"How is it now? Were you able to hit the target board perfectly without missing a beat?"Rachel looked at the arrow in her hand, then at Kennedy who was carrying the hunted fox. They had been practicing non-stop for a week, and the last part was to make sure Rachel could hit the bull's-eye. She was getting more and more excited about practicing, especially since her power control was already qualified to fight Brandon."Yes, I'm sure I can do it," Rachel said.Kennedy grinned happily, then hung the dead fox in her hands from one of the trees. It was very far and high from Rachel's position."If you can hit that fox in the eye, then your training is complete." Kennedy moved away from the target tree and nodded at the woman.Rachel suddenly felt nervous, considering this was her first time shooting at a living creature. Usually only target boards or fruits."Come on darling, prove your ability to kill that vile bastard named Brandon." Kennedy deliberately turned up the heat at Rachel's
The arrow shot straight into Brandon's back.Rachel's smile automatically grew, but then faded as the arrow bounced off. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized that the man was wearing armor under his cloak.The man turned his head quickly. His sharp eyes seemed to glow in the darkness. Rachel's shock grew when she saw the man's face.He was not Brandon, but Victor.She was wrong. She had made a big mistake!Rachel only focused on the man's broad back, which reminded her of Brandon's posture. Brandon always wore thick, wide robes, and now, she was mistaken just because Victor was wearing similar clothes.'Fool!'Rachel cursed herself and took a lightning-fast step back. Unfortunately, Victor who had seen her presence did not stay still.The man turned into a wolf and Rachel ran with all her might. Her heart was beating like a gong as she jumped over a tall rose bush."Stop right there! I said stop!"Rachel jumped towards the palace wall, but instead of making it out, her body felt
"Alpha Brandon? What do you mean by stop? This woman is a traitor!"Beta Victor gave his Alpha a questioning look. He didn't understand why Brandon still felt sorry for Rachel who had hurt him.He had seen how Brandon suffered for months, just to find Rachel's whereabouts. Then after being cruelly rejected, he still wanted her?Victor certainly didn't understand how Brandon felt about Rachel. But as Brandon's loyal Beta, he didn't want him to get caught up in Rachel's temptation again."Alpha...""Let me handle everything, Victor," Brandon said with his gaze not leaving Rachel's face. He didn't look at Victor at all and motioned the man to leave with his hand.Victor had no choice but to nod, although he still couldn't get over what Brandon was doing."Sweety." Brandon approached slowly, his eyes tracing Rachel's disheveled appearance, then stopping at her wounded stomach."DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!" Rachel roared. Her eyes blazed with anger, causing Brandon to stop in his tracks. The lo
Brandon had just finished taking his medicine when Victor came in with a panicked look on his face.He approached Brandon with his breath caught in his throat, looking as if he had run from a great distance."Alpha Brandon," he said with difficulty. Victor took a breath, then continued, "There's a big problem going on."Brandon stared in confusion. "What is it? Why do you look so panicked? Where are you from?""I just went to the border and saw the Alpha of Pack Leinz. He's coming with his army and is closing in on our territory," Victor explained.Kennedy, Brandon thought.There was no mistaking it, they must be looking for Rachel.Brandon quickly grabbed his cloak and looked at his Beta. "Come on, we need to get to the border.""But Alpha, you're not fully recovered." Victor gave a worried look. All this time, Brandon had only been traveling around inside the palace, while the border was a great distance away. Victor was afraid that his Alpha's health would deteriorate because of th
Rachel fell silent on the bed while hugging her knees. A heavy sigh escaped her mouth. She felt very troubled at the thought of exchanging herself for her baby.So, when Rachel woke up in the morning, she heard the chatter of the servants in the palace hallway. They said that Brandon and Kennedy had made a deal. Later, Victor arrived to confirm everything.Kennedy could take Rachel back to Pack Leinz without hindrance, but in exchange, Brandon would take the baby.Rachel wasn't exactly willing to give her baby to a vile man like Brandon, but she knew there was something Kennedy was up to. There was no way the man would agree to Brandon's offer without having a hidden agenda."Rachel?"The call made Rachel turn her head. She saw Brandon standing in the doorway, staring at her with a closed expression. I don't know what was going through the man's head, but he seemed more in control than ever."Come on out, Kennedy's waiting outside with your baby."Rachel squeezed his hand and let out
"How is your condition Alpha? Do you still have any complaints?" Victor asked as he prepared Brandon's robe.Today, Brandon intended to go hunting around the restricted area. After several weeks of constant treatment and languishing in the palace, Brandon finally decided to hone his skills."I've recovered. No more effects from the poison," Brandon replied. For a moment, he looked out the window, gazing at the leaves that were falling more and more. The weather was getting colder and he wanted to keep the palace warm for his little baby.The child didn't cry often. Since last night, when Brandon accompanied him, he always smiled when he saw his face. And one funny thing, the child's legs were always kicking so much that the basket often wobbled.He's strong, just like him, Brandon thought smiling.Now, the servants were bathing the baby. They would take good care of him while he went out to hunt and check on the security of his territory.He had heard many rumors about some packs that
