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 Twenty-nineHunter’s POVI sat in my office, staring blankly at the papers scattered across my desk. The events of the past few days had hung in my mind, and I couldn’t seem to know what to do... which was abnormally odd. The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Gaius, the pack’s physician and my late father’s old friend, stepping into the room.“Hunter,” Gaius greeted, his voice warm yet heavy with something on his mind. “I hope I’m not disturbing you?”I shook my head and signaled for him to sit. “No, Gaius. You’re always welcome.”He sat down, folding his hands in his lap as he studied me with those sharp, wise eyes. Gaius had been with the pack longer than most, and he’d seen more than anyone else.I knew that trying to hide anything from him would be pointless, but I wasn’t prepared for what he was about to bring up.“There’s been talk,” Gaius began, his tone casual, but I could sense the seriousness beneath it. “About the activities you’ve been keeping secret at th
Chapter ThirtyFaelen’s POVI wiped the dust off the desk in the study I was assigned to clean out, my mind wandering as I worked. The room was quiet, almost weirdly so, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit… on edge.I had hoped to find a phone here, something I could use to reach out, but there was nothing. No phone, no way to contact anyone still… too bad.Disappointment settled in my chest, but I forced myself to carry on with the task I was on to. “I’ll get my chance.” I murmured to myself. As I moved around the room, polishing the surfaces and straightening the books, my thoughts kept going back to my plan to steal a phone.Ever since Hunter had caught me sneaking around the estate, I’d been too scared to try again. The memory of his cold, angry eyes sent a shiver down my spine.But I couldn’t just give up. I needed to find a way to resume my search, to gather more of the information I needed. I had to be more careful this time.The estate was huge, with so many rooms and studies
Chapter Thirty-oneFaelen’s POVAs much as I tried to resist, thoughts of Hunter completely consumed me over the next days… even though I’d resolved to focus only on my mission. It was like he had already invaded my mind, making it just impossible to think about anything else.No matter how hard I tried to focus, to remember why I was here, my thoughts always transformed back to thoughts about him. At night, when the estate and quarters were quiet, I lay awake, thinking about him… I knew that was wrong.Ever since that kiss, something had shifted between us. I could feel it. Hunter had confronted me about it a few days ago, with his tone gentle and not cruel.It was the first time we had spoken about what happened. The way he talked to me, he didn’t yell at me like he would normally, and for a moment, it didn’t even feel like I was beneath him.He wasn’t angry, not in the way I expected him to be. Instead, there was something softer in his eyes, something I couldn’t quite place, but
Chapter Thirty-twoFaelen’s POVThere was just no easy way to stop thinking about him.No matter how hard I tried to push the thoughts away, Hunter’s face, his voice, even the way he moved kept creeping into my mind.The more I resisted, the stronger the pull became.When it was time to take the tea to him, I felt my heart race. I wanted to see him again, even though I told myself I shouldn’t.I’d made myself rehearse what to say, how to act normal, but all of that dissolved as I approached his office door.I knocked softly, unsure if he’d even hear it. I hoped in my mind he wouldn’t notice how much my hand was trembling.“I said I don’t want to be disturbed,” Hunter’s deep voice called from inside, making my heart leap. For a moment, I considered turning away. Maybe it was better if I stayed away. But I’d promised to bring him tea.“You asked me to bring you tea, Alpha,” I said quietly from the hallway.There was a long pause, then his voice softened slightly. “Come in.”I pushed th
Chapter Thirty-threeHunter’s POVI sat in my office, staring at the stack of papers in front of me, but none of the words registered in my head.My thoughts were constantly disrupted by thoughts of Faelen... As always. The memory of the feel of her skin, her scent… that was all I could think about.Ever since the awkward moment here in my office, when I’d been just inches away from her, everything had escalated for me.We had been so close, I could feel the heat radiating off her skin. That moment had stirred something wild in me… and it was something I didn’t want to admit.I leaned back in the chair, lifting my eyes to the ceiling, fighting against the frustration that had built up in my chest. “Why the hell can’t I stop thinking about her?”It didn’t make any sense and yet it felt completely right. I had fought it from the start, but it was becoming impossible to resist.She was in my head constantly now, and I didn’t know how to deal with that.“Dammit.”I stood up and started to
