Kayla's POVLily sneered at me, her lips curling into a wicked grin as if she’d just discovered the most amusing game. "How dare you," she hissed, her voice low and venomous."How dare you think you have the right to speak to me that way, seems your five minutes of fame is getting to your head. Well, let me remind you that you’re nothing, Kayla. Just a speck under my heel. I could crush you without even trying."She took a step closer and I flinched thinking she would hit me again, “you're in this house only because you're a whore and when the King tosses you out in the street, don't bother coming home” she warned. “As for you” she turned to Azel but I pulled her away using my body to shield her away from Lily.I could feel Azel trembling behind me, her fear almost palpable. I clenched my fists at my sides, my heart pounding in my chest. I wasn’t sure where I found the courage, but I wasn’t going to let her hurt Azel.Lily’s eyes darted to Azel, narrowing as she took in the scene. "
The Lycan King's POVI could sense someone approaching before I even turned around. My senses were sharp, especially out here, where the sounds of the forest and the flow of the stream usually brought me a rare peace. I turned, my eyes narrowing as I spotted Kayla, I jumped a little not expecting to see her."What are you doing out here?" I asked, my voice coming out sharper than I intended. Did she usually wander? it wasn't safe this late especially in the forest anyone could sneak in unnoticed, Kayla, you're pregnant for goodness sake!She looked startled, like a deer caught in headlights. Her eyes darted around nervously, finally settling on me, or rather, on the fact that I was still naked. Her cheeks flushed, and she stuttered, trying to find her words. "I… I got lost," she finally managed, her voice barely a whisper.I rolled my eyes, more at the situation than at her. "You shouldn't be out here," I said, my tone softening slightly. "It's not safe."Her eyes widened, and she nod
Kayla's POVI almost laughed when Agnes made her comment about a mate’s jealousy, but I swallowed it down, the sound stuck in my throat like a bitter pill. They had no idea. To them, I was just some girl lucky enough to carry the King’s child. They didn’t know the truth, that I was nothing more than a tool, a breeding machine.The idea that I could be his mate seemed ridiculous, he was the King, THE KING!I was nothing but a weak, pathetic, broken spec under Lily's heel. I didn’t even have a wolf. What kind of mate would I be for a King? I was a disappointment, not just to the pack, but to myself. Lily would have been a better match, she was pretty, smart and would most likely know more about the pack affairs. Being with the King was a mistake like she said, if we weren't so drunk, I wouldn't have been in his bed, he wouldn't even look at me if we had met at any other time, it was just my luck.The examiner finally stepped back, nodding to the elders. “She is pregnant,” he said, his
Kayla's POV“Who told you to get dressed?" Lily barked out. I opened my mouth to apologize, to say something, anything, that might diffuse the situation, but the words got stuck in my throat.Lily opened her mouth to speak again but then the King removed his hand from hers then he moved up the stairs gently replacing his hand with Azel's.I looked up at him, startled. His expression was calm, but his eyes held a quiet intensity that made my breath catch. “I want to say you look beautiful but then I would only be describing you plainly"Lily's mouth snapped shut, shock flickering in her eyes. She seemed ready to argue, but the King didn’t give her a chance. "We’re going to the ball together," he added, his tone leaving no room for discussion.I could hardly believe what I was hearing. I looked between the King and Lily, unsure if this was really happening. The tension in the air was thick, and I half expected Lily to lash out again, but she just stood there, her fists clenched at her s
The Lycan King POVSocializing wasn’t my favorite part of these events, but it was necessary. I needed to keep up appearances, especially with the political tensions running so high lately. And with my brother’s unexpected return, those tensions were only increasing.The evening was going smoothly until I noticed something peculiar. As I mingled, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, I realized that every conversation seemed to circle back to one topic: Kayla.“She’s stunning,” one of the Alpha said, nodding toward where Kayla was seated.“And who exactly is she?” another member asked, curiosity in his tone. “I’ve never seen you bring anyone before.”“She’s certainly caught everyone’s eye,” another added with a knowing smile. “She doesn’t look like she belongs here.”The comments, though subtle, carried an edge of suspicion. They weren’t used to seeing me with anyone. I’d kept my personal life private for so long that even a whisper of someone new sent ripples through the room. A
Kayla's POV“Ethan, stop,” I whispered, my voice barely audible, even to myself. “I don’t want this. I don’t want you.”He didn’t seem to hear me, or maybe he didn’t care. His hands tightened on my shoulders as he tried to pull me closer, his lips brushing against my cheek, too close to my mouth. I tried to turn my head, but the effort made my dizziness worse.“Please, stop,” I managed to say again, my voice stronger this time, but still shaky. I pushed at his chest with what little strength I had left, but it was like trying to move a wall.Ethan’s persistence didn’t waver. “Kayla, you’re not thinking straight,” he murmured, his voice soft but insistent. “You need to relax, let me take care of you.”“I don’t need you to take care of me,” I said, my frustration growing along with my fear. “Just leave me alone.”He ignored my words, guiding me towards a bench in the garden. My legs felt like they might give out at any moment, and I hated that I had to rely on him to keep me upright. Bu
