Tristan's POV Dean stepped back, tears welling in his eyes, his sorrow palpable. Despite his feelings for Raina, the reality was that she was mine. His love must have been inferior, a sick love that stemmed from pride simply because she was the only one who never fancied him. I was sure that was the entire purpose of marrying her. "You still think I am the enemy, Tristan," he said and laughed. "You still think I am your problem? That mother is your problem? You still believe all that shit!" he asked. "You are as blind as rage makes you. Look around you. You have locked Mother and me up. You also locked the Winters up. Your 'mate' and her siblings, too. Yet you are not satisfied; deep down, you know this shit is bigger than both of us. It is bigger than this," He said, and I nodded. "Why else am I alive? Why haven't you killed me like you killed my father!" he asked, and I laughed. Taking a deep breath, I looked into his eyes. "Because you are my brother," I said, and he was sil
Tristan's POVI went to my mother's cell, and she was sitting in a corner. I noticed they had allowed her to shower. I guess she had maids who were loyal to her. Was she the one who tried to kill Raina? Most of the maids were hostile towards Raina. I wouldn't put it past my mother using them against Raina."Elisabeth," I said. She did not deserve to be called mother."I see they are treating you well," I added, and she looked at me. I could see her fatigue and sadness. I bet she never thought this would be her future."What do you want, Tristan?" She asked me, sounding tired."I want to know why you would send people to try to kill Raina," I asked her, and she looked at me with shock."Don't try to pretend. I am sure my father fell for your charms, but I won't," I said, and she looked angry."Don't bring your father into this," she said, sounding hurt, and I chuckled."Of course, I would. You married the man who killed him and gave everything he had to that man and his child, including
Raina's POVI was stunned when I discovered that Tristan had upgraded my living arrangement. Unsure of his intentions, I knew I had to remain cautious—it could very well be another trap. Tristan was notoriously difficult to read and often extreme in his actions. Despite this uncertainty, I resolved to live in the moment, finding solace in the peace I felt at the end of each day.Following Tristan's directive, I relocated to the old Luna's room. I knew it was only a matter of time before things took another turn. While there were signs his heart might be softening, it didn't change my status; I was neither his wife nor the Luna. This realisation might have troubled me once, but now I felt numb to it. The emotional toll of my situation had left me indifferent to such thoughts.I dressed in simple clothes and headed to the store to buy some chocolates and snacks for the children at the shelter. I was glad I would be able to keep my promise to the little girl there. I didn't have much mon
Raina's POV"How was your day?" Tristan asked me."It was fun. I delivered the chocolate, spent some time with the children, and returned," I said, and he nodded with approval.I didn't speak a word, so I didn't say something that would offend him and get on his bad side.The dinner finished as quickly as it started, and I didn't eat much. I wasn't hungry; I was too worried and afraid to be hungry.Tristan got up and stretched his hands towards me. I took them, and he pulled me to his chest. Then he swayed a little, making me gasp because I almost fell. It gave a rush that went to my head, and I chuckled a bit from the excitement it caused."When last did you dance like this?" he playfully whispered in my ear, and I didn't know how to answer him or tell him because the truth was, I danced last at my wedding reception. My silence made him stiffen."Very well," he said, lifting me in his arms and tossing me into the bed. My heart was beating fast because I could not expect anything good
Tristan's POVI returned to my office in the morning and found letters from the neighbouring alphas requesting visits to Stormhowl. Since ascending the throne, I have neither officially introduced myself nor received any guests. My hesitation stemmed from a lack of trust in the neighbouring packs and uncertainty about Darius's allies. Understanding these alliances is crucial for my success.Mutiny was a crime, yet Darius seized the throne, and no one challenged his actions. If my father had been a tyrant, Darius's coup might have been justified, but my father was beloved by the people. Instead, it was Darius who was a wicked king, yet his reign continued unchallenged. It was clear to me that something was deeply wrong with the system in the Ironclaw region, and I was determined to uncover the truth.The instability in the region had rendered us backward and subservient to the other five regions despite Ironclaw being the primary producer of essential resources. I needed to identify th
