I dedicate this chapter to YOU🥰 Thank you for YOU Thank you for YOU reading this far xoxo, Payson muse 🥰
DEMETRIUS’S POVAs I sat in my office in the pack house, with Foster and Lucas, we were discussing about the burial ceremony for our fallen warriors in my pack and that of the Moonsucker’s pack. I felt sorry for those who lost their loved ones in the attack, it was high time we had the burial and put the desk to rest. I looked up when my door opened and Elijah walked in followed by Red, the expression on their faces were serious and filled with dread.The sudden interruption was startling and I was surprised to see the two looking the way they were. The presence of Elijah and Red together was not something I love seeing, since they were connected to my mate. I wondered what Red was doing here when he should be with Layla all the time.“Alpha” Elijah said, his voice was filled with urgency, “We have a grave situation. It is the Luna, she is missing and we don’t know her whereabouts”The news was not what I was expecting and it came as a blow to me, I sank back in my chair as I stared a
ANNABELLE'S POVMy heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement as I entered the abandoned cottage. Layla lay on the floor where I had bound her, her eyes wide open, focused on me. The only light seeped in from the small, out-of-reach window. Layla’s frown clearly expressed her confusion and fear. I took great pleasure in the horror on her face, knowing I was in charge now, rendering her powerless.“Layla,” I said, my voice filled with a façade of calm, “It’s not time for you to be awake yet.” I approached her.“Wait, Annabelle,” she pleaded, and I granted her a moment to speak.“Why are you doing this?” “Wrong question,” I replied with a sweet smile.“What?” She looked confused.“Ask another question; you have just one more chance,” I told her.“What have I ever done to you?” she asked me.I maintained my smile and shrugged. “I love watching you suffer like I did. You came into my life and ruined everything,” I shook my head. “You need to pay for that.”“But… it was not my fault,”
Nancy approached Lisa and Grace in the garden. She had gone through the pack house looking for the two ladies, and the garden was her last place to check before giving up on her search. She had to confront them about the issue at hand; it was high time someone did something.“Lisa, we need to talk,” Nancy said, her voice laced with worry and determination. “Do you have any idea where Layla might be? You seem to know everyone’s business in the pack, and if anyone would be in touch with Annabelle, it would be you.”Lisa, who was good at keeping tabs on the pack members, was taken aback by Nancy’s question. Her lips twitched as her brows furrowed, her lips pulled in a tight line.“How dare you question where my loyalty lies, Nancy?” Lisa asked in anger. Her voice was heavy with hurt and anger. “I might have my own way of knowing all, but I would never jeopardize the Luna's safety for anything. That's not who I am.”The tension between the two ladies was great as they glared at each other
ANNABELLE’S POVI watched the conflicted expression on Jarrod’s face, a little satisfied with this. It would show him I am not to be taken for granted. I know he still desires Layla, the lucky mate mated to two Lycan blood-related Alphas. But I was not about to reveal her whereabouts to Jarod; he would have to earn it. I intend to play this game to my advantage.“So, where is she?” “Prince Jarod,” I began firmly, my voice unwavering, “I won’t disclose the whereabouts of Layla to you just yet. I understand your desire, but I want us to reach a conclusion on this issue of Demetrius and Richard first. Then you can have Layla to yourself.”I watched as his eyes narrowed; he was angry but holding it back. His wolf was at the surface.“Annabelle, what do you think? We are on the same side in this. Layla’s disappearance could be the key to shifting the balance of power in our favor, and we will need to act swiftly. I can’t watch this rare opportunity go to waste either,” Jarod continued.I
Layla opened her eyes to the dimly lit room, her heart heavy with the realization that she was still confined in the wretched cottage. Fear gnawed at her as she took stock of her situation. It was impossible to gauge the passage of time, and the aching emptiness in her stomach told her she was hungry, and her baby was suffering because of her.Layla's eyes opened to the dark cottage where she was being held captive. Fear gnawed at her as she realized no help was coming soon enough. It was impossible to know how many days she had been in the cottage; the grumbling of her stomach reminded her that she had been there for too long. She was hungry, recalling the days in Jarod's pack when hunger was a constant companion. But her baby was not accustomed to it. Layla had no idea how her unborn child was feeling, and she hoped the Moon goddess would take pity on them. She must not lose this baby; the thought of losing her unborn child was unbearable.The room felt stifling, and Layla's body pr
ANNABELLE’S POVMy whole plan was going downhill. Grace had not gotten in touch with me, which tells me just one thing: she has been caught by the pack. She should have contacted me hours ago, but there was no news from her. My frustration was immeasurable as I made my way to the cottage; I needed to vent out my anger.I stormed on Layla, who was waiting for me. She started to speak, but I cut her short in anger, my fists clenched. “This is all your fault, you wretched being. Grace wouldn’t have been caught if not for you. You have landed her in the same position you landed me,” I said.Layla’s eyes filled with confusion and pain met mine. She looked shocked at this news; my outburst must have taken her by surprise. “What? Grace has been helping you?” She asked, shocked.“Yes, you think all my friends would turn against me?”“I…” she coughed. “That is not what I mean,” she said.“Just keep shut,” I told her in anger as I delivered a punch to her face. Her lips were bruised, and it was
