Chloe's POVSuddenly, I heard footsteps approaching where Ashley and I were seated. Almost immediately, we both reduced our voices drastically, even as we waited. As I was backing the person, I strained to hear who it might be. After a while, a guard walked up to me and greeted me."Good day, my queen," he said. "Prince Aiden has instructed that we start gathering your things. We would like to ask for your permission before you move into your chambers.""Wow... so soon?" I said in shock and surprise."Yes, ma'am," the guard replied. "He instructed that it happens now.""You and your men should wait," I said firmly. "I need to speak with Aiden first.""Ma'am, I—" he began, but I cut him short."Are you alright? Do you dare question your queen?" I said sharply."Sorry, ma'am," he said, bowing and walking away."What rubbish," I muttered under my breath.Ashley leaned closer, her expression serious. "This is getting more complicated by the minute.""I know," I replied, frustration seepin
Chloe's POVClaire walked in with an air of authority, her eyes immediately locking onto me with a look of pure disdain. Her gaze was piercing, filled with disgust and contempt, as if my mere presence was an insult to her. She strode confidently across the room to Aiden, her movements graceful yet commanding. The disdain in her eyes cut through me like a knife, her lips curled in a sneer that left no doubt about her feelings towards me.As she reached Aiden, her expression softened into a mask of concern. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug that seemed more possessive than comforting. "Aiden, how are you? Are you feeling any better?" she asked, her voice dripping with sweetness that felt insincere.Wait… What? I thought, my mind racing. Is this why Aiden wants me gone? So he can get back to his first wife? Wow! I thought but I just kept my mouth shut, even as I watched the scene unfold before me.Claire glanced over her shoulder at me, her eyes narrowing with satisfaction as she
Chloe's POV"Princess Chloe, please let me in," Ashley begged again. Her voice was soft, pleading."Ashley, go the fuck away!" I screamed, falling to the ground. I couldn't hold it in anymore. The pain was too much. I hugged my knees to my chest, sobbing uncontrollably. The room felt like it was closing in on me, and I just wanted it all to end.I wanted to end it all. The thought was terrifying, but it was there, lurking in the back of my mind. I felt so alone, so completely and utterly alone."Chloe, please," Ashley's voice came through the door again. "I just want to help.""Help? How can you help?" I spat out, my voice trembling. "You can't fix this. No one can fix this."I heard a soft sigh from the other side of the door. "Chloe, you're stronger than this. Please, let me in. We can talk.""There's nothing to talk about," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Aiden hates me. He doesn't want me here. What's the point?""Because I care about you," Ashley said. "And I know you c
Chloe’s POV"Yeah, sure... I'm fine," I said, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break down. "I'm all good. I'll leave you, your King, and your palace alone.""Chloe, it's not like that. Trust me, there's a whole lot more going on than you realize," Lucas said, trying to sound sincere."Lucas, it's fine," I cut him off, keeping my voice steady even though I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. "There's no need to apologize for anything at all. Trust me, I'm fine. Like nothing is wrong. I understand. Aiden has responsibilities. I'm just an obstacle in his way, and I need to go. So I'm cool with it."Lucas looked at me, concern etched deep into his features. He didn't say anything more, just helped me get my suitcase to the car trunk. I was about to get inside the car when he stopped me."Aiden requests your presence before you leave," he said softly.I shook my head, feeling anger rise up in my chest. "I don't want to see him, please, Lucas.""Chloe, please, you n
Chloe’s POVMason just hissed, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Lucas. "Is her luggage in the trunk?" he asked rudely.Lucas, matching his tone, responded, "Yes, it is."Mason smirked. "Perfect. Now, Chloe, can we leave?" He turned to look at me, his gaze challenging and filled with disdain.I felt my blood boil. I hated this man, hated the way he made me feel like a burden, hated the way he was so indifferent to my pain. I looked at him with eyes that could kill, my anger barely contained. "I hate this man," I muttered under my breath, loud enough for him to hear.Mason's smirk only widened. "Glad to know the feeling's mutual."I hissed back at him, refusing to let him get under my skin any more than he already had. I walked to the other side of the car, my steps heavy with anger. The day had been a nightmare, and now I was stuck with Mason, the last person I ever thought I’d have to rely on.As I got into the car, I slammed the door shut, the sound echoing in the quiet garage. Mas