Rachel's welcome was celebrated as grandly as a wedding feast.Brandon's usually somber palace had been decorated to the nines. Silk fabrics were stretched out, with red and white roses placed in every corner. Candles and lanterns were arranged neatly, illuminating every spot in the main hall.Food and drinks were served on long tables, giving off an evocative aroma to every guest who came.Brandon had invited all the Alpha packs from the other Packs. They had all heard the news of the arrival of Rachel, the Luna who had been missing.Rachel had come to Pack Manowi escorted by Kennedy. He could only take her to the border, while Brandon would take her back to the palace."I have degraded myself by bringing Rachel here," Kennedy said in an annoyed voice.Rachel could only look down in her place, while Brandon said nothing. His focus was already centered on the woman he missed so much. Brandon could hardly contain himself from taking Rachel into his arms and smelling her scent deeply.N
The excitement of the party slowly faded away towards midnight. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves, as the food and drinks ran out on the long table.Apparently, they were quite relaxed at Brandon's uncharacteristic demeanor. At first the Alphas were very tense, remembering the last time Brandon's wedding to Rachel took place.Now, Brandon's Alphas looked friendlier. Although it was undeniable that that ruthless aura still seemed to surround his body.At exactly midnight, the guests finally began to leave after congratulating Alpha Brandon and Rachel.Rachel watched the guests leave one by one, until the hall was left with only herself, Brandon, and Victor. The baby had been in his room since half an hour ago, fast asleep after a belly full of milk."Time to rest, Sweety," Brandon said. His fingers gently touched Rachel's shoulder and he flashed her a charming smile.'He looks different', Rachel thought. Or maybe this was just how she felt after not interacting with Brandon f
Rachel carefully stored the butterfly-embroidered veil, yet the strange foreboding that had begun to trouble her mind could not be easily dismissed. Even so, she followed Brandon to witness Armani taking his oath as the new leader of the Manowi Pack.Armani stood tall in the center of the grand hall. With a crown on his head and an aura radiating strength, he raised his hand, drawing everyone's attention."For the honor of the Manowi Pack, I vow to lead with wisdom, protect the family, and maintain peace among all packs. I will uphold truth and justice without fear or favoritism."Armani's voice thundered, filling the entire hall. Applause erupted once more, but outside the palace, a storm began to gather. Fierce winds and heavy rain battered the palace walls, bringing a sense that something ominous was about to unfold.In the palace's underground chambers, Viviane was preparing her final attack. She had not come alone. By leveraging a dark pact she had made with rogue wolves and shad
"With this, I, King Alpha Brandon Matthew, officially hand over my leadership to my son—Armani Matthew, on his 20th birthday!"Applause immediately filled the room. Brandon and Rachel stepped forward with wide smiles, placing the crown and the Pack Manowi emblem ring on Armani’s finger.The coronation celebration was held on the exact day of Armani’s birthday. All the members of Pack Manowi, Pack Canis, and Pack Leinz were invited—not just the Alphas with authority.The festive atmosphere filled the grand hall, which had been lavishly decorated. Golden chandeliers illuminated the room, while exquisite food and drinks were served for the guests.The hall was nearly packed; everyone seemed eager to witness the coronation of the heir to the throne.Armani had grown into a strikingly handsome young man, exuding charisma and authority. His strong leadership aura commanded respect, even from much older Alphas.Although only 20, Armani had already won numerous tournaments and duels, proving
The cold wind carried a mist that blurred the view ahead. The forest Viviane traversed grew denser, with towering hawthorn trees lining her path.The sunlight could no longer penetrate the thick canopy of interwoven branches. Though it was still morning, the place resembled a moonless night.Viviane wiped the sweat from her forehead and glanced at Volkov, who was sleeping soundly in her arms. The distinct scent of trees after the rain had lulled him to sleep. The place was damp and quite chilly, prompting her to find a better spot to rest."Where are we heading, Miss Viviane?" Gonder asked, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. He and his wife were both weary and hungry, but they had found nothing edible along the way.Viviane sighed tiredly. "We should head west, toward where the sun sets."Gonder and Suzy nodded, having no other suggestion for their destination. Leading the way, Viviane secretly felt unsure of where to go, but she couldn’t afford to show her hesitation.Suddenly, so
