KING ARLO'S POVI let go of his shirt and staggered backward, needing to put some distance between us. Every inch of my heart ached from his words. The piercing stares fixated on us weren't helping. I couldn't conceal my agony from them. Luther had hurt me with his words and my agonized look was his trophy.A smirk formed on his face as he saw how speechless I'd gone. Sure, he was feeling like a fucking god right now. Crushing everyone who gave a fuck about Jordy seemed like his sole mission here."You look drained, your highness. You should have a seat, and try to get a grip on your emotions. It's as hard for you as it is for everyone," Luther said in a fake, soliciting tone. As much as I wanted to send him to hell, I didn't. I took a seat, just as he'd requested. He was right. I felt drained all of a sudden. His cruel words had drained me.I reclined on my seat, tuning out their conversation and getting lost in my world of depressing thoughts. His words reverberated in my head. What
Third Person's POV."Fuck this!" Zoey yelled exasperatedly, thrashing her phone aside. It fell on the floor, and she could hear it break into pieces, but she didn't give a shit. She was fed up, and the phone was only adding to her frustration.With a sigh, she tottered out of her room, crossed to the other side of the hallway, and shoved into her brother's room. He was lying in his front, typing away on his laptop. She huffed and plumped down on the edge of his bed."Please come right in, Zoey, have a seat," He mumbled sarcastically, closing the laptop. Her rude entry better have a good reason or he's kicking her ass out."I don't have to knock, Zach. We're twins, I should have access in here whenever I want," Zoey scoffed, falling on her back. She exhaled, fixing her gaze absent-mindedly on the ceiling."Yeah, like I have access to yours, right?" "It's different with girls. You don't just walk in uninvited. What if I was naked, or getting dressed?"Zach sighed, ruffling his curls wi
MESSIAH JORDY'S POVAn icy silence filled the hall and all gazes were on me. I tore my gaze away from Arlo and glanced at everyone seated in the hall. The familiar and a few unfamiliar faces of the palace council. There were so many questions in their eyes, and they made me oddly aware that I was back home. Back to the irky political mind games. Back to my fake identity, and back to the world where I was obligated to do and say whatever it would take for the safety of my parents. I glanced past them and my gaze fell on Luther's wide orbs. The old man was petrified. He was short of breath and was repeatedly hitting his chest. Deep down, I hoped he had a cardiac arrest and slumped right at my feet.After eavesdropping on his altercation and taunting Arlo a few minutes ago, I thought it was safe to say I knew just who my enemy was. Beta Luther, Father of my ex-best friend, advisor to my Father, and a long-time family friend. The man who groomed us from childhood, and was literally our
MESSIAH JORDY'S POVFrail hands wound around my body, caging me in a crushing hug. We had been like this for almost an hour. I was beginning to feel claustrophobic and needed to catch some air. The unending sobbing was getting pretty uncomfortable. It placed the cramped room in a tense mood. Like someone had died, or some catastrophe had just befallen us. When in reality, it was a reunion. A heart-wrenching reunion, I must say. I glanced up at Father, who was standing beside Mum and me. My soliciting eyes were understood and he placed a hand gently on Mum's shoulder."Honey, you're pressing her too hard. Give her a chance to breathe," He rubbed Mom's shoulder, and she let me go.Her wet, swollen eyes gave me another once-over and she broke into another deep sob. "How could they lock you up in here? It's so unfair," she cried, pulling me into another suffocating hug."Mom, I'm fine. I really am," It was hard to hold back my tears. But I had to. That was the only way I could convince
MESSIAH JORDY'S POVThe approaching footsteps knocked me out of the fantasy Arlo's arms had lured me into.With the speed of lightning, I bolted away from his grip. My shackled hands got the chains clanking at my abrupt move. I recoiled into the dark side of the cage. Arlo stilled. Not a word, and not a move. His eyes glistened with emotions that got my heart racing rapidly. The silver locks of his hair fell to his face, intensifying his pathetic look.I averted my gaze from him to the gate as the footsteps got closer. Two warriors showed up and they gave a curt bow at Arlo. I didn't get any bows. Right now, I wasn't royalty anymore. And it shouldn't get to me so much, right? But fuck, I was tearing up, I had to look away and blinked repeatedly to keep my tears in check."Your Majesty, I'm afraid, visiting hours are over," One of the warriors said.I gasped and turned around sharply. Arlo's gaze was still on me, and he caught the panic in my eyes. His dark brows arched slightly lik
Third Person's POVJamal strode into the house, taking off his jacket. He stretched it out and an Omega rushed to him and carefully took the jacket."Dinner has been served, young master," The female omega bowed.Jamal glanced at the dining area and there was no one seated yet. "Where's my Father?""He's upstairs,""Why? You didn't tell him dinner had been served?" "I'm sorry, young master. But he ordered to be left alone,""He's still locked in his study?""I'm afraid so, Young Master,"Jamal's gaze went up the stairs and he couldn't help but wonder what the hell was going on. It's been roughly eight hours since his Father returned from the palace meeting.He'd bumped into him at the doorway and he blasted him for it. Jamal was taken aback by his reaction. He'd known his old man forever, and today was the first time he'd returned home looking like he'd been hit by a cyclone of rage.He flounced into his study and that was the last time he's been seen. It was already midnight, and he
