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
Zade's POV âI don't have time to figure that out right now, Mother. I need to get to the company right away. Stay here. Keep an eye on the pack till I get back. Keep Lenora safe.â She nodded, her eyes filled with worry. âGo son. I'll handle things here. Stay safe for me, pleaseâ I didn't wait for another word. I bolted out of the door, my heart racing in my chest like a stampede. Different thoughts ran through my mind as I walked towards the garage. How many workers were in the building? How bad is the damage? Who's responsible for this damage? I had two guesses; Zariel and those conniving elders. I couldn't help but feel that the person responsible for the fire outbreak was Zariel, my brother, who was also my rival and my enemy. He'd stop at nothing to claim the throne, to destroy me. And if I find out that this is his doing, I'd make him regret ever crossing me. I've always known that Zariel would do anything to get the throne. He would do anything to get to me. I'm gon
Zadeâs POV I pulled out my phone, my fingers hovering over the screen as I prepared to dial my Beta's number. But before I could, the device buzzed in my hand and his name flashed across the screen. âAlpha.â He called out. âI'm currently at the company, but I can't find you.â âMeet me at the east wing.â I commanded and without waiting for a response, I ended the call. In a few minutes, he appeared before me. His eyes locked on the ruins, his jaw tightening as his fists clenched into a ball. âWho the fuck is responsible for this?â He growled in a low voice. âZariel,â I replied curtly and he gritted his teeth in anger, his nostrils flaring. âThat punk!â Karl snarled, his voice rising in anger. âHow could he be so reckless? He knew there were people inside!â His fists clenched at his sides. He did nothing to hide his urge to strike out. âI'll kill him. I'll fucking kill him myself.â âThat's the plan, Karlâ I chirped in. âI've let him live too long. This time, there's no mercy.
Lenoraâs POV âPlease, Lenora, you have to listen to meâŠ.â Zade pleaded, his hand reaching out as he took two steps towards me. His eyes were pleading but I wasn't having it. I took two steps backward, my heart pounding hard in my chest. âDon'tâ I snapped, my voice filled with a mix of anger and hurt. Don't come any closer, Zade. Go back to your lover. I won't bother you anymore.â I said through gritted teeth as I continued moving backwards. I couldn't believe what I just saw. There he was, standing in the middle of a chaos like this, his arms wrapped around herâŠ. Talia. His ex. The one he swore meant nothing to him anymore. And here I was, at home, pacing around the house like a worried wife, worrying myself sick over my mate and how he was taking the news of the fire outbreak. When his mother told me about the fire outbreak, I didn't even think twice before telling her that I wanted to come meet him, to comfort him like the good wife I was. She had even asked me to stay b
Zade's POVâWhat the hell have you done?â I snarled. My fists clenched at my sides as I stormed toward the man who had rushed out of the car. His face had gone pale, his hands trembling as he raised them in an attempt to pacify me. "I'm sorry." He pleaded but I scoffed. If only he knows that nothing would calm the raging storm within me. He had hit her. My mate. My woman. âI swear to the moon god, it wasn't my fault. I didn't see her coming.â He stammered, but I didn't let him finish. I shot him a glare that was enough to silent him and he snapped his mouth shut, shrinking back as if he could hide from me. âPray to whatever god you believe in that she's okay,â I hissed in anger. âBecause if she's not, I swear, I'll rip you apart with my bare hands.â He exhaled slowly, his breath shaky. It was filled with fear, but I didn't care one bit. My focus was on her, the one fragile figure lying almost motionless on the ground, her chest rising and falling in uneven breaths. My eyes
Lenora's POV My eyes fluttered open and I found myself lying on a bed. The walls of the room were white and the room was filled with the scent of antiseptic and at once I knew that I was in a hospital. Wait a minute! How did I end up here? The only thing I remembered was going to Zade's company to meet him, immediately Luna Ophelia told me about the tragedy. Then I remembered coming to the company to see him hugging his ex-girlfriend, the one person he had sworn that he had nothing to do with. Anger washed over me immediately that image flashed in my head and even though I didn't want to be angry, I couldn't. How could he do such a thing? Hugging his ex girlfriend while I was at home worrying my ass about him. âRelax, Lenora. You just got out of treatment. You should rest.â Zoey chided me softly and I creased my brows in confusion. âWhat treatment, Zoey? How did I end up here?â I asked her, because I knew that she was the only one who would give me the answers that I needed.
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