Lenora's POV I woke to the sound of the door creaking open. My hands instinctively rubbed my eyes, brushing the fog of sleep. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the person who had just barged in. Standing in the doorway was a figure I hadn't expected to see. Ever! It was none other than Alpha Zade's brother. What's his nameâŠ.. I trailed off as I tried to recall it, but it was out of reach. âZariel,â Zoey whispered in my head and I nodded faintly, my heart pounding and racing with different questions. I thought Alpha Zade had told the guards never to allow him here. How had he gotten here without anyone noticing? The packâs security was supposed to be impenetrable, yet here he was, standing as if he owned the place. âLook who we have here,â Zariel drawled, his voice dripping with amusement. He stepped further into the room after closing the door behind him. My instincts screamed at me to move, to defend myself in case he had any plans to attack me. Therefore, I shot up
Lenora's POV âWhat the hell is going on here?â He repeated in a low but dangerous voice, each word dripping with barely contained rage. Before I could even open my mouth to defend myself, Zariel stepped forward, his smirk widening as if he had been waiting for this moment. âOh, brother, you are just in time,â he drawled. âYour little mate here was showing me how affectionate she can be. Isn't that right, sweetheart?â He turned to me, his eyes glinting with amusement. My blood boiled. âThat's a lie!â I snapped my voice trembling with anger. âZade, he's lying. He forced himself on me! I didn'tâŠ..â Zariel cut me off with a laugh. âDon't be shy, Lenora. You were practically begging for it. Isn't that why you called me here? To entertain you while your mate was busy playing the good and perfect Alpha?â I felt my stomach churned, bile rising in my throat. How could he twist the situation like this? How could he make it seem like I had wanted any of this? My hands clenched into
Zade's POVWith a scowl on my face, I walked in, following my Beta as he pushed open the heavy oak doors of the courtroom. The elders seated on the high-backed chairs, looked up at me. Then in unison, they rose from their seats. âGreetings, Alpha. Greetings Beta,â They chorused in unison but I didn't bother to acknowledge their greetings. Instead, my scowl deepened as I strode towards the throne chair. I sank into the chair, my fingers drumming against the armrest as I surveyed the room and their faces. âWhat brings you here?â I asked, my voice low and filled with an irritation that I wasn't even trying to hide. My raised eyebrows dared them to waste my time. Pedro, the council leader, stood, his aged frame trembling slightly as he cleared his throat. âGreetings, Your MajestyâŠ..â âSkip the formalities, Pedro.â I cut him off in a sharp tone. âGet to the point. Why are you all here?â I asked even though my Beta already told me their reasons for being here. He hesitated, his e
Zariel's POV With a proud smile on my face, I walked into Elder Pedro's house, hoping for nothing but good news. I wanted to hear that my brother had given up and agreed to step down from the throne, for me. But that smile on my face disappeared as soon as I saw how crestfallen the old man looked. âElder Pedro?â I called out, but there was no response from him. Instead he just sat there, looking so dejected, like someone who was mourning the loss of his loved one. Wait a minute! Did someone die? I thought to myself as I got closer to where he was. I waved my hands across his face and that was when he took notice of my presence. âZariel, what are you doing here?â He asked in a sharp tone and I creased my brows in confusion, as I wondered why he was sounding that way. He didn't sound like this earlier! âWhat's going on? Why do you look so broody?â I asked, but he hissed. âThat doesn't answer my question, Zariel. What are you doing here?â He slapped me and I had to stop myself fr
Zariel's POVâTalia?â I called out, my voice cutting through the quiet air of the cafĂ©. She spun around, her sharp eyes locking onto mine, brows lifting in a mix of irritation and curiosity. âYou are ten minutes late!â She hissed, her gaze darting to the delicate wristwatch on her wrist. âWell, well, well,â I clapped slowly, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips as I slid into the seat across from her. âSeems like someone couldn't wait to see me,â My tone was light, teasing, but her eyes narrowed. She didn't look amused at all. âWhy did you call me here, Zariel?â She demanded. I leaned back, feigning nonchalance even though her patience was evident. âThis isnât a good way to talk to your brother-in-law,â I teased again, my smirk widening. She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest.âCut the crap, Zariel. I donât have all day. What do you want?â I leaned forward, my elbows resting on the table, my gaze locking onto hers. âI want to help you,â I said, my voice dropping
Zade's POV âHow did it go?â My mother asked as soon as she saw me walk through the door. I couldn't even answer. I just walked straight to the couch and plop down. Her soft chuckle broke the silence. âJudging from the look on your face, I can tell that it didn't go well,â She said teasingly and I exhaled sharply. Fuck! Those old hags! They'll be the death of me. I should have just killed them, instead of letting them leave the courtroom alive.âThey want me to send Lenora away,â I said, my voice low and strained. âAll because she was once Axelâs mate. They are claiming that she could be a spy, working for Axelâ My mother's eyes narrowed and her lips tightened into a thin smile. âAnd what makes them think they have the right to tell you what to do, huh?â Her voice rose slightly. She crossed her arms over her chest, her protective instincts flaring. âSince when do they dictate who stays and who leaves in your pack?ââIt's Zariel,â I muttered, my jaw clenching. âHe's behind th
