Ninety two *Freya*Rafe looked so vulnerable lying there, his handsome face unnaturally pale, dark lashes fanned out against his sculpted cheekbones. Tears prickled my eyes as I stared at him.I'd always found him breathtaking, but now, with the knowledge of what he'd risked for me, what he'd sacrificed, he'd never seemed more beautiful. Or more beyond my reach.Rafe was everything I'd ever wanted. Strong, brave, compassionate. A true leader who inspired loyalty in all those around him. His people adored him, and with good reason. He always put their needs before his own.And this time, he'd put my life before his. The king of the werewolves had bargained with his mortal enemy, spilled his own blood, all to save a lowly, wolfless nobody like me. I didn't deserve his selflessness. Especially not when my very existence apparently posed a threat to him and everyone else I cared about. But I couldn't stop myself from needing him, like I needed air in my lungs and a heart beating in my c
Ninety threeI turned back to Rafe, my hand still clasped tightly in his limp grasp. Bending down, I pressed a tender kiss to his feverish forehead, silently willing him to wake up. To come back to me. I couldn't help but feel like I was losing him. Like he was slipping away from me while I stood helpless by his bedside.I absentmindedly stroked his silky hair. I didn’t know how I knew but I had a feeling he would open his eyes soon. I glanced at the side mirror and registered my disheveled look. I couldn’t let Rafe see me like this whenever he woke up. I needed to take sometime to get myself together. I dropped a soft kiss on his forehead. "I'm going to freshen up," I whispered, my voice catching in my throat. "But I'll be right back, my love. I promise."With a heavy heart, I started to pull away, to force myself to leave his side. But suddenly, shockingly, I felt Rafe's fingers tighten around mine, refusing to let me go.I froze, my breath catching in my chest as I stared down at
Ninety four*Freya*I stared out the window of my chambers, my thoughts swirling with memories of Rafe. How he had singlehandedly saved my life last night. The way his strong arms felt around me, his dark blue eyes gazing into my soul. I couldn't stop thinking about last night, how he had selflessly risked his own life to save mine when that poison coursed through my veins. My heart clenched at the thought of almost losing him. The memory of last night consumed my mind, the way he had fearlessly put himself in harm's way to rescue me from the venom coursing through my veins. He had sucked the poison out with his own mouth, taking on the danger for me. My heart twisted at the thought of almost losing him, my savior and protector. The scene replayed in my head like a vivid dream, each detail etched into my mind - the frantic beating of his heart, the beads of sweat on his brow, the determined set of his jaw. I couldn't shake off the overwhelming gratitude and love I felt towards him, my
Ninety five*Freya*Humiliation and helpless anger churned in my gut, a toxic mixture that threatened to spill out. My evil step sister, Kelly and her friend Jessica, reveled in their power over me as they taunted and bullied me. But I couldn't fight back like they could - I wasn't a true werewolf with their strength and regenerative abilities. To them, my humanity was a weakness, an invitation to be targeted whenever they pleased.But I refused to be their victim any longer.As I struggled against Kelly's tight hold on my hair, determination surged through me. Not anymore would I let them push me around and belittle me."Let go of me," I demanded through clenched teeth, gritting them against the pain of her unbreakable grasp. Yet even as I spoke, a fire burned within me, fueling my will to break free from their cruel hold.Adrenaline surging through my vein, I grabbed Kelly's wrist and wrenched with all my might. Caught off guard, Kelly stumbled forward with a yelp. I used the opport
Ninety six*Freya*"You just thought of something and blocked out your mind. For you to do that, it means you don't want me to know about it." Rafe sounded offended. "Well..I.." I thought of what I could say to save myself "Just tell me….What are you thinking about?" Rafe's voice was like a velvet caress, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made my heart race. I had to think fast. If he knew I was dwelling on Kelly and Jessica's mean-spirited antics, he would be furious. He despised them for their cruelty towards me.I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as I summoned up the right words to distract him. "I was just thinking about how much I love you," I said, my voice soft and sincere. "And how thankful I am that you didn't die when you sucked the poison out of my body."He smiled, his fangs glinting in the dim light of the room. "You have nothing to worry about, Freya. I will always protect you." The tension between us was palpable, like a physical force that
Ninety seven *Third Pov*Kelly would not give up without a fight. Her mind raced with new schemes to rid herself of her wretched stepsister and have Alpha Rafe all to herself. In her room, she paced back and forth, muttering to herself in frustration."Enough, Freya!" She yelled at the empty space around her. "You've had your fun with King Rafe, now it's my turn. But as long as you stand in my way, I will do whatever it takes to get rid of you. Rafe is mine, and I won't let anyone, especially you, stand in the way of our love." The intensity in her voice grew with each word spoken. Kelly was determined to have what she wanted, no matter the consequences.With a new sense of determination, Kelly strode out of her chambers, her footsteps echoing through the palace halls. She made her way to the kitchen, where she knew her co-conspirator would be waiting.As she entered the kitchen, Kelly spotted the maid lurking in the shadows. The maid, her face obscured by a hood, bowed her head in d
Chapter 98*Rafe*The gentle breeze from the open window played with my hair, sending strands cascading across my face. I leaned against the windows, gazing out at the stunning view of the city below. Golden rays of sunlight filtered through the clouds, painting everything in a warm glow. My mind drifted back to last night, and I couldn't help but smile. Freya's laughter still rang in my ears, each note like a Music that I never wanted to end. The faint scent of her perfume lingered in the air, reminding me of every moment we had shared together. As I ran my fingers through my hair, I could almost feel her touch once again, igniting a warmth within my chest. It had been a perfect night - every whisper, every shared breath - and the memory of it would stay with me forever. I wanted her again. I couldn’t deny that I was getting obsessed with her. "Freya…" Her name slipped from my lips in a soft murmur, the sound almost tangible as it hovered in the air. In my mind, I could see her cle
Ninety nine*Rafe*As I held Freya close to me, I couldn't help but marvel at her selflessness. Her warmth and softness enveloped me, making me feel safe and loved. She was truly the best thing in my life, and I treasured every moment with her. I had been dreading telling her that I wouldn't be able to take her to the party because of Jessica, but Freya surprised me by giving me her understanding and permission. It was just one more example of her incredible kindness and generosity, even when she didn't have to be. As I gazed into her deep brown eyes, I knew that I was the luckiest person in the world to have her by my side."But.. How did you know I would be taking Jessica?" I finally managed to ask, my voice barely more than a whisper. The weight of the situation pressed down on me, suffocating."Jessica told me herself," Freya began, a mixture of hurt and determination flickering in her eyes. "She came to my chamber earlier. She bragged about it—how you had to beg her to go with yo
(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.