Third Person's PovDry leaves rustled under Jamal's feet in his brooding stroll through the woods. His head was lowered, hands in pockets, shoulders sagged in disappointment.He gave a frosty sigh, glancing at the crescent moon. The moon goddess must be twirling for joy, knowing he was finally having his karma. He couldn't pray to her, even though he wanted to. He was a villain, and she despised his kind.Memories of watching Jordy in the arms of the Lycan King had him stifling a growl. Jealousy spun around his stomach, bringing about a burning fury.He had no right to feel this way. He'd been the maniac who rejected Jordy, without a second thought. He'd spent months blaming Jordy for moving on rather quickly, but that was just him, being toxic and scared. And all the times he chose to stay away, he regretted them now.Which was why he'd been so excited when he heard Jordy was back. It was like the universe had given him a second chance to fix things with Jordy. He wanted to tell him
THIRD PERSON'S POVJamal stalked closer to the huge, wrought iron gate that led to the dungeon. His legs grew weak, again, he turned around and went to stand behind the huge pillars of the palace.His dark clothes synched with the darkness and made him almost unnoticeable. He sighed, leaning against the pillar with his arms wrapped around his chest. He glanced at the dark entrance of the dungeon. Why was it so hard to go through it?He's been out here all night, freezing his ass out. He couldn't sleep. Not because of Zach's super uncomfortable couch, but because his thoughts kept running wild.He was restless. And there was this fear that lurked around his heart, making it race faster than normal. Fear of Jordy getting hurt.Maybe he was just being paranoid, but he just couldn't shake off the feeling. That's why he rushed down here. And it's been two hours already. The morning twilight was slowly breaking through the sky.It made him more restless. In a few hours, Jordy will be summo
THIRD PERSON'S POV “Careful, Mother.” Jamal put out a hand, helping his mother out of the cab. She was covered in thick clothing and was still as skinny. But she had smiles that went deep into her eyes, a good sign of recuperation, both physically and psychologically. He watched as the driver pulled their luggage from the car and two of the men he'd brought along were taking care of them. Staring at the crowded airport, Jamal felt a heavy sense of melancholia. Growing up, he'd never thought he'd be here. His Father had given him traditional teachings and had repeatedly told him how he'd be in charge of the Pack someday, so he shouldn't bother getting knowledge of things happening outside the pack. How much he'd believed that. Standing here, with his passport in his hands, ready to leave, was a twist he never saw coming. “Let's go inside, son.” His mother urged him. He nodded, linking their hands and taking another glance back. As badly as he wanted to leave this Pack
MESSIAH JORDY'S POV TWO WEEKS LATER “He's so beautiful,” The nanny mused. I glanced at her and nodded with a teary smile, before returning my gaze to my baby. “Yes, he is. Isn't he?” My Reon Arlo Jnr. had to be the prettiest baby I've ever seen. Rapidly growing, he was already taking a few steps and was making baby babbles. Right now, dressed to the nines, he was in his crib, playing with his toys and laughing out loud. He had an amazing laugh. His smiles were heavenly. I could sit all day just watching him, and I've been doing exactly that in the last few days. Enjoying being a mother. Enjoying being a wife and a mate. Enjoying freedom. After Luther's death, I left our Pack. It wasn't an easy choice, though, as the elders and the people pleaded that I stay back and lead them. Arlo wouldn't give in to their request. According to him, he made a promise to my mother to free me from the shackles that being born as royalty put on me. He vowed to rescue me from the p
MESSIAH JORDY’S POV The interrogation hall was crowded, awaiting my entry. All the elders of the pack were present. All the sentinels, all the higher-ranked individuals, and a few representatives for the masses. Literally every single person that contributed to the growth of this Pack was present, and I was having almost a panic attack going out there. Again, I looked down at my outfit, teary-eyed anew by it. When Arlo and Jamal had planned on taking over the pack, and when I suggested helping them out, I just wanted to give them ideas and have the satisfaction of knowing that they cut off Luther’s minions and successfully handed him to the elders to be punished by the law. I wasn’t really dreaming to be part of it. I just wanted to experience it. But then, I had the shock of my life when Gamma Micah and a few elders came to see me at Arlo’s Pack. They told me about Luther being captured and made the most unbelievable offer of me, being the one to interrogate and punish hi
