Chloe's POVThe dinner had lost its flavor in my mouth, my appetite vanishing with the unsettling thoughts swirling in my head. Pushing my plate aside, I sighed and looked at Ashley. "I'm done. Let's head back to my room. We have things to discuss."Ashley nodded, her concern mirroring mine. "Yes, ma'am."We rose from the table, the clink of silverware and soft murmurs of the other diners fading into the background. As we walked down the hallway, the grandeur of the palace seemed almost oppressive, its ornate decorations and rich tapestries failing to offer their usual comfort. My thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and worry. What was going on with Aiden? And what mission could Hudson possibly be on?Just as we reached the staircase, Lucas appeared at the top, his expression serious. "Good morning, Princess Chloe," he greeted, bowing slightly."Good morning, Lucas. How are you doing?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady."I'm good," he replied quickly, his tone indicating that
Chloe's POVI sighed, pushing myself away from the door and walking over to the vanity. "It was... exhausting, Ashley. I just gave Aiden attitude and didn't really answer him when he tried to talk to me."Ashley frowned slightly, tilting her head to the side. "Why did you do that, ma'am? If you don't mind me asking."I met her gaze in the mirror, my reflection showing the strain I felt. "I didn't even want him around. I know he means well, but every time he looks at me with those eyes, I feel like I'm suffocating. It's just... too much right now."Ashley nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "Hmm... okay, ma'am. Whatever you say. But you know, sometimes it's better to face these things head-on rather than pushing them away."I turned to look at her directly. "I know, Ashley. It's just hard. I'm not sure how to handle all of this."She gave me a small smile. "I understand, ma'am. Let me get back to my duty post. I'll still have my eyes on Prince Aiden and Claire's movements and get
Aiden's POVWithout warning, I swung my fist, landing a hard punch on his face. He grunted, blood trickling from his lip, but the smirk never left his face. He spit the blood on my feet, chuckling."You know what, Aiden?" he said, his voice a mixture of amusement and contempt."What!" I barked, my patience wearing thin."I’ll tell you one thing. This throne you are fighting for can never be yours. Don’t you get it? Hudson is the rightful king of the entire—"Before he could finish, I slammed my fist into his stomach. He coughed, more blood splattering the floor, but he kept laughing."Who is this guy?" I thought, my mind racing. "After all these blows, he’s still laughing.""Let me tell you something, Aiden," Black J continued, his laughter echoing in the empty warehouse. "Hudson knows about all your plans.""You lie!" I shouted, my temper flaring. "Really?" he taunted, still laughing. "You think you caught me, or I made you catch me?"His words hit me like a ton of bricks. "Shit," I
Chloe's POVJenna's eyes widened with realization. "This cream only irritates those with child. If it's causing you pain, there's a chance you might be pregnant.""I'm not pregnant," I insisted, the words feeling heavy in my mouth. The possibility was too much to consider right now.Jenna hesitated, then shook her head decisively. "I think our session is over. I need to speak with Lord Aiden.""No!" I said sharply, panic rising in my chest. "You can't do that. He mustn't know of this.""But it might be good news," Jenna persisted gently. "If you are pregnant, this cream is a clear sign. It only affects those carrying a child.""I'm not with child!" I shouted, my voice breaking. "I'm not pregnant," I repeated, tears starting to flow. The emotions I had buried deep inside began to surface, overwhelming me."I'm so sorry," Jenna said softly. "I didn't mean to open old wounds.""It's fine," I said, trying to pull myself together. "Please, don't tell Aiden. You know we are still mourning t
Chloe's POV"I... I am..." I trailed off, my mind racing. "I'm way stressed. I have been having long days and I really need to rest. This really wasn't what was on my mind. But I had to just say this.""Hey," Aiden said, jerking me back from my thoughts. "Were you hearing me all this while? What's wrong?" he asked."Oh, sorry, I was absent-minded," I replied, trying to compose myself."What's on your mind, my love?" he asked, his voice gentle and probing."Nothing really, just didn't know this wedding would come this soon. Kinda nervous," I said, faking a smile."My love, it's fine," Aiden said, his voice soothing. "I understand. Don't worry, it's just a day event. After the wedding, and we are one, we will then be crowned the king and queen of the lycan pack."I smiled at him, though my heart was heavy with the secrets I carried. The thought of our impending coronation as king and queen was supposed to be a joyous one, but all I could think about was the turmoil awaiting us."Chloe,
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
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