Zade's POVâWhat are you going to do, son? Are you really going to step down as Alpha for him?â My mother asked me and I nodded. She's been asking me this question for the past two minutes since I told her that I was going to step down for Zariel. I can't let him kill my mate. The throne was important, but my mate was more important. What good would it be to rule a pack without your fated Luna? âYes, mother. I can't let him kill Lenora.â I answered. âOh come on, Zade, are you really going to risk everything for that bitch?â Talia's voice came up but I ignored her. I was in no mood for her madness. âShe doesn't deserve it. You should just let her be. She's not worth the sacrifice.â She pressed on. This time around, I couldn't stand her madness. I took two steps closer to her. âHave you suddenly gone crazy, huh?â I hissed. âHow dare you refer to my mate as a bitch?â âThat's because she's a bitch.â She spat. âCome on, Zade, you don't need that girl. She's nothing but bad luck.
Zariel's POV A smile crept its way to my face as I saw Zade's text message: âCome to the pack right away. I'll gladly step down as Alpha. Come with my mate as well. If I realise that you hurt a single hair on her body, I'll kill you and send you straight to hell. You should know that I don't bluff.â Wow! I hadn't expected him to give up so soon. He must really love this bitch so much! Zade has always been a proud man and the fact that he's an Alpha made it worse. He has swore never to step down from the throne for me. But right now, he is willing to step down? Just how much did he love her, that he's willing to go back on his words for her? It's not like I care. He can do whatever he wants. All that matters is that I'm about to become the Alpha. Finally! I'm sure as hell that my father would be rolling in his grave right now. He'd thought that I'd never sit on that throne, but today, I'll prove him wrong. I'll let him know that his stupid rules can't work. His stupid rules c
Axel's POV The heavy oak door of my study creaked open, thereby disturbing the silence I had demanded. Felix's hesitant footsteps paused at the door. âAlpha,â he began, his voice strained. âThere is a problem.â I didn't look up from the financial reports strewn across my desk, my fingers tightening around the glass of whiskey I'd been nursing for the past thirty minutes. "I believe I made myself clear some hours ago, Felix" I said, my voice low and measured. "No disturbances." He swallowed in apprehension. "I wouldnât dare disobey you, butâthe Moon Wave investors just called. Theyâre withdrawing from the partnership. All of them." My hands paused around the glass. The room seemed to tilt, the walls closing in around me as Felix's words sank in. âAnd why is that?â âI have no idea, Alpha. I just received a call from their manager a while ago. He just said deal's offâ âGet out!â I ordered, my voice dangerously low. Felix didn't need to be told twice. The door clicke
Melissa's POV âSo tell me doctor, how's my grandson doing?â My mother asked the doctor as soon as she finished examining me. The bright smile on the doctor's face told me everythingâŚmy son was perfectly healthy. And judging by how much my bump had grown lately, he was thriving. By the gods, I can't wait to meet him, I can't wait to have him in my arms. âThe little one is doing wonderfully. In fact, he might just be the healthiest baby I've ever seen.â The doctor said, grinning as she took her seat. âOf course he is.â My mother chimed in, her voice brimming with pride. "His father is a warriorâstrong and resilient. That strength runs in his blood." She added with a smile."So, when can we expect his arrival?" she pressed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Mother?" I blinked in surprise. I can't believe that she's asking that. "What?" She frowned, tilting her head, to stare at me. âI'm only seven months along. He won't be here for another two months.â I reminded her an
Melissaâs POV After what felt like forever, the car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion and before the driver could even park properly, I flung the door open and jumped out, ignoring my mother's sharp hiss behind me. âBe careful, Melissa, you are fucking pregnantâ she snapped, but I was already halfway to the door, my pulse racing with a strange urgency. I wanted to meet Alpha Axel badly. As soon as I got in, I found the new Beta. He stood guard in the foyer, his posture stiffening as I approached. âGreetings, my Luna.â He said with a slight bow. âWhere's Alpha Axel?â I demanded, ignoring his greeting. âIn his study,â he answered, hesitating. âBut, Luna, he gave strict orders not to beââ I didnât wait for him to finish. Turning on my heels, I marched towards the study, my heels clicking against the marble floor. When I reached the door, I knocked once.⌠just for the sake of formality, in case he was with any Alpha at the moment. I didn't want to appear
