Chapter Forty-Five: Moving Back Kiara, at the age of Seventeen Two Weeks before her eighteenth birthday Kiara POV:I couldn't believe it! King Kayden and Jayden were standing right in front of me. I repeatedly blinked, making sure I wasn't imagining them, but they were right there in front of me. Looking as amazing as the last time I saw them. Their golden eyes sparkled under the light, and I could see myself getting lost in them. I should bear my neck, bow, and not make eye contact, but everything flew out the window the moment I heard King Kayden say my name. It had been two years, two years, since I last saw them. Two years that my heart called out for them even though it had no place to. I thought they had forgotten about me over the months. Not once did they come to visit or try to reach out. Rex had repeatedly come to Crescent Haven with JJ over the months but never them. Well, it was kind of dumb to expect them to come since they were the kings, but every time the car doors
Chapter Forty-Six: It Feels Surreal Kiara, at the age of Seventeen Two Weeks before her eighteenth birthday Kiara POV: As I gathered my bags, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The thought of being back at the castle and closer to the kings was thrilling, but I also knew that things could get complicated, especially given my feelings for them. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, as I followed the kings out of the office and to their car after saying goodbye to the triplets. I would miss them. It had only been two years since I came back to Crescent Haven, but we had grown extremely close, especially me and Phoenix. With JJ in the castle, most of my time was spent with my brothers or JJ's brother, and the triplets' beta, Max. Over the months here, they had shown me new ways to fight, how the pack runs, and so much other stuff. And now that I had to say goodbye once again, it was overwhelming. Plus, the fact that I couldn't say goodbye to Mom
Chapter Forty-Seven: Welcome Back Kiara, at the age of Seventeen Two Weeks before her eighteenth birthday Kiara POV:After the twins had left me to my own thoughts a little while ago with a kiss on each cheek, which had me clutching both sides with a manic smile on my face for the past hour, I was contemplating making a run for it back to Crescent Haven.Why were they showing me so much attention all of a sudden?Why did their touch ignite sparks everywhere our skin touched?I didn't want to believe it because it seemed absurd, but the signs were all right there. Everything I had heard from JJ and other friends of mine that had been mated, they had all described these to be a sign of a mate bond. Could it be that maybe, just maybe, the goddess paired me with Kayden and Jayden? But if that were the case, they would've known the moment they met me almost nine years ago. They would've said something; hell, from what I know, their wolves would've gone feral by now if that was the cas
Chapter Forty-Eight: Date Night Kiara, at the age of Seventeen Ten Days before her eighteenth birthday Kiara POV: It had been four days since I had been here. After four days of getting settled back into the castle, it honestly felt like I had never left. It felt so right to be here; it was as if I was home. Which was weird considering Crescent Haven was home, but I had this weird calling towards this place, more like toward the owners of this place. I closed my eyes and remembered the wolf run we had all been on four days ago. It was like I was nine years old all over again when I first rode off Kayden and Jayden's wolves' backs. They were as majestic, if not more than I remembered. Being the only one who couldn't shift as of yet, I was forced to ride on their backs. And, despite them looking and feeling as amazing as they were, just like the first time I rode on their back, it was nothing like this time. The moment I touched Jayden's wolf to get on his back, it was as if a
Chapter Forty-Eight: I Missed You, Aiden Kiara, at the age of Seventeen Seven days before her eighteenth birthday Kiara POV: "All in good time, little one," "We promise it's for the best," "We know it's hard, Kiara. We just ask for your patience." "We won't let you down. Trust us." Kayden and Jayden's words from three days ago hadn't left my mind for even a second. Even though during these past three days, I had spent almost every minute with them more like they were adamant about taking me everywhere with them. Only leaving me alone when they had to attend court and royal matters. As much as I loved it, I hated it at the same time! As much I loved spending time with them, it was as if, around people who weren't either beta Tim or Gamma Chris, they were completely different, acting as if I was an annoyance tailing them. The more mood swings, then a girl on her period, swear to the goddess. Plus, whenever I tried talking to them about our connection, they either changed
Chapter Fifty: One Last ChanceKiara, at the age of Seventeen Four days before her eighteenth birthday Kayden POV: As Jayden and I sat in our office, the only thought that ran through my mind was that we were idiots. If there was a word in the multiverse that could describe utter stupidity, Jayden and I would be the explanation. Everything was going perfectly, we were wooing our mate, our future Luna, and we blew all the time and effort we had put in during the past few days just because our possessiveness got the best of us. Over the years, we had been dickwads towards Kiara in so many situations regarding any male wolves. When it came to battle strategies and wars, bring it on; Jayden and I were beasts at that, pun intended. But with our hardly five-foot-four-inch soon-to-be mate, we were idiots. How could one mess up so much despite heading millions of wolves? Ugh! This shit was fucking crazy! It wasn't as if we didn't trust Kiara. We did! It was that excuse of an alpha, Ai
