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,
Thirty one*Freya*I was done trying to be a good girl to my step-sister. If she wanted to be bitchy, I would be even more bitchy. Kelly's face contorted with fury, eyes flashing amber. "How dare you, you little--" She lashed out, her hand coming towards my face. But I was faster. I caught her wrist in an iron grip inches from my cheek, my own eyes glowing dark. We stood locked together, trembling with rage, a snarl rumbling in Kelly's throat. For a tense moment I thought she might shift and attack. But slowly, I shoved her hand away."Don't ever try that again," I growled. "Or I'll show you what this fake werewolf can do."Shaking with anger and adrenaline, I spun on my heel and stormed off down the hall. Kelly shouted something after me, ugly and vicious, but I didn't hear it over the pounding of my heart. I knew she was on her way to yell my secret to every living soul.I didn't stop until I reached my room. Slamming the door, I locked it with fumbling hands before slumping back
Thirty Two *Freya* "Ouch!" I silently winced as the rough fibers of the rope bit into my palms as I slowly lowered myself down the stone wall, my feet scrambling to steady themselves. The cool night air raised goosebumps on my skin and sent shivers down my spine. Or maybe that was just the adrenaline and fear coursing through my veins. At last my boots touched the damp grass at the base of the wall. I paused for a moment, listening intently for any signs that I'd been spotted. But the only sounds were the chirping of crickets and the distant hoots of an owl. The coast was clear.Keeping to the shadows, I darted across the moonlit lawn, my pack bouncing against my back with each step. The outer wall loomed ahead of me, an imposing barrier between me and freedom. But I'd scaled it before, and I would again. Reaching the base of the wall, I slung my rope up and over, securing it on a sturdy branch jutting out from the top. With a grunt of effort, I heaved myself up, my muscles st
Thirty three*Rafe*My knees buckled as realization crashed over me. Kelly had been right. Freya had fled, knowing her secret was out. Pain lanced through my chest, sharper than any blade. She'd left without a word. Without giving me a chance to understand. To forgive. because I knew without a doubt that even if Kelly had claimed Freya was the devil herself, it still wouldn't have kept me away from her. In that moment, I knew the truth. The inescapable, terrifying truth.I was falling for Freya Hadid. I didn't know if it was love or something else, I just knew she had me wrapped around her toes. My heart felt like it was being squeezed in an iron grip as I stared at the empty room, the realization of Freya's absence sinking in like a lead weight. The air felt stiff, suffocating me with the tang of betrayal and heartache. I stumbled to the open window, my hands gripping the iron until my knuckles turned white. The curtains moved in the evening breeze, mocking me with their gentle da
Thirty four *Freya*I was so certain I was doing the right thing when I decided to leave Rafe and the palace, but now that I was lost in the forest, the wind and tree wigs snapping at my skin so harshly, I was rethinking my decision. It was so dark that I could barely make out a thing. I was completely lost and it felt like it would rain anytime soon. It seemed like even the world was against me at this point. I ran breathlessly through the forest, my heart pounding in my chest. The trees towered above me, their branches reaching out like skeletal hands ready to ensnare me in their grasp. Though it was daytime, the dark forest blocked out most of the sunlight, shrouding everything in an oppressive gloom. Shadows danced at the edges of my vision. I could barely see where I was going.Sticks cracked under my feet as I sprinted blindly forward. I had no idea where I was, no sense of direction in this huge wilderness. What was I thinking, running into the woods all alone? Away from t
Thirty Five *Freya*I was still running as fast as I could. I could hear the growls of the monsters behind me but I could not take a moment to stop. I needed to get out of this forest as soon as possible before I got eaten. The forest seemed to stretch on endlessly, the ancient trees creating a maze of shadows that danced in the fading light. I could feel the roots and rocks beneath my feet, threatening to trip me up at any moment. The growls of the monsters behind me echoed through the fog, their hot breath on my neck pushing me forward. As I pushed myself harder, my heart pounding in my chest, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the trees, sending a cascade of leaves swirling around me. It was as if the forest itself was trying to hinder my escape, each leaf was an obstacle in my path. I stumbled over a root, pain shooting up through my leg as I fell to the ground.Gasping for breath, I tried to push myself up, but my ankle throbbed with each movement. The monsters were getti
Thirty six *Freya* "Wake her up right now!" "No. We should kill her and be done with it. She is obviously a stray from the crimson kingdom. You can see the sign on her body." "But she's harmless. She may not pose a threat to us..." "What should we do to her Alpha?" The voices were getting closer and louder, making me stir with irritation from being disturbed from my beauty sleep. Or more like painful sleep. The moment I tried to move a muscle, pain shot through every where on my body. I groaned against the pain, trying to will it away. It felt like every part of my body was on fire and someone was adding even more fuel to it. I tried to peel my eyes open but it felt too heavy. I felt myself slipping into darkness again. There were people in the cave with me, and by the looks of it, they didn't seem like good people. I was scared for my life but I couldn't do a thing about it. I tried to raise my hand up as someone walked towards me. I couldn't make out their form as
(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.