LAYLA’S POVI opened my eyes slowly; the pounding in my head had ceased, and I felt refreshed, though still in slight pain. I sensed my wolf again, indicating that I was healing. But how? Did Annabelle decide to treat me? The floor of the cottage was not this soft. As I surveyed the room, I realized where I was. My last conversation with Annabelle came rushing back. So she was true to her word; she released me so Grace could be free. I had more than my life to protect now."Hey," a familiar voice said beside me.I turned to see Elijah beside me, dressed in white, relief evident on his face. "How are you?" he asked.I smiled, not trusting my voice. I felt terrible for ditching Red and getting caught by Annabelle. How would I face Red after my stunt, especially when I promised him I would behave well?"You are healing well," Elijah remarked with a nod.I looked around the room. Where was Demetrius? I expected to see him the moment I woke up, but he was nowhere around me. "Alpha," I said
It was the seventh day of the war, and the battle had shifted away from the pack border. Jarod's men were able to penetrate the border, and the attack moved to the pack house. Lucas and Foster were holding theirs at the pack border, and they were almost winning.When everyone was focused on the battle, Jarod sneaked into the pack house to carry out his own plan. This was his time to kidnap Layla and make her his at last. He knew he was losing the war, even if his men were able to take the battle to Demetrius’s pack house.★★LAYLA’S POV★★I was scared when I heard the battle had shifted down to the pack house. Everywhere was in chaos. I tried to get the children back to safety and encouraged the ladies to return to safety. Elena led some ladies to defend the pack house, and through the entire chaos, I was lost in battle. Red, who was supposed to look after me, was busy fighting. I fought too. On the floor laid called warriors, pack members, enemies, and wolves too. Some were fighting i
Demetrius was in his room, going over the report Lucas brought to him about the operation of other packs when he heard a knock on the door. Knowing it was his kids, he stood up and went to the door, opening it a little to talk to the boys. However, the sneaky children made their way into the room, rushing to his chair and bed.“Mama?” Laish was the first to notice Layla before Demetrius could cover her up. The other two ran to him and helped each other up, joy in their eyes as they recognized their mama. Shamir turned to Demetrius, asking for confirmation.Demetrius nodded, “Yes, Mama.”“Mama is sleeping,” Laish said.“Mama, wake up,” Shamir said, touching her cheeks.“Kids, don’t wake Mama, let her sleep,” Demetrius told them as he carried Tristan down from the bed and then Laish. When Shamir saw he was next, he started crying, holding Layla's clothes.“Come on, Shamir, don’t wake Mama with your cries,” Demetrius said, trying to peel his hands off Layla’s clothes. Layla groaned and op
Annabelle used magic to throw Demetrius across the room; his head hit the wall, and the power holding him mid-air released him. He fell on the table, breaking it in two. The shock wore off from Demetrius immediately; he knew Annabelle was not planning on going easy on him. So, he charged at her, but she used her powers to immobilize him, rendering him unable to move.Demetrius focused on his inner strength; it had never been said in history that a Lycan king or queen was defeated by a mere witch, and it would not start with him. He felt his toes move, unbeknownst to Annabelle."Do you think you can defeat me?" Annabelle asked, not paying attention to his legs. She started pacing. "You can’t handle me. I am stronger than you think.""But it is killing you," Demetrius said, determined to keep her talking until he was sure he could move his whole body."What do you know?" she snapped. "You know nothing about me. I am not the Annabelle you used to know," she told him."Of course, I know t
Jarod and Annabelle heard the growls from afar and knew that battle was upon them. Annabelle went outside and directed her men on what to do. Jarod pulled her aside as the men got ready, some shifting while others remained in their wolf form, armed with weapons mixed with wolfsbane, weakening the enemy easily.“You should stay with Layla,” Jarod told her.“But she is dead,” Annabelle said.“We are not sure of that, hell, you are not even sure. Four men will watch you, in case you want to change your mind about killing her again,” Jarod said. Annabelle sneered at him, but he waved her away. “We need you to be safe.”“I want to fight!” Annabelle said stubbornly.“No, you are our secret weapon; you should stay safe first,” Jarod told her. “Watch her,” he told four men who escorted Annabelle back to the house.Jarod changed into his wolf to blend in with the men. He knew his strong scent could give him away, but he aimed to take down many enemy warriors.The wolves from the woods charged
