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58 Switching Things Up
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
Karima Sa'ad UsmanThank you, everyone, for supporting this story. Thursday and Friday were hectic for me. I will be responding to previous and new comments today and tomorrow. I will also be using today and tomorrow to fix any editing errors. Please bear with me. Thank you all for your support. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🤗
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The Alpha's Burning Heart 59 A Little Panic
Raina's POVMy heart pounded furiously in my chest. Dean's last words echoed in my mind, haunting me. I glanced at Tristan and instinctively backed away, consumed by fear. What was going to happen now? I was the last person to see Dean. What did that mean for me?Tristan retreated, my heart hammering louder."Escaped, you say?" I stammered, my voice cracking. He brushed past me and exited the room. I stood there, paralysed with indecision. Panic surged through me, overtaking every thought. Fear gripped me, and I was certain he could feel it. He sensed my fear as clearly as I sensed his anger.I hadn't noticed the tears streaming down my face until they blurred my vision. My hands trembled uncontrollably."Mom," I said through the mind link."Raina, what's going on?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.I gathered the little money I had saved. Packing anything would look too suspicious, so I left it all behind. I couldn't wait for disaster to strike; I had too much to lose. The days
The Alpha's Burning Heart 60 Questions
Tristan's POVI could not believe Dean loyalists had waited for me to leave so they could set him free. Although Jared had arrested Alec, I doubted he had a hand in it. Whoever did this must have been lurking in the shadows, waiting for me to be away and have my guard down before striking. It wasn't Alec. Alec was the most obvious culprit, which made him innocent. Who else would have helped them?As I moved towards the cells to examine the place, I panicked in my heart, and I didn't know why. Maybe it was from Raina. Although I wasn't wearing her mark, I could feel her emotions, and one she gave off was fear and panic. I couldn't hang around to ease her mind. I would do that later.I arrived at the cell, my heart pounding as I pushed open the heavy iron and silver door. The first thing that hit me was the smell—food, sweat, and a faint metallic tang of blood. I took a deep breath and stepped inside, eyes scanning the chaotic scene.The tray of food lay scattered on the floor, its conte
The Alpha's Burning Heart 61 NOT AGAIN
Tristan's POVWhen I reached Raina's room, the door was ajar, and the room was empty. She was gone. Clothes were strewn across the bed as if she had been searching for something and left in a hurry. Panic began to set in.Trying to stay calm, I decided to check on her mother and siblings. There was no way Raina would abandon them. My wolf was restless, mirroring the unease Raina must be feeling right now. Maybe I shouldn't have stormed out of her room like I did.I rushed to her family house and found Peter standing guard at the entrance. He was ready to fight me."Where is Raina?" I asked."Not here," He said, but I could tell he was hiding something. He was the next in line for beta until I came and messed it all up. I walked towards him right around the time Ellie stepped out."Your majesty, please," She said, her eyes puffy with tears. Was she crying for her husband or her daughter? I couldn't tell."Where is my mate?" I asked her, commanding her to speak. I rarely used my comman
The Alpha's Burning Heart 62 We Make A Good Team, You And Me
Tristan's POVOne of the attackers lunged at Raina, and I intercepted him, my claws raking across his side. He snarled and tried to retaliate, but I was quicker, my teeth sinking into his shoulder. I could hear the snap of bone and the howl of pain as he fell to the ground.Raina took down the last of them, her jaws clamped around his throat. She shook him violently before releasing him, his body hitting the ground with a thud. She stood there, panting heavily, her eyes scanning the clearing for any remaining threats.I moved to her side, nuzzling her gently, checking for injuries. She had fought bravely, but I knew she couldn't take any more hits. We had to leave before more enemies arrived.I nudged her, urging her to follow me. She hesitated momentarily, her eyes filled with gratitude and fear, but she knew I was a better option than the unknown. Together, we moved swiftly through the forest, our bodies moving as one. We didn't stop until we reached a safe distance, the scent of bl
The Alpha's Burning Heart 63 I Recognise Them