Melissa's POV "Tell me, sweetheart, how did it go?" my mother asked as soon as I walked into my room. I didnât reply. Instead, I moved to the bed and collapsed onto it. I was completely exhausted. "Did Axel tell you about the strange woman?" she pressed, her voice growing sharper. "The one claiming to be his mother?" But I only shook my head, too exhausted to form words. âI knew it.â She hissed. âOf course he wouldn't tell you.â I drew in a sharp breath. âWhat do you suggest I do, mom?â I asked quietly. âI really want to know about her. Judging from the way Axel's countenance changed when I asked about her, I knew there was more to their relationship.â âMe too.â She admitted truthfully. âI wanted to know too. He has never talked about her, nor have I seen or heard anything about her.â I was about to say something else, but at that moment, a sharp knock sounded at the door, cutting through the silence. I stared at my mother, âAre you expecting anyone?â But she shook her
Axel's POV I was still in my study when my Beta entered and told me a man had been asking for Melissaâprobably her ex-boyfriend, he said. Without hesitation, I sprang to my feet and headed for the gate to see who it was. But just as I reached for the door, it opened, and Melissa stepped inside. Her cheeks were flushed, her expression unreadable. Something had definitely happened. I needed no soothsayer to tell me. âAre you cheating on me?â I confronted her the moment she stepped inside. A startled gasp slipped from her lipsâbut just as quickly, she composed herself. âAh, Axel,â she breathed as she placed her hand on her chest. âYou scared the living hell out of me,â she said, forcing a smile to her face. âThat doesn't answer my question, Melissa.â My voice tightened with frustration. âAre you cheating on me?â She let out a sharp scoff, anger flashing in her eyes. "What's wrong with you, Axel? How could you even ask me that?" âMelissaâŚ.â Her lips twisted in disbe
Melissa's POV Oh goodness! I'm done for. What have we gotten ourselves into? Why did my mother have to lie that Damien was her son? Of all the lies that she could come up with, did it have to be this? And now Axel wants to make him his Gamma. Oh goodness! This is not going to end well. âWhat's wrong, Melissa?â He asked, his forehead knitted into a frown. âUhâŚ. Nothing actually.â I stuttered. It won't be a good idea if Damien is made the Gamma. That'll mean more trouble for me. How will I be able to cope with his presence in the pack house? I have to do something. I can't let this happen. âDon't you want your brother to be the Gamma or what?â Yeah, right. My brother. All thanks to my mother who couldn't come up with any other lie than this one. Not just any one, but a grave one. What would happen if Axel comes to know that Damien isn't my brother? The thought of what he'll do to us sent a chill down my spine. âOfâŚof course, not, my Alpha. You can make him your Gamma.â
Talia's POV âMy fiance? What are you talking about, mother?â I really didn't want to believe what she said. I really hoped it was some prank. How could she even say that? âOh, Natalia,â she crooned, as if speaking to a child. âMust I spell it out for you? You are getting married. And you should be on your knees thanking me for it.â âYou must be joking, mother. I never agreed to any marriage. And besides, I didn't have any man in my life apart from Zade,â Her breath hitched, just for a second, before her voice turned to ice. âNatalia, haven't I warned you to stay away from Ophelia and that son of hers, huh? Haven't I warned you to stay away from them? But you never listen, do you?â âBecause you donât own me,â I snapped. âI decide who I love.â A sharp inhale, then her voice dropped to a low whisper. âZade is your brother, don't you get it?â All I could do was roll my eyes. The same old lie and I knew she was only telling me that so I could stay away from Zade but that'
Talia's POV The steering wheel groaned under my grip, my knuckles white with fury. That bitch actually hit me with those filthy hands of hers. And OpheliaâŚ. Ophelia fucking had the nerves to take her side. The humiliation I felt earlier burned hotter than the slap itself. Those snickering maids, their whispers cutting through my mind like a sharp poison. I swear to the moon god, I'll make them regret it. I'll make them feel every humiliation I felt. âArghhh!â My scream tore through the car as I slammed my fists against the wheel. The sharp pain barely registered over the storm raging deep inside me. "Don't think too much about it, Talia. Just takeâ" My wolf started, but I cut her off. "Shut. Up." My voice was like a blade, slicing her off mid sentence. "This is your fault." If she hadnât pushed me into taking that damn photo, I wouldn't have gone to Zade's house and none of this wouldâve happened. "Give me a break, Talia. We both know that I was only trying to help you.
