《The Luna鈥檚 Second Chance Mate》


 Dumped

    LARISSA


    My high heels clicked the floor lightly as I walked down the hallway to the room where I would get dressed. I could feel everyone around turning to get a second look at me once I crossed them, and why shouldn¡¯t they? It was my wedding party after all and I knew I looked breathtaking.


    I kept my chin up, walking just the way I practiced ¨C like a queen. Chloe, my designer and best friend had insisted I wear the red ball gown during the wedding reception even though I had wanted something less colorful. ¡°It¡¯s your night, Ris, you should look as sexy as ever.¡± She had said and I couldn¡¯t really argue with that.


    I had waited so long for this day since the moment Stefan and I were named mates and got engaged to each other. It was all I had dreamed about since I was a girl, marrying a handsome and powerful alpha and ruling the pack by his side as his Luna. Even thinking about it made the excitement rush through my body. Now my wedding night had reached and it was time to mate with my beloved!


    I resisted the urge to break into a run when I saw the door of our new room but I knew many eyes were still on me so Iforted myself the best way I could. The butterflies in my stomach bounced up and down like samba dancers but I still kept a cool face, just like I practiced, smiling at people who greeted or congratted me and keeping myposure. Finally I got to the room, twisted the door knob and entered. I blinked, It was beautiful. The entire room had been decorated withvender fragrant candles, the king-size bed was also decorated to match the white room and there was a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket by the bed stand.


    My heart skipped a beat when I heard a knock on the bedroom door. ¡°Come in.¡± I said as excitement rose once again in my body.


    The door swung open immediately and a brown haireddy stepped in. ¡°What do you think?¡± She smiled, gesturing around the room.


    ¡°Chloe, it¡¯s beautiful!¡± I said and wrapped my arms around her in a bear hug.


    ¡°Aww. Thanks. I went through some trouble to get it this way but it was worth it.¡± She said and looked me sternly in the face. ¡°I hope you¡¯re ready?¡±


    ¡°I was born ready.¡±


    She chuckled, ¡°Larissa Tokenmoon is finally gonna get some d*ck, who would have thought?¡±


    My eyes widened a little at that and I wanted to scold her but I was just too happy to say anything. Iughed with her and felt my cheek burn slightly. I knew where this was heading.


    ¡°Look Ris, this might be an unpopr opinion but the wedding night might just be the most important night of marriage, especially if you¡¯re married to an alpha. Babe you¡¯ve gotta show him that you can please him in any way and every way tonight. Wolves need wives who can satisfy their hunger all night long. In other words, charm him with that golden pussy, girl.¡±


    ¡°Chloe!¡± I said, but couldn¡¯t help my smile. ¡°I know what¡¯s going to happen tonight, you don¡¯t need to lecture me, silly. I¡¯ve waited a long time for this and now I¡¯m ready. I want it to be a night to remember.¡± I said, looking dreamily into space.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s make it that way. Is there anything else you need here? I can call someone to get them real quick. Stefan won¡¯t be here for at least ten more minutes, i saw him speaking to the alpha of Skyhowl on my way here and we both know how talkative Alpha Donovan is, no doubt also giving him fuck tips.¡± She winked.


    Skyhowl was one of the packs under Tokenmoon. They were basically family. But I never really like Donovan. He had four wives and fifteen cubs and was very popr among the wolves because of his ¡°fertility¡± but all I see when I look at him is just a pompous and extremely vulgar person. And to make it even more disgusting, there were rumours that he was nning on taking a fifth wife. I didn¡¯t really have anything seriously bad against him but I didn¡¯t want him anywhere near my husband.


    ¡°Did you pick up anything they were saying?¡± I asked, interested in what the Fuck Wolf ¨C as I called him- was telling Stefan.


    ¡°Hmm. Nothing really, apart from the fact that Stefan looked incredibly bored. I saw the look on his face, no doubt he¡¯s craving to be with you.¡±


    I smiled at these words as my tummy fluttered for the tenth time that evening, then took another look around the room. ¡°More candles. Oh and plucked roses for the bed.¡±


    Chloe nodded seriously. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone fetch them right away.¡± Then she paused, as if suddenly remembering something, ¡°You¡¯ll need something morefortable. Something more¡­ sexy for Stefan.¡± She smiled menacingly and bolted out of the room before I could say anything.


    I sighed, sank into the bed and gasped at how soft andfy it was. No doubt Chloe¡¯s doing. I smiled. We had been best friends from the time we learned how to talk. She was like a sister to me, always doing everything she could to make sure I was happy since we were little cubs. Now here she was giving me tips on my wedding night like a pro.


    I inhaled the sweet aroma of the candles that lit up the room and the smell of freshvender filled my nostrils like I was in a garden in spring.


    After a little while, some servants entered the room, and bowed down to me in greeting. When I saw the roses and candles they were with, I motioned them towards the bed and watched as they got to work. First they dressed the bed to remove creases, then opened the jar of plucked roses and spread them carefully on the bed. By the time they were done, the scent ofvender and roses hadbined to make the room look and feel even more perfect.


    Before they left, one of the omega she wolves approached me with the beautiful green gown sent by Chloe.


    ¡°May I?¡± She said, when I wanted to take the gown from her hands.


    I looked at her and nodded as her eyes widened slightly.


    ¡°Thank you, Luna. It is an honor for me to be the first to dress the queen.¡± She said in a voice shaking with excitement.


    I wasn¡¯t yet used to being addressed as queen but at that moment, it felt very good. ¡°Use this first.¡± I said, bringing out the tube of vani cream that I had saved for tonight and handing it to her.


    The omega nodded obediently, opened the lotion and applied it carefully on my body before quickly dressing me into the gown then bowed and hurried to leave.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± I asked just as she opened the room door.


    She stopped on her tracks as if frozen and slowly turned to face me with wide eyes and I suspected that this was the first time she had been asked that question from a high born.


    ¡°Joy, My queen. She said without moving a muscle.


    ¡°Thank you, Joy. I said and nodded slightly to her and she left.


    I smiled and looked into the mirror, it was indeed a very sexy gown as Chloe had said. The green matched with the color of blonde hair. And the vani lotion made my body shine in the candle lit room. It felt good, Stefan would love it.


    I didn¡¯t have to wait for long until the door swung open again and this time it was the one she had been expecting all night. Even amidst thevender and roses and vani fragrances, my wolf could still easily pick up the scent of my mate. He stood at the door for a few seconds before entering the room. On sighting him, my heart started beating faster and I rose up to meet him.


    ¡°My love. I¡¯ve been waiting for¡­¡± I was cut short when the light met his face and I saw the look on it. He looked far from excited. ¡°Is something wrong Stefan?¡± I asked in surprise.


    He said nothing but just stared at me. He looked upset. No. Angry was the word. He was angry. I could feel it. But why?


    ¡°Stefan?¡±


    Now he looked away and threw something on the bed. ¡°Do you have anything to say about this?¡± He asked me in a cold voice I had never heard before.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    I picked up the things he dropped and gasped sharply. They were pictures. Pictures of me naked in bed with other men. In some I was kissing them, while in others I was touching them or they were touching me. There were about a dozen of them. They looked so real that for about a minute I didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°This¡­ this is a lie! They¡¯re all false, Stefan, I¡¯m still a¡­ I would never!¡± I stammered, still in shock at what I saw.


    ¡°You lied to me. You¡¯re whore! A cheat¡­¡±


    ¡°Stefan I would never-¡±


    ¡°SILENCE!¡± He growled in rage and I fell dumb. ¡°You will not sleep here tonight.¡± He said, turning towards the door.


    I watched in horror as a female figure moved majestically in the room to stand next to him.


    ¡°Katya?!¡± I croaked as my step sister wrapped her arms around my husband¡¯s own and smiled deviously at me.


    ¡°Hello Larissa.¡± She said in a low voice.


    I opened my mouth but before I could utter another word, Stefan grabbed my hand roughly, pushed me out of the room and locked the door shut in my face.


    ¡°No. No. No!¡± I banged at the door as tears filled my eyes. The night that I had nned so carefully was being ruined and my own sister was behind it.


    I heard a noise and I stopped and listened as dread filled my body.


    ¡°Yes baby, just like that. Oh¡­ yes! Yes!¡±


    I opened my mouth as utter shock and pain filled my body. My husband and my step sister¡­ on our wedding night. Hot tears dropped from my eyes as the wet sounds and moaning grew louder and louder.

 Abandoned

    KADEN


    The best way to take Moonstar was to get into their territory unawares and then take them down by surprise. The poption of their pack was about twice that of my pack but my soldiers were the best in the world and I had a n.


    The new alpha of Moonstar, Derek had been causing problems everywhere since he was named alpha. He had no regard for the wolves in the neighboring packs and did whatever he wanted with whomever he saw fit. I had been ignoring this nuisance for a while until one of his wolves raped one of the shewolves of my pack. It was an insult to me as an alpha and my pack as a whole. I summoned him to my territory to answer to the crimemitted by his wolf because after all, Moonstar was still a lower pack to Griffin Howl and was therefore inferior.


    He had done the unthinkable. He ughtered the messenger sent to summon him and returned his head to my court in a box. That was a direct act of war towards my pack, Derek knew this, but did it anyway and would surely pay. I sent one of my soldiers, a spy, beforehand to Moonstar who gave us the information we needed for our ambush. I nned the assault and set up our formation. The next day, we reached the border of Moonstar.


    ¡°Jacob, Joshua.¡± I called.


    ¡°Yes alpha!¡± The twins echoed in unison.


    ¡°You¡¯ll lead the attack on the back gate. Take some quick men and move.¡±


    They nodded firmly, pointed at five wolves and moved without another word. Josh and Jake were a rare species of twins called Gemini, they had the ability tomunicate with each other no matter the distance between them. As an alpha, I could mind-link too, but theirs had no limit. That was an ability unique to them alone and it came in very handy during spying, but the most impressive power they shared was the ability to merge together and transform into one mighty werewolf. That was exactly why I sent them together this time.


    ¡°Ralph, Dom, Sebastian and Valentino, take down the watchers on the wall.¡±


    ¡°Yes alpha,¡± They said, stepping out.


    ¡°Make it as subtle as possible and leave no survivors. Not a single one.¡±


    They nodded and disappeared into the shadows of the walls.


    I kept some wolves on standby, instructing them to mind-link me if anything came up, then started toward the front gate with a few men. Joshua¡¯s information from spying on Moonstar was right, there were five wolves guarding the gates.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you actually f*cked them both? Damn Pop!¡± I heard one of themughing hysterically.


    ¡°The more the merrier.¡± Pop said, standing up proudly. ¡°And I even¡­ ¡±


    I slit his throat from behind before he could finish his sentence and my men took care of the rest just as stealthily as I ordered. We wore their pack seal to blend in and moved the bodies out of the way and continued inside the gates, taking down the soldiers one by one.


    Back gate is clear. Jacob mind-linked me.


    Spread out but keep the formation.


    Roger that.


    We moved cautiously till we got to the heart of the pack, that was where Derek¡¯s chambers was but it was guarded by two hefty and rough-looking wolves.


    ¡°State your business.¡± One of the king¡¯s guards asked after peering at the seal we were wearing.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°We have news for the alpha.¡± I said.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t send for you so leave before I make you.¡± He said rudely, still looking at me suspiciously.


    I smiled, ¡°It¡¯s about the gold we found this morning on the outskirts of the pack, it¡¯s over here.¡± I said motioning them to follow me to the dark corner some steps away, and they both did.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen you before, where¡¯s your station?¡± The rude one asked.


    ¡°In Griffinhowl.¡± I smiled and one of my wolves snapped the neck of hispanion and before he could turn around to do anything, I dug my ws into his chest and shed his heart off. They both died without another sound.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Someone said and all of us turned around in surprise.


    Alpha Derek had stepped out of his chambers and was watching as we killed his guards.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing I¡¯m next?¡± He said, looking me in the eye. ¡°Griffinhowl huh? Well, let¡¯s get it over with shall we?¡± He said and in a heartbeat, transformed into his wolf form and charged at me. He scratched my arm before I could move. I put pressure on the wound as blood dripped down my left arm.


    Derek was older than I was and was bound to have a bit more physical strength but I was a seasoned fighter and didn¡¯t need to be stronger to win fights. I growled and transformed into my wolf. When I opened my eyes again, all I could feel was anger.


    Derek charged again but this time I was ready; I ducked to the other side and wed at the side of his face.


    He groaned and growled in pain and I knew I had blinded one eye because the next time he red at me, I could only see one red re, not two.


    This time it was me who attacked, with him momentarily weak from my blow. I aimed for his side and took out a big chunk of flesh with my big fangs. He screamed in pain and transformed back to his human form. I spat out the chunk of flesh In my mouth as his blood dropped from my mouth. I turned back to my human form and dragged him to his knees.


    ¡°Anyst words?¡±


    ¡°F*ck y-you.¡± He spurted as blood flowed from his body.


    ¡°Wow. That is disappointing.¡± I dug my ws deep into his belly and tore it open. He died as its contents poured on the ground.


    I stood up to see that quite a crowd of people had been watching. I wasn¡¯t sure how long they had been there but they were watching with awe in their eyes. Then all of a sudden, they all fell to their knees.


    ¡°Long live the alpha!¡± Someone chanted and the rest followed suit.


    ****


    I bought some gifts for my family on the way back home. After all this, all I wanted to do was spend quality time at home with my wife and son. It had been a long couple of days nning and executing the attack on Moonstar and everything. My arm was still heavily bandaged from the wounds I sustained during battle. A normal injury would¡¯ve healed fast but these hade from an alpha, scratches and bites inflicted by alphas took a longer time to heal regardless of who was attacked.


    My body still stung as I made my way carefully toward the house. A nice hot bath followed by some vigorous f*cking with my wife would go a long way to heal me and also calm my nerves. Amaya would love that very much. She loved being touched all the time and I owed her. I smiled despite myself, my body tingling in excitement. I haven¡¯t felt this way in a long time. Just thinking about the things I would do to her made me f*cking horny. I hastened my steps so I wouldn¡¯t piss myself.


    On getting home, I noticed the door was unlocked. Did she see meing and unlock the door? Maya sure did like surprises. I decided to y along and went inside.


    ¡°Maya I¡¯m home!¡± I announced, cing the stuff I was with on a table. When I didn¡¯t get a response, I went inside. ¡°Amaya?¡± Was it hide and seek now? I searched around, expecting to see her every time I opened a curtain or a closet or looked under a bed. I was overworking myself and soon my wounds began to bleed again but I kept looking. This was a game we used to y.


    The sound of a baby crying stopped me in my tracks and my heart sank. Den. I searched where it wasing from and saw my one year old son on the floor crying. His clothes were dusty like he had been there for a long time. Did he fall? Oh God.


    I bent and quickly picked him up as the stitches on my arm tore even more and more blood flowed. ¡°Shh. It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. Daddy¡¯s here, stop crying.¡±  I said, wiping his tears.


    What the hell was happening? Why was Den like this? Was this still a game? I put him back into his cradle and went into our room for the second time and noticed the note on the bed. I probably hadn¡¯t seen it before because my eyes were just focused on finding Amaya¡¯s hiding ce. I opened it and read. It was in her handwriting;


    Dear Kade,


    I¡¯m leaving. I know this is very selfish of me but I just couldn¡¯t take this anymore, you ignore me a lot, you¡¯re too busy, you don¡¯t touch me anymore. All you care about is the pack. But I need attention, I need to be taken care of but sadly you can¡¯t do that. Nik and I have run away to somewhere far away so please don¡¯t look for us. I left Den with you as a peace offering so please don¡¯t start any trouble. Nik loves me and knows how to treat me. I hope you find someone special.


    Amaya.


    I read that shit about four times and everything I was done, my head went like, ¡®wait¡­ what?!¡¯


    She¡¯s gone? With Nik, her apparent lover? And Den was a peace offering. What the actual f*ck was that?


    ¡°This can¡¯t be right.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Really funny babe!¡± I said loudly. Obviously she was still in the house but this letter was a bit extreme. I paced out of the room, ransacking the entire house looking for her. When I still couldn¡¯t find her, my thoughts went back to the letter in her handwriting but I killed it immediately, that was obviously a joke.


    I entered our room again for the fourth time. But this time I was convinced she was hiding here because, where else could she be? Ignoring the trail of blood  I had left throughout the house, I turned the room upside down as my denial turned to rage when I didn¡¯t find her in the bedroom. I kicked the bedside table so hard it shattered like ss and then something dropped to the ground. A phone. Maya¡¯s phone.


    I breathed a sigh of relief as I picked it up. She should¡¯ve just kept it somewhere more open and saved me all of this stress. I knew that if Maya¡¯s phone was close then so was she. I opened the smartphone and froze; at first I thought it was just random porn but Amaya¡¯s tattoo couldn¡¯t be mistaken. It was a sextape. And Nik, my beta, was the one doing the f*cking. I immediately stopped the video but a different but simr video started to y. It was a ylist of about a dozen sextapes.


    A rage like I have never felt before surged within me and I gave off a roar that I had never done before. It was so loud that walls shook but at that moment, I didn¡¯t give a f*ck about anything in the world. I smashed the phone into a thousand f*cking pieces and turned primal like only an alpha can.


    I ripped the king-sized mattress to shreds, I crashed every picture and painting on the wall, tore the shelf down together with every bloody book on it. I grabbed the wardrobe and ripped out one of its doors, grabbed the clothes and tore them to pieces.


    Amaya had run off with another man, breaking my heart. My anger fizzled out and I felt the floor in a heap. I would not fall in love anymore.

 Facade

    LARISSA¨C Two yearster


    I woke up to someone violently shaking my body.


    ¡°How fuckingzy can you get? Will you get the hell up already!¡± Katya hissed at me so early in the morning.


    I opened my eyes and saw her staring down at me. The fact that she was my husband¡¯s mistress still hurt badly even after two years. Katya was still the same person she was that night, she still wanted to control everything and everyone around her even if it meant fucking her brother-inw on his wedding night.


    ¡°I¡¯m awake.¡± I said, trying my best to keep my voice normal. I was determined not to cry.


    She stared at me in disgust for a second and said, ¡°Boil some water for Stefan and Stefan before hees back. The heater is having issues and the weather is cold, he¡¯ll need a hot bath this morning. She smiled maliciously.


    I could swear on my life that Katya had intentionally spoiled the water heater in the bathroom. She could have easily called someone to do this but she enjoyed watching me suffer. She loved to make me do things like this because she knew I had no choice. That¡¯s why she had suggested to Stefan that I start doing all the work in the house to teach me a lesson. He had agreed in a heartbeat and my life has been like this ever since.


    I got up from the bed without another word to Katya and did as she said. I took one of the buckets under the tap and turned it on but nothing happened. The tap wasn¡¯t rushing. Katya must have left it on throughout the night just for it to finish, all so I would have to go downstairs to fetch water.


    I felt the tears well up in my eyes as I picked up the bucket. I was supposed to get used to all this by now but every time it happened, it felt like a knife piercing my heart. I couldn¡¯t control the tears as they flowed but I didn¡¯t make a single sound.


    After fetching water downstairs, I came back up, filled the kettle with water and lit a fire under it. Then I picked up a broom and swept the house, mopped it, dusted the shelves, tables and chairs, changed the sheets and dressed the bed. Stefan had made it clear that I¡¯d do all the work but only in the house as it would make him look bad if someone from the pack spotted their Luna doing the house chores in a pack full of servants.


    Stefan came back from his morning jog as soon as the water boiled. The music in his headset was so loud I could hear it from across the room.


    ¡°Good morning and congrattions.¡± Katya said in her sing-song voice and cat-walked to him.


    ¡°Morning baby, thank you.¡± He smiled, grabbed her waist and kissed her on the lips. When his eyes fell on me and the smile on his face disappeared.


    ¡°Good morning alpha.¡± I bowed.


    He scoffed and said nothing. He never really spoke to me. He instead turned to Katya and said, ¡°Is my water ready? My sweat is already cold. I need something hot.¡± He turned to the mirror behind him to look at himselfText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, my love, it is ready.¡± She said and red at me.


    ¡°Five years as alpha and still counting. Impressive.¡± He said, admiring himself in the mirror. ¡°Five years of peace.¡±


    I turned away to get back to work so as to not draw attention to myself. I realized it was better to make it seem that I wasn¡¯t present.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Stefan called and I knew he was referring to me.


    I turned around to face him, ¡°Yes alpha?¡±


    ¡°We are going to the party together so try to wear something¡­ presentable. You won¡¯t be embarrassing me today, do you understand?¡± A sour expression was on his face as he came face to face with me.


    ¡°Yes alpha.¡± I said respectfully, his words cut me deep as they always did but I kept a straight face


    ¡°Good.¡± He said coldly. ¡°Fix that fucking hair of yours.¡± He said and entered the bathroom.


    ****


    ¡°You sent for me, my queen.¡± Joy said, bowing in respect.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t have to bow all the time, Joy. It¡¯s not like anyone¡¯s here.¡± Stefan was outside with his men and Katya had gone to God knows where.


    ¡°I must always show respect.¡± She smiled at me and I couldn¡¯t help smiling back.


    She was so honored when I made her my handmaid two years ago. She was a polite person, maybe a little shy but she was an efficient maid and also very goodpany. The closest thing I had to a friend here.


    ¡°What will be suitable for the alpha¡¯s fifth anniversary party?¡±


    Joy smirked at me for the first time ever, ¡°I think I know just the dress.¡± She said opened the wardrobe.


    Joy¡¯s fashion sense was very impressive. She picked out a beautiful blue gown, silver ne and earrings and silver heels to go with them. She styIed my hair, made me up and helped me get dressed.


    ¡°How do I look?¡± I asked when she was done. She rolled the big mirror over to my side so I could see for myself. I gasped slightly at the sight of my image; the way she curled my golden hair made them look beautiful, the gown brought out my curves and the shoe and ne reflected in the sunlight. Joy was a genius.


    Stefan was already outside by the car along with some other people when I came downstairs with Joy. They stopped talking when I caught their attention. Immediately, Stefan noticed me, he jogged over to my side, locked his arm in mine and smiled at me.


    ¡°You look beautiful.¡± He smiled sweetly and kissed my cheek.


    I stared at him. If this had happened two years ago, I would have been overjoyed but I knew better so I just yed along.


    ¡°And you too.¡± I smiled.


    We drove to the square in silence, just the asional waves and pleasantries to the people here and there broke the silence. When we got to the square, it was filled with people. I couldn¡¯t hear anything but immediately we stepped in, silence spread throughout the square. They marveled at us, the perfect couple.


    ¡°Long live the king and queen.¡± Someone bellowed and everybody else chorused it.


    After that, Stefan made his way towards the podium in front of the pack while I sat on one of the two chairs behind it made for alpha and luna.


    They all fell silent again when Stefan cleared his throat.


    ¡°I thank all of you for finding the time toe here today on this special day. Today marks the fifth year since I was named alpha of Tokenmoon pack. We have been having a steady increase in returns, livestock and harvest since my coronation.


    While I would love to take all the credit for myself, I mustmend all of you for your cooperation and hard work towards making ours the strongest pack in the world. The level of crime has also reduced considerably in the past five years. Understandably so, as I¡¯m not sure anyone wants to be skinned alive anytime soon¡­¡±


    The people broke intoughter at those words. And even Stefan chuckled a little to himself before continuing;


    ¡°The education of our young cubs is of utmost importance to me as they are the leaders of tomorrow and that is why the local school has been renovated. This is where they will be educated in reading, writing, healing, fighting, survival and much more. With trained cubs in these fields we are bound to be the best. So I want to say thank you.¡±


    This was greeted with a round of apuse from the pack. When it does down, he continued;


    ¡°Andst but not the least, I know it¡¯s two weeks from now but I want to wish my wife a happy two year anniversary in advance. It¡¯s been two years but just look at her. Who wouldn¡¯t be happy to have a wife like this? I¡¯m as lucky as all of you.¡± He said, turning to smile at me.


    These words melted the hearts of the crowd as their oohs and ahhs filled the square. I was not expecting those words from him but I wasn¡¯t surprised by the impact he had on everyone else. Stefan was an intelligent man and knew how to manipte just anybody.


    Stefan cleared his throat and said to the people, ¡°This is a day of celebration so please eat, drink and be happy but I would like to open this ceremony with a dance with my wife.¡± He concluded and everyone started cheering.


    He turned to me and I got to my feet and walked towards him. He put his hands on my waist and I put my head on his chest. We danced to a slow beat for a while as the people fell in love with us. After a few minutes, we came to a stop and there was a thundering round of apuse from the pack. They really enjoyed shows of affection.


    I was overjoyed when I saw my parents moving towards me.


    ¡°Mom, Dad!¡± I was so excited to see my family after all this time.


    ¡°Larissa! Oh my baby. You look so pretty.¡± My mom kissed my forehead as a tear dropped from her eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go steal all the love, mother.¡± Richard, my elder brother piped in. ¡°Come here baby girl.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten bigger, Richie.¡± I said as I gave him a bear hug.


    ¡°That¡¯s what happens when you¡¯re not around. I¡¯ve been stress-eating, you see.¡± He said and everybodyughed.


    We were interrupted by the voice of the announcer; ¡°It¡¯s time for the sword fight or sparring challenge. Do we have someone willing to challenge for glory?¡± He asked and everyone fell silent.


    The sparring challenge was a kind of tournament but the twist was that anybody could pick up the sword and challenge literally anyone and it would go on until everyone agreed on a clear winner. That was usually after someone got hurt. People were weary of this because there were no rules.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it!¡±  Richard said loudly and all eyes fell on him. He came forward and picked up the ck steel sword on the ground. And murmurs broke out. Richard was renowned for his gift with the sword.


    ¡°And who do you want to challenge?¡± The announcer asked, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.


    Richard looked around and said, ¡°Who else would be a more honorable opponent than the alpha himself?¡± He said and turned towards Stefan. ¡°I challenge you, my lord.¡±

 Shattered

    LARISSA


    The square went entirely quiet at the words of Richard and from the looks of it, even Stefan was shocked. He rose to his feet and the square became even quieter, if that was even possible.


    ¡°Who do you think you are, challenging your alpha to a duel?¡± Vernon, Stefan¡¯s beta spat at Richard who looked undisturbed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a duel, but just a game of sparring.¡± Richard said, shrugging.


    ¡°How dare -¡±


    ¡°I ept your challenge.¡± Stefan¡¯s voice echoed around the square. This got the people talking and whispers could be heard all over the grounds.


    Stefan stepped down from his seat on the podium and picked up the second sword.


    ¡°May the best man win.¡±


    The pack was humming with so much excitement now. Nobody had ever taken this game that seriously, though people always got hurt. There had never been a match with this much experience in it; the alpha who was the strongest of the pack with or without a sword in his hand and Richard, my brother who was a five time winner of the prestigious Swordsman Of The Year award.


    Both of them bowed to each other, then to the crowd and the fighting began. It kicked off on a fast note as Stefan¡¯s first attack was easily blocked by Richard. They clinked swords together for a while before Richard caught him unawares and struck him on his right sleeve.


    Everyone gasped loudly as blood trickled from their alpha¡¯s clothes. Richard¡¯s face was a look of pure concentration. We all knew this was just a game and there was no pressure or anything but it wouldn¡¯t send a good message if Stefan lost and though his face was expressionless, I knew he was very aware of it.


    Richard charged again at him hitting one, two, three times but all his attacks were well blocked. And suddenly this didn¡¯t seem like a game anymore. Stefan tried to charge but Richard was relentless, he  charged again, striking multiple times till he caught Stefan again. This time it was on the right thigh.


    Another roar came from the crowd at this and suddenly it began to look like Stefan was going to lose. He took a few steps back and nced at me. For a few seconds my heart froze. Why did he look my way? But before I could think he roared and charged at my brother. Richard was expecting this and so blocked but Stefan used his strength to sh Richard¡¯s shirt and for the first time today, he bled.


    Richard stepped back holding his chest and before anyone knew what was happening, he jumped at Stefan, shing at his sword hand, this made Stefan drop his sword.


    The crowd went wild again at this, the alpha was nowpletely helpless. All hope was lost.


    ¡°Do you give up?¡± Richard asked, pointing his sword to Stefan¡¯s face.


    Stefan smiled and said, ¡°Why would I?¡± And immediately dropped to the ground, kicking Richard off his feet and grabbing his sword as he fell. Richard was now on the ground as Stefan towered over him.


    ¡°Now you lose.¡± He crouched and dug his sword deep.


    Everyone gasped and my heart clenched. But before any tear dropped, Stefan raised Richard to his feet to show that the sword was dug into the ground and not Stefan¡¯s heart.


    There was a long sigh of relief from the crowd then a thunderous round of apuse followed. That might have been breathtaking at one point but it was definitely the best sparring match of all time in the pack.


    ¡°You¡¯re very skilled and your attack is solid. You should consider bing a soldier, there¡¯s always room for fighters like you.¡± Stefan said to Richard.


    All eyes fell on Richard at this remark. The alpha was personally offering him a ce in his army, that was a big deal.


    Richard smiled, ¡°I¡¯m honored to hear this my lord but I can¡¯t take care of the family business and also be a soldier at once.¡± He said, bowing respectfully.


    ¡°I understand. Good match.¡± Stefan gave him a handshake and there was another round of apuse.


    After that, the party began in earnest. There was food, drinks and much more. I introduced Joy to Chloe and my family who loved her at first sight. After a couple of hours, Stefan came over to our table to get me but my mother wouldn¡¯t let me go so early.


    ¡°Can she spend just a little more time with us before she leaves, alpha? It¡¯s been ages.¡± She told him in a pleading voice.


    Stefan looked at all of us, ¡°Is this what you want, Rissa?¡± He asked me.


    This took me aback a little as he never called me anything other than You or Hey but I answered anyway,


    ¡°Yes. I would love to stay here a little longer.¡± I smiled.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Then there¡¯s not much I can do.¡± He smiled and kissed my cheek. ¡°See youter, my love.¡± He said and left.


    ¡°Such a gentleman, you are lucky my dear.¡± My mom said when he was gone.


    I just smiled and said nothing. Those words really hurt but I couldn¡¯t say anything now.


    After a while, my dad suggested we go back home together. ¡°You cane too, dear.¡± He told Joy.


    Our house was a modern duplex, one of the finest in the pack. The white and blue paint and the green garden added to the beauty. It had been so long since I visited but it still looked as nice as ever.


    When we got home, Richard took me aside and gave me one of his piercing looks. That wasn¡¯t a good sign.


    ¡°How are you?¡± He asked, still staring at me like that.


    ¡°Umm. I¡¯m good.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean, Larissa. Are things okay between you and your husband? Is he treating you well? Are you happy?¡± He asked with a concerned expression.


    I stared at him. That look was heartbreaking. If there was anyone I could tell about my life, my struggles or anything that troubled me, it would definitely be Richard. But I couldn¡¯t. Katya and Stefan had made me swear never to tell a soul or they would ruin my life forever. And also, me telling Richard would mean that I would have to divorce Stefan and I didn¡¯t want to bring that kind of disgrace on my family.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine, Richie. Why would you think I¡¯m not happy? Just look at me.¡± I said, shing him a big smile.


    Heughed and ruffled my hair. ¡°Just looking out for my little sis. But if anything happens, you know you can always confide in me right?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± I ruffled his hair as well.


    ¡°Let¡¯s y some games!¡± He screamed.


    We yed golf in the garden. None of us knew exactly what the rules were except for just getting the golf ball into a tiny hole. I guess that made it more fun. I made Joy y with us so she wouldn¡¯t feel left out and she turned out to be the best yer among us.


    While we were ying, I noticed one of the workers kept admiring Joy so I called Chloe aside.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± She said when I beckoned him toe.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± I motioned to the tall chocte skinned man in a cowboy hat watching them y golf. His eyes were still on Joy.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Sheughed. ¡°I forgot it¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve been home. That¡¯s Kylian, the stable hand. He¡¯s Mr. Ortega¡¯s son. He¡¯s been taking care of the horses for about a year now since his father got sick. He¡¯s a hot slice of chocte cake isn¡¯t he? Mmm hmm.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°So that¡¯s his son? Nice. Let¡¯s ride horses next after golf.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± She raised an eyebrow. ¡°You ain¡¯t think what I¡¯m think are you?¡±


    ¡°Mind your business, dear. Just asking for a friend.¡± I said yfully and jogged away.


    After golf we headed to the stables on the other side of thepound to pick horses to ride.


    ¡°Is the brown one taken, sir?¡± Joy asked.


    ¡°Comry is mine but you can take him for a spin ma¡¯am.¡± Kylian said nicely.


    Joy blushed. ¡°I¡¯m not a ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a sir either. I¡¯m Kylian.¡± He said and stretched forth his hand.


    ¡°Joy.¡± She said and took his hand.


    ¡°Beautiful name.¡± He said and gave her the reins of the horse.


    Joy also seemed to be exceptional at horse riding. She beat everyone except for Kylian himself.


    ¡°Where did you learn to ride?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°My father taught me.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen ady ride a horse that well since my mother.¡± Kylian mused, taking his hat off for Joy. He was obviously stricken.


    ¡°Thank you Kylian.¡± She blushed.


    The sun was beginning to set and soon it would be dark.


    ¡°How about a dance before you leave, sister?¡± Richard said and pressed something in his hand and soft music began to y. Chloe clicked a switch and dim lights immediately filled the garden.


    As I danced with Richard, Kylian walked up to joy and asked for a dance. She looked at me as if to ask for permission, when I nodded, she took his hand and they danced beautifully.


    ¡°They look really good together.¡± Richard said.


    ¡°They sure do.¡± I smiled.


    After the dance, Kylian insisted on escorting us back. One would think he pressed because I was his master¡¯s daughter but I knew he just wanted an excuse to talk to Joy again.


    When we reached the gate of our destination, he bowed to me then kissed Joy¡¯s hand and turned back.


    When I entered the room, I saw Katya and Stefan talking and immediately I felt regret. I had so much fun today that I forgot what it meant to live like this.


    Immediately Stefan saw me, he charged at me.


    ¡°Who the f*ck do you think you are talking back to me in front of your f*cking family? Huh?¡± He hissed, grabbing me by the neck.


    ¡°And that motherf*cker you call a brother had the guts to even think about winning against me? F*ck you and your f*cking family!¡± He squeezed even tighter.


    I felt my face redden as I gasped desperately for breath.


    ¡°Stefan, stop. Stop. It!¡± Katya screamed and dragged him away from me. ¡°She¡¯s no use if she¡¯s dead.


    He stared at her then turned back towards me but before he could do anything, she turned him around and kissed him long and hard on the lips.


    He grabbed her ass and pushed her on the bed. She quickly unbuckled his belt. He moaned when she started sucking him off.


    I shut my eyes and turned to leave the room.


    ¡°Where the f*ck are you going?¡± Stefan asked, his eyes shing at me. ¡°You¡¯ll stay right here and watch. That¡¯s amand.¡±


    I wanted to scream, to run away but I couldn¡¯t, I had no choice.


    ¡­


    ****


    Stefan and Katya bothid on the other side of the bed. Talking like I wasn¡¯t even there. Still in the throes of their lovemaking, Stefan looked longingly at Katya and said, ¡°Name one thing, just one thing you want and if it is in my power it will be yours.¡±


    Katya smiled at him like she had been waiting all night for this, ¡°I want you, alpha.¡±


    ¡°You already have me, my love.¡± Stefanughed but Katya¡¯s face was serious.


    ¡°I want to be yours. I want to be your luna.¡±


    My heart sank into my belly at those words and I prayed with everything in me that Stefan would find an excuse to decline.


    Katya continued, ¡°ording to the rules of the pack, you can¡¯t have two lunas at once so to marry again you¡¯d have to divorce your first wife. As alpha you control everything and nobody would dare stand in your way.¡±


    ¡°Then you better start getting ready for our wedding.¡± He said, kissing her cheek passionately.


    Those words shattered my heart to a thousand pieces. What would I do? Where would I go?


    Just thinking about it brought hot tears to my eyes but this time I didn¡¯t hold them back, I let the tears soak my pillow. I cried more than I had ever done before falling asleep due to fatigue.

 Taken away

    LARISSA


    The impact of my body crashing to the floor painfully woke me up. I winced in pain as it was my arm and head that had the most contact with the floor. The room was filled with light, even with my eyes closed, I could feel the brightness of the room on my face. Then slowly I tried to open my eyes, they felt heavy but I took it slow. There were two figures in front of me. I blinked severally and saw Katya and Stefan watching me.


    Katya had a smirk on her face and I knew she was the one who pushed me from the bed. But when I looked at Stefan, I felt a great pain in my chest and suddenly all the memories ofst night came back to me; the assault on me, watching them both make love and Stefan agreeing to divorce me and marry Katya.


    I remembered the things they said and it brought tears to my eyes. They both watched.


    ¡°Please Stefan d¨Cdon¡¯t do this.¡± I cried, grabbing him by the leg.


    He stared at me in disgust and withdrew his leg from my grasp.


    I turned my eyes to Katya instead, surely she still had a heart, all I needed was for someone to stop Stefan from calling anyone and just take pity on me.


    ¡°P¨Cp¨Cplease Katya, don¡¯t let this happen to me, I don¡¯t have a¨Canywhere to go. I can¡¯t go back, I just¡­ ¡±


    Shended a dirty p on my face before I could finish talking and said, ¡°Why the fuck would I do that? You had the chance to be the wife of an alpha, to rule by his side, to be a queen and yet somehow you blew it. But don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t.¡± She said and kicked my arm away from her.


    I fell back in pain, sprawled on the floor holding my arm. More tears fell from my eyes.


    Stefan pulled Katya close and whispered something into her ears. She nodded, gave me onest dirty look and left the room.


    Stefan¡¯s phone rang again just as he was going to say something. He picked it up and started walking towards his room.


    I had to know what he was talking about so I closed my eyes and focused my mind towards there:


    ¡°What have you found?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ Good morning alpha. We¡¯re still working on it.¡±


    ¡°I pay you fools for feedback during situations just like this and now it is needed you can¡¯t even get me the fucking name of the person or at least what the fuck they look like.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, we have something we just¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry for yourself. Do you have something useful to tell me or not?¡­You said he walked her back to the pack and kissed her?¡±


    ¡°Uhh¡­ Yes my lord.¡±


    My heart skipped at those words. I put two and two together and knew what they were saying. But before I could do anything, Stefan entered the room. He was already fully dressed.


    He eyed me and said, ¡°Better don¡¯t get any stupid ideas. If you try to run, you will be caught and your punishment will only be worse.¡± He said and left.


    When I was sure he was gone, I quickly dialed Joy on my phone.


    ¡°Hello, Good morning ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Joy, I need your help.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡± She said and the line went silent.


    In about twenty seconds, she was already in my room. I pulled her in, checked if anyone was watching then shut the door.


    ¡°Kylian is in danger.¡±


    I watched as her eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand ma¡¯am. Did something happen?¡± She asked with concern in her voice.


    I sighed, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Joy. I shouldn¡¯t have let him walk us back that night, now people are saying he¡¯s my lover. Stefan¡¯s already heard about it and now he¡¯s searching for him. I need you to go warn him, Joy. Everyone is already whispering about this  but none of them knows the full story.  They are going to twist this and make it look very bad, Joy. You have to warn him. ¡±


    I half expected her to run off immediately, instead she just stood there staring at me with ssy eyes. Then all of sudden she enveloped me in a hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Larissa, I won¡¯t let anything happen to any of you.¡± She said quietly then bolted out of the room at once.


    Joy had never called me by my name before, but from the look in her eyes it was almost as if she knew what I was going through, like she understood.


    Stefan came backter. He made a phone call before driving with me to the meeting hall.


    It was a very quiet drive. All I could think about was the amount of shame my family would feel when they heard what Stefan had to say. No doubt the footage from the other night had been edited to support his usation against me. Denying the usations would only make me look more shameless.


    The car came to a stop and I knew we had arrived but when I finally looked up, I saw that we weren¡¯t at the small meeting hall, but at the square. Then it dawned on me. This wasn¡¯t a meeting with the elders, it was a trial with the pack!


    When everyone settled down, Stefan began, ¡°I¡¯m sure you are all wondering why I insisted on having this meeting right away. That is because it is an urgent matter. Larissa and I are getting divorced.¡±


    This statement was visibly shocking to the crowd and immediately murmurs erupted throughout the gathering. Everyone was talking to each other, already trying to gossip about something they only just heard seconds ago.


    Everyone except my family. They were one of the elders of the pack so they had a seat close to the alpha. My father sat calmly, his sses reflecting in the sunlight, waiting for Stefan to state the reason for the divorce before he protested.


    Stefan raised his hand and the murmurs and whispers slowly came to a stop. He continued, ¡°The grounds for my divorce is infidelity. She has been cheating on me!¡±


    The people gasped at these words. Some covered their mouths with their palms in surprise, others shook their heads in disappointment.


    ¡°My daughter would never do that!¡± My father¡¯s voice rang through the square like an electric gong and everywhere went silent again. All eyes turned to him.


    ¡°You will sit down while I address you, Tobias. Or do you think I¡¯m here to make jokes?¡± Stefan spat in a threatening voice.


    My dad looked around angrily and sat back on his seat. He knew couldn¡¯t challenge his alpha.


    Stefan continued, ¡°She was caught on camera kissing the person just outside her home. Only God knows how long this has been going on.¡± He said, throwing me a dirty look. And I felt everyone¡¯s eyes on me at that moment, some stared in shock, some in amusement and the rest in disgust.


    ¡°You know, It¡¯s funny you should talk, Tobias as her lover is from your household.¡±


    Now it was my dad¡¯s turn to look surprised.


    ¡°T¨Cthat can¡¯t be possible¡­ my lord.¡± He added out of courtesy but the anger in his face couldn¡¯t be hidden.


    ¡°Does the name Kylian Ortega not ring a bell?¡±


    My heart skipped at those words. Now Kylian would definitely be a wanted person. Oh no.


    ¡°Uh K¨Ckylian is my stable boy h¨Che would never-¡±


    ¡°He is your daughter¡¯s lover!¡± Stefan thundered. ¡°Where is he, by the way?¡±


    ¡°His father is ill, he visits him every week to help¡­ ¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°You will summon him to answer for his crime.¡± Stefan cut him off rudely.


    ¡°Yes alpha.¡±


    ¡°I gave your daughter everything.¡± Stefan said, turning to me. ¡°I made you a queen, I made you my luna. I gave you my heart and this is how you chose to repay me? You weren¡¯t even able to give me a son or even a daughter. Nothing. Barren prostitute.¡±


    Whispers filled the square with those words. It had already brought some people to tears. Elderly women looked at me with disgust in their eyes, snapping their fingers furiously.


    I could hear them, ¡°Who knows if she hasn¡¯t already damaged herself while whoring about¡­This can¡¯t have been the first time she did it. She just finally got caught this time. Unbelievable.¡±


    All this talk hurt me to the core. And there was absolutely nothing I could say in my defense. Nothing. It would only make things worse and Stefan was well aware.


    Stefan signaled and there was silence again.


    ¡°Before all of you gathered here today, I reject Larissa Tokenmoon as my mate. From this day forward she is no longer my mate or wife or your luna. I divorce her before the eyes of the elders and the pack!¡±


    He pulled out his wedding ring, walked up to me, yanked mine out of my finger and crushed it in his fist.


    ¡°It. Is. Done.¡± The pack chorused.


    ¡°You will be punished for this.¡± Stefan said to me, his eyes shing. ¡°Not only have you insulted your alpha but your pack as well.¡±


    ¡°It. Is. Done.¡± They chorused again.


    ¡°Divorce isn¡¯t punishment enough. Since you have proved to be a fucking whore, you will be auctioned off in the brothel where you and be bought for pleasure. That should be suitable. Take her away!¡± He roared.


    It took some time before I fully understood what he was saying. I felt my blood run cold when I saw two hefty guards marching towards me at Stefan¡¯smand.


    ¡°N¨Cno! Please. Mom, Dad help me please. You know I could never do this. Please don¡¯t let them take me away!¡± All the tears I had been holding back came loose then. But my parents couldn¡¯t even look me in the eye.


    My eyes met Katya¡¯s and she smirked wickedly at me. But I refused to give up.


    ¡°Richie¡­ Richard!¡± I cried, turning to my brother desperately. Please tell them it¡¯s not true. They don¡¯t believe me. Look at me Richard! Look at me!¡± I pleaded but he wouldn¡¯t. The guards were already behind me by now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make this any harder.¡± One of them said coolly and tried to grab my arm.


    ¡°No! No! Don¡¯t you dare touch me!¡± I pped him hard across the face.


    He just wiped it off and grabbed one arm and the second guard grabbed the other arm. I kicked, screamed and spat but they wouldn¡¯t let go. They dragged me out of the square towards a car parked closeby.


    Most of the people followed behind to watch as I struggled with all my power to no avail. They opened the car, threw me in and locked the door.


    ¡°Take her straight to the brothel.¡±

 Mate

    LARISSA


    I kept struggling even after they aggressively threw me inside and locked the door, kicking and scratching at everything in sight. I banged desperately on the windows screaming but the guards outside were undisturbed, they were talking to each other outside like I wasn¡¯t even there.


    I tried with all my power to fight it, to not think about it, but inevitably it was dawning on me; Stefan had publicly divorced me, rejected me as his mate and painted me to be a shameless whore in the presence of the entire pack. The shame this would bring to my family name would be tremendous.


    I sat in painful silence as the guards drove to the brothel. Some of the pack followed behind, some were just curious to see what would be of me but most of the rest followed to rain more abuses on me.


    The brothel was a shady looking building in the south side of the park. It looked abandoned but I knew better. There was a shabby little house beside it with ¡°SEXY AUCTIONS¡± inscribed boldly in front of it.


    They men dragged me to the auction house, handed me to the patron, whispered some inaudible words to her and left.


    The patron was a tall bulkydy. Probably in herte forties. She had a bitter expression on her face like she just had a mouthful of sour lemons.


    There were about five more women there as well. The only difference being that this was actually their profession whereas I was here as a punishment.


    The patron red at me with piercing ck eyes. The cigarette in her lips made her look even more fierce. ¡°Your majesty.¡± She said, bowing mockingly.


    I nced at her but said nothing.


    She ignored my silence and continued, ¡°The cheating luna. That¡¯s what they are calling you now ain¡¯t it?¡± She said, eyeing me in disgust. ¡°Look, I know we all have urges, believe me I do. But what the fuck? You had the guts to cheat on the alpha? Your king? I mean, what more could you possibly want from him? He made you a queen for fuck¡¯s sake! If I had him for a husband, I¡¯d fuck him every single night just to say thank you, and in every way he wants as well.¡±


    She giggled at her words, revealing her teeth yellowed from tobo smoking.


    I just stood there, keeping my mouth shut. I knew this was just a n to get me into exchanging words with her but I wasn¡¯t about to fall for it.


    She stared at me again, more intensely this time. The annoyance in her face couldn¡¯t be mistaken now. She walked up to me till we were face to face. She was about a foot taller than me but I still looked her straight in the eyes.


    She spat out tobo to the floor and some sshed on my shoes. Then she said in a cold voice,


    ¡°You might have been Queen Larissa some hours ago to everyone but right now you¡¯re just a whore who¡¯s gonna get auctioned for a sweaty fuck. And over here I¡¯m the boss, so when I talk to you, you reply. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I said with tight lips.


    ¡°Good.¡± She said and circled around me, checking me out.


    Then all of a sudden she stopped and looked at the other five people in the room who had been watching inplete silence.


    ¡°What the fuck you staring at? The whole pack will be here any minute to watch this auction and none of you¡¯ve picked numbers yet? Will you fucking get to work!¡± She yelled and all of them went into a frenzy, the room was empty in less than ten seconds.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    She turned back to me.


    ¡°Follow me.¡±


    I followed her without a word into what looked like a changing room. She turned around again, sizing me up, picked out some things from a wardrobe and flung it in my direction.


    ¡°Better be quick.¡± She hissed and walked towards the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m not wearing this.¡±


    She whipped around in surprise like she was shocked I could say more more words than ¡®yes¡¯


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too short.¡± I said, holding up the gown in my hand like she wasn¡¯t the one that just handed it to me. It was a sleeveless purple designer gown that would hang barely above my ass. I detested such revealing clothes.


    She stared at me, first in bewilderment but slowly her countenance seemed to turn to amusement. She smiled, ¡°You either wear it yourself or I¡¯ll call someone¡­ or some people to help you. But one thing is for sure, you¡¯re going out there wearing that.¡± Her voice was stern now.


    ¡°I will not wear that.¡±


    ¡°Very well then.¡± She said, with an evil smile. It was almost like she had wanted me to say that. She pped her hands twice and immediately two people stepped in.


    ¡°Desmond, Jill. See to it that she gets dressed.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± They chorused.


    She snickered at this and left the changing room.


    Once the door was shut, they both turned to face me, ¡°So how are we doing this?¡± Jill asked. ¡°Will it be the easy way? Or the hard way?¡± She asked, picking up the gown.


    I folded my arms,¡± I already told you people-¡±


    ¡°Hard way it is, then.¡± Desmond said and grabbed both my arms.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re¡­ leave me alone! Get your hands off me!¡±


    I went into another episode of kicking for the second or third time today but he was very strong. As he held me down, Jill stripped off the clothes I was wearing and wore me the purple gown. It all happened so fast. One minute I was being held down, the next my clothes were changed.


    Jill grabbed my clothes on the floor and smiled, ¡°Now you¡¯ve got two choices; either you go wearing that, or just go in your lingerie. But you ain¡¯t wearing this again today.¡± She said holding up the clothes she had in her hand.


    I red at both of them as anger and pain boiled inside me. But I knew I didn¡¯t stand a chance against one of them let alone two.


    ¡°Go to the lobby, you¡¯ll get your number then wait with the others till you¡¯re called.¡± Desmond said.


    I wanted to scream a big, loud ¡®No¡¯ but I just sighed and obeyed. There was just no fight left in me. Though it pained me to think this way, my fate had already been decided and no matter how hard I tried to fight it, the result would be inevitable.


    A paper card with number fifty five printed on it was given to me when I got to the lobby. I took it wordlessly, ignoring the stares and rude remarks from the people around me. I was so tired.


    There was a group of women in the waiting room. Some were fully made-up, some wore little or no clothing, waiting for their numbers to be called so men could bid for them. They were so busy talking, applying makeup, adjusting their dresses or smoking to notice me. I found a free seat and stayed there.


    asionally, a number would be called from a speaker outside and someone in the waiting room would go outside and be greeted with cheers from the men.


    I watched in dread as the number of the people in the room kept reducing as more and more women were being sold.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to be a bit terrified.¡±


    I turned to see who spoke and was surprised to see a teenage girl not older than seventeen looking back at me.


    ¡°I know how you feel. You¡¯ll be okay. I felt the same way the first time. This is your first time here right? Because I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ve seen you before and I never forget a face, you know. I¡¯m Trixie but Trix is fine.¡± She smiled lightly. She had big brown eyes and a happy face.


    I just stared in surprise. I had almost forgotten what it felt like to be spoken to without being insulted or assaulted.


    ¡°This is the part when you say your name.¡± She said.


    ¡°Oh. I¡¯m Larissa.¡± I said, feeling a bit silly.


    ¡°Hot name. So as I was saying, there¡¯s no need to be scared. Some of the men aren¡¯t so bad, all you have to do is just do as they say and you¡¯ll be alright.¡± She said, cing her hand on mine and squeezing lightly.


    There was so much I wanted to say, to ask her but I just held her hand as a tear dropped from my eyes.


    Charlotte saw this and opened her mouth to say something but was immediately silenced when her number sounded in the speakers.


    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± She said, standing up. ¡°It was nice meeting you!¡± She smiled then bolted to the door and cat-walked outside. This was greeted with cheers and whistles.


    I walked to the windows and peeked outside. The first person I saw was Katya. Though she couldn¡¯t see me, she still had that dirty smirk on her lips like she was really enjoying herself. My parents weren¡¯t there but Richard, my elder brother was and so were a lot more people.


    A tall woman walked up to the podium where the announcer stood and whispered something to him. He nodded and tapped on the microphone.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, now for the moment you¡¯ve all been waiting for. It¡¯s time to call up royal number fifty five!¡±


    The crowd went wild at those words and my stomach did a flip but I stood up regardless of that. I was determined not to be dragged out again.


    All the noise died down immediately I stepped outside.


    ¡°Now for a night with our very hot¡­ formal Luna do I hear two hundred dors?¡± The auctioneer started.


    ¡°Three hundred dors!¡± Someone in the crowd chanted.


    ¡°Three hundred going once, twice¡­¡±


    ¡°Four hundred!¡±


    ¡°Six hundred.¡± Someone called and everyone gasped.


    The man walked to the front and stood, staring at me.


    ¡°Six hundred going at once¡­¡±


    ¡°Eight hundred.¡± The first man countered stubbornly. ¡°Back off Pablo.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s mine, Brian.¡± The taller man hissed, turned to me and smiled. ¡°One thousand!¡±


    ¡°Sold to Mr. Pablo for one thousand!¡± The auctioneer announced happily. He climbed down from the stage, shook his hand and handed him a key. ¡°Enjoy.¡±


    Pablo walked up to me, eyeing me like a new trophy. But just as he wanted to take my hand, there was a loud noise from the crowd. Literally everyone turned around to see where it came from.


    A tall man in a hat stood behind the crowd with his head bowed down. The light brown hat he had on matched perfectly with his skin tone.


    It was almost as if everyone was holding their breath because all the sound seemed to just disappear.


    Slowly he took the hat off and lifted his face. My heart stopped beating for a millisecond when Kylian¡¯s brown eyes met with mine.


    ¡°It¡¯s Ortega! Seize him!¡±


    In a sh, before anyone knew what was happening, he transformed into his wolf and charged at Pablo.


    This caused a bigmotion as everyone was scrambling to get out of the way. Pablo flung my arm away and ran for his life. The entire auction house was in disarray now and people were running helter skelter to take cover from Kylian.


    Suddenly someone grabbed my arm and pulled me into a corner. I tried to shake them off but the grip was hard. The person was wearing a ck hooded cloak so I couldn¡¯t make out the face.


    ¡°Shh. It¡¯s me. Joy.¡± She whispered and took off her cloak.


    ¡°J-joy?¡± I gasped and hugged her. I had never been so happy to see someone in my life. I could feel the emotion welling up inside me but I checked myself.


    She hugged me back like we were long lost friends.


    ¡°Kylian¡¯s distraction won¡¯tst for much longer. We¡¯ve got to move.¡± She said and grabbed my hand again.


    We ran for several minutes, hiding whenever we saw people approaching ahead of us. We ran till we got to the border of the pack.


    ¡°You must keep going, Larissa.¡± Joy said,  taking her cloak off and putting it on me. ¡°Don¡¯t stop running till you get to the forest. Just keep running.


    ¡°What about Kylian? Will he¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be alright. He has a n. Just go!¡±


    I squeezed her hand one more time, then covered the hood of the cloak and took off.


    I ran on and on, never looking back. Loose branches tore at my clothes, scratching my legs and arms when I entered the forest but I didn¡¯t stop going. I ran like I was being chased, and sometimes I got the feeling that someone was following me.


    I looked over my shoulder but didn¡¯t see anyone. When I turned back, there was someone standing right in front of me. It was toote to stop so I bumped right into him and he caught me.


    Immediately I stopped, all the stress of the day and fatigue of running for so long hit me. My head was spinning fast and I held on tight to the very strong person holding me.


