Thirty Eight*Freya* I stared in disbelief as Zephyr writhed on the floor, groaning in agony. What had just happened? I didn't understand. Two guards rushed in, their armor clanking. They helped Zephyr to his feet."What happened, my lord?" one guard asked. Zephyr pointed a shaky finger at me, a sly smile twisting his lips despite the pain. "The girl...she has a rare gift. The protection gift. Anyone who tries touches her intimately against her will feel unbearable pain."My mouth fell open in shock at his words. A protection gift? Me? Zephyr's words reverberated in my mind. So that's why he had collapsed the moment he tried to force himself on me. As the truth sank in, a rush of excitement filled me. I wasn't just some helpless girl anymore. I had power. Something unique and precious. For the first time, I didn't feel afraid or vulnerable. I felt strong.Giddy with happiness, I leaped to my feet and made a dash for the door. Freedom was so close! But the guards moved to block my pa
Thirty Nine*Third Pov* KELLY HADID stood still at her window. She gazed stealthily upon the Alpha who was walking along the palace grounds. He was so graceful and handsome that it made Kelly take in a sharp breath. She wanted Alpha Rafe. She wanted him for herself and she didn't mind going to hell and back just to get him. she had already gotten her dumb step-sister out of the way, it left one more person who posed a threat to her goal of having him. Jessica Gabriel. Jessica was a perfect candidate for Rafe and she was extremely beautiful. That was why Kelly had deliberately befriended her so she could lose her guard and let her know her weakness. And the moment Kelly found out that weakness, she would switch up on Jessica and be the number one candidate for Rafe. Kelly turned away from her window with a vicious smile on her face. She would stop at nothing to get whatever she wanted. *Rafe* My boots crunched on the gravel path as I strode along the palace grounds. The even
Forty*Freya* I peeled my eyes open slowly, wishing all that happened for the past two days had just been a silly dream. That I was still at the crimson palace, flirting with Rafe and playing with Addy. I wouldn't even mind Kelly's bitchiness. But as my eyes got accustomed to the dark cellar room, I knew quite well that it was not a dream as I had hoped. I'd stupidly fled the crimson palace and ventured out into the evil forest where I'd been caught by these horrible people. The guards will be here any minute now. It was either die or allow myself to be taken by an evil Alpha. I had thought that Rafe was ruthless, maybe even wicked sometimes, but now that I saw what another ruler was like, I appreciated Rafe. I realized that he was actually a good man who cared about his people. He also cared for outsiders too. The hunt was proof of that. I couldn't believe how much I missed seeing his handsome face. I needed to get out of here as soon as possible. As I wandered around the c
Forty-One*Rafe"What are you doing, Rafe?" Rafael demanded as soon as he saw me dressing up in my chambers. "You can't seriously be planning to go after the girl. Don't you think what you are trying to do is unnecessary and a step too far?"I tightened the last strap on my leather armor. "Of course, I am. Freya is in danger. I have to save her."Rafael shook his head. "She escaped the palace walls of her own volition. The Sunshade pack is treacherous territory, even for you. It's far too risky."My jaw clenched. I knew he was right - it would be perilous to confront the rival pack alone on their own lands. But images of Freya, scared and alone, possibly hurt or worse, kept flashing through my mind.I met my Gamma's stern gaze. "I hear your counsel, Rafael, but I cannot abandon her. Not when her life may be at stake.""What is this girl to you? Why endanger yourself for her?" He searched my face, trying to understand.I squared my shoulders, hand gripping the hilt of my sword. "She is
Forty Two *Freya*I stared at Rafe as if the rest of the world had ceased to exist. It was only him. The beastly scent of him overwhelmed my senses - a blend of earth, sweat, and something wholly animal. Positioned so close, I could feel the rumbling growl vibrating through his body as his eyes scanned our surroundings for any remaining threats.Just then, a deafening roar of fury echoed across the pit. Zephyr, bloodied but still standing, leveled an enormous flamethrower directly at Rafe's back. "If I can't have her...no one can!" Rafe whipped around just as the first lick of flames erupted from the barrel. He shielded me with his body as the searing blaze engulfed him. An anguished roar tore from his throat as he crumpled to the ground, his skin smoldering."No!" I screamed, cradling his massive, unmoving form. Tears streamed down my face as I shook him desperately, calling his name over and over. But he didn't respond, his eyes remaining eerily shut.Zephyr stalked forward, the
Forty three*Freya*My heart pounded as Rafe's intense gaze locked onto mine. The air between us felt electric, charged with a longing so powerful it stole my breath away. I ached to confess the truth I'd been holding back—that I wasn't truly one of his kind. His brow furrowed slightly in concern. "Tell me, Freya." He urged.I took a deep breath. It was now or never. "The reason I ran away... it wasn't because of you. It was because of Kelly, my stepsister. She found out my secret and threatened to tell you if I didn't leave the palace" "What secret is that?" He asked. I took a deep breath, my whole body beaded with thick sweat.After a heavy pause, the words finally tumbled out. "Kelly...she threatened to tell you I'm wolfless if I didn't leave you." My stepsister's cruelty still stung. "I couldn't let her manipulate me anymore, so I fled your palace."Rafe's brow furrowed, those piercing eyes searching my face. "Why didn't you just tell me?" I fought back tears at the hurt lacin
Forty Four*Freya*There was nothing I desired more than this moment. The sensation of his body pressed against mine was indescribable. It was almost as if we were made for each other, every curve and angle fitting perfectly together. My entire being felt electrified by his touch. I couldn't even remember when our clothes had come off, but there I was on his bed, beneath him, eagerly waiting for him to claim me as his own. Our gazes locked, our hearts beating in unison as we both recognized the perfection of this moment."Freya... Are you absolutely certain about this?" Rafe's voice was soft, filled with concern."Yes...I want you so much, Rafe." I answered without hesitation or shame. Though I appreciated his consideration in letting me decide, my impatience was growing. I needed him now! "Impatient are we?" He chuckled against my lips. The demon was teasing me!He slowly shifted his weight on me, looking deep into my eyes with a mix of passion and tenderness. The moonlight was so
Forty Five*Rafe*I gazed at Freya's soft curves and delicate features as she slept peacefully beside me, the light caressing her bare skin. Memories of our passionate lovemaking were still fresh in my mind - the feel of her silky body pressed against mine, her nails digging into my back as she gasped my name over and over in ecstasy. In this blissful moment, nothing else mattered except the amazing connection we shared. Careful not to wake her, I placed a tender kiss on Freya's forehead before slipping out of bed. Pulling on some clothes, I silently exited the room, closing the door with a quiet click. The private jet had landed while we were...occupied, and I could hear my crew and security detail preparing to disembark. I made my way to the front of the plane where Connor was overseeing the unloading. He glanced up as I approached, a sly grin spreading across his face."Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," Connor quipped. "I was beginning to think
(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.