Maya's POV Crestwolf Pack. The howling of wolves in the nearby woods took my sleep away and for the greater part of the night, my eyes were wide open. It was in the early hours of the morning that I managed to get some sleep only to wake up a few hours later. Swinging my feet off the bed, I headed to the bathroom and, aft, er, clean up dec, decided to go see Anna. Without knocking, I pushed the door open only to be greeted with an empty room. I had wanted to start worrying when it dawned on me that Anna was no longer here. “Ugh!” I sighed, cranking my neck. “I hope I don't repeat this mistake tomorrow,” I muttered as I pulled my feet towards the kitchen. Checking up on Anna and engaging her in a conversation when she wasn't here had been a recurring practice each day, showing how much I had missed her. Never for once had I thought her absence was going to affect me this way. Rubbing my neck, I said to myself, “I will pull through this.” Getting to the kitchen
Anna's POV Fully aware that no matter how much I showed my obstinate side, Alpha Jasper wouldn't be moved, I had no choice but to drink from the herb the maid had brought in. Just like the one I took back at Maya's home, it was tasteless and immediately, my taste buds began to itch. “I told you it's potent.” Alpha Jasper said, making me leave my hand mid-air as I stared back at him. Because of the fierce appetite I had after taking the herbs, I had thrown caution into the wind and I was gobbling my food like someone was after my life. Embarrassed, I wiped my mouth clean and then began to chew the food in my mouth. I made sure I swallowed every single thing before I shoved the next spoon in. At the end of the feast, I was heavy and it took all I had in me to pull myself up, making sure I held on to the table for support. “Thank you for inviting me to share a meal with you,” I said and then did a curt bow before turning in the direction of the door. Just as I was about to t
Alpha Jasper's POVIf asked why I wanted Anna to move into my chambers, I had no response for that. It was just a prompting I had inside of me and so I decided to act accordingly. Getting to my chambers, the guards standing by the door pushed the door open and I stepped in followed by Anna. While I went about getting changed for the night, Anna stood at a corner, her hands crossed with her head bent. Ignoring her, I went ahead to change into my robe. “Why are you just standing there?” I asked moments later since she had refused to leave her position. “Can't you have a change of mind? I'm not really comfortable here.” She replied with a frown, darting her eyes around my chambers as if this was the first time she was stepping in. With my hands across my broad chest, I said, “The maids had placed a few of your clothing inside the closet. When you are ready to get some sleep, change into something comfy and join me.” “Al…” she tried to call out to me but I didn't respond, instead, I
Anna's POV What has gotten over Alpha Jasper? Since my return, it has been from one drama to another. Foremost it was a feast and then a walk down the aisle in the cold night. As if that wasn't enough, he asked me to move in with him into his chambers. Yet to wrap my head around the new development, here he was speaking about a party to celebrate my return and also to reveal his heir. What more does he have in store for me? Is this his form of punishment? Throwing my head backwards, I let out a low groan before I straightened up and then followed him to his chambers. The only time I decided to join him in bed was when he was already asleep and had his back on me. I hope this night will be the first and the last one I will spend in his chamber in this manner. The next morning, I heard the creaking of the windows and this was confirmed when a ray of light rushed into the room at once, causing me to squint in pain. Shielding my eyes with one hand, I stretched my hand t
Maya's POV While I was cleaning up this morning, I heard a knock on the door and I hurried towards it, trying to guess who was on the other end. Yanking the door open, I poked my head outside but didn't see anyone apart from my redhead neighbour, who was going about her chores. Just as I was about to bang the door shut, two men walked up to me and I stilled. For the next few minutes, I was just staring at them, trying to pinpoint their faces. “Who are you?” I couldn't help but ask. They looked like they were strangers. “Are you Maya, Anna's friend?” The tall one among the two asked and I immediately gulped, wondering what sort of trouble I had landed myself into. “We are from the neighbouring pack where your friend, Anna, resides.” He said again and I nodded, rubbing my sweaty palms against my dress. It better not be what I was thinking. With their attire, I didn't need anyone to tell me they were palace guards. Before I could start cooking up weird ideas in my head,
Anna's POV Considering the way Alpha Jasper had spoken about Maya after he accepted my request, my instincts kept telling me to lead Maya into the palace on her arrival, but I refused, and now, look where my disobedience had landed me. Ever since Alpha Jasper left with Maya, my heart had been ramming against my chest nonstop. It was as if the next minute I was going to pass out with fear. “I just hope nothing bad happens,” I muttered, fiddling with my fingers. It was in this disoriented state that Selena appeared from nowhere. “My lady.” She greeted me with a curt bow. Smiling and with her hands folded in front of her, she said, “I want to officially welcome you back home. I’m glad nothing of any sort happened to you while you were away.” “As if you care,” I said in my head, staring right back at her. Even a mere onlooker would know she was faking her smile; it was just too obvious, and it made me sick on the inside. “Thank you. I appreciate your concern,” I said, hoping
Anna's POV The pains I felt subsided but for just a moment, the next minute, I was clutching my stomach as if my life depended on it. It was as if I was the only one in the room because no one seemed to notice the agony I was passing through, even Maya who was sitting next right to me. From the corner of my eyes, I saw her sipping from her drink while she nodded to the music that the musicians were providing. I wanted to call out to her for help, but deep down, I felt it was uncalled for. Moreover, I invited her to the mansion all because of this party, it would be unfair to drag her into my woes. Squinting, I clutched my stomach more tightly, holding the edge of the table with my other hand for support. At the moment, I was sweating as if I had been engaged in some strenuous work, thereby increasing my discomfort. Still in this state, I saw Alpha Jasper climbing up the podium to address the crowd. “I will be called up, I should pull myself together now before then,” I
Chapter 42 Alpha Jasper's POV First, it was Maya's scream, and the next was Anna's. What were these two cooking? I couldn't help but wonder. Considering the distance between us, I couldn't get to see the cause of their scream, and so I decided to stay put, my gaze still on them, only for Anna to slump the next minute. I ran towards them and then crouched beside Anna. Checking her pulse, I discovered she was still breathing, and immediately, I ordered the physician to revive her. My gaze was now on Maya, who was fidgeting. I asked what had happened, and she told me everything. Starting from when a maid brings drinks for them, and then Anna's stomach aches before passing out. Right now, I was pacing around my study with my hands folded across my chest as I tried to gather my thoughts. I didn't need anyone to tell me Anna's drink was laced. It was just too obvious that I bet even a blind man would be able to see it without any difficulty. “I will get to the bottom of thi