As Caleb sits on his throne, he only vaguely listens to the discussions his advisors are holding before him. No one seems entirely sure what to do with Kira’s remains.As a former Luna, by right, she should be interred in the royal crypt within the capital. But, because of the situation of her attem
“I imagine the request will come sooner rather than later,” the third advisor said. “Gladys has been outspoken against you, my King. There’s even some talk that she wishes to publically face you, to confront you over your treatment of Hector and Kira.”Caleb laughs, thinking it a joke. When he sees
Knowing this conversation should happen in private, I lead Jason toward one of the sitting rooms attached to the Hall. We leave the door open, so others could peak in if necessary to ensure nothing untoward is happening.“If we keep our voices low, the others will not hear us,” I assure him.Jason n
Seeing the kiss, my stomach drops and the blood drains from my face. I didn’t see the lead up, nor did I hear the things that were said. But I can see it now, and the shock of it ripples down to my bones.After Caleb left Annabelle at their wedding, I thought things would be different. Caleb didn’t
The next morning, as I awoke alone in the bed, I immediately cursed myself for being so easily distractible. It never failed, the minute Caleb put his hands on me, I was lost to lust and pleasure. It was as if my brain clicked off and my body took over, with my heart caught in between.In the end, n
Later in the day, as the Council finally convenes, Caleb joins me in one of the side rooms of the Hall where we can speak privately.Though I’m eager to ask him about what his plans are with Gladys, given how the pack Alphas talked about her, the most pressing matter at this moment is Tristan.“Tell
The shock fully takes over my mind, keeping me from fully understanding for several long moments.Caleb is… disbanding the harem? It’s something that I always wished would happen, but never actually thought it would. My heart starts to race as foolish hopes fill me. Did Caleb do this for me?No, no
Bethany tries during the entirety of our shared lunch to convince me that Caleb is the one who gave the order to disband the harem.“No one else would have the right,” she says.I want to believe that, but it’s difficult to. This is such a dramatic step, and not one Caleb told me about beforehand. I
At first, I saw Caleb as nothing more than a brute, a vicious, ruthless tyrant who valued power above all else.While Caleb continues to be independent and stubborn, he has also become more compassionate. He is proud and strong, and loves me deeply. I cannot imagine a more perfect mate.A mate that
As I’m moving into Caleb’s room after today, I feel a sense of bittersweet nostalgia standing in my own room in the palace. Caleb has told me that the room will remain unchanged, and that I can continue to use it however I wish, but what I want most is to move forward in my life with him.I’m standi
Knees in the dirt, Caleb still manages to look proud, even as he surrenders.“I will give you the crown, if that is your wish. I will easily give you my life,” he says. “But do not harm my mate.”Tears well in my eyes. Caleb, my brave mate, so strong and proud, willing to lower himself to this becau
His face is pale, his cheeks sallow. All of his limbs sag heavily, as if being dragged down toward the ground with more than just gravity. He seems to be giving great effort even to just keep his head upright.“What do you want, Gladys?” he asks. There’s anger in his voice, but there’s also defeat.
Behind Samuel, I see Caleb rise up from the ground. He heaves like it costs him great effort to do so, yet determination sparks like fire in his eyes. With clear exertion, he forces his massive werewolf body to take a step forward. And then another, approaching Samuel.Samuel, who had shifted to hum
Caleb doesn’t answer, but I suppose he doesn’t need to. I know what he said. The soft way he is looking at me, combined with the tender way he strokes my cheek tells me all that I need to know.He said I am his mate.As a human, I can’t feel the draw of the mate bond as well as a werewolf could. I’d
Samuel glances from me to Gladys and then finally to Caleb. “You agree to this challenge? You will fight me for Harper?”“And for the kingdom,” Gladys says.“I would, if in exchange you disappear and leave us all alone,” Caleb says.Per the rules of the kingdom, any alpha can challenge the Alpha Kin
“Are you in any such position to offer such a challenge?” Caleb asks.“With Harper as the prize, he will agree,” Gladys says with total confidence.“And what kind of benefit would this give you?” I counter, pushing forward. Tristan lets me past him but Caleb does not, stepping in front of me protect
I can’t see what is happening, but I can hear it. Bethany’s terrified shriek. Her thump against the ground. The slide of a sword leaving a sheath.“Drop that weapon,” Caleb commands.“Everyone here knew I had no intention of leaving these two alive,” Gladys says, ignoring Caleb’s demand. “These are