Arabella’s POV"Bella, I understand that you're going through a tough time right now, but what you said was completely uncalled for. Susie had her reasons for keeping her secret, and you know that as well as I do. She didn't intentionally lie to you; she was just trapped in a difficult situation. If your own sibling had asked you to keep a secret, what would you have done?" Sara sighed, disappointed.Deep down, I knew she was right. Susie wasn't the one responsible for my unhappiness, but I couldn't deny that she could have at least prepared me for it."So what? You expect me to just forgive her? Forgive him?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over.Sara held up her hands defensively. "I'm not saying that, don't twist my words. Arabella, I've been by your side throughout all of this. I've supported you from the beginning. All I'm asking is that you trust me now."I sighed, feeling torn. "I do trust you, Sara, but I can't bring myself to trust them.""Then trust me, for fuck's sake!" S
Leo’s POVThe metallic aroma of blood invaded my senses even before I dared to open my eyes. Its tangy, coppery scent served as a haunting reminder of the destruction I had once again unleashed. As I sat on the damp grass, my head shook in disbelief at the lifeless bodies before me. I had convinced myself that I was prepared to fight for Arabella, or at least I believed I was. However, witnessing the sheer horror reflected in her eyes as she discovered the aftermath of my killing spree, fear overcame me, and I fled like a fucking coward.Having sifted through the belongings of those whose lives I had ended, I stumbled upon a lighter and a set of fresh clothes. With a heavy heart, I dragged the lifeless bodies into the tent. Taking a moment to steady myself, I took a swig from the bottle of bourbon I had found, letting the fiery liquid burn my throat. Pouring the remaining contents of the bottle over the evidence, dousing it in alcohol while I played with the lighter. With a flick, I s
Leo’s POVAs I reached the freeway, a familiar scent filled my senses. Part of me felt a wave of relief knowing that she was aware of my presence, but Shadow, was far from pleased. Our primal instincts clashed as we battled for control over my body. Just like me, he had loved her deeply, yearning for the completion of our bond and the start of our life together. However, her rejection had extinguished that flame within him. Now, all he desired was her death.Each time I regained consciousness, I could feel us drawing closer to the Spring Lake pack, and I knew without a doubt that his murderous intentions were genuine. Despite his hatred, I couldn't help but love her.No matter how much I tried to control Shadow and prevent him taking the reins, he was stronger. His anger made him even more powerful and drew from it. Once again, I was pushed to the back of my mind and forced to watch as an unwilling participant as Shadow took control of the truck, spinning it around in the middle of th
Chapter Twenty-EightArabella’s POVAs I was ushered away from Leo, a whirlwind of emotions threatened to consumed me. Anger, fear, and betrayal swirled within, making it difficult to process the events that had just unfolded.How could I have been so foolish to believe that he deserved another chance? I had gone to great lengths to protect him from the council, only to be met with the terrifying reality that his inner beast could have easily ended my life.The realisation hit me like a tidal wave. It was clear that Leo's Lycan had no regard for my safety. The way he had lunged at me, the sharp claws digging into my skin, it was a chilling reminder of the danger I had willingly placed myself in.I had ignored the warnings, the doubts that had nagged at the back of my mind. I had wanted to see the good in him, to believe that love and understanding could conquer all. That maybe, just maybe, the Moon Goddess knew what she was doing. But now, I was left with the harsh reality that my tru
Chapter Twenty-NineArabella’s POVI had never experienced such nerves and guilt before. It wasn't Leo who had taken the lives of those innocent people, it was Shadow. So, was it fair that Leo had to suffer because of his Lycan? That question plagued my mind, and I couldn't find an answer.Being the Alpha of an entire pack meant that they relied on me to make the right decisions. They were just starting to trust me, and now I had to make a choice. Or at least, I believed I did.As the jury deliberated, time seemed to stretch. I felt the need to step outside and bask in the warmth of the sun. Who knew when I would have the chance again if things didn't go in my favor.‘Shadow isn't evil, he's just misunderstood.’ Storms voice no longer held the calmness it used to, instead, her words were blunt and short.Ever since I rejected Leo, my wolf and I had been at odds. And since the moment I handed him over to the council, she had refused to let us shift. I couldn't blame her, though. Our wo
Leo’s POVArabella was too good for me. Especially considering all the mistakes I had made since she rejected me. I had urged her to fight for our relationship, desperately wanting her back. But deep down, I knew I was trapped in this place, with no hope of escape. Even if I miraculously managed to gain my freedom, there was always the looming threat of Shadow regaining control and going after Arabella once again.The risks were too great, and I couldn't bear the thought of Arabella becoming another victim of my cursed existence as a Lycan. She had already endured so much pain and suffering. She deserved a life filled with joy and fulfillment, one that would undoubtedly be longer and happier without me in the picture.As the guard approached to take me away, my body felt drained of all strength. I could barely muster the energy to stand. With a forceful grip, he yanked me up, causing me to stumble and collapse back onto the ground. Frustration consumed the guard, and he lashed out, de
Arabella’s POVMy heart shattered at the sight of Leo, worn down and lost. It pained me deeply. However, my anger flared up when I saw him drugged, his appearance tainted by the effects of the wolfsbane.The younger council member proved to be an insufferable jerk. His condescending tone not only towards me, but also towards Leo, revealed his utter lack of respect for anyone beneath his status. When the older gentleman intervened, instructing him to sit down and taking control, I struggled not to laugh.Just as Leo confirmed his identity as a Lycan, Susie arrived on the scene. The color swiftly drained from her face, a clear indication of her shock and disbelief.Understandably, Susie's reaction was completely justified. Lycans had long been regarded as mere legends, existing only in myths and folklore. Even I, until my father's passing and Leo's entrance into my life, believed them to be nothing more than stories.However, with Leo's revelation, the truth was now exposed for all to se
Arabella’s POVAs the crowd started flocking towards the site of the car explosion, the girls and I took it as our signal to leave. I clutched onto the memory stick for dear life, and it felt as though my entire existence relied on it. And in a sense, it truly did. Regardless of my rejection, Leo was my world. Unfortunately, this realisation came too late.We got into the car and made our journey back to Spring Lake. I wanted to believe that the woman's nervousness stemmed from drug-induced paranoia or sheer madness. However, witnessing how someone had gone out of their way to actually murder her, shattered any doubts I had. I couldn't afford to take any risks, and returning home seemed like the safest option.The entire journey was made in silence. Not a single word left our lips as we navigated the roads back to Spring Lake. Sara remained vigilant, her gaze fixed on the rear window, ensuring that we weren't being followed. Meanwhile, Susie fidgeted with the memory stick, her fingers