Melissa's POV âMom?â I called out as I stepped into my mother's room, but I was only met with silence. The room was strangely quiet, the bed neatly made and that would only mean that she didn't sleep here last night, because if she did, the bed wouldn't still be made up by this time. My heart sank! Where was she? I've searched every corner of the house, but she was nowhere to be found, not even in the garden, her favorite spot in the pack house. For the umpteenth time, I pulled out my phone and dialed her number again, but I was greeted with the same automated messages: âThe number you are trying to reach is unavailable.â I've been trying to reach her through the mind link too, but it's not going through. My chest tightened. Something was wrong somewhere. I could feel it in my bones. None of the maids have agreed to seeing her. Not even Laura. Just where the hell could she be? Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of her room and into the hallway, my mind still racing wi
Zariel's POV âWhat have you done, Zariel?â Talia asked through gritted teeth as soon as I picked her call and I creased my brows in confusion, wondering what she meant. âHey, Talia? What do you mean by that?â âZade's company is on fire. I just saw the news a while ago. Was it you? Did you set his company on fire because of your stupid anger and hatred towards him? Tell me you didn't do something this reckless, this insaneâ A frown crept its way to my face. âWhat do you mean by that? What are you talking aboutâ âCut the pretense and answer the fucking question. Did you set his company on fire?â She snapped. âAnd why would I do that? Why would I do such a thing?â I asked, confusion clearly written all over my face. Where was all these baseless accusations coming from? âYou are the only one who would have the nerves to do such a thing. You are the only stupid enemy that he has. You wanted him dead after all. Setting his company on fire wouldn't be a big deal for youâ She hissed
Zarielâs POV âHow did it go?â I asked the men standing before me. I had asked them to disguise themselves as rogues, to hurt Zade. And of course, I asked them to hang around the pack, around the woods and be ever ready in case they sight Zade, so they'll attack him. I really hope they were able to succeed with it. Else, I'll kill them all. They wouldn't dare fail me. A smile broke out on the leaderâs face. âIt went well, Zariel. We attacked him.â My lips curled up into a smile. Good! This is what I want to hear. âYou all deserve accolades for a job well done.â I winked at him and his smile broadened. âSo when are we getting our payment?â I rolled my eyes. âRelax, man. I was about to come to that sooner!â âI'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound that way. But you know, people can't be trusted one bit. They'll always want to take advantage ofâŠ.â My lips curled into a smile. âIt's fine!â I should be mad at him for generalising me with other people, but I didn't. Not when he had just
Melissa's POV âYour guesses are right, Alpha Elijah!â I winked at him again. âTabitha!â He let out a low guttural growl. âThat old hag! She's going to regret this!â He said through gritted teeth and I just let out a small laugh. âExactly how you are going to regret it if you ever tell Alpha Axel about our little secret!â I said in a low whisper. I couldn't tell where the courage to stand up to him came from, but I was glad that it did. âYou won't dare!â He hissed and I just smirked. âWon't dare, huh?â I chucked. âCome on, sweetheart, I'd dare to set your ego on fire just to watch it burn. But don't worry, I'll let you keep your delusions. They are the only thing holding your fragile little world together!â âMelissa!!!â My mother yelled at me through the mind link and I rolled my eyes mentally. âWhat?â I shot back. âHe's an Alpha. Don't talk to him that way. It'll only piss him off the most and we'll both be in troubleâ She said again and I shrugged. âAnd that's exactly w
Melissa's POV âAnswer me!!â He repeated when he didn't hear any words from my mother. The air grew thick with tension as Alpha Elijah stepped closer. My mother and I stood frozen, our face pale as if we had seen a ghost. Alpha Elijah was Axel's best ally and there is no tendency that he wouldn't tell Axel what he has just heard. Goodness! We are done for. âDon't make me repeat myself, Matilda!â He growled. My mother's lips trembled but no words seemed to come out. It was as if she had suddenly gone dumb and I couldn't blame her one bit. âAlpha Elijah,â my mother finally managed to answer, her voice shaking. âIâŠI can explain. It's not what you think. I didn't meanâŠ.â âDidn't mean what, Matilda?â His voice was low, but it carried a dangerous edge. âDidn't mean to confess to murdering Tricia? Didn't mean to lie to the entire pack about her death? Or didnât mean to let Lenora suffer for years, knowing full well her mother was innocent?â My heart pounded in my chest as I watched
