More to come in a bit 🙏🏾🙏🏾
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 POVTristan searched my eyes for comfort, his gaze filled with a desperate need for reassurance. I touched his face gently, letting him know I was there for him. He climbed onto the bed and urged me to lie down. Once I was settled, he rested his head on my chest, and I gently stroked his hair. He wrapped his arms around me, holding on tightly as if I were his lifeline."Anger is destructive, Blue-eyes. I ruined everything," he confessed, his voice heavy with regret. I wondered why he was speaking like this and what had happened to bring him to this point of vulnerability."What is the matter?" I asked softly, continuing to stroke his hair to soothe his pain. He was silent for a while, just breathing me in and kissing my skin gently, seeking solace in my presence."They didn't escape, Blue-eyes; they were kidnapped by the Enclave assassins," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. I froze, the weight of his words sinking in. I knew little about the Enclave, but I understood
Raina's POVAs Tristan shared everything with me, my mind raced, trying to piece together the recent events. What were the odds that he was invited by the King of Renhall, and then, on the same day he was returning, Dean and Luna Elisabeth were kidnapped? Could it be possible that the King of Renhall had orchestrated his invitation to ensure Tristan wouldn't be around when the kidnapping took place?"Tristan," I said, catching his attention. He looked at me, his eyes filled with concern and curiosity. "Is it possible that the King of Renhall deliberately invited you to Renhall so the other Kings could plan the kidnapping?"I asked, watching his reaction closely.He frowned, contemplating my question. "To think of it, I was the only King at the party, and our discussion was primarily focused on trade," he said, surprised himself by the revelation. I was equally taken aback that they had a trade conversation with the King."I don't know how to say this, Tristan, but what was your decisio
Tristan's POVI couldn't believe that Raina remembered the words I had told her when I was fifteen. The years had hurt us both, but I was willing to mend things between us. The thought of reconnecting with her, of rebuilding what we had lost, gave me hope."Back to our discussion," I finally said, noticing how she tried to mask her eagerness. Raina always liked to be informed, and as her blue eyes widened with curiosity, I couldn't help but see the twelve-year-old Raina who always sought to learn and understand everything around her."The details of King Rufus's joint venture," I began, recalling the conversation with the King of Renhall. "He pleaded with me to export raw materials to keep stability and balance. He also promised they would invest in Iron Claw so we could develop our territories. It seemed like a good idea, something I couldn't immediately dismiss. So, instead of shutting it down, I told him I would think about it. And now I find out through your father that the kings
Tristan's POVRaina sighed, her brow furrowed in thought. "Still, it is not time to arrest them yet. If Irvin is indeed an enemy, then he shouldn't know that we suspect him. I'll help you investigate them," she offered, her voice filled with determination.That was where I needed to draw the line. "And put you and our child in danger?" I asked, my concern evident.She shook her head. "Not that. I have a different plan. We need to make it look like you hate me again, and you should discuss accepting King Rufus's plan with Irvin to gauge whether or not he is working for them. Then we place men on him and his wife—one of them is bound to slip up," she suggested.I frowned, unsure how pretending to hate her would help. "Why would pretending to hate you make a difference?" I asked, genuinely puzzled."Because, Tristan," she began, her voice calm and steady, "if they believe there's a rift between us, they or your enemies might see me as a potential ally or at least someone who can be manip
Tristan's POVCuriosity and a sense of foreboding tugged at me as I wondered what Alec and Natasha were arguing about."How could you, Natty? How could you be so wicked?" I heard Alec's voice, full of anger and frustration."Do you know what Tristan could do to you if he finds out?" he asked her, his tone urgent. I stayed hidden, avoiding stepping into the house so they wouldn't smell or sense my presence."Do you know what can happen to you, to us?" Alec continued. "He is vindictive, Natty. He is vindictive and hateful. Look at what he did to his mother.""It doesn't matter, Alec. He is mine. He is my husband. Why can't I just be happy for once? First, it was Dean and now Tristan. Raina can't always have it all. He hates her. You see it. You have seen how he has treated her. He just doesn't trust me. I need your help," Natasha said, her voice breaking with tears."Hates her? He fucking loves her, Natty. He was hurt, but I can see his pain has subsided. He has always loved her. They ar
Tristan’s POVThe discomfort in Natasha and Alec's demeanour was palpable, and my curiosity to know what their argument was about grew stronger. I moved past them and sat on the couch, looking at both of them intently. Natasha's tears were turning into sobs, and Alec looked genuinely sorry. I knew whatever they were hiding was serious."Do I need to command you?" I asked, my voice low but firm. Alec looked at me apologetically."Tristan, please. I am begging you. It was a mistake, though costly. It was an act of desperation on my sister's part. She just wanted to enjoy her marriage," he said, trying to defend Natasha. I remained calm, my gaze shifting to Natasha."Tell me what you did, Natty," I said, using the same affectionate nickname her brother had used. It was a subtle hint that I had heard their conversation. Natasha's eyes widened in fear, and I smiled at her, though there was no warmth in it."I have so much on my plate right now; I do not need additional stress, Natasha. It
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