Chapter Thirty-fourHunter’s POVI sat behind my desk hours after the awkwardness with Faelen, my fingers tapping against the wood, as I waited for Caleb and Gaius to arrive.Even though my mind was totally overrun by thoughts of her, the situation with Steeprock pack was pricking at me, like an itch that I couldn’t scratch.This wasn’t just about territory or gold anymore… it was something more. I could feel it… something far more dangerous was creeping up on us.A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Caleb entered first, his face hard. Then followed by Gaius, his face calmer, but it did nothing to hide the seriousness of the matter. They both took their seats opposite me, and Caleb didn’t waste any time. “My spies have confirmed it,” he said. “The killings. It’s definitely Steeprock’s doing.”“Of course it is.” Gaius chimed in. I clenched my jaw. We all had thought as much, in fact if not for Caleb’s pleading for confirmation first… hence the spies… I would have retaliate
Chapter Fifty-twoCaleb’s POV Hunter had been gone for hours. Not that it was my business to know where he went, but I could easily come up with a guess.It wasn’t hard to see the signs every time the Alpha tried to run from his problems. I’d watched him do it before.He would lose himself in a bottle until the anger and guilt he carried became numb enough for him to Ignore.Tonight wasn’t so different.I stood by one of the estate’s windows, staring out into the darkness, the moon shining a pale glow across the grounds.My thoughts spun, still replaying the scene I’d stumbled upon earlier. I’d tried to push it out of my mind, but it kept coming back, like a wound that wouldn’t stop bleeding.My jaw clenched as I remembered the way they’d looked at each other. Hunter’s raw, possessive gaze… so unlike him… and Faelen’s mix of shyness and shock.It wasn’t just a casual fling or a meaningless encounter. There was something more there. Something deep.The estate front doors creaked open,
Chapter Fifty-one Hunter’s POV The moment Caleb left my office, the silence that settled in the room was suffocating. I stood there, staring blankly at the door for what felt like forever.My mind spun with thoughts and emotions I could hardly make sense of. There was still the faint scent of Faelen lingering in the air, a maddening reminder of what had just happened.No. What I’d let happen.“Damn it,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair and tugging at it in frustration.This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. None of it. I was supposed to be in control… of myself, of my feelings and the whole situation.Yet, every time I was around Faelen, it was like I lost my grip on everything. And now Caleb… my best friend and my Beta, had seen me with her. Her, of all people. A servant. Someone I should have no business getting involved with, yet here I was.Guilt, anger, confusion… all clashed inside me, fighting for dominance. And beneath it all, the relentless tug of my emotion
Chapter FiftyFaelen’s POV I had bolted out of Hunter’s office with my face burning with humiliation and my chest tight with shame.Caleb had been standing right there by the door, but I couldn’t even look at him. I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, focusing on the sound of my own footsteps echoing down the corridor.I felt like I was suffocating under the weight of his silent judgment. How had I been so stupid? So reckless?Now outside the estate, I rounded a corner and didn’t stop until I was well out of sight, pressing myself against the cold stone wall.My breaths came in harsh gasps, and I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting the tears that wanted to spill out.But it was no use. The embarrassment of what had just happened, the shame of being caught like that by Caleb was too overwhelming.I sank to the floor, curling myself as the sobs came in wave over my body.What must Caleb think of me now? He’d always been so kind, so and… different from the others. He had looked at me like I wa
Chapter Forty-nineHunter’s POV As soon as I heard the door open and saw Caleb’s figure standing there, every muscle in my body tensed.The heat and passion from just moments ago vanished in a wave of shock and embarrassment.I looked at Faelen, her cheeks flushed, lips parted in surprise. My mind raced as the reality of what had just happened settled over us.The look of horror was plastered on Caleb’s face as he registered the scene he had just witnessed.“Shit…” I muttered under my breath.Caleb’s eyes shifted between us before he quickly turned away silently. He took a step back, the door swinging shut behind him.I could still feel his presence on the other side, no doubt rooted to the spot, waiting for… something.Faelen scrambled to cover herself, her hands trembling as she reached for her scattered clothes.She looked so vulnerable that moment, and all I wanted to do was pull her back to me, and protect her from the mess we’d just gotten ourselves into. But I hesitated, torn
Chapter Forty-eightHunter’s POV I had my face buried deep between Faelen’s shaky thighs, my tongue doing wonders to her clit and entire womanhood.I’d gone out to fetch something from the library, and returning, I’d found her in my office. She seemed to be looking for something on my desk, but the sight of her both surprised and excited me that I didn’t bother why.When asked why she was here though, she’d lied about it. I’d known immediately that she was using the excuse of bringing me wine to see me, and somehow, that had made my heart leap with joy.Faelen let out soft moans as I ate her out, then gasps which came with heavy breaths… and mentally, I added those to the list of my favorite sounds in the world.Her hand was placed on top of my head as I worked my magic… one hand at first, then with both hands, she grabbed handfuls of my hair as I upped my tempo.Her whole body vibrated and convulsed with excitement as I went on, her head tilted backwards, completely lost in ecstasy.