Raina's POVAfter Irvin left, Tristan invited me to join him. We ate together, and I insisted on clearing the dishes afterwards. Tristan wanted to ask the maids to do it, but I had a reason. I needed to speak to Alison. Tristan had mentioned something about food being sent to the slave cells, which troubled me. I knew Alison would never do that, and given Tristan's volatile nature, it was crucial to get to the bottom of it and clear her name before things escalated. I knew I hadn't done it, but I needed to be certain Alison hadn't either. I didn't want her to get into trouble with Tristan, especially with how easily he could snap.I entered the kitchen, and the moment Alison saw me, she had a broad smile that said, "I told you so,".I would hate to argue with her and tell her this wasn't my plan for my life, but I kept quiet. As nice as Tristan has been these two days, I still felt empty and hollow inside. It was as if a chunk of my soul had been ripped out, leaving me incomplete. I do
Raina's POVI left the building and decided to do some shopping. On my way to the store, I came across Beta Alec. he did not seem to be in a good mood, and I wasn't in the mood for his crap, but he was my superior now, so I had to respect him."Where are you going?" He asked me, and I rolled my eyes, wondering what he wanted. It seems these people were yet to understand that I wasn't as gentle as I appeared around Tristan."None of your business," I said, and he walked up to me and squeezed my cheek together so it would hurt. I didn't think twice when I kicked him in the groin, and he let out a growl. He was angry, and I could see it. We also attracted the attention of others."Stubborn, arrogant bitch!" he said in annoyance, and I didn't care. "It seems alpha's punishments are not working anymore," he said and I fought the urge to laugh. If only he knew what Tristan saw as punishment. They were punishments I welcomed wholeheartedly. The thought of last night alone almost made me la
Raina's POVThe pack had gathered, their eyes fixed on us, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. Alec's wolf stood opposite me, his posture dripping with arrogance. This fight had been a long time coming; Alec was a bully, and today, I was determined to put him in his place. I was going to use him as an outlet for my pain, anger and frustration.I growled low in my throat, the sound reverberating through my chest. Alec's wolf smirked, clearly underestimating me. Without warning, he lunged, his massive form instantly closing the distance between us. I met him head-on, our bodies colliding with a bone-jarring impact. His claws raked across my side, but I twisted away, snapping my jaws at his exposed flank. He was strong, but I had the advantage of agility. We circled each other, a whirlwind of fur, fangs, and claws. The pack watched in stunned silence, the usual cheers and jeers absent as they took in the brutal reality of the fight.Alec aimed a vicious swipe at my h
Raina's POVTwo Year LaterThe new trade law indeed favoured our people; there were jobs and new processing plants and factories under construction in Ironclaw. All illegal business activities were discontinued in Ironclaw. People that had left in search of greener pastures had returned. The other regions were not impoverished as the dead kings had feared, but wealth was evenly distributed, and more opportunities were created. The Nighthowler territory was being built, and it was almost completed. Former Nighthowlers emerged from everywhere to come home, and Tristan built his palace there. It was nothing big but a semblance to the type of home he promised to build for me while we sat at the lake when we were teenagers, and he promised me the world. We had recollected most of our promises and fulfilled the ones within our capacity.One of the most surprising things that happened after the battle with the evil kings was finding out that Alisia and Dean were fated. What were the odds
Raina's POVEverything had happened so fast, and somehow, the fear we might not survive had dissipated as we realised we were all fortunate to keep our lives. Luna Lisa was rushed to the hospital, but my mother said she would be fine. While Tristan discussed with the allies of the other royal families that had helped us take down the Kings, Dean walked to me to talk. It was an inevitable discussion, and I didn't know what angle it would take, but I braced myself for it. Clutching the robe around my body, I waited for him."Hey," he said, and I looked at him. We hadn't spoken since he woke up, and to think Alisia and I were the ones that found them."Rainy," he said, calling me how he referred to me often."I guess fate never lies," he said, and I looked at him. His eyes had a sadness and longing that I knew I could never alleviate."I never got to thank you for saving me and my mother. Alec told me how you and Alisia risked your lives to save us. I am grateful," he said, and I nodded.
