Chapter 77 Gradel My father's burial was done in a hushed manner and today when I was supposed to rest from a backlog of stress that had piled up during the week and have a sober reflection, my mind was dominated with thoughts of yesterday's events. I was bothered by the accusations made at her and it was hard for me to believe that she could do such a thing. She might be innocent—no, she should be innocent but all evidence pointed toward her and sadly, I didn't know how to defend her. The guard that Hegar had spoken to concerning my father's death approached me, his gait slow and uncertain. I'd sent for him so that he could be properly interrogated. It was time to hear from the horse's mouth. "Good morning, Your Grace," He inclined his head, his hands behind him. "Morning. I have questions for you," I went straight to the point. "Tell me everything you said to Hegar about my late father's death," I ordered. He raised his face and shifted uncomfortably. His lips parte
Chapter 78IrisMy heart took a skip when Gradel stalked into his room, his body glimmering with beads of sweat. He might have gone for a run or something, but what amazed me was how he pretended to be oblivious to my existence because of a mere accusation. Did our relationship hold no weight to him?The tension in the air was thick and depressing but there was only one way to clear it and that was by facing the issue. While he took off his shirt, I walked toward him, rubbing my palms nervously. I never had to feel this way around him, but it was obvious that someone was impersonating me to cause trouble. "Good morning, Grade," I tried to sound enthusiastic but his impassive facade made it more difficult for me to articulate my speech. He spared me a backward glance and then eyed me meticulously. "Morning," He threw a curt reply. I swallowed and clutched onto the skirt of my dress. "Can we talk? You've been acting all cold since yesterday and I just want to clear the air,"He hea
Chapter 79GradelI was in the midst of a meeting with the elders when a guard barged into the courtroom, sweating profusely and panting heavily."How dare you..." Simon rumbled."I'm sorry, head sentinel, but there's trouble. Our future Luna has been attacked by the women at the market and I'm afraid that she might not survive it if she isn't saved immediately." He rushed the words and I jerked to my feet.My heart slammed hard against my ribcage and cold sweats broke out on my forehead and trickled down my face as I replayed his words in my head. I had several questions to ask but this wasn't the right time for them and I hoped that Elda was by her side or he'd be dead meat. Impulsively, I shifted to my half-form, ready to tear apart anyone who came in my way. Those women whom I cared for and protected would feel my wrath if Iris didn't make it. There and then, I realized how wrong I'd been to suspect my mate from the beginning. That should be the reason for my wolf's restlessnes
Chapter 80Iris"Arghh," I groaned as my eyes fluttered open.I blinked incessantly until I got used to the brightness of the room then I passed a cursory glance around it. Relief washed over me when I noticed that I was alone.Loneliness was a luxury I craved because I wanted to have some time to myself and make plans on what to do next after what had happened.The memories came rushing like a flood into my memory and a dull ache gnawed in my chest. I couldn't believe that I was almost stoned to death like a common criminal without being tried.And Gradel, he allowed it to happen. I didn't know who saved me and I didn't want to know. They should have left me to die, after all, this kind of situation was likely to repeat itself.My body ached for a stretch so I indulged myself and raised my hands. And then it occurred to me that my limbs weren't hurting as they should and the pains that had spread all over my body from that attack had vanished. I touched my forehead, clearly remember
Chapter 81Iris"Hey," He said calmly and lowered himself onto the chair beside me.I scoffed, staring at him in disbelief. Seeing how easy it was for him to throw a greeting and casually sit with me, acting like we were friends after everything he had done was appalling, but I put a lid on my simmering temper and forced out a thin smile."What are you doing here, Devin?" My voice was colder than expected but I liked it.He folded his arms, acting aloof. "I came to pay my last respect to the Alpha. Heard he was buried yesterday," He replied nonchalantly. "Oh, what changed? I thought you were his errand boy," I teased him. "I realized how stupid I was to have his back before he died and that's why I didn't waste a second in moving over to the Red Sea pack to rule them. And trust me when I say that my life is quite better over there,"The way the twins talked about their father was alarming. I was sure he'd be rolling in his grave right now, but I couldn't deny that he deserved it. "
Chapter 82IrisHe obliged and lowered himself with a grunt. We stayed in silence for a while until it became uncomfortable."Have you been here before," I threw a question at him."No," He answered curtly. "How could I have ever come here? I'm not from this pack, remember? But this place is beautiful." He gushed at the sight. "What is it called?" He sounded curious and I was at a loss of what to tell him.My trust in people was broken, shattered the more after Gradel had disappointed and betrayed me, but Elda seemed harmless. At least, he was by my side when I needed him."Illyra. That's what it is called. Not many people know about this place and I prefer it that way because, in situations like this, I come here to let out some steam and get energized." I explained. He chuckled softly. "So you come here to recharge your life battery?" He joked. "Yes, I do..." I bent my head and tried to shove aside the memories from the first time Gradel and I came here filtered in. We had so muc