Chloe’s POVMason's demeanor shifted abruptly, his expression hardening. "Chloe, what are you doing?" he snapped as I picked up a piece of meat with my hand. "Why are you embarrassing me in public?"I froze, shocked by his sudden change in tone. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly."Look at you, eating like that," he continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "People are watching us. Have some dignity."I put the meat down, my appetite vanishing. "Is this who they really want me to spend the rest of my life with?" I thought to myself, feeling a mixture of anger and despair.Trying to keep my composure, I asked, "Mason, when will we be leaving for home?""Home?" he repeated, a mocking tone in his voice. "Which home?""My father's pack, of course," I replied, growing more confused and frustrated."Oh, that," he said dismissively. "Nah, we're not going there.""What?" I said, my voice rising. "I don't get it. Where are we going, then?"He remained silent, avoiding m
Chloe’s POVAs I was still thinking about how I was going to escape, suddenly I heard a knock on the door. My mind cut. Who could it be? "Who is there?" I said, my voice trembling slightly."It's me, ma'am. Room service," someone said from the other side.Room service? I didn't order anything. "Oh... come in," I said, even as I wondered how room service came here.A young woman in a uniform entered, carrying a tray. "Good day, ma'am. We wanted to ask if you would need anything.""No, no, I'm fine," I replied quickly. "My... my husband has gone downstairs to get something for us both." I stammered, unable to get myself to call Mason my husband."Okay, ma'am. Sure, ma'am. That's all good. If you need anything, just ring the bell by the side of your bed, ma'am," she said, smiling politely before turning to leave.I nodded, my mind racing. This was my chance to gather my thoughts and make a plan. I couldn't stay here; I needed to find a way out. As soon as the door closed behind the room
Chloe’s POVThe cabin was dark and musty, with cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. I crept to the back and hid behind an old, broken-down couch, trying to catch my breath. My heart was still racing, but I had to stay quiet.I listened intently, straining to hear any sounds outside. Minutes passed, then an hour, but there was nothing. It seemed like I had finally lost them.I allowed myself to relax a little, leaning back against the wall. I needed to rest and come up with a plan. I couldn't keep running forever. I needed to find a safe place to hide and figure out my next move. Where would I go from here?My thoughts were racing, but one thing was clear: I needed to get as far away from Mason as possible. The idea of crossing into another pack's territory came to mind. It was risky, but the thought of facing rogue wolves seemed more bearable than falling into Mason's hands again.I waited until nightfall, hoping to use the cover of darkness to my advantage. I knew it was dangerous, but
Years LaterThe grand festival continued into the night, but as the celebrations waned, a quieter, more reflective scene unfolded. Amidst the joy and laughter, Aiden and Chloe found themselves watching their children, Alex and Mia, play in the castle’s expansive gardens.Alex, now a young man of seventeen, had inherited his father’s strong, determined spirit. He was tall and confident, with a sharp gaze that seemed to miss nothing. His interactions with the other children were marked by a natural leadership, a blend of kindness and authority that spoke of his future role as a leader.Mia, a year younger than Alex, was equally impressive. She was vibrant and intelligent, with a keen sense of justice that mirrored her mother’s. Even at her young age, her ability to understand and empathize with others was remarkable. She moved through the crowd with a grace that drew people to her, her laughter and energy infusing the air with an infectious enthusiasm.As Aiden and Chloe watched their c
Aiden’s POVI stood there, my mind racing with a mix of shock, betrayal, and disbelief. The flashing red and blue lights of the police cars painted an eerie glow on the faces of the people I once called family. Claire, Mason, and Hudson were being led away in handcuffs, their expressions a mixture of anger and resignation."It's funny," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else, "how people you call your family and blood would turn against you."Ashley, my best friend, stood beside me, her face pale. "I can't believe they had a hand in your son's disappearance," she whispered, her voice trembling. "All this time..."I shook my head, feeling a bitter laugh bubbling up. "Yeah, I know the world is wicked and all, but nah... this was too massive," I said, my voice rising with emotion. "Like wow... damn... so I really had fake bloods around me."The words felt foreign in my mouth, like speaking in a language I didn't quite understand. I watched as the police shoved Claire into the back o
Claire’s POVI arrived at the abandoned building, its skeletal structure of steel beams and concrete looming ominously against the twilight sky. This place, once a construction site left unfinished, now served as a perfect hideout for clandestine activities. Pulling up in my car, I shut off the engine and stepped out, my senses on high alert. Just then, my phone buzzed with a call from Mason."Mason, where are they?" I asked, my tone brisk."They’re inside the building, Claire. Just walk in, and you’ll find the kid," Mason's voice crackled over the line."Alright," I replied, my eyes scanning the darkened entrance. "I’m heading in now."Walking towards the entrance, the crunch of gravel underfoot punctuated the silence of the evening. As I stepped inside, the dim light from the setting sun barely penetrated the building’s interior, leaving me in shadowed uncertainty. I called out as I moved further in, my voice echoing off the empty walls."Mason, I’m inside. I don’t see anyone yet."
