Nicole's POV As soon as we were discharged from the hospital, we took off to Alaric's pack. The drive to Alaric's pack would take about six to seven hours, and I just stared out the window, silent for the majority of the way. I wasn’t sure what I was doing nor what i was going to do at Alaric's pack when I got there. But one thkng i was sure of, me trying as much as possible to forget everything that had just happened about King Derek. I knew that Alaric was my second-chance mate, and he was already showing me how much he cared by doing things for me that no one had ever done, even going as far as teaming up with me to bring King Derek down for my sake. I guess the Moon Goddess has finally blessed me with someone like him, a mate that I would finally be able to call my own. But I couldn’t help but wonder if the pack would accept me as their leader. I am a nobody; I had no pack, no parents, no family. Regardless even though I was still an Alpha’s daughter, I was nothing. If Alaric'
The seriousness in his tone made my heart race. "Who?" I whispered nervously. "You’ll see." "We are here!" Charles immediately said as he pulled up in front of the castle. It looked even bigger now that we were closer. He made his way over and smiled, sensing the tension surging through me. “Come on, Nic,” he said, holding out his hand. I took it hesitantly, suddenly aware of my baggy clothes and cap that barely hid my face. “Alright, we’re here,” Charles said and pulled up to the front of the castle. It was even bigger than I had thought. This place was massive, and I was in complete awe as we stepped out of the car. “Alaric! Charles! Welcome home,” another really good-looking guy with blonde hair and green amber eyes said. “What’s up, Damon? Glad to see you didn’t burn down our home while we were gone,” Charles said. So, this was the Gamma. “Damon, where is Hailey?” Alaric asked. “She’s going to get your mum; they should be right out.” We stood there for a minute or so, then a
My brows furrowed as I looked at Logan, whose face was paler than usual. "What is it, Logan?" I snapped. Logan hesitated as he glanced down before handing me a folded piece of paper. "There's something you need to see, Your Majesty." I took it, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened as I unfolded the paper. soon, My eyes scanned the words, and my heart pounded harder as i read each line. Each word felt like a blade cutting me deeper.. It was a genealogy chart—a family record. Nic’s family record. My hands clenched as I read the name "Ironwood" and I began to remember what i did to that pack a long time ago. No… it couldn’t be. I forced myself to keep reading. There it was, staring back at me: Nicolas was the last survivor of that same pack. The only one left after… after I had wiped them out. My breath caught, and I couldn’t keep the shock from my voice. "Nicolas… came from Ironwood?" Logan nodded grimly. "Yes. He’s the last one. He somehow survived." He paused, as i
I woke slowly, feeling like I’d been asleep for days. For once, I felt... calm. Really calm. I stretched, letting myself sink into the moment. It had been a long time since I’d felt this way, as if all my tension and problems had finally faded and disappeared.I slowly slid out of bed and padded over to the bathroom for a bath—a very warm bath. I sank into the tub and closed my eyes, letting the water wash away all my worries. It felt refreshing and extremely comforting.Finally, I was no longer at Drogomor Palace, and at last, the Moon Goddess had smiled upon me, blessing me with a second-chance mate. I felt like I could just... breathe.As I let myself soak in the warm water, a calm settled over me—something I hadn’t felt in what felt like forever.“Finally, some peace,” Mina sighed.“Yeah,” I murmured. “Feels strange, like I’d forgotten what this was even like.”But even as I tried to stay in the moment, his face kept coming back. Derek. Those intense eyes. The way he always seeme
Alaric's POVI turned to look at her with surprise on my face. “What did you say?”“Interesting… for someone who seems more like an intruder rather than a member of this pack.”Every head turned to her in shock, and a faint murmur rippled through the table. Alaric’s eyes flashed with anger, and Luke immediately tensed. She was his sister, after all, and his gaze immedoately narrowed as he looked from her to me. But I held my ground, meeting her stare and refusing to let her rattle me.“An intruder?” I repeated calmly. “Alaric?”“Yes?”“Who is she?”“The biggest mistake of my life.”“That doesn’t answer the question.”“Her name is Emma. I had sex with her about a year ago, and I actually took her virginity. Ever since then, she has been trying to get me to sleep with her again, even spreading rumors that we were a couple.”“Were you ever a couple?”“No, never. I was drunk and frustrated because I wanted a mate, and this was when I was trying to find my mate. Emma was just there; she ha