Tristan's POVAmidst the chaos, my mother's wolf, a regal silver beast, went after King Lucian. She was a blur of fury, her claws and teeth tearing through his guards. Lucian's mottled brown wolf tried to fight back, but my mother was relentless. She bit down on his neck, and with a savage twist, she snapped it. Lucian's body crumpled to the floor, lifeless.Alec and Jared fought together, a formidable pair. Abel and his men tried to hold them off but were overwhelmed. Alec's powerful jaws crushed skulls and severed limbs, while Jared's speed and agility made him a blur of death. Abel's wolf fell beneath their combined assault, his body torn apart.The battle raged on, brutal and bloody. Some enemy wolves tried to escape, but the exits were barred. They were trapped, forced to face their doom. Ian Braxon and the rest of the Ironclaw alphas fought with savage grace, their wolves cutting through the remaining guards and assassins.Dean's wolf, covered in blood, finally brought down King
Tristan's POVThe air in the banquet hall grew thick with tension as I signalled for the doors and windows to be shut. The heavy thud and clatter echoed ominously, and I saw the flicker of realisation in the eyes of King Lucian, King Rufus, and King Oswald. Their arrogance had blinded them to the trap they had walked into. The time for pleasantries was over. Tonight, their reign of terror would end.Dean and our mother stood among the guests, their disguises blending seamlessly. Their eyes met mine, and a silent understanding passed between us. Our allies within the royal families were poised to act. The alphas of Ironclaw, Ian, Braxon, and their men were ready. The plan was in motion.King Lucian's laughter died in his throat as I bared my teeth in a feral grin. "Welcome to Ironclaw, gentlemen," I said, my voice dripping with menace. "You will not leave this hall alive."The assassins, led by Reuben and Abel, moved swiftly to protect the three kings and their families. But we were r
Tristan, POVThe day of the event was finally upon us. We positioned our men about the place, and the banquet hall was prepared.The Ironclaw alphas arrived at the venue, and soon, the three kings and some of their family members were around. Our moles, and hopefully the future kings, were there, too. There was a look of arrogance in King Lucian's eyes. King Rufus was friendly, but I knew he didn't mean well either. King Oswald was unreadable, but it didn't matter. We were still going to carry out our plan. Their reign of terror would end tonight.The kings brought us gifts and sat at their tables with their wives. Raina and I were there too. I noticed King Rufus's eyes linger on Raina. She was looking stunning. Some effort was made in her beautiful cream seductive gown. That showed cleavage and skin. She was a walking temptation. Her lips were red, and her eyes were ice blue. Her dark hair made her skin a lot paler. They had never seen such beauty, and she was mine. King Oswald's han
Tristan POVWe were still talking when my mother decided to grace us with her presence. The entire place was silent. It wasn't news anymore that she was a true Knight and not my father, as they had all expected. She was still royalty. It is in her blood."And while you are at it, I want my pound of flesh from Lucian. He was the one who started this nonsense. His father had agreed to improve on the trade deal. I remember the day his father and mine signed the agreement, but Lucian was too greedy. When he came into power, he knew how much he would lose in revenue and couldn't have it, so he instigated the other three against Ethan. Randolph did not join in and was shunned and excluded for that purpose. They frustrated Ethan's effort and finally used Darius and some of you to silence the man. Then, soon, when Darius realised he wasn't being treated as an equal, he decided to rise above his station. They sent the enclave to keep him in check since they were the ones that placed him there.
Tristan POV I woke up in the morning energised and ready to face the future. Alec had reached out to his friend in Renhall, and we had a plan. Dean also contacted a family member of King Oswald. I couldn't believe my brother was helping me. Instead of working against one another, we were working together. He promised to gather his own men. Although Dean was lazy with responsibilities, he was a good fighter. He just didn't like fighting, but I noticed something had changed. There was a maturity and new resolve in him. He had the look I had in my eyes now. I guess we were even somehow. The alphas arrived in the morning and were shocked to see Dean and me working together. I introduced Dean to them in his new Royal capacity, and they were happy. Ian was the most happy. Braxon was pissed to learn about the cottage in the woods at his border. I honestly did not think he was a traitor, knowing that many illegal activities were being perpetrated in Irconclaw; the kings had their goons ev
Raina's POVI didn't leave Elisabeth until the evening. We ate together, and I kept her company. My mother and Mrs Lana, former Delta's wife, came to join us. Dean never showed up, but Jared told me Tristan was with Dean. I guess they needed the privacy and time to mend their nonexistent relationship. Hopefully, they would get it right this time. When it was time to return home, I heard Tristan's voice in my mind."Join me at the lake, Blue Eyes," he said, and I felt butterflies. I always looked forward to spending time with Tristan. Having missed him since his mother and brother were found, I was glad to finally have him to myself now that they were awake.I left Elsiabeth's house and headed to the lake. I contemplated dressing up first but was too eager and headed to the lake instead. Upon getting there, I was surprised. Tristan was on a picnic mat with a basket, staring at the still water that reflected the shape of the full moon. His profile was handsomely illuminated by the m
Raina's POVLearning that Dean and Luna Elisabeth had pulled through and had woken up made me both glad and worried at the same time. Glad that they were fine, worried about the trouble they might cause. I know it would be impolite not to pay the former Luna respect. So I bought a flower and headed to King Darius's house, where I knew they were staying. Luckily for them, Tristan had kept the place clean, so it wasn't in disrepair, and Luna Elisabeth could easily move in. I bought her a bouquet of white carnations and a box of pistachio cookies, her favourite. This time, I watched them pack the cookies in my presence and seal the pastries in the box. I can't have risked my life to save the woman only to serve her poison. Knowing how she was and what she had gone through gave me a new level of respect for her, but I was still not over how she threatened me to be with Dean. I guess I would always have that grudge against her. It was understandable; after all, it ruined my life.When I g