Claire’s POVI entered my room and slammed the door, shaking the walls with the force of my anger. My breath came in ragged gasps, and my heart pounded furiously in my chest. God!!!! Chloe!!!!!! After all I have done to get rid of you, you still were able to squeeze yourself back into my life. Wow... Nice. I muttered to myself, an evil smile playing on my lips as I paced back and forth, trying to calm the storm inside me. I will make sure you and Aiden never have peace of mind.The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn tight to shut out the world. My desk was cluttered with papers and books, the remnants of a life I was trying to rebuild. But now, all I could see was red. Memories of Chloe flooded my mind – the times she outshone me, the moments she humiliated me, the way she always seemed to have Aiden's attention.I paused in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My eyes were wild, filled with a mix of rage and determination. "You always thought you were better than me, di
Aiden’s POVThe room was dimly lit, and the smell of antiseptic was heavy in the air. I blinked slowly, trying to clear the fog from my mind. My head throbbed with a searing pain that felt like it was tearing through my skull. It took a moment for my surroundings to come into focus—the hospital room, the steady beeping of monitors, and the IV drip attached to my arm."Finally, you're awake," a familiar voice broke through the haze. It was Lucas, sitting in a chair beside my bed, his face a mixture of relief and concern."Lucas..." I croaked, my voice raspy and weak. "What... what happened?"He leaned forward, his eyes never leaving mine. "Aiden, we thought we lost you. Chloe managed to reach me after it all happened. She said you both were attacked."I struggled to sit up, wincing as pain shot through my body. "Yeah, we were... Is she okay? Are the kids okay?"Lucas hesitated, his silence stretching like a taut wire. I repeated my question, my voice rising in urgency. "Lucas, are Chlo
Aiden’s POVI was beyond happy as I drove my family back with me to my pack. Having Chloe and my kids in the car was one of the happiest things that had ever happened to me. As I heard Mia and Alex having their playful banter in the back seat, I couldn’t help but smile. Yeah, finally, I had gotten what I had been missing all this while to myself."Why are you smiling really hard?" Chloe asked, her voice pulling me back from my thoughts."Ooh, nothing," I said, my smile widening."Hmm, you sure?" she asked, giving me a sideways glance."Yeah, just thinking about how perfect everything is right now," I replied, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road."I can see that," she said with a soft laugh. "It’s kind of contagious, you know.""What is?" I asked, curious."Your smile. The kids are smiling too. Look at them," she said, turning slightly to look at the back seat.I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Mia and Alex giggling, their faces lit up with joy. It warmed my
Aiden’s POVThe guard took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. "The news reaching us right now is that Aiden will be returning with Chloe.""Okay?" I replied, confusion lacing my voice. "That's good news... because I know definitely he's returning with her head in a ba—""No, Your Highness," the guard interrupted, his tone more urgent. "It is said that they are returning as couples.""What! Couples? How?" I exclaimed, standing up so abruptly that my chair toppled over. "Isn't Aiden meant to kill her for him to have peace? Wasn't that what the goddess we paid instructed him to do?""Yes, sir, but—""But what?" I cut the guard off angrily. "See, get me Claire," I told him, even as I sat back angrily in the bathtub. "What sort of rubbish is this?"The guard nodded quickly and scurried out of the room. I leaned back in the tub, the warm water doing little to soothe my rising irritation. How could Aiden betray us like this? What could possibly have happened?Minutes later, Claire,
Aiden’s POVBefore I could answer, Chloe's stepfather, the alpha of the pack, interrupted me. His stern expression softened as he looked at Chloe and then turned to me, confusion etched on his face.'What is going on here?' the alpha demanded. 'Who is this man, Chloe?'Chloe took a deep breath and stepped closer to her stepfather. 'Dad, this is Aiden. He was... he was my husband.'The alpha's eyes widened in shock. 'Your husband? The one who...''Yes,' Chloe interrupted, her voice trembling. 'The one who sent me away.'The alpha's gaze turned hard as he looked at me. 'You have a lot of explaining to do, young man.''I know,' I said, meeting his gaze. 'I owe Chloe and you an explanation.'Chloe gestured for us to sit. 'Let's all sit down and talk. There's a lot to discuss.'We moved to the sitting area, the tension in the room palpable. Chloe sat next to her stepfather, while I took a seat across from them.'Aiden,' the alpha began, 'I want to hear your side of the story. Why did you s
Aiden’s POV"Hey, sir, sorry to intrude, but I couldn't just keep quiet. You really have amazing grandkids, Sire," I said, trying to mask my curiosity with a friendly tone.King Aiden looked at me and chuckled. "Yeah, I sure do. They are really something special. My grandkids are the best gift life has given me.""That's really lovely, Sire," I said, genuinely touched by his pride. "From the way your grandson looked, I'm pretty sure their mother must be very beautiful."The Alpha's face lit up with a broad smile. "Oh, you have no idea. My daughter is beyond beautiful. She's a queen in every sense of the word," he said, his voice filled with pride as he continued praising her beauty and grace."I can imagine," I said, smiling. "She must be very special to have such a wonderful son.""She is," King Aiden nodded. "Chloe has always been the heart of our family. Strong, kind, and fiercely protective of those she loves."As we continued our meal, the atmosphere was light and filled with lau