Emma's PovAs soon as Alpha Alaric and his so-called mate were out of earshot, I shot up from my seat, barely able to contain my rage. I stormed off toward the pool with my three friends trailing behind. I had to vent, or I’d explode.“Of all the nerve!” I hissed, my voice dripping with contempt. “How dare he announce that little bitch as his mate! That place rightfully belongs to me!”“Emma, seriously?” Hailey sighed. “He doesn’t even love you.”I shot her a glare. “I gave up my virginity to him! That has to count for something!”Bella rolled her eyes. “No one told you to do that, Emma. You wanted to.”I felt a sting at her words but ignored it. “I’ve been in love with him since I was sixteen! I rejected my mate for him! I gave him everything, and what do I get? Tossed aside like I’m nothing! And now, out of nowhere, this premature little bitch shows up and claims what’s rightfully mine!” My voice grew louder. “And to make things worse, his mate is a male? How could the Moon Goddess
“I’ll do it! I’ll listen in on whatever serious talk they’re having!” I hung back by the corner, watching Alaric and his supposed “mate” whispering, just far enough from the pack to feel safe from anyone overhearing. Fools. Did they really think I wouldn’t notice? I felt my blood boil as I saw the way Alaric looked at him in a soft, caring, almost tender manner. He’d never looked at anyone that way before and I really want him to look at me like that. No rogue could ever take my place, and yet there he was, acting like hid mate was his whole world. I shifted, trying to catch their words, but I only heard bits and pieces. Alaric’s “mate” mentioned King Derek, and my stomach churned. What was the connection to Drogomor? None of it made sense; Alaric would never choose someone lowly like an Omega. A rogue and an Omega? It didn’t add up, but it just made me more certain something shady was going on here. “Alaric, remember when I told you King Derek wiped out my pack?” His voice sh
Just as I started to lose myself in Alaric's warm embrace, we heard footsteps rushing down the hallway. I immediately pulled away from Alaric, my heart racing as we spotted a guard approaching, looking tense. “Alpha Alaric,” the guard called out as soon as she set her eyes on him, before bowing respectfully. “I apologize for the interruption, but we’ve got a situation. Another rogue has been spotted near the southern border. The patrol team thought it best to inform you immediately.” Alaric sighed as his fingers reluctantly slipped from my waist. He gave me a reassuring look before addressing the guard. “Understood. I’ll be there shortly.” The guard immediately walked away. Alaric turned back to me with frustration in his eyes, as if he didn’t want to leave just yet. “I have to handle this, but we’ll continue… later,” he murmured. I nodded with my cheeks still warm from the kiss. “Be careful.” With a final look, he turned and followed the guard down the hall, leaving me alon
It’s been three days since Nicole regained consciousness for a brief moment, only to slip back into unconsciousness. And every single minute, I’ve stayed by her side, whispering in her ear how much I miss her, hoping that one day she’ll wake up and gift me with that beautiful smile of hers again. The doctors say her body is healing, but it’s her spirit I’m worried about. Nicole has always been strong, but this—this is different. She’s not just fighting for her life; she’s fighting against the weight of everything she’s lost. Alaric, however, hasn’t spent much time by her side. I’ve noticed his absence more than I care to admit. He’s been keeping himself busy, avoiding the room as though the very sight of her fragile state is too much for him to bear. Or maybe, just maybe, he’s up to something. I couldn’t help but wonder what was keeping him so distracted from our mate—our little mate. His absence wasn’t like him, not when it came to Nicole. It was almost as if he were tending t
Derek's POV “She thought she had died. She thinks she is dead,” I said, glancing at Alaric as we both stood outside the room. Alaric nodded, unable to meet my gaze. “Yes, my little pup…” His voice cracked slightly, betraying the pain he was trying so hard to suppress. I walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry for what happened, man. I really am.” He didn’t respond immediately, but I could see the storm raging behind his eyes. I knew I shouldn’t have lost control when she opened her eyes. I shouldn’t have let my emotions take over. But I couldn’t help it—what I had been yearning for had finally happened, right in front of me. “It’s okay. I understand,” he said simply, his voice tight as though he was wrestling with some inner demon. “We both want the best for her,” I said, taking a seat on the bench outside the room where the doctors had asked us to wait. Alaric hesitated for a moment before joining me. The silence between us was heavy and filled with un
Alaric’s POV I stood in the corner of the room, my chest tight and heavy as I watched Derek hold her hand while she lay unconscious. It hurt—hurt to see my girl like this, so broken and almost lifeless. Derek held her hand as he caressed her fragile arm. “I need you, Nicole. I need you!” he told her. I hit the wall as I battled with my own turmoil. I needed her too—we all did. I needed her to wake up. She was my mate, after all. My one true mate. “Nicole! Baby!” I could hear Derek scream her name in anxiety. I turned to see what was going on, and my eyes finally landed on those pretty, half-closed eyes. Oh, how I had longed to see those beautiful eyes of hers. She was awake. It felt unreal—it felt like a dream. I ran towards her, but all I could see was confusion. Confusion clouded her pale face, and I doubted her inner mind was truly here. Her eyes fluttered open, and confusion was etched across her pale face. I felt something twist deep inside me. Relief? Guilt? Both, maybe.