Kayla's POVFor the first time since I took that drink I felt sober, the earlier rush now occupied by butterflies, my only regret was how short the kiss was.My heart hadn’t stopped racing since that kiss. It was all I could think about, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t help being restless, glancing at the door every few minutes or jumping at every sound hoping the King would come back, but he never did.Instead, it was Azel who appeared the next morning, carrying a tray of breakfast. Her usual smile seemed a bit too cheerful, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment as she set the tray down on the small table by the window.“Good morning, Lady Kayla,” she said, her tone light and pleasant. “Did you sleep well?”I didn’t bother answering the question. The answer was obvious. “Where is he?” I asked instead.Azel paused, her hands stilling over the tray as she carefully arranged the plates. “The King, I'm certain? He had some matters to attend to, I'm guessing th
Kayla's POV“Kayla, are you okay?” The King asked, I nodded, turning around quickly trying to hide how I really felt. He reached out to me, but I stepped away retreating to my room. I knew I shouldn't let the words get to me, but it was hard to push away, I was the laughing stock in other packs- a whore who lured the King. Wow!Reaching my room, I paused for a moment before pushing the door open, I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, taking a deep breath to steady myself.That'll be the last time I had tea with anyone. I couldn't even understand the concept from the little Azel had told me when she was styling my hair. it was mostly drinking from a small cup, eating small snacks and gossiping.There was nothing thrilling about it so I would prefer to stay in my room, I kicked the shoes off my feet realizing I didn't stumble once, I was getting used to the heels.Taking off my dress, I changed into a shirt and sweat pants then folded myself like a sandwich between my bed
Kayla’s POVThe tears started falling before I even realized it. My chest tightened, each sob coming out as a painful gasp for air.“She left me there, she abandoned me” I croaked out, my heart feeling heavy.“She did it to protect you,” Silver whispered in my mind, her voice gentle, like a comforting breeze against my skin.I wanted to believe that. I had to. But the ache in my chest was unbearable. For so long, I’d believed my parents were dead, that I’d been spared from some type of accident but that wasn't the case.She had left me at their doorstep, she took my wolf and left me vulnerable,But at what cost?A sob escaped me, the kind that leaves your throat sore. I could taste the salt of my tears on my lips, and feel them slip down my cheeks and onto my skin. My hands shook as I wiped at my face, but the tears wouldn’t stop. My chest heaved, desperate to catch a breath, but each inhale only brought more memories.“Why didn’t she tell me?” I whispered, my voice barely audible ove
Kayla's POV“Kayla you're acting like a child.” Klaus calIed out behind me stopping me in my tracks.I never thought I could feel so much anger that I couldn’t breathe, I looked around, hoping this was a dream seeing Raymond changing out of his clothes. He looked like he didn't want any smoke and letting us deal with the issue ourselves.“You're unbelievable, Klaus” I snarled, crossing my arms.“I'm just saying you're acting a bit irrational here”Irrational?Irrational??It took a lot not to cross the room and punch him so hard he swallowed his words.“I'm sorry I find it a bit hurtful the only reason you're alive is because I risked my fucking life for you and you don't give a damn, rather you're accusing me!”“We're talking about a baby Kayla, the kid is innocent in all of this” Klaus retorted like I was bothering him.“Yes but I'm not, right? I'm the one who forged DNA reports. You are beyond reasoning with and I have better things to do” I turned around to leave but I stopped tur
Kayla’s POVSteam rose from the tub as I sank deeper into the water, letting it wrap around me like a cocoon. I thought a bath would help but I still felt as shitty as before.A knock on the bathroom door pulled me out of my thoughts. Azel stepped inside with a tray of food, her eyes twinkling with something and I could immediately tell she had some new gossip to spill.“Anything interesting today?” I asked, though I already knew where this conversation would lead.“Oh, just the usual palace chatter,” Azel said, setting the tray down on the side table. “You have been through so much, we need you well and rested.” Azel tried to shift the conversation.“No Azel it's fine. whatever you have to say I can take it” I said, sinking deeper into the tub so only my head was on the surface, my hair spreading through the water like tentacles.Azel walked up to the bath, splashing water, unable to meet my gaze before speaking.“It's Lily”I stiffened, my fingers gripping the edge of the tub, guess