Chapter Forty-sevenFaelen’s POV It had been days since Hunter and I had slept together in his private chambers, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation that hung over me.I had expected him to summon me, to call me back into his world, but nothing had happened. The only connection we seemed to have now was through brief glances across the estate, moments that felt electric but ended in silence as he turned his face away.It was as if I was a ghost to him, someone he couldn’t quite face after our shared secret.Every time I caught his eye, my heart raced with hope, only for it to sink when he shifted his gaze. He seemed angry, and I didn’t know how to reach out to him.He was the Alpha, after all, unless he summoned me or needed something, I wouldn’t dare approach him.I kept praying for him to call on me though, not only because I wanted to see him, but also because I needed to gather something useful to share with Raven upon her return.It was getting harder to reconcile
Chapter Forty-sixCaleb’s POV A few days later, Hunter’s control slipped again, this time in front of the council members during a formal dinner.Faelen and the other maids were serving, moving silently around the table as the men discussed various matters.I noticed Faelen out of the corner of my eye, carrying a tray of wine glasses.She was about to serve one to Alex, one of the older councilmen, when he leaned forward slightly, his voice low and teasing. “You’re new, aren’t you? What’s your name?”Faelen hesitated, glancing at him in an uncertain manner. “Faelen, sir.” She answered.“Faelen, huh?” Alex repeated, giving her a friendly smile. “A pretty name for a pretty girl.”I saw it happen in slow motion… Hunter’s hand tightening around his wine glass, his gaze turning cold as he watched the interaction.For a moment, I thought he was going to shatter the glass in his grip. But then he spoke, his voice surprisingly calm, but with a sharp edge.“Faelen,” he said, drawing everyone’
Chapter Forty-five Caleb’s POV As soon as we were far enough from the garden, Hunter’s pace slowed down, but I could tell from the stiffness in his shoulders that he was tense.He hadn’t said a word since we left the garden, and I wasn’t sure what was running through his mind.The silence stretched between us, until I couldn’t take it anymore. “Hunter?” I asked cautiously. “Are you alright?”He stopped abruptly and turned to face me, his eyes dark and unreadable.For a moment, I thought he was going to dismiss my question or brush it off like he usually did when something bothered him.But instead, he glared at me, his jaw clenched so tight that I thought he might crack a tooth.“What were you doing back there, Caleb?” he demanded.I frowned, confused. “What do you mean?”“You know exactly what I mean,” he shot back, his eyes narrowing. “Helping her. Talking to her like that.” He took a step closer, his gaze piercing into mine. “What the hell are you playing at?”I blinked, taken ab
Chapter Forty-fourFaelen’s POV The sun blazed high in the sky, its heat beating down on me relentlessly as I tried to lift a bag of soil.It was heavier than I’d expected, and I struggled to keep my grip.Sweat trickled down my neck, soaking through the back of my uniform and making the fabric stick uncomfortably to my skin.My arms trembled with the effort as I tried to maneuver the bag to the side of the flower bed. The gardener, a stout man in his late fifties, stood nearby pruning the hedges, offering no help or even a glance my way.The head maid’s orders had been clear… “help out in the garden”…but I knew what it really meant. Punishment.A reminder that I wasn’t anything special. She hadn’t even looked me in the eye when she’d said it, her tone cold.I could hear the sneers and barely concealed giggles of the other maids behind me.I adjusted my grip on the bag, lifting it higher and then almost losing my balance.My foot slipped on a loose stone, and I lurched forward, bare