Axel's POV âShe is dead to me.â I repeated when it seemed like my wolf wasn't getting what I was saying to him. âCome onâŠ..â He started, but I cut him off. âEnough.â I snapped. âI won't have this conversation again.â Now I turned around to face the woman who was still kneeling before me. âWhat are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be out of here by now?â âPlease sonâŠ..â âAlpha Axel.â I cut her off and she hesitated before answering. âAlpha Axel,â she started. I was suddenly filled with an unexplainable joy to hear her addressing me like that. âSo tell me, Astrid, how can I help you?â I asked, my eyebrows raising slightly. âIâŠ.I want you to forgive me for everything that happened many years agoâŠ.â âCare to tell me what happened?â To say I was enjoying everything that was happening would be an understatement. She exhaled slowly, but she didn't answer. âI'm still waiting, Astrid. Care to tell me what happened or get the hell out of hereâ This time, she opened her
Lenora's POV âLet's take a walk around the pack, my Luna.â Laura said as soon as she walked into my room. I was seated before the vanity in my room, with Mara, Karl's mate, standing behind me, as she helped me to comb my locs. With a smile on my face, I turned around to face the little girl. âYou want to take a walk around the pack?â âYes, Luna. I'll also give you a tour around the pack. How does that sound?â She asked as she came to stand in front of me. I reached out and palmed her face in my hands and I gave her cheeks a gentle pinch. âThat'll be great, Laura. Let's go,â âThank you so much, Luna.â She giggled as she laid on the bed. I turned to face Mara. âWill you like to come with me please?â Her face creased into a smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. âOf course, my Luna. I'll love to.â âCome on, Mara, you should address me as Lenora. I want to be your friend.â Her smile deepened. âIt's gonna be hard, Luna, but I'll try.â âOkay, Mara, take your time!â I winked a
Lenora's POV To say I was dumbfounded would be an understatement. Did those women just apologize to me, or am I dreaming? The same women that had addressed me as barren and damaged goods? Did they just apologize? âI think you are!â Zoey let out a soft chuckle and I couldn't help but shake my head. âYou are right, Zoey. I am dreaming, because there is no way they'd appear in front of me, just to apologise.â I pinched myself mentally to be sure if I was dreaming or not. âYou are not dreaming, Lenora. They are right in front of you. They are actually standing in front of you!â Zoey said in a stern voice and now it dawned on me that I wasn't dreaming. âWe are sorry, Luna. We know that we acted out of character and we shouldn't have said such words to you. We are sorry.â This time around, they spoke in unison. They must have memorized those words, to be able to say it together and at the same time. âNo matter how you want us to be punished, we were ready to accept it. We are real
Lenora's POV âWe are really grateful to you for your forgiveness and we promise that it's never gonna happen again.â Sarah said this time and I nodded. âI hope you keep to your words, Sarah.â I said to her, âNow you can leave .â Almost immediately, they rose up from the floor and strode away. Now that they were out of sight, I took a deep breath to calm my raging nerves. No, I wasn't mad at them anymore. I was mad at Melissa and I wish I could get the chance to meet her again and make her pay for everything. Although I'm glad that I left Axel already, I'm still sad about the fact that I won't be able to give Alpha Zade any children. âCome on, Lenora. Didn't Alpha Zade ask you not to worry about anything, anymore?â Zoey's voice cut through my thoughts and I could only sigh. âYes, Zoey. He asked me not to worry about giving him a child, but that doesn't mean that I'll just sit back and relent. Besides, I feel like he is only saying those words to console me.â âWhen will you ever
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
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
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 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
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 OpheliaâŠ. 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 toâŠ.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. YouâŠ.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 kissâŠ.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 linkâŠ.our lifelineâŠ.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