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 POVBefore trailing them, I decided to link Alec. I didn't know if he could be trusted, but Tristan hadn't said anything negative about the asshole, so it was okay."Alec, are you around?" I asked, and it took a bit of time before he answered."What do you want, Raina?" he asked me. I guess the guy still had issues with me because of his sister."Never mind, I will link someone else," I said, and before I could close the link, he spoke immediately."You can talk to me. Tristan put me in charge until he returns," he said, and I sighed."Well, we are by the old mill, and we found two strangers lurking about the place. Alisia and I plan to trail them for information. You can send your men to trace us in case they're bad people. There are just two of them, and Alisia is with me, so we are safe for now," I said "You better not, Raina. Tristan would kill me if something happened to you. Turn back now," he ordered."And lose the chance of finding out something tangible? No way, Alec.
Raina's POVWe charged through the woods, Alisia and I running for our dear lives. We didn't know these men, their strength, or their resources. We didn't even know what they were guarding and if it was any of our business. We were truly fucked. Tristan wasn't home, and I didn't trust Alec to turn up.I was worried for Alisia, my baby, and myself. How could I have been so stupid? Suddenly, I wished I had listened to Alec, but it was too late. My only hope was that we would outrun them and get into Stormhowl. We were fair game in the woods but not in an opening. I knew that once we got to our settlement, the bastards were bound to turn back. But the question was, would we get there? Would we get to the settlement before they caught up with us?We continued to run until suddenly Alisia fell, and I knew we would have to fight. The moment she got up, a wolf leapt at her, and I knew a shift and fight were required.I shifted immediately while Alisia tried to shift and fight off her attac
Raina's POVOne of the betas pinned me, his teeth sinking into my shoulder. I struggled, pain blurring my vision. But then he was gone, yanked away by Alisia. She stood over me, her body shielding mine as she faced off against the remaining wolves."Get up!" she yelled. I forced myself to my feet, ignoring the pain. Together, we faced the wolves, our resolve stronger than ever. We fought with everything we had, knowing our lives depended on it.The wolves hesitated, sensing our determination. For a moment, it seemed like they might back off. But then they attacked again, more viciously than before. We were pushed to our limits, but we refused to give up.Blood dripped from my wounds, each drop a testament to the ferocity of the battle. Alisia stood beside me, her fur matted with dirt and blood, her breaths coming in ragged pants. The forest floor was a chaotic mess of broken branches, upturned soil, and the scent of blood and sweat. The remaining Zeta wolves circled us, one fully heal
Raina's POV"Come on," Alec linked us, and I stood behind defiantly. I was in no position to do so, judging by the amount of injuries I had sustained, but it was important. I couldn't have gone through all this for nothing."What is the matter with you, Raina? Do you have a death wish? "Alec linked me."No Alec…" I linked back, and he was pissed off."If you had died in there, what do you think would happen to me? Tristan would have killed me and my entire family. You know how he is. Please go back to the settlement so you can receive proper care. Hopefully, you have not been poisoned," He linked me back, and I knew he was genuinely concerned."No poison involved," Alisia linked him but included me in the link. I guess he was linking all of us at once. He wanted to have witnesses. "They were lurking in the old mill, and then we traced them to Greyhound border. They were guarding a cottage. I think there is something significant there. If not, they wouldn't have attacked and tried to s
Tristan's POVI was preparing to join Raina in the packhouse when Jared informed me that Daniel had successfully arranged a meeting for me with the Alphas of Ironclaw. It was a secret meeting, and this was one of the things Irvin was supposed to do for me. I guess my rage had blinded me, and somehow, I felt I was being wise. I was glad it was in the past now, and the Winters had given me a second chance.The meeting was secret, of course, and not everyone was invited. It is required for success. I wanted to tell Raina not to wait for me, but no time was left. Hopefully, this is all behind us, and soon, we get to spend time together. I was tired of living the way I was living. I just wanted a normal life, like we had planned before the disruption.Placing Alec in charge, we left in a hurry."How were you able to pull it off?" I asked Daniel as we drove towards the venue in Old Town."Told them you were planning to adopt your father's methods and need their support. It wasn't hard, reall
Tristan's POV"We forget that we are at a disadvantage," Braxon said, and I suspected he was also the killjoy among the alphas. However, every group needs a pessimist with lower expectations so they can be prepared."And what is that?" I asked, eager to listen to what the pessimist had to say."We do not have the force to push back, and if you have ever heard of the Enclave, you would know they have assains in their employ. Dangerous, ruthless people. They were the ones that helped overthrow your father," He said, and that was my cue to speak."Indeed, they have that, but we need to understand that they wouldn't have been successful had Darius not volunteered to move against my father because of the promise of being king," I said, and Braxon laughed."He needed you alive to achieve that," he said, and it was clear he knew the issue of the Knights. If that was the case, it meant he wasn't an enemy after all, but I kept it to myself."They wouldn't have been able to attack my settlement
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