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
Eighty *Freya*If Daniel took any offense to Rafe's warning tone, he didn't show it. He simply dipped his chin in agreement. "I won’t get in your way. You won't even know I'm there."With that uneasy accord, our odd little group set off into the gathering dusk. My hand remained firmly in Rafe's as I tried to ignore the sensation of Daniel's eyes burning into my back. I had a feeling this tentative truce between the two men was a fragile one at best.I only hoped my already bruised and battered heart could withstand the strain.Relief swept through me as the stone house came into view, its windows aglow with flickering candlelight. Exhaustion dragged at my limbs and my head throbbed mercilessly, but the sight of that familiar refuge injected fresh strength into my weary body.As we drew closer, the front door burst open and a small crowd spilled out into the yard, their faces light with joy and anxiety. At their head was Addy, her coppery curls in wild disarray."Freya!" She flew acro
Eighty One"Freya," Rafe murmured as he approached me, his eyes roaming over me as if checking for himself that I was truly fine. "This is Dr. Larsen. She's going to take a look at your injuries."I submitted meekly as the doctor examined the wound on my head, cleaned it with gentle fingers. She asked me questions - did I remember what happened, was I experiencing any dizziness or nausea? I answered as best I could, my gaze straying again and again to Rafe hovering nearby, his brow furrowed with concern. Dr. Larsen applied a clean bandage, then pressed a bottle of pills into my hand. "For the pain," she explained. "Take one every six hours as needed. And rest. No strenuous activity for at least a week.""Thank you," I said, mustering a grateful smile.After a few more instructions, the doctor gathered up her bag and departed, leaving a charged silence in her wake. Rafe and I stared at each other from opposite sides of the room, the air heavy with all the words we hadn't said. All the
Chapter eighty two I stirred awake, my lashes fluttering open. A smile played on my lips as I saw Rafe sleeping peacefully beside me, his chiseled features relaxed in slumber. His dark lashes fanned against his tanned skin, full lips parted slightly. Raven hair tumbled across his brow. He looked almost boyish in sleep, younger and untroubled. My heart swelled with love for him, this strong, passionate man who had captured my heart so completely. Last night came back to me in flashes - Rafe finally confessing his true feelings, taking me in his arms and showing me with his body what he felt in his soul. I blushed, remembering the exquisite ways he had pleasured me, worshipping every inch of my skin until I shattered in ecstasy. Never had I felt so cherished, so adored.Unable to resist touching him, I gently brushed a lock of inky hair back from his forehead. His lashes lifted and sleepy green eyes met mine, desire instantly kindling between us as awareness returned. The air crackled