★JAROD'S POV★It was fortunate that I overheard Annabelle's and Layla's conversation. She was falling into Layla’s influence again, just like three years ago when our entire plan went downhill. I quickly made my way over to them.“What are you doing?” I demanded, and Annabelle jerked like she was in a trance while Layla gave me an angry look, as if I had burst her favorite bubble. That's exactly what I did, I thought to myself.“Are you letting her sway you with rubbish words again?” I asked Annabelle.Annabelle looked annoyed. “I am not.”“But you looked smitten just now. Why is that?” I questioned her.“It is none of your business,” Annabelle retorted.It was a waste of time to argue with Annabelle once she had denied everything, so I turned to Layla. “Don’t try to sweet talk yourself out of this. We are ending this once and for all,” I told her. To Annabelle, I said, “We need to send the message now.”Annabelle nodded. “But the potion is not ready now.”“No more delays. Are you try
DEMETRIUS' POVAfter leaving my office, I went to the nursery where the kids were playing under the watchful eyes of Elena. She looked so tensed up, and I knew that the other ladies must have set her up to babysit the boys. And the three of them together are capital trouble. When the boys saw me, they ran towards me with super speed; their growth was so fast that they were comfortable on their own feet."Papa," they shouted as they got to me and surrounded me. Elena stood up right and bowed to me. "I will watch them for some time," I told Elena."Yes, Alpha," she said, sounding relieved. She bowed and left the room. "Play with us," Tristan demanded."Carry me," Shamir said, lifting his hands up to me. I knew if I carried one of them, all of them would want to be carried, so I dodged that request. I walked over to their playing mat and sat down; immediately, Shamir placed himself on my laps, occupying his space and claiming ownership. It would be trouble if any other person wants to si
★ANNABELLE’S POV★I was in so much pain; my whole body was burning. I knew I was cursed with the witch power running through my veins. The fact that Layla escaped my camp, a place I thought no one could penetrate, was a big shame to me. It made me more furious at everything I had built. I should be untouchable by now, but a weak girl, three children, and a weak male still escaped and went free. I wished Layla was conscious when they brought her back; she might be dead by now. I busied myself in preparing my weapon. If she doesn't want to die easily, then I will give her options to choose for herself. Then she won’t be able to escape death again.I picked up the potion bottle; it was a death poison. Instead of wasting energy to kill her, seeing how she had not turned up dead, escaped from Jarod, didn’t die when I stabbed her, I had to release her when I captured her, and Jarod tried to kidnap her but failed miserably, and now she is in my hands again. I am so done with her shit. I sh
Nancy gave the boys a bath, fed them, and watched them play in the garden. The children had asked her for their mama; she told them their mama was out, as the Alpha had instructed them to say if the kids asked for their mama. Nancy wished she had her own child. She was the one who told her mate that they should wait. She wanted to enjoy their time alone, but then the Luna came into the picture, and her mate had to attend to the Luna's needs, and everything happened so fast. Maybe now was the right time to have her own child, but the Luna's situation was a concern. Their Alpha did not believe his mate was dead, but Foster said she was dead.Foster was still asleep; he must be regaining his strength while on bed rest. Elena joined Nancy in the garden, and they sat together.“How are they doing?” Elena asked.“Well, they are fine. They have been constantly asking for the Luna,” Nancy said.“What do you think?”“What do you mean?”“Do you think the Luna is dead?” Elena asked. “I don’t wa
Demetrius was summoned to the north border. He hurried over to the place, running in his wolf form, which was faster than in his human form. He had to persuade his wolf, who had been angry with him for days since Layla left on her own to save their kids.He could vividly remember his last conversation with Demon echoing in his head.“You are a fool for staying here when it is likely our mate has been attacked.”“She does not want our help.”“Your help, you mean?” Demon retorted hotly. “We are one person, are we not?”“You should have gone after her no matter what. But what did you do? Stayed back, and for two days now, she has been out of reach. You are so comfortable with yourself.”“I have a pack to worry about.”“So, Foster or your kids are not part of your pack? Or talk about your mate. You don’t need her?” Demon asked him.“Of course, I need her. She is the one that does not need me!”“You sent her kids away from her; she hates you for that. And you won’t even allow her to visit
When Layla saw that everything was quiet, she went over to the barred gate and started working on the lock. She moved quickly because, from that moment, their cover could easily be blown. She heard the click sound, signaling that she had successfully unlocked the gate."It's open," Layla told Foster. She listened for any sounds, hearing none, she opened the door and motioned for Foster to follow her.They both stepped out of the cell and made their way cautiously, not moving too fast as they were still weak. Out in the open, they hid from the guards patrolling outside. When no one was looking, they changed their position and concealed themselves among the bushes."Can you tell where exactly they are?" Layla asked Foster, knowing it would be easier for him to pick up the kids' scent.Foster sniffed the air, attempting to pick out the kids' scent, but it was challenging, mixed with that of the rogues. "Let’s move away from here and try again.""We need to hurry up; they will soon notice