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
Lenora's POV I sat before the vanity in my room, gazing at my image in the mirror, holding the test results on my lap as tears streamed down my face. My hands shook as I gripped the test results, the words ânegativeâ and âbarrenâ piercing my thoughts like a branding iron. As the Luna of the Pack, my responsibility was to bear an heir, yet here am I - infertile. I will never be able to bear children of my own. I have never considered myself a believer in miracles, but at this moment, I hope a miracle occurs and the test results reveal âpositiveâ. The weight had been bearing down on me for years, and with every month that went by, the Pack's demands became more intense. I can't help but feel that very soon I'll be sent away from the Pack and the Pack would force my mate to take another woman that can give him an heir. âOur mate loves us and he won't hurt us that wayâ My wolf whispered to me and I smiled sadly. If only that was the truth. He has fallen out of love with me just
Lenora I was still lost in my thoughts when a knock came. My heart sank thinking that it might be Axel, returning to demand my presence at the ceremony. I opened the door and I was shocked to see my step mother and Melissa. Anger washed over me as I glared at their faces. Matilda knew that her daughter was having an affair with my mate and she didn't scold her. Why was I even surprised? That was what she did to my mother. She was once my mother's best friend. My late mother was my father's mate, but he cheated on her with Matilda. My mother who couldn't bear the news about her mate's betrayal, committed suicide. My father blamed himself for his beloved mate's death. He couldn't live with the fact that he made my mother lose her life. Thus he killed himself too. I was only eight years old at the time and I was made to live with Matilda. Those times of my life were the worst. At some point, I wanted to leave, but I couldn't. I had nowhere to stay. Thus I just stayed in the hous
Lenora As I walked into the Grand Hall, I saw that it was already filled with Pack members, all dressed in their finest attire. The hall is decorated with balloons and ribbons, and a large banner reads âCongratulations to Alpha Axel and Miss Melissaâ and I just rolled my eyes. I was wearing a simple yet elegant black dress, my hair pulled back in a loose bun. My eyes were sunken and my skin was pale. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, but I ignored it as I walked towards the front roll. Anger washed over me as I saw that Melissa was seated on his right side. Well, I sat down next to my mate, trying to pretend to be happy for him and his mistress. No matter how hard I try, I can't pretend to be happy for them. I mean which Luna in her right senses would happily accept such betrayal from her mate? Axel stands at the front of the hall, a broad smile on his face. He's wearing a tailored suit, and his eyes are shining with pride. âI welcome you all to this ceremony. For those
Lenora I gradually opened my eyes, drowsily observing my environment. I saw that I was in the dungeon, the chill of the stone walls and the faint torchlight starkly reminding me of my situation. I tried to sit up, but a surge of dizziness overwhelmed me, making me lie back down. âHello?â I signaled the guards who were standing by the door and one of them rushed forward and bowed before me. âGreetings, Luna!â He greeted me and I nodded. âHow long have I been here?â I asked him. âYou've been here for two days, Ma'am,â He said gruffly. âYou've been unconscious the whole time,â I felt a wave of anger wash over me upon hearing the news. Two days? How could Axel keep me here for two days? I was the Luna for heaven's sake!! âThanks!â I said to the guard and he bowed and walked back to his duty post. At that moment, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I glanced up to find Melissa and her mother approaching me, wearing satisfied smiles. I noticed the other woman behind
ZADE "Of course, I do. I can feel the mate bond," She replied in a robotic tone which indicated that she wasn't happy. She didn't sound happy at all. But that was the least of my problems. At least for now. What mattered now was that I've found my mate. My lips curved into a smile as the thought settled in my head. This had to be the happiest moments of my life. I never thought that a day would come when I would find my mate, but now she was right in front of me. Although I still have no idea what plans the moon goddess has up her sleeves to make Lenora of all people, my mate. I mean she is my archenemy mate. This is so forbidden! Besides, I've been in love with her for a long time now. Fuck, I've been in love with Lenora since the first time I set my eyes on her. That was four years ago and I had plans of chasing her and making her mine, but all those plans went down the drain when I realized that she was not single and worst of all, she was Axel's mate. I couldn't g
Lenora What the hell is going on? Is he in his right senses? How can he say he doesn't give a damn whether I can give him children or not? I mean no Alpha in his right senses will want to be with a barren Luna for heaven's sake! He wants to be with a woman who will never conceive? EVERY Alpha wants a woman who will provide them with pups that can succeed them when they are no more. My barrenness was the main reason why Axel's attitude towards me changed. If I wasn't barren, I'd have still been in the pack and maybe Melissa wouldn't have come into the picture. âYou don't know what you are saying, Zade. We can't be together. I can't give you any pups at all, even if we have to wait foreverâ I said in a stern voice, hoping to make him change his mind, but he shook his head. âOf course I know what I want, Lenora. I want you and you alone. Like I said earlier, if the moon goddess gives us children, that's a bonus, but if she doesn't, we will adopt one,â He repeated the same wor
Lenora Zade took my hands in his as he led me to his car that was parked across the road. A man dressed in black suit rushed forward to open the door, but Zade shook his head, indicating that he'll do it and the guard bowed, before walking back to the car. With a huge smile on his face, he opened the car door for me and I got in, muttering my thanks. I didn't even realize that there was a driver inside the car already. He got in too and immediately, the driver started the car. A thought suddenly popped into my head. Even though he had told me not to worry about anything, I just couldn't help it. Clearing my throat, I started. âSo tell me, Zade, are you sure that your pack is gonna accept me?â I asked him. He took my hands into his and gave it a gentle squeeze. âWhy are you worried, baby girl? You don't have to worry about being accepted by them or not. They have no choice than toââ âNo, Zade. I don't think I can bear it if they don't accept me. What if they see me as a spy
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. âIâŚI can explain. It's not what you think. I didn't meanâŚ.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 faultâŚ.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 LunaâŚâ 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
Zade's POV A blush crept its way to her face at my words and I couldn't help but watch her with a smile. I watched her intently, my gaze lingering on her as she stood there. I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed a while ago. She had forgiven them. She had forgiven the same women who said those harsh words to her, the same women who had called her barren, damaged goods and garbage unworthy of being a part of the pack. She had forgiven them despite those words? I felt my jaw tightened at the memory of their cruel words, my wolf stirring angrily within me. How could she let them go easily? How could she look past the pain they had caused her like it was nothing? But that was Lenora! Her heart was unlike any I had ever known. It was vast, and forgiving, unlike Talia's. I'm sure as hell that if Talia was in Lenora's shoes, she'd have asked me to cut off their tongues, but Lenora didn't do any of those and I couldn't help but admire her strength, her ability to rise above th