Raina's PovTristan had completely surprised me. I never thought he would trust me. I never thought he would believe in the direction his mind went. But he did. In those moments, I felt a strange mix of relief and guilt, chiding myself for running away in the first place.Tristan stood up and looked at me, his eyes fierce and determined. "The woods aren't safe until I catch the assassins," he said. His words made me frown as I remembered the wolves that had attacked me."Assassins, you say?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief. He nodded, his expression grim."The same group of people that tried to kill you," he confirmed. His words sent a shiver down my spine. I had been unable to register the scent of my attacker that day because of the wolfbane, but the men who attacked me in the forest were all too familiar. I had seen them a couple of times before, lurking in the shadows, their intentions masked by false smiles and empty pleasantries. It never occurred to me that they were an
The Alpha's Burning Heart 64 A little Truth
Tristan's POVI couldn't believe what I had just heard. Raina had just described the man who took her picture to Abel. I believe it was him. I suspected Irvin initially, but now I realise it might not be him. It also seemed as if the man was using Abel's service for a while. I couldn't believe this. I was beginning to suspect that my mother and brother were actually kidnapped, and they did not run away. If kidnapped, this man would have a good reason for trying to take them far away. Me, but I couldn't say why. I knew I couldn't trust Irvin, but Raina's father loved his daughter enough to want to take the fall for her. I am sure he would be on my side. If not for anything but for the sake of Raina. I began to regret not listening to my mother whenever she told me things weren't the way they seemed. Maybe I should have paid a little attention. It seemed anger really did take the best of me, but I just couldn't help it. She took everything from me and left me with nothing. She even took
The Alpha's Burning Heart 65 A Piece Of Cloth
Tristan's POVI returned to my house and found Natasha crying in the living room. I was tired of her bullshit. She looked at me, mad and angry. Getting off the couch, she walked towards me, hindering me from going up the stairs. She hadn't even changed the clothes she wore on our way back from Renhall."I get you hate me, Tristan, but why humiliate my father and brother like that? Why?" she demanded, tears streaming down her face. "What did my family do to you?"I didn't have time for this. Ignoring her, I walked past her, heading up the stairs. I hadn't come here to sleep but to get some of my stuff. I meant what I said about spending more time with Raina. I owed her that much."That bitch would hurt you again. I am sure she has a hand in this. Dean and…" Natasha started, and I stopped, looking at her halfway up the stairs."I have warned you, Natasha. Don't push me. You should be grateful for what you get. If you aren't okay with this, I am ready for a divorce," I said firmly, and sh
The Alpha's Burning Heart 66 What Is Glen
Tristan's POVWhile I waited for Jared to return, I began to ponder who or what Glen was. Why did Dean leave a piece of his fabric asking for help? What was going on? I wanted to ignore it as a trap, but a gnawing feeling I had said otherwise, and I knew it would be foolish of me to just let it be. I didn't want to have any more regrets. I didn't spare my brother and mother, only to have someone kill them. My qualm with them did not require their lives. I knew I needed to act swiftly.Alec reappeared in the doorway, looking slightly more composed. I had asked him to go rest, but it seemed like he wanted to go into the action."Alpha, can I help?" he asked, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his concern. As much as he hated Dean for messing with his sister, I could tell he was concerned about his friend. "Yes, Alec. You're coming with us. We need all the help we can get," I said, and I could see him visibly relaxed. He was happy. It wasn't like I trusted him, but I needed all h
Latest chapter
The Alpha's Burning Heart 120 A Little Glimpse Into The Future
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
The Alpha's Burning Heart 119 Closure
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.
The Alpha's Burning Heart 118 A Reckoning
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
The Alpha's Burning Heart 117 Welcome To IronClaw
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
The Alpha's Burning Heart 116 The Engagement Party
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
The Alpha's Burning Heart 115 A Perfect Plan 2
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.
The Alpha's Burning Heart 114 A Perfect Plan
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
The Alpha's Burning Heart 113 Join Me At The Lake
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
The Alpha's Burning Heart 112 I Can Breathe
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
