Jarod opened his eyes, finding himself in his bed. He sensed something had gone awry, a situation that would incite his rage. Although he didn't know the details, he felt the disturbance. He turned toward the slumbering figure beside him, drew her naked body closer, and initiated a kiss. It was a way to release the pent-up anger within him.He buried himself in her warmth, but it couldn't fill the void he felt. It wasn't the same warmth he once found when he sought pleasure from his long-deceased supposed mate. Something was amiss, and he vowed to get to the bottom of it. He wouldn't rest until he had answers, and the satisfaction he derived from it would be his reward. He had much to do, and the best time to start was now. He left the bed, got dressed, and left his companion to recover from their encounter. A smug smirk played on his lips; he had old friends to visit.ANNABELLE’S POVI paced my room, consumed by rage. I was not just angry; I was seething. The two people I had trusted
Layla tried to leave her mate's room, but he had already stationed two guards at the door. Layla wasn't familiar with these two and they asked her to return inside or they would carry her back. She preferred doing it on her own terms, so she walked back, closing the door behind her. She paced the room, thinking about what to do.This was what she didn't want, and now it was all repeating itself. She had escaped Jarod's clutches only to fall into another pit. Her life had been anything but great so far. She could have ended it all, but Annabelle's determination kept her going. She didn't want Annabelle's efforts to go to waste, nor did she want Clyde's death to be in vain.She took a seat, realizing that pacing wouldn't help her. She looked expectantly at the door, which opened to let someone in. That someone turned out to be Lisa. Layla jumped up and rushed to her, saying, "Lisa!"Instead of a friendly look, Lisa glared at Layla and invaded her space. She walked to the table and dropp
LAYLA'S POVI moved back, overwhelmed by the force behind her harsh words. This was the first time I had seen Annabelle like this. She had always looked at me with loving eyes, care, concern, and worry, but now it was as if she couldn't wait to hurt me, kill me, and be done with me."Please, listen to me, Annabelle," I implored."Why should I? You had plenty of time to make me listen, but you didn't. Now is not the right time," she retorted."I wanted you to be happy.""Happy? And do I look happy now?" she snapped."No, I wanted you to be with the Alpha. I stayed away so you could have your chance. I never knew he was going to turn you down."Annabelle growled at me, and I instinctively moved back. Elijah moved closer, but I signaled for him to stay put. I needed to do this on my own; I was sure Annabelle would take it the wrong way if someone else fought my battles for me."Oh, great," she said with a shake of her head. "You knew all along that he was your mate, and you listened to m
LAYLA'S POVThe next day when I woke up, I found myself in the bed. I clearly remembered falling asleep in the chair. I wanted my bed. If not my bed, then I wouldn't sleep in the king's bed as he wanted.Someone must have moved me to the bed while I was sleeping. Even my sleep had been restless. I still had the same dream, waking up to yet another dream before I could wake up finally to my present. Both my dreams were haunted. When I wasn't dreaming, I was dealing with people who hated me and wanted nothing to do with me.Nowhere was safe for me. I was sure that even if I died, I wouldn't be safe. My spirit might be in great torment and would be restless. So, what exactly did I need? At times, I felt like I had this darkness about me, over me, that was waiting to be let out, and I had no power over it. I groaned to be fully awake.I heard movement in the room and looked around quickly. I saw Elijah standing behind a candle. "I see you are awake. Good morning, Luna.""Elijah," I said,
The day went by without any trouble for Layla. That was because she had stayed indoors since finishing her training with Elena. Elijah advised her not to venture outside just yet; there were still things they could work on indoors. While Layla appreciated this idea, it seemed like she might be avoiding meeting the pack members.Her bathwater had been prepared for her before she returned to the king's room, along with a dress. It wasn't a dress she would have chosen for herself; it would have exposed her body and revealed her scars. So, instead of wearing the dress, she went to the wardrobe and selected something else, replacing the provided dress. Afterward, she dried her hair and tied it up softly on top of her head to keep it out of her way.Shortly after she finished getting ready, there was a knock on her door. It opened to admit Lisa, who brought her a meal. The two women stared at each other without a word. Lisa moved into the room and placed the tray on the table. She stood up
Elijah had no words for Layla. She looked so sad when she discovered the king hadn't bothered to ask about her. The king should have; it wouldn't have cost him anything, Elijah was sure of that. However, he couldn't question the king. The only thing he could make sure of was to give the king a report of how she was faring. Perhaps the next message would include her, or at least he hoped so. Layla appeared so small and alone, and he was doing his best not to make her feel left out.She had a significant role to play and a lot to learn. His mate would be moving in today, and he hoped with all his heart that she would give the Luna a chance. Observing how Annabelle and Lisa treated the Luna with anger, avoiding showing her respect, he didn't know how they had been with her before the party. But based on what his mate Nancy and some pack members told him, the ladies had been close friends.He knew he had a lot to do, things to set straight, people to talk to. But for now, he needed to foc
ANNABELLE'S POVI was in Layla's room, going through her stuff, searching for something she had asked to be kept private. It was all part of my big surprise for her. I spotted her comb, which would serve the purpose.That's when I heard the door open. Who could it be? I sniffed the air and recognized the scent. Layla entered the room and went to open the window, while I discreetly slipped the comb into my dress. Our eyes met, and I couldn't help but give her a mischievous smile. The shock on her face was worth it, as she clearly hadn't expected to see me in her old room."Annabelle," she called, her voice slightly trembling from the surprise of finding me there.Was she really alone? I didn't believe that for a second. Someone was likely waiting outside the room for her. "Hello," I responded, waving casually."What are you doing here?" she asked me, a hint of irritation in her tone."I prepared this room for you, have you forgotten? I have every right to be here since you won't be ne
Jarod left his office and headed to the throne room, where his men awaited an urgent meeting he had called for. With Viktor preoccupied, he had important matters to discuss with his men and assignments to give them. Lost in thought, he nearly collided with someone."I'm sorry, Alpha," the person said as they steadied themselves, and from their scent, Jarod recognized who it was."What the hell, Freya!" he exclaimed as she stepped away from him."I'm sorry, I didn't see you," Freya responded.Jarod raised an eyebrow at her, "What?""I mean, I was preoccupied," Freya corrected herself, "And I've been looking for you. You asked me to wait in your room for hours.""Keep waiting. I have this game to attend to," Jarod told her, and without another glance, he walked past her and left. Freya watched him depart with a frown; the fool had ignored her. It wasn't his fault. If only the other woman had kept quiet, she would have dealt with the Lycan prince. But Layla had to go and mess up her plan