Chapter Fifty-One: Scavenger Hunt Kiara, at the age of Seventeen Four days before her eighteenth birthday Kiara POV: Why was I always weak when it came to Jayden and Kayden? It had taken everything in me to avoid them the last couple of days after what they had done with the whole Aiden drama. To top it off, JJ and Rex even thought Kayden and Jayden were right and that Aiden was bad news. Yeah, okay, it was weird to see Aiden's reaction toward Kayden and Jayden and my feelings toward them. I had known him for years; he had never been like that. Rex was hell-bent on believing, and so was JJ, that Aiden had feelings for me more than that for a friend. Yeah! Bullshit! I would've noticed, right? Anyhow, I was doing just fine, minding my own business and keeping my distance from all the oppressive males in my life, which included beta Tim and gamma Chris. It was fine growing up that they all had something to say or give advice, but now it was getting out of hand. Like seriously, I
Chapter Fifty-Two: Date 2.0 Kiara, at the age of Seventeen Three days before her eighteenth birthday Kiara POV: With the scavenger hunt over and the promise of a reward waiting for me, my heart fluttered with excitement. I couldn't help but feel a bit giddy; after all, Jayden and Kayden had gone out of their way to make it up to me. Although the reason behind this fuss was something I still held in my heart, the bitterness was slowly fading away, replaced by the warm, gooey feelings their actions stirred in me. "Alright, close your eyes, sweetheart." Kayden's commanding voice made me grin, and I obediently closed my eyes. I still couldn't get over their pet names. Every time Kayden called me 'sweetheart,' and Jayden called me 'love' fireworks went off around me. Goddess! I was getting so corny! I heard the rustling of their clothes and a door being opened, and then Kayden's warm hand slipped into mine, zaps of electricity that used to last for a second or two now lasting longer
Chapter Ninety-Seven: When Dreams Become Reality: The End!Kiara POV: My mind reels from the chaotic amalgam of the last 48 hours. It feels like a tornado had swept through our lives, leaving no corner untouched by its tempestuous winds. The kitchen had been a war zone, filled with the scent of burning pastries and a cacophony of squabbling caterers. The garden, the intended venue for the ceremony, had transformed into a floral battlefield where petals and thorns were the weapons of choice. Our usually disciplined musicians were discordant, hitting off-keys and false notes as if possessed. Tailors had made multiple trips for last-minute adjustments on suits and gowns. Yes, every conceivable disaster waiting to happen was on the cusp of unfolding. It was a miraculous brand of chaos that could only herald an extraordinary event—my wedding, to be precise.I look at myself in the floor-length, ornate mirror that Cathy had insisted on placing in the bridal room. The room itself is a cozy
Chapter Ninety-Six: Marry Us!Kiara POV: Life at the castle has shifted into a complex tapestry of laughter, challenges, and newfound responsibilities. Each day, I've steeped myself deeper into the nuances of being a Queen—mastering diplomatic dialogues, poring over historical scrolls, and even learning how to use my unique gifts to lead different packs.` Despite the intensities of my royal transition, the weight of the Aiden fiasco hangs like a dark cloud in the periphery of my thoughts. We've dealt with it as a united front, dishing out the raw brutality of Lycan justice, yet the uneasy feeling it sparked remains. But the castle seems to have moved on—everyone fully engrossed in their daily chores, secret conversations, and sporadic laughter that echoes through the corridors.Or so it appears.A discordant note has struck the otherwise harmonious rhythm of the castle—particularly with Kayden and Jayden. Both have been increasingly jittery, their eyes often meeting in what looks li
Chapter Ninety-Five: Retribution For AidenKiara POV: Life has a funny way of fooling you into thinking you've walked in a straight line, only to circle you back to where you started. One week. That's how long it had been since I came back. Three days since the medical ward released me, their diagnostics said I was fit to re-enter my everyday life. And just like that, it was as if I had never left.My mornings were as uproarious as ever. Rex, JJ, and I had resumed our relentless banter that would often escalate into full-blown, albeit harmless, verbal duels. Just this morning, Rex had pulled a face that was a comic blend of concern and mischief. "Your Highness, are you sure you're still equipped for royal duties? Being away must've dulled your royal snark."JJ chimed in, nudging Rex aside as he smirked. "Yeah, Kiki, we've gotta ensure our queen can still kick our asses on the regular, you know?"They seemed the same, but I sensed an added layer of protectiveness in their teasing, a
