Hudson's POVI stepped out of the car, the cool night air hitting me as I closed the door behind me. The meeting with the elders had been draining, and all I wanted was to get some sleep. My body felt heavy, my mind even more so. I glanced around the quiet street, the streetlights casting a soft glow on the pavement.Suddenly, my phone beeped, snapping me out of my thoughts. I pulled it out of my pocket and saw a message."Hello," I answered."Boss, I greet you, Sir," a familiar voice said on the other end."What's up?" I asked, trying to keep the weariness out of my voice."Boss, Black J has been carried by Aiden's men," he said quickly."What!" I stopped in my tracks, my heart racing. "When? How?""Sir, he just went out, and they held him hostage. They were in their numbers. I didn't even know how they knew our location," he explained, his voice shaky.I rubbed my forehead, trying to make sense of what I was hearing. Black J was smart, one of the smartest people I knew. There was no
Hudson's POVOne of the men, Mark, spoke up. "Sir, we believe Black J was captured by Aiden's men. They sent us a message saying they have him. We assume he was forcefully carried."I looked around at my team. "Hey, y'all should chill out. Black J will be back," I said confidently.The men looked at me in disbelief, as if I was just assuming what I was saying."Sir," Mark continued, "Aiden catching Black J means he will kill Black J if Black J doesn't give them instructions.""Don't worry," I said, trying to reassure them. "Black J will be back." I stood up and headed for the door, feeling their eyes on my back as I left.I got into my car, my mind racing. What is Black J trying to tell me? I thought as I drove. I had to figure out his plan and fast.I drove through the quiet streets, my mind running through every possibility. Black J was always one step ahead. There had to be a reason he got caught. Maybe he wanted to be captured. But why?I pulled up to a secluded spot and parked my
Hudson's POVI stormed out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. Aiden's words echoed in my head, fueling my anger with every step I took. How could he do this? How could he throw away everything for his own ambition? I clenched my fists, trying to steady my breathing, but the rage bubbled up inside me like a volcano ready to erupt.As I reached my room, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I slammed the door shut, my vision blurred with fury. I grabbed the nearest table and hurled it against the wall. It crashed with a deafening sound, the wood splintering into pieces. "Gosh!!! Aiden, you are pushing me!" I shouted, my voice raw with emotion. "How the hell did he get a higher stand over me to the throne? What did I do wrong?"I paced back and forth, my thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. The elders, the council, everyone was backing him. How had he managed to turn them all against me? I felt like a disappointment, a failure. The throne, the power, it was slipping through my fingers, and
Hudson's POVBlack leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "There are several, but the most influential are the Donovan family. They're old money, and they've got their hands in everything—business, politics, even some shady underworld dealings. Then there's Councilman Drake. He’s been whispering in the elders' ears, ensuring Aiden looks like the perfect candidate for the throne.""Damn," I muttered, trying to process the information. "So, he's not just going for the crown. He's making sure he has a fortress around him once he gets it.""Exactly," Black confirmed. "And he's not stopping there. He's been solidifying alliances with almost every Alpha in the kingdom. They've pledged their loyalty to him, mostly out of fear or promises of power."I shook my head, frustration bubbling up. "How did he manage to do all this so quickly?""He’s been planning this for years, boss," Black said. "While we were focused on other things, Aiden was making moves behind the scenes. He’s been collecting f
Chloe’s POVThe woman pulled back her hood, revealing a face etched with age and wisdom. It was the High Priestess of the Moon, a revered and feared figure in our kingdom. The crowd fell silent, recognizing the gravity of her presence.I felt a cold sweat break out on my skin. What has happened? I thought again, my mind flashing back to weeks ago, to a secret I had buried deep. No, no, it can't be, I assured myself, even as I was shaking.Aiden put his hand on mine, his grip firm and reassuring. "Don't worry," he whispered, his voice steady. "The Priestess is just here to cause trouble. I'll handle it."The High Priestess stepped closer, her gaze fixed on us. "I am the High Priestess," she declared, her eyes piercing through the gathered crowd. "And I bring a dire warning."The high elder's voice was steady but tinged with concern. "What is this warning, High Priestess?"She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving ours. "The union of Aiden and Chloe is doomed. The omens are clear.
Chloe’s POVThe door creaked open, and Ashley rushed in, tears streaming down her face. Without a word, she enveloped me in a tight hug, her body trembling as she sobbed. I could feel her warmth against my cold skin, and for a moment, the weight of my situation lifted slightly."Chloe," Ashley choked out between sobs, "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."Her words took a moment to register, and when they did, I pulled back slightly, looking into her tear-streaked face. "No, Ashley, it's not your fault," I said firmly, though my voice wavered. "You didn't do anything wrong."Ashley shook her head, her eyes filled with guilt. "I should have given you something authentic that day. If I had, the baby wouldn't have survived, and you wouldn't be in this dungeon."I reached out and took her hands in mine, squeezing them gently. "Ashley, listen to me. I went to the hospital myself to get the drugs. I tried everything, but nothing worked. This isn't on you. It's my responsibility, and now I h
Chloe’s POVAshley looked at me curiously, her brow furrowing. “What is it?”I took a deep breath, my hands trembling. “I need you to send a message to Aiden for me. I need him to know that I really want to see him.”Her face changed immediately, worry replacing the determination. “Chloe, you know that Aiden could have my head if he finds out I’m seeing you here in your prison. He’s very strict about these things.”I reached out and grabbed her hand, my grip desperate. “Please, Ashley. I promise Aiden won’t harm you. He’s the father of my child. He has to understand. Just help me pass the message to him because I can’t tell him myself.”Ashley hesitated, her eyes searching mine for any sign of reassurance. “Chloe, I’m really scared. What if he doesn’t listen to me? What if he gets angry?”“I know you’re scared,” I said, squeezing her hand tighter. “But you have to try. You’re the only one who can help me now. If you don’t, I don’t know what will happen to me or my baby. Please, Ashley
Chloe's POVMy heart raced as I heard the guards’ footsteps nearing my cell. I stood up, my legs trembling beneath me, and wiped my sweaty palms on my dress. When the guard’s voice echoed through the corridor, announcing a visitor, my pulse quickened. The cell door creaked open, and I held my breath, hoping against hope.Aiden stepped into the dimly lit space, his face a mask of fury and hurt. He looked as handsome as ever, but there was an unmistakable coldness in his eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. His stride was purposeful, each step echoing the anger simmering just below the surface. I longed to rush to him, to throw my arms around him and beg for his forgiveness, but his demeanor held me back.“My love,” I whispered, taking a tentative step forward, my voice trembling with emotion.“Don’t you dare!” Aiden’s voice was like a whip crack, freezing me in place. His eyes blazed with anger, and I felt a chill wash over me. This wasn’t the Aiden I remembered, the man who once loo
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