Klaus' POVThose few days in the jail cell didn't seem so bad now. Being reappointed as Alpha after Kain made his division and managed to get people on his side wasn't an easy journey and now there was another baby on the way.It was one I didn't expect but one I couldn't turn my back on. I knew Kayla was right and sooner or later I would find a reason why trusting Lily was a bad idea but I was hurting Kayla in the process.Hopefully, this was all a game Lily was trying to play but funny enough if it came to that, I won't get mad but rather I’d be relieved.“Your majesty, good morning” Lily wore a long velvet red gown that stopped below her ankles, she looked beautiful truly, Lily was a sight to behold.“You called for me Alpha” she continued since I remained quiet I blinked back to the present, my eyes narrowing as I wondered what just happened.“Yes… I ehm we're going to the hospital” I voiced trying to keep my voice steady.The corners of her lips curved into a smile like I asked h
Kayla's POV“What nonsense is this Lily?” Klaus blurted out in astonishment while I stood frozen like a statue.I was at a loss of words or maybe I was unable to speak because my breath caught in my throat, it felt like my ribs had caged in, squeezing every bit of air out.“I have proof” she continued the torment and brought out a piece of paper from her bag waving it like a flag. Instinctively my hand reached out trembling as I took it from her."This can't be possible," Klaus muttered, his voice low, almost pleading, but it sounded weak. It didn’t even hold the edge I was expecting. He sounded like he didn’t believe it himself.I glanced down, my eyes skimming the bold letters that confirmed it. My heart clenched. I knew they had been together, I had seen it with my own eyes, felt the deep, cutting pain of the mate bond. I could endure all that again. But this? A baby?The floor seemed to tilt beneath me, and I had to steady myself, gripping the paper so tightly that it crinkled und
Kayla's POVI glared at Raymond, who just rolled his eyes for a moment. I didn't know what to say and I didn't have to as Klaus spoke up.“It's late Kayla, go to bed”“Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I just need to—”“No.” he didn't even let me finish taking my arm and leading me out of the gym. “I'll sleep in your room tonight. I had a long day and my bed is cold”The corners of my lips twitched but I forced down the smile, I was happy he would sleep in tonight but I just wished he would let me learn.Once we got to the room, he helped me change into my nightgown and slid next to me wearing only shorts, his arm wrapped around me, his fingers tracing slow circles on my skin.You’ve been through enough.”“I just—” My throat tightened. “My mother... She told me things. About my wolf, about the people after me.” I turned my head, eyes searching his face in the dim light.His hand stilled for a moment before continuing its path over my arm. “If they come for you, they’ll regre
Kayla's POV“Please send me back! I still have a lot to ask please”The seer shook her head. “I'm sorry Kayla but I can't, defying the laws of nature always comes with a price. We are not meant to communicate with the dead. You managed to twice, a third time is way too risky.” She stood up, stepping away from my hold and I sighed in defeat as I rubbed at the faint glow still lingering from the rune on my hand.“You can still use whatever she said to help you, what can you recall?”I took a deep breath, the memory of my mother’s voice still echoing in my ears. “She spoke to me about my wolf... about how it's powerful. She said people would come for me because of it.”The Seer’s brows furrowed slightly, her fingers tracing the edges of her table as if deep in thought. “There are a few wolves, very few, whose auras can be stolen. If you carry that power, then it’s no wonder the rogues are after you. They would want it for themselves.”“So, that’s what this is about? They want to take my
Kayla's POV“Yes, my gift from the pack guards to you so I won’t turn the pack upside down searching for the number of my kid, when she’s just cooking or doing whatever it is you do” he teased and I couldn’t help but smile.“Kids” I corrected, taking the phone out of the box. I looked up and noticed he was nervous. “Kids?” He echoed.“We’re not just having one child” I whispered, pausing for dramatic effect. “We’re having twins.” For a brief second, Klaus was completely still. His breath caught as the realization dawned on him. His eyes widened, shock flickering across his face before a smile slowly spread on his lips.“Twins?” His voice held an unfamiliar excitement, like he couldn’t quite believe it. “Yes, twins! Two lives growing inside me” I replied, trying to sound happy despite my heavy heart. He stepped closer, cupped my face in his hands, his thumb gently brushing my cheek. “You’re carrying two?” He let out a surprised laugh. “We’re having twins!” “There’s more.” His ha
Kayla's POV “Don't say that Kayla, I should have recognized one of them, I am the reason they came for you," he muttered, almost to himself, his hand curling into a fist by his side. "If I hadn’t—" "You can’t keep doing this," I interrupted, stepping forward. "This isn’t all on you." “It is. I wronged them, and now they want revenge. You’re in the middle because of me." “It wasn’t just about you, they knew things about when I left the pack... about my mother." His brow furrowed, confusion briefly replacing the guilt. I raised my sleeve, revealing the mark on my arm showing him the rune. "One of them recognized this. They mentioned her like they knew she marked me Klaus. This goes deeper than just revenge against you." He stopped pacing, his eyes dropping to the mark on my skin. “Your mother did this?" His voice was low, almost a growl, but I nodded. "She did. It’s complicated, the men didn't hurt me, not physically. They made this chant… I can't explain it but it's not you, Kl