    I tried looking at his face but the re of the sun hindered my view. My head spinned faster and the dizziness set in. All I saw was a pair of green eyes. They glowed when they met mine.


    Mate.


    My wolf whispered before I lost consciousness.

 Ambushed

    KADEN


    I froze when I saw her eyes glow in mine. I knew what it meant or at least what it might mean but when my wolf confirmed by saying ¡°mate,¡± I was very surprised.


    Even after she fainted, her breaths were still heavy and jagged. She must have been running for a long time, but from what? Or whom? There were so many things going through my mind all at once and all of a sudden, my hunting now felt very unimportant.


    I put a stray strand of hair on her face behind her ear and my fingers brushed her face and my wolf grunted something inaudible. Now that was strange. My wolf barely ever made a sound not to talk of grunting or mumbling. I mostly sensed it when I was angry. Now all of a sudden it was speaking freely.


    Ignoring all of this I lifted her from the ground. She was surprisingly light for the way she looked. She must have been out cold because she didn¡¯t move a muscle even as I carried her. My steps changed from a walk to a stride, then a jog. I could hear her heartbeat but it was very faint.


    I took the shortest route back to the pack. I didn¡¯t enjoy taking this path, I preferred the longer path, it meant more exercise and gave me more time to think. But right now I needed to get this mysterious ¡°mate¡±  of mine revived. And if anyone could do it, it was Anna.


    On the way, I wondered who exactly this person was. I knew one way or the other I¡¯d still find out but right now I was very curious. Was she perhaps a lone wolf? No. She was running. Lone wolves didn¡¯t exactly have a lot ofpany. She might be a rogue from a different pack but right now it didn¡¯t really matter. She was in my territory and therefore under myws.


    The guards opened the gates when they saw meing from a distance.


    ¡°Wee Alpha.¡± They all bowed.


    ¡°Hmmph.¡± I grunted impatiently. ¡°Where¡¯s Annalise?¡±


    ¡°In her chamber, my lord.¡± Jackson, the captain of the Watch, replied , eyeing the unconscious person I was carrying. ¡°Erm¡­ alpha, Is she¡­?¡± He bbed, staring stupidly.


    I didn¡¯t have time for foolish questions.


    ¡°Tell Anna toe to my quarters. Let her know it¡¯s urgent and get back to work.¡±


    ¡°Erm y-yes alpha.¡± He hurried off.


    I went straight home, because I didn¡¯t want to draw any attention from the pack. I set her gently down on the bed. She was still unconscious.


    Anna, the pack doctor, appeared inside just a few momentster. Jack must have told her everything in detail because it seemed like she had run all the way.


    ¡°My lord.¡± She bowed quickly. ¡°Jackson was telling me something very interesting, said you had someone with¡­ ¡± She was cut off when she saw the unconsciousdy on the bed near me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who she is. I just bumped into her this morning.¡±


    ¡°In the woods?¡± She asked, moving towards her.


    ¡°Yes. She was running from someone or something then bumped into me and fainted. You will treat her.¡±


    ¡°I will do what youmand alpha but may I speak?¡± She asked with a tune that suggested I was going to receive a lecture.


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it was a bit dangerous to bring her in? She might be a spy for all we know or even worse, an assassin.¡± Anna¡¯s eyes were serious as she spoke.


    ¡°I am one hundred percent sure she¡¯s not an assassin because she could have easily struck me down in the woods or at least stabbed me when she copsed into me but she didn¡¯t. And if she were a spy, don¡¯t you think our meeting would blow her cover? Just quit all these questions and heal her okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes my lord.¡±


    I nodded and left her to her work.


    Hunter, my beta, was waiting for me when I stepped outside. He bowed when he saw me.


    ¡°Do you have updates?¡±


    ¡°The luna of Shadow pack still wants to get¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh God. Enough of this stuff already. I told her I wasn¡¯t interested in her so what the fuck does she want again?¡±


    ¡°She says she is willing to join both of our packs in strength to be a force to be reckoned with.¡± Hunter recited.


    Widowed lunas, princesses and royaldies had been lining up and pretty much fighting one another just to get my hand in marriage. It was sad but also funny to see that they would go through all this trouble just for me to tell them no. I wasn¡¯t interested in anything of that sort.


    ¡°What did she send this time? A tank of cologne? A barrel of whiskey?¡± Thesedies really had no shame.


    ¡°Arge chiseled statue. Quite handsome, my lord. It¡¯s in the garden if you want to see it.¡±


    Now this was new. I knew it would obviously be something cheesy but I followed him anyway.


    It was a huge sculpture. It looked like it was made of pure stone. It was a statue of two wolves. One was bigger, with a mane of a lion and wore a moon crown and the second had a crown made of stars. They were standing face to face with each other.


    I would have given it an ace for good craftsmanship if not for the big heart shaped stone which both wolves in the statue holded together. That was just wrong.


    It went from looking like a statue of strength to a confession of love or¡­marriage? That was pathetic.


    ¡°Tell her that Griffinhowl thanks her greatly for¡­ this. But I will not be taking anyone¡¯s hand in marriage for now.¡± I said looking at the big-for-nothing thing. ¡°If she tries to cause you any problems like I know she will, just send the statue back.¡± I smiled and made my way back.


    ¡°Yes alpha.¡±


    ¡°For now just bring the twins with you to my quarters. I have an urgent job for you.¡±


    He nodded and left.


    A few minutester, the three of them assembled before me.


    ¡°This is someone I found in the woods this morning. I need you to take a good look at her, probably take some photos, find out everything there is to know about her and report back to me. I want to know every single thing.¡±


    ¡°Yes alpha.¡±


    ¡°I need you all to keep this on the down low. I don¡¯t need word of this getting out to the pack just yet, that¡¯s why I¡¯ve called just the three of you. We have to be sure about everything first so we won¡¯t make the people ufortable for nothing. Got it?¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Yes alpha.¡± They chorused as one.


    ¡°Dispatch.¡± I ordered and they went their separate ways to execute what I had asked of them. I knew they would be back in no time.


    I looked up to the sky. It was clear without a sign of rain. My son was staying the weekend with my sister Elizabeth so I had more time. After a few minutes of thinking, I decided to go back to the woods. After all, I got distracted mid-hunting and didn¡¯t bring back any game. That was a loss. And I didn¡¯t do such.


    I went to my shade, picked up my mahogany wood bow, some arrows and water. Then I marched back to the woods.


    I went deeper into the woods where I was sure the antelopes would be and sure enough there was one nibbling at some of the shrubs nearby.


    I watched its movements carefully. This was the most important part of hunting, paying attention. It took about ten to twelve chews of grass before bending down again to eat more. I picked out an arrow and nocked it, counting how many times it chewed. When it got halfway, I drew the arrow on the bow, lifting it to target the animal.


    I watched it in concentration. When the antelope bent down, I loosed the arrow and watched it fly right into the neck of the animal. It squealed lightly and dropped to the floor. Dead.


    I put the bow back over my shoulder and stepped out of my hiding spot. The antelope lived peacefully and died the same way. In peace. I made sure of that. It didn¡¯t deserve to suffer.


    I pulled the arrow out of its neck, wiped off the blood, reced it with the others and lifted the antelope to my shoulders. I made a move to go but stopped on reflex. I had a feeling I was being watched. I turned around and looked with my wolf eyes.


    There was obviously someone else in the forest watching. ¡°Just make it easier ande out.¡±


    A manicughter cackled from the bushes. It sounded like a mad man.


    Then suddenly something jumped on me.


    Using quick reflexes, I used my bow to hit it away from my direction. At first nce, one might have thought it was a wolf but on hearing and now seeing it, my suspicion was proven right. Fucking Hyena.


    Had it been here waiting for me to kill the antelope before it imed it or was it just attracted to the blood? They were very disorganized things and I hated them.


    The animal jumped again but this time it was for the antelope. I grabbed it by the neck before it touched my game.


    It struggled in my grasp, making these stupid hyena sounds, whatever¡¯s the fuck they were called. ¡°Learn some manners.¡± I twisted my wrist and the neck snapped.


    Finally some quiet. I flung it into a bush and as I made you turn, I sensed a second attack but just a second toote.


    A second hyena sprung from nowhere and dug its teeth into my left arm and my blood flowed.


    I looked at it with fury in my eyes, protracted my ws and tore it open from the neck down. Some of its insides poured on my boots but I was too angry to care.


    The body was on the floor but its jaws were still closed around my arm so I removed it. It was a little deep but it would heal. I tore a rag and ties around it so blood wouldn¡¯t drop around everywhere


    Stupid things.


    I picked my game and headed back to the pack. I left the antelope for the workers to skin and went back home.


    ¡°Oh my gosh. What happened?¡± Annalise asked when she saw me. She had the same time for everyone when it came to injuries.


    ¡°I was ambushed¡­ by hyenas.¡± I added when I saw the look on her face.


    ¡°Let me take a look at it.¡± She said putting on her sses.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Annalise. How is she?¡± I asked, nodding to the bed.


    ¡°She is stable now. But you weren¡¯t kidding, she was running. And at top speed too, it must have been hours because her lungs were actually stressed. I gave her something to help her sleep.¡±


    I nodded. Still wondering why but said nothing.


    ¡°And also, most of the wounds are healing. Though very slowly as she is very weak but they¡¯re healing. Whereas these ones,¡± she pointed at the purple scratches on her arms and legs. ¡°They seem to be getting worse. I¡¯ve applied an ointment but there¡¯s no improvement. They might be from poisoned flower branches while she was running but I need to run tests to know.


    I stepped closer to see what she was saying. The marks looked swollen and Anna had punctured some to run her tests. I held the now bloody cloth used to cover my wound to avoid blood dropping in the house. There was a scratch mark on her face, I touched it and some of my blood got on her face, I wiped it immediately.


    Just like a switch, her eyelids flew open and her brown eyes glowed like before. And immediately she started shaking violently.


    ¡°Anna what¡¯s going on?!


    ¡°How is she convulsing?¡± Anna asked with confusion in her voice. She rushed to the bed, opened her eyes, and checked her pulse. ¡°Oh no.¡±


    ¡°What is it!¡± I asked, watching her patient still shaking involuntarily.


    ¡°The wounds that aren¡¯t healing were from poison hemlock, alpha. She¡¯s having a seizure. I¡¯ll try my best but she might not make it.¡±

 Problems

    Kaden POV


    The words rolled off of Annalise like venom itself. I could see the despair on her face, small beads of sweat beginning to form on her wide forehead. The small figure on the bed was shaking vehemently with her eyes wide open, irises rolled back to her skull. The impact on the bed was rash, and Annalise was iring her hands in the air


    ¡°I can¡¯t seem to stop her shaking.¡± She muttered in exasperation, her eyes narrowing so slightly while she pulled on the woman¡¯s hands. ¡°Please stop shaking.¡± She whispered again.


    The Annalise I was used to was oneposed woman, with impressive medical history, but the woman in front of me looked like she couldn¡¯t take even the slightest jab back at defeat. She turned to look at me, her eyes wide.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re hurt, Alpha but could you help me hold her in ce?¡± Her tone was a tad hesitant, even the way her hands grappled the woman¡¯s violent arms was desperate. I cocked a hesitant brow at her, she dared order me? Hissing, I finally dropped the bow I¡¯d slung around my torso. I reached down to hold her in ce, and I heard my wolf mutter some sweet nothings.


    ¡®This is neither the time, nor the fucking ce.¡¯ I whispered back in frustration when she began to il again.


    ¡°How much longer?¡± I snapped, growing concerned for her exacerbated movements. Annalise sighed harshly, walking away quickly to rummage through her smallpact shelf that stood metres away from the bed. She was bringing out bottles, throwing them carelessly on the second mattress in the room before hastily settling for a small, opaque ss bottle.


    She turned back to meet me. ¡°Here it is.¡± She continued, pulling out a syringe from the sides of her white jacket. In one swift movement she drew out the liquid that I realized was a sunset yellow, and literally stabbed it just below her vicle.


    ¡°Steady¡­¡± She continued with all concentration, pumping the entire content into her body. The woman¡¯s eyes widened even and her lips fell open as if in a scream, but no sounds were made. If anything, she suddenly looked like she was choking on air, yet there was no sound. Was she okay?


    ¡°Is that supposed to happen?¡± I questioned at the tightening of her muscles. Her breathing had sped up in a way that made me ufortable. Even Annalise appeared slightly confused. ¡°Fucking do something!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the antidote!¡± She yelled back, striding to the end of the bed to hold her legs in ce. ¡°Poison hemlock isn¡¯t verymon around here, it¡¯s the first I¡¯m encountering.¡± She continued with her lecture, ncing at the deathly expression etched on the woman¡¯s face.


    ¡°So what¡¯s going to happen?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait. For a minute.¡±


    I could feel her tense muscles gradually grow rxed. I looked up to see her eyes closed and her lips gently recoil to their thinness. In a moment her entire body had rxed, and I heard Annalise heave a relieved sigh.


    She pushed her loose hair back, standing upright before pinching her nostrils together with both eyes closed. ¡°Thank goodness.¡±


    ¡°What did you do?¡±


    ¡°Tyroxil. It¡¯s small but very efficient.¡± She muttered, swiping off the white stic gloves she¡¯d been wearing. ¡°It¡¯s not going to hold out for long though, only a couple of days.¡±


    I let out a breath I didn¡¯t even know I was holding, finally letting go of her hands and shoving them into my pockets. Thank goodness she was fine. At least for now, she couldn¡¯t die on my hands just yet. My wolf screamed mate, yet there was so much I didn¡¯t know about her. A sharp sting brought me back to reality, and I bit back a wince.


    I caught Annalise looking at me first in slight confusion, before she leaped up in sudden realization. ¡°Oh my, your wounds. Please let me take a look at them.¡±


    I was going to refuse her offer, but they did sting quite a bit. Sighing reluctantly, I pulled out a stool to seat and watched her quickly arrange the shelf she¡¯d turned inside out. She grabbed the first aid box and a bunch of medical supplies before sitting on the stool beside me. She set the materials out on the table and ushered for me to bring my hands.


    ¡°Those are deep, Alpha. They¡¯ll need some stitching.¡± She said albeit calmly, as if she wasn¡¯t just freaking out five minutes ago. She pulled out a cotton swab, pulling my hands closer to clean out some of the blood that had spewed. I watched her slowly stitch the wounds on my arm, and heave another sigh.


    ¡°I thought I was going to lose her.¡± She half whispered, pulling the thread to tidy thest stitch. ¡°If I didn¡¯t have any Tyroxil here, I wonder what would have happened.¡±


    ¡°Which is why you¡¯re supposed to have even the rarest of antidotes.¡± I countered a little harshly, I didn¡¯t even know why I sounded like that. But the thought that this woman may have died and I would have to forgo my second chance wasn¡¯t the most enticing.


    Annalise sighed, putting down her surgical scissors. ¡°It¡¯s not in my ce to get them, I¡¯m afraid. The antidote for poison hemlock is as rare as the poison itself. From my knowledge, it can be found in the woods where you found her. That particr area is out of bounds for non-hunting wolves.¡± She finished, looking up at me. I cocked a brow, straightening on the stool.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled.¡± I rose to my feet, taking onest nce at the unconscious woman. ¡°Just make sure she doesn¡¯t die before then.¡±


    Then I suddenly realized I didn¡¯t know what the antidote was. ¡°What¡¯s the name again?¡±


    ¡°Mthionapalm. It¡¯s a bluish green nt with the texture of napalm, my Lord.¡±


    *


    I called a meeting immediately in the living room. Three of my trusted guards were present, as well as Jackson. I decided after some consideration not to involve the twins; this wasn¡¯t pack duty, yet. Plopping onto the sole cathedra, I was tapping my hands on the arms.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty simple. I want you to search for an antidote for poison hemlock.¡± I finally broke the thick air of silence that enveloped the living room. Jackson who stood in front of the small fleet gathered whipped his head up so sharply I thought it would snap, his straight brows arched.


    ¡°Poison hemlock? Those are deadly. But we don¡¯t know of the antidote.¡± He replied with a curt bow.


    ¡°Annalise says it¡¯s Mthionapalm. It¡¯s in the woods, it¡¯s a bluish green nt found near our hunting grounds.¡± I said again, leaning into the chair. ¡°You have two days to find it. Jackson, you stay here.¡±


    He seemed to disagree at first, but nodded instead when I shot him a re. I motioned for the guards to leave, leaving Jackson and I in the room.


    ¡°I have something else for you to do.¡±


    ¡°What would you have me do, my Lord?¡± He bowed again, his ck locks covering his face.


    ¡°The woman I brought back to the pce. Find out everything you can about her. Her name, age, waht pack shees from, if she isn¡¯t a rogue, that is.¡± I answered, sitting up and supporting my chin with both elbows.


    The fact that she still was an enigma to me was unsettling. Yes, my wolf suddenly sprang to life in reaction to her aura, but I didn¡¯t even know who she was. There was no way I was going to be mated to someone like that. For all I knew she could havemitted a crime.


    But I remembered the desperation on her face that evening, she was pleading with her eyes. Even though they snapped shut moments after, I couldn¡¯t shake off the plea in her eyes. I needed to know what brought her here. If it was just sheer coincidence or just fate.


    ¡°My Lord? My Lord!¡±


    I looked up again, realizing that I had zoned out a little. Hunter was standing in the room now, with a frown on his face. Perhaps I should have given the task at hand to Hunter, but he had more important tasks to take care of.


    He was the one who called for my attention. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I found this in front of the gate.¡± He continued with worryced in his voice, showing me an envelope that had been torn open. I took it from him curiously, staring at it and wondering what the hell it was. As if on cue, Hunter replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s a note from South Sea. Remember their alpha was killed a year ago and they¡¯ve not had any one to step into the position since the sessor is only three years old.¡±


    ¡®Just like Den¡¯ I thought.


    ¡°There¡¯s been a rumor that Derek may not have been the real Alpha of Moonstar, there¡¯s a wolf he was working for and he was absent on the day of the invasion.¡± He finished before I could read the letter. I could feel my eyes widen at that?


    ¡°What the fuck?¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°And he sent a message to South Sea after capturing thete Alpha¡¯s Luna. They¡¯re next.¡±

 Get out!

    Kaden


    Did those people not know their ce at all? I remembered the sickening expression Derek had on his face as I dug out his gut, he showed not even the slightest remorse. If this letter said anything, it was clear that we may have been fooled all along.


    I tapped at my study table repeatedly, I couldn¡¯t shake away the unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. The tug of war in my head was threatening to drive me to utter insanity. On one end, there was the news of that bastardy pack that now looked like one big chess puzzle, on the other, there was a pressing concern for the halfatose woman lying in the medical room.


    Annalise had been pleased when my guards returned with the foul smelling Mthionapalm, and assured me that the woman¡¯s vital¡¯s were stable enough. By her calctions, she was going to regain consciousness in a matter of days. I felt a small, tingly bubble from my wolf and I let out a hiss.


    ¡°We don¡¯t even know her yet.¡± I mumbled out, moving the poorly constructed letter away from the desk and onto a bunch of paperwork that sat busily by the corner of myrge study. Dusting off what looked like beeswax on my sweatshirt, I heard a precise rap on my door.


    ¡°Come in.¡± I said rather softly and the person behind the door twisted the door knob, pushing it open. I first saw his dark hands whose sleeves were covered in ck fabric. Of course, it had to be Jackson.


    He had his hair in a low bun, nk faced and with a file in his hands. His dark eyes however betrayed the stoicism he was going for. They were fluttering and darting around before he finally cleared his throat.


    ¡°When are you going to speak?¡± I snapped, impatiently, looking up from another file that had beenying beneath the Luna¡¯s note. He knew I wasn¡¯t fond of having my time wasted, let alone when I gave orders.


    ¡°Pardon my excesses.¡± He started with a small bow before walking in quick strides to the front of the table. I pushed the file aside and rxed on the executive chair I was sitting on, cing one leg over the other. He carefully ced the brown file on the desk, before taking two steps backwards.


    ¡°I have news on the woman, my Lord. But it¡¯s not good news.¡± He continued, and I raised an intimidating brow. Jackson cleared his throat again.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Her name is Larissa Tokenmoon, former Luna of the Tokenmoon pack about five miles from here.¡± He was hesitant to speak, but said it anyway.


    ¡°A former Luna?¡± My question came out unprecedented, I had meant to ask in my head. What the hell? A former Luna? My mate was¡­


    ¡°Yes, more like a disgraced Luna. She was recently publicly rejected by her mate, the alpha of the Tokenmoon pack on the basis of infidelity. Finding out about her was difficult. From my sources, thest they heard of her was at an auction in a high end brothel. Her ex husband sold her to them as punishment for her infidelity.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s where she must have been running away from.¡± I spat out, feeling bile rise in my throat.


    The shock of the revtion suddenly dawned on me. Not only was she a former Luna, but a cheat! A fucking cheat! What did I do to the universe to deserve this type of unlucky fate? What difference then was she from Amaya? Even the thought of her name was a me that threatened to ze into a furnace that would envelop me in the betrayal I¡¯d felt.


    No! This was uneptable! I would rather spare myself the effort of meeting a second cheat and forfeit. I was so much better off without a mate. Den was enough.


    ¡°Besides that, Greenwood -¡±


    ¡°Shut up, and get out!¡± I snapped, disinterested in whatever he had to say. Of course it was going to be about one brainless Luna trying to kiss my ass like a headless chicken. Right now, there were more important things to do.


    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I think I may have been plunged into eternal darkness. All I could see was ck in one defining shade for what seemed like ages, and faint sounds of what I imagined were my demons. Other than that it was still, until it wasn¡¯t. Copped up with my knees to my chest, I saw something flicker in the distance.


    Light? Light! I leaped in part excitement and part relief seeing the light in the distance. Picking up myself from the cold floor, I began to run in the direction of the light. It was dim, but it was the brightest in the eyes of a person who had been as light deprived as I was. As I inched closer, the voices became more frantic and I fell into a void.


    I fluttered my eyes open at the sounds of metal nking. I closed them again at the foreign intensity, heck the light was blinding. I could feel the nking sounds so persistent, like a being was hammering holes in my skull and I let out a soft groan.


    My voice sounded foreign. What was happening? Blinking slowly, I finally opened my eyes, feeling subtle movements in my arm. They were subtle, as I couldn¡¯t raise it. It was like stones held them in ce.


    I did open my eyes to white ceilings and a steady, throbbing headache. The ceilings were a nk canvas, and I turned my head slightly to see a figure clothed in white as well. My mind shifted to thest things I remembered.


    ¡°Chloe? Joy?¡± I called out weakly, but even I couldn¡¯t hear my voice. Memories came rushing in like a blizzard. I remembered the auction, the man who¡¯d taken me as a prize¡­ Kylian!


    Without thinking, I shot off the bed, screaming when the throbbing in my head amplified to a piercing headache.


    ¡°Kylian!¡± I screamed again with my eyes closed, quickly raising my hands to my head in an effort to shake off the dizziness. I felt an arm rush to my sides and I flinched in fear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± I yelled again, but the arm circles my waist, gently patting at the bed Iid on.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake.¡± A female voice said warmly, easing me to lie back on the bed. The bed was awfullyfortable, for a moment I wondered if I was back at the brothel with those sinister faces jeering at me.


    ¡°Can you open your eyes?¡± The voice asked again and I nodded slowly. I opened them again, taking in the harsh lighting and finally saw who had been speaking to me. She was pleasant faced with her strawberry blonde hair swept up in a ponytail and groomed eyebrows. She was wearing a white coat draped over a simple ck dress, who was she? Her brown eyes were peering through mine curiously, but I could see worry lines grace her lips.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± I questioned weakly, desperately wishing she wouldn¡¯t mention the brothel. I¡¯d been doomed if I was there. Then whatever would happen to Kylian?


    Her worry was soon reced by a small toothed smile, what I assumed was her expression of relief. ¡°A medical room, you are in the Griffin-howl pack. You were brought here by the alpha and knocked out cold. Been here almost four days.¡±


    The alpha? My memories drifted away again to me running, and those lovely green eyes I¡¯d seen. They were the brightest eyes I¡¯d ever seen; emerald coated in chromatic silver, and I felt a few butterflies p in my stomach.


    Mate.


    I remembered the way he¡¯d looked at me that day¡­he saved me. Somehow I¡¯d found my way to a mate, and he saved me. Was he the alpha she spoke about?


    ¡°Can I see him?¡± I asked with a small smile ying on my lips. She nodded quickly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let him know that you¡¯re awake. But what¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Larissa Tok-¡± The words got stuck at the back of my throat. I was no longer a Tokenmoon, not after what Stefan had done. I gulped instead, struggling to clear my throat. ¡°Larissa.¡±


    ¡°Okay Larissa, I¡¯ll inform him that you¡¯re awake -¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that will no longer be necessary.¡± A gruff voice, deeper than all the wells. ivw seen with a velvety touch to it spoke, the doors flying open with a st


    Startled, I whipped my head around rather quickly to see the figure that had just walked into therge, white room. I first saw his feet, boot d before travelling up to meet his face. And while his build was formidable, I had to admit that he was the most beautiful being I¡¯d ever seen. Was a he-wolf allowed to be this beautiful? I think not. He had the structure of a god, a chiselled square jaw that sported a goatee. But his lips were down turned in a frown and when I finally met his eyes, I recognized him immediately.


    He was the wolf from the woods. He was my mate. But if so, why were his eyes shooting icicles at me?


    ¡°Ah you must be the alpha¡­¡± I tried with a smile, propping myself up to a sitting position but his frown had worsened. The blonde woman fell silent at the intensity of his re, and I cleared my throat. ¡°Thank you so much for -¡±


    ¡°Save it.¡± He snapped and I shut up right away. I was confused, did I do something to him? Before I could even say another word, he¡¯d grabbed my hand.


    ¡°I wanted to wait out your unconsciousness, but I believe you¡¯re very well now.¡± He continued with a startling growl, inching close to my face. I looked away and he pulled me back quickly, wearing a sinister smirk.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to make the same bloody mistake twice, Larissa.¡±


    How did he know my name? Did I say something?


    ¡°It¡¯s time for you to get the fuck out of my pack.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    My face fell faster than the speed of light. Wh¡­what?

 Being the nanny

    Chapter 9 part 2


    Larissa


    I forced myself to pace the entrance to the room that had been my abode for the past five days, despite my legs wobbling and threatening to give out. The sun had settled for an amber yellow, and soft breeze rustled through the surrounding trees and my hair, and even through my clothes. Orck thereof. I remembered the sunset I spent with Richard before my ursed marriage. It was a beautiful sunset orange with dewy weather, and I was wearing a deep blue dress he had gifted me.


    But here I was with a simple, white satin dress hanging loosely on my form, and the sun¡¯s depressing glow adding fuel to fire. Like the fire in his eyes when he yelled at me. He was beyond angry, I could tell. But whatever did I do to him? My mate perhaps already hated me before properly meeting me, and the idea was more heartbreaking than thest two years of my life.


    My words had been stuck in my throat at the villous way he spoke to me. I could literally feel the wind being knocked out of me and may have lost consciousness if the woman I¡¯de to know as Annalise hadn¡¯t jumped in, regardless of the fact that his eyes zed and she may have lost her head. She¡¯d begged, telling him that I hadn¡¯t recovered from the poison but simply regained consciousness.


    He¡¯d bawled. Oh he screamed at her and at me, and I couldn¡¯t say a word. He wanted me to leave¡­I didn¡¯t even have anywhere to go. I couldn¡¯t return to my parents or the pack, where did he even want me to go? Fate had finally smiled at me after years of suffering, I couldn¡¯t afford to let go of it just yet. I had to stay, no matter what.


    I shivered a little, rubbing the welts that had formed on the skin of my arms. It was a lot colder here, and it didn¡¯t even help that the fabric was thin as fuck.


    Annalise emerged from the medical room to meet me outside. She was kind enough to spare me a warm smile, I returned a weak one.


    ¡°I need to see the alpha.¡± I said for the umpteenth time today, and watched her pinch her nose in what I assumed was frustration. She shook her head, then brought both arms to fold them.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been telling you since yesterday, the only reason I stepped in was because I truly didn¡¯t think you were well enough to leave -¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t leave just yet¡­I need to see him first.¡±


    ¡°The alpha doesn¡¯t see just anybody without an appointment.¡±


    ¡°Please.¡± I tried to hide the desperation in my voice, sping my hands together. ¡°At least let me thank him for saving me.¡±


    She cocked a brow. ¡°You saw his reaction yesterday.¡±


    I would take it over being mistreated timelessly. ¡°Just take me to him.¡±


    Annalise seemed to think for a moment before letting out a defeated sigh.


    ¡°Well¡­perhaps I can help.¡± She let out grimly. and sighed again, looking down to kick off the dirt from her shoes. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    I followed her through a long alley, unable to believe that we were in one building. It was one huge mansion, if I could call it that. Sure, I came from immerse affluence, butpared to this¡­my background may have been peanut sized after all. Her ck stilettos nked through the marbled floors as we walked, past a luxurious living area with high ceilings that I didn¡¯t have time to study, until we reached a pair of wooden French doors at the posterior end of the living area and she halted.


    Clicking her tongue, she turned to look at me with an unreadable expression. ¡°This is the alpha¡¯s study. No one except for his beta and trusted men are allowed in, so don¡¯t have high hopes foring out with your head if you go in now.¡±


    My eyes widened at her words and I gulped. What did she mean by that? For a second I felt blood drain from my face staring at her face. And with a small curve of her lips, straightened and walked away.


    I stood at the door for a full minute, watching the guards walk past the entrance many times and spare me suspicious nces. Drawing in a deep breath, it was now or never.


    I pushed open the door.


    He looked up immediately from the desk to see who had open the door, and his expression contorted from one of displeasure to one of outright rage.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing here?¡± He growled, clicking his tongue and pushing back the chair he sat on. He mmed the paper in his hands on the table with a violent thud, making me flinch.


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything I hate more than liars, it¡¯s repeating myself. I believe I asked you to leave.¡± He snapped again, ring. I saw his eyes sh a fiery orange, but the entirety of hisposure was rather calm.


    ¡°First off, I would like to thank you for saving me the other day. I may have died.¡±


    ¡°And that was a mistake I hate to hear again.¡±


    ¡°I know you know we¡¯re mates.¡± I tried with pleading eyes. ¡°Please don¡¯t send me away.¡±


    He snorted instead, wearing a frown soon after.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t be more mistaken, Larissa. My mercy has reached its limit, and I have no interest in dealing with you. You¡¯re alive and well, so leave my pack now!¡± He thundered, shaking me to my core.


    What? Did I just get rejected by my mate a second time? It couldn¡¯t be. No¡­no¡­even if I was being rejected, I couldn¡¯t leave. I would rather die here in his pack as a ve than leave.


    ¡°Please¡­¡± My voice cracked,ing out more like a wobble than a confident plea. What confidence did I even have left? ¡°I can¡¯t go back to where I came from¡­ they¡¯ll kill me. I did nothing wrong.¡± I continued, looking down at my fiddling fingers.


    ¡°And where did youe from?¡±


    *


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I could see tears brimming in her dark eyes, even though she was trying so hard to blink them away. She was more stubborn and persistent than an annoying cockroach, what was more frustrating was the fact that my wolf, my dense wolf, was dancing around the moment she stepped into the study. He just didn¡¯t know when not to act out.


    Leaning into the chair, I smirked watching her bite her lips in agitation. Of course, the fucking cheat couldn¡¯t talk. She just stood there like a miserly fool, and the thought that she was going toe up with lies to dig herself out of this web was irritating.


    ¡°A very, very bad ce.¡± She finally spoke up, and I raised a brow. She blinked multiple times, looking up to meet my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s a bad ce.¡± She repeated.


    I felt my stomach do backflips when she looked at me. She stood far away from me, but I noticed the glisten in her eyes. It was just like the day in the woods. I hissed in irritation, if only I could simply bundle my wolf that didn¡¯t know his ce and throw him out the window. Even if I would regret it immediately.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t want me around, but please don¡¯t send me back.¡± She continued frantically, falling to her knees. Well, wasn¡¯t that surprising. She may have thought that her little act was going to tug at my heartstrings, I just found it disgustingly dramatic.


    ¡®Don¡¯t do that to her, you¡¯re so harsh.¡¯ My wolf spoke up again and I shut him right away, irritated by everything. I looked back at her, and she was staring right back at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything. I¡¯ll earn a living, I can work for you instead. See me as your ve, I won¡¯t stay here for free -¡±


    ¡°Oh for fuck¡¯s sake, stop spitballing!¡± I raised my voice, forcing her to shut up. She was looking at me with so much hope, even though I wanted to kick her out, I didn¡¯t want to. If my wolf said one more word, I swear I was going to lock him up without regrets.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± She muttered a small apology, gripping the hem of her dress. Taking onest look at her distressed self, maybe I did have a use for her after all. The look on her face said it all; since she didn¡¯t want to leave, she would leave on her own.


    ¡°You¡¯ll do anything, you say? I have just the job for you.¡± I said with a smirk. She whipped her head up quickly, glow returning to her pale face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± She cheered. If only she knew what wasing.


    ¡°Can you handle it?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± The enthusiasm in her voice was sickening. But that was the least. I wanted to watch the despair on her face when she finally realizes what she¡¯s getting herself into.


    I felt the smirk on my face grow and the expression on her face morph into one of confusion. As if on cue, the door flew open with two figures running into the study; one of whom was panting like he¡¯d been chased by a hyena.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    She gasped in confusion, rising to her feet at the the smaller figure who ran to my chair much faster than the guard could keep up with. Fucking weaklings.


    Patting his head and hissing when he flinched, I shifted my attention to the woman who had her lips parted in question.


    ¡°You can do anything, right?¡± I started slowly, letting the smirk on my face grow at her trying toprehend the situation. ¡°You¡¯ll be taking care of this bad boy here, guard him with your life since you¡¯ve pledged loyalty to me. If a hair of his head is lost, I¡¯ll have your head in return.¡±


    Her expression fell t at that, watching the figure fiddle with the paper in his hand.


    ¡°Er¡­ may I ask who he is?¡± She croaked out.¡± Feeling the smirk widen even further, I chuckled harshly.


    ¡°He¡¯s my son.¡±

 Meeting him

    Larrissa


    ¡°Do you think you can handle him? Fucking chicken out if you can¡¯t.¡±


    I heard the words echo in my head as I walked back mindlessly, following the lead of a brte wolf. He said nothing as we walked up the stairwell, leading to what I assumed was my room. He walked faster than I could keep up with, but I followed the best I could. The hallway was long with a hint of magenta, olive and primrose, just like the alley and the alpha¡¯s study room.


    He finally stopped at the end of the hallway. There was a full length window where a wall should have been, providing illumination for the otherwise dark hall. Although there were a few lights hanging from the ceiling, they were turned off. I stopped just behind him, leaning slightly to see the in oak door.


    ¡°The Alpha has instructed that you stay here.¡± He finally spoke. His voice was surprisingly soft, but empty nheless. He stepped away from the door so that I could enter. Heaving a sigh again, I reached for the doorknob and pushed it open.


    I shut the door after me, taken aback by the interior. Although he made it clear that he didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with me, the room was surprisingly pleasant. It looked like an empty white canvas; the bed covers, the drapes, even the tiny table by the closet were all coated in a particr shade of white. The only pop of colour in the room was the small closet that was a murky brown. Quite depressing, but I would take it over being beaten to near death. The welts on my skin were a heavy testament.


    The bed sat by the side of the wall from the door, directly opposite the closet. There was another door I hadn¡¯t noticed, a wooden door painted an earthy brown. Curiously, I dragged my feet to the door and pried it open. Of course. It was a bathroom, not the type I was used to, but enough for one person at a time. I could get used to this.


    I felt my lips part slowly. I couldn¡¯t be more grateful, Stefan would never find me to kill me here. But did I have to pay rent expenses too? I was curious about that too. I know I said I was going to earn a living here, but did that involve rent? Perhaps it would, I thought to myself, plopping onto the bed gently, afraid that I would ruffle the perfectlyid sheets.


    ¡°We have to go now.¡± The man¡¯s voice called out impatiently, surprising me. Of course he had been standing at the entrance, waiting for me toe out. Why? Did my job already start?


    Shaking off the thought, I walked to the door. I would rather not get on the alpha¡¯s bad side. Opening the door, the man had a nk expression and his hands tucked behind him. I could definitely tell that he was upset from the way his shoulders had slumped slightly. I mumbled an apology and he acknowledged with a nod. Whoa, I wasn¡¯t used to being treated like this. I shook away the feeling when he turned and began walking away, stopping literally at the door beside my new room.


    I hadn¡¯t noticed before, but therge door was coated in an olive green color. There was a small inscription on the otherwise simple door. I had to squint to see the text; although in tiny font, it was pretty clear.


    Den Griffin.


    Den? Was that the name of his son? I didn¡¯t have the chance to take a good look at him that day at the study. All I knew was that he looked like the cutest little cub with quite the affection for his father. I could hear some faint voices from inside and I pushed the door open this time, watching the man leave on cue.


    ¡°Den, please sit down.¡± The adult figure in the room spoke calmly, although her voice was a mix of frustration and an stic band that had reached its limit. She was sitting at a dwarf, baby blue table right in the centre of the spacious room. It seemed that the architecture of the entire house followed a certain colour troupe, this room was doused in hues of blues and faint greens.


    Right across the room was a hyper toddler with what looked like a piece of crayon in his mouth. rmed all of a sudden, I walked quickly to where he stood at the foot of his bed and gently pulled the crayon from his mouth. He tilted his head in child-like confusion before tapping my arm. I heard a gasp from the woman and turned around with a faint smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s the calmest I¡¯ve seen Den all week, he¡¯s always running around!¡± She continued with surprise, shifting her eyes to the boy in front of me. I shed her a tiny smile, turning to look at the puzzled toddler. Only now did I notice how much of a semnce he had with the alpha. They had the same piercing emerald eyes, except that this child had a more intense coat of chrome silver. He also has the same brown hair, but his was a beautiful honey brown. The way he stared at me was simr, even the way his top lip twitched. When the hell did I notice all of those features on the alpha?


    ¡®Anyone can see them.¡¯ I chided, forcing myself to smile at him.


    ¡°Who are you, by the way? I can¡¯t tell if he likes you for real or he¡¯s nning to w off your face.¡± She said with a chuckle, rising from the floor. Well, she was right, but he was literally the cutest thing I¡¯ve seen today.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m the new nanny, Larissa.¡± I answered, stretching an arm in courtesy. The way those words rolled off my tongue, it was an interesting taste of honey and bile. She clicked her tongue instead, causing me to raise a brow. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, no not that.¡± She said quickly, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s just that he¡¯s never had a nanny this¡­young. Most of them were middle ageddies and you genuinely look like you¡¯re eighteen.¡±


    ¡°Twenty two, actually.¡± I corrected sweetly, and she gasped again.


    ¡°My bad- Den!¡±


    My ears perked at the startling yell, only to see that the toddler had returned to sit at the dwarf table. Now he was scribbling at the table.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not right.¡± I chided again, walking quickly to collect the pencil in his hands, and the next thing he was screaming his tiny lungs in a bawl. I tried to scoop him up but he flinched, crying loudly before the woman picked him up.


    ¡°He¡¯s a little¡­sensitive.¡± She said apologetically, patting at his back.


    ¡°How long have you been taking care of him?¡±


    ¡°Two years. I¡¯ve been waiting for a promotion or something, and now I can finally get one thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Congrattions? She looked really dreamy and happy though. But if I was going to handle this child without being killed, I needed to know everything about him.


    ¡°Can you tell me a bit about him, so I can¡­take proper care of him?¡± I said after clearing my throat. She nodded enthusiastically, patting his back again before setting him down to y. He had stopped crying already.


    ¡°Ohh sure. He¡¯s extremely picky with food and enters brief rogue stages where he never listens to what I have to say. Sort of like what just happened. He¡¯s a sensitive child and I think he¡¯s picky because he¡¯s attracted to foods that have simr scents as his mother¡¯s pheromones.¡±


    ¡°His mother?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever bring it up.¡± Her voice suddenly grew quiet in warning. ¡°Her name is forbidden in the pack, but nobody knows why.¡±


    My curiosity had piqued to its highest. Who was his son¡¯s mother then? A former mate? An ex-lover? Thoughts raced at all the possibilities. I had to shake my head to drive them away. I wasn¡¯t here to know about that. My job was to take care of his son and nothing more.


    Smiling lightly, I looked at the boy still scribbling with all his tiny might. Squatting to his eye level, I tapped the table to get his attention. A nk, curious stare.


    ¡°So, Den, how would you like some cookies and milk?¡±


    No response.


    ¡°Okay, just cookies?¡±


    Still no response. Warming up to me was taking a lot longer than I wanted. Leaning in to carry him perhaps was a mistake, as in a second he was bawling.


    Again.


    *


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    Den is crying again. I heard Jackson¡¯s mind linked message.


    I clicked my tongue, wondering if smirking was a better idea. They usually say ¡®be careful what you wish for¡¯, bet she was just realising. That cheat would leave on her own.


    I recoiled into the seat, closing my eyes briefly. ¡°Keep an eye on that wolf and report any unusual activity.¡±

 A rogue

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I haven¡¯t had such a good night¡¯s sleep in years. My body felt awfully rxed as I stretched my limbs on thefortable sheets. It felt nice, I could literally wish for this not to end if only I didn¡¯t have to work.


    Rustling under the sheets, my thoughts drifted off to the moody toddler beside my room. The woman who I¡¯d seen yesterday called herself Gwendoline, and it seemed Den wasn¡¯t particrly fond of her. He seemed to dislike my presence as well. But then, he was now in my care. And he needed to go to kindergarten today.


    I stood up from the bed gingerly, taking a quick bath before covering myself up in the only other dress in the closet. It was an unttering dull grey ensemble, but whatever. I had to wear it like that, and probably search for some new clothes once I got paid.


    I tied my blonde hair up in a ponytail and smiled to myself, hoping that I looked nice enough. There was no mirror in the room. Applying some ointment that I had been given, I heard my wolf groan in relief and I giggled back. Huffing onest time, I opened the door and left the room.


    As soon as I flung the door open, I turned only to see that the door to Den¡¯s room was slightly ajar. Was someone already in the room? It was still early. Curiously, I took careful steps to his door and pushed it open. There was nobody in the room, even his sheets had been done. What in the world was going on?


    ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± The familiar voice of the alpha echoed through the hallway and I looked up immediately to see him with an infuriated frown. My mouth dropped to the pit of my stomach at his angry stare, I couldn¡¯t let any words out. The ck suit he was wearing was basic but he made it work somehow, with his copper brown hair swept back in the middle. A few strands stood out from the sides of his face. I saw his jaw clenching and I looked away. I couldn¡¯t afford to be caught staring like that.


    ¡°Is this how you take care of a child?!¡± He hollered again, approaching me without caution. ¡°You¡¯re a fucking thirty minuteste! My son will not bete for kindergarten no matter what!¡± He continued. Blood had filled the vessels in his face, he¡¯d turned a brilliant shade of pink.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t know that-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll warn you for thest time.¡± He came even closer, practically invading my personal space. ¡®If a hair of his head is hurt, I¡¯ll have your head. If he¡¯s everte, I swear I¡¯ll personally w your fucking face off.¡±


    The tone of his voice was as serious as ever. Fear gripped me as he finished speaking before stepping away from me.


    ¡°Make yourself useful,zy bones.¡± He spat. ¡°What have you done? You¡¯re now the housekeeper too, don¡¯t ever forget that. Look around.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry -¡±


    ¡°Look around! It¡¯s all murk!¡± He snapped again. ¡°Clean this ce up, not even a spec.¡±


    And with that he bounced down the stairs. I stood transfixed there, shifting my weight from one leg to the other. Was this how he treated his servants or was he just particrly hateful towards me? But he hasn¡¯t raised a hand at me yet. That was where I would draw the line.


    What line? You have nowhere to go.


    I sensed that despite his cold demeanor, he cared a lot about his son. Forcing my legs to move, I followed him down the stairwell only to see him walking out the door with a red haired man d in a grey suit. He had a ck briefcase in one hand and Den in the other. There was another ck haired man who stood by the entrance, bowing at the alpha. But I could barely make out his features.


    Looking ahead at the skies through the door, it wasn¡¯t even fully dawn yet. Why did all of them wake up so early? The alpha and the man walking with him looked like they were having a serious discussion in hushed tones, and I saw the alpha run a hand through his hair. Was something wrong? Almost immediately, they were out of the door, plunging the entire living area into darkness save for one chandelier that was turned on.


    I returned to my room, shaking off the events of the morning and keeping myself busy with cleaning up Den¡¯s room. The toddler had quite the number of toys loitering around his bed and small desk, most of which were wooden knives and stic figures. The thought of seeing Den running around with the toys in his hands made my heart swell for some reason.


    Perhaps if Stefan hadn¡¯t turned out to be the demon that destroyed my life, maybe we would have had little kids like Den running around at the pack house. They would y the best swordsman with Stefan. Then I would yell at them toe in during the evenings and have Joy prepare them some delicious pudding. I would put them to sleep after a long day and relish in the warmth of just watching them exist. Chloe¡­ Chloe would be the godmother she always wanted to be, telling my kids stories about us that would cause them tough. They would call me ¡®Mama¡¯. That would have been sweet.


    I felt warm liquid brim in my eyes, I didn¡¯t know when a year slipped. I was nkly staring at one of the wooden knives in my hands. None of those things in my imagination could happen now. Never would I have anything to do with him. Perhaps the alpha felt the same about me. I wiped my eyes quickly and rose to my feet, tucking the toy away at the small rack by his bedside table. I arranged his vani scented sheets and tucked his pillows before stepping back to admire the masterpiece I¡¯d created. I didn¡¯t mean to brag, but I did a way better job than Gwendoline in taking care of Den¡¯s room.


    Heaving a tired sigh, I wiped the small beads of sweat that had formed on my forehead. Dusting off the excesses on a piece of ck cloth in my hands, I left the room and begun wiping the railings of the stairwell. Not a speck of dust, he¡¯d said. As if there was even one speck on the railings. Tsk.


    After wiping them, it was time to properly clean. I was in the luxurious living area, just beside where the dining room stood. I had to admit that the mansion oozed of regal authority. The living area had ceilings a lot higher than my self esteem. They held a good number of dazzling silver and rose gold chandeliers, illuminating it more than the natural lights did. The couches and armchairs were made of refined scarlet velvet and ck leather, in heavy contrast to the expensive olive curtains that were hung up on every window. The floors were grey marbles, each piece interwoven with its own story to tell like the gold artifacts scattered around.


    I gaped, in awe of the impressive architecture. Despite his sourness, the alpha had great taste. Then the realization that I had to clean the entire mansion dawned on me and I shuddered. This entire building? Everything? Was that even in my job description? Speaking of which, he didn¡¯t even tell me everything I would be doing. He could simply give me more and more work because I couldn¡¯t leave. Rather I begged not to leave, my wolf loved having him around.


    Now where was I going to get the supplies to clean? Facepalming, I clicked my tongue. I didn¡¯t even know that much. Looking around the living area, I didn¡¯t think it would be here. It also couldn¡¯t be upstairs, I wasn¡¯t sure that the man I¡¯ve only briefly interacted with would leave supplies to breath the same air as Den and himself.


    I turned back to the stairwell, going around it to find the same path Annalise had led me through that day. I walked for a bit, checking around for any room that looked like it was where the cleaning supplies would be. I eventually stopped by a door painted an ashy shade of grey. The wooden door had chipped in several ces, letting light and whatnot through the holes. Perhaps this would be the closet.


    ¡°Arghh!!!!¡±


    There was a loud shriek as soon as I¡¯d ces my hand on the door knob, causing me to jump back in fear. What the hell? There was another shriek and the knob twisted under my fingers. In a moment, the door was pulled open, only to reveal a figure with his eyes reddened like those of a wild beast. His nostrils were bloodied however, covered partially by long, thick, ck hair and I slowly began to notice the stream of blood pouring down from his arm. His unusual scent piqued my nose, he wasn¡¯t a beast. He was a wolf just like us.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± I managed to let out. Who was he, a rogue? A thief that was caught?


    ¡°I am neither.¡± He grunted weakly. He could read my mind? ¡°I really need to get these treated, I can¡¯t heal but Anna is away. Do you know anything about medicine?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, just a little experiment w-with drugs and herbs¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good enough.¡± He cut in, and before I knew what was happening, he¡¯d pulled me through the door and into the dark room.


    Except that it wasn¡¯t dark at all. All I could see were weapon. A whole fucking lot of them.

 No begging

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I felt my heart in my chest staring at all the weapons littered in the bright room,pletely frozen in fear and surprise. There were blood trails on the concrete floor and whatever walls peeked through were painted grey. The said walls were coated with multiple racks of swords and guns and arrows. By a tall shelf were smaller knives, and it scared the hell out of me when he wouldn¡¯t stop staring at it. Was he going to stab me with them? The possibilities were endless.


    Slowly, I shifted my attention to him sitting cross legged on the ground, only then did I notice the box of first aid supplies beside him and him low grounts while pinching his nostrils. He must really be hurt, the cut on his idle arm was refusing to dry up.


    ¡°Oh my, how exactly did you get so hurt?¡± I mumbled, letting out a small sigh before crouching to his eye level. He gave me a small side eye before looking away.


    ¡°You said you could help.¡±


    ¡°Push your bangs aside. I¡­ let me take a look at it.¡±


    He did exactly as I said so I could see his injuries clearly. They did look serious, but I¡¯d rather not ask. I still didn¡¯t know who he was. I sighed again and opened up the first aid box to clean his wounds. They were too deep to heal with some sort of stitching. Even with the strongest regenerative properties, it would take about two days to heal. It would get infected if it stayed like that.


    ¡°You need to see Annalise after this.¡± I said with a small smile while cleaning his bloodied nose. He looked up at me and began to stand up, shaking the arm that was now covered in a few blended herbs. I did wonder why the kit had herbs it it, was it a pack thing?


    ¡°Erm¡­¡± He was clearing his throat, looking away from me. I finally noticed his tank top. They were a radiant burgundy, paired with ck cargo pants and matchingbat boots. Perhaps he was a soldier? ¡°Thanks. And I¡¯m not just a soldier.¡±


    He was doing it again, it was ufortable to know that even my thoughts could be intruded. No privacy whatsoever. His chuckling caught me off guard.


    ¡°You could get used to it. And thanks again for helping me out.¡±


    His tone was a lot warmer than I had expected. There were genuinely kind people in this pack, perhaps the alpha drank a dose of bad water. Tsk.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    I suddenly remembered why I came here in the first ce. The cleaning supplies!


    ¡°Oh, excise me.¡± I called out when he¡¯d turned away to leave. He stopped and faced me, cocking a brow. Now that he had his hair tied back, he did look familiar. Where have I seen him? ¡°Where can I get cleaning supplies?¡±


    ¡°How would I know that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m new here. And I just treated you even when you dragged me into this scary room. Perhaps you can simply point me in the direction?¡±


    His look did not falter. Instead he walked out of the door, pointing at the direction I came from.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever bring up the treatment, I only let you do it because it was urgent.¡± His voice was low, but got the message across however. ¡°Over there, back at the mansion. In the kitchen or whatever.¡±


    I managed to thank him before he walked away with the bow he¡¯d been wearing slung across his torso. I suddenly felt stupid, how had I not known about it? Of course the supplies would be inside the house. Awkwardly patting my fingers on my dress, I returned to the mansion to find the supplies to clean.


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    The litter of paper work on my desk was infuriating. I mmed the second one on the desk in annoyance, leaning back and running a hand through my hair. Couldn¡¯t these people do anything without supervision? What ipetent fools!


    The view from my office was one of the few thing I liked about thepany building and dwelling in the midst of humans. I didn¡¯t hate them, but they would never work at mypany because I didn¡¯t trust them. The streets were bustling with a lot of their kind mixed with werewolves, that I was certain of. My attention shifted to my door when I heard it open, and I swirled the chair to face the door that had just been opened.


    It was Hunter, strutting to my table with a bunch of folders in his hands. He dropped them on the table, stepping back before giving a small bow.


    ¡°These are documents regarding the Leo Jager suppliers.¡± He spoke firmly. ¡°They are asking for a seventy percentmission before supply. So they proposed a contract revision.


    I rose a brow in distaste. Did they take my leniency with them for idiocy? ¡°What the fuck? What nonsense!¡±


    ¡°The board said only you could handle it.¡± He continued, I could see him twitching.


    ¡°Then tell my secretary to get an email across. I¡¯m rejecting the offer, this is the reason I don¡¯t like dealing with miserly humans.¡± I hissed out, running my hands through my hair again. ¡°Find a new supplier. This project must go on.¡±


    He bowed sharply, before looking at me again. ¡°Alpha, there¡¯s been some more news from the South Sea.¡±


    ¡°Tell me when we get to the pack.¡± I ground out, ring harshly. ¡°I believe you¡¯re aware that pack matters only stay within the pack, and I hate repeating myself.¡±


    There was a soft knock on the door, dividing my attention. It was Jackson with a bandaid on his nose. I¡¯d asked him before, he said he¡¯d gone hunting alone. He was without the suit, only wearing a crisp white shirt with grey pants.


    ¡°Sir, you have a meeting in twenty minutes.¡± He said quickly, before noticing the thick air in the room. Jackson doubled as my secretary at the office, quite reliablepared to the other knuckle heads that called themselves my board.


    ¡°Alright -¡±


    The loud buzzing sound on the table was jarring. Who the fuck would disturb my peace at this time? I picked up the phone angrily, bringing it to my ears while simultaneously loosening my necktie.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I half yelled, quite ready to haul if the bastard was calling for something stupid.


    ¡°Hello?¡± The voice at the receiver spoke calmly. ¡°Alpha Kaden? I¡¯m calling from the kindergarten.¡±


    ¡°Is something wrong with Den?¡± I blurted out, sitting up. It was the pack¡¯s kindergarten headmistress, Mrs Aloewood. Her usually calm voice had a hint of worry, making me fret. Did something happen to my son?


    ¡°No no, Alpha. He¡¯s alright, he¡¯s here with me.¡±


    What the fuck did that even mean? It was already 5pm, why was he still there?


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Den¡¯s still in school. The woman who usually takes him home hasn¡¯te yet.¡±


    I could feel the bile in my throat. That goddamned woman couldn¡¯t get even the slightest thing right. She¡¯s been getting awfully on my nerves, and now she had the audacity to leave my son in kindergarten? The fuck, I would literally kill her!


    I mmed down the phone hard on the desk and raked through my hair. I knew my eyes would turn a fiery orange, I could see it from the monitor. How dare she? Did she think I was joking when I said I would rip her fucking head off?


    I picked up the phone again, then quickly realized that she didn¡¯t own a phone. The fucking hell.


    ¡°Hunter, Jackson. I need a favor from you. Return to the pack and drive Den home from kindergarten. I have something else to take care of here.¡±


    Larissa¡¯s POV


    After a few days of trying to meet the alpha¡¯s excessive hygiene demands, the living room was finally spotless. The sun was setting quickly, softly illuminating the room with a golden glow. I swiped a finger through the ss coffee table, quickly wiping off the imprints. I was impressed with myself. What was left was making dinner, and I had to do was assist Gwendoline in the kitchen. For the love of all things good, I was a decent cook.