Nicole's POV Am I awake? No, I am dead. I must be dead! There was no way I could be awake. I mustn't have been rescued. It felt like I was dead. Everything was still, silent, and surreal. My body didn’t feel like mine—it just didn’t. It felt heavy, cold, and unresponsive. I lifted my body, ready to move. There were so many things I had to do. While I was dead, I needed to find my parents. I needed to see their faces at least one more time—to kiss my mother and whisper how much I miss her. I remember her laughter, her smile, her face, her pretty face. If this was the end, at least I would appreciate a more palatable one. But why did I feel so safe? Why did the air feel different? Was I rescued? There was no way I could have been. There was no way Alaric would come back looking for me—not to mention Derek. He had shed me and dumped me. I was a fool, a victim to his pawns. The sharp scent of antiseptic hit my nostrils first, then the faint hum of something mechanical. Was that in th
“Nicole, are you awake?” I asked an already obvious question as I leaned over to her side in panic. “Hey baby, you’re okay! Thank God you're awake!” I uttered as her eyes moved from hers to mine. God! How I have longed to see those pretty eyes of hers. “Nicole, can you hear me?” Alaric asked in a trembling voice. But she didn't move; her gaze was still fixed on me. She looked so confused and disoriented. I turned to Alaric, “Get the doctor!” He nodded before dashing off to the room. “Nicole, baby! You’re okay. You’re safe," I said as I ran my hand through her pretty brunette hair. “You’re with us now, baby.” But I didn’t get any response or attempt at a reply from her—not even a nod. Before I could say anything, I felt a trail of tears slide down my cheeks. How long I had missed her, her beautiful eyes, her anger at me, her touch, her flair—everything. I sniffed as I tried my best to conceal it. Immediately, the doctor opened the door and walked in. “King Derek, ple
Soon enough, the nurses arranged the bed on both sides, making it easier for us to stay close to Nicole.I climbed onto the bed slowly, wrapping an arm around her from the side. I didn’t bother to look at Alaric, who was seething behind me.He let out a low growl as soon as I placed my hand over Nicole’s and pulled her closer.She was cold—so cold.Alaric climbed onto the bed, moving closer to her. His hand rested on the other side of her frail body.His growl deepened as he adjusted his position, his intense gaze locked onto mine. The tension between us was suffocating.“Don’t,” I warned with, my voice steady and firm.He ignored me, his hand trembled slightly as he touched Nicole’s other arm. His jaw tightened, barely containing his emotions.“Nicole...” I whispered, my voice cracking as I leaned in closer. Her fragile, lifeless body felt like it could slip away at any moment.“Stop pretending you care more than I do,” Alaric snapped, his voice low but sharp. His red-rimmed eyes gla
I slowly walked towards her. I shouldn’t think of anything that might bring down my spirit. What matters right now is the safety of my mate, my girl, my lovely girl. I slowly walked to the other side where Alaric was standing and held her hand. I could feel my hand trembling. I had never felt this way before—so broken, so raw, so shattered. I slowly held her hand as I sat beside her on the bed. I lifted her hand towards my face and kissed the back of her hand. I could feel tears threatening to fall from my eyes. I gently caressed her cheeks—my poor girl. “My girl! My poor girl!” I uttered with my voice trembling. It was taking all I had not to let Ragnar take control. He wanted to see her, the little mate we had both broken—not yet! Not while she was still critical. The door clicked open, and the doctor walked in. Alaric slowly lifted his head as she looked at her. She bowed slightly, a sign of respect for both of us. “Alpha, I heard that the nurse informed you about
I started pacing around nervously. My gaze was on the door the whole time. I needed that nurse to come out and take me to my mate. I could hear Alaric's mom sigh before turning to Alaric. “I will take care of the pack, honey," his mom told him. "I won't bother you unless it is an emergency." He nodded absentmindedly. Nothing was important to him at this moment. I just wanted my mate in my arms. I just wanted Nicole. The door finally opened, and a nurse came out. "King Derek, Alpha, please follow me," she said and walked back inside. Alaric and I ran inside. I could hear his mom telling Alaric to link them when she woke up. He rushed inside and headed straight to a room. "Alpha, King Derek! You need to wait!” I could hear the nurse call us. We stopped and turned to look at her with a menacing growl. What the heck was happening? I could hear Alaric growl beside me too. He was just as angry and pissed off as I was. "You need to wash yourselves first," the nurse said as she
Never had I ever felt silence so deafening. Derek and I exchanged a glance full of surprise and anxiety. What the heck was happening in there? I don't think I have ever been this anxious, this angry. She has to be OK. My strong mate—she must be OK. "Alaric!" my mom's panicked voice pulled me from my thoughts. I stood up and hugged her. I needed it. I needed my mom to tell me that everything was going to be okay, that she was OK. "How is she?" she asked with a trembling voice, looking at Derek. "I don't know," he sighed, leaning against the wall. "She was barely breathing when we found her." She sobbed, and my mom gasped loudly. "She will be okay," I said with a shaky voice. "She has to be okay." "She will be. She is the strongest person I know." It was Derek. He was saying that more to convince himself, to tell himself that she was going to be OK. I let out a sigh. I really hope so. She must be! Nobody spoke next; everybody stared at each other with tensi