"Take them all out. Today, they will be taken to the border." That morning, Brandon immediately gave orders to his Beta. Following his claim and official proclamation, Brandon wanted Viviane and her followers to leave Pack Leinz immediately. Victor nodded obediently and hurried to the dungeon. Brandon then turned to Rachel, who was seated beside him. Her face was furrowed, lost in thought. “Sweety, are you alright?” “Mm, yes.” Rachel snapped out of her thoughts and pulled the corners of her lips into a smile. “I was just... just thinking about Viviane's departure and…” “What is it? Are you worried?” Brandon asked, raising an eyebrow. Rachel fiddled with the ribbon of her gown and nodded. “A little. I’m afraid she might do something after Kennedy’s death. She’s skilled at concocting poisons, and... I’m just scared she might seek revenge,” Rachel admitted, rubbing her neck uneasily. She wasn’t sure why she was suddenly dwelling on it, especially since Viviane was just an ordinary
Rachel and Armani sprinted through the forest, their hearts pounding with both anticipation and joy. Rachel had heard from the Moon Goddess that Brandon had triumphed over Kennedy in their duel. He had taken control of Pack Leinz following Kennedy’s death in their battle. Initially, Rachel was deeply worried, knowing Kennedy and Viviane often resorted to underhanded tactics. But she was also aware that Brandon’s strength was unmatched. “Mom, are we almost there?” Armani asked, matching his mother’s pace as they navigated the dense forest. The pungent smell of moss lingered in the air after a light drizzle had fallen just moments before. “Almost there, sweetheart,” Rachel replied. “Are you tired?” “Not at all!” Armani exclaimed, shaking his head with a determined look that made Rachel chuckle. “I’m the heir to Pack Manowi, strong like my father. There’s no way I’d feel tired.” Rachel let out a soft laugh, gently patting the top of Armani’s head, charmed by his confidence. “In th
Brandon made the announcement in a booming voice, addressing the guards, servants, Beta Gonder, Beta Suzy, Viviane, and her nine-year-old son—Volkov Li. He stood before Kennedy’s throne, with Victor positioned just below the steps. Everyone knelt before Brandon, affirming his claim over Pack Leinz. Viviane and Kennedy’s two Betas were forced to kneel under the pressure of Brandon’s overwhelming power. Viviane clenched her fists, her fury still burning deep within. Her tears had dried, but her heart was shattered beyond repair. She knew her life would change drastically after Kennedy’s death, but now she had one single purpose. She had to avenge Kennedy. She had to kill Brandon mercilessly, just as he had done to her husband. Viviane glanced at her son, who was bowing his head beside her. His face was pale and downcast, his lips sealed tight for hours. He was still deeply shaken by Kennedy’s death and Brandon’s claim over the pack that should have been inherited by Volkov. All he
"Viviane..." Kennedy struggled to speak, his voice barely audible. He coughed violently, more blood pouring from his mouth and staining his chin and neck. Viviane was hysterical, her cries echoing in the tense silence. "No! Don’t say that! Healers! Where are the healers?!" she screamed, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. "Someone call the healers now! Why are all of you just standing there?!" "No... Viviane... I don’t think... I can hold on... any longer," Kennedy stammered, his voice faltering. His trembling hand lay weakly in Viviane’s grip, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Viviane sobbed harder, her tears falling on Kennedy’s pale face. She clung to him desperately, her world unraveling as her husband teetered on the brink of death. Around them, the crowd remained silent, their expressions grim. No one dared move or utter a word; they all knew there was nothing they could do now. Kennedy's defeat was absolute. Blood continued to pour from Kennedy’s mouth, stai
“What did you just say, you bastard?!” Brandon growled deeply. Kennedy chuckled and pressed his hand against Brandon’s chest, forcing him to remain pitifully pinned down. “Yes, because soon enough, that poison will make you wither away, slowly destroying your organs,” Kennedy whispered. Brandon’s eyes widened in shock at those words. He struggled to free himself from Kennedy’s hold, but his strength had mysteriously vanished. Something was wrong in their duel. The poison. It was the poison that had rendered him this weak. Brandon’s gaze darted to the tip of Kennedy’s spear lying beside him, glistening with a clear liquid. He had been so focused on Kennedy that he had failed to notice the details of the weapon. Brandon cursed himself inwardly for being so careless. How could he forget Kennedy’s cunning nature—and that of his wife? Especially after Rachel’s own experience of being struck by a poisoned arrow. Brandon should have realized it earlier. They would do anything to win.
After calming herself, Viviane followed Kennedy to the front courtyard of the palace. There, Brandon stood fully armored, facing off against Kennedy. A silver sword, famed for its magical properties, hung at his waist. His gaze locked onto Kennedy, who didn’t look away either. The tension in the courtyard of Pack Leinz was palpable, creating an eerie atmosphere. Moments passed in silence, intensifying the suspense. A gentle breeze blew, causing the hairs on everyone’s necks to stand on end. Both Betas and the guards watched each other cautiously. Some of them were breathing shallowly, waiting for these two top-ranked Alphas to break the silence. Finally, Brandon let out a sharp breath and spoke, "I’ve come here to challenge you honorably! A one-on-one duel using the full extent of our Alpha powers. Win or lose, the stakes are Pack Manowi and Pack Leinz." Kennedy narrowed his eyes and smirked. "Are you serious about your offer?" "Of course." Brandon grinned. "I’m not one to make f