    I was on my way to the kitchen when there was a soft gust of breeze and the french entrance doors flew open. The red haired man whose name I didn¡¯t know stepped into the living room, and trailing behind him was the same man I¡¯d treated that day. He looked a little different than thest time in a white shirt and grey suit pants. For a second, I was confused as to what they were doing here in the first ce.


    ¡°Uh¡­ wee back. Can I get you a ss?¡± I chimed as sweetly as I could muster, yet they said nothing. The redhead was nk faced, while the one in a man bun was staring at me as if I was a petrified being. Confused, I squinted and sped both hands in front of me. Only then did I notice the small figure in the redhead¡¯s hand. The honey haired toddler has a finger sticking deep in his nose with a small backpack slung oh his shoulders, staring at me before ying around some more with his nostrils.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    My eyes widened at that. Why were they with Den? I had to pick him up in about¡­ I looked up to the clock and gasped in horror. It was almost six pm! Oh my God, how could I have forgotten him in kindergarten? If a word got out to the alpha¡­ I was in serious trouble.


    ¡°Den!¡± I half yelled, rushing to his sides. The man let go of his hands and I pulled the boy close, expecting him to whimper and scream like he always did. But he did none of those. He just remained there still picking at his nose. I felt worry drown me in that moment, forgetting about everything I was supposed to do. He was a sensitive child, how must he have felt when I forgot him at kindergarten?


    ¡°Den, I¡¯m so sorry. Ms Larissa is really sorry for leaving you, hmm?¡± I said slowly, cupping his cheeks. He didn¡¯t move, he only shifted his gaze to the ground. I straightened my posture to look at the men that had brought Den home.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I can¡¯t even begin to tell you how grateful I am for what you just did.¡± I spoke again with a tight lipped smile, but there was no reaction from the redhead. Only the other man gave me a small nod as response.


    ¡°Well, the alpha is pissed so -¡±


    ¡°Where the fuck is Larissa!¡±


    His voice was unmistakable. My very core shook from the rumble, even the men flinched at the sound. He appeared enraged, without his necktie and the buttons on his burgundy suit were undone. He stormed in, pushing past the two men till he was standing in front of my wide eyed form.


    ¡°You.¡± The weight of his voice was murderous. I gulped, cowering in fear. The way he called my name was scary. ¡°You!¡± He yelled again. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that if a hair of my son¡¯s head was harmed, I would kill you?!¡±


    I was tongue tied. My head kept saying to make an apology, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to. If I looked at him, I might cry.


    ¡°What the fuck would a useless whore like you know about taking care of a child?! How could you leave him there?!¡±


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t mean to, alpha¡­. And I¡¯m not a whore.¡± I countered, immediately regretting it. The chrome of his eyes had turned fully orange, he looked like he would snap my neck in two.


    ¡°Are you talking back at me?! Ever since you came here, all you¡¯ve done isze around and fucking beg me to let you stay! You don¡¯t know anything! Nothing!¡± He thundered again and I jerked backwards, afraid that he would hit me like Stefan. My whole body shook at the thought, and I felt the years I¡¯d tried so hard to hold back begin to brim.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, please -¡±


    ¡°You know what, that¡¯s enough.¡± He stepped back, drawing ragged breaths and pinching his nostrils. ¡°That¡¯s bloody enough. I don¡¯t want to hear anymore of your excuses. Go upstairs, pick up everything you came here with and get the fuck out my pack.¡±


    My face fell instantly. I felt more presences in the living area, but I could care less. I turned to look at Den who had his face buried in the ck haired man¡¯s thigh. Gwendoline rushed out from the kitchen I¡¯d thought her to be in, awkwardly shuffling around to pick up the toddler and take him away. I was grateful for that, but it was settling in that the alpha had practically just kicked me out in front of everybody. The warm liquid had begun to pour out of my eyes before I could stop them.


    ¡°Wait! Please I¡¯m so-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Fucking. Beg. Me.¡± He growled loudly, now standing with one hand on his waist and the other pointing at me in usation. ¡°I will kill you and feed you to the vultures if you dare me.¡±

 Why the face?

    Larrissa


    I watched him enjoy seeing me cry. It wasn¡¯t even worth it, yet I watched him. With the despair etched on my face, he finally stepped back and his eyes returned to their enchanting color. I hated the fact that despite his unfounded hatred for me, my wolf still found him attractive. It took more than sheer willpower to bring myself to realize the situation at hand again. He was kicking me out without an option to ask for forgiveness.


    The familiar dark haired man began to shift in his position, sighing and clenching his jaw softly. He looked like words would fall off his lips but nothing happened, and he drew back. The redhead on the other hand took two quick steps forward, pulling on the alpha¡¯s suit.


    ¡°My Lord, please temper justice with mercy.¡± He began to talk, only for this sweet chocte haired alpha to shake his head vehemently and whip around sharply. I couldn¡¯t see his face from where I stood, but it was certain that he was shooting daggers at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking interfere, Hunter. There is only so much I can tolerate from you.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s not in my ce¡­¡±


    ¡°Then fucking stay put, Jackson!¡±


    That was his name¡­Jackson. The man flinched slowly and stepped back, watching the alpha turn around sharply. He red at me onest time, but I cowered away. He would¡¯ve see me cry more tears. I felt his re strike small sparks of mes on my skin before he shoved both hands in his pockets and started for the stairs.


    There were sighs from the two men in front of me. I finally raised my head to see the one called Hunter through me what I assumed was a pitiful look. Jackson¡¯s expression was somewhat nk, I couldn¡¯t tell his thoughts. They spun around and left the living room, along with a number of feet that hade to see what the ruckus was about.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    I wanted to just fall at his feet and cry and ask for mercy, he¡¯d stopped me from doing even that much. I heard my wolf whimper, bringing all the emotions I felt together and dumping it on my head. Wiping my eyes quickly, I dragged my feet to the kitchen where Gwendoline stood idly by the fire, giving me sorry nces.


    She wouldn¡¯t say even a word to me, how desperately I wanted to hear it. Instead, she picked up a dish she had served and muttered something incoherent about meeting Den before leaving me to my thoughts. My stomach refused the usual growl at the sight of food, but I made a dish for myself nheless and brought it to the dining in the kitchen.


    I stabbed at the porridge with a fork, finally letting the tears of my misery fall. Thest time I¡¯d had a beautiful roundtable meal was with my parents. Did they worry about me? Did they wonder what Stefan had done with me? Were they suffering because they believe I was dead? I stabbed at the porridge again and pushed it away, falling to the table in tears that must have wetted my hair severely.


    *


    I fluttered my eyes open as soon as I could, after having tossed repeatedly on the bed. When did I even get here? I was so sure I¡¯d fallen asleep on the kitchen dining. Stretching, I shook my head at the feeling. The alpha didn¡¯t know I was still in the house, which was a risk one too many on its own. But regardless of what he said, Den was more important than his anger. I¡¯ve seen him nearly w his head off whenever he would cry, so I was certain that he cared about the toddler too much to hurt him.


    I ran one hand through my hair and rolled off thefortable bed before taking a quick shower and dressed up in a yellow dress that matched up with my hair to an extent. I finally looked through the window that was open just a tad bit to see that it was fairly dark. Confused, I nced at the wall clock. It was still 5am. Why was I up so early? But then, it would be for the best, I thought.


    I wanted to smile at myself, but my lips were unwilling. The fear of being kicked out wouldn¡¯t let me. I heaved a sharp sigh instead, and walked down the stairs in the rtively cold morning to check on Gwendoline. She was in the kitchen like I expected, warming up some milk. She looked at me as soon as she¡¯d felt my presence, and soon let out a giggle.


    ¡°You look like a Panda, Larissa.¡± She said with a small smile before shifting her eyes back to the milk. I forced myself to smile back, my thoughts drifting off tost night. I half expected her to ask me questions or scold me for leaving him at kindergarten like the alpha did, yet she did none of those. Instead, she asked ¡°You good?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, thanks.¡± I muttered back. ¡°Um, Gwendoline?¡±


    ¡°Gwen¡¯s fine, Larissa.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ Gwen?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please?¡±


    Her answers were funny. I found her grace odd sometimes, but I was used to it at this point. She was looking at me now, lips drawn almost t but her friendly eyes said otherwise.


    ¡°Would you mind preparing Den for school? I¡¯d like to make a meal for him.¡±


    She was nk faced for a few seconds, then smiled gently.


    ¡°The alpha also likes toast and bacon. No eggs, he hates that. But Den likes them.¡±


    My eyes narrowed slightly at the information. I said I wanted to make breakfast for Den, not the Alpha, so what was she rambling on about? As if on cue, the corners of her small lips curled up in a smile.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re sorry for what you did yesterday, and Alpha Kaden can be ruthless when ites to his son. You might want to try getting on his good side by preparing an apology meal for starters.¡± She finished without sparing me a nce. She leaned up to a top cab and reached for a loaf of bread, cing them on the kitchen table. She looked at me with the small smile still on her face and cleaned her hands on the apron.


    ¡°Your choice, Larissa.¡±


    And she walked out of the kitchen, leaving me to my thoughts. The n was to remain as resilient as thest time until he let me stay with whatever punishment he woulde up with. But an apology meal?


    Thinking better of it, I decided to make a meal for Den and one for the Alpha. Maybe, just maybe it would work. With little effort, I set up the dining table and waited there for a minute for Gwendoline and Den. The thud of wood drew my attention to the stairs, where one of the toddler¡¯s wooden knives was tumbling to the foot of the stairs. I picked it up and soon, the boy was running down with a half panicked Gwendoline running after him.


    ¡°There, there, Den.¡± I cooed, pulling him in to stop his running. ¡°What did I say about running down the stairs?¡±


    The boy was staring at me like an intriguing piece of drawing paper before sticking his tiny thumb in his ear. I chuckled at that, he did that everytime he thought I was nagging him. There was a heaving Gwen beside him in a moment clicking her tongue in frustration.


    ¡°For the love of all things, Den, stop running down the stairs!¡± She hurled, breathing harshly with both hands resting on her hips. The toddler couldn¡¯t be bothered, instead he shook himself away from me and went to take a seat on the table. He looked confused for a full minute before picking up the tall ss of milk and sipping at it.


    The way he scrunched his nose before nibbling on the eggs was heartwarming. He always refused to eat my dishes, and his milk had to be vani vored for him to drink it. But here he was, muching on the eggs giddily andpletely abandoning his toast. Typical Den.


    ¡°What the fuck is going on here?!¡±


    Shit. I¡¯dpletely forgotten about the fact that the alpha was still in the house. I whipped my head around immediately to see him ring angrily at me. The mes in his eyes matched his dark orange suit and his tousled hair, I wished he would stop looking at me like that. Dawn had begun to rise already, further fueling the sinister look in his eyes.


    ¡°Fuck you, Larissa! I asked you to leave while I¡¯m being nice, are you that dense?!¡±


    I flinched at his tone, stepping back till I felt my spine hit the edge of the square table. I heard Den repeat his father¡¯s words and bile rose at the back of my throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry for what happened yesterday, Alpha Kaden. I swear on my life and on your mercy that it would never happen again.¡± I pleaded, biting back the part where I wanted to tell him to refrain from cursing in front of the boy.


    Heughed. Heughed harshly instead. ¡°Why? So you can make a fool out of me? The alpha?¡± He closed the space between us, pushing my chin up to look at me. My breath hitched at that. The proximity was too close, way too close forfort. I felt his angry breaths on my forehead and a small grunt escape him.


    ¡°I gave you one task -¡±


    ¡°Den¡¯s eating.¡± I cut in quietly, struggling to steady my breaths. ¡°Please, don¡¯t do this in front of your son.¡± I forced myself to look away from him before he finally let me go harshly.


    ¡°To hell with you!¡± He yelled again, startling everybody at the table. He ran his hands frantically through his messy hair and nced at the boy at the table, who was now looking at him with the nkest stare.


    He walked up to where the boy was while I struggled to straighten myself and calm my rapid breathing. Why did he always lose his cool with me? I hadn¡¯t done a lot of wrong to him, at least not enough for him to want to kill me everytime he saw me. I patted my heaving chest, telling myself to calm down. He wouldn¡¯t hurt me. Den¡¯s here. He wouldn¡¯t hurt me.


    He red at me once more before sitting beside the toddler. ¡°You have one month. Make a stupid move in that month and you wouldn¡¯t even get to leave this pack. I would make sure you die a very painless death.¡± He growled out and turned his attention to his son when the French doors were pushed open.


    It was the redhead, Hunter. I didn¡¯t know what kind of rtionship he had with the alpha yet, but I could guess a closeness. Professional or personal, that was what I wasn¡¯t sure of.


    Hunter wasn¡¯t smiling as he approached the dining table. He had a small envelope in his hand as he walked, cooing at Den and nodding lightly at me before returning to his stoic expression.


    ¡°Why the face, Hunter?¡± Alpha Kaden questioned, running fingers through his son¡¯s hair. He didn¡¯t even look at the meal in front of him. He must really hate me then.


    Hunter dropped the envelope in front of the Alpha, stepping back and bowing at a small angle.


    ¡°It¡¯s another letter.¡±


    His expression shifted to understanding and then annoyance before he tore open the envelope. I found myself wondering what was in it before I saw something flicker in his beautiful eyes.


    Beautiful eyes, my foot, Larissa. Get your shit together.


    He shot up from his seat immediately, motioning for Gwendoline to take Den away before looking at Hunter. If I thought he looked at me with hate in his eyes, the way he looked at Hunter was with death ringing a bell.


    ¡°Tell the Gemini to meet me three days from now. We have a loose cunt on our tail.¡±

 The nerve

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I was squatting behind one of my favorite trees in the woods, patiently waiting for my prey toe out. It was a tall deer with enchanting eyes, I had sworn it wouldn¡¯t escape my sight. But it did, and I was determined to catch it. It also had a peculiar scent, as if it had been infused with something I couldn¡¯t make sense of yet.


    But that wasn¡¯t the only reason I was here. I needed to put an end to the mockery of that bastard and his pack. Seeing as he was a fool with nine lives, I knew it would take more than the same old attack to destroy them once and for all.


    It was an early afternoon, but the sun rays had been effectively blocked out by the canopy of branches and leaves formed by the tall trees. I heard soft rustling and I ducked out quickly, drawing out an arrow from the rack behind me and I shot it immediately. There was a loud thud that followed and a loud p behind me.


    I spun around with yet another arrow in my bow before pulling it down when I saw Jacob with a wide smile stered on his face. He was pping as he did, and I looked up to see his brother crouching on a tall tree branch. He was pping as well, smiling down at me.


    ¡°Well done, Alpha Kaden.¡± Jacob said, still pping. He was wearing an identical ck t-shirt as I was, with grey shorts and ckbat boots. Pretty faced as ever, he had his hands to his hops in an awkward fashion. ¡°You called for us.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± I snickered instead. ¡°By a full hour. I invited you both to hunt with me, and you camete.¡±


    ¡°Apologies, my Lord.¡± This time, it was Joshua who spoke with his deep voice. Itcked the depth that my voice had, but had more depth that that of Jacob. These two were my best fighters, I couldn¡¯t help but sometimes wonder if the heavens mistook Jacob for a woman at the time of his inception. His voice eerily reminded me of a hyena¡¯s cackle.


    ¡°We were ambushed by some omegaste in the morning, so we had to deal with the emergencies first.¡± He finished and I cocked a brow. Jacob coughed harshly, sending a re in his brother¡¯s direction before looking at me.


    ¡°What he¡¯s trying to say is that some omegas were brought for us to ¡®take care of¡¯. If that¡¯s okay.¡± He chuckled awkwardly. I realized what he meant immediately, shaking my head in disapproval.


    ¡°I have no interest in your sexual shenanigans, you two. I called you here for an important meeting.¡±


    ¡°I knew hunting was a ruse!¡± Joshua eximed, jumping off the tree branch. ¡°At your service, my Lord.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been getting some reports from the Luna of the South Sea pack. She¡¯s been sending letters that lead me to believe that Derek wasn¡¯t the man we were looking for. I started, drawing their attention aptly. The yfulness in their eyes had disappearedpletely, exactly like I wanted. I hated it when they joked about serious matters.


    ¡°But Derek was the Alpha of Moonstar pack. He dared to go against us.¡± Jacob noted, raising a hand to his chin.


    ¡°I believe he was being controlled by someone else. Perhaps a stronger pack than theirs. And now that the pack has been annihted, they¡¯re acting out by attacking smaller packs to draw attention to themselves.¡±


    ¡°What if they¡¯re just doing it to expand their pack?¡±


    ¡°By attacking one of our allies? They know more than to do that, Jacob.¡± Joshua spike up, folding both arms. ¡°I¡¯m with Alpha Kaden on this one. They¡¯re purposefully doing this, the question is who exactly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I have a mission for you. I need you two to spy on that pack, see what¡¯s going on there and report to me if there¡¯s any shady business going on.¡± I said again, and they bowed deeply.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Jacob spoke up. ¡°As long as it¡¯s yourmand. My brother and I would get ready as soon as possible and be on our way.¡±


    ¡°Very well then. I¡¯ll have a few of my guardse for the deer soon.¡±


    They bowed again while I made my way out of the woods. The journey back to the house was rtively short, I also loved the soft afternoon breeze that blew against my skin and through my hair. It had been so long since I¡¯ve had this much peace even in the middle of a storm.


    As soon as I got to the mansion, I noticed a white SUV parked in thepound.  It wasn¡¯t mine, I was certain; neither was I expecting a visitor. Suspicious, I walked with careful steps to the entrance and I saw Annalise standing there with the sorriest expression on her face. Confused, I cocked a brow.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±


    ¡°I¡­I tried, I swear on my life!¡± She said all too frantically, bowing and startling me. Hunter emerged from the living room, bowing in what I assumed was an apology. Of course, the fucking lot of them must have done something wrong.


    ¡°What the fuck is going on? What did you do?¡± I ground out, looking around. I knew we weren¡¯t attacked, my men were more than capable of counterattacking. But I had a bad feeling about their reaction. Sighing reluctantly, I walked through into the living room, only to see a jet ck haired woman sitting on the couch, crossing one lean limb over the other.


    ¡°Oh my, Alpha Kaden. It¡¯s pleasant to finally see you.¡±


    Her voice was awfully sweet and her poise was mannered. Even her choice of words were careful. I walked up to her just as soon as she rose to her feet. She was tall for a woman, and she was traditionally beautiful with her hair in a bun and her purple dress flowing down. What I found despicable however, was her cleavage exposure.


    ¡°My apologies, but I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve met before.¡±


    ¡°Of course we haven¡¯t.¡± She chimed, sping both hands together before falling into a small courtesy bow. ¡°But you have seen my gift, Kaden. My lions in love?¡±


    Oh. I clicked my tongue at that, remembering the embarrassing gift item she had sent me. So she was the Luna of the Shadow pack. How disappointing.


    ¡°That reminds me, I haven¡¯t seen it anywhere.¡± She looked up to meet my eyes with a wide smile stered on her bright red lips. ¡°Perhaps, you didn¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡°I -¡±


    ¡°I brought you some more!¡± She cut in with her very irritating voice, pointing to the center table I¡¯d only just noticed. There were multiple boxes lying on it, and I watched her ramble on about the items in them. ¡°There¡¯s some sapphire, onyx and even obsidians! You like hunting so I thought you¡¯d want your craftsmen to make you some weapons out of obsidians. I wanted to bring a diamond sculpt, but -¡±


    ¡°Are you now spying on my pack?¡± I said as calmly as I could, yet it slipped somehow into a growl. She didn¡¯t flinch in the slightest, instead she shook her head and folded her arms.


    ¡°Of course not, Kaden. Is it now a crime to be in love with you?¡± She pouted. Did she think that disgusting thing was cute? ¡°I came here myself just to bring these gifts to you and ask you to reconsider before pushing me away.¡±


    ¡°I beg to refuse your proposal, Luna.¡± I sighed out in annoyance and ran a hand through my hair. ¡°You¡¯re a beautiful woman, but I¡¯m not interested in marriage. Let alone to a widowed Luna.¡±


    ¡°Is that because of your wife?¡± Her tone was taunting and she closed the distance between us, bringing a hand to my face. The mention of Amaya made my blood boil. She dared mention that bitch to my face?!


    ¡°I know you¡¯re upset with her, Amaya, was it? Be mad all you want, but it doesn¡¯t mean that you should firmly close your heart to love all around you.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± I snarled, grabbing her hands and forcing them away. She giggled instead, ying with her tongue and I saw her dark pupils dte.


    ¡°I like a fighter, Kaden.¡± She twirled yfully, stopping to hold my arm again. ¡°It¡¯s the same reason I hated my mate before he died.¡± Her voice fell t. ¡°He didn¡¯t know how to y hard to get, or how to get what he wanted. He was a weakling, but you¡¯re not. I love that re, I love the fight you can bring to the table. Our packs can be united and be the strongest single pack to have ever existed.¡±


    She continued to circle round me, whispering. ¡°Love me, Kaden. I¡¯m not Amaya, I¡¯m something much more powerful.¡±


    A loud thud pulled me out of her entrancing voice and towards the entrance. I looked to see Annalise crouching, pulling up a blonde haired woman from where she had fallen. My eyes shifted to the figure by their side. Realizing that that was Den, my eyes widened to see Larissa finally on her feet.


    Her brown eyes that always held pleas we¡¯re almost empty, and her hair was tied up in a haggard ponytail. For some reason, I found myself wanting to read the expression on her face. Instead she stared at me briefly before looking away and awkwardly clearing her throat.


    ¡°I¡­ Sorry.¡± She muttered out, picking up Den before half jogging up the stairs. I nced at Annalise and Hunter with the most deathly icicles I could muster. They knew better than to let this bitchy Luna into my house.


    ¡°Is that your son? I¡¯ll take care of him too.¡±


    ¡°Oh for fuck¡¯s sake, shut up! Shut the fuck up!¡± I snapped at the woman and she finally flinched, stepping back.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Politeness doesn¡¯t do it for you? Fine. I don¡¯t want to get married, let alone to a lousy bat like you. The only respect I owe you is that of your dead husband whom you¡¯re badmouthing here. So do yourself some good and leave. And this would be thest time you would send me gifts, or I¡¯ll burn them.¡±


    ¡°Obsidians don¡¯t burn.¡± She taunted,ughing lightly with twinkling eyes. ¡± But very well, I did my best. Neither do I want a miserly person who doesn¡¯t know a jewel when he sees one.¡±


    She tapped my chin before walking away in confident strides. ¡°Hmph.¡± I ran my hands through my hair in annoyance. I wanted to punish whoever let her into my house, the nerve of the bitch.


    I looked back to the entrance, but Annalise and Hunter were nowhere in sight. My thoughts drifted back to the woman fallen there, who stared at me with empty eyes for the first time. Even if we were mates, did she think that I thought of her anymore than I did Amaya? They were both cheating bastards and she would never make it to my heart.


    But she¡¯s still your mate, you shouldn¡¯t treat her like she¡¯s nonexistent.


    ¡°Shut up.¡± I growled tiredly at my wolf, tapping at my arms a little harshly. It was better like this. I would never fall prey to another lying bitch. She could get hurt all she wanted, that was what was befitting for the likes of her.


    But why then do you leave her in your house, taking care of your son? How many times have you threatened to kill her? If you really don¡¯t care about her, I dare you to kill her.

 Lock her up

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    The dish in my hands slipped yet again, falling into the sink. I was lucky this time, it didn¡¯t crash to the marbled floors. Else I would receive an earful from Gwendoline about breaking dishes for one week in a row.


    I couldn¡¯t help but remember the pale faced woman that day. She looked like a shadow of the life I once had; richly dressed with smoothened skin that looked like she didn¡¯t even have ws or anything. But she was far from likeable, and I was even more annoyed that I couldn¡¯t get the image of her hands on his skin out of my head.


    He¡¯d made it so damn clear that he would never ept me as his mate, no matter how I chose to think about it. He would not care if I died now, as long as I took care of his son. I gripped the sink at the thought of a second rejection. Maybe it would be best I left him alone and simply work like he wanted me to.


    His crude actions towards me were more than a thousand confirmations, but it was hurtful nheless. The woman had mentioned his wife again, I wonder what had happened to her. I shook my head at the thought again. I shouldn¡¯t get involved. I¡¯m here to take care of Den alone, that¡¯s the best I can do.


    I picked up the dish from the sink and dried it with a soft cloth before cing it on the rack. I felt numb as I cleaned up the kitchen, although thankful to have been left alone in the kitchen for the weekend. When I was done, I made my way to the living room where Den was sitting idly with Gwendoline. She beamed as soon as she saw me, but the toddler had jumped off the couch to y with a figure on the table.


    ¡°Thanks for watching him for me.¡± I said quickly, dropping crosslegged on the ground beside Den.


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal, as long as you made a meal for me too.¡± She replied with a nod and rose to her feet. ¡°You both have fun, it¡¯s time for me to enjoy the weekend.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To my room. An omega needs her beauty sleep.¡± She drawled out with what sounded like a cackle and pranced her way out of the living room with a subtle sway of her hips. I let out a faint chuckle at her exaggerated behavior, that was so Gwen.


    I turned my attention to the mute toddler beside me. He had the upper half of his hair in a ponytail, just like he¡¯d wanted this morning. With his tongue sticking out the corner of his rose tinted lips, the fair skin boy had his attention ingrained in the wooden knife in his hand. On the table, there were a number of toy soldiers in the form of transformed wolves holding swords of their own.


    I couldn¡¯t help but be so mesmerized by his cuteness, despite his overly sensitive persona for a child. He would click his tongue and wrap his tiny fingers over the handle, poking one of the static figures. When it wouldn¡¯t move, he would pout and try to concentrate on stabbing them until they fell. Then he would yelp in victory and giggle to himself before beginning the whole process again.


    I¡¯d never seen a child that was such a physical replica of his father, yet not nearly as identical in personality. Although he didn¡¯t fancy me the best, he was a sweet child. Den suddenly whipped his head to look at me with doe eyes, then ran a ran across his nostrils before waving a wooden knife in my face.


    ¡°Take it.¡± He said softly, thrusting it into my hand that rested idly on the table. Surprised, I took the knife from him and watched him continue to poke at the toy figures. He pulled my index finger and pointed at another figure.


    ¡°Fight with me.¡± His words were a little incoherent, but reminded me of sugary pastels. ¡°This one is my friend, this one too. Is he your friend too?¡±


    I chuckled at his questions. He looked genuinely interested in what I had to say. He shifted his weight on both knees, then continued to look at me intently.


    ¡°Of course, Den. My friend is your friend too. Are we friends?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Then c¡¯mere.¡± He pulled my finger even closer. It was funny to see him use up his strength in pulling me, and it gave me much satisfaction when I went along with what he wanted. His smile was infectious. ¡°This one is our enemy.¡±


    ¡°Why is he your enemy, Den?¡± I cooed.


    ¡°Because he¡¯s not my friend. He¡¯s bad¡­ er¡­ will you tell me your name?¡±


    ¡°Larissa.¡±


    ¡°Lar Issa. Issa.¡± He repeated cutely, scrunching his nose. I smiled at his actions, patting his soft treases.


    ¡°Issa, okay?¡±


    ¡°Issa is my friend, this one is our enemy because he¡¯s bad.¡± He said again, sounding a little upset. I picked up the wooden knife he¡¯d thrusted into my hands and poked at the figure he¡¯d imed to be his ¡®enemy¡¯, earning a loud giggle from him.


    Iughed in return, and he giggled even louder, bobbing his head as he did. This sweet soul, who would ever have hurt him so? I could never have imagined I would be having so much fun in my life without death breathing down my neck. Let alone with a three year old.


    I suddenly had the urge to teach him one of my favorite childhood hobbies. My father had said that I¡¯d picked it up at a very young age and dropped it when I realized I was moredy like than the averagedy. It made meugh to know he thought like that about me, even going as far as telling me that Richard wanted to learn it so much because ady shouldn¡¯t have such hobbies.


    ¡°Den dear, do you want to learn to catch crickets with me? I promise it¡¯ll be fun.¡± I said as sweetly as I could muster, patting his shoulders. He nodded quickly and shed me a toothy smile. The heavens, his cuteness!


    I rose to my feet quickly and picked him to very little resistance from him. He nuzzled into my neck before whipping his head back and scrunching his nose. Smiling at him onest time, we made our way out of the living room and through the back exit. It was the same way I¡¯d gone when Annalise had brought me to the alpha¡¯s study. There was a guard in front of the main gate to the mansion, but he smiled when he saw us together. Perhaps he was one of the few pleasant faced guards in the mansion.


    Putting him down, I pulled him in the direction that Annalise had pointed to me once, hoping that somehow we would make it in the right direction. I wanted to take him to the less dense part of woods where there were mostly grasses and shrubs, for fear that he might be scratched by something unusual.


    He tapped me twice, motioning for me to put him down once he¡¯d arrived at the border between the woods and an empty area ofnd. The boy giggled to himself and kicked at some dry leaves that crumpled underneath his little feet. The dryness worried me though. It waste April, and the first rains hadn¡¯te yet. Shaking off the feeling, I walked briskly to hold him by the hand and pulled him to squat beside me, behind a tree.


    ¡°Stay here with me. The crickets will be out by now.¡± I cooed again and he nodded, half clinging to my dress. I looked around to spot some crickets, but none where in sight. Instead I felt him fidgeting and whipped my head around quickly to see him bobbing his head and giggling to himself.


    ¡°Shower!¡± He wheezed out amidst his soft giggles, and in a sh he was out under the canopy of trees. He was twirling and giggling to himself, kicking at the leaves andughing so brightly. More than he ever had in the few weeks I¡¯ve been here.


    I cocked my head at his statement however. Shower? Stretching my hand out, I felt soft water droplets stain my palms and the skin of my arms. I looked up and felt the same droplets fall onto my face and I lit up immediately at the realization. Was this it? The first rain!


    ¡°Den!¡± I yelled amidstughter, rushing to his sides and twirling with him. My inner child was working its way well out of me. I couldn¡¯t even remember thest time I¡¯d been so overjoyed to see the rain or y in it. It had always been my fantasy to dance with my mate in the rain and then fight to kiss and make up. But here I was, having my dreame true with a toddler. Den, this sensitive child that brought my world together, turned out to be my first in a lot of ways. I felt my heart swell just watching him so happy.


    I picked him up after a while, twirling andughing when he nuzzled into my neck. His breath against my skin was ticklish. Running my hands through his wet mass of honey colored hair, I felt him scratch his neck before wrapping his small arms around my neck. I didn¡¯t even know how long we had been ying, but the showers had eventually reduced significantly into a faint drizzle. Maybe it had stopped all together, I wouldn¡¯t know. Therge canopy of tree branches gave the illusion that it still drizzled, whether or not that was true.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, my dear. Unfortunately, the crickets must have gone home by now.¡± I said gently, wiping away the stray wet hairs from my face. He nodded and let out a small sneeze, scratching his neck again. He fell limp soon after, earning a small smile from me. He was asleep, so much for such a child.


    The thought that Den may have gotten a cold worried me. Did we stay out so long in the rain? Without much thought, I made my way out of the woods, dragging my feet through the clear path we¡¯d gone through earlier till we made it out and to the gate of the mansion. It had stopped rainingpletely, but we were still damp from the exposure. I continued through the gate when I noticed the ck SUV parked at the alpha¡¯s favorite spot.


    I felt cold chills run down my spine at that. Was he home already? But he didn¡¯t ever get home till six pm. Besides, his son was in my arms. I was prepared to answer a bajillion questions. Squaring my shoulders, I made my way through the entrance and halted in my tracks at a harsh thundering. Except that it wasn¡¯t the sound of thundering. It was the voice of Alpha Kaden.


    ¡°Where the hell are youing from?¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He was standing in the center of the living room with both hands hanging loosely at his hips, but I dared not look at his face. The corners of my lips quivered harshly, the only movements that could be heard in the room that had now fallen eerily silent were those if Den¡¯s soft snoring.


    ¡°I said where the fuck are youing from?!¡± His voice was crass and angry, causing me to flinch and flip my eyes shut. I opened them again and noticed a figure beside him. I could definitely recognize Gwen¡¯s unmistakable figure. I tilted my head in slight confusion. Gwen had said something about enjoying her weekend, so what was she still doing here?


    ¡°Den and I were having some fun catching crickets in the woods.¡± I forced out and made myself to look at him. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have because if his piercing re could kill, I may have been dead a thousand times in that minutes.


    ¡°Under the rain? Larissa, under the fucking rain?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I got carried away.¡± I pleaded again. I didn¡¯t know what else I was supposed to do. His usually green eyes had lost most of its silver chrome and were zing an angry orange. I half expected him to haul at me or threaten to strangle me like he always did, yet he did none of that. Instead his expression shifted into an omnious smile. The only obvious indication that he was mad were his eyes.


    Bewildered, I saw Gwen shift ufortably before approaching me and muttering an apology. She whisked the sleeping toddler from my arms and walked away, up the stairs, leaving me alone in the living room with a wolf that was ready to finally kill me.


    ¡°This is just perfect, Larissa. You¡¯ve used up your probation.¡± He spat out, shoving both hands in his pockets. In a sh, two strong arms had locked mine in ce and even my frantic efforts weren¡¯t enough to pry them off.


    ¡°What have I done wrong?!¡±


    My cries came out like strangled whispers. I didn¡¯t want him to see me cry like a mess that I was yet again. All I¡¯ve ever done was cry, and all he would ever do was relish in my cries.


    ¡°Crossing your boundaries.¡± He shifted his attention to the men who held me in ce, now folding his hands and squaring his shoulders. ¡°Lock her up where she would never see a beam of light.¡±

 Guilty heart

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    The faint drops of rain hitting my window sill was enough to pry me awake from my drowsiness, as sleep seemed to have eluded me tonight. The lights were turned off, yet I could make out even the tiniest details in my study. The bookshelf stood like its own force towering above every other piece of furniture in the study, and the pile on the desk appeared like its own monstrousity. I rose my head from my makeshift pillow, staring off at the window that was draped with thin white curtains. The soft glow of the moon would have made it more beautiful. Perhaps as beautiful as the first night spent in Amaya¡¯s arms.


    The thought of that woman gave me the ick, but what disturbed me more was Larissa¡¯s tear filled expression. It pissed me to no end when my wolf had suddenly gone quiet after locking her up to solitude. She deserved it, everything she was getting. The heavens needed me to met out a befitting punishment for such a cheat, so why wouldn¡¯t my wolf simplyply with me?


    If that wasn¡¯t enough, she took my son out in the rain. Although for some reason, it made me feel at peace to see him sleep so soundly. But she was treading on dangerous ground and I won¡¯t let her get away with it. I should have killed her when I had the chance. Or let her die out in the woods so the hyenas could feed on her body.


    I let out a tired yawn, running a hand through my hair. I couldn¡¯t even focus on the work that spilled over. Yawning again, I pushed the chair backwards and rose to my feet. I stared at my work table for a few seconds before ultimately deciding to drag myself to my room, shutting the door after me.


    I continued to drag my feet up the stairs until I¡¯d reached my room, twisting the door knob quickly and plopping onto the bed without thinking twice. But the sounds of strangled whispers forced me awake again.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± I croaked out in frustration. The room was still its dark entity, but the whispers were piercing. I propped myself up to a sitting position immediately and rubbed at my eyes. We couldn¡¯t be under attack, my men were more than capable of wrecking havoc as well.


    My senses were instantly awoken when I recognized the sound. It was faint, but I could pick it up even through my sound proof walls. It wasn¡¯t the sound of whispers like I had thought. It was the sound of muffled crying,ing from Den¡¯s room.


    ¡°Den?¡± I questioned, marvelling at my own idiocy. Wait, Den! I shot off the bed immediately and raced to the door, mming it unintentionally behind me. I rushed to his room, throwing the door open to see him squirming on his bed. The muffled cries had grown louder, confirming my fears. My steps had slowed down significantly at the sight of him in his brightly lit room as I approached his bed.


    Leaning down ever so slightly, I ran my fingers through his fluffy hair. His eyes were shut firmly, yet there were streams of tears flowing from them. Heavy beads of sweat had formed on his forehead, and his small lips were muttering incoherent words. He looked terrified in his sleep, even with me rubbing soothing circles into his hair.


    ¡°Den.¡± I tapped him gently, trying to wake him up. Perhaps it was a bad dream, it wasn¡¯t the first time he was doing this. I still had no idea how to handle it. If I could however, I wanted to make my way into whatever dreams he had and murder those bastards. ¡°Son, I¡¯m here. Nobody¡¯s going to hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Mommy.¡± He finally spoke up, halting my movements. He said those words again, curling up away from my hold.


    Taken aback by his sudden call, I sat down by the edge of his bed and pulled him closer, trying to pat him awake. I watched him flinch and finally open his eyes, only to yell harshly in call for his mother.


    Well I¡¯ll be damned. He continued to squirm and call loudly, and no matter how much I tried to restrain his crying, he wouldn¡¯t stop. His hysteria was plunging me into deep confusion. There was no way his mother would be here, what else did he want me to do?


    The door flew open almost immediately to reveal Gwendoline half sprinting from wherever it is she wasing from. She stood at the door for a split second before jogging to where I sat with Den in my arms. She seemed hesitant at first to pick him up, and it was starting to irritate me.


    ¡°I believe you can see it¡¯s an emergency.¡± I snapped at her and she nodded quickly, reaching out to take him away and patting at his back gently. She seemed to be muttering sweet nothings in his ears, but he only screamed again before his cries reduced to muffles.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure.¡± She started, rocking him back and forth. His crying persisted nheless. ¡°But some nights, he¡¯s like this and nothing can console him.¡±


    ¡°You want me to watch my son cry all night? Was that what I hired servants for?¡± I forced my voice to a harsh whisper. What did she mean my that? I cocked a brow, now rising to my feet. She looked away, I could see her lips quiver in what I assumed was fear.


    ¡°No, my Lord. But I do know something that might work.¡±


    ¡°Then speak up.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°I suggest you bring Larissa here. She might know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯d like to join her there.¡± I growled angrily at the mention of her name, my nostrils slightly ring. She whipped up her head in surprise, shaking it frantically with one hand while the other supported Den¡¯s weight.


    ¡°No! No, my Lord.¡± She pointed to him, her voiceced with fear. ¡°Your son has grown familiar with her, and I¡¯m certain that she can control his crying.¡±


    ¡°You better find a solution yourself.¡± I spat back. I would never entertain such humiliation. Bringing a woman I¡¯d locked up to take care of my son? The height of mockery!


    ¡°Please, Alpha.¡± She pleaded again. Her eyes had turned into closed crescents as she continued rocking him in her arms. ¡°Please. Larissa is the only one that can help him calm down now.¡±


    Listen to her, Kaden. It¡¯s no use being so stubborn.


    While I wanted one thing, my wolf wanted another. Why did my son have to be on the line? I was more than reluctant to let her out. But on the other hand, it would break me if he cried like this till dawn.


    ¡°Very well then. Fetch her from the cell at the basement.¡±


    Larissa¡¯s POV


    My dress had dried on my skin and had creased so terribly that it would look like mismatched chicken feathers. I sat on the cold ground with my knees to my chest, using them as a headrest. Just like the alpha wanted, the room was the darkest in the mansion, and I¡¯d never felt so alone or dejected in my life. Not even when I was sold. I sniffled softly, wiping away yet another streak of tears from my face.


    What did I do so wrong to be locked up? The fact that I wanted an iota of happiness in my misery of a life? I didn¡¯t even understand why the Alpha hated me so much. So much that he was willing to lock me away from the child that he¡¯d put me in charge of. His hate towards me was unfounded and made no sense.


    I felt my chest tighten as I choked out more tears. How much different was he from Stefan? I didn¡¯t want to everpare my second chance mate to that beastly he-wolf, but I couldn¡¯t help it. I already epted that Alpha Kaden was never going to have anything to do with me, but what was this? How much more hell did I have to go through for him to leave me alone? Even my wolf had gone silent. My heart ached at everything. I simply wanted to bury my head in the wall and cry myself to sleep.


    But the sounds of metal nking made me rouse up from my thoughts. I opened my eyes as wide as I could, taking in all the light avable that was next to nothing. But there was a sudden sh of light and I flipped my eyes shut at the intensity. Were they here to finally kill me?


    ¡°Larissa. Larissa.¡± The voice called softly and I opened my eyes very slowly. I could make out the silhouette of dark hair on a stout body, it was definitely a woman.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± I called back weakly, still blinking at the brightness. The figure was approaching me quickly and I drew back in fear. If it was death, they weren¡¯t going to get rid of me that easily.


    ¡°Larissa, it¡¯s me. It¡¯s Gwen.¡±


    ¡°Gwen?¡± I called again, looking past the light until she rose the source of light to her face. Only then did I realize that it was a shlight.


    She was smiling at me, one that held an apology behind it. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m so sorry you were locked up.¡±


    I let out a dry, bitterugh. It didn¡¯t sound like me at all. I ran one hand through my now matted ponytail, watching her expression shift into one of concern.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be sorry for? I don¡¯t think he wants anything to do with me or his son.¡±


    ¡°On the contrary, you¡¯re wrong.¡± She countered in defence, leaning against the wall with one shoulder and I cocked a brow.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    I wanted to re at my wolf for spiking up immediately. She didn¡¯t seem to understand that there was nothing that would ever happen between me and that arrogant alpha.


    ¡°He¡¯s calling for you.¡±


    ¡°And why should I go with you? So he can humiliate me and call me names again?¡±


    ¡°Because defying his orders is like begging for death.¡±


    ¡°Then maybe I want to beg for death.¡±


    ¡°Larissa.¡± Gwen groaned in frustration, moving quickly to crouch beside my sitting form on the ground. ¡°He really needs your attention.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going. You can tell him that.¡± I finished, wiping some tears that had escaped from my eyes. I didn¡¯t like that she was looking at me with pity. I¡¯d seen so many of those eyes that my tolerance was beginning to wear thin. But I felt my throat run dry at her next words.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Den. He¡¯s ill.¡±


    I blinked a few times, trying to process her words. The toddler was my most important obligation, how had he managed to fall sick? My eyes darted around at the thought. I could feel Gwen¡¯s hands rest on my shoulders, shaking them gently.


    ¡°So you have toe with me.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to go, but I had no choice now. Nodding hesitantly, I rose to my feet and motioned for her to lead. I could faintly see a smile stered on her lips as she stood up as well, leading us out of the dark room. The way out was dark and unfamiliar, except for the bright shlight in Gwen¡¯s hands. She led me through the back exit until we were standing in the very living room that the alpha had sent orders to lock me up.


    We walked up the stairs till I was now standing in front of Den¡¯s room, whose door was wide open. Unlike the dark cell, his room were filled with pastel lights.


    Alpha Kaden was looking at me with nk eyes. Standing at one corner of the room, his arms were folded and he kept staring at me, making me so Ifortable that I wanted to jump out of my skin. I gulped harshly at the sight, slowlying to the consciousness of the crying toddler on his bed.


    I mustered a bow at him before walking briskly to the foot of his son¡¯s bed. Den was frowning harshly, whimpering and curling towards the windows. I let out a sigh watching him like that. I reached out to his forehead, and he turned around immediately to grab my finger.


    ¡°Mommy.¡± He whispered again, catching me off guard. He looked terrified even, and I began rubbing circles in his forehead. Even his skin against my palms did not feel right. Guilty, I reached down to kiss his forehead and I felt him rx slowly. I was certain that Alpha Kaden was boring holes through my spine, but I could care less. Den was my top priority now, not his bitchy ass.


    I turned around with the nkest expression I could muster, seeing him with one raised brow and a slight frown.


    ¡°Well? What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±


    ¡°He has a slight fever. But it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m going to take care of him.¡±


    All I could hear at that point was a voice at the back of my head screaming that it was my fault.

 Off the hook

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    It was my fault that he had a fever. If only I hadn¡¯t been so carried away ying in the rain, he would never had gotten sick. Even when he had me locked up, it was surprising that he wasn¡¯t well taken care of. It looked like no one gave him a hot shower.


    I half expected for the alpha to say something mean yet again, but he said nothing. Instead he stood there in his sweats and with both arms folded, watching my every move while Gwen walked out of the room, leaving it to an awkward silence. I turned my attention back to Den, running my fingers through his hair. Truly, it reminded me of honey. Except that his climbing temperature worried me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s necessary.¡± He finally spoke up, and I could pick up the grogginess in his usually demeaning tone. I looked back at him, shaking my head quickly but he clicked his tongue at me. ¡°Take him to Annalise instead. She would be able to take care of him and give some medication.¡±


    ¡®You should have thought of that before calling me here.¡¯ I thought to myself, still shaking my head.


    ¡°No, I insist. It¡¯s veryte, and I can nurse him to good health if you¡¯ll let me.¡± I countered albeit calmly, struggling not to raise my voice at him. I expected him to yank me up and throw me out at the sudden burst of boldness, but all I could hear was a sigh and my heartbeat racing.


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    Her eyes held no emotions, yet I could see flickers of concern everytime she turned to nce at Den. She finally rose to her feet and made her way to his bathroom, stepping out with a small bowl of water and a towel. She bowed awkwardly again before walking back to his bed and set the materials on the hard floor beside the bed.


    She dipped the piece of fabric in the water before dunking itpletely and squeezing off the excesses. Then she folded the towel and ced it on his forehead. I walked up to the bedside and stood there, partly intrigued and partly annoyed. I didn¡¯t even know what I was pissed about, maybe it was just the sight of her and her disheveled blonde hair touching my son. Or the fact that I couldn¡¯t take care of my son myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to wipe your body, okay?¡± She half whispered in his ears before working her slender fingers to undo the buttons of his pajamas. ¡°It isn¡¯t even vani scented.¡± She scoffed again, prying the pajama top off of him. He whimpered at that, but she tapped the towel on his forehead. She knew about the vani scent?


    In one swift movement, she picked up the towel and dunked it in the bowl of water again before ridding it of the excess water. She folded the towel neatly before wiping his body in slow streaks. She would repeat the whole process again and whisper softly in his ears till he had fallenpletely quiet.


    ¡°Alpha, you¡¯re making me ufortable.¡±


    I was jabbed out of my trance at her suddenment, and I cocked a brow. I had no idea how long I was standing there, but she had wiped down his entire body and clothed him. Wait, did she just say I was making her ufortable?


    ¡°In my own house?¡± I questioned, silently daring her to speak up. She turned to look at me with the same dead eyes I¡¯d seen earlier, then bowed curtly.


    ¡°My apologies, but yes.¡±


    ¡°How dare -¡±


    ¡°Please.¡± Her voice was quiet and her eyes began darting around as if in fear. ¡°Den is sleeping, and he shouldn¡¯t be woken up.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I folded my arms, watching her intently. When I didn¡¯t say anything, she settled for staring at the ground and fiddling with the hem of her dress. I noticed some red marks on her skin as she continued to y with her dress, then with her fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at me, it¡¯s making it difficult for me to watch over Den.¡± She finally pointed out, forcing herself to look at me. I could see the hesitation in her voice, but I was more concerned about my son.


    ¡°You¡¯re not off the hook yet.¡± I ground out harshly, relishing in the feeling of watching her cower although slightly. ¡°Just because I let you take care of him tonight, doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re out of my cklist.¡±


    With onest re, I walked out of the room and shut the door behind me. I strode to my room, pausing briefly at the door before twisting the knob and pushing it open. I could feel my chest beating harshly. Frustrated, I walked to the bathroom instead and doused my head in water. The feeling of the cold liquid running down my head did me some good by helping me cool off, but it didn¡¯t do much to help shift my attention from the woman in my son¡¯s room.


    I hadn¡¯t thought of letting her in his room tonight in the first ce. And for some reason I was trusting enough to leave my son with the same woman who had taken him to y under the rain. The sight of her wiping down his body and cooing at him was on constant rey in my head even while I stared at my wet headed reflection in the mirror. Den was Amaya¡¯s son, yet she wouldn¡¯t have done that.


    I remembered when Den was born. Joyous as I was, Amaya was always concerned about how to take care of him. He¡¯d gotten a high fever once at 13 months old, and Amaya had been frantic that night. She could neverpare to the rxedness that Larissa held. She¡¯dined all night in agitation, ultimately calling for Annalise to take care of him. She had thought he was going to die, for fuck¡¯s sake she couldn¡¯t even control a simple fever. The pearls on her nails getting ruined worried her more than the health of her own child, so why Larissa? Why could she be so put together in the middle of an emergency?


    Because you¡¯ve jumped into conclusion.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up.¡± I warned again. I hated the fact that my wolf wouldn¡¯t take my side. Yes, she was my mate and I didn¡¯t want her, what else was there? There was no possible attraction to her. Not when she was a filthy cheat.


    You don¡¯t even know that for sure.


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m talking about, so save it or I¡¯ll make sure to shut you up for good.¡± I snarled back without the authority that I¡¯d intended.


    Get to know her first.


    My wolf spoke up again and I growled in response.


    ¡°You do not want to see me kick you out.¡±


    I turned on the tap in the sink and ced my head under the stream of water. I didn¡¯t care about what he thought of her. I was never going to have anything to do with her. Whether or not he liked it, there was no way in hell that I¡¯d set myself up so badly.


    I finally turned off the tap after a full minute, picking up a towel in the room to remove the water from my hair. I walked back to my room, shaking off whatever feeling that raided my thoughts and forced myself to bed. I found myself straining to hear something through the walls, but there were no significant sounds. All I could hear were soft snoring.


    I let out a sigh at that and wrapped my sheets around my head in hopes of drifting off to a deep slumber.


    *


    The next morning, I walked out of my room with my hair gelled back and in a form fitting burgundy suit. I was standing in front of Den¡¯s room, a little conflicted on whether or not to open the door. Hesitantly, I eventually pushed it open to see that the lights were still turned on. By the foot of his bed, the blonde haired woman sat with her back turned to the door and was sleeping. She looked ufortable but slept through it, only stirring when there were soft, child-like mumbles.


    She finally jolted up from sleep when the mumbles grew. I sprang forward, almost racing into the rrom but she beat me to it. She didn¡¯t even know that I was there, but I was satisfied with watching them from afar. She picked up a towel and ced it in his head, patting him gently until he went to sleep again. The muscles in her back loosened up and rxed, and she heaved a relieved sigh before nuzzling herself back to sleep.


    I felt an odd sense of satisfaction at the scene in front of me. Letting out a sigh, I shut the door and made my way down the stairs where Hunter was waiting patiently for me. Larissa reminded me of a child. Why would she sleep there so ufortably?


    None of my housekeepers had ever been so sacrificial, I found myself wondering if Den meant more than half of what he meant to me, to her.

 Worse situations

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    It has been two days since Den¡¯s fever. Contrary to the toddler that had been whimpering and crying that night, the one who happily followed me to kindergarten was far from ill. He was skipping all the way, I couldn¡¯t contain my own happiness seeing him as active as ever.


    I drew the broom in my hands across the marbled floors in the living area that afternoon, smiling to myself. Although I couldn¡¯t see it, the sun must have been shining overhead. The skies from the open window blinds were a pale yellow that gave the weather some radiance. If the sun wasn¡¯t so hot, it would have been the perfect weather to have a pool party with my family. When I had one.


    Alpha Kaden hadn¡¯t stepped out of his room all day. His breakfast still sat on the dinning table, but I could care less. I¡¯d asked Gwen to take care of it for me. I didn¡¯t want to cook for such a bigoted jerk, but I couldn¡¯t say the same about his obsession with cleanliness. He could throw me out for real this time, since he hasn¡¯t said anything to me ever since he¡¯d locked me up the first time.


    Heavy steps drew my attention to the staircase. I picked up the broom that had fallen from my hands and shifted back to the stairs before gulping. It was him. He took an awful amount of time to finally reach the foot of the stairs, and even worse was the frown that was stered on his face. In formal pants and a ck dress shirt with its sleeves rolled up, he would have been the definition of majesty if he wasn¡¯t such a tyrant to me.


    I looked away, having stared at him long enough for him to notice. I mentally facepalmed at my behavior, what would he think of me? Even at that, I knew he had a cynical response to me staring at him like that.


    ¡°What are you still doing here?¡± He shot at me, adjusting the sleeves of his shirt. Although he stood far away from me, his displeasure with me didn¡¯t seem to waver.


    ¡°I¡¯m cleaning.¡± I answered wryly, shaking the broom in front of me. He looked unimpressed however, now crossing both arms in front of him and cocking a brow.


    ¡°Who said you could do that?¡±


    ¡°I¡­You said you hated the dust, so I was just -¡±


    ¡°Thest time I checked,¡± he cut me short, raising his left thumb and pinky fingers, before blowing on them like they were lit candles. ¡°You were supposed to be locked up.¡±


    My blood ran cold at his statement. How could he say that so nonchntly? What did he even mean by that?


    ¡°But you asked me to take care of Den that night.¡±


    ¡°Just for that night, and now I¡¯ve changed my mind.¡± He countered with a nk stare. My eyes widened at that, even the broom in my hands dropped to the ground. He clicked his tongue and his eyes narrowed at me.


    ¡°Tsk. You¡¯ve made a mess.¡±


    Strong pairs of arms soon circled around me. As much as I wanted to, I couldn¡¯t will myself to move. Instead I was staring at him nkly, my whole form was now trembling at the realization.


    ¡°What?¡± I questioned stupidly, flinching when those arms held me in ce. ¡°Don¡¯t fucking touch me!¡±


    ¡°Says who?¡± He shot back, running one hand through his hair as he approached me. Angry tears had welled up in my eyes and I pulled my arms to no avail.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?!¡± I cried out in horror, no longer holding back. I¡¯d held back for so long already, I could only hold out so much before I would break. ¡°Whatever did I do to you?! What have I done to you again?!¡±


    ¡°Seeing as you made my son fall ill, don¡¯t you think you deserve worse punishment? I can¡¯t get over the fact that you took him out under the rain. You put him in danger, Larissa. Got it?¡±


    He was lying. I didn¡¯t know what it was, but he was lying and it was pissing me off. His eyes told a different story as they stared at me. They were those entrancing emerald shade that now reminded me of all the reasons to despise him.


    ¡°All I wanted to do was take him out to have some fun. Ever since I got here, all he¡¯s ever done is stay at kindergarten or sit at home like some moody teenager. He¡¯s just a child, for heaven¡¯s sake!¡±


    ¡°Now you shut the fuck up and listen to me!¡± He growled again, inching even closer to me. I didn¡¯t hold back my re either. ¡°You won¡¯t teach me how to parent a child, my child. I know what¡¯s best for my son.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡± My voice had dropped to broken whispers. His face had grown void of any emotion other than anger, but I was still crying. My lips were trembling, but he needed to know. ¡°The truth tastes like bile, Alpha. Den needs to spend some time out of kindergarten with someone you trust enough to take care of him. Isn¡¯t it? Isn¡¯t that why you put me in charge of taking care of him?¡± I watched his eyes narrow even further. ¡°It¡¯s because you can¡¯t do any of that. You don¡¯t trust yourself enough to be there for him, do you?¡±


    It didn¡¯t take longer than a second for his eyes to turn into its maddened orange. Of course I¡¯d struck a nerve and it was a little toote to fix that.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡±


    He charged at me in rage, so swiftly that I couldn¡¯t see how he¡¯d seized me by my neck and pulled me away from the men who had been holding my shoulders in ce. His grip around my neck tightened and I choked on air. It was getting difficult to breathe, if I remained like this, it would only be a matter of time before I lost consciousness.


    ¡°Shut your mouth, if you don¡¯t have any pleading words to say.¡± He growled again, worsening the grip around my neck. I could feel hot tears searing from my eyelids, staining my cheeks and stainibg his hands as well.


