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
Tristan’s POVI dumped the muffins in the trash upon arriving at the location and walked inside. Jared was never disappointed when it came to torture and information extraction. We were both skilled in it, though where he could be somewhat lenient, I was ruthless. The rage and anger within me made me a dangerous person to deal with.Ronald was bloodied and bound in silver, his legs apart and arms spread wide. He was suspended in the middle of the underground facility, the silver hindering his healing and leaving him with a grotesquely swollen eye. Jared stood shirtless and wearing shorts, preparing for another session. I began taking off my clothes as well. When I returned to Raina, I wanted to be clean, not reeking of blood and sweat. The thought that this bastard had almost taken her away from me permanently, sending her to a place where I could never reach her again, filled me with a blinding fury. There was no way I was going to be lenient with him. I planned to extract every bit o
Tristan’s POV "Your wife... put me up to it," Ronald gasped out, his voice barely audible through the pain. I had expected him to say that, knowing Natasha was involved, I needed more. I needed information that would surprise me. Something he would spill from desperation, thinking it would save his life. Natasha's involvement was not surprising; it was expected. She had even warned me to prepare me for this moment, assuming I would believe her over him. She must have thought I was stupid."I am listening," I said, my voice calm but demanding."She told me she wanted Raina gone. Aunt Jenifer said it would benefit our family, and I had no choice," he managed to say, his breath laboured. "So I agreed."He paused, struggling to continue. "The guard on duty when you left the house was named Christopher. He told us Raina was home alone. Natasha had set the stage after the pastry incident failed," he said, and I felt a surge of anger. I kept my voice steady, though, wanting him to continue.
Tristan’s POV “Mr. Benjamin and his wife are deeply involved in the conspiracy, and they answer directly to King Rufus. Your mother had her suspicions about them long before you took over. Even your stepfather was conducting his own investigation into King Rufus’s activities, believing that some individuals were planning to eliminate him due to the new trade laws he was about to enact. These laws would have significantly altered the terms and conditions of trade, shaking the established order. I didn't have all the details, but I'm sharing what I gathered from eavesdropping and overhearing conversations,” he said and stopped to catch his breath. Jared and my blows had done a number on him, but I didn’t care. He was lucky he was still breathing."I have no personal issue with Raina. In fact, I liked her. But she was an obstacle, and Aunt Jenifer wanted her out of the way," he confessed."What about the pastries? They tried to kill me once. Why haven't they tried again?" I questioned, s
Tristan’s POVI left the place, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing heavily on my shoulders. I made my way back to the packhouse. I was filled with an intense longing to be with Raina, to hold her close, and to reassure her that there would no longer be a need for pretence between us. So much had transpired today that I felt it would accelerate the resolution of our situation. Despite my yearning to be with Raina, my heart was troubled. I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me, and my thoughts kept drifting back to my mother and brother.The truth was that beneath my anger, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to them. I harboured a desperate hope that the scouts would find some trace of them, a lead that would allow us to reunite and mend the rift that had grown between us. We had inflicted so much pain upon each other, exchanged so many unforgivable words, and done so many regrettable things. Yet, despite everything, I held onto the hope that we could somehow repair the damage a
Raina's POVMorning came, and I woke up in an empty bed. The pale light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting soft, golden hues across the room. The bed was cold beside me, and the sheets were neatly folded, as Tristan had likely left hours before. I was used to it, and I wasn't mad. Tristan had responsibilities that required him to wake early and resume his work, and I understood the demands placed upon him. The Alpha's role was never an easy one, and Tristan bore it with unwavering strength and dedication.I stretched languidly, feeling the tightness in my muscles ease. The scent of the pine forest outside mingled with the lingering traces of Tristan's cologne on the sheets, a comforting reminder of his presence. I took a deep breath and swung my legs out of bed, my feet touching the cool wooden floor. After a quick shower, the hot water invigorating me, I dressed in comfortable clothes—jeans and a soft sweater, perfect for the cool morning. My stomach growled, reminding me
Raina PoVI stood still, and people began to move away. I remembered what happened with Alec, and I suspected people were moving away so they would not get in trouble with Tristan. I fought the urge to laugh, but these bitches were in my face."How does it feel to never be upgraded?" Jenifer said, and I looked at her."Don't you have a job or something? Find something productive to do. I suspect you find this amusing," I said, and she was mad but dared not raise her hand."Tristan's infatuation with you is what has gotten to your head, Raina. Did you know you are a bed warmer? When everything is over, you will be left with no power and nothing. You should be humble so you do not fall too hard," she advised, smiling at me. I looked at Natasha, who stood beside her mother, looking like an idiot. The two of them were relentless. I was beginning to suspect they found this amusing."Please, I want to go and lie down," I said, bored and tired."You are wasting your time, you know. Tristan c
Raina's POVI returned to the room, as Tristan had ordered, but he didn't come; two hours later, Alisa came to get me. They had returned from shopping, and she wanted to go hunting with me. Honestly, I was bored. I tried linking him. The need to find his mother and brother was pressing. I wasn't expecting him to be around when he should be out there looking for them. Knowing what he knew now, I knew he would be driven to save them. I guess sorting out Nighthowlers in the shelters would have to wait. I slipped into something comfortable, and we headed towards the old mill that linked to the nearby forest to hunt. It had been long since I hunted. I often did it with Peter while I was married to Dean. It helped me take my mind off a lot of pain I was going through. Back then, I was empty and lonely. It was a miracle that I survived. Then Tristan came and turned my entire life upside down. My guilt was also a heavy burden. It made me believe I deserved the pain. Getting out of that he
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