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
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
Raina's POVMy spirits soared after spending time with Tristan. The anxiety and pain that had been weighing me down seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of calm and relief. Even though a small part of me still feared that things might take a turn for the worse, I felt immensely grateful for the peaceful moment we were sharing.With a smile on my face, I made my way to my bathroom for a shower. Despite my lingering injuries, the pain was manageable. Afterwards, I dressed in a comfortable shirt and shorts and headed downstairs. As soon as I stepped into the living room, Alisia rushed over and hugged me tightly."I was so scared for you, big sis," she said, her voice trembling. I hugged her back, chuckling softly to reassure her."We were worried for nothing," I replied, wrapping my arms around her and glancing at my mother and Peter. I noticed that my father was not around."Where is Dad? Tristan said he had let them all go," I asked, looking at Alisia as she pulled away from the hu
Tristan's POVJason was rushed to the hospital in a flurry of chaos, leaving Jared, Alec, and me to return to the office with heavy hearts and troubled minds. The severity of our situation was palpable, and I didn't need anyone to articulate the gravity of our predicament. "Alec, I think you should go and rest. We'll reconvene tomorrow," I suggested gently, observing the weariness etched on his face. Alec hesitated for a moment, a shadow of reluctance crossing his eyes, but he ultimately nodded in agreement. He didn't protest, understanding the unspoken need for him to step back temporarily. I had to send him away because I had an urgent and confidential meeting with Daniel Winters. There were critical matters that needed addressing, matters that couldn't wait. I needed to uncover the identity of the blonde man who frequently visited King Darius and understand King Darius's connection to the Enclave. Without this crucial information, we were fumbling in the dark, unable to strategise
Tristan's POV"That week," Daniel continued, his voice heavy with the weight of his memories, "the entire Knight household was slaughtered. The Night Howler pack was annihilated, and its people were scattered, displaced, and left with nothing. The palace was reduced to ashes, burned to cinders, leaving no trace of its former grandeur. When Darius returned with you and your mother, the Enclave was furious. They gave him hell for sparing you and your mother. But Darius was adamant; he wanted Lisa, and that was how it all came to be," he explained, his tone grim.I couldn't suppress my curiosity. "Why didn't the surrounding packs come to help?" I asked, frustration evident in my voice.Daniel sighed, the sound filled with a resigned understanding. "The same reason they haven't helped you, Your Majesty. The Enclave has instilled a deep-seated fear in them. They believe that the Knights will bring about their doom. It's a miracle you've survived out there as a Knight. You are believed to be
Raina’s POVWhen I returned to the pack house, I immediately sensed that something was off. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and people were giving me odd looks, glancing at me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Their eyes followed me as I walked through the corridors, whispers trailing in my wake. I didn't need to guess the reason behind their behaviour. It was obvious—they were probably expecting me to be in trouble because of Dean's recent escape. The news must have spread like wildfire, and it was clear that things had drastically changed around here.As I made my way to my floor, my heart sank when I saw Natasha standing by my door. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying, her face a mask of distress. Honestly, I didn't have the patience for this right now. I had narrowly escaped death, and Tristan had just reassured me about so many things. The only thing I wanted was to lie down and rest, to find a moment of peace in the chaos that had become my life. But there she was
Raina's POVI could tell my words had hit home with Natasha because she absent-mindedly touched her neck, a reflexive gesture that betrayed her insecurity. "When two lovers fight, no one should get involved because the third party always becomes the enemy. Did it ever occur to you that my bond with Tristan still lingers and that we are still connected? Who is taking from whom, Natasha? If your father hadn't struck a deal with Tristan, would you even be his wife?" I asked, my voice dripping with challenge. She chuckled a bitter sound that echoed in the silent corridor. "Neither would you. A barren bitch could never be Luna. Unless Tristan wants the end of his bloodline. I am sure he knows the significance of his lineage. He wouldn't dare it," she spat, her eyes glinting with malice.I remained calm, undeterred by her harsh words. "I don't think he cares that I am barren, Natasha. That's what you should understand. Even with that, he still never touched you, not even for the sake of
Raina's POVI lay on the bed, knowing that Tristan would be delayed because of the ongoing events. The weight of the day's chaos and revelations finally caught up with me, and it wasn't long before I drifted into a deep sleep. However, a knock on the door soon interrupted my rest. Somehow, I knew it wasn't Tristan because he would have simply let himself in and climbed into bed beside me. He was always like that, never one for formalities between us. The thought of him brought a smile to my face. I never imagined there would come a time when thinking of Tristan would fill my heart with joy. I was grateful for the progress we had made; it gave me hope for a better future together.As I stirred awake, my mother and Alison walked in, with Alison pushing a food cart. The look on her face told me she knew. How many people had my mother told already? At this rate, the entire Storm Howl pack would know my secret soon enough."How is my Luna doing? You can't sleep on an empty stomach," Aliso
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