    ¡°Then do what you¡¯ve always wanted to do.¡± I half whispered, straining to say anything. ¡°Please, do it. Kill me. I¡¯m begging you now, those are my pleading words. I¡¯m tired, just kill me at once and have your satisfaction be forever tied to your gut. If not, then fuck you, Kaden.¡±


    If I could take back my words, I still wouldn¡¯t. I was tired, I couldn¡¯t live like this. The worsening tears had blurred my vision, but I could see his nket face staring at me. His dted pupils were darting around my face before his grip on my neck loosened.


    He took several steps backwards, finally letting go of mepletely. I hadn¡¯t known that his grip supported all of my weight, so I fell to the ground as soon as he let me go. I could hear harsh breathing, but I couldn¡¯t tell if that was from me or from him. All I could tell was that my heart ached.


    ¡°Lock her up.¡± I heard him say before storming out of the house. His heavy steps told me so. Sitting there with my knees bent in on direction, I finally yelled out a cry.


    I clutched at my chest, struggling to ease the tightness. I still didn¡¯t know why he hated me so much and went so far to show it, but I did give him a piece of my mind. Whether or not he decided to kill me, I didn¡¯t care. All I knew was that I would be happy if he could put an end to my life.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    I sobbed there for a long time, hitting at my chest. The men who had held me down earlier seemed to be doing nothing except watching me cry like a helpless child, until they finally hooked their arms around mine.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for you to go.¡± One of them spoke gruffly, pulling me up from the ground while the other pulled more roughly. I yelped at the force, letting them do what they wanted. They were stronger than I was, it was no use fighting with them.


    They spun around towards the entrance. There was a tall figure there, and it took me a while to realize that the ck haired figure was Jackson, standing there with the most shocked expression on his face. He stared at me as the men dragged me out and towards the cell that had once hosted my visit. Perhaps it would be a permanent residence this time. And what was more humiliating than watching Jackson see me like this?


    My only thoughts were Den, who¡¯d seen me in worse situations.

 Done listening

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    ¡°No, no! I¡¯m done listening to your bullshit! If you don¡¯t have any dignity left, I have! So shut the fuck up!¡±


    I picked up a pillow, angrily tossing it across the room till it smacked the door to the closet. I was mad, no, I was infuriated to the point where I simply wanted to rip out my wolf and shove it down the toilet. I needed him to just shut up for a minute and listen to what I had to say. But no, the sounds were threatening to drown out my sanity.


    Admit it, Kaden. You¡¯re wrong about her.


    ¡°Fuck off.¡± I snarled back, briskly walking to where the dresser stood idly. I gripped the edges of the exotic wooden desk, trying to steady my breathing.


    I could hear her, even when she was several feet away from me. I hated the fact that I could hear it no matter how much I¡¯d covered my ears. I could hear her soft sobs, somehow I could feel her curled up and muttering my name and I hated it. My wolf was groaning, ever since I¡¯d locked her up. Now I thought of it, she was daring in ways I absolutely hated.


    Kaden, you¡¯re wrong. He repeated with a hiss. Why would you lock her up? Whatever did she do to you besides being your mate?


    I despised the affection and dreaminess in his tone.


    ¡°You know better than to think I care about her. When in fact, I should have left her to die in the woods that day.¡± I blew out the hair hanging loosely in front of my eyes. He scoffed in return, if anything he rolled his eyes.


    Kid yourself.


    ¡°I¡¯m not kidding, and you should know your ce.¡± I replied again, now spinning the seat around and throwing myself on it. I ran one hand through my hair, letting my eyes trail to my reflection in the mirror. I scoffed at what I saw. Pained and frustrated with tired eyes. That wasn¡¯t me. No way in hell was that me.


    ¡°She reminds me too much of Amaya.¡± I admitted, facepalming at my outburst. ¡°She¡¯s like Amaya in so many ways, she still doesn¡¯t understand her ce as a servant in my mansion. The guts she has¡­ imagine such a low life, telling me how to parent my own son, who the fuck does she think she is to tell me what to do? She called me irresponsible!¡±


    My blood boiled at the thought. She didn¡¯t even appear remorseful, she pissed me off so much. I reached out to the desk, driving everything to the ground. She could run her mouth? Then she¡¯d better stop calling my name and sobbing, I was driving me crazy. But in so many ways, she differed from Amaya. Except for the fact that they were both cheating bitches, I couldn¡¯t point it out just yet.


    So, what do you want?


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    At least reject her once and for all, Kaden. Since you¡¯re going to forever deny that she¡¯s your mate, reject her and get it over with.


    ¡°The fuck.¡± I snapped back, recoiling into the chair. ¡°I¡¯ll do what I want to do, now go back before I do something really stupid to your sorry ass.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want her as a mate and I already made that so clear. She could cry herself to death, it wouldn¡¯t faze me. But my thoughts were killing me, and I ran yet another hand through my hair. They shifted to Den, whom I¡¯d imagined to be napping peacefully at this time. I remembered seeing her by the foot of his bed, wiping down his body like he mattered to her. I remembered the slight panic in her bodynguage when he¡¯d shot out of bed, and how she¡¯d taken care of it despite her body not in its best condition.


    Only slowly I remembered the day the Luna hade to the mansion. She had been with Den that day too. Heck, now I thought of it, she¡¯d always been with Den. And he seemed to be fond of her presence. My son was more important than whatever was going on between us.


    ¡°Or not.¡± I mumbled. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see Den hurt again just because some bastard who¡¯s attached to him left without warning again. I¡¯ll be keeping an eye on her.¡±


    I wanted to see where this was going. I despised her, but I had to admit that no one had ever taken care of my son like her before. And I desperately wanted to wipe off that silly smirk from his face. He was mocking me.


    I was lying, and he knew it.


    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I could swear I was in the same room as crickets. The room was as dark as thest time I remembered, although it had been lit up earlier from the high windows. I sat hugging my knees with my hair spread all over. I didn¡¯t even care to put it in a ponytail anymore, what good would that do me?


    I was beginning to regret talking back at the alpha. He should have killed me then, when I desperately wanted to die. Now I wasn¡¯t so sure that I wanted to, even if getting out of here would be too humiliating. I couldn¡¯t even bring myself to cry, they¡¯dpletely dried up now. All I did think of was the hesitation and what I assumed was surprise in his eyes earlier.


    I heard the metal gate rattle, prompting me to lift my head up. For a minute I clenched my eyes shut at the light intensity, why was it always so bright?! I heard a wry chuckle soon after and forced myself to open my eyes.


    The room was so brightly lit, I hadn¡¯t realized that there was a light bulb installed in this hub of darkness. I couldn¡¯t see clearly at first, only making out the silhouette of a figure crouching down to my eye level. Alpha Kaden?


    ¡°Uh, hi, Larissa.¡± The voice half whispered out, catching me off guard. That wasn¡¯t his voice. It sounded oddly familiar however, I couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    Agitated, I blinked rapidly to make out a face from the blurred figure in front of me. I soon recognized the long ck mane and the lopsided smile, easing my worry and I let myself rx. Propping myself to a cross legged sitting position, I pushed aside the hair littering my face.


    ¡°Hi.¡± I repeated a little dryly, it wasn¡¯t like I could sound any better than a dehydrated toad. My throat scorched badly, and no one was kind enough to consider giving me some water.


    Tsk, what did I expect? The alpha saw me as some traitor who was after his son¡¯s well-being. He wouldn¡¯t even admit that I was his mate and was always ready to make a fool out of me. ¡°Hi, Jackson.¡±


    ¡°I see you know who I am now, Larissa.¡± He chuckled in return, bobbing his head ever so slightly.


    I stared at him for a while, watching his expression shift subtly from yfulness to concern. ¡°I never got to thank you properly for that day, you know the day I was injured.¡±


    It made me crack a small smile. ¡°I must admit that I was scared out of my wits seeing all those weapons.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for treating my wounds. They may have gotten infected if not for you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a wolf.¡± I chuckled back with the same small smile. ¡°Regardless of treatment, I¡¯m sure you would have healed.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°And I never got to thank you properly too.¡± I continued, and he raised a brow.


    He brought a hand to caress the other as if in confusion, his entire expression was a question. ¡°The day I forgot Den at kindergarten and I was almost kicked out. Thank you for trying to reason with the alpha on my behalf.¡±


    He quickly nodded in realization, snorting. He shifted his weight on his toes in his crouching position before speaking again.


    ¡°Yes, although I don¡¯t think that worked. The alpha is not one to lose his cool over trivial matters like that, so I didn¡¯t expect him to flip at a maid like that. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯d seen him so angry over something that had nothing to do with the affairs of the pack.¡± He finished with slight confusionced in his voice.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I shifted my attention to the hard ground in difort, making out outlines of how the concrete cancer made patterns of horses and Den¡¯s army of soldiers. Maybe it was in my head, but it was intriguing nheless.


    It¡¯s because he hates me, I¡¯m his mate and he doesn¡¯t want anything to do with me. I wanted to say that and get it off my chest. But Jackson was one of the alpha¡¯s right hand men, why would I out myself like that? It was a bad idea, especially if it got out somehow. I could really lose my life this time.


    ¡°He hates me.¡± I said instead, fiddling with the hem of my dirty dress. It wasn¡¯t a lie either ways. It just wasn¡¯t the full truth. I raised my head to catch him looking at me like like I¡¯d said something utterly stupid. His expression fell t and he brought a hand to push his bangs aside.


    ¡°That must have something to do with how you met him.¡± He spoke thoughtfully, bring his thumb and index finger to stroke his jaw. ¡°I genuinely don¡¯t think the findings tally, because you don¡¯t seem like that kind of person.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I questioned, whipping up my head immediately.


    My question and his outburst seemed to have caught him off guard, with his eyes widening slightly as he turned to look at me. Confusion consumed my thoughts, what did he mean by that? How exactly did I met the alpha that was out of the ordinary?


    As if meeting your mate at the brink of death was the most ordinary thing in the world.


    ¡°That¡¯s not in my ce to tell, Larissa.¡± He said instead,posed with a small, insincere smile that just made my curiosity grow.


    ¡°Since when was it permitted for my men to visit my prisoner without consent?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t see him, but I could recognize the authority in his voice whenever he spoke. Especially when he was displeased. I felt Jackson stiffen before turning around, not even breaking a smile.


    Trailing his movements, I looked up to see the alpha leaning by the door frame with a harsh scowl that quickly grew into a nk stare. If looks could kill, Jackson would be dead by now.

 My apologies

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    His stare could cut through ice. Jackson, who¡¯d been so well put together, rose to his feet awkwardly, then bowing deep in respect.


    I looked away, I wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with him at the moment. His eyes seemed to be trailing my movement with the same stare, making me the most ufortable in the already small cell the size of a less than standard bathroom.


    ¡°My apologies, my Lord.¡± Jackson spoke out with his back facing me. I couldn¡¯t see his expression, but his muscles were tense. The chestnut-haired man shifted his attention to me for a second before returning to Jackson. It was both amazing and irritating how he could weave through expressions; one minute he was staring, the next minute he was ring and scowling.


    ¡°It is in your best interest that you never let this happen again. Wait outside.¡± He stated, his tonepletely devoid of emotion. Jackson nodded immediately and walked quickly out of the room, not even sparing me a nce.


    The alpha approached me almost hesitantly, although my eyes were trained on the patterns the concrete had created. He huffed out a breath and crouched to my eye level just as Jackson had done before. When I wouldn¡¯t look at him, he noticed and hissed out in what I knew was irritation.


    ¡°You were talking just now, so don¡¯t pretend that you can¡¯t see me.¡± He snapped and I finally looked at him. I couldn¡¯t help but notice how the chromatic silver created a mesmerizing ring around his emerald irises, even if that was thest thing I wanted to see, let alone take note of.


    ¡°Leave me alone.¡± I let out, looking away again. I could hear him scoff and click his tongue.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the bitch who was running her mouth at me a few days ago? Cat¡¯s got your tongue?¡± He was taunting, and I was having none of it.


    ¡°Right here.¡± I snapped back, although not loud enough for him to pick it up. ¡°Did youe here to finally kill me? I¡¯ll appreciate it deeply.¡±


    His tone resonated in a mocking chuckle, and he folded both arms before breaking into a harshugh. ¡°Kid yourself, Larissa. Where¡¯s the fun in that? Killing you would be too damn easy¡­that¡¯s basically giving you the easy route out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll deeply appreciate it as a great act of kindness.¡±


    There was an ufortable silence that followed after. I sat in the same cross-legged position, asionally shifting and ying with the hem of my dress simply because I didn¡¯t know what else to do. He was staring intently at me before looking away and brushing a finger over his nose tip.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    His question caught me off guard. He was asking me that? Of every wolf and human in existence, he was asking me if I was fine? Was he hit in the head or had Den smacked his face so hard that it sent his brain flying straight into oblivion?


    ¡°What¡¯s it to you? Besides, I don¡¯t believe it¡¯s in your ce to ask me that. You gave the orders to lock me up.¡± I spoke back without the vile in my voice. It was soft, using nheless. He erupted in a fit ofughter, causing me to flinch at his character shift. I was really beginning to believe that something was wrong with him.


    ¡°Answer the damn question and don¡¯t sweat your grace, Larissa.¡± He continued amidstughter and I couldn¡¯t help but snort as well. He continuedughing, prompting me to hold my guard up.


    He suddenly stoppedughing and took a few crouched steps towards me. Surprised, I leaned backwards so that my back was kissing the walls behind me. He was looking at me dead in the eyes, his eyes sending shivers down my spine. Subconsciously, I¡¯d stopped ying with the hem of my dress, my fingers numbing on their own.


    My breath hitched and grew erratic when I felt his breaths hit the skin on my face. Like somepulsion, my wolf jumped around in excitement at the close proximity. I didn¡¯t like the way he was so close to me, at the same time I liked it. His eyes were telling a different story for the first time, it was making me ufortable to be so trapped in his presence. However, I could sense hesitation.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I whispered, my voiceing out as a wobble. He scoffed albeit softly before brushing the tip of his nose again.


    ¡°I need you to do your job, and do it properly this time. Take care of Den for me, well enough. I want to see how much better you can do it, since you¡¯ve decided to pitch yourself against me.¡± He spoke breathily, tickling my my skin with every word despite the gravity of what he¡¯d just said. I opened my eyes, only realizing that I¡¯d closed them in the first ce to see him still staring at me.


    ¡°And if you fail again,¡± He continued, inching even closer. ¡°I won¡¯t spare your life for the sake of my son. Get on my nerves or mess with Den again, and I¡¯ll have your head on a stake.¡±


    The feeling of his breaths on my skin grew further until I could no longer feel anything. Dazed, my eyes were trained on him as he slowly rose to his feet. He stood there for a full minute without saying anything, before simply clicking his tongue, turning on his heels and walking out the door.


    Jackson still stood by the door, and although I couldn¡¯t hear what they talked about, I saw the alpha whisper something to him and Jackson bowing before they disappeared from my field of view.


    What the hell just happened? Why would hee so close to me, was he now toying with me? My heart nearly beat out of my chest, only for him to threaten my life for the umpteenth time? What was I even expecting? It was a warning as always. It was what it would always be.


    I shook off the feeling, forcing myself up when the kind faced guard came into the room with a ginger smile stered on his face.


    ¡°The alpha has ordered for your release.¡± He beamed like a robot, helping me to my feet. I shook it harshly to return cirction in my legs after sitting for so long. He helped me out of the cell and through the back entrance to the main building before returning to his station.


    I dragged my feet up the stairs, stopping asionally out of fatigue till I reached the top of the stairs.


    ¡°Issa!¡±


    The unmistakable voice of the toddler caught me by surprise, I looked up to see him in an olive onesie running in my direction. Before I could even catch myself, he was well in my arms snuggling into my dirty dress. He stepped back and scrunched his nose, before reaching out again. His gestures were warming, I didn¡¯t even realize when I held him back and let a small tear slip.


    ¡°Miss me?¡±


    He nodded and I lifted him up to meet my eyes. He wasn¡¯t particrly smiling, but the way he held my hand was something I could not forget. He¡¯d never really hugged me on his own before, so I found it sweet.


    ¡°He¡¯s been asking for you since you left.¡± Gwen¡¯s soft voice echoed the hallway. She met my eyes with the most emotional expression I¡¯d seen on her face. She had her hair hanging down and walked to where I stood with Den in my arms, smiling widely when she was only a few inches away.


    ¡°How¡¯re you?¡± She muttered loud enough for me to hear. Nodding, I ran one hand through Den¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Honestly, it could be better. I¡¯ve been better.¡± I chuckled back, setting down the toddler when he wouldn¡¯t stay put.


    ¡°Great, because your hair looks like a wild bird¡¯s nest and you need a shower immediately.¡± She snorted, dramatically bringing a hand to her nostrils. It made meugh, I simply reached out to tap her pants andughed even harder when she flinched in mock fear.


    ¡°How¡¯s Den faring? Did he have a rpse? Is he okay now?¡±


    ¡°He has an appointment with Annaliseter today.¡± She replied, now throwing me an apologetic smile. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for what the alpha¡¯s putting you through. Most of the other house keepers didn¡¯t even reach this point before quitting. It¡¯s brave of you to put up with him.¡±


    Iughed at that, simply nodding before making my way to my room to take a shower. All I wanted to do was plop on my bed and take a nap, but I willed myself to the bathroom.


    The water was cold but I loved the feel of it cascading through my body. However, there was a steady drumming at the back of my head after the events of the day. It felt like it was going to sent my thoughts into overdrive. There was so much I didn¡¯t understand. What did Jackson mean when he said that he was treating me this way because of how we¡¯d met? Why did the alpha treat his housekeepers the way he did? Why did he treat me worse?This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    The answer, no matter how much I chose to think about it, wasn¡¯t simply because I was his mate.

 Lines of attraction

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    The litter on my desk looked like a pile of ck and white ink morphing into one another, with some lying idly on the table and a few stacked in envelopes or files.


    I stared at the monitor screen nkly, watching the blues and reds be an ugly color that irritated me to no end. Slowly, I pushed the keyboard further from the edge of the table and recoiled into the executive chair.


    Everything bothered me, so much that I couldn¡¯t focus on one thing at a time. Mostly because I hadn¡¯t heard from the Gemini in days, it was getting frustrating.


    I nced up at the wall clock that stood just above the door frame and felt the frown lines form on my forehead. It was barely 3pm, yet it felt like I¡¯d been sitting there for a million hours.


    I brought my index fingers to my temples, rubbing in circr motions. As if on cue, there was a small ring on my tableing from my phone. I picked up the phone, ncing at the caller ID. It was Jacob. It didn¡¯t surprise me however, Joshua would never call. I would be surprised if he even had a phone.


    ¡°My Lord, my apologies for not providing an update. It has been hectic trying to blend in here.¡±


    I hissed quietly, scrunching my face. ¡°The fuck you are.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying not to get caught, my Lord. I could sense a sarcastic smile stered on his face. The nerve.¡±


    ¡°Then spill. What¡¯s happening over there?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, everything is the same as it was when we arrived here. Niall is my cover name.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your fucking aliases, Jacob. Get to the bloody point.¡± I snapped at him, pinching my nostrils before propping myself upright. Hunching ever so slightly, I leaned with my elbows on the busy desk.


    ¡°The security at the pack house is incredibly tight. The Luna hasn¡¯t been going out much, however she seems to have a suitor who keepsing here. They drink wine and discuss nothing but politics and the wellbeing of her cub.¡±


    ¡°Politics?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and you wouldn¡¯t believe who her suitor is.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he some kind of weak ass alpha?¡±


    ¡°Negative, my Lord. It¡¯s Nik. He doesn¡¯t recognize me and Joshua, or at least he pretends not to. I had to dye my hair a blond ¨C¡±


    ¡°Kill that son of a bitch.¡± I growled loudly and shot up from my seat so abruptly that I knocked over a vase on my desk.


    Nik? That bastard still lived? He had some fucking nerve to go after one of my allies. My blood boiled at the mention of his name, all I wanted to do was to beat him into a bloody pile and shove him into a furnace to burn while he was still breathing.


    ¡°We¡¯re undercover. I can¡¯t do that.¡±


    I found myself slowly taking my seat again, breathing heavily to restrain from sending something flying into the window. Jacob was right. Besides, I would rather he died by my hands, pleading for mercy.


    ¡°Very well, then.¡± I forced out and hung up the call. Running one hand through my hair, I fell back into the seat yet again.


    This wouldn¡¯t do. There was no way in hell I could focus on the pile of work on my desk. There was a soft rap on my desk at that moment, before the knob was twisted and pushed inside.


    ¡°Sir.¡± It was Hunter in a forty-five degree bow before he staggered to an upright position. I cocked a brow at him, still irritated.


    ¡°You¡¯d better have a good reason to walk into my office without waiting for instructions.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there¡¯s a meeting with the Fort group.¡± His voice was nd, and as much as I liked its asional absence of emotions, I hated it in times like this.


    ¡°Fucking humans.¡± I muttered under my breath, darting around my desk before shifting my attention back to him. ¡°Tell them I¡¯m not avable. If they¡¯re so desperate to seal a deal, they can book an appointment for Monday.¡±


    I could see the most minute twitch in his eyes right before he gave an affirming nod


    ¡°Oh, and I¡¯m returning early. So, tidy up the office and report to me this evening.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He nodded again before walking out of the office, leaving me to my thoughts again.


    I rose to my feet and picked up the beige coat I¡¯d worn to the office that morning. Throwing some files into my ck suitcase, I tossed the coat over my body before making my way out of the office and its building.


    The drive back to the mansion was excruciating. I couldn¡¯t stand having a driver today, I¡¯ll be so tempted to rip his head off. It didn¡¯t help that as soon as I¡¯d swerved the SUV past thest turn to where the mansion stood, the skies thought it beat to unleash their tears in heavy droplets.


    It was raining without the warning of greying skies, or perhaps I hadn¡¯t noticed. I gripped the steering wheel, letting out a hiss before revving the car through the towering gates.


    There was a guard running up to me with an umbre in his hands almost immediately, smiling. What should have been weing was so fucking irritating.


    He held out the umbre as I alighted the SUV and pulled out the suitcase, trailing just behind me as I made my way to the entrance with heavy steps worse than the droplets of rain.


    I recognized Gwendoline standing at the foot of the stairs with a blend of awe and confusion written on her face. I could care less however than to be bothered by a mere maid. She took very careful steps to where I stood in the middle of the room, halting a few feet from me before bowing lightly.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my son?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s sleeping, my Lord; he¡¯s had quite a day. You¡¯re quite early, how was work today?¡±


    I cocked a brow at her. She had some guts, the kind of guts that Larissa had to dare to talk to me when every other person would shit themselves. Now my thoughts had gone back to the very woman I¡¯d sworn to erase from my mind, although it was proving to be a pain in the ass.


    I red back at her, shaking off the few water droplets that hadnded on my jacket on my way inside. Then with a slight nod of disapproval, I walked past her up the stairs. I would rather just force myself to the study and handle things that actually mattered.


    I twisted the doorknob, surprised when it popped open immediately. It wasn¡¯t locked. I couldn¡¯t remember vividly if I¡¯d locked it or I¡¯d just forgotten in my disoriented state of mind that morning.


    Thinking better of it, I pushed inside. Almost immediately I could catch the faint whiff of roses, more addictive than anything my nostrils had ever caught. It was soft and maic, pulling me even further into the room. The grip on my suitcase had loosened considerably as I continued into the room. I nced at the window sill first with nothing else in my field of view before turning to see an unexpected figure in the room.


    She was wiping down at my dressing table with delicate movements, the small dress that she wore moved along with her hands and pulled it up ever so slightly so I could see her¡­ Fuck it, I could see the outline of her body. The petite coat of skin thatid beneath her ivory dress, even the nape of her neck when she gently moved her non-pigmented ponytail to the side. She was something, something I couldn¡¯tprehend. She was enchanting in the oddest ways, did a being such as this live under my roof?


    I couldn¡¯t will my legs to stop as I took small steps towards her, towering over her petite figure and watching her hands stiffen before turning back so quickly that it came as a surprise that she didn¡¯t snap her neck in the process.


    There was barely any distance between us, too little forfort and just enough to study her exotic features. Her deep brown doe eyes caught mine, staring in surprise when I brought a hand to the stray hairs on her face. She flinched and flipped her eyes shut, and slowly realization set in.


    That shy omega presence¡­ the blonde hair that were an almost golden color¡­ her round cheeks¡­ fuck you, Kaden, I thought to myself with a mental facepalm.


    ¡°What are you doing in my room?¡± I let out lowly with a scowl, feeling the tingle on my skin worsen with anger. How dare shee to my room? The nerve. ¡°You don¡¯t recognize your ce, no?¡±


    She flinched again and slowly fluttered her eyes open. ¡°Don¡¯t take it the wrong way.¡± Her voice cracked at the end of her filtered words. ¡°I¡¯m just doing my job.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    She waved the tablecloth in her hand, in my face and took a few steps back till she waspletely backed up against the table. I could sense the irritation in her demeanor.


    ¡°I¡¯m cleaning.¡±


    ¡°Your job is to take care of my son.¡± I snapped, growing more irritated at the fact that the scent was hers. It was pulling me in again, making my wolf dance around and it was pissing me off.


    ¡°And be your housekeeper.¡± She corrected painfully, biting her upper lip. ¡°Your room is so dusty, and you made it clear that you hated the dust. Besides, it doesn¡¯t look like your room has been cleaned much since you locked me up either, so are you stopping me from doing the job you assigned to me?¡±


    Subconsciously, I closed the distance between us in slow steps. I saw her gulp and look away, supporting her weight by cing both hands on the table. I rested my hands just inches away from her, leaning in and reveling in her now vulnerable state.


    ¡°You dare talk back at me, Larissa? Did you forget that you¡¯re just a fucking servant? Your life belongs to me, did you forget that?¡±


    There was silence in the room. She didn¡¯t say a word, she didn¡¯t even spare me a nce. Up close, she was doing things to me that I¡¯d sworn would never happen. It was the first time I was so up close with another woman, yet the feeling was all too familiar and I was doing a horrible job at deterring her from thinking she had a chance with me.


    Only now did I notice the small ck mark just below her plum lips and how long her soft brown eyeshes were. I noticed her lips twitching and herrge eyes for the first time. Her nostrils red and I mimicked her actions without thinking. Mhm, she smelled so nice.


    Just perfect. I heard Peter, my wolf as clear as the skies in the morning.


    I could smell something adulterating in the mix, it was no longer just roses. It was the scent of wood and freshly cut grasses, but it blended so well with the roses. I sniffed around, leaning even further to hover over her neck where her pheromones were strongest when I realized. Nobody was mowing mywn. It was me. The mix was me, and I was certain that she had noticed.


    I staggered back immediately on realization, clearing my throat awkwardly. As if on cue, her eyes flew open; they were the most unreadable irises. Her pupils were constricted and she was now staring right back at me. What the fuck was I doing?!


    ¡°Leave my room, I¡¯ll have someone else clean it.¡± I ground out in the harshest way possible, fighting an internal battle to calm down and restrict my pheromones before the new found and growing tightness in my pants would worsen. ¡°Now.¡±


    Her lips were parted slightly, but there were no words to escape them. With a nod, she picked up the tablecloth that had fallen somewhere in between my pathetic stare and practically ran out of the room.


    I let out a sharp breath I didn¡¯t even realize I had been holding, plopping onto the bed as soon as I heard the door shut. I could also hear Peter¡¯s scoff drowned out by what had just happened.


    What the fuck just happened, Kaden? You¡¯ve let yourself go too far, way too far. She must never cross the line, yet I was the one who crossed the line today.

 New light

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I still remembered the shivers that peppered my skin so lightly that I may have lost my footing if I hadn¡¯t been backed up and trapped.


    I remembered the strong scent of what I couldn¡¯t even precisely describe and his feathery breaths against the skin of my neck, and I wish I could smack myself for being unable to do anything about it. If anything, I liked it a little too much. For the first time, I saw his eyes brighten and the ring around his irises focusing entirely on me. I saw his thick eyebrows raise and his lips part, his breaths showering my skin deliciously¡­


    I wanted to smack myself for feeling so vulnerable when he was so close to me. A few days had passed since that day, yet I couldn¡¯t get the sensation out of my system.


    For a moment, I found myself believing that somehow, just maybe he was attracted to me. My body responded in weird ways, ways that I had no control over. When was thest time? My wedding night?


    Still, I was confused. He always made it clear that he didn¡¯t want anything to do with me. He¡¯d called me names, imprisoned me for no reason and used even the slightest opportunity to taunt me. Yet he did that. Was he attracted to me? Was he going back on his words? What if he saw me different?


    Get a hold of yourself.


    I shook my head in disagreement. There was no way in hell he would let himself be attracted to me, no matter how much he raised my hopes. And it stung when somewhere deep down, I wanted to believe that he had even the slightest attraction for me. I shook my head again, shaking off the excess water on my hands in the sink. The cleaned-out dishes sat by the counter, patiently waiting to be dried before they were hung up.


    I picked up a dry table cloth and wiped them down quickly before patting my hands on the blue apron hanging loosely around my waist.


    I remembered that the living room was yet to be cleaned that afternoon. They had been cleaned right before I took Den to kindergarten, but with the first rains came an awful amount of dust that put all of my hard work to shame.


    The alpha was still in the house, and it was only a matter of time before he yelled out my name to put his mansion in order. I made my way to the janitor¡¯s room to pick up some cleaning supplies and continued to the living room to clean.


    Just as I¡¯d expected, the marble sculpts in the room were as if I hadn¡¯t touched them in a week. Even the coffee table had a thin film of dustyering the ss. I dragged the buckets to the table before dipping the table cloth in water and soap, then wiped it swiftly across the table before spritzing it and wiping down again.


    I finished cleaning a few minutester and picked up my bucket in the direction of the back exit, but the sounds of hushed speaking piqued my curiosity.


    They were loud enough for them to be heard, but not loud enough to cause a ruckus or for me to make out the context of their speaking. I stopped, instead turning till I was standing in front of the ever familiar room.


    The same room where Annalise had imed that I would lose my life without notifying the alpha beforehand. The door was ajar, startling me. It was usually either locked or simply shut. But it was open, and a pair of emerald eyes were staring nkly at me. I couldn¡¯t tell if he was mad at me for appearing form nowhere, or he was simply indifferent. My head told me it had to be the former.


    I coughed awkwardly seeing as his stare didn¡¯t falter in the least. I felt ufortable, as though there were a fleet of ants crawling on my skin. It was the first time I was seeing him since that day. I realized I had been avoiding him since then whether I liked it or not. I suddenly remembered his displeased face when he asked me to leave that day, and it was beginning to hurt all over again.


    I brought my eyes to look at him again before looking away. Letting out small ragged breaths, I forced myself to walk away from the door to his study. I shouldn¡¯t be here. I shouldn¡¯t let him mess with me when he didn¡¯t give a care in the world.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    One word. One word only and I halted in my tracks. I had barely even taken a step, yet my body stopped on its own with one word from him. In all honesty, I was more afraid of what he would do to me if I dared to disobey him that what would happen now that I listened to him.


    ¡°Come here.¡± He continued, motioning for me to go into the study with a hand gesture. I swallowed, awkwardly pointing at myself before finally pushing the door open.


    I didn¡¯t realize that he had some visitors over. They were sitting with their backs facing the door, but they turned around as soon as they heard the creaking of the door as I pushed it open.


    I could recognize the alpha¡¯s beta, Hunter with his permanent poker face. He looked at me for a brief moment before looking away. The third person, I had no idea who he was. He appeared like a more sinister version of Kylian with his hair styled in a brilliant tinum middle part that showed his forehead. His brows were dark however, arching deep enough for him to be a mean taskmaster. But the corners of his lips were lifted in a sly smirk in a way thatplemented his square jaw, and his blue eyes were almost hooded by his eyelids. He had the mischief I always saw when I was captured, and his entire demeanor was off putting.


    I stood there awkwardly, shifting my weight from one foot to the other when the alpha wouldn¡¯t say anything.


    I was looking anywhere but where he sat, recoiled in his seat with his hair tousled in many directions. He sat up as if on cue, his eyes falling into a hood. I didn¡¯t know what I found attractive about that, he looked like a bloody psychopath.


    ¡°Get me a bottle of Domaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru and sses for three. You know what that is, right?¡± He finally spoke up, the rich timbre of his velvety voice resonating through the room. I was certain that it only had that effect on me however, which made it all the more embarrassing.


    I wanted to scoff at his assumptions. Was he mocking me with the belief that I had no idea what brand of wine he was referring to?


    I simply nodded rather than throw a cheeky response and looked around. I didn¡¯t realize he had a mini bar in his study as well. I let out a small whiff of air and walked up to where the bar stood, rummaging it quickly for the bottle he¡¯d asked of. Picking up the sses as well, I set them unto a bronze tray and carefully set the entire tray on the desk.


    I noticed the blonde-haired man staring at me as I made my way to ce the tray on the table. It was ufortable for me to the point where it felt like my dress had ridden up past my thigh. I shifted my attention to the alpha who was still staring at me with the nkest eyes. Did he already forget what happened that day?


    ¡°Damn, Kaden, you¡¯ve got a fine one!¡± The blond slurred and recoiled into his seat. I whipped my head around sharply to look at him, straightening up immediately. He was still smirking at me before he leaned in to look at the alpha. ¡°Do you mind me having this one? I promise I¡¯ll return herter tonight.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my housekeeper, you bastard.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on! Just one night, Kaden. What do I bring in exchange? Diamonds? Pearls? A few thousand bucks?¡±


    I heard Hunter cough awkwardly before pouring himself a drink. ¡°You¡¯re so shameless, Dolph.¡±


    Disgusted wasn¡¯t enough to describe how I felt in my own skin. How dare he objectify me like that? There¡¯s nothing you can do about it, Larissa. You¡¯re a miserable omega working in the mansion of your own mate who doesn¡¯t want you as a housekeeper. You think you¡¯re worth anything?


    If anything, the man whose name I understood was Dolph snickered back and smirked even wider. ¡°What goodes from being ashamed, Hunter? I want something? I think it¡¯s sexy, I go for it!¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°I will not entertain your sexual fantasies, Dolph. So, shut it.¡± Alpha Kaden snapped finally and I stepped back, grateful that he said something in my defense.


    The man cackled again. ¡°Why so stubborn? It¡¯s not like you want her either.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up if you do not want me to dere war on your pack and annihte everything. Trust me, you know I¡¯m more than capable of destroying you.¡±


    I saw his fangs lengthen in the slightest. It was almost unnoticeable, but any wolf could see that he was so close to blowing up. Dolph chuckled awkwardly, running his hands through his hair.


    ¡°N-no, no. I¡¯m sorry, okay? I didn¡¯t mean to upset you or anything.¡±


    ¡°I warned you a million times not to sexualize any omega in my pack without their consent, let alone in my presence.¡± He snorted back, propping himself to sit up and squared his shoulders. ¡°The next time you pull a stunt like this, I swear I¡¯ll use your skin as decoration for my weapons room.¡±


    I felt my heart swell when the man backed away, almost sulking. I looked up to meet the alpha¡¯s eyes, but he was still fixed on Dolph. I¡¯d never been protected from sexualization like this before, if anything I¡¯ve always been tossed to the middle like an artifact for anybody to see or touch. I couldn¡¯t help but see him in a new light¡­the one who still cared about the people in his house despite his mean personality. Perhaps something had happened to him to make him the way he was.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to pour the ss?¡±


    His gruff voice startled me from my trance, forcing me to blink back to reality. He was back to his nk stare without uttering a word.


    I bit back a smile and reached out for the ss, careful not to brush the man that still ogled me before pouring out the sses and refilling that of the alpha¡¯s right hand man.


    ¡°You can leave now.¡± He finished after reaching for his ss and sipping on it ever so slowly. He was twirling the ss in his hands, motioning silently for me to leave the study.


    I simply nodded and returned to the door where I had abandoned my cleaning supplies, picking them before walking out of the door. I wanted to look back and smile at him, and even thank him for standing up for me, but decided against it. I didn¡¯t think he would appreciate it, seeing as he didn¡¯t even break the smallest smirk.


    I stood against the door instead smiling sheepishly to myself. Part of me was d for what he did, yet a part of me couldn¡¯t get over him kicking me out like that that night. I shouldn¡¯t let myself be swayed by his gestures. He already said he didn¡¯t want anything to do with me, so I shouldn¡¯t read subtle meanings into his actions.


    I wasn¡¯t going to lie, it was bloody difficult.

 The kiss

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    ¡°Den dear¡­Den! Wait up!¡±


    I was already out of breath, why was it that a toddler as little as this child would outrun me every single time?


    He was giggling and running up the stairs without even looking back, and no matter how much I tried to catch up with him, he was always one step ahead of me. Or several, I couldn¡¯t count how many times I had stumbled already on the stairs with Gwen right behind me.


    He had said he wanted to y something fun. I didn¡¯t realize that the idea of fun I¡¯d instilled in him involved me running around like my life depended on it in a bid to ¡®tag¡¯ a child. For the first time, I was grateful to have put my hair up in a bun.


    I stopped in front of a pair of French doors that I¡¯d never crossed before. It was upstairs as well, only that I¡¯ve been too busy struggling to keep my job to actually tour round the house. Den had already run through the door while I stood there panting and gasping to catch my breath.


    ¡°This child will be the death of me.¡± Gwen coughed out, pushing the door open slowly. I followed her through the door, only now noticing the refined architecture. It was a tall balcony with its pirs crafted with what was reminiscent of Italian architecture.


    There were some exotic flower pots littered spaciously, subtly reminding me of home. I loved that the weather was particrly fresh, although I couldn¡¯t tell if it was the weather itself or the sweet smelling flowers.


    Slowly, I noticed the figure standing in middle with his back facing us. Den was at his side, clinging to one strong leg whose muscles peeked from the pair of sweats he wore.


    He turned around when the boy held his legs and wouldn¡¯t let go. There was a ss of wine in his hand, I saw his arms flex with the ss when he saw the boy. It was the alpha standing there without all of the regality, instead clean shaven and embodying his casual ir.


    ¡°Den, what are you doing here?¡± He cooed at the toddler, scooping him swiftly so that they were standing at simr heights. I saw him break a toothy smile for his son, running a hand through his hair and smiling a little wider when Den leaned into his touch.


    Now that I thought of it, I¡¯d never seen him smile. Not at me, not at the guards, not at his visitors, not even at his beta.


    I¡¯d subconsciously wired myself to believe that he could never break a smile for any being, but here he was proving me wrong with the most beautiful smile I may see in this lifetime.


    I had to admit that he looked amazing. Regardless of the smiles, he was always an eye candy. But with a genuine smile gracing his lips, he looked like a protective father who would do anything for his cub. And his mate if he didn¡¯t hate her so much.


    Den was babbling at this point, wielding one of his wooden knives in his father¡¯s face and smiling to himself. I could see him stifle augh when the boy shove his small hands through his father¡¯s hair, and I couldn¡¯t help but stifle on of my own.


    ¡°You look a lot happiertely.¡± I blurted out before I could catch myself. He finally noticed the other people in the room, and I saw the beam on his face slightly falter at that. Gwen turned to look at me and if eyes could speak, hers said ¡®you¡¯re screwed.¡¯


    Contrary to my expectations, he didn¡¯t say anything. instead, he set Den down and shifted his attention to the sea of nothingness in front of us.


    For more than five minutes, I stood there awkwardly staring at nothing as well. Gwen had picked up Den after his father had set him down and had taken him outside.


    Yet I couldn¡¯t allow myself to leave like I should have. I walked to the edge of the balcony where he had set down his half empty ss. His fingers ran over the rim of the ss with his eyes transfixed on it before letting out a small sigh.


    ¡°What are you still doing here? Shouldn¡¯t you be getting busy?¡±


    I was certain that he intended to be harsh with me, but there was no undertone. His voice was betraying whatever emotion he¡¯d meant to put on disy. I let out a small titter at that, crossing my arms behind me.


    ¡°I lied back then. I know it¡¯s not in my ce to say, and you hate me. But you look more worried than happytely.¡±


    He cocked a brow and shifted his attention from the ss and to me.


    ¡°So, if it isn¡¯t in your ce, you know you¡¯re clearly sweating your grace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I couldn¡¯t help but notice.¡± I continued and looked away from him, reveling in the feeling of the soft breeze blowing against my face.


    ¡°Keep your observation to yourself.¡± He snapped back with a visible frown. I didn¡¯t kill his son, he was looking at me like he would rip me into shreds. Even if somehow, I knew he wouldn¡¯t.


    I chuckled instead and ced my elbows to rest on the smooth edges. ¡°It¡¯ll be resolved, I just know it.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°What you¡¯re worried about.¡± I pointed out with a small smile. ¡°I don¡¯t know what it is, perhaps work or something more serious. But it¡¯ll be resolved.¡±


    You¡¯re the alpha afterall. I didn¡¯t add thest bit because there was no way in hell he wouldn¡¯t misinterpret me. He might think that I was mocking him, I¡¯d rather not get even more written in ck ink.


    He didn¡¯t say anything, but I could feel the weight of his stare before he eventually looked away to sip at his wine again.


    The silence wasfortable, even if there was a monster in the room. I didn¡¯t want to talk about what had happened between us thest time, neither did I feel it appropriate to talk about it.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I blurted out again, mentally face palming. He turned to look at me, raising one brow.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡­thest time at the study¡­¡±


    ¡°I do not entertain crap like that. So, if that makes you feel special, I¡¯d rather you didn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t an act of kindness.¡±


    ¡°I know, but that isn¡¯t the only thing I¡¯m thankful for.¡±


    His brows were now sitting in furrows, looking intently at me. I coughed out in difort, shifting my weight and clearing my throat.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve had a difficult life too.¡± I continued. ¡°Down to the point where I always thought that every damn day was going to be myst.¡±


    ¡°Like the day I found you in the woods.¡±


    I nodded in affirmation. ¡°That day, I genuinely hoped it would be myst. But somehow, I don¡¯t see it like that. That¡¯s why I¡¯m thankful to you. Even though you enjoy putting me through hell, I still have a roof over my head.¡±


    I heard him scoff while I smiled to myself in thought.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°You talk as if you¡¯ve had it the hardest. What kind of life did you live then?¡±


    My lips froze at the question. The kind of life I led? The one of affluence and happiness with my family, or the one where I was made to suffer and watch my step sister sleep with my husband? The one where I was publicly rejected and humiliated for what I had idea about? Sold as a pathetic sex ve? Or beaten by the people I thought of as family?


    Whichever way, I couldn¡¯t answer his question. Neither could I let myself slip and cry in front of him for no reason.


    I forced myself to smile back instead. ¡°It¡¯s been a difficult one, that¡¯s all I can say.¡±


    That was all I could say. I cleared my throat and blinked before looking back at him. He was staring right back without uttering a word. I couldn¡¯t break eye contact either, it almost felt like he was staring into my soul, exciting my wolf in small volts of electricity.


    He took a few steps in my direction, closing the already small distance between us. His stare didn¡¯t falter however. I saw his pupils dte and the silver bands around his irises intensify.


    There was a subtle sh in his eyes that I certainly would have missed if his eyes weren¡¯t so enchanting. Although his eyes had taken a form that I couldn¡¯tprehend, I still couldn¡¯t read his expression. What did he want? Who was he behind his coldness? From the way he¡¯d spoken, I could see shards that I didn¡¯t understand.


    Before I could even process my own thoughts, I felt his hot breath on my face. It was exciting in all the wrong ways, I could feel my heart run a marathon in a second. It was thumping so loudly that it may have as well beat out of my chest. If he heard it, I was screwed. I dared not look up at him or open my eyes, afraid that I would break whatever delicate things were happening at the moment.


    Until I felt something soft gently graze my lips, just enough for me to catch it. A pair of arms snaked themselves around me, pulling me even closer before the soft feeling had returned to my lips.


    My brain was short circuiting. Was this what it felt like to be kissed? If I thought the scent of grasses and woods were tantalizing to my nostrils, it tasted even better. But even more, I couldn¡¯t think straight. He was kissing me! Out here in the open! Why? What was going through his head?


    Melting right into the kiss, he tilted my head gently, giving me moths in my stomach. It was the first time¡­ I didn¡¯t know how to respond to the intense rush I was feeling. I didn¡¯t even know if I was responding to his kiss right. But I could genuinely remain here forever.


    His breathing was slow and almost erratic as he continued to kiss me, but his sudden pull caused me to wince in surprise at the loss. He pulled away from me, his hands still sitting just above my hips and his eyes wide open.


    I met his eyes with confused ones of my own. What just happened? He cleared his throat awkwardly before clearing his throat and letting me go. If the feel of his lips on might bring euphoria to me, his eyes that looked at everything but me snapped me back to harsh reality.


    I struggled to stand straight, as my knees felt like jello all over again. Now I was the one avoiding his eyes. He regretted it. He did, for sure. And now I felt like a fool for letting him kiss me for no reason. Toyed with¡­who the fuck did he think he was to treat me this way every bloody time?!


    ¡°Get back to work.¡± He finally spoke up as though nothing had even happened. My eyes widened watching him down the red liquid in his ss. And with that, he turned on his heels and walked away.


    I felt tears; hot, confused tears well up in my eyes. Here I was, setting myself up to be treated like shit all over again. He was the worst. I wiped my eyes in a futile bid to stop myself from crying. And I fell to my knees still in tears, letting myself sob quietly.


    I hated him¡­but he¡¯d already ignited a me that I didn¡¯t know how to quench.

 Hellbent

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    Stupid. Just stupid. The walk back to my study was brisk and almost painful as I stomped my way down the stairs.


    Angry couldn¡¯t describe what I felt in that moment. I pushed the door open harshly and mmed it after me, hard enough to send the ss in my hands reeling on the ground.


    I was leaning against the door, breathing heavily and raking my hands through my hair. I was pissed and thest thing I cared about was the shards of ss now scattered on the ground.


    What was I thinking? What the fuck was I even doing? There were goosebumps littering my exposed arms. I despised her guts despite her goody two shoes demeanor.


    I hated that somehow, everything about her was growing on me. Her scent? It was the same reason I¡¯d subconsciously filled some of the flower pots with Freesias. I wanted to forget that scent that reeled me in, yet I tossed it in the wind and kissed her.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Her dark eyes? I saw them in every other eye. The way she spoke? There was something polished about it, and it constantly reminded me of the fact that she had been another alpha¡¯s wife from a pack I¡¯d never even heard about before. Not just his wife or mate, but a fucking cheat. I didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with her, I had made that resolve not to let myself be swayed one more time by a fucker like that. But no, I kissed her.


    What bothered me more was that I liked it.


    Yet it felt like it was Amaya once again in my arms. I couldn¡¯t help but reminisce of the first time we¡¯d ever kissed. It was just like this, in my room when we both admitted that we loved each other regardless of whether or not we were mates. She was shy, heck we were shy as fuck. And it felt so right. It felt right with Larissa, in all the wrong ways.


    There was a difference this time. It felt like I had kissed a broken doll who could do the things Amaya couldn¡¯t. She didn¡¯t seem to ever realize when I was upset or too hurt to speak, she didn¡¯t even consider me or her baby before running off with that bastard Nik. I had been startled when she pointed out my thoughts, despite my hostility. My thoughts felt vulnerable to her, the thought of that made me want to hate her more.


    But she looked so innocent. You¡¯re one confused bastard, Kaden.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up, Peter.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t confused. But how the hell was she pulling me in like that? It didn¡¯t make any sense.


    She¡¯s your mate.


    ¡°And I object. So, get lost.¡±


    Letting out a sigh, I shook my head as if that would drive my thoughts away. I needed a distraction. ncing ahead, the monitor on the screen caught my eyes. Of course! What better way to get her the fuck out of my head than to finish up on my work?


    Without any more thought, I made my way to the desk and took a seat before turning on the monitor. I needed to et her out of my head, and I needed to do that fast.


    *


    Thest few days have been severely underwhelming, save for work and an unwarranted visit from yet another fucking Luna who just can¡¯t keep it in her pants.


    The whole lot of them were irritating and horribly testing my patience. I could remember when one nameless fool who showed up in all the regality of the one who¡¯d brought me obsidians and onyxes, professing love and strong ties between our packs. For the love of all things good, I was tempted to w the fuck out of her face.


    Hunting felt like a million needles pricking at my skin. Those bloody hyenas were popping up like weasels every hunting day, where the fuck were they evening from? It was only a matter of time before I razed the entirety of their kind to extinction. But even worse, she was avoiding me.


    Larissa.


    She¡¯d always managed to evade me. I didn¡¯t want to see her either in concern that I may do something to her again like sending her to prison. Yet a part of me longed for her.


    Standing there in front of the mirror with a ck tie in my hands, I could vividly visualize the curved outline of her petite frame. The way her wavy blonde hair often hung down in a high ponytail, the way the sides of her lips twitched when she was nervous and the way her eyes were prone to looking at everything but me when she fiddled with her fingers. Damn her actions were delicious.


    But I feared that it was more than just mere physical attraction to her body. And I¡¯ll be damned if it was anything else. She is just as much a cheat as Amaya is, don¡¯t forget that, I reminded myself, wrapping the ck fabric beneath the cors of the peachy shirt tucked in perfectly in my pants.


    Knotting it carefully, I shook my head one more time before looking at myself in the mirror. I ran one hand through my hair to fluff it out for volume, I didn¡¯t want the whole officiality tied to being the CEO of mypany today. I fluffed it out one more time, straightening my back muscles before grabbing my keys and walking out of the room.


    I went to Den¡¯s room first where I met him resting peacefully on his bed. When I saw that he was enjoying his rest a little too much, I chuckled. It had been such a long time since I¡¯d seen him run around or y the way he has ever since Larissa came here. Perhaps he needed to recharge.


    Shutting the door quickly, I turned on my heels and continued down the stairs.


    Then I remembered. Jackson had left me a file in the studyst night. He¡¯d said it was important, but not enough to distract me from my meditation.


    I sighed out before walking to the study, but my eyes narrowed visibly at the sight in front of me after the figure had bumped into me with wider eyes the size of mini saucers.


    ¡°Oh I-I¡¯m so sorry- ¡± She started, cutting herself of when she looked up to see who shed bumped into. She straightened almost immediately, patting at her apron before clearing her throat harshly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I stared at her face darting around for a few seconds before I was snapped back to reality.


    ¡°I should go.¡±


    ¡°Stop right there.¡± I cut in sharply. ¡°I didn¡¯t say you could leave.¡±


    This was the same woman that I was hell bent on driving away. But I just couldn¡¯t let her leave. Part of me wanted to apologize for walking away thest time, but she was a fucking omega. I couldn¡¯t do that andpromise my authority, that just wasn¡¯t me.


    She stood there, clenching her eyes shut. What was she thinking?


    ¡°What should I do then?¡± She questioned softly, finally raising her head to look at me. Her eyes held no emotion, and it irritated me. I preferred to see her afraid of me rather than running her mouth.


    Cocking a brow, I crossed my arms.


    ¡°Why is Den still in his room?¡± I blurted out, not knowing why exactly I couldn¡¯t let her go. It was more than obvious that she was avoiding me at all costs. She tilted her head in slight confusion, now crossing her hands behind her back.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know? Den isn¡¯t feeling well. He had a nightmarest night and I had to nurse him before inviting Annalise to take a look at him.¡± She answered swiftly and looked away again. Wait, what?


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine now, but he needs to rest.¡± She finished and brought her head up. I could definitely taste the vile in her tone. She was upset. What fucking right did she even have to be?


    She continued to look at me before she brought one hand to wipe at the rim of her eyes. Surprised, I saw that there was liquid in her eyes. Wait, was she crying?


    ¡°Are you crying?¡± I questioned subconsciously, eyes widening.


    She said nothing, instead making frantic efforts to clean her tears. It didn¡¯t work. She shook her head slowly and started to walk away, but I turned on reflex and pulled her back by the arm.


    ¡°Answer the dan question and don¡¯t walk away from me!¡± I snapped a tad bit harsher than I wanted to, but it did the job. She flinched and looked at me with a mix of fear and surprise in her eyes.


    ¡°I got something in my eye.¡± She lied.


    If anything, my eyes narrowed even further. I couldn¡¯t understand what I felt seeing her like this. It was beginning to feel like being wed by a hyena. Why was she crying?


    ¡°Is it because of what happened at the balcony that day?  Because of that?¡±


    Her eyes widened, her lips parting ever so slightly as if she was going to say something. But the words never came out, instead hanging in her throat. My curiosity piqued, wondering what her smart mouth had to say about it again.


    But the rapid buzzing in my pockets forced me to shift my attention. The phone wouldn¡¯t stop ringing, to the point where it was growing irritating.


    Looking at her onest time, I reached for my pockets and swiped out the phone. I nced at the caller ID, surprised to see a phone call from Jacob. Why didn¡¯t he just mind link me? Why call?


    ¡°What is going on?¡± I questioned, bringing the phone to my ears. I could hear panting from the receiver, and a sudden uneasy feeling bubbling in the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong.


    ¡°My Lord, there is a situation this morning.¡± His voice sounded like broken muffles. ¡°A horrible situation. I¡¯m on my way to the woods on the Luna¡¯s orders to find a murderer, but all the evidence points to the Luna herself.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not making any fucking sense!¡± I snapped irritably, still holding onto Larissa¡¯s arm. The heavy breathing continued before he finally continued.


    ¡°Her suitor, Nik was found dead this morning in the living room of the pack house. My thoughts are, she realized that he once had ties to Griffin-howl. Whoever was responsible for Derek¡¯s rebellion has his ws deep in the South Sea pack as well. The Luna was just a distraction, and we fell for it.¡±

 Confusing

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    The bed felt the most ufortable since I hade here. I used to be grateful for having a roof over my head and such a bed to sleep in after so long, now I wasn¡¯t so sure anymore.


    His eyes had grown even colder towards me ever since that day at the balcony, why the hell did I even cry? Saying I wasn¡¯t confused was some serious understatement. He kept saying one thing, yet his body did another.


    What even was I doing with him? Why did I keep letting myself find excuses for his actions? He kissed me and was acting like nothing at all had happened. If anything, I was certain he was disgusted by it.


    He¡¯d told me how filthy I was so many times; how would he even see me in any other light? I pushed the pillows away to where the head board would have been if I had one, ultimately deciding to sprawl my hair across the bed to substitute for the ufortable pillow while staring at the nk ceilings.


    But he wanted to say something this morning. Although his eyes were icy as hell, his bodynguage was going to say something. It was just upsetting that he was too dense to realize that I was crying because I didn¡¯t know what to feel anymore. It made me feel even stupider. But I couldn¡¯t help but be curious as to what he had heard over the phone for his face to fall faster than lightning.


    But then, the questioned remained how exactly he felt towards me. Was he attracted to me? Did he see me as his mate but too egotistical to admit it? Or was he simply toying with my feelings?


    I tossed to the side, curling up in a fetal position with my face towards the windows. It was one cloudy afternoon, even the weather was refusing to cooperate with me. It looked as depressed, maybe even more depressed than I was.


    There was a soft knock on my door before its knob was twisted open, catching my attention. I forced myself to turn around.


    Nobody ever came to my room, so who could it be? I could feel my muscles tense up, what if it was him? What if he was here to punish me for crying or something else?


    I hissed a sigh of relief when it was only Gwen at the door. She had a soft smile on her face, causing me to cock a brow until I saw the small figure running into my room at full speed.