Lenora's POV All I wanted at that moment was for the ground to open up and swallow me. I can't believe that he's been standing there and listening to our conversation. I really had no idea that he was there. Heck! I didn't even hear him walk in. And I'm sure as hell that Luna Ophelia didn't hear him walk in either. âIt's not a good thing to eavesdrop, Zade.â Luna Ophelia scolded, though her face beamed with smiles. âI'm sorry, mother, but I couldn't help it, but I was glad that I did.â He winked at her, before taking his attention back to me. âSo tell me, my Luna, do you love me?â I tried to duck my head behind my hair like I always do whenever I was blushing, and as if sensing my next action, his hands came under my chin to stop me. âDo you love me?â He sneered. He wouldn't give up easily, therefore I decided to answer him. âYes, Zade.â I whispered quietly. This wasn't the first time that I was confessing my love for him, but it felt different because Luna Ophelia was right
Lenora's POV âShut up, Talia.â Luna Ophelia hissed through gritted teeth before taking her attention back to me. She took a step closer. âTell me the truth, Lenora, did you kiss him?â I cleared my throat before starting. âFirst of all, Luna, it's not what it seems. I can explain if you want me toâŚ.â âThere is nothing to explain, bitch. You kissed him. I saw everything. I even brought a proof, because I know that you were going to lie about it. You are a two-faced whore. YouâŚ.â Before she could finish her statement, my palms collided with her face. She looked stunned. âDid you just slap me, bitch?â She hissed through gritted teeth as she roughly caressed her face, her eyes almost glistening with tears, but it was gone the moment she blinked her eyes. âOf course, Talia and I will do it again and again if you don't stop talking. Now get out of here.â I snapped. âYou can't send me away. This is Zade's house and I am his first love.â She snapped and all I could do was roll my eyes
Lenora's POV The world narrowed to the heat of his mouth, the roughness of his grip, the shock that froze me in place. It wasnât just an ordinary kissâŚ.it was a claim. A brutal and unapologetic one. âWhat are you doing, Lenora? Come to your fucking senses!â Zoey's screams pulled me out of my head and almost immediately, I tore my lips away from his. And the next minute, my palms collided with his face. âAre you fucking crazy?â I hissed through gritted teeth. He didn't even look remorseful at what he did. Instead he took his hands to his face and palmed it in a tender way. âHow dare you kiss me?â âFuck, that was new!â He winked while licking his lips. All I felt was anger. I wished I could slap him again. âThe next time you lay those filthy hands on me, Derek, I'll make sure you never use them again.â I spat again and I tried to walk away from him, but he held my hands in a way that I couldn't move it. âLet go of me, Derek!â I yelped in pain, but he didn't bulge. Instead
Talia's POV âAre you going to let that bitch go, after embarrassing you before Lady Lydia and that shop attendant, huh ?â My wolf asked me for the umpteenth time, but I couldn't answer. Heck, I couldn't form any words. How could I answer when I was still seething with anger? I was fucking furious and I wished I hadn't walked away without hitting her. That bitch! How could she do such a thing? Well, it's not too late. Was I going to let her go easily after what she did to me? No fucking way! She embarrassed me before Lady Lydia and other people in the mall and I'm gonna make her pay for everything, but how? Zariel has been unreachable for the past few days! He's the only one who can help me out with the best idea for a punishment, but the fool is nowhere to be found. Anyways, it'll be better if he's dead. He's driving me crazy every minute."How about taking a quick break in the meantime? Maybe stop at that canteen? You know, sometimes stepping away is the best way to clear
Lenora's POV The scent of paper and ink wrapped around me like a cloak as I stepped into the bookstore, a quiet refuge from the noisy city outside. The bell above the door chimed softly, announcing my arrival. My fingers trailed along the spines of well loved novels as I made my way deeper inside, my heart already thrumming with anticipation of getting my favourite book. I had spent weeks counting down to this day. Marietta, my favorite author, had announced her newest release on social media, and the moment the announcement went live, I marked the date in my calendar, already eager to get it. âAuctioned To My Alpha Professor.â The title alone sent a thrill through me. Heaven knows I couldn't wait to read it. I couldn't wait to read another masterpiece from her. And now, finally, it was here. The thought alone sent a wave of pleasure and excitement through me. Behind the counter sat an elderly woman, her silver hair pulled into a neat bun, and a pair of medicated glasses pe
Lenora's POV âGood day, ma'am, and welcome to Chrome Heart Shopping mall.â The sales representative said to me as soon as I got into the mall and I smiled softly at her. âGood day to you.â I asked, my eyes darting around the mall in search of anything that might catch my attention. âWhat would you like to get?â She asked me and I took my attention back to her. I might just trust her to show me the best gifts they have here. âWell, I'd like to get some bags, shoes and dresses too.â I answered with a smile as usual. âTrust me, ma'am, you are at the right place.â She smiled warmly at me. âCome with me.â She gestured and I walked behind her. Mara had long gone to the other section to get what she needed. âAwwwn!â I cooed as I saw a necklace that was out on display and immediately it caught my eyes. It reminded me of the Mountain Heart Necklace, the same one that Axel had âstolenâ from Charlotte. âDo you like it, ma'am?â The young lady asked and I nodded. âOf course
Lenora's POV Two hours. Thatâs how long it had been since the guard burst into Zadeâs study, breathless with warnings of a rogue attack. Two hours since heâd vanished into the day without a backward glance. I paced the room, my fingers twisting together. The mind linkâŚ.our lifelineâŚ.remained silent, no matter how desperately I reached through the bond. Where are you? Every second stretched into an eternity. If the rogues had ambushed him⌠if theyâd found a way to sever our connection⌠I swallowed hard. He has to come back. I walked towards Luna Ophelia's direction. âDo you think he's fine?â I asked her for the umpteenth time and she took my hands into hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. âCome on, Nora,â she chuckled lightly. Somehow, I've come to love the fact that she addresses me as Nora. It reminds me of my mom. She was the only one who has ever called me that name. And whenever someone else tried to call me that name, I always got angry, but right now, I wasn't pisse