Twenty three We started at each other quietly, the air cracking with so much tension that I could taste it. His face stopped just inches off mine. I could feel his minty breath on my face and this filled my belly with way too much excitement than it should have. Then suddenly, as if we both woke up from our drunken state, we pulled away at the same time. I tried to clear my throat, hoping my disappointment did not show on my face. The air between us crackled with tension as Rafe's piercing blue eyes bore into mine, his jaw clenched tight. My breath caught in my throat. He was so close I could feel the heat radiating off his muscular form. Part of me wanted to close the distance between us, to press my lips against his and finally give in to the desire that had been building since the moment we met. But I couldn't. Not when the other girls in the palace would gladly take my place. Girls who were vying to be his breeder so they could be his chosen Luna and queen. I didn't thi
Twenty Four*Rafe* "So what is your decision?" Rafael asked. We were taking our usual morning strolls along the halls. "Decision on what?" "The rituals. It requires you to bed one of the contestants. You have to pick one of them before nightfall. I think that... Jessica or the other lady, Aurora I think her name is, will be the best option for you." I thought about Rafael's words. He was right. I needed to bed one of them and merge their blood with mine before the rituals began. That was the only way the goddess would accept it. If I ended up not picking anyone, the rituals would be a waste of time and the sources of our powers would be weakened. Or so my forefathers claimed. I didn't really believe in all these anyway. "So," Rafael continued as he noticed I was still thinking about it. "Which one of them are you picking? Jessica or Aurora?" I went silent. I knew deep down that I didn't want any of them. The one I wanted was Freya. She was constantly in my mind. I co
Twenty Five*Freya*The ball was about to begin. I sighed as my maids hurried back and forth around me. Anxiety rose up within me as they pushed me to the front of my large mirror. I stared at my reflection. The whalebone corset clinched tighter around my ribcage as Grace laced up the back. I sipped in a shallow breath, steadying myself against the bedpost. The silk of my ballgown flowed like liquid moonlight, cascading in shimmering waves to the floor. Silver thread glimmered in beautiful floral patterns across the bodice. "You look like a vision, my lady," My other maid, Clara said as she pinned my dark curls into an elegant bun. I gazed at my reflection in the full length mirror, marveling at the mesmerizing beauty of the dress. And yet, as exquisite as it was, each shallow breath reminded me of how impossibly tight it was. And I was supposed to be in this cage all night? Beauty is pain, Grace would say. Flo packed up my gowns so I could fit my feet into the pretty pink heels
Twenty six *Freya* "I've been thinking about you for a while." I whispered to Connor as we danced across the floor, along with a couple of other ladies and gents. "Is that so?" He raised his eyebrows, a mischievous smile on his boyish handsome face. I couldn't help but smile back at him. I had missed him.Connor spun me around the dance floor, a wide grin on his face as we moved to the pulsing beat. "You look stunning tonight," he said, eyes twinkling. "That dress is perfect on you."I managed a smile back at him, trying to focus on our dance and conversation. But somehow, I could feel Rafe's piercing gaze boring into me from across the room. Before I could stop myself, I stole a glance in his direction. The Alpha was leaning against the bar, arms crossed over his muscular chest. His chiseled jaw was clenched tight and stormy grey eyes narrowed as they flicked between Connor and me. If looks could kill, Connor would be a pile of ashes on the floor.I quickly averted my gaz
Twenty seven *Freya* I woke up feeling so much pains all over my body. Every single part of my body hurt so bad. My mind tried to recall what had transpired last night at the ball but it was blank. I couldnt think past the blinding pain on my side. I was shot last night? Oh my God… the memories flooded back. The elegant ballroom, filled with swirling dancers and dazzling chandeliers, now seemed like a distant dream. The sound of gunshots echoing through the air, the panicked screams of the guests, and the feeling of a searing pain in my side were all too real. Addy's worried face swam into focus as I tried to sit up against the plush pillows. "Hey, hey, you're banged up pretty bad, don't try to strain yourself right now, sweetheart" The sharp pain shot through me like a bolt of lightning, causing me to gasp and fall back onto the bed. Addy's eyes were filled with concern as she gently pushed me back down."How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing. "Thank God
Twenty Eight*Rafe*I gazed down at Freya's sleeping form, her dark lashes fluttering against porcelain cheeks flushed with the soft pink of slumber. Silky strands of brown hair fanned out across the pillow, framing her delicate features - full rosebud lips, an elegant slope of nose. She looked so innocent, so ethereally beautiful in repose. Like an angel gracing my chambers. I couldn't deny that her beauty was one of the things that attracted to her. My fists clenched at my sides as I recalled the shock and blinding rage that consumed me when the guard had delivered the devastating news mere hours ago. Freya had been shot by an assassin's poisoned bullet during the grand ball. I saw red. I saw nothing but vengeance.The moment I found Connor, I had slammed him against the wall, my forearm pinning his throat. "You were supposed to protect her!" I snarled, baring my canines. "She could have died on your watch!"Connor sputtered and blanched but I was beyond reason, beyond mercy.