Chapter 83IrisI clenched my fist tightly around the fork in my hand to the point of breaking it. What was he even doing here?Did he think that appearing like a knight in shining armor would suddenly erase the pains and tears that he caused me to shed? If that was what he thought, then he was joking."How are you doing, Hazel? I hear that you have been mated to my friend, Hegar and I hope he's treating you well," He murmured, picking up a plate to serve himself.Hazel glanced at me and giggled, grinning from ear to ear. I rolled my eyes and held back a snort at how she usually lost her senses once Hegar's name was mentioned.Once upon a time, I used to do the same but where did it lead me?"Of course, he treats me like an egg. I don't regret being his mate," She tucked her hair shyly, her cheeks turning red.My mouth was itching to drop a terse response but I didn't want Hazel to notice the strain between us. I wasn't sure I wanted to tell anyone about my predicament. It was easier
Chapter 84IrisI was also surprised by my outburst, after everything that they had done to me, they deserved to rot in jail but these people were motivated by what they thought I did.They felt I was a murderer, but most of them didn't know me well enough to give me the benefit of the doubt."They were confused about everything and I availed myself to them the day I came to the market, ignorant of their plans. So, let them go, Gradel. You don't have to punish them for feeling the way they felt," I said in their defense. He scoffed, staring at me as if I'd gone cray-cray. "Well, you have to understand that it isn't about you. It's about my will to protect you from anyone who thinks they can hurt you and go scot-free,"Fury seared through me. "Then you'll lose me if you don't do what I asked," I screamed. He tilted his head to the side, confused. "I'll lose you? What are you talking about?"I inhaled deeply and let out an exhale, slowly counting to ten in my heart. It wouldn't be pro
Chapter 107IrisONE YEAR LATER"Maria, are the sweets ready?" I shouted, standing before the edge of the baluster.Gradel and I had planned a family reunion and I couldn't wait for everyone we considered family to start trooping in. Devin had gotten a mate about three months back and I kept wondering how he got her pregnant in less than two months. I'd so tease him about it once he comes around. Hazel and Hegar had been on sabbatical leave for a while so I had to plead with Hegar to release her since I was nearing at the time of delivery. I was both excited and filled with panic and I honestly couldn't understand how I managed both extreme emotions. Gradel kept reassuring me that I wouldn't encounter any issues, but after hearing stories of women who faced several complications, his words would just fall on deaf ears."Watch it, princess," A firm grip stopped me from tripping over when I swirled around without looking.I smiled and fiddled with his stubble. "Thank you for always be
Chapter 106IrisONE MONTH LATERThe sky was quite gloomy, the dark clouds threatening to turn the day into a rainy one. We should have stayed back in the house and cuddled all day, but there was something important to be done, and that was visiting the late Alpha Cronus's grave.I stood beside Gradel, whose shoulders were squared, taut, showing how uneasy it was for him to be present here. If it was possible, I'd have suggested that we return home and come back when he was more comfortable, but he was as stubborn as a mule so I let him. We stood in silence for a while and then he cleared his throat. I touched his shoulder lightly and some of the tension dissipated. "I guess I'll have to leave you alone with him. Call on me when you're done," I informed him and turned around to leave. But he grabbed my wrist swiftly and tenderly, prohibiting me from taking any other step. With a low tone, he said. "Stay with me. I want you to be here with me while I reconcile with my father," He s
Chapter 105HazelMy heart throbbed in pain as I hugged my pillow tightly, genuinely wishing that it could be exchanged with the competent arms of Hegar. I was beginning to get offended. Why hadn't he checked on me, yet? What could have kept him so busy that he didn't bother to ask after me to know if I was doing well or not? Iris kept assuring me that he still loved me and he'd come for me soon, but was it too early to lose hope?A knock sounded on the door, jolting me from my reverie and an irritated sigh exited my lips. Hunger pangs gnawed in my stomach and the last thing I wanted was for anyone to drag me out of the room unnecessarily.Sluggishly, I twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open and immediately, I froze. My breathing paused for a moment and I could tell that the world had stopped rotating.Hegar stood before gracefully me, smelling like an edible flower. His lips spread into a wide grin and he splayed his arms, urging me to come closer to him. Several emotions ra