    ¡°Den, no running!¡± I yelped in surprise, shooting off the bed immediately to hold the boy in ce. He was running towards the closet, and I knew better than to let him rummage through my closet of old clothes.


    It could well turn into a severely disorganized version of the thrift store. I tripped over the only other furniture in the room, cursing under my breath when I stubbed my little toe against it and there was a giggle from Gwen. The nerve of them both.


    I finally reached out to pull the toddler, gently tossing him on the bed and patting at my chest. ¡°I know you¡¯re a sensitive kid, but I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to smack your butt the next time you¡¯re a naughty boy. Understood?¡±


    Gwen scoffed at that, tittering as soon as she reached the foot of my bed. She plopped onto it with the side of the bed dipping in her weight and the already tousled bed covers crumpling even further. ¡°As if, Larissa. We both know you have a soft spot for the kid. You love him too much to touch a hair of his head.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because his father might as well have my head.¡± I let out with augh, pulling Den close and recoiling towards the wall while sitting cross-legged. There was an expected snort from Gwen and a well foreseen eye roll at that.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ve seen worse with the previous nannies. One even had her fingers broken from torture when she was caught badmouthing Den¡¯s preference for vani scents. The alpha was so pissed, you do not want to be part of whatever happened that period.¡± She gasped dramatically, bringing both hands to cover her lips as if in sphemy. I rolled my eyes at herment.


    ¡°On the contrary, whether or not he¡¯s attached to the scent because of his mother, I would rather not know. My fingers are necessary to heat up milk and pick a lock.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You know¡­ in case I get locked up another time for loving Den a little too much.¡± I corrected, snuggling into his neck just enough to earn a giggle from him and a heartyugh from Gwen.


    ¡°You¡¯re out of your mind, Larissa.¡± She said amidstughter, causing me tough as well. ¡°It¡¯s good to not see you so uptight. You can be quite funny.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at herment, although yfully. She was right. Somehow, I may have lost my inner child and myself as well to everything that has been happening to me. But despite it, I was happy just holding the boy in my arms. If only my mate would somehow ept me for who and what I was instead of abandoning me to deal with my feelings, we could be an actual family. It would be magnificent, even if it was simply wishful thinking.


    ¡°¡­issa? Larissa? Larissa!¡±


    The frantic voice snapped me back to reality and I whipped my head to look at Gwen sitting in front of me with a loo of concern. ¡°Back down to earth, Larissa. You¡¯re spacing out, what are you thinking of?¡±


    I shook my head in responsive denial. ¡°Nothing, nothing at all. I¡¯m just stressed, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Cooped up in this room the whole day, yet you¡¯re stressed? Like that happens every day.¡± She was clearly not buying my excuses. I couldn¡¯t tell her exactly what it was. She would see me as an idiot instead.


    ¡°Gwen?¡±


    ¡°Mhm?¡±


    ¡°What do you think would happen if you fell in love with someone you shouldn¡¯t? Will you pursue your feelings or you¡¯ll forfeit it because you don¡¯t believe it would work out?¡± I asked slowly, studying her reaction.


    She looked taken aback by my question, shocked even, making me uneasy. Did she already know?


    She rxed after staring at me for a moment, now staring at nothingness as if in thought. She folded both arms, before looking at me again.


    ¡°Well, I feel attacked. Because I think I¡¯m in the same situation, Larissa. Don¡¯t let a single wolf know about this, okay?¡±


    Well, I did not expect that answer. She looked genuinely concerned, staring intently at me and I nodded. ¡°Promise.¡±


    ¡°So I don¡¯t think I would pursue it. I¡¯m in love with one of the Geminis. Ever heard of them?¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°They¡¯re Alpha Kaden¡¯s most trusted warriors. They¡¯re excellent fighters, sometimes I believe he trusts them more than he does his own beta. His name is Jacob. He¡¯s sorta¡­a Casanova, but I can¡¯t help it! He¡¯s so charming and the sweetest and¡­¡±


    ¡°And I think someone¡¯s in love.¡± I teased, watching her roll her eyes after. ¡°You had literal stars in your eyes right now.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s not my mate. His twin is, but he¡¯s too busy sleeping around to admit it. So, I don¡¯t even know what to do since I may have made out once or twice with Jacob and his brother doesn¡¯t know.¡± She countered, sobering up immediately. She was now staring at the ceiling while I had my mouth hanging open in shock. That was thest thing I expected to hear. The actual fuck?


    ¡°That¡¯s messed up, Gwen.¡±


    ¡°I know, there¡¯s no need to tell me that. The point is, I can¡¯t pursue it. I know nothing would ever happen between Jacob and I, so why set myself up for heartbreak?¡± She finished with a heartbreaking smile, shaking it off. In a second, she was smiling widely again, tapping at Den¡¯s arm to get him to y with her. I wasn¡¯t going to lie, I was perplexed by Gwen¡¯s sudden confession. If anything, I didn¡¯t see myself in a better situation.


    ¡°Why are you curious, by the way?¡±


    I shook my head at her question. It wasn¡¯t important for her to know. I shed her a quick smile, ultimately deciding to change the subject.


    ¡°That¡¯s not important, Gwen. But I do have another question.¡± I answered, watching her fix all of her attention on me. She cocked a brow in question and I let out a sigh. ¡°What happened to the alpha¡¯s former mate? I¡¯m just curious though.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed, looking at me like I¡¯d said something treacherous. I made a face at her and she snorted before returning to the familiar serious demeanor that made me ufortable.


    ¡°It¡¯s a forbidden topic. No one in the pack knows exactly what happened, but we are forbidden from talking about it. You¡¯d hear some gossip here and there sometimes though, we don¡¯t know what¡¯s true and what¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    She cleared her throat and gave me the most concerned stare I¡¯d seen in her eyes. ¡°Larissa, sometimes, being too inquisitive couldnd you in so much more trouble than you can imagine. But if you¡¯re really curious, perhaps you should just ask Annalise. Rumors say she was the only one there when everything happened.¡±


    Of course, Annalise yet again. I nodded at her answer and turned to Den who was now ying with my crusted fingers. I had to ask Annalise. Was the alpha¡¯s former mate good to him? Did something happen to her? Or he couldn¡¯t get over her just yet?


    I needed to know for his actions to make sense to me. I was so tempted to read meanings into his misleading actions, but now I was more worried about knowing who his mate was.


    I could not pursue my feelings until then. And I¡¯d be damned to let myself hope that one day, he¡¯ll ept me as his mate if he was still attached to his former mate. Yet, I hated myself for caring regardless. This might just turn out to be a bloody repeat of my mistake with Stefan.

 Hard

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    The tall trees within the packpound stood monstrously, towering over every thing within the space. Everything about the building screamed vintage, much like the figure that lived solely within the building and ruled over the pack.


    Right in the center of thepound was a water fountain reminiscent of the one back at my pack house. The figure sitting right in the middle had two heads that spew water into the fountain, joined at the neck like a two headed dragon.


    The SUV swerved through the curved, tarredne through to where the guards present had ushered us, and the ignition was turned off as soon as it had been parked.


    I was staring out the window nkly before there was a soft tap on my shoulders. Hunter was seated beside me with same stoic expression stered on his face, tapping at my coat gently.


    ¡°We¡¯re here, my Lord.¡± He spoke up and I could feel a frown form on my face.


    ¡°I know that.¡± I half snapped, reaching for the door lock before pushing it open. Jackson had alighted the SUV as well, standing and waiting for me to step out before reaching out to take my briefcase.


    I stared at the building from far off onest time, impressed by its regal architecture. I preferred the modernity of my pack house littered with artifacts. That was much better.


    Taking a deep breath, I made my way to where the building stood with my beta and Jackson trailing right behind me. The guards who were familiar with my face ushered us into the living room. Inside the living room was a single cathedra and several arm chairs embracing a monochromatic red and purple. I couldn¡¯t tell if it was her doing or that of the former alpha. If it was the former, I was certain that she was out of her damn mind.


    ¡°I would like to ask that you wait for a moment. The Luna would be here in a minute.¡± One sweet faced guard spoke up with a bow before disappearing from my field of view.


    The entire interior had an oriental undertone, very unfamiliarpared to the sweetness that I was used to. But none of that mattered at the moment. I needed tobat a mutual enemy, and I needed to do it fast.


    ¡°Well, who do we have here?!¡± I could recognize the sing song voice from even a mile away, the same sugary voice that made even ants irritated. My attention shifted to the spiral staircase standing a little far from the main living room, making out the shadow of the shameless woman right before I could see her.


    She was dressed in a purple robe that flowed all the way to the ground, sweeping whatever was in her wake as she took dramatic steps down the stairs. Her dark hair the color of the obsidians she so treasured hung low past her bare shoulders. She had both hands out although covered by the feathers that extended from the overly long sleeves as she bounced, finally flipping her hair when she had reached the cathedra in the living room.


    She was peering at me, her stic smile not fading. She was beaming, crossing one leg over the other in exaggerated movements. I couldn¡¯t even tell if the purple polish on her nails were extensions or actual ws. She definitely was one delusional woman.


    ¡°Thest time I checked, some overly cocky being I know was being a big baby about me visiting without prior notice.¡± She finally drawled out with a smirk, looking at me. I saw mischief in her eyes, but I wasn¡¯t in the mood for her excesses.


    ¡°This is strictly business, Lilian. Thest time was you being your overbearing self.¡± I countered swiftly, catching Jackson struggle to stifle augh. Sheughed at that, leaning away from the cathedra and towards me.


    ¡°I won¡¯t have you talk down at me, Kaden. Please watch yournguage, even if I have a soft spot for you.¡± She continued with the same smile, her eyes widening in mock surprise. She leaned back with a small hair flip, stretching one hand out to admire her nail polish. ¡°It¡¯s such a pity, don¡¯t you think, darling? That Jeremy isn¡¯t here to see you call me by my name.¡±


    ¡°I do not believe that your son would fancy seeing you hit on an alpha that is young enough to be his sibling.¡± I snickered back, causing her to grasp dramatically. She brought both hands to her chest in yful shock, her lips rounding into saucers before falling into a smile.


    ¡°Jeremy is fifteen. You¡¯re not a baby, I don¡¯t fuck with babies.¡± She pointed out, batting her eyes slowly.


    With another hair flip, she waspletely recoiled into the cathedra and had her eyes closed. She finally opened them and smiled widely. ¡°So, to what do I owe this unexpected visit, my love?¡±


    I straightened up, seeing as she looked the most serious she could muster. ¡°One of my former men¡­my former beta was murdered a few days ago in the South Sea pack.¡±


    ¡°Oh dear, I heard the tales! He met a good death, although I must say that I am proud of him for doing the unthinkable. Too bad he¡¯s dead now.¡± She shot up her seat still sitting, taunting with mock surprise on her face.


    I wanted to wipe that annoying smirk off her ugly face. She seemed to understand as she returned to her delusional sitting position. ¡°Anyways, my love. You were saying?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that.¡±


    ¡°Mhm hmm.¡± She nodded with the same goddamn smirk. What was I even thinking to havee here? Reasoning with this woman was a pain in the ass.


    ¡°I know he was murdered, he didn¡¯t just die. Besides, I am certain that they knew that he was once affiliated with my pack. Rumors have it that the Luna is aware of who he is, and that she has tied to whoever is behind this.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I was struggling to hold it together. The mention of his name drove me mad every fucking time because I couldn¡¯t help but remember the stupid note Amaya had left me two years ago. So he thought karma was no bitch? The fuck he did.


    ¡°So why are you telling me this? What am I to do with the information?¡±


    It was my turn to smirk. ¡°My men need some assistance, so what better way to be sure? I heard the Luna of the Shadow pack is excellent at stealing information from other packs.¡±


    She cocked a brow at that, her smirk faltering so inconspicuously that I may have missed it if I didn¡¯t keep my eyes transfixed on her.


    ¡°Just like how you found out that my wife was no more before any other person found out. Tell me, do you have a spy in my pack? I will spare your life if you tell me the truth right now.¡±


    She snickered back, bursting out in a loud, ufortable cackle.


    ¡°Not ¡®no more¡¯,¡± She corrected, pointing her fingers at me before rolling her eyes with the same yful tingle. ¡°Eloped with her lover, that¡¯s more like it.¡±


    I felt mypany shift ufortably in their seats at that. My fists had formed on their own, wanting to pulverize her face. Her indifference and guts were really testing my patience. But no good woulde out of attacking her pack this instant. We were outnumbered, even if I could easily overpower even the strongest wolf here.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you as you want.¡± She continued, forcing me to look away from the wine bar ahead of me and straight at her, even if her bright red lipstick was severely distracting. ¡°But you must meet my demands.¡±


    I cocked a brow, crossing my hands.


    ¡°Your hand in marriage!¡± She yelled out, tossing her hands in the air as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. ¡°Don¡¯t act so dense for crying out loud!¡±


    ¡°I object.¡± I snapped harshly, rising to my feet. I¡¯d had more than enough of her nonsense. ¡°I¡¯d take my leave now, if you can¡¯t help.¡±


    ¡°Wait, not so fast, Kaden.¡± She drawled again, smirking at me. ¡°You¡¯re so touchy feely, fuck.¡±


    ¡°You have a better proposal?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s better than marriage? That way, I¡¯ll do all the work for you for free, in exchange for your love!¡±


    ¡°Lillian.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Alright. Ten pieces of ten carat diamonds. Deal?¡±


    ¡°Four.¡±


    ¡°Seven.¡±


    ¡°Five.¡±


    Finally, she has a poker expression. As if thinking carefully, she nodded and the smirk was back. ¡°Five pieces of ten carat diamonds, it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have it delivered as soon as you get the job done.¡± I replied, straightened the coat I wore. Hunter and Jackson rose to their feet as well, leaving her a bow before walking out of the building.


    I could hear her snicker and almost pictured that eerie smirk on her face as she did. But it no longer mattered. She may be a delusional bitch, but she was excellent at snooping out information in the most unconventional ways.


    The drive back to my pack house was fast, it seemed that time had flown as quickly as the wind. It was evening as soon as it had been morning. Quickly dismissing my right-hand men, I continued up the stairs only to meet the one whom I wanted to cross paths with the least.


    She was just stepping out of Den¡¯s room, dressed in a bloody transparent sleep wear. The shorts were definitely shorter thanfortable, I could feel my wolf¡¯s excitement at the sight of her however. She twitched when she noticed me standing in front of my door, staring at her instead of walking in.


    ¡°Er¡­good evening, Alpha.¡± She muttered almost inaudibly, struggling to wrap the thin rob properly over her torso. In doing that, I found my eyes trailing over her figure. Damn she would make a good fuck in my bed.


    ¡°Come here.¡± I said without thinking. The only thoughts in my head were eating her out. She seemed surprised, pointing at herself before taking careful steps in my direction.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡±


    I nodded, finally twisting the door knob open. She hesitantly followed me in, pattering with soft steps. I shut the door behind her, now fully taking her entire form in.


    Her hands sat on the ridges of the robe in a bid to hold them in ce. But her neckline was still visible, as was that part of her neck that always pulled me in. it smelled of soft roses again, and I was beginning to feel that familiar tightness in my pants.


    Kaden, what the actual fuck? Are you going to ¨C


    ¡°No.¡± I snapped before I could catch myself. She was staring at me weirdly in response to my sudden outburst. Cocking her head to the side, the way she was looking at me was alluring. And I was beginning to smell the pheromones consume the room. Fuck.


    I reached for her hair instead, watching her attention trained on my arm before pulling away the stic band that held her hair in its ponytail. I heard her gasp and whip her head to look at me in surprise.


    ¡°Wear your hair down. It¡¯s an order.¡±


    ¡°But ¨C ¡±


    ¡°I said it¡¯s an order.¡± I intercepted and she nodded with visible hesitation. ¡°That¡¯s all. You may leave.¡±


    She stared at me again, muttering something under her breath before stepping back and wrapping the robe around her torso again. I couldn¡¯t tell if she was ring at me now or simply staring. She nodded after a moment and turned to leave the room.


    I let out a breath I didn¡¯t even know I was holding as soon as I heard the door lock, running straight to the bathroom. The heat was coursing through my veins without mercy. Has it gotten so bad that merely the sight of her was tempting in all the wrong ways?


    In the bathroom, I stared down at the bulge that had now formed in my pants before. The fuck was I even thinking? I bit my bottom lip, clenching my eyes and fists in a bid to get rid of the crude thoughts in my head. Then I made a resolve and walked into the shower, deciding to douse myself in cold water.


    Maybe it would help. Because it made no sense to grow an erection just at the sight of her. Then I realized that perhaps it was happening for a reason.


    She was my mate after all, no matter how much I wanted to hate it. And mating season was fucking near.

 Wet dreams

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    ¡°Mhm, just like that¡­fuck, yes.¡± My whispers were raspy and sexy in their own right as I continued to nibble at her ears, pulling her hips even closer and slowly rocking back and forth.


    She moaned at that, and I could guess her eyes were closed. They sounded like the most beautiful crescendos in my ears; sweet and appealing. Her hands that had been trailing my body found their way to my hair, tugging harshly as her moans intensified.


    ¡°You like it like that?¡± I groaned, propping her just enough to see her face. Hooded eyes, her expression crumbing under pleasure and the absolute lust of it all was enough to drive me to insanity.


    As if on instinct, she pulled in for a kiss, catching my bottom lip between her teeth and tugging at it a little harshly. I groaned at that, trying to pry her own lips open properly but she wouldn¡¯t budge.


    Instead, I ran across the width of her full lips with my tongue, smiling to myself. They were swollen as hell. I did that.


    She smiled into the kiss, pulling away so slowly that I could see the small string of saliva still connecting us both.


    She continued to rock her hips slowly, worsening the growing tightness simply pleading to spring free. Then I saw it. The beauty marks just beneath her eyes that resembled scars from fangs puncture wound. They were never there before, I was sure of it.


    ¡°Hey¡­hey, are you fine?¡± I said with hesitation as she whipped her head towards the ceilings. Impatient, I brought my hands to her face and brought it back to look at me and to say that my eyes were saucers were an understatement.


    Her hair had been a stunning ck under the red light that dimly illuminated the room, now they were a fiery tinum that sprawled all over her naked shoulders. Her blue, siren shaped eyes that stared at me with lust were now brown, pleading doe ones looking at me with a hint of fear beneath them, even the red tainted lips appeared to be a soft pink.


    I leaned back at the new features appearing in front of me, wide eyed. She was morphing¡­This wasn¡¯t a random woman. The woman in my bed was Amaya. She hade back to me as though she never left. But the woman in front of me, I was too familiar with. I couldn¡¯t mistake those blonde locks or those doe eyes that always lured me into the good parts of hell.


    ¡°What¡­ how?¡± My voice came out as strangled whispers as I leaned even away, the shock coursing through my veins like hotva.


    She was leaning in, closing the distance between us with the same pleading eyes. But no matter how much I wanted to push her away, I couldn¡¯t. Suddenly there were shes of these faces changing into the other as she leaned, and without thinking I clenched my eyes shut. Only to nearly be deafened but the loud buzzing in my ears.


    I forced my eyes open immediately, shutting them again immediately at the sudden light intensity. The room had grown quiet, even the once red lights had been reced by natural lighting of a graceful morning sun. But curse the sun and its rays.


    I opened them finally, feeling around the bed for the vibration that had forced me up. Was I dreaming? That was one vivid dream, if I was.


    But there was no time to dwell on it. I finally picked up the phone, ncing briefly at the caller ID to see that it was Hunter. Way to ruin my morning.


    ¡°Hello? You had better have a good reason for calling so early in the morning.¡± I groaned loudly, bringing the phone to my ears. There was hesitation on the receiver, irritating me even further. It was bad enough to have woken up with a nasty boner, now this? ¡°Fucking speak up.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for waking you so early, my Lord. But it is important.¡±


    I rubbed at my eyes with the back of my hand, propping myself to a sitting position. ¡°What happened.¡±


    ¡°Your suspicion was right. The one who murdered Nik was the Luna of the South Sea pack.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± My voice had dropped down an entire octave. ¡°How did you find out?¡±


    ¡°The Gemini are on their way back from their mission. They will arrive at the mansion in thirty minutes to give you the full details.¡± And with that, he ended the call, leaving me to my thoughts.


    The burning sensation on my skin did not stop. I¡¯d been too lenient with them for too long. This situation was awfully mirroring the stunt that the once existing Moonstar pack had pulled.


    The Luna was mocking me, that bloody woman must have not known that Nik was on exile from my pack. Yet she still thought he was my beta and let him fall into her trap. The web was a bigger scale than I had anticipated. Someone was actively trying to sabotage the packs affiliated with me. They weren¡¯t the targets, they were just pawns in this stupid game. My pack was the target, and I was sure they didn¡¯t have the balls toe at me directly. The fucking lot of them.


    My jaws clenched at the thought. I pulled the sheets away, tossing them to the side before rising to my feet.


    I made my way out of the room after taking a quick shower and dressing infortable clothes. There was no urge to go to work today, the matter at hand was more than enough to deal with in one morning.


    I found myself however subconsciously ncing at Larissa¡¯s room, the woman that had invaded my dreams that morning. Perhaps it was indeed the mating season, but the thought of her brought my train of thoughts back to Amaya. I shook my head at the realization. I must not be weak a second time.


    I could already hear the chatter down the stairs as I turned on my heels. I pranced my way downstairs to see all of my most trusted men gathered in one space. There was no agitation in their faces, just an indifference that I couldn¡¯tprehend.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± They chorused as soon as I had reached the foot of the stairs and made my way to the empty arm chair. I scoffed at their greeting however as I took my seat.


    ¡°Really? There¡¯s something good about this fucking morning? Enlighten me.¡± I continued with a frown, watching them exchange unsure nces. Joshua was the first person to speak up, clearing his throat after patting at his pants.


    ¡°To be fair, we saw iting. We just wanted to be extra sure.¡±


    ¡°So, she¡¯s behind his death?¡± I questioned whilst folding my arms. I could see Jacob and Jackson scrunch their faces in what I assumed was disgust, but Hunter still had his expression etched in indifference.


    ¡°Yes. The bitch isn¡¯t the goody two shoes damsel in distress we thought she was. The Luna of the Shadow pack paid a visit and somehow, we found out that killing Nik was just one of the processes under the order to get under the skin of the alpha of the Griffin-howl pack. It was beautifully strategized if you ask me.¡±


    ¡°She had orders?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She¡¯s not the best at keeping secrets when she wants to brag to another delusional Luna.¡± Joshua finally spoke up, nostrils ring in the slightest.


    I pinched my nostrils at that, then ran my hands across my face. ¡°They¡¯re close. Those fuckers are close to attacking us. When I find out who they are, I would feed them to the vultures.¡±


    I clenched my fist, allowing the anger consume me. My eyes had turned orange already, I could see it from the reflection on the ss table in the middle of the room.


    I rose to my feet at that, shoving both hands in my pockets before dismissing them. I wanted to draft out a n. Being all physical wasn¡¯t feasible now that they were ying mind games with me.


    I turned on my heels and continued to my study. The study room itself felt suffocating even in its bright light just dim enough for my tolerance.


    The sun had gone down considerably, plunging the entire morning into a gloominess that fit the mood. I plopped onto the seat, twirling first before halting and turning on the monitor. I nced at the monitor screen, seeing as my eyes were still their angry orange. If anything, I felt like I was going to implode soon. Dragging a harsh breath, I mmed a fist into the table. First, that stupid dream. Now, this?


    My attention suddenly shifted to the soft nock on the door. Tilting my head to the side, I watched the door be pushed open to reveal the same woman that had invaded my dreams with a tray in her hands. She was staring at the ground, before taking hesitant steps to the table. I felt my nostrils re slightly. What the fuck did she think she was doing here?


    ¡°What are you doing? I don¡¯t remember asking for a cup of tea.¡± I snapped harshly, watching her flinch while struggling to set the tray on the table. ¡°Stop and take it away.¡±


    She nced up at me, her irises darting around rapidly as if in question. My eyes narrowed at that, she had some guts. She dared question me?!


    ¡°I said take the fucking tray out of here!¡± I yelled angrily and before I could think, I slid the tray off the table. I watched the entire contents fall to the ground with a shattering sound, and her jumping back in surprise to catch the falling tray.


    My eyes widened at that. Wait, what fool would try to catch a falling tray of hot liquid! They widened even further at the realization that I may have scalded her. All the vile had drained from my being, and I rushed off my seat to her side when she let out a piercing scream.


    She was bent over with one hand covered, now biting back another scream as soon as I¡¯d reached her side.


    Without thinking, I held unto her shoulders and forced her to look at me. She had ayer of liquid around her eyes, and for some reason I felt the one feeling I had made up my mind never to feel. Guilt. I felt sober staring down at her wrapping one hand over the other.


    I reached out to pry her hands separate, taking the one she had been protecting in my hands. Her body had tensed significantly. I looked back at her sullen face, she indeed looked like she was going to cry.


    Nowpletely immersed, I nced at the hand. The entire skin of her fingers was irritated with red blemishes littering around the area.  I was certain that it was going to blister if she didn¡¯t heal quickly.


    I brought the fingers to my lips as if that would take the pain away, maintaining eye contact with her and mentally smiling to myself seeing her crying eyes soften and even go nk.


    She looked shocked, trying to gently pull her hands away. But my grip was strong enough to hold her in ce. Fiddling with her slender fingers, I kissed every one of them.


    She winced from the pain, letting out a soft grunt when I kissed her index finger. I was still looking at her stare back at me. But there was no confusion in her eyes. Just some kind of anticipation that I didn¡¯t understand.


    I felt my wolf prance around in excitement at the proximity. Her lips were parted slightly, her expression shifting to uncertainty. I found that incredibly attractive, I was sure Peter was enjoying this a little too much.


    I shifted my attention back to her hands, slowly kissing along the length of her arm. She wasn¡¯t moving, but her breathing had be slow and heavy.


    I closed my eyes, peppering soft kisses until I reached her clothed shoulders. She let out a soft groan, the sounds were fueling whatever it was that I felt even worse.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that you were scalded.¡± I whispered in her ears softly, feeling her tense as I pulled away to look at her face. And without giving it more thought, I pressed my lips to hers slowly. The mating season could go fuck itself.


    It was the second time, yet it felt like the first all over again. She didn¡¯t respond to the kiss at first until I tugged softly at her bottom lip. She pried her lips open fully, melting into the kiss. A lot of thoughts were running a marathon in my head. It was sweet, yet it was driven by lust, I told myself. She tasted like freshly picked red roses peppered with butterscotch, an addictive mix that pulled me in like an enchanting spell.


    While I led, she followed like a cub. I tilted her head slightly, gently pushing in with my tongue and I heard a soft gasp. Or moan? I didn¡¯t know, I didn¡¯t care either. I just wanted to remain here and kiss her till she dropped.


    No words passed between us, just soft sounds and strings of saliva. I shifted my attention to the nape of her neck that was so incredibly tempting¡­fuck it. Kissing the skin just above her pheromone nd, it was the most intoxicating of all.


    I smiled at her new-found expression of whipping her head back in pleasure before pulling away to reim her lips in mine.


    I wanted to tear off the dress off her body and ravage whatever was beneath it. She shouldn¡¯t be clothed. No. not now. I reached out for her zipper, tugging at it when the shes ofst night returned.


    It felt like Amaya was sitting behind my desk, ring at me and mocking my poor decisions. I felt anger take over again and I pulled awaypletely. The blonde woman was looking at me again in question, visibly shaking from the loss. She rushed to bring both hands to her cheeks and looked away from me.


    The guilty feeling was back, but I could care less. I continued to study her expression before awkwardly clearing my throat.


    ¡°Sorry about the burns. Take them for Annalise to see.¡± I coughed out with all of the indifference I could muster, returning to my seat. She stood there for the longest time and cleared her throat as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s funny that you would care so much about my burns.¡± She muttered loud enough for me to hear, still breathing heavily. She leaned down to pick up the silverware on the ground and rose to her feet.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Her eyes were incredibly soft as she stared right back at me. I looked away from her and at my monitor, although stealing nces from her as she walked out of the room.


    I finally let out a breath, mming another fist into the tale. There was a scoff from my wolf at that. He was right. I¡¯d gone too far this time. And while I hated myself for it, I liked it nheless.

 The dark past

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    The heat in my cheeks had travelled all the way down to my core. It didn¡¯t dissipate the burning in my cheeks that had now turned a brilliant strawberry red. Even my legs wobbled as I walked.


    I had my hands to my cheeks as soon as I¡¯d dropped the tray in the kitchen. Even the burn on my hand didn¡¯t bother me much. What bothered me was what the alpha had done.


    He apologized. He fucking apologized. He¡¯d never done that to me before. All he ever did was threaten my life and bark out orders. But today he apologized. And he kissed me yet again. What was wrong with me?


    I remembered how his lips deliciously ran across mine and across my skin. The tingles were still there on every part of my arm that he¡¯d kissed. I was mad at him for leaving me hanging once again, but I figured that it was just enough. Perhaps he did find me attractive, I hoped. Until he stopped being a bigoted jerk.


    I patted down at my face in a futile bid to reduce the heat in my face.  But the more I did, the more I remembered the kiss and the redder they got. There was a sudden soft tap on my shoulder, causing me to flinch and spin around sharply. But it was just Gwen, staring at me with confusion etched on her face.


    ¡°Larissa, are you okay? You look like you were pped with a pot of tomato!¡± She half yelled with a dramatic gasp, causing me to stifle augh before I could catch myself.


    I nced around the kitchen in hopes that she would let me go, but it was just wishful thinking. Her eyes narrowed and she brought both hands to her hips, jutting one of her hips to the side.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I croaked out in an unusually high pitch, earning a more intense stare from her.


    ¡°What happened to you? You can¡¯t tell me nothing when you sound like a teenager that was caught kissing her mate.¡±


    ¡°What? N-no. No.¡± I defended, patting at my cheeks harshly. I nced back at her, and she clearly wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well.¡±


    She tilted her head in confusion first, then nodded as if in understanding. ¡°Oh. You should have said that earlier. You look like you¡¯re burning up.¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± I agreed with a forced chuckle, awkwardly bringing one hand to my neck. ¡°And on that note, could you help me take care of Den today? I don¡¯t want to pass him my¡­sickness.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s okay, Larissa. You should have some rest.¡± She spoke sweetly, reaching out to squeeze my shoulders. I smiled at the gesture, nodding before practically dashing out of the kitchen and up the stairs.


    I plunged myself onto the bed as soon as I shut the door after me, and then I finally did what I¡¯d wanted to do after leaving the study. Scream into my pillow in hopes that no one would hear it.


    Denying that I had feelings for the alpha now was utter deception. I didn¡¯t know much about him, but I liked the bit I knew. Even if he kept treating me like shit, something had changed.


    I couldn¡¯t help but think that there was a monster drowning him into nothingness. I saw it in his eyes every time he looked at me, every time he didn¡¯t yell at me, every time his eyes turned orange. I didn¡¯t know what it was, and I was curious.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    I rolled over to stare at the ceiling. Was I doing the right thing by letting myself admit that I had feelings for him? I had no idea. But I wanted to give him a chance. I was aware that I thought of him in the likes of Stefan, but he was different from Stefan. He had the dignity that Stefan so horriblycked.


    *


    The evening sun had settled for a pretty tangerine orange, one that was reminiscent of the father of the toddler that walked hand in hand with me through thepound. Soft wind rustled through the scanty vegetation within the pack house as it did with Den¡¯s hair.


    I liked the serenity of weather, it reminded me of evenings growing up with Richard and of the life I¡¯d imagined after marriage. I always dreamed of strolling down an alley with my mate in hand and my cub running around in a bid to catch my attention. With Den with me, it was a subtle dreame true for me.


    I nced down at the boy sucking on a vani vored lollipop, smiling without even realizing it. His hair had grown out a bit and was tousled from the breezy weather.


    He pulled me forward, skipping as he made his way towards the front entrance. I let myself giggle at his action, pulling him back and earning a stare from him. Iughed again and forced him to stop, squatting to his eye level.


    His bright green eyes were staring right back at me. It was near impossible to figure out what ran through his little head.


    But if the vani lollipop was enough to cheer him up, then I was doing something right. I cupped his face in my palms, smiling softly even when the wind blew down on my hair that hung loose today without the ponytail.


    It was subconscious, but I now liked the feeling of my hair sprawling on my body no matter how impractical it was.


    ¡°Den dear. You like the lolly?¡±


    He nodded, then pointed at the front door. ¡°Dada.¡±


    ¡°Dada?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± He shook his head enthusiastically as I rose to my feet. Perhaps he was talking about his father.


    Holding his hand, we continued to the front door where I shed a small smile at the guards before pushing the door open.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking dare mention her name again!¡±


    The angry yell caught me off guard as soon as I had opened the door. I recognized the familiar broad shoulders underneath a in ck t-shirt with his back facing the door.


    He had his phone to his ears, I could almost imagine him scowling with his eyes that scary color. The other hand rested idly on his hip before it ran through his hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you for thest time, mom. Don¡¯t talk to me about Amaya any more. You weren¡¯t here when the bitch left Den alone! For fuck¡¯s sake, my son is traumatized because of a mother who didn¡¯t care about his feelings before vanishing into thin air with that bastard!¡± he yelled again.


    I could hear the anger and grit in his tone as he brought the phone away from his ears and began stomping in the direction of his study.


    I stood there for a full minute, wondering what the hell I had just witnessed. Amaya? That was her name? So she was his ex-wife? It was alling together. He sounded far from just upset, he was raging.


    I found myself wondering what she had done to him. Did she really abandon Den like he said? That was cruel if it was true. It was alling together now. He still had resentment for her, and for some reason he was channeling his resentment at me.


    I looked down to see the clueless toddler still staring at the spot his father had been standing. As if on cue, I saw Gwening out of the kitchen with a dry cloth in her hands.


    ¡°Do you want to y with Aunt Gwen?¡± I cooed at him, patting at his fluffy hair.


    ¡°Gwen.¡± He repeated with a nod and I met eyes with the auburn-haired woman who was staring back with confusion as she approached me.


    ¡°You¡¯re feeling better already?¡± She asked with concernced in her voice. Patting down at her wet hands, she shoved the now damp tablecloth in her pockets before shifting her focus back to me. ¡°I was just making dinner by the way.¡±


    ¡°Can you take Den for me? I need to check something.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Just something.¡± I hissed out and she cocked a brow. I tried to y it cool and smiled instead. ¡°I got scalded by hot water this morning. I need to get some ointment and treat it so it doesn¡¯t scar.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not a human.¡± She chuckled instead. ¡°Hot water¡¯s got nothing on you, unless you¡¯re trying to look pretty for someone. Tell me, who is it?¡±


    ¡°Gwen! You¡¯re taking him or not?¡±


    She chuckled again, then shing me a mischievous smile. ¡°Okay, okay.¡± She turned to the boy, taking him from my hands.


    He grimaced, his eyes darting around before finally rxing into her embrace. ¡°Let¡¯s have some eggs and vani milk. What do you say?¡±


    He nodded and she shed me another smile, mouth some iprehensible words before turning to the kitchen.


    As soon as they had gone, I turned to go back the main entrance to where the pack clinic stood. I felt nostalgic visiting again.


    The exterior had remained the same like I thought it would, seeing it again after some months ofing here. It reminded me of the day I stood there, pleading with Annalise to let me meet the alpha because I didn¡¯t want to be kicked out.


    I stifled augh, that day had been funny. The door to the clinic was ajar, and I could hear small chatter from inside before I pushed it open.


    ¡°Oh, Larissa?¡±


    I recognized her pleasant voice, cracking a smile at thefort it gave me. The strawberry blonde woman was leaning slightly with gloves on her hands and some kind of de, whipping her head in my direction as soon as she could spot me.


    She was still dressed in her white coat before she put down the de. There was another person in the room who turned his head oh hearing Annalise.


    ¡°You¡¯re here? I didn¡¯t know that.¡± I snickered yfully on realization that the person in the room was Jackson with a bloodied arm. ¡°Hi, Annalise.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, don¡¯t you think? I hope you¡¯repletely recovered from the effects of the poison.¡±


    ¡°Of course! It¡¯s been well over two months now. I¡¯m more worried about the one who keeps getting himself injured.¡± I snickered again yfully, turning my attention to Jackson and earning augh from them.


    ¡°Cheeky much? I enjoy hunting, and someone needs to teach the hyenas a lesson. They should know that we the wolves are the bosses.¡± He joked back.


    Annalise snorted, picking up a roll of bandages to wrap around his arm. His expression had shifted from sass to that of a young cub struggling to endure pain.


    ¡°All done.¡± The redhead announced, putting down her de after cutting through the point where the bandage hadpletely covered his skin.


    He heaved a sigh, rising to his feet at that and flexing his arms for cirction.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll leave youdies, because I¡¯m certain she didn¡¯te to see me.¡± He finalized with a mock bow, gibing me a small smile before taking his leave.


    I watched Annalise take off the gloves before taking a seat on the bed that I had onceid on. She had one leg crossed over the other, rocking it back and forth while shing me the same stic smile I was familiar with.


    ¡°So, what is it? You look like you just barely evaded a ghost.¡± She finally spoke up while resting both hands on her knees.


    ¡°Er¡­¡±


    For some reason, I felt nervous. She seemed to sense my nervousness seeing as she shifted on the bed to create enough space for me to sit beside her.


    ¡°Are you having a hard time?¡±


    ¡°Sorta? But that¡¯s not what I came to talk to you about.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    I cleared my throat and turned to meet her eyes while ying with the hem of my blouse. ¡°Can you tell me who Amaya is? Before you ask, I just heard it. Randomly.¡±


    She cocked a brow. ¡°And where did you hear that? Her name is forbidden from being mentioned in the pack.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I croaked out, turning my head away and back to give the most pleading eyes I could muster. ¡°But I¡¯m asking out of curiosity. Please tell me. Who is Amaya? And what happened to her anyways?¡±


    If skepticism was a breathing being, Annalise¡¯s expression was the embodiment. She was looking at me with me with hesitant eyes before looking away and shifting ufortably.


    She didn¡¯t say anything for a full minute before finally breaking the ice.


    ¡°She was the alpha¡¯s former mate.¡± She stared with a sigh. ¡°They got married and it was the happiest I had seen the alpha in my life. But she¡­ she died when Den was only a year old. And it broke him, them both actually. The alpha had banned her name from being mentioned within the pack ever since.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I looked up at the ceiling. My gut told me that she was lying. From the anger in his voice, it mustn¡¯t have been a simple death. The story seemed too simple for him to be so upset about. It had been two years already, and I knew he was taking out his resentment on me. Which made sense if he hadn¡¯t gotten over her death yet. The thoughts that she may not have died also troubled me. I didn¡¯t even know what to think again.


    ¡°Larissa?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand. May her soul rest in peace in the heavens.¡±

 Just leave

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    ¡°I strongly suggest that they be withdrawn from our partnership for breach of contract.¡± Jackson spoke up, rising to his feet and earning loud murmurs that echoed across the board room.


    The room itself was wide enough to be a conference room, fully air conditioned as if that would ease the thick tension in the room. The U-shaped table housed my board of directors, men of all ages restricted to being werewolves who were now staring at Jackson who stood by my right hand. His hands rested on a thick ck file on the table, and his expressioncked the warmth or silliness that it asionally held.


    ¡°But how? We were not notified of their involvement in shady business.¡± One of the men countered, clearing his throat.


    He brought a hand to loosen his necktie, nodding furiously in anticipation that the other gullible idiots in the room will agree with him.


    ¡°They sold our information for money. They even staged an attack on the CEO.¡± Hunter continued with hisposed demeanor, practically staring down at the man who had spoken earlier. The man scoffed in return.


    ¡°Just because you are the vice president doesn¡¯t mean you can have a say in anything. You¡¯re barely two years into the business and yet you¡¯re kissing the CEO¡¯s ass.¡±


    ¡°Your argument isn¡¯t valid, Mr. Miguel. South Sea corporations took our partnership for granted despite the fact that they¡¯re a very smallpany. They brought this on themselves, so I¡¯m with Jackson on this one.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense!¡± The older man hissed in irritation, iling his hands in the air. ¡°You haven¡¯t said what they have done wrong.¡±


    ¡°What part of ¡®they breached the contract¡¯ don¡¯t you understand?¡± Jackson snapped, iling his hands as well. ¡°Do you want more damage on ourpany? Do you have any respect for our name?!¡±


    ¡°Why are you yelling at me?!¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± My voice echoed through the whole room, forcing it into eerie silence.


    I clenched my fist in irritation, rising to my feet and turning to the man who had plunged himself into heated arguments with my men. The bastard would pay for his disrespect. No one insulted my authority and went free.


    ¡°And who said that you had a say in this decision?¡± I continued with a taunting smirk that grew evenrger when he looked away awkwardly. ¡°It is a decision I have taken, and thest time I checked, not a single one of you has more than two percent stakes in thepany. You can toss your opinion in the mud, especially you, Mr. Miguel. Do you have something else to say?¡±


    The silence hadpletely consumed the room at this point, except for a few tongue clicks and sighs of the men who looked at everything but me.


    ¡°Good. That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    *


    Jackson drove the jet-ck Mercedes sedan back to the mansion. The ride was silent, only the rev of the car¡¯s engine could be heard. I alighted the car as soon as he¡¯d parked it in garage and made my way to the entrance.


    Then I heard the gate rattle and saw another one of my smaller cars drive into thepound. That must be Den and Larissa, I thought. And for some reason, my heart leaped at the thought. More like Peter¡¯s did. His excitement was sickening more often than not.


    I stood at the entrance, patiently waiting for them to alight the car. I watched her step down from the car with Den in her arms, giggling at themselves. She seemed to whisper something in his ears and he burst outughing before she tickled the skin behind his ears.


    How did she know that he was ticklish there? Even his mother didn¡¯t know that at all, and the sight of them having the time of their lives made me smile.


    She was greeting and smiling at every guard she saw, going as far as asking how their day went for the ones that were within my range of hearing. They smiled back at her, she seemed to be able to lighten even the gloomiest warmth with her warmth. There were a few exchanges between the guards and her, even Jackson stalled long enough to say something to her. I found myself wondering what was, seeing as his asionally goofy smile was its brightest.


    I felt Peter grimace. He felt vited, and it made me smile even wider. You deserve that for putting me through hell. Be protective all you want, it would never work.


    But I felt unfamiliar nheless. I didn¡¯t like that she smiled at Jackson like that. She didn¡¯t smile at me like that. Random thoughts were running in a loop in my head, only before Den crashing into me brought me back to reality.


    ¡°Den, no no ¨C¡± She screeched in horror, running up the small stairs before realizing that he had run into me. She eyes instantly shifted from fear to surprise, and even embarrassment. ¡°I apologize for that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. He¡¯s my son after all. And if you keep looking like that, I¡¯ll bite off your neck¡± I replied calmly, picking up the boy who was full of giggles and a wooden knife in his hand.


    She nodded in agreement and looked away. I found her expression weirdly appealing, seeing as she seemed to be avoiding my eyes. Instead she was ying with the ends of her locks. Then I noticed. That evening where I had called her into my room, I had asked her to wear her hair down instead of a miserable ponytail. She seemed to have gotten the message, because they were now parted in the middle and hung down in luscious waves that ran past her shoulders all the way to where I assumed her mid back would be despite her petite frame.


    She finally chuckled at my snarkyment, bringing her doe eyes back to look at me. My eyes traveled to the nape of her neck that was exposed in the navy blue dress she wore. I caught myself before I would break a smile at the sudden whiff of rose scents that found their way to my nostrils. Did she know what she was doing? She was making it difficult for me to resist the urge to m her into my bed and fuck her to insanity.


    She caught the subtle shift in expression, quickly changing the topic. ¡°How was work today?¡±


    I nodded, gently thrusting the boy back into her arms when I heard a high pitched cackleing from several feet away. Whipping my head up in surprise, I hissed at the sight.


    The Gemini were here, with Jacob wearing his familiar mischievous smile and his twin trailing coolly behind him. He had his hands spread out in exaggerated movements, bobbing his head to inaudible music.


    Way to ruin the moment.


    ¡°My Lord, we are here at your service.¡± He babbled, earning a small snicker from his twin.


    I could feel a scowl forming on my face. The intensity of her scent had worsened, as was the big boy in my pants that was beginning toe alive.


    Realizing that the most embarrassing thing was going to happen, I cleared my throat instead and turned to Larissa. Fuck, why did she have to look so innocent? ¡°Take him back inside.¡±


    She nodded and adjusted his position before going inside. The Gemini finally caught up to where I stood, with Jacob maintaining his exaggeration that was beginning to grow irritating.


    We walked into the living room and I took my seat on my favorite arm chair. They were seated in no time as well.


    ¡°So, my Lord. Just us two? I heard you cut off partnership with them at thepany and cut them off from all the major suppliers.¡± He started, propping himself to sit up with his legs spread.


    Only the corners of my lips raised and faltered to suit my response.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I couldn¡¯t concentrate. Their very distinct voices morphed into themselves and frankly reminded of an opera singer with an understandable failed career. The image of her only a moment ago remained in my head, her smile and the way she had left her down. I shouldn¡¯t have asked her to do that if I had known it would be my undoing.


    The wavesyered one against the other in near perfect sync, but what I loved most about it was how it exposed the enticing skin that covered her scent nd. Everything about her appearance was alluring today, so much that only the thought drew blood down south.


    ¡°My Lord? My Lord? Kaden!¡±


    It was Joshua¡¯s turn to yell in frustration. I whipped my head up to look at him mimicking the look of horror that his brother had on his face as well.


    ¡°What?¡± I snapped, and Jacob pinched his nostrils.


    ¡°We were asking when the siege will happen. Sooner is always better thanter.¡± He exined, gesturing expressively with his fingers. His twin nodded and I shook my head, bringing one hand to wave its fingers in negation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about thister. I¡¯m not in the mood.¡± I mumbled out and I saw something flip, but not go off. I sent him a re, watching him run his jeweled hands over his face.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He continued, still pinching his nostrils. ¡°Okay, so tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the judge of that.¡± I countered slightly harsher than I expected, mentally facepalming. Jacob, taken aback, exchanged nces with his brother before rising to his feet.


    ¡°Whoa, did someone shit your pants at the office? You¡¯re unusually agitated today.¡±


    ¡°Mind your fucking business.¡± I growled again, rising to my feet as well. And with that, I left them in the living room and dragged my feet upstairs only to meet Larissa staring at me wide eyed again in surprise. I stood by my door with my handstched on the door knob while she winced like she¡¯d just encountered some ghost.


    Straightening, she awkwardly tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ears and cleared her throat.


    ¡°Are you okay? Did something happen to you?¡± She was closing the distance between us, even though I would rather she didn¡¯t. Seeing her so up close was going to be the death of me. She noticed my difort, now halting her steps. ¡°Should I go back?¡±


    ¡°No. In fact,e here.¡± Doesn¡¯t sound like you actually want her to go now, does it?


    There was clear hesitation in her eyes before she willed herself to take careful steps further, standing about a foot away. Only now did I realize the more than distant height difference between us. She was several inches shorter, which only added to her appeal. Her features stood out today more than ever; her usually pale skin looked sun kissed, adding warmth to her dark eyes that were staring at me in uncertainty.


    My eyes travelled to her bottom lip that was caught between her lips. She may not have known it, but that single action was rapidly fueling my desire till it reached a thousand notches. Her lips parted as in in words, but there were no words that escaped them. Instead I looked back at her curious eyes.


    Those eyes were pulling me in like a child would be attracted to chocte. The scent of her pheromones was beginning to allude me, until I could take it no more and leaned in swiftly to press my lips to hers. I didn¡¯t want to think about it, for once I listened to Peter. She tasted like cherries and peaches, and although her lips were frozen, I could care less.


    Slowing pushing her against the wall just beside my door, my hands circled her torso, gently raking over her turquoise dress before settling to rest on her hips. She gasped into the kiss at that, lips partly ever so slightly but just enough for me to bite her bottom lip.


    I could sense the hesitation in her slower reaction, but she didn¡¯t pull away. Instead, her hands travelled to my hair as well, running through it in harsh circr movements. For some reason, I enjoyed the feel of her small hands in my hair a little too much. There was something particrly sensual about the way she was tugging at my hair that was bound to send me to the good parts of hell.


    Still remaining in the kiss, I picked her up with her wrapping her hands around my neck and legs around my torso like a kid, and felt my way around the door for the door knob. Once I reached for the knob, I pulled it but it wouldn¡¯t budge. Frustrated at the new growth down south, I pulled away from her just enough to see her face and jam the door open. She appeared dazed, staring nkly and adjusting the hand that was wrapped tightly around my neck.


    My eyes met with her lips again but she was the one to kiss me back this time, returning one hand to my hair and tugging again; that did it for me. I pushed past the door, ramming her entire form on the bed as swiftly as I could before tearing away from her for just long enough. If anything, she still looked entranced. Her legs dangled from the bed, but the rest of her weight was being supported by her propped elbows. Her breathing was slow and heavy, her eyes transfixed on mine.


    Hovering over her body now, it took one second to linger on how swollen her lips appeared, one to notice the redness of her cheeks and the dreaminess in her eyes, one to finally be up close with her scent beforetching back at the skin that covered her scent nd. There was only one word drumming at the back of my head; Hurry up, Kaden.


    Kissing my way back to her lips, I liked the way her head was swooped backwards at first and the soft mumbles that escaped her. Perhaps she was eager. Too eager and it was working its way up to erupting my desires into a ball of unquenchable thirst.


    I reached for the sleeves of her dress, pulling them back enough to expose her shoulders. Their softness reminded me of a cub¡¯s skin; milky and begging to be defiled.


    I pulled back on the sleeves even further then she suddenly winced, pulling away from me only to meet my eyes with question and¡­fear? The daze had disappeared from her eyes as if in a sh, and she had her hands up against my chest in defense.


    ¡°What are we doing?¡± She whispered lowly but loud enough for me to hear. I cocked by head, partly taken aback by her question.


    She asked me this once before. Before our marriage, she¡¯d asked me this question before. The same familiar hesitation and fear after going past a few kisses, it was all too simr.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be doing this¡­you said you didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with me.¡± She continued, her voice nowing out in broken whispers. ¡°You say one thing and you¡¯re doing another. It¡¯s scaring me.¡±


    There was pain in her eyes even as she pushed me further. I pulled awaypletely at that, returning to sit upright on the bed beside her; far enough forfort. She was right, I was being an idiot right now. She was still no different from Amaya right now. What was I even thinking?


    I let out a tired sigh, pulling the necktie that was more strangting than trendy loose. I ran one hand through my hair, mentally facepalming.


    I wasn¡¯t even upset at this point, I was mad at myself for making one mistake twice. I felt the bed move around for a bit while she struggled to pull her clothes back to where they should have been.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked again, clearing her throat. I turned to look at her wearing concern on her sleeves. It irritated me even more, causing me to let out a harsh sigh.


    ¡°Just leave. Leave if you want to.¡±

 Curfew

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    The look of disappointment expressly written on his face still lingered like some bitter aftertaste in my mouth, even after two weeks. He looked pained when I stopped us from crossing that line. What was I even saying? Somehow, we already crossed that line a long time ago. We both just didn¡¯t realize it. Maybe I did, but it was clear he did not.


    I still did not understand his actions. We¡¯d almost slept together, but he pushed me away after I stopped us albeit non-verbally. His bodynguage said it all. He hasn¡¯t even spoken to me since then, if he was ever in the mansion at all.


    I picked up myself from the bed and took small strides to the single window in the room, deliberately ignoring the small whines of the toddler in my bed.


    Pushing the curtains open, I stared at the clouds that had formed some pretty shapes in the sky. They appeared heavy and were effectively blocking out the sun from showering the earth with light. Instead, what remained was the familiar gloom that came with the cloudy weather; one that plunged my thoughts into shallow confusion.


    It was hurtful, I told myself, relishing in the feel of soft wind rustling my hair that I¡¯d tied back up in a ponytail.


    His scowls the next day, hisplete avoidance, and the thoughts that somehow, I had let myself go with this man whose voice said a different thing from his body. I found myself wondering what exactly it was. Perhaps it was because of his mate? Fortunately, that was the same reason I had stopped that day. He may not have gotten over her supposed death, or whatever wrong she did to him and Den.


    I didn¡¯t want to give myself yet to a man who could never love me like I hoped for. At the same time, I wished he would let me into his personal bubble. It was eve more hurtful that he was refusing to be direct with how he felt towards me. Was it simply lust or because I took care of his son?


    I pushed back the curtains even further, resting my hands on the window sill. My thoughts subconsciously drifted to that night again, the same night my life had been ruined. I didn¡¯t like the thought of it, I hated that somehow, he still had a chokehold over me as much as I hated him.


    I shook my head as if that would dispel my thoughts and spun around to see the toddler jumping on the bed. It wasn¡¯t even a spring bed, so watching him reach only a few centimeters before falling onto the bed again made me chuckle.


    Smiling lightly to myself again, I walked back to the bed and scooped him up, earning soft giggles from him after tickling the skin behind his neck. I fell back onto the bed and ced a kiss on his forehead, closing my eyes as I did and loving the feeling of the child in my hands.


    ¡°Issa. Issa!¡± His light voice rang across the room, pulling me out of my trance like state. I whipped my eyes open and propped myself to a sitting position.


    He was kicking now, struggling to wring himself free from my embrace. I let him go and run around, finding myself slowly slipping back to worry for his father. Did he still hate me? Was he doing well? Was he stressed? I found myself worrying still for his well being. It was going to hurt me still, why I still let myself care was what I couldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°Do you want more toys, Den?¡± I cooed in his ears, reaching out to hold him close after he had scooted far enough from where I had been sitting on the bed.


    His eyes lit up at that and he nodded, practically jumping out of the bed and forcing me to follow suit almost immediately. I caught him before he would travel further, scooping him up before I pushed the door open and the oddity of the environment caught me immediately.


    There were guards in front of my door. A whole dozen of them dressed in ck cargo pants andbat boots were littered upstairs, and I could see another good number by the French doors where I had seen the alpha that day.


    I felt the hairs on my body raise in surprise at the sight, staring at the ones who made eye contact with me in confusion. Did the mansion ever have so many guards?


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked quietly, tightening my grip on Den who appeared the least bit bothered. I could feel him tense up, but there was no visible response from him. One guard whose face I was unfamiliar with walked up to where I stood, towering over me with his hands behind his back.


    ¡°Orders from the alpha to protect the mansion at all costs.¡± He answered stiffly. His expression was nk as well, causing me to want to snort. Instead I kept eye contact, well aware that I probably looked mortified as hell.


    ¡°Is something going on?¡±


    ¡°The alpha has taken his best men out for a mission. So in the meantime, everybody is encouraged to stay put until he returns. Which means no one is allowed to leave the mansion.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°If you need anything, you can reach out to the guards. We¡¯ll take your requests.¡± He replied even stiffer than the first time, sending me a small re before walking back to his position. I smiled awkwardly watching him leave, even if a part of me wanted to snicker back.


    I still didn¡¯t understand what was going on. Mission? Was the pack in trouble? ¡°Er, wait¡­ I ¨C¡±


    ¡°Larissa! Larissa!¡± Gwen¡¯s high-pitched yell was startling, I could recognize her voice as soon as I heard it.


