All Chapters of Forbidden Bonds: Secrets of the Alpha's Mate: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Xander's POVThe first tremor catches me off guard. I'm in my father's study, poring over ancient pack treaties when the ground beneath my feet rumbles. At first, I dismiss it as nothing more than a passing truck or a distant storm. But then the walls start to shake, books tumbling from their shelves in a cascading avalanche of leather and paper."Earthquake!" I shout, my voice carrying the authority of the Alpha heir. "Everyone out, now!"I rush from the study, my mind racing. We've had minor quakes before, but this is the first time we've had minor quakes. The very foundations of the pack house groan in protest as I make my way through the corridors, helping elders and pups alike to safety.As I emerge into the courtyard, the full scale of the disaster becomes apparent. Cracks spiderweb across the ground, swallowing up gardens and pathways. The air is filled with a cacophony of howls, both human and wolf, as pack members scramble for safety."Form teams!" I command, my voice cutting

Lyra's POVThe air in Shadowmoon Pack territory is thick with grief and suspicion. As I help clear debris from what was once the grand pack house, I can't shake the feeling that we're all walking on eggshells. Xander's declaration of foul play has everyone on edge, with furtive glances and hushed whispers following me wherever I go.I'm lifting a hefty beam when a flash of movement catches my eye. My heart stops. At the edge of the tree line stands the mysterious man who's been haunting my dreams and waking hours. Our eyes lock briefly, terrifyingly before he melts back into the shadows."Did you see that?" I ask the wolf working beside me, my voice trembling.He looks up, confused. "See what?"I shake my head, doubt creeping in. Am I going crazy? Or is there truly something sinister at play here?As twilight descends, I approach Xander's temporary command center. The mate bond between us thrums with tension, a constant reminder of what we could be and can never have. I'm about to ent

Lyra's POVThe air in Shadowmoon Pack territory is thick with tension and unspoken accusations. As I make my way through the rebuilding efforts, I can't help but notice the way conversations halt abruptly when I approach, only to resume in fervent whispers once I've passed."Did you see what she did during the quake?""Unnatural, if you ask me.""But she saved so many...""Power like that... it's dangerous."I try to ignore the stares and muttered comments, focusing instead on the task at hand - helping to clear debris from what was once the pack's community center. But even as I work, I can feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on me."Lyra," a voice calls out, and I turn to see Zara approaching. The pack healer's face is etched with concern. "We need to talk. Privately."Curiosity piqued, I follow her to a secluded corner of the grounds. Zara glances around nervously before speaking in a hushed tone. "I've been hearing things... rumors about your powers. Some are calling y

Xander's POVThe morning sun filters through the curtains, its warmth doing little to dispel the fog clouding my mind. I blink, trying to piece together the events of last night. Fragments of memory flash through my consciousness – Elara's seductive smile, the sweet taste of wine, and then... nothing. A blank void where coherent thought should be.A soft stirring beside me snaps me back to the present. Elara stretches languidly, her naked form barely covered by the silk sheets. She turns to me, her eyes glittering with an emotion I can't quite place."Good morning, my love," she purrs, trailing a finger down my chest. "Last night was... magical."I force a smile, fighting the unease churning in my stomach. "Elara, I—"But before I can voice my confusion, she sits up abruptly, her face suddenly pale. "Oh!" she gasps, clutching her abdomen. "I don't feel well..."Concern overrides my discomfort. "What's wrong? Should I call for the healer?"Elara shakes her head, a small, secretive smil

Elara's POVThe bitter taste of jealousy coats my tongue as I watch Xander and Lyra from afar, their heads bent close together in yet another "investigation." My hand instinctively moves to my stomach, still flat but holding so much promise. This child is my ticket to everything I've ever wanted, and I'll be damned if I let my pathetic excuse for a sister ruin it all."It's time," I whisper to the shadows beside me. Nyx materializes, her Fae glamour shimmering slightly in the fading light. "Are you certain about this?" she asks, her voice low and musical. "Once we set this in motion, there's no turning back."I laugh, the sound harsh and brittle. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life. Do it."Nyx nods, her fingers weaving an intricate pattern in the air. Silvery threads of magic coalesce, forming a shimmering web that settles over the clearing where Xander and Lyra stand. To the untrained eye, nothing has changed. But I know better.I stride forward, my heart pounding