Chapter Twenty-oneFaelen’s POVAs I finished the last bite of bread, I felt a strange mix of relief and confusion. Hunter had been watching me the whole time, his expression unreadable, but now, he seemed to have lost interest.He turned away, his eyes distant, as if I wasn’t even there anymore. “Take the plates with you and leave,” he ordered, his voice cold and distant.I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to make of the sudden change in his demeanor. But then I bowed lightly, as I had been taught to do, and gathered the plates.My hands were still shaking, and I had to force myself to focus, to not drop anything. As I made my way to the door, my mind was racing, trying to understand what the hell had just happened.Why had Hunter suddenly changed his mind? Why hadn’t he hurt me like he had last time?I could still remember the cruelty in his eyes, the way he had taken pleasure in my humiliation. But today, he had been different. Distant, yes, but not cruel.Not in the way I ha
Chapter Twenty-twoFaelen’s POVI left the kitchen with Caleb’s words still echoing in my mind. I knew he was right… I couldn’t trust Hunter. Not after everything he’d done.But something about the way he had acted today… it had shaken me. I had expected cruelty, and instead, I got confusion. It made no sense, and it made me uneasy.As I walked back to the servants’ quarters, I couldn’t help but replay the events of the day in my head. Hunter had dragged me to his room, and I was certain I was about to endure more humiliations.Today he had done nothing but offer me food and then sent me away. Why? What was he playing at? What was even more troubling was the stupid attraction I felt towards him.It was stronger now, and no matter how much I wanted to deny it, it terrified me. I couldn’t afford to be attracted to him. I couldn’t allow whatever childish imaginations of a connection forming between us.When I finally reached my small room, I collapsed on the bed, staring up at the ceilin
Chapter, Twenty-threeFaelen’s POVAs I stood trembling before Hunter, he gazed at me with those pretty, but menacing eyes that cut through me more than anything.I knew I had to think fast, but my mind was blank with fear and the shock of unexpectedly bumping into him. “I said… what are you doing here?!” His voice rang through the empty hallway, not minding if he woke others in the estate.There was also an anger in his voice that sent chills down my spine. He wasn’t going to let me leave until I answered him, he already made that clear. Even though I was scared to death of him, I knew there was no way I could tell him the truth. I’d be as good as dead if I dared open my mouth about the truth of it.But then, I could see that he was ready to drag the truth out of me by force if necessary, so I thought hard for a suitable lie. “I-I couldn’t sleep,” I stammered, trying to steady my voice to sound convincing. “So I thought I’d get some chores done, to make myself… useful.”Hunter’s e
Chapter Twenty-fourHunter’s POVAs the sun illuminated the sky the next morning, I turned in my sheets, but then stood up and walked straight into the bathroom.I didn’t know how to shake the uneasy thoughts that had plagued me all night. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my jaw clenched so tightly I could hear my teeth grinding together. The image staring back at me was a mess, a man who had spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to get a moment’s rest.Dark circles revealed beneath my eyes, and my hair was disheveled from running my hands through it over and over again. I could still feel the ghost of Faelen’s lips on mine, the memory burning itself into my mind. No matter how much I tried to shake it off, it wouldn’t leave me.I hated it… hated her for making me feel this way, for dragging me into this mess feelings. But more than anything, I hated myself. How had I let it get this far? I should have put her in her place the moment she leaned in. I should hav
Chapter Twenty-fiveFaelen’s POVAs I rose from the bed that morning, I could still feel the weight of what had happened last night pressing down on me.My body ached with exhaustion, but it wasn’t just physical… it was emotional, too. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Hunter’s face, his fury, and the kiss that had sparked it all.Why had I done it? Why had I let myself get so close to him? I had been so careful, so focused on my mission, but in that moment, all of that had fallen away.It was like something had taken over me, a pull that I couldn’t resist, a force stronger than anything I had ever felt before. And it had led me to a place I knew I shouldn’t have gone.I paced the small room, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn’t control. Hunter was the Alpha, powerful, dangerous, and I was just a servant, an outsider here with a mission I couldn’t afford to fail.But none of that had mattered in that instant when our lips had touched. The memory of his kiss lingered on my lips, wa
Chapter Twenty-sixFaelen’s POVAs I sat there in the safety of the quarters, the panic began to subside, slowly replaced by a deep sadness.My heart still pounded in my chest, and my hands trembled uncontrollably, but my thoughts slowly started to come together.I replayed the scene over and over in my head… Hunter’s face, twisted in anger, the shattering of the tea set, and his voice, thundering through the office like a storm.How had it come to this? Just a day ago, I was a simple servant, blending into the background of the estate, doing my best to stay out of sight and fulfill my mission.But now… now I was marked. I felt. Hunter’s anger was like a brand of hot metal burning into my flesh, and I knew I would never escape it.I could still feel the sting of his eyes on me, a reminder that I had crossed a line that should never have been crossed.I tried to steady my breathing, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw him. I had kissed him, yes, but he had kissed me back. No matter