    I shifted my attention to the stairs where Gwen was running, halting in her tracks right in front of me. Her breathing was unsteady, she had her hands on her knees while struggling to catch her breath.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I backed up two steps in surprise, watching her wave her hands frantically before straightening up. ¡°Larissa, did you hear?¡±


    My expression rxed at that. She was hitting her chest now as if that would help her breathing before waving at the toddler who¡¯d nearly jumped out of my arms at her startling screams.


    ¡°I think I just did. I mean, there are a bunch of guards everywhere who say that they have orders not to let anyone leave the mansion.¡±


    She nodded like a human child who was seeing candy for the first time before closing the distance between us so she could whisper in my ears.


    ¡°It makes me wonder if we¡¯re under siege.¡±


    ¡°Shush!¡± I tapped at her shoulders a little harsher than I wanted, but it was enough for her to roll her eyes at me and go back to looking around with her arms folded.


    I found myself wondering if everything was okay. He just disappeared overnight? To a mission? He had to be okay in the end. Not for me, I told myself. For his son. Everything was for Den.


    I sighed onest time, passing Den over to Gwen and silently pleading that she would take him to is room.


    I started down the stairs only to see yet another crowd in the living room. Except that this time, it wasn¡¯t only the guards present in the living room. There were a bunch of unfamiliar faces, a few who were sitting on the couch and a number of people who were standing and appeared agitated. Confused, their heads turned when they sensed me on the stairs.


    There was a woman who sat on the cathedra whose head whipped around faster than the others. She appeared pleasant faced, yet there was a demeaning air of authority that oozed from her being. Her hair was a deep brown and was now staring at my soul. I shifted ufortably, grateful that her back was still turned away from me.


    ¡°Can we have some water, please?¡± One on the men in the room asked, staring at me with plea in his eyes. Still startled, it took me a full minute to process what was going on. Who were all these people and why were they here?


    As in he could read my thoughts, he chuckled awkwardly. ¡°The alpha asked us toe to his mansion for the period he¡¯ll be away. We¡­don¡¯t have homes, you see.¡±


    He sounded broken, smiling through his statement before looking away. He turned to look back at me, shing me another pitiful smile.


    I nodded swiftly, walking straight to the kitchen to set up several trays of water. At this point, I wished Gwen would join me in the kitchen. The maids in the mansion were always nowhere in sight, I always thought he refused to et them work just to spite me.


    I walked back to the living room carefully, steadying the tray in my hands before cing it on the coffee table. Never in a thousand years would I have imagined that serving people with water and hearing their gratitude would be so exhrating.


    I found myself smiling without thinking. The regr people of the pack were the sweetest, making me wonder even more what exactly had gone wrong with their alpha.


    The brown haired woman kept her gaze transfixed on me, making me gulp many times no matter how much I wanted to ignore it. I would rather she spoke up than looking at me like that.


    Forcing another smile, I nced back at her before walking up to where she sat with her legs crossed. Up close, I had to admit that she was one beautiful woman. Her appearance vastly differed from that of the other people in the room, donned in a simple ck dress and an intensely red lipstick. Even her poise screamed grace. Except for the nkness in her eyes, she reminded me of my mother.


    ¡°Miss, would you like a ss of water?¡± I asked softly, mustering a kind smile in her direction. She seemed surprised, judging from how her pupils dted ever so slightly. She nodded afterwards, smiling tightly in return.


    ¡°A ss of water and three cubes of ice would be enough.¡±


    Her voice was like velvet. I hadn¡¯t met her before, but something about it was oddly familiar. The voice wasn¡¯t, the tone was. I nodded at her response and walked back to the kitchen to bring her her ss of water.


    She looked amused when I returned, taking the ss from my hands with the most graceful movements. Her eyes travelled to mine, and I finally saw her smile back genuinely.


    ¡°Oh you¡¯re so kind!¡± One woman called out dramatically, catching me by surprise. I wanted tough back and ask her what she meant, but another wail caught my attention.


    ¡°Right?! She¡¯s so different from the one who shall not be named!¡±


    I saw the woman who sat on the cathedra raise a brow ever so slightly while the people chattered. ¡°She agreed to give us a ss of water. If the one who should not be named were still here, she would have driven us out!¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t even spare us some water. She was so brutal.¡±


    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake, call her name! She¡¯s dead, isn¡¯t she?¡± Yet another spoke up with a snicker, ncing around before continuing. ¡°We all know the former Luna is dead. And she was ¨C¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    I turned around, startled by the sudden yell. It was the brown haired woman standing now with a frown on her face. ¡°Do not speak of the dead like that! No matter what she did, she was still your Luna!¡±


    The entire living room fell near silent at that. But there was another question lingering in my head. Amaya¡­who was she? What kind of person was she for her subjects to dislike her so much? I felt someone tap at my shoulders and I turned around to see that first man that had spoken to me. He was smiling again, but lighter than before.


    ¡°They¡¯re telling the truth, my dear. You¡¯re not like her. She hated us, and frankly we didn¡¯t like her either. The alpha¡¯s mother is just upset to her daughter-inw.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, who?¡±


    And my eyes followed his finger that pointed towards the once intimidating aura in the room whose eyes darted around as though she was blinking back tears.

 Seized

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    ¡°Secure all of their pressure points.¡± I instructed, watching the men before me bow in response and as a pledge of allegiance. ¡°The entrance. Survey the back area for opposition as well. And report back to me once that is cleared up.¡±


    They nodded again, stealthily walking towards the woods that surrounded the pack house.


    I smiled to myself before turning to look at them stronger men who hade with me. ¡°Jacob, you go with them and make sure everything goes as nned. Joshua, Jackson and Hunter, you¡¯reing with me. This is going to be one bloody visit.¡±


    They chorused in response and Jacob shed me a small smirk before strapping his bow tightly across his back. I couldn¡¯t see it, but I knew. Jacob would never go into battle with one weapon.


    He reminded me of myself, take them out when they least expect it. It was more dignifying than ambushing them because they knew they were in danger. The dangerous thing was that they didn¡¯t know how. Fools like them knew how to stage an attack without nning to defend.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Of course.¡± He said onest time before disappearing after them. I turned away from his faded silhouette and turned my attention to the rest of them. ¡°Saddle up, boys.¡±


    With that, I walked back to where Jackson had parked the SUV several feet from the gate to the pack house. The name ¡®South Sea¡¯ was less than befitting for a small pack who only had ake surrounding it. Sea, my ass. The environment was more befitting for other beasts that slept in the woods.


    Jackson took the wheel yet again, driving it to the front gate where two guards stood. He pulled up, turning off the ignition when they wouldn¡¯t budge before alighting the car.


    The two guards walked up to where Jackson stood, speaking in hushed tones. I smirked when he started to re-tie his bun, pulling out his ws in the process and scratching across his face. The other guard growled loudly, but Jackson was just in time to duck out of his reach and send his ws flying straight to his abdomen.


    He pulled the gates open himself before returning to the car, dabbing his bloodied hands with some tissue. Driving the car into thepound, I could see some of the guards rushing towards the car with weapons.


    I couldn¡¯t me them though, the wave of dust that came with Jackson nearing causing the car to skid was enough to cause temporary blindness.


    ¡°Should we attack, my Lord?¡± Joshua questioned, drawing out his fangs but I shook my head, still reserving the sarcastic smirk.


    ¡°Not yet. In their eyes, they have done us no wrong. It would only cause an unnecessary scene if we attack them now without getting to the good part.¡±


    With that, I alighted the car as well, patting off the dust from my jacket. I could see the Luna standing at the entrance, just opposite where I stood with shock expressly written on her face.


    I smiled at her seeing her like that, shoving my hands into my pockets as I approached her. By this time, her beta had arrived by her side, and we were fully surrounded by her guards who drew out weapons at us.


    ¡°You might want to ask them to drop those, dear Luna.¡± I taunted with a smirk, taking one step in her direction.


    I saw her demeanor shift from shock to an embossing version of confidence as she rose a hand, forcing them to pull their weapons back. She turned to her beta, whispering something in his ears before turning her attention to me.


    ¡°I see you got my letters, Alpha Kaden. But you¡¯re awfullyte, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right on time, my dear.¡± I continued with a condescending lip tilt. ¡°Right on time. Won¡¯t you let me in?¡±


    Her heavily smoky eyes narrowed as if in thought before she looked back at me, folding both hands behind her.


    ¡°Very well then, Alpha. But those three¡­¡± She pointed at the men who stood behind me. ¡°¡­stay outside.¡±


    Iughed at that, running one hand through my hair and rapidly switching to a stoic face. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that you would like to see them stay outside. They are more than capable of causing mayhem, if you imagine mayhem to be sending your guards to hell.¡±


    Her expression had fallen into a deep frown, I could sense her difort but I had to give her credit for masking it well.


    ¡°Mayhem? I thought you came to address the letters.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and they have to be involved.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I smiled at that. She¡¯d gotten smarter, and that made me want to rip out her head even more. She was baiting me, even when she was well aware that I could end her life now. I smiled at her nheless, signaling for them to remain outside with the rest of the guards.


    You know what to do, Joshua. I mind linked him, ncing at the rest of them before walking inside with her and her awful looking beta.


    She took a seat on one armchair with her beta standing just behind her, while I sat opposite her with my legs crossed. This was by far the most amusing approach I¡¯d taken to get rid of a bug like this Luna. I enjoyed the feeling of seeing her fidget in her seat, sparing me nces before gulping down a ss of wine and refilling it every time.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know the Luna of the South Sea pack was such a terrible host. I went through all that trouble toe here, and I have to ask for a ss of water.¡± I teased again, still wearing the same smirk. She whipped up her head at that, motioning for her beta to pour me a ss of wine.


    ¡°So what do you want, Alpha Kaden?¡±


    ¡°Curious much?¡±


    She narrowed her eyes even further, finally setting down her ss. ¡°What are you here for? If you cannot state your mission, I¡¯d have to kindly ask you to take your men and leave.¡±


    My smirk finally faltered, this was getting boring really quick. I straightened at that, pulling one leg from the other so that my legs were slightly parted.


    ¡°I heard your boyfriend died.¡± I started, rising to my feet. ¡°What was his name again? Nik, I think?¡±


    ¡°How do you know him?¡± She couldn¡¯t hide the fear in her voice any longer. It was clear, but her attempts at ying dumb was beginning to irritate me.


    ¡°He was my beta, you wench.¡± I snapped at that, watching her recoil into her seat with an ¡®oh¡¯ escaping her lips.


    ¡°Why did you kill him?¡±


    She cocked a brow, sipping at her wine again. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Make me repeat myself again and those will be thest words you will hear.¡±


    She rose to her feet at that with a frown. Deep creases had formed on her forehead and if anything, she had gone pale.


    ¡°I won¡¯t have youe to my pack and use me!¡± She screamed, pulling out her ws. Her beta did the same at that, but the sounds of ripping flesh and piercing screams forced her to halt her hysteria and brought a victorious smile to my lips.


    ¡°Those are your guards¡¯ bodies welching, dear Luna. You might want to pull your ws back in.¡± I continued, slowly drawing ws of my own. But rather than take my word for it, she smiled. The most sarcastic smile I¡¯d seen in a long time. If she wasn¡¯t such a bitch, we may have actually gotten along.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing on me, Kaden. They will have their way no matter what you do.¡± She said, still smiling at the ruckus outside.


    Before I could react, she charged at me with both ws, screaming her lungs out and scratching at everything in her wake. I caught her just on time before she made for my face, but there was another scratch at my back that caused me to wince and finally snap.


    Angrily, I tossed her into therge bar that stood close to the entrance and spun around to deliver a hard punch to his temples. He fell to the ground, and as if on cue, Jackson and Hunter were in the room, pinning him in ce.


    I walked back to where I had tossed the bitch who was breathing harshly, with splinters of ss scattered around the small pool of blood that formed from her bleeding head.


    Crouching to her eye level, I yanked her hair backwards to force her to look at me. The blood from her head had trickled to her eyes, nearly blinding one of them. The other was ring at me however, and the sides of her lips curved upwards in mockery.


    ¡°Who are you working for? What are they after? How much did they promise you?¡±


    Rather than answer, she wriggled her lips and the next thing I felt was bloodied saliva flying in my face. She smiled at that and spat in my face again. I could feel rage welling up inside me, before shoving her head into the broken cab again.


    ¡°And here I was thinking you actually needed help. How disappointing.¡±


    Her beta was groaning and pulling and fighting back at Jackson and Hunter, but they were quick to send a punch in his abdomen to silence him.


    Feeling a smirk taking its home on my lips, I wiped off the saliva from my face and shifted my attention back to the woman who was otherwise limp without my hands in her hair.


    ¡°So, will you talk now, or I should go ahead and pulverize your face?¡±


    No response.


    I reached down to her ears, feeling her tense at that. ¡°It just might interest you to know that your entire pack¡¯s surrounded. So whether or not you talk, I would still find out the truth.¡±


    ¡°You genuinely believe I care?¡± She spat back, wearing a smirk of her own. ¡°Go ahead, kill them all! See if your pack would remain safe after this. And if you¡¯re going to kill me, you might as well do that now.¡±


    ¡°You want to die that much?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Sheughed out, although I couldn¡¯t tell if she wasughing or coughing hysterically. ¡°Yes, and I owe you no apologies. Long live the moon.¡±


    I could feel my muscles tense at that. The moon? What did she even mean?


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Kill me already!¡± She spat back. I could see her drawing her fangs out at that, and I sent her head flying into the cab yet again.


    She smiled even wider everytime I mmed her head until I ripped it apart in frustration. I stared at the severed head sitting on the floor with one eye gorged out, subtly smiling to myself.


    I turned my attention to the beta who had stopped wrestling to free himself from their grip. Instead, he was limp and wide-eyed, staring at the body of the woman he once sore to protect with his life.


    ¡°Are you going to talk or I have to incapacitate you as well?¡±


    ¡°No¡­no¡­ they asked us to do it.¡± His voice came out frantic as he shook his head. I walked up to where he was. ¡°I swear I had no choice. She agreed to it, they¡¯re the ones behind everything.¡±


    Without thinking, I pulled out my ws. I was angry beyond words. Who was this bastard? Just how much power did he hold?! Even allies were now turning their backs at me! I sent my ws scratching at his face until it had be a bloodied mess, angrier at the fact that he wouldn¡¯t fight back.


    He soon fell to the ground when I had reached deep down to gut his organs out. Staring at the gore in front of me onest time, I hissed at the sight and walked out of the messy living room with the two men trailing behind me. The shing outside hadn¡¯t stopped yet, but it was clear that the guards of the pack were being overpowered.


    ¡°Kill them all! Every single one! I don¡¯t want their ugly asses as prisoners or souvenirs!¡± I yelled out, watching the sh unfold before my eyes. All too quickly, the fight had died out and I could spot Jacob in the middle of the ruckus clutching his left waist.

 Catching feelings

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I heard the front gate rustle open from Den¡¯s room where I was sitting on the marbled floors, softly rocking the toddler to sleep and struggling to control my own agitation.


    The alpha has been gone for two days already, even the clouds outside had the appearance of impending doom. The toddler wriggled in my arms, slowly opening his eyes at the sudden wave of noise that hit the room from the living room.


    Startled, I ran my hands through my hair to keep him asleep before taking away the wooden knife in his hands and cing him on the bed.


    I rose to my feet, still confused by the ruckus and pattered to the door. I pulled it open and my eyes narrowed at the sight. The guards that had been loitering upstairs and wouldn¡¯t even give me some room to breathe were now nowhere in sight.


    Instead, I was greeted by a coldness that was reminiscent of regr rainy days. There was nobody around, but I could hear the new-found boisterousness that engulfed the living room and piqued my curiosity.


    Hesitating, I found myself wondering if we were actually under attack. But if we were, the aura of the entire builing would have been drastic. It wouldn¡¯t sound like praises morphed with excitement. I sighed, resigning to whatever the case would be and reached the top of the stairs only to see the front door wide open and a good number of people crowding the entrance.


    At the door stood the alpha in all of his essence, I could swear my heart skipped a beat seeing him stand there like that. He had both hands to his hips, breathing unsteadily while greeting the people of the pack that had taken refuge in the mansion the two days he was absent.


    He had a tight smile on his lips as they bowed at him, murmuring greetings till he finally looked up, locking eyes with mine.


    I saw something sh in his eyes when he looked at me, and my heart leaped again. I missed him, I was happy to see him although he was some considerable meters away, but he would never know that. He didn¡¯t care enough to know that. He continued to bore holes in my soul until he was pulled into a hug by the same poised brown haired woman who¡¯d asked me for some ice.


    She whispered something in his ears and his face fell t, mirroring the look in my eyes. I felt a small pang of hurt pinch at my chest at that, and I forced myself to look away.


    Of course, she had to be one of his many admirers and it was even more hurtful that he always entertained their excesses. Yet I couldn¡¯t tear my eyes away from him, and it was only a matter of time before his eyes met mine. Surprise shed through them and I watched him slowly pry himself away from the woman before giving her a curt bow. The greetings and ecstatic noises continued even as I stood there, but I noticed him disappear from the crowd and start for the stairs.


    I didn¡¯t look away until he reached the top of the stairs, looking at me with unreadable eyes before heaving a sigh. I finally had to look away, the weight of his eyes on me was making moths p around in my stomach.


    ¡°You¡¯re not happy I came back?¡± He half hissed out, taking brisk steps towards me till he was only a few feet away from me.


    His eyes were searching mine even as he cocked a brow, shoving both hands in his pockets. I took a step back, ufortable at the proximity before clearing my throat.


    ¡°Wee back from your trip.¡± I muttered lowly before meeting his eyes again. He took one step towards me and I took another back. He did it again and I had to take yet another step back, slowly growing irritated. What was he doing? Was he here to taunt me again?


    Before I could think about any other thing, he pulled me into an embrace. The hell? My blood ran cold at that, even I stood there frozen before simply heating up to the temperature of boiling water. I heard him sniff my hair and inhale deeply before letting out a raspy sigh.


    ¡°How¡¯s my son?¡±


    I felt the vibration resonate through my nerves. Having never been attached to him while he spoke, this was a not so wee surprise. I didn¡¯t particrly like that I liked the vibration, lost in my own little world in my head when he slowly shook me, waiting for a response.


    ¡°Yes¡­Den. He¡¯s asleep. I could get him for you if you¡¯d like to see him.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± He responded with a small snort and pulled away. ¡°It¡¯s good that way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re fine.¡± I blurted out and met his eyes, taking in his surprise and rxation at the same time. The corners of his eyes twitched slightly, drawing my attention to his eyes.


    His pupils were dted, and the beautiful chromatic silver rings around hos irises appeared to have widened in the slightest. He let out another raspy sigh before speaking again.


    But I didn¡¯t pay attention to anything he said. I recognized the woody scent that had nearly driven me insane only a few days ago. It was taking a lot of willpower to simply stare at him and not do anything, so it was until I felt soft skin on my lips that snapped me straight back to reality.


    He kissed me. He kissed me again and I flinched, meeting his face that had been brought to light by a small smirk that graced his lips.


    ¡°I ¨C¡±


    ¡°Shush.¡±


    He was searching my eyes again, this time for something else. Then he took my hand and pulled me towards his room. He was violent with the door knob, jamming it when it wouldn¡¯te undone. I bit back a giggle, remembering thest time he fought with the door.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± He growled lowly, kicking the door open forcefully before pulling me inside by my wrists. He shut the door to the dim room, turning back to look and me. I was certain he enjoyed the feeling of seeing him cower away from him. Because when he did, he smirked and closed the distance between us in swift steps; only sparing me a nce beforetching his lips onto mine. Something at the back of my mind was telling me how wrong this was. But a part of me wanted to just enjoy the feeling of him raking through my body and kissing me like I was the most important thing in the world.


    Curse you, mating season.


    I brought my hands to circle his neck, tilting my neck and letting him explore my mouth. I had no significant skills, but he took the lead, tugging at my bottom lip before gently thrusting through with his tongue. It didn¡¯t take long for the heat to travel to my core, and I couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft moan at the feel of his tongue.


    He gently pushed us both till my legs hit the edge of the bed and fell with me without leaving my lips for once. I wanted to let my hands explore his rock-hard chest, so I let my fingers do all the work slowly undoing his buttons, tracing his pectus and feeling his nipples harden.


    Euphoria wasn¡¯t a solid description of how I felt when he started to kiss away from my lips, grunting lowly as he kissed his way to the nape of my neck. He began to suck gently at the same spot and I let out another moan at that, thrusting my hands into the silky softness of his hair. I felt him smile against my skin before biting it ever so gently.


    ¡°How does that feel?¡± He whispered against my skin. It felt tingly as much as it was it was teasing. Whatever words I had to say were stuck at the back of my throat. I couldn¡¯t say anything, instead I let out a low hum and felt him smile again before biting harder. It was beginning to hurt, but I loved it anyways. Fisting his hair, I let him continue, arching my back ever so slightly.


    My legs were quivering even as the heat grew in my core. I felt fear rouse itself in me, was I actually going to do this now? I really didn¡¯t want to care anymore. I would rather live in the moment and regret itter. He began kissing his way up again, quickly recapturing my lips swiftly before thrusting his tongue back in to twirl around mine. I gasped softly at the intensity. He was kissing me so hard that I feared he would draw blood at some point.


    His fingers got to work too, leaving my hips to caress the skin on my thighs after my flowery dress had ridden up so high. They continued to travel up my body; he was taking his time distracting me with his lips and working his fingers till they grazed my waist. I was ticklish there and I winced, but those strong hands held me in ce. I already felt my own nipples start to hurt, straining against the fabric of my bra. He pulled away and returned his lips to my neck, prying off my dress slowly until the chiffon fabric had pooled around my waist.


    Before I could think again, his lips had taken their home on my chest. He continued to kiss his way down without undoing my bra, just kissing over it teasingly before running one fine string of kisses along my abdomen with soft grunts. I couldn¡¯t hold back any more moans even if they were muted because Den¡¯s room was just next door, I let myself relish in the moment.


    But they stopped. They stopped all too quickly; his hands, his lips, his kisses and the seductive shine in his eyes. Instead, he just hovered over me like a mortified frozen statue.


    ¡°Amaya?¡± He whispered harshly, running nces over my body before his expression contorted into a disgusting frown. Confused, I was looking at him in hopes for an exnation, but he said nothing and propped himself away to the empty side of his bed.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    He was doing this again. And I let him do it. I forced myself to sit up as well, feeling disgusted with myself and with the selfish bastard in front of me who had his hands in his hair like I had less than a minute ago. My hands were trembling as I struggled to fix my clothes, and I felt hot, angry tears brimming in my eyes.


    I hated him. I hated the power he had over me and the emptiness in his eyes when he finally turned to look at me. He looked angry, and the fact that he looked like that made me even angrier.


    ¡°You should leave.¡± He muttered, rising to his feet and staring at nothingness. I couldn¡¯t believe it. He brought me her himself!


    ¡°No.¡±


    All of the words remained stuck fat the back of my throat. I clutched my chest in agonizing hurt, finally breaking. I couldn¡¯t hold back the hurt in my eyes, fuck him if he thought I was a ything for his use. ¡°No, I said no!¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°What the fuck am I to you?! Why do you keep toying with my feelings?!¡± I screamed out, rising to my feet as well. He would probably order for my beheading tonight, but I could care less. I was so damn tired of this cycle and his own problems.


    ¡°What have I done wrong to you?¡± My voice had grown into a harsh whisper as I struggled to blink back the tears that were now on free fall. ¡°You keep saying one thing and doing the other¡­I¡¯m not Amaya for fuck¡¯s sake! I don¡¯t know who she is. I¡¯m not Amaya¡­¡± My voice had brokenpletely at this point, mirroring the look in his eyes as he stood there staring at me like I¡¯d given him some reality check.


    ¡°I will never be Amaya, so give me a damn break if you still think that somehow I¡¯d be your lost mate.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t want to!¡± I cried out again, snapping at him and forcing him to step back. ¡°I know your wife is dead and you want her back, but that has nothing to do with me! It¡¯s not my fault that I¡¯m so hopelessly in love with you, Alpha¡­¡±


    I gulped at that. I should have stopped myself instead of blurting out like that. But the deed had been done already, and I could swear I saw confusion sh in his eyes at that.


    It only fueled my own embarrassment. I couldn¡¯t stand being in the same room as him any longer.


    ¡°Just leave me the fuck alone.¡± I choked out onest time before pushing past him and running out of the door.


    I didn¡¯t stop once to look at him; I didn¡¯t want to hate myself even more. I ran straight to my room, mming it shut before climbing into my bed to cry my eyes out on my pillow. I rolled myself up to a fetal position, sobbing harshly and screaming into my pillow in self disgust.


    Fuck you, Kaden,

 Hurting

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    Even without feeling all over my under eyes, I could tell that they were swollen. It even took so much will power to force myself to continue my chores and take care of Den like nothing was happening in the first ce.


    And it was getting tiring; ever since that day, I¡¯d taken to my bed at any opportunity I found. It was hurting too much, so much that it felt like a chainsaw gutting me out every day.


    I couldn¡¯t get the image of his expression that day out of my head. I hated that I thought of him so much. I hated that my happiness, however little had begun to dwell on his own affirmations.


    Fuck, why did I have to care in the first ce? He would never see me for who I was. He would never love me; I was merely here to take care of his son as he saw fit. He must think my feelings are a ything, tsk.


    Standing there, I felt stupid all over again. How could I have let this happen once again? I wanted to bring myself to reject him once and for all, I couldn¡¯t even bring myself to do that. I hadn¡¯t seen him ever since that day, frankly I didn¡¯t fancy seeing him. I didn¡¯t want to have to face him. Perhaps it was best the way it was, I could get over it a lot easier.


    I felt a small pang in my chest yet again, the wave of this one hitting harder than they have in thest few days.


    ¡°Hey, Larissa¡­are you sure you¡¯re fine?¡± A calm, feminine voice pulled me out of my trance like state and I flinched, spinning around sharply and dropped the dish in my hands to the ground.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± I jumped, startled and squatted quickly to gather the shards that had scattered on the ground. Instead I pricked one finger on a shard of broken dish, whimpering at the sensation. It was just about as painful as a needlepoint injury; inconspicuous but just as painful.


    The figure in the kitchen with me who gasped was Gwen, whose lips were parted in a mix of surprise and irritation, and muttering a string of barely audible curses as her nces shifted from me to the mess on the ground, and back to me.


    ¡°I told you before, don¡¯t do the dishes if you¡¯re not feeling well. You always break them!¡± She yelled again while clicking her tongue, the expected vile reced with concern.


    She stared at me with soft eyes, crouching down to pick up one of therger shards before waving it at my face. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re fine? I wasn¡¯t going to say this, but you¡¯ve been spacing out quite a lot.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine.¡± I muttered back unconvincingly, struggling to wipe off the excesses of dishwashing liquid from my hands andpletely ignoring the pain in my fingers. I rose to my feet and she mirrored my action, staring at me with the most concern.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s a lie and you know it. I don¡¯t want to bug you, but did something happen to you? You know you can tell me.¡± She spoke softly again after running a hand through her hair that she had let down today.


    Even seeing her let down her now auburn hair reminded me of the way he¡¯d pulled away the stic band in my hair that day. He didn¡¯t even know how effort it took to keep my hair down that day. Wait, why was I even thinking about him again now?


    Gwen noticed the difort in my expression and let out a sigh in what I assumed was defeat before walking to the other end of the kitchen to fetch a broom. She came back in no time, sparing me a displeased nce before nudging me with her elbows.


    ¡°Just go to your room, I¡¯ll clean this mess up.¡± Her voice carried a tone of instruction and I had no choice but toply. I didn¡¯t want to remain here. More than anything, I wanted to return to my room and gather my wages and probably spend it on getting some befitting clothes that didn¡¯t scream depressed as I was.


    I had thought of getting a phone once, but what was the point? I had no one left in the world to reach out to. I was locked up with my own problems, and no one gave a fuck about it.


    I nodded at that and forced a smile to assure her that I was fine before walking out of the kitchen. as I did, I nced at the dining table, remembering all the times I¡¯d served him and Den breakfast.


    The image was vivid as if it was happening in reality, but I knew I was just hallucinating. They¡¯d been happening recently. I saw him everywhere when I didn¡¯t want to.


    I saw him when I closed my eyes, even in my lucid dreams and it frustrated me to no end. I sighed again and started for the stairs, when I saw him again walking down the stairs with a t-shirt that clung to his torso for dear life, and marching sweat pants.


    I blinked at him twice, but he remained there with his hands thrust deep in his pockets. He was looking straight ahead, avoiding my gaze at all costs. It was weird, every time I saw him, he was staring at my soul. But today, he was looking at something else. I rolled my eyes at that, patting at my hair before letting out another sigh.


    ¡°What the fuck are you looking at?¡± I snapped.


    ¡°What the fuck are YOU looking at?¡± He snapped back with almost bewildered eyes. Startled, I flinched and took small steps backwards, pinching my cheeks so hard that I was sure they would bruise.


    I wasn¡¯t hallucinating. He was really there on the staircase, staring at my mortified form with one raised brow. Only then did I feel a heavy wave of embarrassment hit me hard, as well as a million other feelings I couldn¡¯t describe. There was hurt, anger, fear and a feeling that my chest was going to explode all at once.


    ¡°cking off?¡± He continued tauntingly, forcing my eyes back up from where they had wandered to. He looked away almost immediately before clearing his throat harshly, looking at me with stern eyes. I didn¡¯t respond, instead I looked away again.


    ¡°Clean the living room. Now. My guests would be here in a few minutes and I don¡¯t want them telling me how murky the whole ce is because a certain housekeeper refused to do her job.¡± He finished harshly, not sparing any more nces before pushing past me to his study.


    I stood there numbly for a minute, finally feeling the pain of a thousand needles pricking at my heart course through my veins. I didn¡¯t imagine that seeing him after that day would hurt so much. I had half expected him to say something. Anything, if it would numb the way I felt. Instead he just dished out his orders and left like that.


    I nodded to thin air, struggling to blink back the tears that had begun to brim in my eyes. It hurt so much, and I hated it. Wiping back at the tear in my eyes, I turned around only to see Gwen looking at me pitifully. Even that hurt all the more.


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    As soon as I¡¯d thrown the door to the study open, I let out a breath I didn¡¯t even know I was holding. I didn¡¯t imagine that I¡¯d see her so soon after that evening. Peter was agitated seeing her too, and I was so tempted to p him into sanity. This was all his fault, if only he hadn¡¯t let the mating season get to him.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Don¡¯t me me for your own errors, Kaden. You were the one who called Amaya that day.


    ¡°Can you fucking shut up for a damn minute?!¡± I snapped back, walking briskly to my desk before plopping onto the chair. I ran a hand through my hair in futile attempts to pull my shit together, but it didn¡¯t work.


    Annoyed and frustrated, I picked up a file from the desk. But even that appeared to be sttered ck ink on white paper. The words were all jumbled, and I mmed it back onto the desk.


    I rose from my seat again, walking to the miniature bar in the study. I stopped at the bar, grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the counter when I halted my movement.


    Her scent from thest time still lingered all over the bar. Something about it wasforting as much as it bothered me. Why couldn¡¯t I get her out of my mind? She was everywhere I went and it drove me crazy. Even her words from that night echoed in my head, forcing me to ditch the wine and return to my seat.


    Kaden, you¡¯re screwed big time. No matter how long it takes you to admit it.

 Tingles

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    My difort worked its way right into night time. I stood in the shower, loving the delicious tingles that traveled down my spine from the odd temperature of the water.


    Any other person would haveined that the water was cold enough to give frostbites in spring, but I thought otherwise. It was currently the only thing that could take me away from the bugging insanity that had be Larissa.


    I finally turned off the shower head, swiping off the white towel from the curtains before wrapping it around my torso.


    I climbed out of the shower, shaking my head slowly to rid my hair of excess water before walking backing to my room. I threw somefortable clothes on and turned in the direction of my bed, but my eyes lingered on the spot she¡¯did that evening she¡¯d yelled at me. I couldn¡¯t read what her eyes pleaded that day, but her words were just as gut wrenching.


    Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh and plopped onto the bed and opened my eyes again to stare at the ceilings. I had my hands behind my head, supporting its weight as I let my mind wander far.


    No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to answer any of the questions she¡¯d asked. Why I said one thing and did another, why I was ying with her feelings, I didn¡¯t know.


    I didn¡¯t want to care about her feelings, I wanted them to have nothing on me. Peter had called it denial, and it pissed me off to no end. She¡¯d said she wasn¡¯t Amaya, but it didn¡¯t stop her from being a fucking cheat too. I still didn¡¯t want a mate that had cheated on the man she was married to.


    But fuck it, I couldn¡¯t lie anymore that she didn¡¯t do things to me. She drove me insane every time I saw her; her body and her scent were everything. But more than that was her asional smile when she saw me, even though I was certain that it had finally gone up in mes.


    I hadn¡¯t realized it, but seeing her happy to see me made my heart swell. The way she took good care of Den like he was her own son, something Amaya couldn¡¯t do; her stealthy nces at me when she thought I wasn¡¯t looking. I¡¯d heard from my guards her service to the pack members on my mission. And the fact that I was beginning to trip for her sweetness irritated me.


    I hated that she was working her way to my heart, one I¡¯ve diligently guarded since that bitch left me. I hated myself even more for feeling this way in the first ce. I was actively setting myself up for another heartbreak, and I didn¡¯t want that in the slightest.


    You can¡¯t go on like this, Kaden. Make up your mind once and for all. Admit that you want her in more ways than just her body. It won¡¯t kill you to admit that seeing her hurt hurts you as well, stop being a fucking chicken.


    ¡°I swear I would knock off your teeth, Peter.¡±


    ¡°Do what you want,¡± He taunted back as I struggled to force myself to sleep. ¡°We¡¯re the same person, you¡¯ll get hurt worse.¡±


    *


    It had been a full week since I¡¯d spoken to Larissa. I didn¡¯t know if she was intentionally avoiding me, but if she was, she was doing a fucking great job at it. Thest time I¡¯d seen her, she was ying with some flowers with Den in the garden. They looked happy, and I was content just seeing them from afar. I didn¡¯t trust my impulsive tendencies not to snap at her if I did see her up close.


    I shifted my attention to the small crowd in the living room where I sat on an arm chair. Hunter and the Gemini had just arrived a few minutes ago; and the twins were chattering about something I didn¡¯t care enough to pay attention to. Hunter on the other hand was transfixed on hisptop, typing away like it was the most important thing in the world.


    ¡°¡­I fucking mean it! What do you think, should I take her home permanently?¡± Jacob cackled out, his annoyingly high-pitched voice rising octave as he spun around to look at me.


    There were tingles in his eyes, as well as a sly smirk and a small chuckle from his brother. ¡°My Lord, do you mind? I was talking about this crazy good omega I hadst night. I want to seek your permission to take her home with me.¡±


    ¡°And how is that relevant to what we came here to discuss, Jacob?¡± I questioned back irritably, earning a soft chuckle from his lips. ¡°I told you before, I don¡¯t care about your sexual shenanigans. Take your fucks to your house as long as they consent. I can see that your injury¡¯s healed up pretty nicely.¡±


    He rose a brow at that, nudging his twin gently before chuckling. ¡°Of course, my Lord. Thank you. So what about you? Been good?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not friends.¡±


    ¡°I know, my Lord ~¡± He drawled with mischievous eyes, twirling his free hand in the air. ¡°But, I do think that you need a break from all of the shenanigans. You¡¯ve been busy an awful lot, I¡¯m pretty sure your son misses you.¡±


    It was my turn to cock a brow. What did it matter to him if my son missed me or not? It wasn¡¯t in his ce to give me any advice, the man couldn¡¯t keep it in his pants even at gunpoint.


    ¡°He has a nanny, so save it.¡±


    ¡°I beg to agree with him.¡± Hunter piped finally, shifting his attention from the screen in front of him. ¡°You may have forgotten, but you usually go on a short vacation at this time of the year. You¡¯re especially stressed out recently, so I agree with Jacob on this, My Lord.¡±


    I shifted my attention to him, feeling a frown creep up on my face. I didn¡¯t need a vacation because I didn¡¯t trust any of the bigoted idiots who called themselves my board of directors to keep the business afloat for even a day, let alone a full month.


    They would plunge thepany into debt and try to abscond with the money my father and I had worked so hard to make. As if he could read my mind, Hunter cleared his throat again and spoke up.


    ¡°I am certain that your fears would not see the light of day, my Lord. Jackson and I are there to supervise and make sure everything goes ording to yearly ns. So you can take some time off and spend it with Den.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°NO.¡± I said again ring now and rising to my feet. ¡°What the fuck is wrong with all of you?¡±


    There were brief nce exchanges between the three men in the living room who¡¯d suddenly gone quiet. Good. They were testing my patience and leniency in the first ce.


    I started walking away to my study, ignoring their discussion that had erupted in hushed tones. I threw the doors to the study open and stomped through, plopping myself onto the seat.


    Maybe they were right, I started thinking to myself as my thoughts wandered to Larissa yet again. Perhaps I could use the vacation; maybe even bring her along to take care of Den on the trip.


    A subconscious smile crept up on my lips at the thought. I was quick to catch myself however, mentally facepalming at my actions. She would be adamant and say no, I could already guess. But she loved Den too much to refuse me. Smiling again, I let myself twirl in the executive chair before halting to pick up the documents on the desk.


    Night met me soon enough and I stretched in my seat, trying to soothe my muscles that had grown sore from sitting in one position for so long. I leaned backwards, letting out a small yawn at that. Hunter and the Gemini must have left now, since the skies now mimicked the color of ultramarine.


    Sighing again, I finally rose to my feet and started for the doors to the study. I dragged myself out and towards the stairs, forcing my feet to climb through. I soon reached the top of the stairs, and my eyes quickly caught onto Larissa who was just stepping out of Den¡¯s room. She whispered something as she walked out before walking to her door.


    I smiled again subconsciously, catching myself quickly before she would shut her door. She walked into her room with the door half open before dragging her feet to where her closet stood.


    She didn¡¯t notice me resting by the door frame until she turned around, and she jumped backwards with a loud shriek that was akin to that of a frightened duck. I flinched in mild surprise, collecting myself together quickly before falling into a scowl.


    ¡°The fuck? Did you see a ghost?¡± I half snapped at her but she didn¡¯t say anything. Instead she picked up her steps towards the door with widened eyes.


    ¡°N-no¡­¡±


    ¡°Anyways, that¡¯s not important.¡± I continued, raising an intimidating brow and she looked away. Not out of fear, she didn¡¯t even try to hide the distaste on her face. ¡°How¡¯s Den?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you check on him once?¡± She questioned back without looking at me and I hissed at her sudden attack. This wasn¡¯t what I came her for. She had some nerve, I didn¡¯t ever tolerate people speaking to me the way she always did. But I always couldn¡¯t bring myself to tear her neck in two.


    I sighed instead, raking a hand through my hair before ncing at her again. ¡°I want you to apany Den and I on a vacation next week.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I cocked a brow at her response as she slowly brought her eyes to look at me. They were empty, contrary to how they¡¯d looked at me thest time. She had her arms behind her as she spoke.


    ¡°No¡± She repeated, a little less subdued. ¡°I¡¯m not your ything. You shouldn¡¯t be ying with my feelings like that, why would you ask me to follow you on a vacation?¡±


    ¡°Get your head straight.¡± I returned as coolly as I could muster, ring back at her response. ¡°I¡¯m asking you to apany me because of my son. Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re his nanny above everything else. This has nothing to do with anybody¡¯s feelings.¡±


    She was looking back at me now with confusion in her eyes. ¡°But you have other maids that can ¨C¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an order.¡± I hissed out impatiently, leaning in to her face that flinched back at the proximity. Her reactions were always amusing, but for a second, I found myself wondering if she would decline my instructions. ¡°Refusal isn¡¯t even an option.¡±

 Help me

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I picked up thest piece of clothing from Den¡¯s bed while the toddler sat quietly by the small table in his room, ying with his toy soldiers he¡¯d introduced me to once.


    He looked engrossed in what he was doing, which was a good thing because I wasn¡¯t anywhere near the mood to chase him around for him to stay put. His father was literally forcing me to have to be in the same space as them both. Den, I could tolerate because the toddler had grown to be a part of me. His standoffish father¡­not so much. How insensitive could he be?


    I was only going there because of Den. If not, I¡¯d rather face death a thousand times than be locked away somewhere with his father. Besides, the boy was already dressed up and eager to go with me.


    Folding up the onesie in my hands, I tossed it into the yellow duffel back that sat with me in the bed and zipped it up before patting off a small speck of dust that had found its way onto the bag.


    ¡°Den dear,e here.¡± I called out after I had finished, beckoning on him gently. He nced at me for a second before rising to his feet, gathering his favorite soldier and some of his wooden knives before taking quick steps to where I sat. He soon climbed onto myps while I helped pull him up.


    ¡°Issa, here.¡± He said I return, handing me one of his knives. I chuckled at his cuteness before taking it from him. He continued to y with his toys while I let my mind wander before there was a soft rap at the slightly ajar door. I turned towards the door, quickly catching the familiar auburn hair that was let down.


    ¡°Hey there, can Ie in?¡±


    ¡°Do you need to ask me that?¡± I cackled in return at Gwen¡¯s absurd request, earning augh from her as she took quick strides inside.


    ¡°You never know. Den¡¯s so fond of you now, I have to ask for both of your permissions to see any of you.¡± She teased back, taking a seat beside me. She tapped at the toddler¡¯s hair, ruffling it a little and earning a string of giggles from him. She smiled at that before shifting her attention to me.


    ¡°Hey. Are you sure you¡¯ll be okay? You don¡¯t have to go if you don¡¯t want to.¡± She started softly, even her eyes had grown the softest I¡¯d seen them in a long time.


    I shook my head at that, forcing a tight lipped smile. Thest thing I wanted to do now was overthink and hate myself for being in a position where I had to be obedient to¡­him.


    ¡°Even if I didn¡¯t want to, you think he¡¯d let me be?¡±


    She sighed out, her shoulders slumping into what I believed was defeat before she nodded. ¡°Fair enough then.¡±


    There was another knock on the door that pulled my attention from Gwen and to the figure standing there. It was a guard, another one of the obnoxious looking ones who had his hands to his back as though he was there to march me to prison.


    ¡°The Alpha is calling for you and his son.¡± He spoke gruffly with no other expression on his face. I sighed at that, tapping at the toddler before pulling him up. He winced but said nothing, instead clinging to me with one hand and to his knives with the other


    Gwen rose to her feet, passing me the yellow duffel bag she had picked up from the bed and giving me a knowing smile. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡± She muttered, and I forced a small chuckle at that. Would I really be fine.


    ¡°Don¡¯t keep him waiting.¡± The guard spoke again, this time impatiently before turning on his heels and stomping away. I let out a sigh before picking up my own bag that was filled with basic amenities, essentially clothes.


    Smiling at Gwen onest time, I made my way out of Den¡¯s room and down the stairs witt heavy steps till I reached the front doors that were always thrown wide open. I nced around, gripping onto both bags tightly in one hand and finally walked out of door. Only to meet him standing there with a small frown stered on his forehead.


    His appearance caught me off guard. He was standing beside a ck truck in a simple white t-shirt and a pair of dark jeans. I could see his arm muscles strain against the fabric of the shirt, and how they appeared sweetly sun kissed.


    He had a pair of sunsses in his tousled hair, a vast contrast with his work appearance that consistef of fitting suits and perfect gelled hair. I mentally facepalmed when l met his eyes and looked away immediately. They were empty, just like his soul.


    ¡°Get inside, we don¡¯t have all day.¡± He said after clearing his throat awkwardly and opened the door to the truck.


    He quickly pulled the bags from my hand, making me gasp in surprise before letting go. He didn¡¯t even spare me a nce as he made his way to the back of the truck. I could care less about whatever the hell it was that he was doing however.


    Pulling Den slowly, I walked to the passenger¡¯s seat and got in. I picked him back up and ced him on myps, biting back a chuckle when he reached for the steering wheel and mumbled a ¡°wheeee.¡±


    The drive was eerily quiet. Wantade it so much worse was that I had no idea where we were even going. What was his idea of a vacation? Hunting in the woods like the day I met him? I couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    The roads were smooth yet awfully unfamiliar, plunging me into deeper wonder. The only words that were spoken throughout were either exchanged between Den and I, or Den and his father. A lot of it were iprehensible words and beams of excitement, and I was happy for that. The air would otherwise have been so thick that I could cut through it with a knife.


    I caught myself stealing nces at him, I couldn¡¯t help it. I hated him, and I hated the fact that he could just sit there looking like that.


    He drove until he made a turn and the truck jerked, forcing me out of my daze and gripped Den¡¯s shoulders in shock. The driver, the cocky narcissist broke a tiny smile instead, swerving the car into a road path in an unfamiliar forest.


    He drove till we arrived at a ck gate that was shut and he pulled up. Without a word, he alighted the truck, leaving me room to admire the intricacies of the gate¡¯s architecture.


    There were tree vines made out of metal that intertwined with themselves in a pretty fashion until they reached the sharp ridges of the tall gate. I found myself wondering what the cksmith had thought when crafting this gate. No doubt that it was in line with the alpha¡¯s persona, though awful.


    I heard the gate rattle and creak and be pulled open to reveal a massive double deck cabin almost half the size of the mansion.


    Without thinking, I pushed the door to the truck open and alighted, putting Den down. I let him run into thepound, chucking lightly when he picked up his small steps and was reaching for what I thought was the front door.


    I followed him through the gates to where the alpha was standing by a fountain that was akin to the one at the mansion. Den had run to my sides again, ncing at the fountain before reaching to scoop out some water.


    ¡°Den darling.¡± I called out with reprimand and crouched to his height, smiling nheless. ¡°Don¡¯t do that. The water would get dirty, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Let him.¡± The alpha finally spoke up, and I looked up to see him with a half smile stered on his face. I cleared my throat at that and rose to my feet, watching him walk to where the front door stood. Tapping at the toddler, we followed him through the door to meet a pleasant surprise.


    I knew that the alpha was a sucker for a blend of architectural designs, but the cabin interior screamed ¡°family cottage.¡±


    The door opened to a cozy living room painted with warm shades of brown and beige. There was a single couch sitting opposite a firece, the same soft beige as the drapes.


    The ceilings were not very high,pared to the mansion. Neither were there chandeliers hanging from every corner. Instead the living room was lit with lights embedded in the ceilings. I nced around to see a framed picture of Den and the one who¡¯d caused me to hurt so much by the window pane just against the firece. He was smiling widely, holding the then baby in his arms. Upon a closer look, I could see manicured fingers holding Den also, whose body had been cut away.


    That must have been his wife, it was a painful reminder. Amaya. I shook my head to snap myself out of my thoughts. I shouldn¡¯t have agreed toe here. I should have stayed back.


    ¡°Larissa? Larissa!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I whipped up my head quickly to see him staring down at me. He had a brow cocked in question, but I said nothing. Instead picked Den up and moved to the couch, setting him down before running a hand through his fluffy hair. I rose to my feet again, turning to meet his father.


    ¡°I need some air.¡± I croaked out, pushing some of the hair that had unsatisfactorily clung to the beads of sweat on my face.


    I saw his eyes shift and then go nk again, but I walked out before he could say anything. I didn¡¯t want to hear it to begin with. It was bad enough that he practically forced me to be here. The best he could do was to let me be.


    I continued into the woods, unknowingly letting out a small smile. I could really use this to clear my head. I liked the smell of the trees and grasses here, something about it made me at peace with my troubled soul. Without thinking, I plopped down beside one of the tall trees and closed my eyes, letting myself relish in my own thoughts.


    Suddenly, I felt the hairs at the back of my neck raise and I shot off the ground at the sudden queasy feeling. Almost immediately, I could hear some rustling in the trees and my blood ran cold at that. Was there an animal in these woods? I couldn¡¯t fight!


    ¡°Who-who¡¯s t-there?¡± I called out weakly, making a small fist. The shuffling worsened, making me gulp harshly. ¡°Who¡¯s t-there?!¡±


    There was a sharp thud behind me, bringing an end to the shuffling. If fear was a person, in that instant it had killed me. My first instinct was to speed back to the cabin. Anything would be better than staying here with the uncertain. But I couldn¡¯t will my feet to move.


    I heard a light cackle and forced myself to turn on my heels. Ever so slowly, I spun around toe face to face with the most sinister pair of eyes I¡¯d ever seen, perhaps next to Stefan¡¯s.


    The figure dressed in cargo pants andbat boots had a bow slung across his broad torso, and both arms swung behind his back. He cracked a smile that contrasted the look in his eyes, yetplemented it somehow. His hair the shade of tinum grey was dishevelled and framed his face, enhancing his dangerous appearance by a thousand notches.


    ¡°Hey there, Larissa, was it?¡± He drawled, clucking his tongue before letting out a smirk.


    ¡°How do you know my name?¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Pardon my manners, love. The name¡¯s Dolph. Last time we met, Kaden was going to chew my head off. Too bad your prince charming isn¡¯t here, isn¡¯t it?¡± He continued, inching closer to me. even as I took several steps back to put some space between us.


    I could feel my heart beating out of my chest in frantic fashion. It came back all too quickly. That day at the study, he was the one present with Hunter and Kaden. He looked like a whore that day, today might just be the dangerous side of him I¡¯d never wish to see.


    Gripping the hem of my dress tightly, I gulped while taking several steps backwards. He took a step for every step I took back, and I could see myself breaking into a cold sweat.


    I needed to get out of there, and I needed to get out fast. I looked around and decided to make a run for it. I wouldn¡¯t stay here until my death met me. I looked up to meet his amused eyes and dashed away, but the sounds of shuffling startled me again. I couldn¡¯t see them, but I could hear several figures jump down from the trees behind me.


    My whole body was shaking at this point. Slowly, I looked around only to realize that I was surrounded. And the sounds of familiar cackling drew me back to reality. I was in serious trouble now. And the only thing that I could think of was Den. I couldn¡¯t bear to leave him alone just like that. I couldn¡¯t bear to leave his father just like that either.


    ¡°You¡¯re surrounded, honey. Don¡¯t make this any more difficult for yourself. Kaden doesn¡¯t even have to know a thing that¡¯ll happen here, hmm?¡± He continued, closing the distance between us and despite the terror that coursed through my veins, I wasn¡¯t about to give in to his scheme.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡± I spat back and turned sharply on my heels when he grabbed my arm and pulled it back, pping me hard.


    ¡°No, fuck you, you bastard.¡± He growled angrily and pped me again before yanking my hair and harshly pulling me towards a tree. The men who¡¯d jumped down from the trees had gathered round to mock me while the blonde haired man was in rage. He looked at me with death in his eyes and pped me a third time beforetching his lips onto my neck.


    And in that instant, I could do the only thing I could. Please, I¡¯m begging you¡­. Don¡¯t let me down this time¡­Help me this once again¡­


    ¡°Kaden!!!¡±

 Rescue

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    Cold shivers ran down my spine almost as soon as Den had handed me one of his wooden knives. I could feel it past my gut, it was almost as though I could hear my name. The feeling was unfamiliar and made me uneasy.


    I rose to my feet immediately, ncing out the window. There was nothing there, but I still didn¡¯t feelfortable. My instincts were always right, and the first thing I guessed was that there was a rival cunt on my tail. Perhaps they¡¯d followed us all the way here. If it was true, then they were messing with the wrong wolf.


    I looked back at Den who¡¯d gotten himself busy when I had stood up the first time. They¡¯d probablye after him first. I needed to make sure he was safe.


    I tapped at his shoulders before scooping him up in one swift movement and made my way to his room. I set him down quickly on the single bed and shut the window blinds, leaving only the electrical lights on to illuminate the room before walking back to the bed.


    Crouching down to his eye level, I kissed his forehead and pulled away, taking relief in his innocent yet curious eyes.


    ¡°Den, you stay here, okay?¡± I half whispered, just loud enough for him to hear me. ¡°Don¡¯t run around, don¡¯t say anything. Just stay here until Daddy gets back. I¡¯ll open the door for you, okay?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure he understood a word of what I said, but he nodded nheless. I ran a hand through his hair onest time before walking out and locking the door. I dropped the keys underneath the door mat before dashing out of the cabin, only to hear the piercing, gut wrenching scream of a woman. And she was calling my name with desperation in her tone, although extremely faint.


    Larissa.


    Realization suddenly set in when I heard my name the third time, stopping me in my tracks. Whoever they were, they had her. They had Larissa¡­Those bastards! I would kill them. Every single fucking one of them!


    Without thinking, I dashed into the woods. ¡°Larissa? Larissa!¡± I continued to yell as I ran deeper through the woods, struggling to follow the sounds of her frantic voice. They grew clearer as I continued to inch closer, until I was face to face with a pool of wolves in an open space hurdled at one tree.


    ¡°Get away right now!¡± I yelled in rage, watching them separate one after the other until there was one left hovering over a figure pinned to the tree. I could hear the muffled cries now, and her bellowing my name onest time before the bastard stepped back with a smirk stered on his face.


    I could finally see her. Larissa. My Larissa with both arms tied across the girth of the tree. Her hair was a disheveled mess. Her cheeks that used to glow and pull me in now housed a bunch of purpling bruises. They were tear stained, and even more tears fell from her swollen eyes as she looked at me. Those doe eyes were pleading. There were scratch marks on her face that traveled down to her dress that had been torn all the way past her shoulders. They were barely hanging there.


    I could feel my blood boil in that instant. They¡¯ve messed with the wrong alpha. I would show them why the Griffinhowl pack was so feared amongst wolves. Theses bastards would not live to see the ckout tonight.


    With now ming eyes, I looked around to catch the eyes of the cunt that had been hovering over her. I recognized him all too quickly with the ugly smirk on his face. Running a hand through his hair, he took big steps in my direction.


    ¡°Hey, Kaden. I see you¡¯re quite early to join the fun.¡± He remarked while running a hand through his hair. He had some nerve to speak to me like that. And with that, I balled a fist and sent it flying straight into his ugly nose.


    ¡°I told you bigoted fool not to fuck with any omega in my pack. And certainly not my omega!¡± I yelled angrily, charging at him with fully extended ws.


    ¡°Kaden!¡± I heard Larissa scream again and turned around, only to see one of his idiots running in my direction. I grabbed him by the neck, tossing him harshly against a tree. I could care less if he lived or died. There was another one who reached straight for my neck, but I caught him just in time to send an elbow into his abdomen.


    But the sounds of flesh welching caused me to stop and look back, to see Dolph with his ws deep in my abdomen.


    ¡°Let him go! Let him go, you fucking bastards!¡± She screamed again, followed by a string of iprehensible cries.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Are you going to let them get away with what they¡¯ve done to Larissa, Kaden? Don¡¯t fucking die on me! I could hear Peter¡¯s angry voice yell at me.


    I¡¯d suppressed him for so long. It was time for them to know that I wasn¡¯t one to be messed with. I looked down to where Dolph¡¯s ws still stayed and forcefully pulled it out. I could see the mortification slowly creep in on his face as I pulled it and fell to the ground. Closing my eyes, I let Peter take over.


    I shot up almost immediately, charging at whatever was in my wake. Dolph had transformed as well, rushing at my neck but I was quick to catch him and force him to back up against a tree.


    He gasped at the tightness on his neck, coughing and struggling to push my grip away. He couldn¡¯t. Instead, there was another wolf behind me who¡¯d dung his ws in my wound again.


    Angry, I grabbed Dolph and tossed him in the direction of the wolf who¡¯d attacked me before rushing to stab at his heart. I turned again, scratching the next one who¡¯d decided to face me and twisting his neck so hard I could hear the bones crack to my utmost pleasure.