Twenty nine *Rafe*I was busy examining the budget reports for the palace repairs and renovations when the doors to my office flew open with a bang. Freya stormed in, her face flushed with rage. My eyes widened in shock as I noticed the way she held her side where the bullet had pierced her flesh just hours ago."What the hell are you doing?" I demanded, leaping up from my chair. The papers scattered as my hands slammed on the desk. "You're supposed to be resting!"She opened her mouth to retort but swayed unsteadily on her feet. fuck! In two long strides I was at her side, scooping her up into my arms before she could crumple to the floor. Her warm breath tickled my neck as I carried her to my desk and set her down gently on the polished mahogany surface. I planted my hands on either side of her hips, caging her in. She glowered up at me defiantly even as she struggled to catch her breath, no doubt from the exertion of marching down here while still recovering. The urge to shake so
Thirty*Freya* I pulled away from Rafe abruptly as the door swung open, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Rafe's uncle stood in the doorway, his eyebrows raised in surprise as he took in the scene before him. "I hope I am not interrupting anything?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and disapproval. He glared at me. My mind raced for an excuse, anything to explain why I had just been kissing the alpha king in his office. "I...I was just here to ask Rafe some questions. About the competition," I stammered out lamely. Rafe let out a low chuckle beside me and I shot him an irritated glare. He was clearly enjoying my discomfort far too much. Rafael frowned, unconvinced. "I see. Well, perhaps it's best if you direct any further questions to the competition committee from now on," he said coolly. "To avoid any...inappropriate appearances." My face flushed even hotter at the implication in his words. I nodded quickly. "Of course. It won't happen again." As Rafael left,
(Epilogue)*Freya*I gazed down at my beautiful baby boy, Adonis Jackson, as he slept peacefully in his little cot. His tiny chest rose and fell with each breath, and his delicate eyelashes cast shadows on his rosy cheeks. My heart swelled with an overwhelming love that seemed almost too much to contain. Little Adonis was more than just our son; he was the living, breathing symbol of the love Rafe and I shared. Our love had been powerful enough to shatter a hundred-year-old curse, freeing the Crimson Pack from mystery and hatred.As I watched him, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. The Crimson Kingdom had known nothing but peace since Rafe made me his Luna. The people adored their baby prince, showering him with so many gifts that every corner of our home was filled with tokens of their affection. Soft blankets, carved wooden toys, and tiny garments embroidered with symbols of protection surrounded us.A smile tugged at my lips as I thought about my friends. Addy, my dearest
Chapter 119*Freya*"Rafe..." I managed to whisper, my throat dry and raw. The sound was faint, but it sliced through the oppressive silence like a knife.He looked up slowly, almost as if he couldn't dare to hope. His eyes were red-rimmed, his face a mask of anguish. The moment our gazes locked, something inside him seemed to snap."Freya?" His voice cracked. He stared at me, disbelief mingling with desperate hope. "Yes," I confirmed, my weak smile growing stronger under his intense scrutiny. "I'm here.""She's alive! She's alive!" Rafe's scream echoed off the walls, a sound filled with pure, unadulterated joy. He leapt to his feet and pulled me into a bear hug, his strong arms wrapping around me so tightly that I could barely breathe—but I didn't care. I was home."Thank you, goddess," he murmured fervently against my hair, tears soaking the strands. "Thank you for bringing her back to me."Before I could respond, the door burst open. Addy, Aurora, Connor, and even Jessica—who rare
Chapter 118*Freya*I opened my eyes, but all I could see was an abyss stretching endlessly before me. I felt weightless, drifting further and further into the void until a sinking realization hit me—I was dead. The last memory seared into my mind was of Rafe's anguished face as he cradled me, his hands pressing against the wound at my neck, trying to stop the life from flowing out of me. I had died in his arms, leaving behind the love of my life. The thought of Rafe alone, broken by grief, pierced my heart more painfully than the blade ever did. I hoped, desperately, that he would find the strength to move on without me.As I continued to drift, an unseen force suddenly stopped my movement. Panic surged through me as I tried to push forward, but it was as if invisible hands were holding me back. Then, I felt it—a soothing presence, warm and calming, wrapping around me like a gentle embrace. I turned, and there she was. My mother stood before me, radiating a light so pure, it seemed t
Chapter 117*Freya* The crimson pack is cursed. His words still hung tightly in the air. The shock was evident in people’s faces. I was shocked as well, but there had to be a reason for this. "Listen to me, all of you!" Rafael's grip tightened around my neck, the knife cold against my skin. His voice rang out with a sinister authority that sent shivers down my spine. "The only way to break this curse is for me to become your Alpha King. Then, and only then, can we all find our true mates and live in peace and harmony."The room was thick with silence, every eye flicking between Rafael, Rafe, and me. The confusion on their faces mirrored the turmoil in my heart. Rafe's jaw was set, but his eyes betrayed the uncertainty gnawing at him.I stared at Rafe expectantly, waiting for him to say something. After what seemed like forever, Rafe finally raised his head up and tuned to everyone facing him."Do you want Rafael Kingston," Rafe's voice broke through the tension, each word measured a