Chapter 104 Gradel Inhaling the floral fragrance of my mate and enjoying the warmth of being in her arms was very tempting, but until I took my pound of flesh and ensured that the monster Elda wouldn't be a threat to anyone in the pack again, I wouldn't be at rest. Gently, I slithered from her embrace, feeling cold almost immediately and then I pushed the covers over her body and gazed lovingly at her beautiful lips that were pouted as if she was aware of my plans to be absent for a while. My heart skipped a beat when she stirred and calmed when she turned to the other side. I giggled lightly and put on a black vest and a pair of black sweatpants. After ascertaining that she was still deep asleep, I crept out of the room and shut the door quietly behind me, veering toward the same pack cell he had locked me in. He grinned cynically the moment I stepped in though I could see the faint marks of the strokes he had received from Hegar. After the fiasco last night, I'd asked the sent
Chapter 103Iris"Not today," I murmured through gritted teeth.Tonight, I didn't need saving; not from Gradel whom I knew was seconds away from bursting through that door to fight for me or Hegar who I guessed was around.My wolf was around growling, desiring to be freed from the cage it was in and right now, I'd have to do as she wanted."Tell him to let her go right now," Gradel demanded authoritatively.Elda snorted and spat some blood on the ground. "Sure, but we have to do some trade by barter kind of business before that. First, you'll let me out of here without unharmed. Secondly, I stink and I can't walk around, oozing animal blood so your dear mate will have to clean me up,""That isn't going to happen," Gradel disagreed in the shadows.He laughed briefly and glanced at the man behind me. "Alright then. Watch her die,""Wait—"My claws had already stretched out and before Gradel could complete his statement, I'd dug them into his skin. The knife fell off his hands and I quic
Chapter 102IrisFear took a strong hold over me after he muttered those words and I instinctively clutched onto my neck, intentionally avoiding his gaze.I drew in a very deep breath and exhaled. "That's a huge accusation to lay on me tonight, Elda. We are supposed to be celebrating," I replied with a surprisingly calm tone.That was a good thing because I planned to deny every claim he'd lay against me until I found a way to reach Eliana."I thought the same until I removed the mask from that girl's face and realized that you weren't the one who seduced me. So what did you promise her? That she and her family will be safe? Come on, Iris, what power do you have without me?" He asked with a derisive tone.A deep feeling of dread stirred in my stomach, my knees weakening. No matter what happened, I couldn't allow her family to be caught up in this plan."You can't hurt her family, Elda. What fun do you have in hurting innocent people?" I asked through gritted teeth.He chuckled lightly
Chapter 101Author's POVHer eyes widened, nearly falling out of their sockets and she clamped her lips shut, her heart pounding hard against her chest in trepidation while he violently snatched the knife from her and got up. She gasped, wondering how she messed it up just at the point of achieving her goal and a tear slid down her cheek because she knew she wouldn't be getting out of this alive.Elda burst into a heavy peal of laughter that was filled with intense mockery and threw her effortlessly over him. Then he rose, zipping his slacks and turning on the light."You aren't Iris, are you?" He asked but she didn't respond.Enraged, he crossed over to her and yanked the mask off her face, her hair falling out of the messy bun she packed it in. A deep scowl formed on Elda's face and he clenched his jaw, balling his fingers into a tight fist."Eliana, you're that girl I banged a few weeks ago, right?" He barked."I wish I was fast enough in killing you," She retorted spitefully. "At
Chapter 100Author's POV She lay on the bed, still and scared, her heart racing faster than sports cars in a race but she had made her choice and that was to end the man who had wrecked her life with her hands, even if her life was on the line.Iris had told her to disarm him but she had other plans as she didn't want him to continue creating havoc in the pack.Her mask was still on her face and she wore a wig that was exactly like Iris' hair to confuse him, and the turned-off light was to her advantage. The door was pushed open and the light from the hallway shone into the room, showing Elda's drunk figure. The feast wasn't in full session yet and he had already filled his system with alcohol. It would make things easier for her, she thought. Elda squinted his eyes and his lips stretched into a cynical smirk when he caught the sight of a seductively dressed woman whom he thought to be Iris lying on the bed. "Hey, woman. I thought you wanted to tear me into pieces several hours a
Chapter 99GradelWe wandered into the forest, my body smeared with blood. Thankfully, I sustained no injuries from convincing Elda's men to defect to my camp.Along the line, my eyes caught the sight of a figure walking toward us and I paused to make out who the person was. Though I had no direction, I wasn't expecting anyone else to be there.As the person drew close, I realized that it was a man and he looked familiar."Hold your horses," I said to them and they halted behind me.I squinted my eyes, waiting patiently for him to get closer and happiness coursed through me when I noticed that it was no one else but Hegar."Hegar?" I called out his name and he peered at me, his eyes widening in surprise.He also froze on his steps and after a brief scrutiny, he broke into a run and bumped into me for a hug. We stayed glued to each other until I remembered that weren't alone."Gradel, is this really you? How were you able to leave that cell without risking your life?" He questioned wit