Chapter Twenty-sevenHunter’s POVI paced back and forth in my office, unable to shake the frustration in me. The shattered pieces of the tea set on the floor reminded me of my outburst that morning.I hadn’t meant to lose control like that, but already raging about the killings at the site, the sight of Faelen had triggered something inside me… something dark and uncontrollable.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to focus on anything else, but it was impossible. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her terrified expression, heard the shatter I caused against the wall. I knew it wasn’t just the rage of the killings that bothered me… it was the awkward situation with Faelen last night.I had intended to crush her spirit when I’d caught her snooping around when she shouldn’t be, but it had turned into something else shockingly.It felt like it was her who had broken my spirit, and not able to remain with her there, I’d stormed off like a frightened little girl.I felt embarrassed about
Chapter Twenty-eightCaleb’s POVAfter hours spent strategizing about how best to deal with the Steeprock pack, when I told him to let me handle it, he withdrew after I finally managed to talk him down from his reckless plan of attacking.He was reluctant, but when he calmed down and let me handle things, he had to admit that rushing in would do more harm than good. Despite our focus on the pack’s safety, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Hunter’s anger was rooted in something deeper than just the situation with the killings we’d discovered that morning.Later that day, I decided it was time to confront him. I caught up with him as he was heading back to his office.“Hunter, hey. We need to talk,” I said, making sure my tone conveyed that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.He stopped, clearly irritated, and looked at me. “What is it now, Caleb? We’ve already discussed everything.”I took a breath, knowing this conversation could easily escalate. “It’s not about the packs. It’s
Chapter Seventy-fourFaelen’s POV That night, I lay in bed, turning over every possibility in my mind, knowing Alpha Zodd wouldn’t let his recent defeat here go unanswered.I couldn’t shake the thought that he’d already heard of my defection. Someone must have informed him by now, and I knew the rage he’d feel.I could even almost picture it… Zodd’s eyes blazing, his infamous rage twisting his face as he unleashed his anger on anyone nearby.I used to stay far from his wrath, feeling an instinctive survival need to avoid setting him off, yet now, the very idea of him made me feel only disgust.I wondered how I had spent so much of my life under him, convincing myself I could tolerate it, or that it was simply the way things were.And now, lying in the safety of the Howle Wulf pack, I felt something I’d barely dared to hope for back in Belladonna… a fierce gladness that I’d escaped.I knew I might have stayed in Zodd’s shadow forever, accepting his cruelty, believing I had no choice.
Chapter Seventy-threeHunter’s POVSeated alone in my office that morning, I tried to focus on the endless papers spread across my desk, yet all my mind seemed capable of doing was going back to last night with Faelen.A faint smile tugged at my lips as I recalled every detail… the way her hair fell in waves across the pillow, her soft laughs, the warmth of her body against mine.I’d left her early, quietly slipping out to keep up appearances and make it to the office without drawing attention. But the memory lingered, a welcome distraction from my usual routine.The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Caleb stepping inside, his expression serious. My smile faded as I straightened, noting the urgency in his eyes.“What’s going on, Caleb?” I asked, gesturing for him to come in.He closed the door behind him and stepped forward. “I have news from the scouts and spies,” he began, his voice low and wary. “The Belladonna Pack… They’re regrouping for another attack.“What?” I asked, r
Chapter Seventy-twoHunter’s POV Waking up in Faelen’s bed, I lay still for a moment, letting the early morning sun which pierced through the window settle over us. The warmth of Faelen’s body beside me was a reminder of the steamy night we’d shared, every detail printed into my mind.Her bare shoulder peeked out from under the sheets, her red hair spilling around her face like fire against her pillow.Laying there, she looked almost unreal, soft and breathtaking… like an angel… in her sleep.My fingers itched to reach out to her again, but I held back, not wanting to disturb the rare peace that she had in this moment.Slowly, I shifted, slipping out of the bed with a careful, measured silence. I gathered my clothes and moved away slightly.I glanced over at her every few seconds, as if to check that she was still there, that last night hadn’t been some hazy dream.As I pulled my shirt over my shoulders, I couldn’t help but recall the warmth of her touch against my skin, or the swee