Third person’s POV Luther studied his son wondering how he managed to birth such a useless weakling. His mother wasn’t always weak. Maybe it was his relationship with those bastards; Jordy, Zach and Zoey that made him this way. Evil communication really does corrupt good manners. ‘Cause he was sure he didn’t raise his only child this way and he had to let him know. “No, son. No matter how deeply and intently I think about it, I don’t feel sorry for the things I did to get here. They were necessary, they had to be done.” He deadpanned. “And I don’t need you as a son or as a family anymore. Not when I’m on the verge of getting myself a new family. A new heir. One who’d be brave enough to be on my side, regardless. Not a fickle guy like you.” Jamal could hear the deafening sound of his heart shattering into a thousand pieces. He’ll never get an apology. His father will never feel sorry. He better stop dreaming about it. Alongside the noises he heard were the faint grunting sou
THIRD PERSON'S POV “What are you doing here?” Luther had displeasure in his voice as he got down the stairs. His servants had interrupted his hot fuck with one of the girls his men captured. He was just about to hit another orgasm when they rudely interrupted him, telling him of some important visitor and how his attention was needed. He'd been angry about someone visiting him at this late hour. Angrier about them ruining his fun. But then again, they said it was someone important and he'd thought it was one of his assassins. Or someone really important. He hadn't expected it to be his worthless son. Seeing Jamal instantly plunged him in a crappy mood and he wanted nothing but to chop off the heads of all the maids who'd come to call him. “Hello, Father.” Jamal greeted blandly, hands in his pocket trying to look really at ease so as not to give his Father something to suspect. “Father?” Luther scoffed. “The last time I checked, you said you disowned me as your Fa
THIRD PERSON'S POV “Father,” Zach was up on his feet, staring nervously at the frail figure of his father, Gamma Micah, as he got down the stairs. Gamma Micah was dressed in loose pants and a loose shirt that was definitely his sleeping outfit. His eyes were groggy and his face had heavy traces of sleep stained on them. He looked every bit unamused by having his sleep cut short by a sudden mind-link from his son. “What's the problem, son? Why do you want to speak to me in the middle of the night?” “I’m sorry about the disturbance, Father. It's just…” “Are you okay? Did something happen to you?” Gamma Micah questioned, going closer to do a quick scrutiny of him. Zach stopped him with a smile. A sad smile. “I'm fine, Father.” Ever since Zoey's death, his father has become more agitated, more paranoid, and extra concerned about him. It should be a nice thing, the extra concern would have been soothing if it didn't have trauma written all over it. Zoey's demise
Messiah Jordy’s POV “Uh, let's continue.” Jamal cleared off an unfamiliar crankiness in his voice as his fingers moved to the map again. I looked at it and was partly stunned to see it was a map of our pack. A vivid map that showed every route that led in and out of our Pack. “Confronting my father head-on isn't ideal. He's way too vicious now and would never back down. Regardless of how bloody the fight gets. And if the fight does get bloody, the casualties would be the poor members of our Pack. I don't want that…” “Yeah, me neither.” I chipped in, shuddering at the thought. “Whatever you guys are planning, please don't risk the safety of my people..” My people…I already got the words out before I realized. Were they still my people? Luther was already in control of my Pack. Could I still boldly call them my people? “Don’t worry, Jordy. I do not plan on hurting your people. I swear it.” Arlo smiled, giving my hand a warm squeeze. I smiled, feeling calmer. “So how
MESSIAH JORDY’S POV Waking up alone in the bedroom had been slightly terrifying, but I forced myself to take a deep breath and not panic. This wasn’t my Pack. This was Arlo’s kingdom. This was his house and I could never get hurt here. My eyes were heavy and my bones were sore. How long did I sleep? Glancing at the clock and realizing it was morning made me go through a quick mental count and realize that I must have slept all through yesterday. Because the last time I was awake, it was dawn, and I’d started wailing again. Arlo was there holding me back, trying his hardest to calm me but that had been impossible. I only felt a weird sense of calmness when the syringe pierced into my skin again. He sedated me again. I must have fallen asleep right at that moment and stayed asleep all day until now. Unlike every other time I regained consciousness, I didn't really feel like wailing again. More like, I was too exhausted to. With a groan, I slowly stepped down from the bed
KING ARLO’S POV “Goodnight, man.” Slauson patted my shoulders as we met on the stairs. He was going to bed while I was going downstairs to the kitchen to grab myself a bottle of water. “Goodnight,” I replied, jogging down the remaining staircases and taking a turn in the hall that led me into the pitch-dark kitchen. My hands went to the switch and I flicked it on. I turned and was slightly stunned by the figure who was seemingly brooding in the darkness that I got rid of when I turned on the light. Jamal. Earlier, he was sitting in the living room alone. And now, he’s here, with a can of beer in his hand and his eyes looking rather too heavy. He looked at me and leaned up, gesturing at the can of beer. “I needed a drink and I got this from the refrigerator. I’m sorry if I overstepped my bounds.” One, it was the first time he was being polite to me, and it weirdly made my heart flutter. “Nah, it’s fine. Go ahead.” I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of wat