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
Eighty threeThe royal vehicle carrying Rafe and I glided smoothly through the palace gates, the clatter of dried flowers being crushed under the car’s wheels echoing in the courtyard. As we pulled to a stop, I couldn't help but feel a sense of homecoming. Despite the dangers that still lurked, the Crimson palace had become a sanctuary - a place where I could be myself without fear of judgment or reprisal.Rafe's strong hand found mine as we alighted from the car, his touch sending a thrill of awareness up my spine. Together we climbed the steps, greeted by a group of cheering staff members who had gathered to welcome us home. Their joy was palpable, washing over me in waves that brought tears to my eyes."Freya! Oh, thank heavens you're safe!"I turned just in time to be engulfed in a fierce hug from Clara, Grace, and Flo. My faithful maids clung to me, their faces wet with tears of relief. I hugged them back just as tightly, their familiar presence a balm to my battered soul."We we
Eight four I couldn’t believe how much Rafe made me happy. It was like he was a completely different person after the whole bomb blast happened. Tears of happiness blurred my vision. I went willingly into his arms, losing myself in his drugging kiss, in the overwhelming rightness of this moment. With the faeries' tinkling laughter a musical backdrop to our passion, we sank down onto the mossy bank in a tangle of eager limbs, ready to make a new memory in this secret haven. One of healing, hope, and unshakable love.Rafe's warm hands cradled my face as he deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing the seam of my lips until I opened for him on a sigh. My own hands roamed the sculpted muscles of his back, feeling them flex beneath my fingertips. He tasted of dark spice and smoldering need, igniting an answering hunger low in my belly.With a groan, Rafe broke the kiss to trail his lips along my jaw, down the sensitive column of my throat. "You're so beautiful," he murmured against my skin. "
Eight five*Freya*I was lost in a wondrous dream, playing joyfully with a beautiful baby girl in a lush garden. The little girl giggled delightfully as I tickled her tummy, her curly ginger locks bouncing. "Mama!" she squealed, reaching her chubby little arms up to me. My heart swelled with a profound love like I had never known as I gazed into her sparkling brown eyes - my eyes. This perfect little being was mine. My daughter.We sat together in the fragrant grass dotted with wildflowers, the warm sun bathing us. I never wanted this blissful moment to end. If only I could freeze time and live in this dream with my precious baby forever. Suddenly, a sinister force ripped through our perfect world. Invisible hands began dragging my little girl away from me. "No!" I cried out, scrambling to my feet. I ran after her desperately, my legs pumping, but it felt like I was fighting against quicksand. The faster I tried to run, the more I sank into the ground opening up beneath me. Sheer t
(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.