Chapter Seventy-one Faelen’s POV When Hunter shared his decision to make me a full member of the pack, my first instinct was disbelief.I couldn’t quite grasp that he meant it, that he was willing to trust me so deeply despite everything I’d done.All I managed was a quiet, breathless thank you, hoping he could see just how much his faith in me mattered.As he watched me, the warmth in his eyes gave me something I hadn’t felt in years…hope. For the first time, I felt like maybe I could be more than a pawn in someone else’s game.The days that followed were filled with new routines for me as I tried to settle into my place among the pack.Hunter, of course, was never far. I would find him stopping by while I helped the pack with library work, hauling supplies, or tending to small tasks around the offices.His face held that half smile of his, and sometimes he’d shake his head at me, urging me to take a break.But I couldn’t. It wasn’t about proving anything to the others… it was abou
Chapter SeventyHunter’s POV The next few days, I set everything in motion to reinstate Faelen officially into the pack. I’d made the decision, and I’d stand by it, though I knew there were bound to be a few raised eyebrows.There’d been a lot of gossip circulating since the dinner, but I didn’t care. They came to respect her, but I knew they still didn’t see her as one of us, which I hoped to change.What mattered to me was ensuring Faelen knew her place here was solid… that she could trust us as much as I hoped to make everyone trust her as I did.Early the following morning, I gathered the pack elders and high ranking officers in the palace hall, where I intended to reveal my decision.The sun had barely set over the estate grounds when I had Caleb call the meeting, and the early morning light pierced through the window touching everyone who walked in there.My chest tightened nervously when I saw them all seated by the long table, shifting on my feet. I could see they were all ea
Chapter Sixty-nineHunter’s POV As I exited the restroom, I had one last look at myself to make sure I looked presentable. Satisfied, I then headed down the hallway.On my way, I passed a group of women going the opposite way. They looked at me strangely, but I wasn’t surprised why, seeing I’d just come out of the female restroom.Briefly smiling at them, I walked past and headed towards the dining hall. I couldn’t shake the rush within from what had just happened between Faelen and me.I had always been in control, always certain of myself, but not with her. The moment I saw her tonight, everything had shifted.Faelen had taken my breath away, standing there looking both fierce and vulnerable, like she belonged to some heavenly realm but had graced us with her presence.The memory of her lips, her touch… it all felt raw and tattooed into my mind.Raising my head high and squaring my shoulders, I forced myself to adopt the relaxed expression I knew everyone expected from me. Caleb c
Chapter Sixty-eightFaelen’s POV It was over in minutes, and as we adjusted our clothes, the weight of what we’d just done settled over me.My fingers paused on the loosened neckline of my dress, feeling a warmth still there from Hunter’s touch.When I glanced up, I saw him tucking his shirt back in, his eyes catching mine with a mischievous look.The reality of the moment hit us both… sneaking off in the middle of the dinner he’d arranged for me to fuck… and we couldn’t help but share a smile.He stepped closer, his breath brushing warm against my cheek, still heavy from our time together.Reaching up, he gently pushed a strand of hair from my face, his fingers lingering as they brushed my cheek. “That was amazing,” he murmured, voice low and satisfied.A laugh escaped me, soft and a little shy. I lowered my gaze, adjusting the fabric of my dress to buy a moment to collect myself, though my heart was still racing.“It was… amazing,” I admitted, feeling a blush creep over my cheeks.
Chapter Sixty-sevenFaelen’s POV As the laughter and chatter from the dinner filled the air, I couldn’t shake off the discomfort of the dress hugging my body.It was beautiful, a deep shade of blue that seemed to complement my hair, but every time I moved, I felt it tighten around me, making it hard to breathe.I needed a moment away from the table, a chance to gather myself and take a breath. Excusing myself from the lively conversation, I slipped out of the dining hall.Just as I turned to head towards the nearby restroom, I bumped into Caleb. He was leaning casually against the wall, a soft smile on his lips.“Faelen,” he said, his eyes brightening as they went over me. “You look absolutely stunning in that dress.”“Thank you, but I can barely breathe in it,” I admitted, giving a small laugh, hoping to mask my discomfort.Caleb chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Besides, you’re supposed to look like a princess tonight. That’s the point.”I smiled back, but inside I felt strange. I
Chapter Sixty-sixHunter’s POV I stood in front of the huge mirror by my closet, giving myself one last look before leaving for the dinner.The reflection staring back at me was a complete difference to my usual rugged demeanor.My hair was neatly combed, my shirt crisp, the dark fabric complementing my tall frame. A sense of discomfort suddenly ran through me as I adjusted the collar.It was an unfamiliar feeling settling in my chest. I’d never felt the need to present myself this way for anyone before.Yet here I was, preparing for a dinner where Faelen would be the guest of honor, and somehow, it felt awkward.What the hell is wrong with me? I thought, running a hand over my face.I usually appeared anywhere with authority and confidence. But this was different… this felt personal.I shook my head, pushing the nerves aside, and stepped out of my chambers. I sighed as I closed the door behind me and walked.The dark corridor and stairs led me toward the dining hall, where I could a