Chapter 116*Freya*"I said Release her, Rafael!" I shouted, my voice cracking with urgency. Rafael's eyes narrowed into slits of pure malice as he glared at me, his lips curling into a snarl. Jessica, wide-eyed and trembling, seemed too shocked to move at first."Freya, you don't know what you're getting yourself into," Rafael growled, his voice low and dangerous."Don't I?" I challenged, stepping closer despite the fear clawing at my insides. "I know you've been blackmailing Jessica. I know everything, and I'm going straight to the Alpha king."The moment my words registered, Jessica broke free from Rafael's grasp, stumbling backward until she collided into me. Her body shook like a leaf in the wind, her fingers gripping my arm with desperate strength. I could feel her terror seeping through her skin, raw and palpable. My heart ached with pity for her, despite everything that had transpired between us."Your days at this palace are over," I declared, meeting Rafael's furious gaze h
Chapter 115*Freya*I sat alone in my chambers, the morning light filtering through the heavy velvet curtains. My mind couldn't help but wander back to the night before with Rafe. A blush crept up my cheeks as I thought about the way he had touched me, held me close, and whispered sweet things in my ear. He had taken me to heights I never thought were reachable, making every nerve in my body sing with pleasure. The memory of his hands on my skin sent a shiver down my spine, and I hugged myself tightly, feeling an overwhelming surge of love for him. Out of all the girls, he chose me. The thought made my heart swell with happiness.But then, Jessica's face flashed across my mind. I bit my lip, wondering how she was faring. Even if she hated me, her wellbeing still mattered to me. After a few moments of deliberation, I decided that I would pay her a visit. Maybe we could mend some fences, or at least reach some understanding.Determined, I crossed over to my wardrobe and selected a simpl
Chapter 114*Freya*As I pulled away from Daniel, a sudden wave of nausea hit me like a storm. My vision blurred, dark spots dancing at the edges. The room tilted, and I clutched my stomach, feeling as though the floor was being pulled out from under me."Freya?" Daniel's voice echoed in my ears, distant and distorted. I tried to focus on his face, but it swayed like a ship in turbulent waters."Alpha Rafe! Come!" I heard him call out, panic threading through his tone."Freya!" Rafe's voice was the last thing I heard, urgent and filled with worry, before everything went black.***When I opened my eyes, the world came back in fragments. The first thing I saw was the doctor leaning over me, his face a mask of concentration. I blinked, trying to clear the fog from my mind.“Freya” A familiar voice, soft and pleading, called out my name. I turned to see Rafe, his usually stoic face now etched with fear, standing next to Addy and a small group of people. Their eyes were all fixed on me, f
Chapter 113*Freya*I stood in the grand courtroom, my eyes fixed on Rafe as he commanded the room with his presence. The whispers of the crowd faded into a dull hum as I focused on his every move. He looked every bit the Alpha king, proud and regal, his posture exuding authority and strength. My heart swelled with love for him, and I silently prayed that nothing would come between us again. I took a deep breath and raised my head up to meet his waiting gaze. He was so far away but it felt like he was right in front of me. I didn't want him to do what he was about to do but I knew that he had to. He was the king and it was his responsibility.The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and the murmur of the crowd grew louder. Two guards marched in, dragging Kelly between them. Her hair was disheveled, her usually sharp eyes now downcast and filled with shame. She looked like a shadow of her former self, the weight of her actions pressing down on her shoulders."Bring her forward," Rafe comma
Chapter 112*Freya*Rafe's face went pale, his eyes widening in shock. He stood silent for a moment, processing the words that had just come out of Clara's mouth. The room seemed to hold its breath with him."Clara, if what you speak is the truth, Then I swear to you, I never authorized such an action," Rafe finally said, his voice heavy with sincerity and incredulity. "I have never given orders to imprison anyone without cause, especially not during the hunt last year. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I promise you, I didn't know.""You're lying!" Clara's voice cracked as she cried silently, the tip of the knife trembling against my skin. "Please, Clara," Rafe continued, stepping forward cautiously, his hands open and empty. "I'll punish my Gamma for what he's done, but you must let Freya go."Tears streamed down Clara's cheeks, mingling with her rage and sorrow. For a split second, the agony in her eyes mirrored the turmoil in my heart, a twisted reflection of pain and injustice.