    One by one, I incapacitated his squad till there was just Dolph left. He was smirking at me now, wiping the blood that trickled from his nostrils.


    ¡°You want her so bad? You should have said so that day!¡± He yelled, still smirking. He was trying to get under my skin. He¡¯d already done it, if that was he wanted. But what he was still oblivious to, was the fact that he was beat.


    ¡°Tell that to the devil when you see him. And remember to send my greetings from the alpha of the Griffinhowl pack!¡± I spat back, rushing at him blindly. He charged at me equally, but I reached for his head first. He sent a jab at my wound, forcing me to cough out. There was blood everywhere, but I could see was Larissa tied up and her soft, defeated sobs.


    Never again. With that, I sent an elbow to his temples before punching him to the ground. He was gasping for air now, struggling to get back on his feet when I struck a kick back to his temples and he fell half dead on the ground.


    That wasn¡¯t enough. I reached down to feel his weakened pulse before sinking both ws through his chest. I could feel his heart pound rapidly and faster beforeing to an eerily deafening stop.


    All I could think of as I staggered to my feet was Larissa. I wiped my blood stained hands on my ruined pants and only then did everythinge rushing back in.


    Drawing ragged breaths, I dragged my feet to where she stood against the tree. I couldn¡¯t see clearly, but I could hear the soft sobs that fell from her lips. I could hear her call out my name, but the pain from my abdomen was suddenly blinding.


    Grunting harshly, I pressed at it with one hand and reached for her cheeks with the other, lightly hovering over it before smearing the tears that had streamed down her face.


    ¡°You¡¯re okay now.¡± I ground out, wincing while she struggled to wriggle her way out of the ropes. ¡°You¡¯re fine. They¡¯re all gone, every one of their bloody asses. They won¡¯te near you ever again.¡± I continued with a tight lipped smile, struggling to see past the blur that was enveloping my vision.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but you¡¯re not. You¡¯re hurt.¡± I heard her cry out softly, and soon she was grabbing my arm still sobbing. I bit back what I imagined was a smile, still wiping at her eyes. I didn¡¯t know if I was thinking about anything anymore. I just wanted her to be okay.


    But it was blinding. Slowly, I felt my consciousness slipping from me. And no matter how much I wanted to stop her crying, I still heard her cries even when I could no longer see anything. I let nature take its course and fell to my knees, closing my eyes to nothingness.

 Scared

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    ¡°Kaden¡­Kaden please, Kaden!¡± I screamed in horror as he copsed his entire weight on my body, feeling all the moisture drain from my throat.


    The angry eyed alpha who had been standing in front of me a moment ago, snapping heads offid limp in my arms, his eyes closed as if in death. I fell to the ground as well, crumpling the dried leaves that littered the forest floor and pulled him so that his headid on myps. Every so often, I felt him rouse in half consciousness; until he no longer flinched and both arms now sprawled on the dust.


    I stiffened at theck of movement, then moved to gently shake his head but he stilled didn¡¯t move. ¡°Kaden¡­Kaden, can you hear me?¡± I whimpered out, struggling to tap at his face again.


    I felt time stiffen for a solid minute in that moment. How could this be happening again? It was all my fault! Fear had ridden my entire being and I could care less about the ringing in my head.


    The viciousness of the attack had caused blood to trickle down his arms. It was like he was bleeding from every part of his body. Without thinking, I brought one hand to where the biggest wound was, pressing it down while tapping his face with the other.


    I¡¯d seen Dolph try to rip life out from him, and I felt my chest clench at the thought. ¡°Kaden, please wake up. I¡¯m sorry.¡± I sobbed quietly, in fear that Dolph¡¯s men might be more than the decapacitated bodies of wolves lying around. If that was the case, we were in serious danger.


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t left the cabin¡­if only I¡¯d tried to understand you better¡­ I¡¯m sorry, but please don¡¯t die on me¡­¡± I choked out a string of sobs, clenching my eyes shut as I felt hot tars sear out of my eye rims. ¡°I can¡¯t afford for you to die on me as well¡­¡±


    My hands were trembling as they ran through the blotches of dried and fresh blood on his face. He wasn¡¯t healing; I felt my heart pounding out of my chest at this point. Crying wasn¡¯t going to save any of us now.


    Still shaking, I brought my hands to wipe the tears that had stained my cheeks. I pushed my hair back just enough for it to stay out of my face. Ignoring the sting that coursed through my body, I ced his head on the leaves and forced my legs to move. I rose to my feet, then reached down to pull his body from the ground. His head swung back painfully, and I heard a small groan escape him.


    I pulled him with all my might, ignoring his dead weight. Swinging one arm over my neck, I gripped his abdomen and started for the cabin. But no matter how much I tried, I couldn¡¯t stop myself from crying. I was mad at him, why did he have toe? What if something worse had happened to him? What if he¡­no. He couldn¡¯t make Den an orphan at such a young age. I couldn¡¯t lose my mate a second time.


    I continued to drag him as much as I could, straining to see in the growing darkness until we reached the gate to the cabin.


    I hurriedly pulled him through the gates and to the front door. I reached for the knob with still trembling hands, but the stupid door wouldn¡¯t budge. ¡°Why won¡¯t this fucking door open?!¡±


    I pulled at the knob harshly again and it finally creaked open. Without thinking twice, I pulled him to thergest couch in the living room. His bleeding had caused a trail I¡¯d only just noticed, just as soon as I noticed sobbinging from an adjacent room. But finding a first aid box was more important.


    I walked to the only cab in therge living room, frantically searching for the first aid box.


    ¡°Come on,e on! It has to be here somewhere!¡± I yelled out in frustration, rummaging through the wide cab and leaving blood stains all over. When I couldn¡¯t find anything, I finally turned to the door to the room I¡¯d heard the now quieted sobs. I twisted the door knob and pushed, but it was firmly shut. ¡°What the fuck?!¡±


    ¡°Ma¡­Mat.¡± I heard his voice softly, followed by a heart wrenching grunt. I rushed to his sides, half relieved that he was awake and half horrified because the bleeding hadn¡¯t slowed down in the slightest.


    ¡°Kaden, can you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Fuck it¡­¡± He muttered again, gripping the bleeding area with one hand. I felt yet another string of tears flow, and I pressed on the wound. ¡°Fuck it.¡± He muttered again, but louder. His face was scrunched and his lips were parted. ¡°The mat¡­Larissa, the mat.¡±


    ¡°What mat?!¡±


    ¡°That room¡­¡± He grunted again. I rushed back to the door that had refused to open, pulling the floor mat away. There was a single key there, it had to be the key to the room. I picked up the key and inserted it in the keyhole, twisting it and it finally open. But it opened to a red-faced toddler sitting on the floor in the center of the room, clutching a wooden knife for dear life.


    ¡°Oh God¡­¡± I had totally forgotten that Den was here! I rushed to his side and pulled him into a small hug. Eyes closed, I cried. Not a loud sob, no tears. I just cried at the thought that I wasn¡¯t enough to protect this innocent child in my arms. His father was bleeding and had almost died because of me. How would he have coped? What¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my love¡­¡± I sobbed quietly, rubbing small soothing circles into his back. I felt him rx as he nuzzled into my neck, grabbing my ripped sleeves tightly. I wanted to stay andfort him, but his father¡¯s life was on the line.


    ¡°Den dear, don¡¯t cry, hmm? But you¡¯ll do Issa a big favor now. I want you to sit on the bed and wait for me. I¡¯lle back and sing you a song once I¡¯m done with daddy. Alright?¡± I said softly, running a hand through his hair as he nodded. shing him a pained smile, I took him to the bed and continued my search for a first aid box.


    I finally found one inside a drawer. Why did it have to be so far away in the first ce? I picked up the box and did a little wave at the child before dashing out of the room and back to the couch where his fatherid. I ced the box on the ground, fishing out a bottle of rubbing alcohol and some cotton balls.


    Picking up some scissors, I tore open the shirt where it had stuck to his skin with blood. cing some cotton balls in rubbing alcohol, I struggled to clean out the wound. My vision was blurry seeing him this vulnerable. He winced ever so slightly, but no sounds escaped him. The wound was deep, it was even worse that it appeared as a cluster from the Dolph¡¯s ws.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± I whimpered again as I cleaned, and he roused. Startled, I looked up to see a pair of emerald eyes staring back at me. He looked almost confused, only wincing when I pressed the balls onto his wound.


    ¡°Are¡­are you crying?¡± He croaked out, one trembling hand reaching for my face. More tears fell with his action. ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I muttered back, wiping at my eyes with the back of one hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re clearly crying. Even if I look like death, I¡¯m not blind. So, don¡¯t give me that smug response.¡± He drawled out, clenching his eyes, from the sting of the rubbing alcohol.


    ¡°You almost died because of me.¡± I whispered as dryly as I could muster. He was awake now, there was no need to give him the satisfaction of my fear for the worst. My eyes however, betrayed me terribly.


    ¡°They would havee after the cabin even if I didn¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°I know, and I¡¯m thankful to you for saving my life a second time. But you don¡¯t have to do such things for me.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± He groaned out, fluttering his eyes. His consciousness was slipping again.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get some rest first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll heal regardless. So, exin yourself.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°All I¡¯m saying is, stop doing things like that for me. I¡¯ll feel indebted to you if you keep doing things like that. I don¡¯t want to be indebted to someone who doesn¡¯t even give a shit about me.¡± I snapped but softly, dropping the scissors before reaching for a wire gauze. I looked back to meet his eyes, but they had closed again in slumber.


    ¡°Even now, you¡¯re still act like you don¡¯t care.¡± I whispered before rising to my feet and wiping at my now puffy eyes again. He was sound asleep and his breathing had stabilised.


    I picked up the box and returned to the room where Den had gone quiet. The toddler was sound asleep on the bed, desperately hugging a pillow with one hand and holding his wooden knife in the other. I reached down to kiss his cheek, smiling gently when he shrugged in his sleep.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry again.¡± With that, I walked out of the room and shut the door. Sliding down the door, I gathered my knees to my bosom and closed my eyes.


    The greater danger had been averted, but I couldn¡¯t help but me myself for everything that had happened today. I let the tears that must have filled a bucket continue to fall.

 Awaken

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    The woods I¡¯d been hunting in were now pitch ckness, even my wolf vision couldn¡¯t help me see in this uncanny darkness. Strapping my bow tightly, I reached for the holster on my pants and drew out a pistol. The environment suddenly felt unfamiliar, followed by the noises of cackles and low grunting.


    ¡°Fucking hyenas.¡± I growled under my breath, gripping the pistol tightly. I knew they were foolish, but not this foolish. The sounds of cackling grew with every step that I took, until the whole woods were saturated with a mix of voices that I was only familiar with in battle. And that¡¯s when the awful ringing my head started, coursing through my entire being like being injected withva.


    ¡°Arghhh!¡±


    I let go of the pistol. The thud to the ground was somewhat deafening. I reached for my ears, gripping it tightly, but the ringing only seemed to grow louder. Slowly I fell to the ground from the pain in my head and ears. I was almost certain that my ears were bleeding at this point. The ringing had amplified a thousand notches, leaving me groaning and grasping for air that was just out of reach.


    The ringing only grew louder and louder until it suddenly went quiet. My eyes that were shut from the abominable pain flickered, but my eyelids remained shut. I tried to move my fingers around, but thest time I checked, they had been sitting in my ears. Now they justid limp by my sides.


    If confusion had birthed a son, then I was its offspring. Blinking as rapidly as I could, I finally fluttered my eyes open only to be met by blinding lights traveling through what I had imagined was the forest floor. But my back, although ufortable, felt awfully soft for this to be the forest floor. I clenched my eyes at the light intensity, only slowly opening them to meet white ceilings and realization finally set in.


    This wasn¡¯t the forest floor, I was hallucinating. This was one of the small spare rooms in my cabin, definitely far from the grandest. Turning my head slowly, I strained to reach for the sides of the bed frame, pulling myself up with as much strength I could muster. But my actions were cut short by the sharp throbbing that shot up from my abdomen straight into my head.


    I let out a low grunt at the feeling, sliding back into a lying position. It hurt like hell, what the fuck happened? Thest thing I remember was Larissa strapped to a tree with a bloodied face and pleading eyes. And me lying on the couch in the living room. The more I struggled to remember her screaming, the more I saw her defeated face in the living room and the pain in my head intensified. What was she thinking? And how the fuck did I get here?


    My train of thoughts were brought to a stifling halt by the smell of toast traveling through the room. My eyes flipped open almost immediately, ignoring the harsh intensity of the rays that travelled from the window and rested on any solid object in the room. By my urate judgement, this was morning.


    Letting out a soft sigh, I instinctively grabbed onto by lower abdomen and pushed the white sheets away. I pushed my feet down and rose to my feet, tightening my grip when there was a dull throb there. What the hell? I walked to the tall mirror that stood by the sides of the all white room, finally noticing therge bandage wrapped around my torso.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Tilting my head to the sides in confusion, I pulled my hands away ever so slowly and saw a patch of blood seeping through the cotton wool ced over my injury. the rest of my upper torso and arms, and every other thing that stayed bare above my grey sweatpants were littered with now purpling bruises. How long had I been out for? I ran one hand through my surprisingly fluffed out hair before ultimately deciding to leave the room. If I didn¡¯t, my stomach would continue to grumble like a damn beast that hadn¡¯t been fed in months. Like Dolph would have been if I hadn¡¯t killed him first. Fuck it, I would rather have seen him die in the slowest way possible till he begged for death with the same lips he used to taunt Larissa.


    I fluffed out my hair one more time before walking out of the room. The smell of toast had worsened, and so did the rumbling. I took one careful step after the other, with one hand still wrapped around my injury till I reached the foot of the short stairs. Almost immediately, I could sight Den by the dining table in the mini kitchen. He was sipping on what looked like warm milk infused with vani. I felt a small smile creeping on my lips. I could barely remember thest time I noticed how he loved to drink vani milk. It reminded us both of the woman who¡¯d abandoned us, but he seemed to like it regardless.


    ¡°You have milk smeared all over your lips, Den.¡± I said softly, although my voice hade out raspier than I intended. He looked up with a wide grin on his face and dropped his ss; the next thing I knew, he¡¯d climbed up the chair andtched onto my neck in a pool of giggles, with his legs wrapped around the left my torso.


    I let out a chuckle of my own at that, bncing his weight on one hand and the other on my covered wound. ¡°Daddy¡¯s a little hurt, son.¡±


    ¡°What does it mean?¡± He questioned with wide eyes and Iughed lightly. If anything, his eyes only grew as if I¡¯d just added to his confusion.


    ¡°Den dear,¡± Another voice called out. That tone was unmistakable. I whipped my head around, sighting the blonde haired woman emerging from the kitchen with a tray full of toast and porridge. She walked right past me to where the dining table stood, setting down the tray before walking back to where I stood.


    ¡°My Lord, if you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d love to take it from here.¡±


    My Lord? My Lord? Whenever has she called me that? My lips had curled up into an annoyed smirk at this point, but I let her take my son back to his seat. What was she pulling now? She¡¯d called me by my name that day, even screaming it like I was going to die, so why was she being fucking weird?


    I hissed under my breath and walked to my seat at the head of the table. The throbbing in my head had lost its momentum already, but the pain in my abdomen had be worse. I let out another low grunt, holding onto the table for mild support. Soon I heard footsteps shuffling and Larissa was by my side, pulling the seat out for me. Her small fingers were careful to only touch the bandages.


    ¡°Let me help you.¡± She said dryly, pulling me down to the chair ever so gently. Without even sparing me a nce, she walked back to the kitchen. I was annoyed at this point. If this were a few months back, I¡¯d have been seething and might have even locked her up again. But for some reason, this time was different. No matter how much I wanted to snap at her, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to do so.


    All too quickly, she returned with another bowl of porridge and a te of bacon and set it in front of me. Straight-faced, she pulled out another seat and sat down. ¡°I¡¯m sitting here to watch over Den, if that¡¯s okay with you.¡±


    ¡°Do what you want.¡± I replied with a stiff nod and picked up a spoon. The amount of bacon on my te was outrageous. I only had a small injury, I wasn¡¯t near death for fuck¡¯s sake. Why this amount that could feed half my pack members?


    But on second thought, I was pretty hungry. I dug into the porridge while she helped Den eat his porridge bare. Her smiles looked forced and her skin was paler than before. I could tell she looked tired beneath her gentle cooing and indifferent attitude. Her eyes gave it all away. She turned to look at me sharply as if she¡¯d known I was looking at her. I stared right back, boring holes into her dark chocte eyes and she looked away with flickering eyes. Good.


    ¡°Uh¡­would you like some ointment and a new dressing?¡± She drawled out a little dryly and with a straight face, but there was a twang of embarrassment in her tone. It was almost unnoticeable, but it was still there. Did she not realize who I was? I let out a small chuckle at that. My wounds still hurt, but they were healing at an exceeding rate and didn¡¯t need a dress change.


    ¡°Yes. Yes, of course. It would be disastrous for my wound to get infected when my housekeeper¡¯s here, no?¡± I answered with a smirk, half expecting a snarkyeback from her.


    Contrary to my elevated expectations, there was none. Instead she nodded and returned to eating her porridge while wiping the spills on Den¡¯s lips. What was going on? Was she hurt that I¡¯d called her my housekeeper? But that was who she was.


    Well, I¡¯d never have expected to see this level of dumb from you, Kaden. You¡¯re such an idiot. I heard Peter¡¯s annoyed tone. If he had taken over I was more than certain that he¡¯d smack me harshly in the face. She¡¯s avoiding your stupid ass. She¡¯s creating distance between you two because you¡¯re such a retard when ites to your own mate. Now she¡¯s closed off, what would you do?


    ¡°I know for fuck¡¯s sake, could you shut up and cut me some ck?¡± I muttered back in irritation, returning to nce at Larissa¡¯s nk expression.


    She¡¯d been crying that day. She looked genuinely scared and hurt when she¡¯d asked me not to do things like that for her anymore if I didn¡¯t want anything to do with her. She¡¯d looked so vulnerable and I¡¯d just done what I never should have done. I¡¯d just fueled her dislike for me by calling her my housekeeper. It wasn¡¯t supposed to. I wasn¡¯t supposed to let this happen, but fuck, it hurt like hell seeing her look dead inside.


    I picked up my fork again and stabbed at the bacon, hoping that it would get her attention. Her flinch and rapid blinking told me I did, but she refused to look up. Instead, she turned to Den with a smile and picked him up, walking straight out of the dining room.

 Forgiveness

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    The evening skies had turned a beautiful orange, reminiscent of one of my favorite whiskeys back at the pack house. Thankfully I had a bottle of the exquisite liquor here in the cabin. Not that I was in any position to drink, however, I couldn¡¯t sweat my grace just yet. Even if I was almostpletely healed, I didn¡¯t want to risk my healing rate by staining my blood with alcohol.


    I was propped in a sitting position in my room. It looked better than the room I¡¯d woken up in that morning. Better? The correct term was glorious. I was sitting on a king-sized bed in the middle of the room, long enough for the head of the bed to touch the wall and its foot to stand right in the center of the room.


    The color scheme was an ombre shade of white and olive, so were the curtains that hung open and swept to both sides of the window. Soft rays eluded the room from one open window, turning the once white room into an exotic shade of gold that now reminded me of the blonde-haired woman whose thoughts had begun to make my heart race.


    As if one cue, there was a soft rap on the door. It was pushed open, followed by a head the size of my palm peeking through the door. She stood upright before pushing the door wider and walking in with a first aid box in hand. Her hair was tied in a low ponytail, and for once she wasn¡¯t dressed in a dress. Instead she had a pair of loose jeans hanging on her hips and a full sleeved ck top that fit for some reason.


    Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she changed the position of the box from one hand and brought her eyes to give the deadest stare she could muster.


    ¡°You asked for me to dress your wounds.¡± She croaked out after clearing her throat. I tilted my head, squinting slightly.


    ¡°I did. What¡¯s with the attitude?¡± I spat back in mild irritation, shifting to find afortable sitting position. I could have sworn I heard her scoff at that, but she still stood there with a straight face.


    Instead, she heaved a tired sigh and dragged her feet to the sides of the bed closest to me. She dropped the box beside her and dropped to her knees before ncing at me again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have an attitude, I just refuse to be a burden after you¡¯ve saved my life and provided me with shelter. I¡¯ll clean up your wounds and be on my way, I shouldn¡¯t leave Den alone for too long.¡± She spoke again while reaching for some scissors to tear away the bandage.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Carefully unwrapping it, I could see her eyes flicker at the raw wound staring her in the face. It was far from pretty to be honest. It still hurt, but not so much that I would groan and yell at her to piss off. The marks of Dolph¡¯s ws were still fresh inparison to the wound he¡¯d inflicted.


    She reached for a liquid in the box and doused a cotton ball with it. Then she brought it to the wounds, rubbing at it gently. I couldn¡¯t help but be mesmerized by her rapt attention. A few strands of hair had found their way to block her vision, but she pushed them away quickly, returning her focus to tend to my wounds. Her forehead was now a brilliant orange under the natural rays; I trailed through to her lips that were shut firmly before she turned back to the first aid box.


    Carefully disposing of the used cotton balls, she reached for some ointment and pressed some onto her fingers. Her delicate fingers were so gentle, it was almost like she never touched my skin or she was afraid to touch it. They were feathery as they patted the ointment into the wound, and I found myself chuckling lightly.


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to be Annalise¡¯s assistant when we get back to the pack house? Perhaps, I should promote you since you have excellent skills.¡± I teased as she worked, still expecting a response from her. She shrugged instead and let out a painful smirk.


    ¡°You give the orders, it¡¯s my job to follow suit.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re giving me a reply now?¡±


    She didn¡¯t say anything, shifting her attention to applying more ointment. I continued to watch her work delicately until she¡¯d finished applying it. Then she reached for a bandage wrap.


    ¡°That day.¡± I started and she froze immediately. Her fingers had tensed, but her eyes betrayed no emotion.


    ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°Why did you go out that day? We just arrived and you suddenly wanted to go out.¡±


    ¡°I just wanted some air.¡± She answered dryly. ¡°I wanted to clear my head, that¡¯s all. Aren¡¯t I permitted to do that much?¡±


    ¡°Fair argument, but I don¡¯t believe you. You were trying to avoid me and it¡¯s fucking obvious.¡± My voice was low and less threatening than it would have been a month ago. she shook her head at that, muttering something inaudible under her breath.


    ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t. It isn¡¯t even in my jurisdiction to avoid you.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The room fell back into a deafening quietness, eluded by soft breathing and birds chirping in the distance. And of course, bandages ripping as she stretched it across the length of one arm. She nced at me, mouthing for me to sit upright. I did as she wanted and watched her wrap the new dressing over my wound, relief emanating from her being.


    I remembered her crying face all too quickly, and her expression that mirrored the one on her face now. That was it that day. Relief. As hazy as my memory from that day was, I could never mistake the current look on her face.


    ¡°Why did you cry that day if you weren¡¯t trying to avoid me? You¡¯re avoiding me because you¡¯re hurt, Larissa.¡± I pointed out again, all of the taunting drained from my voice. She halted her movements, raising her head to look at me in what I assumed was surprise. I watched her eyes dart around and her hands lose coordination as they loosened their grip.


    Blinking quickly, she¡¯d almostpletely returned to that calm, irritating demeanor again looking away from me. I could bet she was flustered, but herck of response was stepping on my nerves in all the worst possible ways.


    I reached to her chin, pulling it a little harshly towards me. She let out a stifled yelp, wide eyed. I stared at her eyes as gently as I could and watched hers do their utmost best to avoid mine.


    ¡°Look at me when I¡¯m speaking to you, Larissa.¡±


    Her name rolled out my tongue like velvet. Had it always felt this good to say her name? ¡°Do you realize how mad I was seeing you out there like that? They fucking put hands on you. What if they¡¯d done something to you before I came? What if¡­¡± I trailed off, forcing my throat clear. There was now a lump I hadn¡¯t realized has taken home in myrynx. She was still looking at me, but those warm chocte irises had softened considerably.


    ¡°Just what if, Larissa? You make me worry about you, to the point where I want to risk my life for you. But if you keep giving me those dead eyes, you want me to believe that my actions were in vain?¡± I continued, my voice growing thicker. She wasn¡¯t resisting, she was simply looking at me. I¡¯d cupped her cheeks, my fingers slowly caressing and running along the length of her face.


    ¡°I did that because¡­I know you¡¯re worried about me the way I am about you, Larissa.¡± I continued, feeling the need to justify myself. I felt Peter leap around in agitation, whispering that I was doing a good job. I used to me the stupid mating season for whatever it was that was going on between us, but it didn¡¯t make sense anymore. The mating season made you horny as fuck, not incredibly worried about how they were doing. The mating season would never make me jump in the face of death and tell it I didn¡¯t give a shit. It would never make me feel the way I was feeling about Larissa. It was odd yet familiar at the same time, and I wanted more. I no longer enjoyed the denial. It had gotten too exhausting to handle.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She croaked out quietly, and if it was possible, the flicker in her eyes had amplified. I let out a soft sigh, my gaze unwavering however.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not, I want you to be worried about me. You already proved it to me that day. You called me there that day. You cried when you thought I was in mortal danger. What else do those mean?¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡± She finally snapped, pulling away from my grip, I saw a tear find its way away from her eyes, and she wiped at it so fast that I would have thought she was having a mental breakdown.


    ¡°Just stop¡­Kaden.¡± Her voice was broken andpletely vulnerable, even her once dead eyes that had softened were pleading and screaming at me.


    ¡°Please¡­I think I¡¯ve been hurt enough. Isn¡¯t that what you want to hear? How much I love you and how you¡¯ve made it so clear that you don¡¯t want me as your mate? Should I go ahead and tell you how much I¡¯ve cried because of this back and forth? I¡¯ve done nothing but be true to my feelings ever since we met¡­¡± The tears had turned into a heavy fountain streaming down her eyes and she did nothing to hid her hurt. ¡°I don¡¯t want to y your games anymore. I may mean nothing to you, but I¡¯m a person too.¡±


    ¡°Larissa, I ¨C¡±


    ¡°Could you stop ying with my feelings? I don¡¯t find it funny!¡± She snapped again, shooting up to her feet.


    Instinctively, I grabbed one of her wrists, pulling her back to where she¡¯d been squatting to tend to my wounds. She was ring at me now, but it did nothing to mask the hurt she had let herself feel and express today.


    Seeing her so unguarded like this was gut wrenching. I could feel my chest tighten as I searched her eyes for something, anything that would reassure me that it would be okay. Maybe not now, but eventually.


    ¡°And who says I¡¯m joking right now? I¡¯m not joking, Larissa. I meant every word I said here.¡± I forced myself to continue, and relished in watching her expression morph into one of pure surprise, then confusion.


    Her eyes fluttered erratically as they bounced around the room before returning to rest on my eyes.


    I saw another tear escape her eyes and trail down her reddened cheeks, and I wiped at it gently. Without thinking any further, I leaned it to kiss the spot I¡¯d wiped it from. It was slightly salty where it should have been really salty, my best guess was that she must¡¯ve been crying a lot. I¡¯d made her cry so much¡­Kaden, you¡¯re such an ass.


    I pulled away just enough to see her soft eyes before pulling her down on the bed with both arms and a shallow grunt. She didn¡¯t resist, she simply let me pull her till she was hovering over me. I let out a soft smile, something I¡¯d hardly ever done to her before leaning upwards to press my lips to hers.


    In that moment, I wasn¡¯t thinking about anything. I wasn¡¯t thinking of Amaya or Nik, I wasn¡¯t thinking of the woman who¡¯d cheated on her husband and was sent on exile. I could only focus on the woman in front of me who was kissing me back with as much fire as she could muster. I could only think about the woman who¡¯d cried a thousand tears for my sake. I could only think about the woman who¡¯d somehow managed to crawl her way into my heart, despite my firm decision never to fall in love with a cheat.

 Making love

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    ¡°Kaden¡­¡± I heard Larissa whimper as I pulled her even closer and continued to kiss her despite every fiber of my being telling me to do the opposite. My heart was torn. One part of me struggled immensely to remind me that this was the woman who had done to someone what Amaya had done to me.


    But I could not help it. I could no longer resist her. I could no longer deny the fact that Larissa had a hold on me. She did things to me¡­things I could not put into words. She was my mate, and I was hers. It wasn¡¯t just about that, it was something deeper, and I was done trying to convince myself otherwise.


    ¡°K-Kaden¡­I don¡¯t want to do this anymore,¡± she whimpered again, her voiceing out in tiny whispers. ¡°The¡­ the back and forth. One minute you seem like you genuinely want to kiss me, a-and then the next minute you¡¯re shoving me away like I¡¯m¡­like I¡¯m trash. It hurts, okay?!¡± Her voice was higher now.


    ¡°It¡­it hurts s-so much¡­you don¡¯t understand..¡±


    I cupped her face in my palm. ¡°Shh,¡± I cooed. ¡°I know. I know I¡¯ve been cold and unreasonably mean to you and¨C¡±


    ¡°No! Y-You don¡¯t get it, Kaden. Maybe this is nothing but a game to you. But to me it-it¡¯s more than that. I don¡¯t want to go through this¡­¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She choked on her tears.


    Helpless, I pulled her close and pressed my forehead against her, wishing there was a way to make her feel better.


    I felt her shake her head  as if in resistance, and then she tried to speak through her tears, but her voice was much too muffled.


    A sharp pain tore at my heart at the sight of her still tearing up, and all I felt in that moment was guilt. Cold, hard, guilt. She was hurting because of me. She had been crying because of me. But I had just been too dumb to realize, and too dense to care.


    cing my hands gently around her shoulders, I cupped her face in her hands once more and gently raised her chin to make her face me. I wanted to look her in the eyes as I spoke.


    ¡°Larissa, I know I hurt you. It was heartless and unfair to keep blowing hot and cold when ites to¡­this,¡± I said, gesturing between our bodies. ¡°I know I hurt you and I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t want to be the reason why you cry like this¡­or the reason you feel like you¡¯re never enough.¡±


    I pulled her even closer until our breaths were mingling in the right distance between us. ¡°I want you, Larissa.¡±


    She let out a small gasp, raising her head to gaze at me through tearstained eyshes.


    ¡°I want you,¡± I repeated. ¡°I have wanted you¡­every kiss, every touch, fuck, every time we were in close proximity. And I fought it. But I am done fighting it. I am done fighting the fact that I constantly think about you¡­constantly crave you..¡±


    Her eyes zed over, and I could feel the heat rush through my body and down my crotch.


    ¡°I want you. All of you.¡±


    Whatever she was going to say was muffled by the motion of my lips capturing hers in a kiss. Her words melted into a gasp and she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me impossibly closer.


    That did it for me.


    A hungry growl escaped me and I grabbed her by the thighs and pulled her down to the bed so I was standing above her. I pulled away from the kiss and ced my tongue against her neck, taking in that powerful unholy scent that had been driving me insane from the moment we met.


    It wasn¡¯t enough.


    I wanted more. I needed more.


    Withdrawing myself a little, I let my fingers glide down her throat to her chest. When I hovered just above her breasts, she tensed, shivering noticeably. I was not sure if it was in excitement or revulsion so I stopped to make sure she was okay with it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t s-stop¡­¡± I heard her light whisper in my ear. Immediately, thest shred of self control I had vanished into thin air.


    My fingers traced the fabric covering her breasts and impatiently, I ripped through it. Her breasts spilled free, and for a moment, I was speechless. The only thing I was aware of was the motion of my dick hardening and stretching tightly through the fabric of my trousers.


    She was beautiful. Even more than I had envisioned.


    I swallowed at the sight of her creamy white mounds, round and full,plete with now swollen nipples. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re perfect,¡± I groaned, burying my head in her chest. ¡°Fuck.¡±


    My dick throbbed painfully. But I held steady. Using my thumb, I stroked her exposed nipple, causing her to let out a moan that sent shocks through my body.


    Fuck. If I wasn¡¯t careful, she was going to make me release in my fucking shorts. And we had barely even started.


    ¡°You like that?¡± I whispered in her ear, easing backward to watch her eyes roll back in ecstasy as I stroked her nipples which were hardening under my touch.


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­ yes.¡± She let out another moan, gripping tightly to my shirt and crossing her legs tightly. I thought my dick could not get any harder than it already was, but at that motion of hers, I nearly burst through my shorts.


    Grabbing her neck, I pulled her to me and trapped her lips between mine in a heated kiss. And as she swooned harder into the kiss, my fingers trailed down her body, and slowly, I ripped her panties off until she waspleted nude before me. I stepped back to gaze appreciatively at her form; the curve of her breasts, the grooves of her small waist that curved into wide hips. I could barely contain myself as desire tore deep into me.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful,¡± I said, my voiceing out in a low growl. My wolf was in a frenzy now, desire and lust pulling us both into the deep end.


    She only let out a small gasp in response, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    She obediently walked to me. Taking her small hand in mine, I pulled her hand to my crotch. At her touch, my dick jerked forward. Still holding onto her hand, I tugged at the waistband of my shorts and pulled them off.


    Larissa gasped at the sight of my dick stretched to its fullest, with a sort of wonder in her eyes that drove me crazy.


    When her fingers unexpectedly began to stroke my dick, I groaned in surprise. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    She continued to do so and when I could not take it any longer, I crashed my lips on her sucking hard on her bottom lip until she began to moan helplessly. I let my lips slide down to her earlobes, to the hollow of her neck, down to her chest, until I got to her chest. When I began to suckle on her nipple, she let out a sharp cry and shook violently, sping her legs tighter. Her mouth fell open and she threw her head back in pleasure.


    Excellent. I wanted her to squirm.


    I moved on to her other nipple and suckled on it till it swelled in my mouth. And then I gradually moved down to her stomach, kissing the crevices of her hips until I reached the triangle between her legs.


    I pushed her up gently on the bed, and then I pulled her legs apart. I inhaled sharply at the sight of her pussy.


    She was soaking wet.


    Grabbing ahold of my dick, I pressed the tip against her clit. She let out another loud moan, pushing herself forward in a frenzy.


    I obliged. With one thrust, I pushed into her, only to be met with resistance. I tried again, harder this time, making her cry out.


    I stopped. Perhaps there was too much friction. Using my free hand, I stroked my cock, using my precum to lubricate myself. When it was slick enough, I pushed into her once again.


    This time, I prated sessfully. She let out a sharp cry, her fingers digging into me as she squirmed underneath me. Her eyes zed over as she threw her head back.


    Gripping her ass to steady her, I began to pump into her, thrusting hard and fast until she began to shake. I threw my head back, moaning as I reveled in the wetness of her pussy; warm and dripping over my length. She was so fucking tight. So tight that my dick fit perfectly inside of her.


    I increased the tempo as I pounded faster into her, and soon our moans rented the air. As I neared my release, I leaned in to kiss her neck, inhaling that perfect scent.


    And then I came, my seed spilling inside her and dripping over her pussy lips.


    When we finished, I fell to the bed beside her, our breaths mingling as we stared at each other. I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nted a soft kiss on her lips. ¡°You¡¯re amazing,¡± I whispered. ¡°Come here.¡±


    As she obliged, my nose twitched. A sort of metallic scent hung in the air. I frowned. That smelled like¡­blood.


    Just as I was about to ask, my eyes travelled to the spot on the bed where Larissa had beenying. And that¡¯s when I saw it; wide patches of blood on the white sheets.

 A second chance

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I roused in my sleep, twisting and turning in the unfamiliar bed. Not only was it unfamiliar, it felt stuffy beneath the sheets. They were heavy and pinned my body down to the bed, partially immobilising my legs.


    Stretching ufortably across the length of the bed, I felt my legs hit something beneath the sheets. I let out an oblivious yawn before rolling over to my sides and fluttering my eyes open. And the sight in front of me was one of most beautiful things I¡¯d seen in my life.


    The alpha was lying beside me facing upwards, his eyes flipped shut in deep slumber. Light bounced off his skin like delicious hot chocte milk, perhaps it was even better that he was still asleep.


    Seeing him up close when he wasn¡¯t speaking to me or dishing out others, I had to admit to myself the umpteenth time that he was the most beautiful man I¡¯d ever seen. His tousled hair hung all over his face and I reached out to push out some of the hair from his face to show some of the skin on his forehead. A small sigh escaped his lips and I pulled away quickly, afraid that he would wake up.


    I wasn¡¯t ready to face him yet. Last night was something new, something different, and I was afraid of what he¡¯d do to me when he woke up. Would he tell me to leave his bed like he¡¯d always done? What even wasst night? How on earth did I give in so easily to him? But then, his caresses were so soft, it would make anyone crumble in front of him.


    Get a grip of yourself, woman!


    I mentally facepalmed at my line of thought. What the hell was I even thinking? For all I knew, everything he said yesterday may have been a lie. If not, then this was some sick dream and I didn¡¯t want to wake up from it.


    I ran one hand through my hair to minimise the tangles that had formed in my hair from his gripst night. I found my mind drifting off tost night yet again, sweet tingles travelling down my spine till they settled down in my crotch. Only now did I feel the wave of soreness hit me like madness.


    I was beginning to rethink my choices now¡­I¡¯d never slept with anyone before, I half hoped I hadn¡¯t thrown it all away for someone who was very fickle with his decisions. I propped myself up to rest my head weight on one elbow, watching as the light rays bounced off this skin and into his eyes that had begun fluttering now.


    Seeing that, I quickly turned to face the other side of the bed. The next thing I felt was an arm finding it¡¯s way around my waist and pulling me into a spoon. I let out a soft gasp in surprise, fisting both hands that served me as a makeshift pillow.


    His breathing against my skin felt ticklish, sending goosebumps all over. Why was he even in such close proximity? Even when I tried to wriggle myself out his grip, it simply tightened. Tired, I gave up and closed my eyes. This was a dream, of course. There was no way in hell that there was a  real grip around me, let alone this tight.


    ¡°You done squirming around? You were interrupting my sleep, Larissa.¡± He finally mumbled against my skin and I froze in ce. He was awake all along? And for some reason, I liked the sound of his voice this morning. It was deep and raspy, and something about it send heat coursing through my bones.


    I nodded in return like an idiot, unable to say anything. The words had gotten stuck at the back of my throat and I was afraid that I¡¯d sound flustered. Not here, not now. Not in front of him.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± He grunted again and loosened his grip. ¡°Turn around and look at me. I want to see what you look like in the mornings and keep it with me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, what?¡±


    ¡°Turn around.¡± He groaned a little impatiently, physically pulling me as if that would automatically flip me around. ¡°Alpha¡¯s orders.¡±


    I felt a small chuckle escape my lips and I turned around to meet his eyes closed again. Were his eyshes always this long and beautiful? There were also small freckles littered on his face, how had I never noticed them? They must not be visible except from up close.


    ¡°You seem to enjoy staring at my face. Mesmerized much?¡±


    There was teasing in his voice, but gentle teasing. I felt heat rush to my cheeks at his words and ducked away, facepalming in embarrassment. He stretched, small noises leaving his lips before he returned to holding me. His grip was loose now, just hanging there idly.


    ¡°Look at me.¡± He continued with a rasp and brought his free hand to my chin. Clearing my throat gently, I pulled my hands away and did as he instructed. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have, because damn it I could swear there was now an orange band between his emerald irises and chrome silver rings. He was illegal; those eyes were illegal.


    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡± He replied with a soft snort and wrapped both arms around me. For a minute it was as though he¡¯d fallen back into his sleep. But he soon roused again, and his eyes were open.


    ¡°Aboutst night¡­¡±


    Oh shit, no. Subconsciously I gripped the sheets, preparing myself for the worst. The absolute worst he could do to be right now was to ask me to leave. And leave I would, but I¡¯d be the most broken I¡¯ll ever be.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so tense, Larissa. I¡¯m not going to bite you. All I wanted to say was that aboutst night, I had no idea that you were a virgin.¡± He stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, letting out a low rumble before returning to look at me. His eyes were wide in what looked like child-like wonder, something that I¡¯d never seen before. It caught me off guard.


    ¡°Uh¡­uh yes. I¡¯d never slept with anyone before.¡± I started, my voice losing its volume as it proceeded. ¡°Never got the chance to.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s odd then. Not even your husband, ex-husband?¡±


    I felt my eyes widen at that. How did he know about Stefan? I¡¯d never mentioned him since I came, I made sure of it. He must have noticed it too, as all the wonder had drained from his eyes.


    ¡°How did you find out about him?¡± I half choked out in confusion.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t expect that I¡¯d let a total stranger waltz into my pack just like that, did you?¡± He chuckled and stretched again beneath the sheets, deliberately entangling our bare legs. He looked at me for a brief second and let out a sigh.


    ¡°I had Jackson do some digging about you. Larissa Tokenmoon, former Luna of the Tokenmoon pack who was divorced and rejected by her mate on ounts of cheating.¡±


    ¡°I no longer want to use or be addressed by that name. It¡¯s like bile in my throat.¡± I answered sharply, feeling my throat tighten at the mention of that pack I¡¯d made up my mind to rid from my memory. With a bitterugh, memories of that day came rushing in like uncontroble tides.


    ¡°That¡¯s what Stefan wanted everyone to think. In reality, it was far from the truth.¡±


    He cocked a brow in question, and I was more than willing to clear his confusion.


    ¡°I thought I was getting married to the loveliest man in the world, a man who would love me, one with whom I would rule the pack with fairness and justice. If I¡¯d known what awaited me after my wedding night, I never would have gotten married.¡± I forced out with a bitter smile, taking in his micro expression. His eyes were trained on mine, only moving to my forehead and back.


    ¡°On the night of my wedding, he called me a whore, showing me pictures of me with several different men. How had he even believed that? The sight was disgusting.¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Pictures?¡±


    ¡°Photoshopped. Katya. She¡¯s my stepsister.¡± I sniffled after that, gently wiping at my eyes. He also reached out to wipe them. I didn¡¯t want to continue, but I¡¯de so far already. ¡°My wedding night would forever be day I wish could disappear¡­He slept with Katya that night, right in front of me as though she was the one who¡¯d gotten married and I was reduced to a spectator.¡±


    ¡°He did that to you?¡± There was disbelief in his voice.


    ¡°That was only the beginning.¡± I let out another painful chuckle. ¡°The next two years were hell, simply put. I was a servant in my own house, but I had to pretend for my parents and the entire pack. It hurt like hell to have no one to tell about my struggles. Until one day Stefan had decided that he was tired of the charade and wanted a divorce. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be a worthy rejection if he didn¡¯t make a huge deal out of it and publicly reject me as his mate in front of my family and the whole pack for ¡®cheating¡¯. Where Ie from, a rejection like that ends in very.¡±


    At this point, I could see the alpha seething in silence. He nced down at me, running his fingers gently through my hair before bringing them to wipe at my eyes.


    ¡°He¡¯s a bastard, through and through.¡± He said through gritted teeth, caressing my tear stained cheeks. For the first time I sawpassion in the way he looked at me. ¡°And to think that was the reason I wanted nothing to do with you¡­


    ¡°Do you know why I needed a housekeeper even when I have a lot of servants at my disposal? You¡¯ve never asked me once.¡± He asked again, eyes softened. I shook my head, biting back to snicker.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it was in my ce to ask.¡±


    ¡°You must have heard the rumors at least. My pack members aren¡¯t exactly scared of death.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    He let out a harsh sigh and pulled his arms away, resting both arms on the nkets covering his lower torso.


    ¡°Before now, I used to be married.¡± He chuckled again and turned to look at the ceiling like it was the most important thing in the world. ¡°Amaya? You must have heard her name once or twice.¡±


    ¡°I heard she died, but her name was forbidden from being mentioned.¡±


    ¡°Died? I would be overjoyed if that was the case.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t she your wife?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t regard the woman who abandoned my son in the middle of a battle just to satisfy her fantasies, my wife.¡±


    I looked up at him in confusion, and a sudden realization set in. Gwen¡¯s words that day¡­My eyes widened in slight horror, and his scoff was more than enough confirmation.


    ¡°She cheated, broke my heart and left my son and me¡­I¡¯d kill her if I ever found her.¡± He finished with a sadness in his eyes, the most painful kind that I¡¯d only ever seen in the face of betrayal or death. He must have loved her so much, it must have killed him inside when she¡¯d betrayed him like that.


    ¡°You loved her, didn¡¯t you?¡± I piped lowly, knowing the answer already. He shook his head however and finally turned to look at me with a small smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°Once upon a time, I swore to give her the world. But there¡¯s someone else whom I¡¯d rather have the world with.¡± He answered before reaching for my forehead and nting a soft kiss on it. ¡°Second chances are non-existent to me. Even I didn¡¯t deserve a second chance. But I finally got lucky once. My second chance is right here in front of me, and I¡¯d no longer be in denial.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea what you put me through.¡± I fought back some tears that had made their way out of their haven. I was feeling so many emotions at once. On one hand I felt overjoyed that he felt like I did, but I felt more relief than happiness.


    On the other hand, I loved him so much that I hated him for everything. I understood his hurt however, we fell down the rabbit hole with our mates and met horrible fates. But he had me now. He had someone who would remain by his side in the face of death.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Larissa.¡± He cooed gently, pulling me into a warm embrace. Warm not from the warmth of his bare chest, but warmth emanating from all of the bottled up feeling for so long already. His scent was calming; a freshness that was intoxicating to no end.


    ¡°Please let me love you, Alpha.¡± I choked out against his chest, sniffling as I spoke. ¡°I will stand by you no matter what, even with a w to my eyes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He spoke again, pulling me away to create just enough space for his big hands to cup my cheeks. His eyes had a twinkle, one that has been so evident sincest night as he searched my eyes for something. And he pressed his lips to mine, kissing me tenderly.

 Hope

    LARISSA


    I stirred lightly as the beams of light from a crack in the curtains shone directly in my line of sight, causing me to flinch. Still tired, I flicked my eyes open and took in my surroundings.  For some reason, even though I would have liked to sleep longer, I was surprisingly not in a sour mood. Scratch that. I was happy. I felt warm all over, and the tingles that had been present in my arms and legs from the past thirty-six hours could still be felt.


    As I tried to sit up on the bed, I was suddenly aware of some kind of restriction around my waist. When I looked down I caught sight of Kaden¨Chis huge arm wrapped around my torso, and a ghost of a smile on his lips.


    I tried and failed to stifle a giggle, the heat in my stomach rising even faster. I was beginning to learn quite a few things about Kaden, one of them being that he was really not as stone hearted as he liked to disy. Sure, he could be intimidating without even trying. But he was also a big baby. I looked down again at him, grasping me tightly as if to prevent me from running away. It was so adorable.


    Unbelievable! Who would have thought I would ever use Kaden and adorable in the same sentence?


    It was crazy. But it was nice.


    Over the course of the past few days, it had honestly felt like I was living someone else¡¯s life. It didn¡¯t feel like mine nor any life I had ever lived.


    The actions, the affection, the care¡­ it just did not feel like something Larissa was capable of getting from another being. And while it did feel strange, I could not deny the fact that it was an amazing time in my life.


    Every time Kaden nced at me and gave one of those signature smiles of his that never failed to spread tingles down my body and made me swoon to the point of madness, I felt like I was going crazy. It was hard not to feel like I was only imagining things, considering that only a few weeks, no, a few days ago, this same man was irked by the sight of me. Every single action of mine irritated him, and every single thing that concerned me was a thorn on his side.


    He had also been very clear? about how soon he wanted me out of his pack and out of Den¡¯s life.


    Could this actually be real life?


    Bewildered was not the right word to use for my feelings at this moment, it was more than that. The way things changed had been like in the fairytales I used to believe in.


    As though to reassure myself that this was truly happening, I gazed down at him once more, watching as he took steady breaths, hisshes fluttering ever so lightly.


    God, he¡¯s perfect.


    Every time I thought I was over the sheer gorgeousness of this man, he proved me wrong. His features sent goosebumps down my body, and I couldn¡¯t help but remember how delicious he had looked standingpletely naked in front of me.


    The muscles rippling through his form¡­those gorgeous strands of soft, brown curls, and his green maic eyes.


    I tried to swallow, chiding myself silently for the perverted thoughts I was beginning to have.


    Not the time, Larissa. Not the time. Grab a hold of yourself.


    ¡°Is this going to be a daily habit of yours?¡± A groggy voice broke through my thoughts and I looked down to see Kaden giving me a lopsided smirk as he sat up.


    I giggled lightly. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Instead of replying immediately, he wrapped his huge arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him. As he did this, his fingers identally brushed my nipples through my nightdress and I shivered involuntarily.


    If I was close to melting into a puddle from his idental touch, how would I be if he did it on purpose? I wondered, cursing at myself under my breath. This man did things to me, things I could not say out loud even if I wanted to. I wanted to smack myself. I had be so much more sensitive ever since I had sex with him and I was beginning to discover what having a libido was like.


    I was so needy. It was embarrassing.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about you watching me every morning while I sleep. I mean, I know you¡¯re obsessed with me, do you have to make it so obvious?¡±


    ¡°Obsessed?¡± I shrieked, a loud cackle escaping my lips.


    Yes. Yes, I¡¯m obsessed with him, and what about it?


    That didn¡¯t mean I was going to give him the satisfaction of admitting it. ¡°Hmm, I think you might be projecting a little, don¡¯t you think? From all I have gathered, I think it¡¯s safe to say that the only obsessed one is you,¡± I taunted.


    As a response, he roared withughter, pulling himself into an upright position.


    This was it, this was another thing that still baffled me. Kaden Griffinughing, actuallyughing. It was still so unreal seeing him smile. He smiled with his eyes fixed on me in¡­adoration?


    I was still trying to get used to it. Eyes that once looked at me with disgust now gazed dotingly at me and observed me like I was a Christmas present he could not wait to open. The change was amazing but sometimes I could not help but feel weirded out. Perhaps this is how it was supposed to feel when your fortune changed out of the blue.


    It wasforting.


    He wasforting. It was surreal to know that my mate had finally epted me, and finally acknowledged the fact that we were mates. What more could I ask for?


    ¡°What do you keep thinking about?¡± His voice floated into my thoughts for the second time this morning. ¡°You¡¯ve been zoning out, don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t notice¡±


    I looked up at him to realise that he looked a little worried although his voice had a calm undertone to it. A blush creeped up my cheeks. He really did care about me, and I did not know what to do with it with all of this affection.


    ¡°I.. um.. nothing really. I was just thinking about how nice this is¡­¡± I motioned between us. ¡°It¡¯s¡­it¡¯s amazing. It doesn¡¯t feel real, to be honest.¡±


    He did not say anything because he sensed that I was bing emotional, and I did not want to ruin this good morning with unnecessary tears. He was here, he was real, and I would be fine.


    I quickly swallowed back my tears.  ¡°Alright!¡± I announced dramatically, shooting up from the bed. ¡°How about you go get Den while I start on breakfast.¡±


    Kaden did not respond, instead he continued to stare with a sheepish grin on his face.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± I smacked with the pillow. ¡°Please, concentrate? What is wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°What? Am I not allowed to look at my girl now?¡±


    A delicious shiver ran up my spine at his words. I did not know if it was just his promation of me as his, or the way his deep morning voice made my knees buckle in helplessness, but all I knew was I was starting to feel hot all over.


    Before he could tempt me any further, I raced to the kitchen.


    ***


    ¡°Do you want more?¡± I heard Kaden ask as he tilted the ss of vani to Den¡¯s lips. The toddler let out a screech and banged his tiny palms on the table as he bobbed his head up and down.


    I had been around Den long enough to know that only meant he was enjoying himself.


    I looked away as they continued to chat, grateful that the one thing I had been worried about from the start was getting better. Since we came to the cottage, Kaden had been spending more and more time with his son, making Den be more familiar with his father and morefortable and happier in general, and it was a beautiful sight to see.


    Still smiling, I continue to chop the vegetables. I was slicing thest sprig of turnip when I felt a hand slide up my back. I flinched at first but when I realised it was only Kaden, I rxed. Before I could ask what he was ying at, he leaned toward me and kissed my neck.


    A gasp escaped my lips and I struggled to swallow, knowing fully well that a child was in the kitchen with us. I looked back at him and gestured to his son.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± I whispered, pping his arms away. ¡°You know you¡¯re supposed to be resting, right? Your injuries aren¡¯t fully healed yet.¡±


    ¡°I said before, my wounds heal faster. I¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± I huffed.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually more worried about you,¡± his voice took on a softer tone. He stopped caressing my arms and leaned closer.


    ¡°Worried about me? Why?¡±


    Kaden did not respond. He looked behind him to make sure Den was upied before he turned back to me. ¡°About the other night. I¡¯m worried that you might still be sore.¡±


    Sore?


    My brows were still puckered in confusion as I let his words register in my brain. It took me a while to understand what he meant and when I did my face reddened in embarrassment, making the knife drop from my hands and tter to the sink.


    ¡°Kaden!¡± I nudged him hard in the chest. ¡°W-Why do you have to bring that up?¡± I flushed.


    His arms wrapped around my waist. ¡°I know you may not want to talk about it, but I just want to know you¡¯re okay. It was your first time, after all.¡±


    I strictly ignored him by continuing to chop the turnip. I was so embarrassed that I did not know when I let the knife down, cutting my finger by ident.


    ¡°Ow!¡± I hissed from the pain, immediately feeling silly. Why did I have to be so distracted around him? So stupid to cut myself. As I began to apologize, he ced his hands on mine.


    I could not bear to face him so I kept my eyes lowered.  In truth, I was a little sore but I was also craving for more of his touch. I did not want to tell him that¡­it was much too embarrassing.


    ¡°You cut yourself,¡± he said, turning my hand to get a better view of the horizontal cuts that was seeping with blood.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Um, yeah it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll just rinse it off.¡± Before I could turn on the tap, he grabbed my hand and pulled it slowly to his lips. Gently, he kissed the bloody finger.


    ¡°This¡­is a blood pact.¡±


    My chest constricted.


    He pulled me closer and continued. ¡°I had no idea what to expect when you came into my life, Larissa. And I¡¯ve never been more wrong about anything in my life. Everything feels so right with you here. I care about, and I ept you as my mate. I never want to lose you, I never want to let you go, I will be your protector and I will never let any harme to you. I promise.¡±


    He pressed his lips to my finger once more as if to seal his words, and then he kissed me.


    Tears streamed down my face uncontrobly. I tried to speak but the lump in my throat was too heavy. The more I tried to string my words together, the fuller my chest became.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, baby,¡± he whispered in my ear. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to upset you.¡±


    ¡°No! No, no, I¡¯m not upset. These are happy tears.¡± I said quickly, trying to wipe my tears to no avail. ¡°Everything is just right¡­everything is perfect. Just this morning I was thinking about how all of this seems like a dream¡­¡± my chest hurt but I did not not stop.  ¡°I can¡¯t help but think of Stefan and my life with him. He¡­he never had a nice word for me, never treated me kindly. I-I guess I just lost hope of someone ever wanting to be with m-me¡­¡±


    I broke off when I could not bear it any longer. Kaden tightened his fingers around me and pulled me closer, letting me sob into his shirt.


    ¡°You¡¯re here now. You¡¯re my mate¡­a second chance for us, and I will treat you exactly how an Alpha¡¯s mate is meant to be treated. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I repeated, smiling as I continued to wipe my face. He rubbed his thumbs against my cheek and kissed me again. This time I kissed him back desperately as if to trante all I was feeling to him. And it was perfect.


    Afterwards, he stood by my side moving around the kitchen as we both prepared breakfast.

