Nixon’s POV
I hid behind bushes. A calm yet alert young deer was just gnawing its teeth against the grass it fed itself. Carefully, I calculated my moves.
I was targeting this animal for about thirty minutes now. It appeared to have journeyed alone to find food. It must be lost but its presence screamed definite confidence and safety. The deer was never worried for its life that I'm about to rip off it later on as I hid from it.
The deer couldn't confirm someone's presence, especially mine. It had been cautious of its surroundings for the past ten minutes. Observing the animal speed up its feeding meant it already confirmed that I was everywhere.
I let out a smug look on my face, finding the young deer amusing
Cassie’s POV Humming a lullaby, I went on my way to the kitchen. I wanted to prepare breakfast for Adrian. I sighed in relief and satisfaction.Who would have thought that everything I planned for so long has now come to fruition?I faced the raw meat and flour and started preparing them one by one. I made pancakes and bacon. I want my Adrian to feel loved now that I am finally free to be with him. Finally, no other obstacles will take him away from me.First, Aria is disposed of nicely and neatly. And now... Lia.I smirked at the memory that couldn't stop playing over and over my head.Poor Lia. She wouldn't be able to do anything now. No one can stop me now. No other woman can take him away from me.Everything is going according to my plan. Eliminating Lia was the best thing I did. Then another casualty was added to the list, Beta Oscar. Now, Simon will also pave his way toward his new target. The Beta seat. If everything goes well, my sphere of influence will flourish further and
Aria's POV Today is the day that we will travel to Darkwood pack to seek refuge. My intense gaze went to Nixon not far away from me. He was already busy fixing all the things he had to bring with him on our journey to the south. Seeing him do that, I also fixed mine. I put all the things I needed in the small bag. The knives and daggers that he created through the resources of the forest were on it. It was important that we had weapons in case we encountered trouble. We had to make sure we could go against anything on the way. I also needed to be extra careful because I could not afford to bring him more problems along the way. I had been a burden to him for so long. The last thing I want is to add some more. "Aria, we will travel through my wolf form. That way, we will reach Darkwood faster," he told me in the middle of my thoughts. Because of that, his eyes went to me. He licked his lower lip and spoke further. "You just have to ride on my back, no need to exhaust yourself on
Aria’s POV This forest trail has been my home. I knew every mile-high peak and heavy boulder within the area. The cascading waterfall and heavily forested slopes were the ultimate addition to this thirty-thousand-acre paradise. This should have been a perfect home for a she-wolf like me. But fate had other plans. Because the truth is, I rarely remember ever being happy while I was inside this territory. All of the worst memories of my life happened here, inside the prosperous pack called Moon Valley. As the wind brushed against my now-wet cheeks, my mind took me back to everything I had been through for the last few weeks. Because of Cassie, I had been away from Moon Valley for so long. I had been away from my family, most especially from my young daughter, while my sister took over the life that was supposed to be mine. But everything will change after today. Because now, I am ready to take what was rightfully mine. Finally, we reached Moon Valley’s western border, the one tha
Aria’s POV“Do you want to know whether the woman you chose was your real mate? If you walk away, you will never find the truth.”“Can you quit talking to my husband?” Cassie stopped in her tracks and glared at me. “You have no business with him. Just get out of here and never come back!”But I refused to acknowledge her sentiments and turned to Adrian. My eyes were begging him to consider. “Just let her step out of Moon Valley and everything will be revealed. I won't do anything to her. I just need her to get out of your territory.”“How dare you command the Alpha of Moon Valley! Who do you think you are?!”Cassie was hysterical. She kept on cursing and shouting vile things toward me. But that no longer concerned me. I shut my ears to all of her sharp words and kept on imploring Adrian to listen to me. I stepped nearer to Adrian, making Cassie put him behind her back. Her chest was moving up and down, with a mixture of fear, anger, and nervousness illuminating her. But I kept on loo
Aria’s POVThe news about Cassie’s betrayal spread quickly. Like Adrian and the rest who witnessed everything that unfolds last night, they were all in shock. They couldn’t believe that Cassie was able to put a curse on Moon Valley making them believe she was me. While some were curious about how she was able to do it, some were more eager to find out what would happen to her after the trial. What she did was something unheard of before. The severity of her crime was too much that they already expected a great deal of punishment brewing for her. The pack grounds were full of whispers and murmurs from the crowd. A small podium was built for us involved in the trial and the members of the jury to step on. On my side was the Alpha, Adrian Patterson, whom I still didn’t talk to after the incident last night. I didn’t feel there was a need to do so, anyway.Meanwhile, the warriors from Darkwood and Moon Valley, headed by Alpha Axel, Nixon, Ashford, and Nick, were standing not far from us
