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
Forty six *Freya* "I heard you were captured by the Sunshades. That must have been so awful. I'm so glad you are back and safe with us now" Addy commented the moment I walked into the Crimson palace. She looked so relieved to see me that I couldn't help but smile at her and enveloping her in a tight hug. I had missed her so much. The other ladies stood in front, watching us intently. After we broke apart, I turned to find Kelly and Jessica glaring daggers at me. I raised my chin up and stared them down. I was done allowing them intimidate me every time they had the chance. I was done being the girl that got bullied. "Hello, Sis," I said, my voice dripping with intended sarcasm. She glared even harder at me as I approached her. "Back from your little trip I see," She chuckled, but I could see the fury hiding in her eyes. She must have thought she had triumphed when I left. She had scared her sister away as she always did. Not this time. Not anymore. "As a matter of fact, y