Seventy twoI stepped down from the vehicle, my hand gripping Alpha Rafe's firm arm for balance. As my feet touched the cobblestones, a roar of cheers erupted from the massive crowd filling the bubbly town square. I gasped, shocked by the sheer number of people who had turned out. Crimson kingdom banners flapped in the breeze as men, women and children craned their necks to catch a glimpse of us."They're here for you, for all of you," Rafe said close to my ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down my spine despite the summer heat. "The people want to see their future Queen."Kelly, Jessica, Aurora, Addy and I made our way to a raised platform in the center of the square, waving and smiling at the cheering throngs. Excitement buzzed in the air, the anticipation palpable. As we ascended the steps, the crowd began chanting."Freya! Freya!" some called out. My heart swelled at their support. It felt surreal to think I had actual fans. I was extremely excited and thankful that Rafe had give
Seventy three*Freya*"Hello, Freya, it's me. It's Daniel."The voice was like a bolt of lightning, jolting me back to a time before the palace, before Rafe. I forced my eyes open, blinking away the tears, and found myself staring up into the concerned face of Daniel Stonecrow, my old coworker from the villa."D-Daniel?" I croaked, my voice hoarse from the smoke and the screaming. "What are you doing here?"He offered me a tight smile, his eyes scanning our surroundings for any sign of danger. "I heard you were going to be here today, and I wanted to see you. But we need to get you somewhere safe. Can you stand?"I nodded, gritting my teeth against the pain as Daniel helped me to my feet. The world spun around me, and I clung to him for support, my heart pounding in my ears. As we stumbled away from the chaos, I couldn't help but wonder what had caused the explosions, and whether Rafe and the others had made it out unscathed.Please, Goddess, I prayed silently, let them be alright. Le
Seventy Four*Freya* "I won't give up," I promised, my voice trembling but determined. "I'll keep fighting, for as long as it takes. For Rafe, for my friends, for everyone I love. I won't let them down."Daniel smiled down at me, his eyes shining with pride and admiration. "That's my girl," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You're stronger than you know, Freya. And we'll get through this, together. I promise."As he spoke, I felt a flicker of hope kindle in my chest, a tiny spark of light amidst the darkness. I clung to it like a lifeline, letting it guide me back from the brink of oblivion. And as I drifted off into a fitful sleep, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them with courage and determination, secure in the knowledge that I was not alone.*****Rafe* I opened my eyes with a start, my heart pounding. Where was I? I glanced around frantically, taking in the unfamiliar room. Sunlight streamed in through a small window, illumina
Seventy Five*Rafe* The moment we stepped out of the room, I was greeted by a sea of faces, my people gathered in the courtyard, waiting for me. Men, women, children - all looking to me for guidance, for reassurance in the midst of this devastating attack. Pride swelled in my chest, momentarily overshadowing the fear and anger that had taken root. They were here for me, loyal to the end.I stood before them, allowing my gaze to sweep over the crowd. "My friends," I began, my voice carrying across the hushed gathering. "Today, we have suffered a grievous blow. An enemy who is unknown at the moment, has struck at the very heart of our kingdom, shattering the peace and security we hold so dear."A murmur rippled through the crowd, expressions of fear and anger mirroring my own. I held up a hand, and silence fell once more."I come to you now not just as your Alpha, but as a man humbled by your unwavering loyalty, your courage in the face of this adversity. And I make you this solemn vow
Seventy six*Rafe*I ran towards the voices crying for help despite Connor calling me back. I dropped to my knees beside them, my heart breaking at their suffering. They were human, fragile and innocent, caught in a war they didn't understand. I reached out, my hands trembling as I tried to assess their wounds."Rafe," Connor said softly, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Their injuries...they're too severe. There's nothing we can do."A sob tore from my throat as I gathered the girls into my arms, their small bodies shaking with pain and fear. I knew Connor was right, but I couldn't accept it. I couldn't let them die, not like this.blood. "Please, help us," the older one begged, her voice ragged with pain. "It hurts so much." I reached out to stroke her singed hair. "Shh, it's going to be alright. I'm going to help you." But how? Medicine and bandages would do little for wounds this severe. Only one option remained - the bite. It would heal them, but at the cost of their humanity.I
Seventy seven*Freya* I blinked my eyes open, grimacing at the pounding in my head. As my vision cleared, a familiar face came into view, hovering over me with concern etched across his features. "Daniel?" I croaked."Freya! Thank god you're awake," he exhaled, relief washing over his expression. Ignoring the aches wracking my body, I pushed myself up and flung my arms around him. He wrapped me in a tight embrace as a few tears escaped down my cheeks. We stayed like that for a long moment, holding each other close. Daniel had been my rock working together at the villa, always there with a joke or helping hand. I owed him my life for rescuing me from the chaos after the bomb ripped through the town square. As we pulled apart, Daniel searched my face. "Why did you leave without telling me or Morgan? We were worried sick when you disappeared."I sighed, dropping my gaze. "I'm sorry, truly. It was an impulsive decision. I just couldn't take one more day of my parents treating me lik
Seventy Eight*Freya*"Do you truly love him?" Daniel asked me quietly, interrupting my thoughts. "The Alpha? Or are you just with him as an escape from your parents and that life?"I paused, considering it. My feelings for Rafe had snuck up on me, catching me by surprise. But there was no denying the depth of them now."I do love him," I said with conviction. "I know it seems sudden, and at first, I couldn't stand Rafe. He was so strict and severe. But as I got to know him, I saw his true heart. His selflessness, his strength, his devotion to his people."I thought of all the times Rafe had been there for me, even rescuing me from danger. The way my heart raced when he was near. "Somehow, when I wasn't looking, that initial dislike turned to respect. Affection. And then a love so intense it almost frightens me sometimes." I shook my head in wonder. "Rafe challenges me, supports me, protects me. With him, I feel I can face anything.""He'd better treat you right," Daniel said fiercel
Seventy Nine*Freya*I couldn't believe we were Finally together. It was surreal. I thought about how I’d been scared that something bad happened to him. I melted into Rafe's strong embrace, my heart soaring with joy and relief. His muscular arms wrapped around me protectively as he lifted me off the ground, holding me safe against his broad chest. All the fear and chaos of the bomb blast faded away now that I was back in his arms where I belonged."Freya," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I was so worried. When I couldn't find you after the explosion..." His words trailed off as he set me down gently, his ice blue eyes roaming over me as if to reassure himself I was really here. Behind him, Connor stood silent and smiling, watching our reunion.I barely registered their presence, my entire being focused solely on my alpha. Rising up on my toes, I threw my arms around Rafe's neck and crushed my lips to his in a searing kiss. He responded with equal passion, his mouth movin
(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.