Tristan’s POVNatasha realised I wouldn't allow her to digress and finally composed herself. She knelt down and crawled to me, a desperate attempt to gain my sympathy. I looked at her, fully guarded, unwilling to let my emotions be swayed by her theatrics."You might not believe me, but I love you, Tristan. I…" she started, her voice trembling with emotion. I sighed, impatient with her attempts to distract me."Who is the person you complained to, and what did you do to Raina?" I asked her directly, cutting through her excuses."Not me, Tristan. I didn't do anything to her," she insisted, tears streaming down her face."Then why did Alec accuse you?" I demanded, my voice hardening. She wiped away her tears, kneeling in front of me."Please, Tristan. I didn't want any of this to happen, but he's been threatening me lately, and I don't know what to do. Maybe I should have told you immediately, but I was desperate," she said, her words tumbling out in a rush. I sighed again, frustrated wi
Tristan's POVI remained silent, watching Natasha worry and squirm. The anticipation in her eyes was palpable. Fear had a way of humbling her quickly, stripping away all signs of pride and defiance. It was almost amusing to see how desperate she had become."Anything, Tristan. I will do anything to prove that I love you, and you can trust me," she said, grabbing onto my trousers with a fervent grip."I hate Raina, Tristan, because she is ruining all the chances I have to be with you, but I will never try to kill her," she continued, her voice filled with a mix of bitterness and desperation. I nodded, acknowledging her words."It's okay. I will deal with your cousin, but you have to promise me no more surprises," I told her, my tone firm. She looked utterly shocked, clearly not expecting to be pardoned so quickly. Despite my anger at what she had done, I had to focus on the bigger picture. My next move had to be believable."I won't stop touching Raina simply because I know she can't do
Tristan's POVAs I stepped out heading to the office, the warm afternoon air kissed my cheeks, carrying with it a sense of urgency and purpose. I linked Jared to join me swiftly. We had important matters to discuss, and I needed his counsel on how to navigate the turbulent waters that had recently engulfed us.Thoughts raced through my mind, replaying the previous night's events like scenes from a thriller movie. The kidnapping, my search for Raina and rescuing her from assassins, the news about my baby, the progress I made with Raina, the frantic rush to save Jason from the brink of death, and the revelation about the fire this morning—it all pointed to a web of deceit and danger that threatened our very existence.Arriving at the office, I was greeted by Alec's troubled expression. His furrowed brow spoke volumes, but I waved off his concerns with a reassuring shake of my head."Everything is fine. I won’t hurt her," I assured him, though the anger still simmered within me over the f
Tristan's POVJared seemed puzzled by my instructions, so I decided to clarify the plan."I want you to secretly arrest Ronald and take him to our hidden facility for questioning. This needs to be done with utmost discretion, as I plan to keep him there for an extended period. Make sure no one sees him, and ensure he has no idea of the severity of his situation. Also, block his ability to link with others. This is crucial; we cannot risk him alerting anyone. Something tells me we are about to uncover something significant with this guy," I explained.Jared laughed, still sceptical. "For an errand boy, he seems to hold quite the importance.""Natasha threw him under the bus," I continued. "She claimed he was the one responsible for the fire that nearly killed Raina. According to her, he did it to help her and make her happy, but I doubt that's the full story. I don't believe Ronald would do such a thing solely for Natasha. If he did it at all, there's a chance Natasha orchestrated the w
Tristan's POVI left my office and decided to head to the Rains residence. When I arrived, I found Jennifer and Irvin enjoying tea in their garden. I never understood why people drank hot tea on sweltering afternoons. Iced tea made sense, but the teapot and teacups on the table under the gazebo told a different story.Their garden was immaculately maintained, a clear indication that the Rains were big on impressing people. In the past, I might have viewed them as snobs, but their affluent lifestyle compared to the Winters suggested there was more going on. There was no way a Gamma should be living better than a Beta. I realised now what I had been too angry and blind to see before: Irvin was certainly getting benefits beyond what Stormhowl provided.The moment they saw me, both Irvin and Jennifer stood up. Jennifer smiled while Irvin looked confused. Of course, he would be. I never visited, even though we were in-laws, and I certainly wasn't smiling."Please join us, Your Majesty," the
Tristan’s POVI looked at Irvin for a bit and then spoke."Why have you been unable to keep our bargain? I hope you know that is why I didn't claim Natasha. You were supposed to make sure the alphas of all the packs in Ironclaw agree to my ascension as King. It is my right as a Knight, and you were also supposed to help me get Darius' loyalists on my side so I don't experience opposition and attacks. You also promised that there would be no attacks, and yet some people attacked Stormhowl. I have also been secretly attacked on my hunts," I said, and he shook his head in gentle protest, disagreeing on something."You can speak freely," I told him, and he relaxed a bit."The attack was not carried out by any of the alphas in Ironclaw," he said in his defense. Of course, I knew this, but he had no business knowing what I already knew."As for what I promised, I swear I am working on it, but you know many people do not like your father. It has been hard," he said, and I nodded."And that wa
Tristan’s POVIrvin continued, clearly more comfortable now that I had allowed him to speak freely. "Your father was a strong leader, but his strength often came at the expense of wisdom and foresight. His desire to expand Ironclaw's influence blinded him to the needs of his people. Darius saw this and believed he could do better. He thought he could bring prosperity and stability where your father had brought conflict and hardship.""And what about you, Irvin? Where do you stand in all this?" I asked, watching his reaction closely."I stand with Ironclaw, Your Majesty. I have always done what I believed was best for our people. Sometimes, that meant supporting your stepfather, King Darius. Other times, it meant supporting my people. Now, it means supporting you," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a steady gaze.I took another reluctant sip of the tea, using the moment to consider his words. "And yet, you still struggle to convince the other alphas to support my rule.""It's not an e
Tristan’s POV"There is no need. I don’t care about that. But I will ask Raina," I said to Irvin, who shook his head in disagreement."She will only lie, and since she is your weakness..." he began, but I cut him off with a stern look. Just because we were sitting in his gazebo didn’t mean he could say whatever he wanted. My relationship with Raina was none of his business.“Forget I mentioned anything to you. I am sure Tasha is over it. I will work on what I promised and deliver Darius' allies into your hands. Three of them are missing in action. I honestly doubt you have anything to worry about. As for the alphas' support, I will be attending a meeting next week to table the matter again," he said. I suspected he was lying, but there was no problem. I didn’t expect much from him."Anyway, I am here to discuss something crucial with you. It is about my discussion with King Rufus of Renhall. Having worked with Darius, I believe you will be the best person to teach me how to handle this
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