Simon’s POVI could not believe there would be a day I would be shedding so many tears. It was nonstop and I felt how tightened my heart was as I ran in my wolf form, dashing through the silent woods, running as fast as I could.The grief in me was too much the moment I knew that the woman I only had ever loved was killed. The woman I was praying and hoping to get so desperately ended up lifeless in the hands of the man she was so obsessed with!And fuck! How dare he kill her! She only loved him! She only did that out of her overpowering love! How could he kill her? How could he kill the woman I loved?The more I ran, the more I could no longer hide my tears and the seething pain that I was feeling. I wished this was all a mere nightmare, but it all felt so true and vivid. The scene of her demise played inside my mind like that of a broken record. I could still remember how that stupid alpha passed on the sentence like she was a filthy criminal. Her screams of agony echoed throughou
Adrian’s POVI was a total fool. No, I think I am a fucking joke. How long had it been? I felt like I already lost track of time as I wandered mindlessly in the woods. With only pain, anger, and grief embracing my wholeness. They said that the truth will set you free, but why did I feel different? Why didn’t I find peace the moment Cassie’s schemes were revealed right in front of my eyes? Why did I have a feeling that I was kept inside a box? Why did I feel suffocated? Last night, Cassie got what she deserved by dying a painful death under the heat of the fire. My heart felt like bursting thinking about that nothing-but-trash woman. I could not believe she deceived me so fucking good!It was hard to accept, still. That easily, I was fooled. That nothing but a wench woman made me worship her body and fuck! Every time I remembered those things, I wanted to throw up in disgust!What I needed the most right now was to be alone. My mind was filled with too much anger, regret, and sadne
Aria’s POVIf there was one day that I looked forward to since all of these things happened, it was this day.The blazing midday sun shone relentlessly in the hot, blue afternoon sky. Tiny specks of dust seemed to dance in rhythm in the afternoon sunlight peeking through the window of my temporary home. I smiled as I looked at myself in the mirror. Wearing my lovely floral dress, I moved out of my room. Two nights after I got back from my ordeal, this would be the first time that I would see my daughter Aurora for a very long time. I felt giddy thinking about it. The goddess knew how much I longed to embrace my little one. Finally, it is happening. I couldn’t wait to see the adorable smile on her face once she sees me. As I descended the stairs, I saw Nixon. He already cut his hair clean and even shaved the hairs on his face. I was surprised to see him in this state, though I didn’t think that the new look made him look less handsome. Nixon greeted me with a smile which I answered
Aria’s POV Three years later… “Blow the candles, mommy!” I smiled at my seven-year-old seeing her grin from ear to ear while holding my birthday cake. I pinched her rosy cheeks before taking a deep breath and puffing the candles. Cheers from the background roared. We were inside Alpha Axel and Luna Sheila’s house where I decided to celebrate my 23rd birthday. Aside from them and their equally cute daughter Krissy who was now playing with my daughter, I invited my close friends and family from Moon Valley to celebrate with us. There’s my mom who was busy handing the food to everyone. Meanwhile, Ash and his wife were having their sweet moments on the couch. He touched Thea’s growing bump. Like him, we couldn't wait to see the new addition to our family. Beside them was Beta Nick, who just found her mate, Klea, recently. Ahh…This is life. And yet, something still feels missing. “Have you heard from him?” It was the voice of Luna Sheila that brought me back from spacing out. “N
Aria's POVAs the light drains away, I found myself in the same spot over and over. The sky was like a canvas bearing a mixture of orange, red, and pink on its surface. I held to the bouquet of some white roses tighter. I couldn’t wait to give this to him.Finally, I reached the place. Slowly, I put down a bouquet of flowers on top of the elevated land. A cross was sitting on top of it. I remembered the words of Luna Sheila during the time I was still grieving his death. She said, “The pain of losing someone doesn’t go away. It would give you the same intensity regardless of the years that passed. You will just learn to cope with it.”Yes, I was coping. Under this grave was the memory of the person I lost in a blink of an eye. Tears started streaming down my face as I remembered him. I have always remembered him. Always and forever. A lone tear escaped my eyes. It’s been a year since I lost him. But until now, the pain was still in my heart. My face plastered a bitter smile. “Don’t
Nixon’s POV“Nixon…Nixon…Wake up…”The beautiful voice woke me up. When I opened my eyes, I was welcomed by a lush green valley. The scent of the fresh dew brought by the spring season was mixed with the cold, comforting breeze. I slowly lifted my eyelids and was welcomed by the blue sky doming above me. The sun was nowhere to be found but the whole place was bright and sunny. I got up slowly and scanned the place with my still narrowed eyes. Before I could ask myself where I was, the lovely voice that woke me up from slumber rang in my ears once again.“You are awake, my love. Welcome Elysian Fields,” she stated while plastering the most radiant smile I had seen in my life. The woman had wavy blonde hair and eyes as silvery yellow as the moon. Moreso, she was incredibly beautiful. The maiden was wearing a white knee-length tunic. Her shoulder was armed with a golden bow and arrow. And although her face can surely bewitch every male creature in the land, surprisingly, you will neve
