Aiden's POVI paced the floor of my room, the plush carpet doing nothing to muffle the sound of my footsteps. The room, usually a sanctuary, felt like a cage tonight. Every time I circled back to the window, I stared out at the moonlit garden, hoping the cool night air would clear my mind. But the same questions kept swirling around in my head. How is Claire getting ahead of me? What is he doing that I can't see?My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. "Come in," I called out, trying to sound composed.The door creaked open, and to my surprise, it was Lucas, my trusted confidante. Her face was etched with concern. "Aiden, I've been looking for you everywhere. What's going on? You look like you haven't slept in days."I forced a smile, though it felt more like a grimace. "Just a lot on my mind, Lucas. I'm trying to figure out how Claire is managing to outmaneuver me at every turn."She stepped inside, closing the door behind her, and sat on the edge of the bed. "Tell
Aiden's POVI was taken aback by her sudden assertiveness. Claire had always been gentle and soft-spoken, never one to confront or challenge anyone, especially me. Yet here she was, standing in my room with a confidence I had never seen before. It was both bewildering and oddly intriguing."Aiden," she said, her tone now firm and unwavering, "you need to listen to me."I was surprised by her boldness. What confidence did this lady have? I wondered. I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. "Alright, Claire," I said, my voice calmer now. "I'm listening."She took a step closer, her gaze never leaving mine. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for this moment?" she asked, her voice a mix of determination and vulnerability.I shook my head, genuinely puzzled. "What do you mean?""For years," she began, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "I've watched you, supported you, loved you. But now you have made it, and what do you do first? You go and get yourself a MATE! Disre
Aiden’s POVClaire then walked closer to me, her eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and something darker. She stood right in front of me, close enough that I could feel the heat of her breath. “Aiden,” she began, her voice low and almost conspiratorial, “there’s a whole lot you don’t know about this throne-taking. And having me by your side will go a long way to help you achieve this.”I stared at her, searching her eyes for some hint of deception. “What are you not telling me?” I asked.She chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Telling you? Nah, I’m keeping my mouth shut. But if you really want to win this, you’ll make sure you have all your brother’s plans at the back of your hand.”“Why should I trust you?” My voice was harsher than I intended, but the stakes were too high for gentle inquiries.“You don’t have a choice, dear,” Claire said, her tone dripping with a mix of sweetness and malice. “I own this right now. You either ally up with me or lose this throne.”I swallowed h
Chloe’s POVI hurried back home, my mind spinning with possibilities. Confronting Aiden directly might push him further into Claire’s grasp. But staying silent could give them the time they needed to put their plan into action.As I walked through the front door, I knew I had to do something. Claire had warned me to stay out of her business, but this was my business now. My marriage, my life, was on the line.The next morning, I decided to confront Claire directly. I needed to know what she was planning, and I wasn’t going to let fear stop me.I found her at her office, a sleek building downtown where she ran her PR firm. Taking a deep breath, I walked in, my heart pounding. The receptionist looked up, surprised to see me.“Can I help you?” she asked.“I need to see Claire,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.The receptionist nodded and picked up the phone. After a brief conversation, she gestured for me to follow her. I was led to Claire’s office, a spacious room with floor-to-c
Aiden’s POVMy footsteps echoed softly as I walked down the dimly lit hallway, Lucas trailing just a few steps behind me. The weight of the impending meeting settled heavily on my shoulders. Three elders awaited me, their support crucial for my succession to the throne. For now, they were the only ones backing my claim. I needed to sway more to my side if I wanted to secure my future as the leader of the pack.I repeated my strategy in my mind, determined to win over the council. Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and pushed open the heavy wooden door. The room inside was modestly furnished, the flickering light of a fireplace casting shadows on the walls. The three elders sat in high-backed chairs, their faces etched with lines of concern and contemplation.I moved towards them, nodding briefly in acknowledgment. I took the chair next to Elder Marcus, a stern-faced man with piercing blue eyes. The other two, Elder Naomi and Elder Richard, looked equally serious."So, what c
Chloe’s POVI glanced around, making sure we were alone. I took a deep breath before speaking. “Yesterday, I was passing through one of the rooms when I started hearing voices. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but as I leaned closer to the door, I realized it was Aiden and a few elders having a deep conversation.”My heart skipped a beat. Aiden was always secretive, and the elders rarely met without a reason. “What did you hear?” I asked, leaning forward.“I couldn’t hear much,” I admitted, my brow furrowed. “But I did catch some snippets. Aiden was saying something about using Claire to get what he wants.”A chill ran down my spine. Claire was my best friend, and the thought of Aiden using her for his schemes was unsettling. “What does Aiden want?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.I shook my head. “I don’t really know right now,” I said, frustration evident in my tone. “But I have a strong feeling it has something to do with the throne. I think Aiden really wa
Aiden’s POVI was sitting on a chair in Claire's office, fidgeting with the edge of my sleeve, trying to figure out why she called me in. The place was immaculate, as always—her desk neatly organized, the books on the shelf arranged by color, and a faint scent of vanilla lingering in the air. My mind raced through a dozen possibilities as to why I was here, but none of them made sense. Claire had never summoned me like this before."Why did you call me here?" I finally asked, unable to bear the suspense any longer.Claire, leaning against her desk with a casual elegance, gave me a knowing smile. "Chill out, Aiden. I have some news for you."I was curious, my impatience simmering just beneath the surface. "What is it?" I pressed, trying to keep my tone neutral.She walked over to me, her heels clicking softly on the polished wooden floor. She reached out and touched my chin, tilting my face up slightly. I shifted back, the gesture catching me off guard. "Speak, Claire...""Hmm, why are
Chloe’s POVI stepped out of the car, feeling the cool night air on my skin. The building loomed before me, its dark windows giving away nothing. Lucas had called me earlier, insisting I meet him here. He said he had something really important to tell me. Lucas always had valid news, so I had to maneuver my guards and leave the palace discreetly, driving here alone to avoid being seen.I approached the building with a sense of urgency. The streets were quiet, and the only sound was the occasional distant car passing by. As I reached the door, I hesitated for a moment before knocking. To my surprise, the door opened automatically."That's strange," I muttered to myself as I stepped inside.The hallway was dimly lit, and the air smelled faintly of dust and old wood. "Lucas! Lucas!" I called out, my voice echoing off the walls. There was no response.I checked my watch. It was 9:05 PM. We had agreed to meet at 9 PM sharp.Where could he be? Why is he late again? I need to be back at the
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