s name is Adelaine.”It was the woman’s name he mentioned earlier when he first saw me. “She was taller, but you look just like her. And even with that mask on, I could tell.”“My King, you must be mistaken.” I forced a smile despite the loud beating of my heart and the sweat on my palms. “This is not my real hair. And they put too thick makeup on me. What you see…”“I know what I felt.”I swallowed hard as my stomach churned. King Essak turned away and headed for the window. He looked outside while I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.“A King’s senses are heightened. My sense of hearing, reflexes, taste, everything. And I could feel a bond. I felt it for every one of my children that came into this world. I knew someone was born twenty y
ADESSA.“Will you tell the truth for all my questions, or do I have to use my command on you again?” He began.“I will not lie, my King,” I responded. “Good.” He then motioned with his hand, directing me to the couches. “Take your seat. Is it Savannah or Adessa?”With my head down, I headed for the nearby single couch and sat there. I tilted my head and found him looking at me, still standing where he was earlier. “Adessa. My name is Adessa Quijeros.” I replied, doing my best for my voice not to crack. “I killed two people from the Knight’s Stone Pack, but if you would let me explain…”He raised his hand, and it made me stop talking.“Enough.” That was all he said, and cold sweat formed everywhere on my body. He turned around and walked toward the table where a vintage telephone sat. Is he going to call someone to arrest me?I stood up abruptly. “My King!” This time, I couldn’t stop my voice from trembling. He placed a finger on his lips after he pressed a number, and I held my bre
ADESSA."Do you have a red mark on your back?" King Essak asked the moment he stopped in front of me. He asked in a low voice as if he didn't want anyone to hear.I saw many guards approaching and dispersing the crowd around us until it was just Kael and me with the Alpha King. I didn't see Alpha Draco anymore. "Do you have a red mark on your back?" The King repeated his question, snapping me back to the present. Then, a surge of strong current rippled through my body, and I knew he had used his King's command. I made the mistake of looking back into his eyes. I thought he would never use it on me. Only the Alpha King had this power, and from what I heard, he had never even used this to get any criminals to admit their crimes. He would leave judgment to his Court. But I had no idea why he was using this on such a trivial matter. Why was he asking me too many questions?"I do…" I answered in almost a whisper as I dropped my gaze to the floor.I had no choice; lying could cause me to