Melissa's POV âMother?â I called out. Right now, we were currently sitting on a mat in the park and I was resting my head on her lap. It was hard, especially as my baby wouldn't let me stay peacefully, as he kept kicking me repeatedly, but I was determined to try. âMhhmm?â She answered. âIs something bothering you, my child?â âDo you think I went too far?â I asked her as I watched her face intently. âAnd what are you talking about?â Her brows were knitted in confusion. I took a deep breath and exhaled. âIt's about Lenora. Do you think I went too far ....â âOh, Melissa.â She cut me off. âNot again please. Let's not talk about that bitch here. We came out here to cool our beautiful heads and not worry about some barren bitch. Don't talk about her, please.â I let out a deep breath. âNo mother. I really want us to talk about this. You've been avoiding this conversation for a long time and you never let me talk about it.â She hissed. âAnd that's because there is nothing to talk a
Lenora's POV Us? What the hell was she talking about? Apart from Talia, Zade had never mentioned another woman in his life. The question lingered in the air. My stomach twisted into knots, but I kept my face impassive, refusing to let her see the growing tension on my face. âNo,â I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within me. âHe hasnât.â Taylor's smirk widened like a predator toying with its prey. Her eyes glinted with a cruel satisfaction that made my skin crawl. She was enjoying this, whatever game she was playing. But I wouldnât give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. Not now. Not ever. âWell, Zade and I are together,â she said, her tone dripping with a faux sweetness. She let the words hang, savoring the moment as if they were a weapon meant to break me. My jaw tightened but I refused to flinch. âWhat do you mean?â I asked, my voice low and measured, though my heart pounded in my chest. She rolled her eyes, her smirk never faltering for once. â
Lenora's POV Taking a deep and shuddering breath, I forced myself to meet Luna Ophelia's gaze. Her eyes, usually so full of warmth, now held a strange intensity that made my stomach churn. âIâm sorry, Luna,â I began, my voice trembling slightly. âWe were attacked by rogues, and itâs my faultâŠ.â âLenora!â she cut me off, her voice softer than I expected. It sounded almost tender. âHow can you say itâs your fault?â Her words caught me off guard, and I stared at her, bewildered. Just moments ago, her expression had been furious, her anger evident. But now she looked at me with a gentleness that made my chest tighten. âMy LunaâŠâ I stammered, unsure of how to respond. The shift in her demeanor was a bit confusing. Her anger had melted away, and now it was replaced by a calm, almost maternal concern. âYou are not responsible for what happened to my son,â she said firmly, her voice steady. âYou didnât ask the rogues to attack him. Or did you?â She raised her eyebrows slightly, her
Lenora's POV The guards moved swiftly, and lifted Zade with care as they carried him back to the pack house. I trailed behind them, my steps heavy, my mind consumed by fear and guilt - the fear of losing him, and the guilt for being the reason he was in this state. I shouldn't have suggested that we walk in the woods. I should have agreed when he proposed that we go home. If I had agreed, none of this would have happened. He wouldn't be here fighting for his life. He wouldn't be on the verge of âGet the doctor!â Karl's sharp and commanding voice cut through the chaos. I couldnât tell which maid he was addressing not when my vision was blurred by tears. I just followed them like a lost puppy into Zadeâs room, where they laid him gently on the bed. âIs he going to be okay?â I asked Karl, my voice laced with concern, though my eyes never left Zade. His face was pale, his eyes shut tight, his body burning with fever. What else could those rogues have done to him in my absence
Lenora's POV âAxel threatened me that he was going to cut the mate bond if I didn't get King Zach to forgive him. You know, when a lady is in love, she'd do anything to please her man, she'd do anything to keep him and that's what I did. I was stupidly in love with Axel and didn't want to lose him.â I paused to take a deep breath. I noticed the way Zade was watching me intently. He must be eager to know if I did it or not. âTherefore I went to meet King Zach in the hotel that Axel had chosen. When I got there, he didn't only want me to pleasure him with my mouth. He wanted me to have sex with him. At first, I wanted to do it, but at the end of the day, I realised that I couldn't let Axel define my worth. That day, I was ready to lose Axel. I didn't care anymore if he wanted to break the mate bond or not.â I paused again. He was still staring at me. It was as if with each passing minute, his anger deepened. This was the kind of reaction I expected from Axel when I told him tha
Lenora's POV Even though I was sad that Zade wasn't taking me with him to the upcoming annual ball, I was glad that he cared about my safety and didn't want to take me with him, so he wouldn't lose me. Of course I was no stranger to the ugly events that take place in the annual ball. I was suddenly reminded of when Alpha Ryan, one of Axel's allies, lost his mate right before his eyes and he couldn't do anything to save her. He didn't try to save her. He just sat there and watched her get killed by King Zach the lunatic and now it got me wondering if he ever loved her or she was just a means to an end for him. I mean how would he sit back and watch his mate killed right before his eyes just because she refused to pleasure King Zach? If it were Axel, he wouldn't mind taking me there with him. After Ryan's mate lost her life right before my eyes, I had pleaded with Axel to get me out of the room, especially as I'd seen the way King Zach, the host of the annual ball was staring