Aria's POVAlpha Axel, and I along with Darkwood warriors, came on time to the Stone Valley where Stonewood Pack was situated. We came here with nothing but courage and faith. For some, this mission was a suicide. To come here with a small army was no match to the force Blade showed us the other night. We would not sugarcoat this reality. We would not be comforted by a lie that we would be able to win this battle by ourselves. We won’t but we would be sure to give them a hell of a fight. For Nixon’s sake. I came here to show Blade my true colors. He will now see that he shouldn't be underestimating someone like me, especially when I am a rare diamond in the rough. I am the only shifter of this land. I was far from the weak shifter he met and almost killed the first time. My life experience taught me greater things about my strength and capabilities. No one came aside from us and that gave me a bitter taste in my mouth. I still couldn’t believe that the people of Moon Valley, whom
Aria’s POV As I was running, tears began in a downpour.Fear was all that could try to embrace me at this moment in time. But when I am reminded of what he has done for me, I pushed the fear at the back of my mind.Nixon is not just anyone. He is my best friend. He was always there to help me out. He didn’t fail to be with me in times of adversaries.I remembered his loyalty and devotion to me and Aurora. He was her father figure.His unconditional love toward us is evident. His sacrifices were made to ensure my safety at all times. He was willing to do everything for me.Now, it was time for me to step up. It's my time to do this for him. To save him as he would always try to do for me. For my sake.I wanted to return that favor no matter what even though I'm unsure of whether I would succeed in helping him. But it didn't matter anymore. I would die trying. I will never give up.If it means I would sacrifice my life to save him, I will do everything to get him back safely."Nixon...
Aria’s POV I was panting. I heard myself begging, pleading. But I couldn't get a hold of my words. They were drowning in the abyss of darkness. Hollowed and dreadful. I knew it was my voice. I sense the familiarity within its timbre and vibration.Inaudible it may seem, but slowly, it could be heard as I guessed about the words.Then, the things around me became clear. I could hear the rustling of the wind brushing against the leaves. The vast unfamiliar road was the first thing I saw. My dress glided with the wind. My hair followed suit.With this endless void, I saw his figure. The familiar figure which I yearned for so much.Nixon.Tears began to flow from my eyes.His back faced me. He was running. Running away from me.Why? Why would he run away from me?Didn't he suffer enough to be away from me? Didn't he wait for this day to come, to finally be with me?Then, why? Why is he running away from me?Frustratingly, I followed him. I ran and ran towards him."No. No, Nixon!" I shou
Aria’s POV It was hard to believe what just happened. In a blink of an eye, the alpha, who was revered for defeating the infamous Death Eater, was now lying on the grounding and feasting in his humiliating defeat. In this continent, everyone knew who Adrian Patterson was. Everyone knew the story of how he triumphed over his tyrannical father. It would forever be engraved in our history. And yet, it was hard to imagine that the same, glorious man who became well-known throughout the continent was defeated just like that. What could possibly go wrong for him to lose in such an important battle like this? “Because he lost you, Aria. You broke our bond with him for the second time. His wolf weakened when you rejected him last night,” Cleo stated inside my head. I bit my lower lip upon hearing that. It made me remember the time when my mother went to the Royal Cave Bar and implored me to go back to Moon Valley to strengthen Adrian’s wolf before his battle with the Death Eater. At t
Adrian’s POV"Do you like my grand entrance?" The man said that it made me almost lose my cool.Simon Walker... How dare he betray me and show himself here? How dare he show his face to the pack he chose to fucking betray?I groaned in so much anger as I looked at him with eyes that were ready to kill. Among the council, he was one of those I trusted! But look at this mutt gathering his weaklings of companions, trying to instigate war!The veins on my neck and my temple were already bulging, and I could feel how my resentment slowly enveloped my heart. Just the sight of this traitor made me livid.“What the hell do you want?” I questioned him, furious.Simon scoffed and smirked before he spoke, “You, Alpha Adrian. I want nothing but to beat your ass and witness how you will lose everything.”My ears twitched the moment I heard that. There was also gasping that was heard around right after. It was an obvious challenge to my throne. Seeing his irking smirk, I knew he wanted to fight an
Adrian's POVThere was an obvious fiasco in the meeting hall where we were gathered at that moment. Together with the councils, Aria was also present. We were currently discussing the aftermaths of Cassie’s schemes to Moon Valley. I could not deny that I was still very uncomfortable with her presence after what happened last night. I wanted to exclude myself from seeing her but this meeting only made me do what I didn’t want. How cruel fate was on me! I was bothered that she sat here with the council as if nothing pivotal happened a few hours ago. I mean, how could she act so naturally in front of everyone when she rejected me, her mate, coldheartedly last night? Groaning silently in my seat, I frowned.However, the more I saw how she was leading and speaking her ideas, the more I realized how deserving she was for the seat of Luna. Our council was right in choosing to believe in her. I could not deny that she was doing a great job. It was as if she was born to lead, a trait that c