Chapter Ninety-Four: You're Home and SafeKiara POV: As consciousness edged its way back into my mind, I found myself wrapped in a cocoon of muffled voices, their words indecipherable but their tones unmistakably concerned. Among them, I could clearly distinguish Kayden's and Jayden's voices; they had a unique cadence that my heart recognized even when my mind was clouded. I couldn't help but let out a soft giggle at their anxious muttering; they were fussing like two mother hens over their single, most prized egg.I felt a gentle pressure on my hand. Someone—probably one of my mates—was holding it as if it were a fragile piece of glass. As much as I loved the feeling, I couldn't resist the temptation to open my eyes and rejoin the world I'd left behind, even if only briefly.When my eyelids finally fluttered open, the sight that met me was overwhelming in the most beautiful way. Gathered around my bedside in what looked like a well-furnished, softly lit infirmary room were the faces
Chapter Ninety-Three: Justice! Kiara POV: There's a quiet tension hanging in the air, a silence so loud it's nearly deafening. We've encamped just outside the boundaries of the BlackFang territory, under the cover of the dense forest that serves as a natural demarcation line between our worlds. The foliage above us rustles softly, a night symphony orchestrated by a wind that seems to carry the weight of our collective apprehensions and fears.Jayden, Kayden, and I stand on an elevated patch of land, looking down at the tableau of soldiers and warriors—both wolf and Lycan—preparing for the operation. Their faces are etched with a steely resolve, a far cry from the brotherly banter and laid-back demeanour that usually characterize our ranks.King Alistar's sons—Eamon, Faelan, and Declan—are with us, engrossed in a last-minute strategic discussion. The five of them huddle around a compact, portable table where a hastily drawn map of BlackFang territory is displayed. A collection of sma
Chapter Ninety-Two: What Is The Faith Of BlackFang? Kiara POV: The atmosphere in the room is so dense that I can feel it pressing against my skin. King Alistair's proposal hangs heavy in the air, like an unspoken oath that could either mend or further divide two long-feuding worlds. My heart races as I lock eyes with Kayden and Jayden, and I can feel their emotional turmoil blending with mine, sending waves of uncertainty and apprehension through our mental link. 'What do you think?' My mental voice quivers as I send the question through the link. My mates' eyes widen almost imperceptibly, and their mental voices echo in my head. 'It's a monumental decision, Kiara. We're not just speaking about alliances; we're talking about flesh and blood, a future generation,' Kayden's thoughts weave into mine, laced with caution and a sense of gravity. 'And what about freedom? The freedom to choose a mate, to fall in love naturally with her fated mate? Are we robbing our future daughter of
Chapter Ninety-One: ReunitedKiara POV: My heart is a frantic drumbeat in my chest as the doors to the throne room burst open in an explosion of splintered wood and metal. The charged air is immediately filled with the cacophony of growls, howls, and snarls as wolves flood the room, leaping onto the Lycan guards. Claws meet fangs in a blur of frenzied movement and fur, painting a scene of absolute chaos.And then I see them. Rex and JJ, their wolf forms unmistakable even amidst the turmoil. Rex, a colossal beast with fur as dark as obsidian, is engaged in a ferocious bout with Eamon, one of the triplets. JJ, silver as a moonbeam, darts and sways with Faelan in a dance as old as time.Gamma Chris, a hulking wolf with a coat like burnt charcoal, and Beta Tim, a svelte, agile creature with a russet-coloured pelt, face off against their Lycan equivalents. The air is electric with the intensity of their clashes, every swipe of a claw or gnashing of teeth an explosion of pent-up aggression
Chapter Ninety: What Are You Doing Here? Part TwoKiara POV: My heart pounds in my chest as Queen Elara leads me through the massive doors into the Lycan throne room. Despite her reassuring presence, the room intimidates me. It's a sprawling space filled with dark mahogany and adorned with various artifacts and weaponry, a testament to centuries of Lycan history and prowess. Towering statues of Lycan warriors stand sentinel, their stony gazes seemingly watching my every move. The thrones at the room's far end, made of intricately carved dark wood and inlaid with gemstones, look less like chairs and more like ancient monuments to power.As we step further into this grand space, I notice the Lycan who had captured me in the forest. He stands like a fortress next to an imposing man. The man is stunningly handsome, with hair as dark as a raven's feather and eyes like glowing embers—eyes that command your attention. His physique is both athletic and regal, his demeanour one of calculated
Chapter Eighty-Nine: What Are You Doing Here? Part OneKiara POV: My eyes flutter open, greeted by unfamiliar surroundings. The room is an opulent display of old-world elegance, adorned with rich tapestries and intricate carvings that hint at a long, storied history. But its luxurious trappings do little to comfort me. Panic seizes me as the events leading up to this moment crash over me like a tidal wave: the forest, the Lycans, the numbing blackness. I leap out of the lavish bed, a knot of dread tightening in my stomach, and dart toward the window. My hands grab the handle and pull, but it doesn't budge. It's locked. Just as I'm about to succumb to a wave of despair, a voice from behind interrupts my spiralling thoughts."Don't be afraid. You are safe here."I spin around to find a woman standing near the doorway, and my breath catches in my throat. She is, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Her beauty isn't the flashy kind that demands attention but the se