 I promise

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I dutifully opened my mouth to let Larissa put the sliced apple in, like she had been doing for the past ten minutes. Like always, they tasted amazing, but there was nothing more enjoyable than the fact that she was feeding me. Hell, even I couldn¡¯t believe it, but it was nice finally admitting it freely. Larissa was like a breath of fresh air for me, and she was exactly what I needed.


    Although I would not admit it to Hunter,ing on this trip was the best decision I had made in a long time. I was grateful for it and it had let me discover a lot of things. My thoughts continue to race until I heard Larissa stifle a yawn. I looked up at her. She looked as bored as I felt and that said a lot, considering how sleepy I was beginning to feel. I hardly felt tired, ever, but being cooped up in the house all day had started to change that.


    An agreement I¡¯d made with myself while I prepared for this trip was that I would not bring work into it. The goal this week was to just spend time with my son, reconnect with myself and just have fun in nature generally.


    At first it seemed nice, but now I was beginning to regret it very badly.


    The thought of Den instinctively made me look his way. He was seated on the other side of the living room, ying with his toys and not paying attention to anything else. Even at that, he did not have as much energy as he usually did and his movements were rather sluggish. It was a clear sign that he was just as bored as Larissa and I.


    ¡°Okay, this is definitely not how I n to spend my free time on this trip,¡± I announced, pping my palms together to grab their attention. ¡°We have to do something. I¡¯m sure you can agree that today has been quite a boring day. What do you guys think of going outside for a while, at least for the cooler air.¡±


    ¡°Yay!¡± Den yelled, dumping his toys as he began to jump up excited at the prospect of going out.


    ¡°Outside?¡± I heard Larissa say, her tone a little t. That was surprising so I turned to face her only to see her staring at me with a strange look in her eyes.


    ¡°Yes, babe. We have been inside the house for days now. We haven¡¯t even gone out in the sun. All we¡¯ve been doing is¡­¡± I trailed off and purposely squeezed her butt, sending a knowing look her way. As if on cue, her cheeks med up. I let out a loudugh.


    ¡°But seriously though, even little Den is bored.¡± At my words, Larissa turned around to look at him. He wasying in the chair now, presumably waiting for me to fulfill my promise of taking him outside. ¡°See? We should all go. Don¡¯t you miss the sun, not even a little?¡± I joked. ¡°We can stretch our legs a bit and maybe do something fun.¡±


    Still, Larissa said nothing. I watched as she continued to fidget, wondering what was wrong with her.


    ¡°Really?¡± I cocked an eyebrow in amusement. ¡°You¡¯re the one always talking about how Den needs to take a break from the toys and electronics and y outside once in a while.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes I know,¡± she defended immediately. ¡°Of course it¡¯s good for Den to be out in the sun and to y in the grass. It¡¯s a necessity for a child¡¯s development. But¡­¡± she paused to nce at Den and then she lowered her voice. ¡°But¡­remember what happened thest time we were outside. I got attacked and you were wounded trying to protect me.¡±


    I saw the worry in her eyes as she paused to rub her forehead. ¡°We don¡¯t even know who those people are, and I still haven¡¯t forgiven myself for wandering off like that. I-I don¡¯t know what I would do if something like that repeats itself. W-What if you get hurt? What if Den gets hurt? I would hate for him to witness that like thest time. I just think it¡¯s better to be safe than sorry, and¨C¡±


    ¡°Calm down, it¡¯s okay,¡± I stopped her before she could continue. Anger had already risen inside me at the reminder of the stupid pack that had taken it upon themselves to torment my pack, even to the point of ambush. My blood boiled with rage and I silently swore that I would not rest until every single member of that cowardly pack was ripped to shreds and buried.


    What I would not do, however, was let them stop me or even scare me away from walking around my own home. My own fuckingnd! It would not happen. And I made this known to Larissa.


    ¡°I know you have enough reason to be scared, and I told you several times to stop ming yourself for what happened. None of that was your fault. Stop ming yourself for their cowardice. There was no way you would¡¯ve known their ns.¡±


    Larissa looked down at her hands and continued to fidget with her fingers. I knew she would still continue to carry the weight of me on her shoulders. It pissed me off. I was going to make those bastards pay.


    ¡°You have nothing to worry about, okay? We are safe here. Besides, they wouldn¡¯t dare. I¡¯m pretty sure they have learned their lesson from thest time. And even if they are stupid enough toe back, I will show them what happens to people who dared cross Kaden Griffin.¡±


    The worry lines on her face did not fade away. ¡°I¡­I know what you mean, and I understand what you¡¯re saying, but I still don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea, Kaden. It¡¯s only been a few days since then,¡± she countered.


    ¡°What if they are just lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to harm us? What if¨C¡±


    ¡°Shhh,¡± I stopped her by cing a finger against her lips. ¡°Quiet down, okay? You¡¯re being paranoid. Nothing is going to happen, I¡¯m here. Maybe you have forgotten that I am the Alpha. Thisnd belongs to Griffinhowl pack and it always has. No one crosses out territory unless they have a death wish. I will be here to protect you, okay.¡±


    She finally gave a small nod.


    I smiled. ¡°Good girl. Now¡­go ahead and put a smile on that beautiful face.¡± I pinched her face lightly, making her burst intoughter.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she gave in, pping my hand off as she continued tough. ¡°But we won¡¯t stay out long, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I promise.¡±


    Her smile was brighter now. ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll go get Den dressed.¡±


    ¡°Good. This is your chance to teach all those things you were pushing for. You mentioned something about catching crickets, remember? Outdoor stuff necessary for the development of children.¡± I smiled smugly at her.


    She stared daggers at me. ¡°Using my own words against me, I see. Low blow.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re your words, not mine,¡± I chuckled.


    She narrowed her eyes at me, and with a dramatic flick of her hair, she went to pick Den up. As she pulled him in the direction of the bedroom, I proceeded to change out of my shirt and put on a new one.


    After all the hustling and bustling, courtesy of the dy from Den, we were all finally seated outside. I was lounging in a bamboo chair under the shade of the trees, watching Larissa and Den y.


    I watched as she pulled him toward the shrubs and showed him how to catch the cricket by cupping both palms together and gently grabbing them off the roots of the trees before putting them into a ss jar.


    After she showed him how to do it a few times, she let him catch one on his own. He caught two on his first try. He must have been just as shocked as Larissa because he immediately squealed in delight, jumping up and down as he pushed toward Larissa. ¡°Issa, Issa, I caught two!¡±


    Larissa, unlike his previous nannies, was not fazed by the sudden outburst. Instead, she held his tiny hands in hers and twirled around with him, whooping and celebrating like they¡¯d just won the lottery. A warmforting feeling rested in my belly and I did not quite understand it but it was just so nice watching them together. I could almost do it forever.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I did not know how long I sat watching them, but it was the most rxing time I had ever had in years. Anytime he managed to catch one and put it into the jar, Larissa pped loudly in excitement cheering him on. As expected, Den thrived on the praise, his cheeks reddening as he continued to smile. It was amazing how Larissa knew just the right things to do, the right things to say to be able to put Den in a good mood.


    Larissa made childcare look easy, and it was one of the best things I had the honor to witness.


    God I was falling for her.


    Was there anything not perfect about her?


    Since I discovered that she was actually a virgin and that I had been wrong about her, thest bits of resentment I had been harboring vanished. There was nothing else toin about. She was perfect. How was I supposed to deal with that?


    My heart was so full with adoration that I could no longer bear to be away from her.


    I decided to approach the two of them. I knelt to Den¡¯s height and stroked his cheek softly. ¡°I need to borrow your Issa for a while. Is that okay?¡±


    Den frowned at me, shaking his head furiously from side to side. I heard Larissa chuckle from behind him.


    ¡°Just for a few minutes, I promise,¡± I pressed on, ruffling his hair.


    Still, he looked unsatisfied. It was only when I pointed to a cricket which had just emerged from the grass that he turned away in excitement to chase after it.


    Using the opportunity, I pulled Larissa to me and pressed my lips to hers in a kiss. A moan sounded from the back of her throat, and then she returned the kiss, digging her fingers in my hair and nearly driving me crazy in the process.


    ¡°Fuck, you have no idea how long I¡¯ve been waiting to do that.¡±


    She blushed. ¡°You¡¯ve been sitting there all alone, why didn¡¯t youe join us?¡±


    I cocked an eyebrow at her and purposely pulled up the sleeves of my shirt to reveal my muscles. ¡°Do these arms look like the arms of a man that hunts crickets?¡± I smirked.


    She burst intoughter. ¡°You really need to get over yourself, Alpha,¡± she teased.


    I snaked my arm around her waist and pulled her forward, snuggling into her neck and whispering in her ear. ¡°I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have found someone like you, and you may not know it but I am grateful. I¡¯ll always be grateful.¡±


    Although she smiled, she still looked a little confused. ¡°But why? I have never felt that I did anything to be grateful for.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea how much you have done, Larissa. For years I have employed different kinds of people to take care of my little boy, but no one has ever treated him the way you do. You take care of him, you listen to him, you even make an effort to enjoy and understand the activities he enjoys so that you could do them with him. You know his needs, his triggers¡­and honestly, you treat him like he¡¯s your own.¡±


    I paused. Saying all of this made me realise how true it was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where I could have ever found someone who loved my son the way you do. You are like a mother to him, and you have always been right from day one.¡±


    A lump formed in my throat at the word ¡®mother¡¯. For once it was not a bitter feeling, even though it reminded me of Amaya and that was because they were true. Larissa loved Den more than his own mother ever had.


    ¡°Oh, Kaden,¡± she finally spoke up. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know what to say. I did not realise it earlier but I have grown to love Den. I mean, look at him. He¡¯s a sweet little boy, and taking care of him has been the highlight of my life so far.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I want you to promise me something.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I want you to promise me that no matter what happens, you will keep taking care of him¡­you will keep loving him the way you do now.¡±


    In response she smiled widely. ¡°I promise.¡±


    I wrapped my arms around her in a tight hug which she returned.


    Everything felt so much better with her around. It was surreal how at peace I felt with her. I grabbed her even tighter, burying my nose in her hair and sniffing the delicious scent that continued to emanate even after all this time.


    Before I could say anything more, I felt her suddenly stiffen in my arms. As I pulled away, I watched her eyes go wide. She looked behind her, and then back to me.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked, rmed by the sudden change in her demeanor.


    ¡°Where is Den?!¡±

 Jumpscare

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    Blood was rushing through my ears. My heart was pounding so hard that it felt like it would leap out my chest any minute now. This could not be happening.


    ¡°Den?¡± I called out, pulling myself free from Kaden¡¯s hold as I staggered backwards. My legs felt like jelly as I walked over to the spot where I hadst seen him standing. Where could he have gone?


    ¡°Den!¡± I yelled out again, hoping that he would answer. He had to be around somewhere, he must be. I could already feel the dizziness start to creep in as I turned back to Kaden who was now staring back at me with a horrified look on his face.


    ¡°I-I can¡¯t see him anywhere, Kaden. H-He was right here, I swear. He was standing right here. I swear I saw him.¡±


    But he was paying no attention to me, and I knew his mind was racing just like mine was.


    ¡°Den!¡± Kaden called out, walking in through the field and disappearing behind a tree. As fast as I could, I ran in the opposite direction to see if I would find Den elsewhere. I ran¡­pushing myself through the thickets and trees and ignoring the pain on my skin as the branches scraped me. All I could think of at that moment was Den.


    I could already feel the tears welling up in my eyes. My hands shook with fear as a hundred different scenarios yed out in my head, reminding me of the exact reason I thoughting outside was a bad idea. We were not safe here, I could feel it in the deepest part on my bones.


    What if something happened to Den?


    I would never ever forgive myself for not pushing harder for us to stay in instead ofing out here. Nevertheless, I continued to race through the trees, yelling his name over and over again, praying to the goddess for a miracle¡­hoping and wishing that he was fine¡­that maybe he was just somewhere around and we were yet to find him.


    After a few moments of endless searching through the trees, I circled back to the spot I had been standing in the first time, only for me toe face-to-face with Kaden who had a grave look on his face and I immediately knew that he had no luck either.


    This was all my fault. The tears I had been holding in finally broke through, racking my shoulders from the intensity. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have taken my eyes off him,¡± I sobbed, forcing out the words through the pain in my chest. ¡°I¡¯ve looked everywhere but I couldn¡¯t find him. I-I been calling out for him but I¡¯m getting zero responses. What if something happens to him? What if h-he¡¯s hurt or even lost? It¡¯ll be all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have let use outside in the first ce¡­¡±


    I broke off at this point, unable to hold the tears back any longer. Bowing my head, I sobbed bitterly into my hands. ¡°Den always answers to his name, he always answers when I call him¡­¡±


    The tears poured down my cheeks. The more I tried to control it, the worse it became. I shook my head to stop myself from crying but I could not help it.


    Kaden did nothing but stare at me and I knew exactly what he was thinking. He was mad at me. He was angry with me for letting Den out of my sight. I knew from experience how protective he was of his son, and I was ready to bear the brunt of it if he decided to pour out his anger on me.


    And I deserved it. I deserved to be yelled at. I was Den¡¯s nanny, my job was to watch over him at all times. How could I be so stupid? The thought of Kaden being angry with me sent another sob coursing through me. My chest burned.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry. I¡­¡±


    I was cut off when I felt Kaden¡¯s hand on mine. To my utmost shock, he pulled me into a tight hug. A sob died in my throat and I froze in surprise. This¡­this was not the reaction I was expecting from him. Where was the yelling? The anger?


    ¡°You.. y-you¡¯re not mad at me?¡± I mumbled into his shirt, still confused.


    ¡°Stop apologizing, Issa. It¡¯s not your fault. We were both here and neither of us noticed him slip away. I¡¯m not mad at you, okay?¡± As he spoke, he pulled away slightly to wipe my face with his left hand.


    I allowed his words to register in my head. He really wasn¡¯t mad. I searched his eyes for any signs but he just looked worried. My eyes brimmed with tears. I could hardly believe that he was not yelling at me. I had gotten so used to being at the end of his anger that I forget that things had changed between us.


    ¡°Stop crying, okay?¡± He cooed. ¡°These woods are veryrge. We just need to look deeper. You know how Den is, he¡¯s probably sitting somewhere so immersed with his crickets that he¡¯s distracted.¡±


    I gave a nod, trying to be positive. That made sense. Den got distracted a lot, so that was true.


    ¡°Let¡¯s split up again,¡± he continued. ¡°I¡¯ll go through the other side of the woods while you check the house for him, just in case he¡¯s back there.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    We both took off in opposite directions and I made my way through the back door and into the kitchen. I looked in Den¡¯s room and in the bathroom, still calling out his name in case he was hiding somewhere or trying to y a prank on us. After searching for a while, I ended up back in front of the house. Secondster, Kaden emerged as well and we exchanged looks as he shook his head.


    My whole body shook with dread as I wondered if my initial fear hade true. What if the same people who had tried to harm me had somehow gotten to Den?


    Kaden still did not yell at me or me me. He only tugged at my arm. ¡°This way. There¡¯s one ce left to¡­¡±


    He suddenly trailed off. I turned to look at him to see why he had gone quiet only to see that his eyes were closed as he strained to one side of the woods.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I think I hear something. Footsteps.¡± He motioned me to follow. I grabbed my skirts and ran after him, hope filling my chest as I prayed to the goddess for Den to be safe. Kaden led me to a part of the woods which I recognised. It was the spot where those men had held me down thest time they ambushed us. At that memory, involuntary chills ran down my spine, but I shook them off, reminding myself what I was here for.


    As Kaden pushed aside a couple of shrubs, I cried out in relief when I saw Den sitting cross-legged in the middle of the woods, his small hands ced on his legs. By his side sat a strange man I not seen before. All I could tell by looking at him was that he was definitely a werewolf. He was sitting close to the Den¨Ctoo close for my liking¨Cwith a cynical smile on his face.


    The stranger looked up as we came into view his, lips curving in a smirk. ¡°Ah..¡± he spoke up, nudging Den lightly. ¡°Daddy and his bitch are here.¡±


    My ears burned. ¡°Den, get away from him!¡± I yelled out at the same time Kaden lunged forward to grab him away from the strange man. I swept Den into my arms and hugged him tightly, checking to see if he was okay.


    The stranger, however, was unfazed by all of this. Instead he let out a chuckle and waved lightly at Den. ¡°Go back to Daddy now, and don¡¯t forget what I told you, okay?¡±


    Chills ran down my spine.


    ¡°Get the fuck away from my son!¡± Kaden roared. ¡°Who the fuck are you?!¡±


    The man only chuckled once more.


    With a loud growl, Kaden charged at him, arms outstretched to grab him by the neck. But the stranger was faster than expected. He expertly dodged the blow and jumped onto a tree, stillughing. ¡°Bye now, Griffin. This is only the beginning.¡±


    And he was gone.


    Kaden tried to go after him, but it was no use. It was almost as if he had vanished into thin air.


    I still could notprehend what the hell had just happened as my hands shook with fear. I hugged Den again and examined his body. ¡°Did he hurt you? Did he do anything to you?¡± I asked frantically, stroking his cheeks and checking his arms and legs to make sure he wasn¡¯t injured.


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t hurt me,¡± Den said in a small voice.


    Kaden quickly approached us and I could see the relief in his eyes. He picked Den up and put him in hisp, kissing his forehead lightly. I tried to stay out of Kaden¡¯s way seeing as he was still seething so much that the veins in his neck looked like they were nearly popping out.


    I understood perfectly. The thought of that foul mouthed stranger spending so much time with Den was sickening. Only the goddess knows what nonsense he must have been filling the boy¡¯s head with. As if he was reading my mind, Kaden suddenly asked Den the question that had been on my mind. ¡°Did that man say anything to you? What did he tell you?¡± He pressed on.


    ¡°Kaden,¡± I whispered rubbing his shoulder to calm him down. ¡°I know you¡¯re pissed off right now, but please let¡¯s not overwhelm him with so many questions. One at a time.¡±


    He inhaled deeply and I knew he was frustrated.


    I knelt to the ground so I would be face-to-face with Den, and then I gently touched his hair. ¡°Do you remember anything that man said to you?¡± I asked gently. ¡°If you don¡¯t, it¡¯s okay. We can all go back in and I¡¯ll make you a cup of vani milk, hmm?¡±


    He was quiet for a few seconds and then he gave a very slow nod.


    ¡°Good boy,¡± I said, leaning down to kiss each of his cheeks. ¡°Can you tell daddy and I everything you remember?¡±


    He nodded again.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Kaden moved forward expectantly.


    ¡°He said daddy is next in line. And he said they are watching us, and we should get ready for w-wa..¡± he trailed off and it seemed he was finding it difficult to pronounce.


    ¡°War?¡± I offered, dread already filling me up.


    ¡°Yes, yes, that¡¯s what he said.¡±


    Kaden and I exchanged looks. ¡°Did he say anything else?¡± Kaden asked again.


    Den sucked on his finger and kicked at the sand. ¡°There was also something he said about the moon.¡±


    ¡°The moon ising for you,¡± I heard Kaden mutter much to my surprise. I faced him.


    ¡°Do you know who that man is?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just one person, I suspect it is an entire pack led by someone whose n is to destroy Griffinhowl. I have encountered two people in thest two months who tried to hurt me, and they said these exact words to me. The moon ising for you.¡±


    My heart sank and I lowered myself to the floor. Why was this happening? Why now¡­now when we were having a very nice time getting to know each other and spending time together. Why did this have to happen and destroy everything? And who were these people anyway? Couldn¡¯t they just leave us alone?


    I felt a lump in my throat again and I tried to hold myself together. ¡°Kaden, I don¡¯t think this ce is safe for us. We need to leave,¡± I said, recalling our conversation earlier today and what he had said about us being safe because he owned thend. But by the looks of things, these people did not care about that.


    Not to mention the fact that there were only three of us. If they somehow came back to ambush us, we stood no chance against them.


    ¡°Please, Kaden,¡± I pleaded. ¡°I know you said you didn¡¯t want to but we need to go. For Den¡­before something else happens.¡±


    Kaden nodded in agreement. I knew that he was unhappy about our trip being cut short, and I was too, but we had no other choice as it was. Letting out a sigh, he knelt to the ground and relieved me of carrying Den, and then he held his hand out to me which I gratefully took. I needed that support right about now.


    As we slowly made our way back to the cabin, he squeezed my arm reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯m not going to let anything happen to you both, ever. You¡¯re my family now, do you understand? Know that you are safe with me. I will always protect you both, and anyone who tries topromise that will not live to tell the tale. You¡¯ll be fine. We all will.¡±


    Maybe it was his words and the certaintyced in them, but I knew he meant everything he was saying. I continued to hold onto his hand until my eyes watered over, but not once did I let go.

 Back to reality

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I leaned over Larissa protectively as she strapped Den in the backseat of the car. Den was squirming andughing, trying to avoid Larissa¡¯s hands, but she was her usual patient self, and after she had joked around with him a little bit she finally convinced him to sit tight while she sped the strap over his waist and handed him a toy and his iPad to y with. The jar of crickets which he had stubbornly refused to part with was also by his side.


    To my surprise, he picked up the jar instead of the iPad. At his actions, Larissa turned around to smirk at me. She had tried to exin to me a few days ago that this trip would be very good for Den, and that it would help curb his obsession with electronics, but I had not believed a word she said because I knew how much Den loved to y games on his device.


    ¡°Fine. I know you want to hear it, so I¡¯ll just say it. You were right. Happy now?¡± I said, raising my hands in surrender.


    Larissa gave a smug smile, folding her arms and cocking her head to the side. ¡°Of course I was right. What did you expect?¡±


    We broke intoughter as she shut the back door and proceeded to the passenger seat while I climbed into the driver¡¯s side. Ever since the incident with the strange man and Den, things had been a little tense between us. We were still thinking about it, and it prevented us from rxing like we wanted to.


    Before I started the ignition, I took onest look around to make sure everything was fine and then I zoomed off. The ride home was silent save for Den speaking up once in a while and asking random questions about the crickets. Larissa was there to answer him and she exined things in a way that would make sense to him.


    As I drove back to the pack mansion, I thought about the ambush, the strange man in the woods with my son, and everything else that had been happening in thest few weeks. I decided that I could not take it anymore. I had to do something about it, and I had to do it fast.


    An hourter, we arrived back at the mansion. As Larissa carried Den out of the car, I almost leaned in to kiss her before I remembered where we were. I stopped myself just in time and awkwardly cleared my throat.


    ¡°I¡­uh, I¡¯ll see youter then,¡± I said to her and then turned around and walked in, leaving her to her duties. I saw the look in her eyes and I knew that my difort had not skipped her notice, but I refused to let myself think about it at the moment. Back at this mansion, we were just Alpha and servant, nothing more than that. And that is how it had always been.


    Before I could let myself be immersed in those thoughts I shook them off and walked to my bedroom. I had a lot to do and there was no time to spare. Immediately, I mind linked the Gemini, my beta, and the scouts, summoning them to my study for an emergency meeting.


    A knock sounded at my door a few momentster, almost like they had been waiting in the next room. ¡°Come in.¡±


    The door was gently opened and I watched as Hunter, Jackson and The Gemini walked into my study.


    ¡°Good day, Alpha,¡± they greeted at the same time, bowing to me.


    I waved their greetings away. ¡°No time for pleasantries now. Sit.¡± I gestured to the chairs in my study. ¡°Now¡­as you all know, we are being targeted by a mysterious group of people. We know nothing about them except that they are responsible for the attacks that has been unleashed upon us and a few other small packs within our jurisdiction.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± Hunter spoke up. ¡°We have been making a lot of effort to identify these people, but we¡¯ve had no luck so far.¡±


    I grunted. ¡°That is why we are here. I haven¡¯t been taking this quite as seriously as I should. I do not care if they are fucking ghosts. All I know is that we must put an end to this nonsense once and for all!¡± I banged my fist angrily against the table, the memory of the ambush making me boil. ¡°They have crossed the line, and I will not sit back and do nothing about it!¡±


    They all exchanged confused looks.


    ¡°Did something happen, Alpha?¡±


    ¡°We were ambushed at the cabin,¡± I said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°What?!¡± Jackson hissed, jumping up from his chair in anger. ¡°Those motherfuckers.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us? You could have called us for backup,¡± he said.


    ¡°There was no need. I fought them off as best as I could, but I doubt their aim was to cause any real harm. It was probably just their sick way of warning me.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe those bastards,¡± Jacob shook his head. ¡°The nerve of those people. We need to find them and make them pay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna have to agree with Jacob,¡± Hunter put in. ¡°Letting them go scot-free every single time will put the notion in their heads that we are weaklings. We cannot let them have the upper hand.¡±


    I nodded in understanding. ¡°And that is not all. Den got a little lost while ying around a few days ago. We found him in the woods with a strange man who I believe is a member of this same mystery gang.¡±


    They all jumped from their seats at the same time. ¡°I swear if he did anything to Den I¡¯m gonna¨C¡±


    I could feel the tension in the room and I raised a hand once more to quiet them down.


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t. We got there in time. But again, I don¡¯t believe his aim was to harm Den. This is just another warning from them. I guess targeting Den was a message to me, that they could have ess to my loved ones.¡±


    ¡°This is absolute bullshit?¡± Hunter growled. ¡°We need to find these people and we need to do it fast. We need to make them pay.¡±


    They began to discuss amongst themselves and raise suggestions on how best we could tackle the issue. It was clear that they were all angry, and although I appreciated the rage, this was the time to keep a cool head and make ns. I understood why they were all seething. Hell, if I had the opportunity I would kill them all. But we can¡¯t kill what we can¡¯t see.


    ¡°Enough,¡± I raised a hand to silence them from themotion that was starting to arise. ¡°I understand your grievances, and believe me, I feel the exact same way. But we know nothing about these people. So where do we begin? We can¡¯t find them, so all we can do now is wait for them toe to us.¡±


    They all nodded in understanding. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Good. But mind you, waiting does not mean we are going to be idle and waiting to be taken off guard like a bunch of fools. That is why I summoned you all. Jackson, I need you to double the security here at the pack. Every nook and cranny must be guarded, every man ounted for. So if anyone even thinks of sabotaging or betraying us, we will be aware.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I turned the other way. ¡°Hunter, you will do a thorough briefing of the men to find out the most capable ones and which guards should be reinstated to which post. I want them trained and each man ying to his own strength. The men who work better at night should guard the gates at night, and the guards that work better in the day should work in the day. After you have done all this, make sure it stays organised. If we are going to get ambushed in the dead of the night, we have to be ready. Is that understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I continued. ¡°We also need to kick off and take training more seriously. There are a lot of teenage pups now, and men who have not been fully trained. That is your job, Hunter.¡± I turned to him, irritation slowly building in my chest. ¡°Don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t notice you¡¯ve been cking off for weeks.¡±


    He bowed his head. ¡°Alpha, I¨C¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. You are my Beta, but do not think for one second that you are indispensable. There are a lot of wolves vying for your position, so do not make me announce the Beta position as open and avable.¡± I faced the rest of them on the table. ¡°Each of you must do your jobs andplete it, and it sure as hell must be perfect. I will not tolerate ipetence and I do not care if the bunch of you are the most important pack members. Any wrong move and I¡¯ll have you reced.¡±


    They all bowed low and nodded in understanding. ¡°Understood, Alpha,¡± they said in unison.


    ¡°Very good. Now we have that down, we need to discuss this mystery enemy. What do we know about them so far, except for the fact that their followers address them as ¡®the moon¡¯?¡±


    Hunter was the first to contribute. ¡°We know they are responsible for the attacks on smaller packs in the north region. ording to our sources, it seems like a pattern. They are gradually inching their way through Griffinhowl territory.¡±


    ¡°We also know that the Luna of Southsea who was killed in battle has a sort of connection with them, so we can start looking in that direction and see if there is anything we can get,¡± Jackson added.


    As they continued to belt out suggestions and talk amongst themselves my mind was running a mile a minute. I tried to think of the enemies I had over the past few years since I became Alpha, and honestly speaking, none of them would dare go to this extent. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t someone I knew, and it was a new alpha trying to overthrow me in secret.


    ¡°That is very valid, Alpha. What if it¡¯s a bunch of alphas?¡± Jacob asked. I had almost forgotten that the Gemini could read minds. But admittedly, that seemed like something to build on. The possibility that it could be more than one enemy was very high.


    I turned to Jackson. ¡°Write up a list of packs that are enemies of Griffinhowl and send them to me. After I¡¯ve looked through them, I will send some spies into their households. Gemini, do you think you can handle that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± they echoed.


    ¡°Good. Any other suggestions?¡±


    There was silence for a while and then Hunter spoke up. ¡°Alpha, there is one other person who seemed to know more about this mystery pack than she let on; the Luna of Shadow Pack. Perhaps we should seek out her help once again.¡±


    I frowned at the name. ¡°Absolutely not.¡± No, I had not forgotten about the woman who had pointed us in the direction of the Southsea Luna. ¡°She might know more than she let on, but that is because she is a cunning woman. She might seem to be on our side, but people like her always have an agenda. And if Griffinhowl asks for her help once more, she is bound to sense weakness within us, and then she will strike. So, no, we are not doing that.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    They reflected on my words and finally nodded.  ¡°I apologize, Alpha. I didn¡¯t think that far.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem. I think we are done here. You¡¯re dismissed.¡±


    Jacob smirked. ¡°Ah,e on. That¡¯s all? You haven¡¯t even told us about the rest of your trip.¡±


    ¡°Yes. How was the vacation with your housekeeper,¡± Joshua strung along, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.


    ¡°Whatever happened on my trip is none of your business, boys.¡±


    ¡°Ah, something did happen.¡±


    I stood. ¡°Get out, all of you,¡± I pped my hands to hurry them. ¡°I won¡¯t listen to another word of this. Henceforth, I will not tolerate any crude remarks about her. Is that understood?¡±


    They all exchanged looks. ¡°Woah. Since when are you on her side? What changed?¡±


    I ushered them out of my study and towards the door. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±


    With confused looks on their faces, they all walked out. I was about to shut the door when I saw Larissa emerge from the top of the stairs with another maid by her side.

 A tease

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    ¡°Alpha Kaden,¡± the maid who stood with Larissa quickly greeted me once they sighted me, curtseying very low. I was too entranced by the beautiful face of my mate to respond. It was only when the other maid nudged Larissa that I came back to my senses. Larissa¡¯s face reddened as she joined the other girl to curtsey.


    ¡°Yes, good day,¡± I responded, clearing my throat. Why was I being so careless? I had to get my head right lest someone discover what was going on between Larissa and I. It was torture, but it was necessary. They both stood upright once more, curtseying low before turning at the stairs and making their way down. As I watched her walk away, my mind raced. Was I really going to let her go now? It could be days before I would be able to have a conversation with her.


    Thinking quickly, I called out. ¡°Stop.¡± They both froze and turned back. ¡°My study is a mess. One of you shoulde take care of it so I can have the space to work.¡±


    I saw Larissa¡¯s eyes light up and I struggled heavily to hide my smile. ¡°Uh¡­I¡¯ll do it. Don¡¯t worry about it, Gwen,¡± she said to the other maid.


    Damn, she was a terrible liar.


    But that only made her a hundred times hotter in my eyes. She continually raked her fingers in her hair in an attempt to look chill and rxed, but it only betrayed the fact that she was nervous. It was fucking adorable. The other maid looked relieved at the prospect of not being in my study so I knew she would not notice Larissa fidgeting.


    ¡°Okay. Thank you, Larissa. I-I guess I¡¯ll see youter then. Alpha..¡± she curtseyed onest time before practically running down the stairs.


    As her footsteps faded away, I released a breath I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d been holding. When Larissa did the same, I chuckled. ¡°Come here,¡± I growled, hunger filling me up as my eyes raked over her.


    She walked over to me shyly, tucking her hair behind her ear. ¡°Hi,¡± she whispered in that low sexy voice that made me want to do things to her. I spanned her waist, pulling her up so our lips could meet. Slowly, I kissed her. Sucking. Tasting. Reveling in the sensual goodness of her lips.


    ¡°Fuck, I¡¯ve missed you.¡±


    She pulled away from me, blushing furiously. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too, Kaden. But¡­¡± her eyes darted through the empty hallway. ¡°I don¡¯t think we should be doing this. We¡¯re not in the cabin anymore. Someone might see us.¡±


    A smirk curved my lips. ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re going to be in my chambers.¡±


    ¡°What? No!¡± She smacked my arm. ¡°Stop it. I should go.¡± But the smile she was trying to suppress spread out. She cleared her throat and straightened up, squeezing herself out of my grip. I watched in amusement as she shook out her hair. I had messed it up with my fingers while I was kissing her.


    ¡°What¡¯s the use?¡± I teased. ¡°I¡¯m just going to mess it up all over again when I pin you against the wall.¡±


    She flushed again, making me emit another round of chuckles. ¡°You¡¯re impossible,¡± she scolded. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, Alpha.¡± She bowed and turned around to walk down the stairs. Before she had the chance to descend, I slid forward and picked her up, grabbing her waist amidst her squealing, and then I walked into the study and shut the door behind me.


    ¡°Kaden!¡± She giggled, stillughing as  I bundled her over my shoulder and carried her to the sofa. When I finally put her down, she stared at me with an expression I knew she thought was a re.


    ¡°God, you¡¯re so cute when you¡¯re mad,¡± I said, stillughing. ¡°Is this your way of telling me that you do not want to spend time with me?¡±


    ¡°No, no, no.¡± She shook her head vigorously. ¡°Of course I want to spend time with you. But we are at the pack house and there are people everywhere. What am I supposed to say when they start asking questions? With the rate you¡¯re going, they¡¯ll be suspicious in no time.¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± I protested, grimacing. ¡°I¡¯m quite offended by that. I can be discreet.¡±


    Larissa redzily at me. ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°My point is¡­we don¡¯t have the kind of freedom that we had at the cabin. And I just¡­I just don¡¯t want anything that will bring shame on you or ruin your image, especially right now you¡¯re upied with finding this mystery pack.¡±


    I frowned, wondering what she was trying to say. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    She lowered her head and began to fiddle with her fingers. ¡°I am only an omega. It would be shameful if anyone found out we were¡­¡±


    She trailed off and I stiffened because I knew exactly she had cut herself off. What were we? We had not discussed anything on the topic and I chose not to assume. But it was a very valid question and it made me uneasy, especially since I never wanted Larissa to feel like I was toying with her feelings.


    My tongue felt like it was stuck to the roof of my mouth because I  couldn¡¯t seem to form any words. Before I could gather my wits, Larissa beat me to it.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Kaden. I know how this works. You are the Alpha, it doesn¡¯t make sense for us to be together. And you were right. We can be who we want to be outside of the pack, but here, there is no way we can manage.¡±


    Her words hit me like a brick and I realised how my words from earlier must have sounded. I immediately regrettedpletely abandoning her at the entrance of the mansion when we first got here. I didn¡¯t want her to think I was ashamed of her. That was never my intention, but I could understand why she would have thought that in the first ce.


    ¡°Issa,¡± I called out, pulling her to me.¡±I could never be ashamed of you. Is it because of how I acted earlier?¡±


    She avoided eye contact. ¡°You don¡¯t need to exin. I understand. This is not a world in which we can be together, mates or not.¡±


    I shook my head, scooting closer and intertwining my fingers with hers. ¡°I could never be ashamed of you. You are¡­you¡¯re the most wonderful thing that has happened to me in years.¡±


    Her eyes clouded with surprise as she looked up at me.


    I nodded reassuringly. ¡°I mean it. It¡¯s just¡­we were practically enemies two weeks ago.¡±


    Larissa chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    I smiled, scooping her out of the chair and cing her on myp. ¡°Now we have this beautiful rtionship and I don¡¯t want any external factors to mess it up. I just want us to gradually ease into it, okay? Hell, I still can¡¯t believe this is happening. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re here. It all still feels like a dream.¡± I tangled my fingers in her hair and narrowed my eyes at her in mock suspicion. ¡°Are you even real? It doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡±


    The smile I was waiting to see appeared on her face immediately as she burst intoughter. ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡±


    ¡°I mean, I have to ask. There is no way you are this perfect, and my mate at that. I don¡¯t remember winning the lottery.¡±


    By now a permanent smile was etched on her face as she squeezed me into a hug. ¡°You always find a way to make me feel better,¡± she mumbled into my shirt.


    ¡°Well, I want my girl to feel good at all times, okay? So please, babe, don¡¯t worry about anything. I promise we¡¯ll figure it out together.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I trust you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl. Besides, we have some other¡­pressing matters that we need to take care of.¡±


    Larissa cocked an eyebrow. ¡°Things like what?¡±


    I shrugged, making no effort to hide the mischievous smirk curving my lips. ¡°Maybe, things like this tiny mole on your upper lip..¡± I brushed my lips against her lightly, nting a small kiss on the mole. My lips trailed down her bottom lip to her neck, slowly pulling her to me until shey on top of me. She returned the kiss with equal fervour, grinding her waist on my crotch. A moan escaped my lips before I could stop myself.


    ¡°Fuck, Issa. If you keep doing that you¡¯re going to make me rip your clothes off. And trust me, you will be going nowhere.¡±


    She pulled away from me, a sly smile dancing on her lips. ¡°What if I don¡¯t want to leave?¡± She whispered airily, biting down on her bottom lip seductively.


    Blood rushed through my cock as it stretched through my shorts. I cupped the bulge in my palm and narrowed my eyes at her, swallowing with difficulty. ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me, Larissa.¡±


    She looked at me with those with wide eyes, batting her eyshes innocently. ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m not doing anything.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re doing something alright¨C¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The words mped right back into my mouth as I felt pressure on my cock again. Larissa fingers were sped around my length as she squeezed, stroking me up and down and making my dick stretch out even farther.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± I threw my head back, bucking my hips as she continued to pump me. Harder. Faster. She varied her tempo until she damn near sent me into overdrive. She rubbed my tip, swiping off my precum with her thumb. Tiny shocks ran down my legs.


    When I could no longer take it anymore, I unzipped my shorts and spread my legs. I needed to feel her bare hands on me. The fabric was getting in the way.


    ¡°What?¡± She asked in that same sultry tone, nibbling on her lips as though she did not understand what I meant.


    ¡°If I explode into a million pieces, I have you to me. You¡¯re so fucking tempting. And I see you¡¯re being a tease,¡± Iughed. ¡°Just remember that I can do a lot worse. You¡¯ll be begging me to fuck you senseless by the time I¡¯m done with you.¡±


    Her eyes lit up with curiosity. Still maintaining eye contact, she dropped to her knees and spread my legs even wider. My breath caught in my throat as I anticipated her touch.


    She was fucking sexy and it was taking all I had in me to control myself. If I had my way, she would be under me and moaning my name.


    She licked her lips and slowly pulled my hard length out of my shorts. As her tongue grazed the tip of my cock, I heard a knock on my door.


    We jumped apart immediately, quickly rearranging ourselves. I glowered at the door, silently cursing whoever was on the other side. I motioned to Larissa to hide somewhere as I walked over to the door.


    ¡°Who is there?¡± I asked, ready to end the fucker. Without waiting for a response, I unlocked the door, only toe face-to-face with Hunter.


    I narrowed my eyes at him. I truly did not have good feelings towards him at this moment. The twitching of my dick prompted me to sigh, heightening my frustration. ¡°What do you want? Did I not tell you I had work to do?¡±


    Hunter backed away a little, looking confused. ¡°Oh, I apologize, Alpha. I just had to give you an important update on something I forgot to mention earlier in the meeting.¡±


    Desperation and lust made me want to shove him away, but I knew that I was just reacting badly to being cock-blocked. Plus it was certainly not ideal to stand in front of my beta while my dick was still hard and tingling with desire, so I cleared my throat and nodded. ¡°Alright. Come back in an hour. By then I would be done with work.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I shut the door before he could say anymore. When I turned back, Larissa was standing at the edge of a sofa cowering as if scared someone was going to walk in on her.


    ¡°I knew this was a bad idea,¡± she whispered. ¡°I have to go. I¡¯ll find someone else toe clean the study¡­¡± Her eyes roamed through the room as she spoke. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at me. ¡°Kaden..?¡±


    I stifled augh. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your chambers are sparkling clean.¡± She nted both arms on her waist and red at me.


    I grinned. ¡°That is true. I obviously lied so I could spend time with you. It was worth it, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±


    She tried and failed to hold back a smile.  ¡°Yes it was. I did not realise how much I missed you. It makes me miss the cabin a little bit.¡±


    ¡°I miss you too.¡±


    She got on her tiptoes and kissed me full on the lips. It was hard to ignore the warmth that spread through me at that, but I settled with giving her a light kiss on her forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll see you around soon,¡± I said, backing away from her.


    As she walked out of my chambers, I smacked her ass and chuckled loudly at the horrified expression on her face.

 Mine

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll finish up here and be down soon,¡± I said to Gwen as she made her way out of the room. She gave a short nod and hurried out. We had been awakened by the head maid first thing this morning to get to work. I was used to getting up early, but 4am was quite a stretch. Having no say in that, all the omegas had to head to their assigned workstations and begin work immediately. It seemed a little extra to me, and I wondered what was going on, but I¡¯d been too tired to ask.


    I had worked till the sun broke out, and I was currently wiping down the grimy windows of the grand hall upstairs. My wrists were hurting, but I consoled myself with the fact that I would be taking a break as soon as I was done with the windows. As expected, it was taking forever. But I stayed strong.


    ¡°You¡¯re almost done, Larissa,¡± I whispered in a bid to hype myself up. As I dipped the washcloth into the now ckened water, I was distracted by the sound of chatter outside. A group of young werewolves had gathered in the middle of the yard, and from what I could see, it seemed like they were getting ready to train. The boys looked no older than fourteen, and that thought made me smile. I was thinking of Den, and how he would be one of these boys soon.


    Perhaps thinking of Den made his father materialize, because as I nced back outside, the tall form of Kaden was nted in the midst of the young boys. My mouth suddenly felt dry and I tried to swallow to no avail. One would think that being around Kaden so often would lessen the awe that came with the sight of him. But it was in fact the opposite. Kaden was gorgeous in every sense of the word, and honestly, it was hard not to stare.


    When he had not yet acknowledged me as his mate, I used to feel like a fool for longing for a man that wasn¡¯t, and probably would never be mine. But the mate bond could not be denied and I always had a hard time looking away. But now, there was no reason not to stare. I drank in the delicious sight of him whenever I got the chance. Everything about him from his tantalizing scent to the muscles in his arms. He was a hunk, and he was mine.


    Mine.


    For some reason it felt almost forbidden to use that word. But that was what made it so special. The rush. The excitement. Especially now that we shared a special connection. A connection that still didn¡¯t feel real to me. Everyday I woke up and wondered if the whole thing had only been a dream. But he was right there. A smile tugged at my lips as I continued to stare at him through the windows.


    I knew I should stop. But, how could I? He was perfect. As if he was not already doing enough damage, Kaden pulled his shirt off. My gasp echoed through the empty room, and I felt a surge of heat in my ears, slowly building and spreading through my body until I reached my core.


    The washcloth dropped from my hands, but I paid it no mind. I was too focused on the rock hard abs in my line of sight. They were coated in a film of sweat that dropped down his hair and flowed down his chest. My heart rate increased and again my mouth went dry. With the heat enveloping me right now, I wanted nothing more than to be in Kaden¡¯s arms.


    The memory of how he had whisked me up and into his study a few days ago resurfaced and I shivered deliciously as I remembered the feeling of his hands on my body. The things I would do to have him touch me like that again.


    My core tightened in anticipation and I felt my nipples harden from underneath my blouse. My face was so hot by now and I realized with a start what nasty thoughts I was just having. My blush deepened and I pped my forehead.


    How could I be so shameless? I wondered. I imagined Gwen walking in on me while I was peeking through stained windows and leering at the Alpha. That was not a conversation I wanted to have, ever. I would sooner shoot myself in the leg. I shook my head and attempted to clear the thoughts, and then I continued to clean. I managed to get through the first row of windows without looking outside, but by the time I got to the second, my body betrayed me once again. Eventually I was switching between wiping down ss and ogling the man outside.


    Finally, Gwen came to the rescue. She marched into the hall and motioned me toe over. ¡°Come on, we still have a lot of decorations to do downstairs.¡±


    I followed her outside and picked up one of the flower gand baskets. ¡°Gwen?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this big event everyone is raving about? I know it¡¯s not the moon festival because that has already passed. So what is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a banquet,¡± she rified. ¡°We used to celebrate it every year, but it hasn¡¯t been held in years. The Alpha ordered us to organize it today.¡±


    ¡°Oh..¡±


    That was interesting. I wondered why he had put a hold on it in the first ce. Could it be because of his ex wife? It seemed very likely. I did not ask any more questions lest Gwen get suspicious, but I thought it was a good thing that the pack was going back to old practices. A banquet would definitely put everyone in a jolly mood, and it would create a stronger bond amongst the pack members. I was d that Kaden was making changes. He was not the same person I met when I first came to this pack. And that was a good thing. He was better. He was happier. And if that wasn¡¯t a good sign, I didn¡¯t know what was.


    ***


    ¡°What do you think?¡± I asked breathlessly as I zipped up the emerald green dress I was trying on.


    Gwen paused in applying her makeup and turned around to look at me. Her eyes widened and I watched in surprise as the makeup brush dropped from her hand. I grimaced, wondering if I should have just stuck with the blue dress. All the negative thoughts cleared from my head when Gwen let out a squeal. She jumped out of the chair and rushed in my direction.


    ¡°You look so fucking hot! Oh my goodness!¡± Sheughed. ¡°Yes, yes, girl,¡± she continued to shower praises on me. ¡°You look amazing. That green pairs perfectly with your eyes.¡±


    I blushed. ¡°Really? You¡¯re sure?¡± I looked back in the mirror. I had purchased the dress on a random visit to town once with no ns to actually wear it. It fit snugly from my chest to my midriff, and then it red from there, giving it the appearance of a ball gown, just without the excessive puffy look. It had round sleeves that fell just below my shoulders, and a sweetheart neckline. I had also curled my hair, letting two strands fall in front, while the back was secured with a hair pin. It was simple, but I was worried that it might be too simple.


    Gwen pped my arm. ¡°Of course! You look perfect. All the men will have their eyes on you, trust me,¡± she grinned.


    Iughed it off, but I secretly wondered if Kaden would be taken with my outfit. I hoped so.


    ¡°One minute,¡± Gwen said, walking back to the drawer. After much rifling, she returned with a gold piece. It was a simple choker ne, and it was beautiful. She helped me put it on and then she made me look in the mirror again. ¡°You¡¯re perfect.¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I grinned. ¡°Thanks, Gwen. So are you.¡±


    She did a small dance, and then she pulled me to the chair to apply a bit of makeup on me. When we finished, we headed up to the grand hall. The banquet had already taken off in full swing and the sound of soft music could be heard.


    Gwen and I went our separate ways to mingle in the crowd, and true to her words, I caught several stares from the men. I wasn¡¯t used to getting so much attention so I was a little flustered, but I kept my head up and pretended not to notice. Besides, the one person whose stares I would not mind was nowhere to be seen.


    I shuffled to the refreshments table and picked up a ss of wine while I waited. A few minutester, the chatter in the hall was reced by apuse. When I looked up to check, I saw that Kaden had walked into the hall. A smile found its way to my lips and I felt my insides tingle. He was d in a ck suit that fit snugly against his muscles. As if he couldn¡¯t be any more perfect.


    I joined the crowd in pping and I could barely keep my eyes off him. I watched in adoration as he mounted the podium with a killer smile and a champagne ss in one hand.


    ¡°Wee, everyone.¡± His voice echoed through the room. The whole room chorused a response.


    ¡°First of all, I would like to thank each and every one of you for taking out time to attend this banquet. As you might have noticed, I did not extend any invitations to our neighboring packs. That is because this is a special day and a special moment for me, and the only people worth sharing it with are my family. You all are my family.¡±


    Another round of heavy pping and cheering ensued, and I smiled. Seeing this new, agreeable side of Kaden both amazed and impressed me.


    Kaden smiled in acknowledgement of the cheering. When they quieted down, he continued. ¡°You are all aware that it¡¯s been years since we held the annual banquet, and you must be wondering why we are organizing it once again.¡±


    There was murmuring through the crowd. I guess they were all curious, and so was I. It seemed sost minute, so I could tell there was a reason for this sudden decision. I broke out of my thoughts as Kaden was speaking again.


    ¡°I withheld from organizing the banquet for the past two years because it came with bitter memories of someone who was once a member of this pack. For so long I had to live with the pain of this betrayal. What I didn¡¯t know was that this betrayal would make way for a blessing.¡±


    My heart clenched. Kaden was staring directly at me. Somehow, he had found me in the crowd and his gaze never left me once.


    Kaden continued. ¡°It gave way to something I never thought I would feel again. For so long, I lived with anger and bitterness, but someone came into my life and gave me a second chance. A second chance at life. A second chance at love. A second chance at aplete family.¡±


    I could not breathe. My chest was constricting. Was he¡­was he talking about me?


    With his eyes still fixed on me, he stepped down from the stage and walked in my direction. The crowd parted to let him through.


    ¡°She¡¯s the best thing that ever happened to me. She changed me. She taught me how to let go of things that were only hurting me. She taught me how to love again. And¡­she is here tonight. I do not want to hide her any longer, I want to formally introduce her to my family.¡±


    By now he was right in front of me.


    ¡°So¡­wolf brothers and sisters, I would like to introduce my second chance mate and the love of my life¡­Larissa.¡±


    At his final words, a deafening silence descended in the hall.

 Marry me

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    My heart was beating so fast it was all I could hear. Kaden had just announced that I was his mate, and I could hardly believe it. At first I wondered if my mind was just ying tricks on me, but the stunned faces in the crowd said otherwise. I stared at Kaden in disbelief. Thest time we spoke about this, I had been convinced that he was ashamed of me. Little did I know that he was nning something this huge. The realisation that he threw this banquet for me brought tears to my eyes.


    ¡°Come..¡± Kaden said, extending his outstretched arm to me. I put my hand in his and let him lead me back to the podium. My heart had begun to do back flips now, seeing all the faces in the crowd. I wondered what was going through their minds. My biggest fear when it came to my rtionship with Kaden was beginning to manifest, and I wondered if I was even worthy of standing with him. I was just an omega, after all. What if they didn¡¯t ept me?


    Before I could express my fears to Kaden, I heard a wolf whistle from someone in the crowd. Immediately, the silence was reced by thunderous apuse. All the stoic faces I had seen earlier in the crowd were full of smiles. Relief like I had never felt before filled up my chest, and I realised that the silence before was one of shock, and not rejection.


    Kaden pulled me closer to him and continued speaking. ¡°Most of you might already know Larissa as my son¡¯s nanny. But, she is more than that. Before I realized she was my mate, she was like a mother to my son. As you all know, I was quite difficult with her and gave her a hard time. Although I have apologized in private, I don¡¯t believe my mind will be at rest until I apologize again, in front of the people who witnessed her hurt.¡±


    He paused, rubbing my arm affectionately. I could see his eyes fill up with remorse, and I couldn¡¯t have asked for more. It still felt unreal that he was apologizing in front of the whole pack. The burning in my eyes intensified and I felt close to breaking down.


    ¡°Kaden,¡± I whispered so only he could hear. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this. I epted your apology already¨C¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°Larissa, I maltreated and hurt you multiple times in front of the pack members, and that was wrong of me. I treated you badly, and made you feel like you did not matter, and that is not something that just goes away overnight.¡±


    Pain pricked at my heart. He was right.


    ¡°I am sorry for everything. For hurting you, for keeping you walking on eggshells around me. For finding fault in everything you ever did. I¡¯m truly sorry, and I promise to spend all my days making up for it if you will let me.¡±


    I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I could barely speak. ¡°Yes¡­¡± I managed to let out in a shaky voice. ¡°Yes, I forgive you.¡±


    As Kaden pulled me into a hug, the crowd began to apud once again. I was tearing up so much now that everything was a blur. He cupped my face and wiped the tears off my face. ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not crying,¡± I protested, my voice dry and pitched. He pulled me into another hug and wiped my face again while I tried to stop crying. Finally, I calmed down. Kaden made me put his left hand in mine and raised it high. ¡°Right here in front of my Griffinhowl brothers and sisters who bear witness, I, Kaden Griffin ept Larissa Howle as my mate and a mother to my child. I also want to use this opportunity to ask her something.¡±


    Before I could process what was happening, I saw Kaden get down on one knee. I was shaking. Was he about to do what I suspected he was? I staggered backwards in shock. No, it couldn¡¯t be. I was still reeling from his promation, and now this? This felt too good to be real. I ced a hand on my chest to calm my racing heart.


    ¡°Larissa¡­¡± his voice brought me back to reality. ¡°I have never loved anyone as much as I love you. I always thought love was all pain and struggle¡­but you make it easy. Two weeks ago, I would never have pictured myself being this open and vulnerable in front of my pack. You reminded me of things I had forgotten how to feel. You brought me out of my shell and broke down the walls I had built around myself, and I will never forget that. I love you, Larissa.¡±


    I could not breathe.


    ¡°I love you. I want to spend all my days making you happy, healing all the pain and hurt you¡¯ve been through. I want to take care of you, I want to protect you, I want you to be my Luna and rule by my side.¡± He dipped a hand in his jacket and procured a small velvet box. He flipped it open to reveal a simple diamond ring. ¡°Marry me, Issa, and make me the happiest man in the universe.¡±


    Kaden just asked me to marry him. Tears filled my eyes. I couldn¡¯t believe this was happening. I had lived in hurt for so long that hearing someone proim their love for me made me wonder if it was only a figment of my imagination. But Kaden was here. He was standing right in front of me, staring anxiously and awaiting my response. He loved me. A tear escaped my eyes. After what happened in my previous marriage, I unconsciously convinced myself that I would never be good for anyone. Myst rtionship had shattered me and plummeted my self esteem. But with Kaden, all the shards of my heart had pieced back together.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said through the tears. ¡°Yes, I will marry you. I will.¡± I pulled him to his feet and flung myself on him, getting on my tiptoes to kiss him. The rest of the world melted away as we clung to each other kissing passionately. Without warning, Kaden picked me up bridal style and carried me out of the hall amidst the cheering. And I couldn¡¯t have imagined a better proposal.


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    As I whisked Larissa away from the crowd, my heart pounded in my chest. I had grown ustomed to keeping a stoic expression in all situations so it was easy to hide how I was really feeling, but inside, it was all turmoil. I had nned to propose a few days ago, but when I remembered everything I had put her through, I decided that proposing in private wouldn¡¯t cut it. I needed to do it in the presence of those who watched her get maltreated. Guilt was eating at me the entire time, but the smile on Larissa¡¯s face had prompted me to continue.


    I have to admit that it took a lot of courage to do that, and when she went silent for a few moments, I was scared that she would say no. My heart was beating wildly as I waited for her response, and when she finally said yes, I felt like the luckiest man alive.


    ¡°I love you so much,¡± she whispered in my ear as I opened the door to my chambers. I put her down and imed her lips in a passionate kiss.


    As I kissed her, my fingers trailed down her neck. And soon, she was moaning. My cock kicked forward in anticipation, but I paid no attention to it. My main focus now was Larissa, and I would take my time to pleasure her to ecstasy. I pulled away slightly and let myself look her over thoroughly. Her cheeks were tinged red and she was breathless. I let my eyes fall to the delicate choker around her neck, down to the swell of her breasts in the green dress she was d in.


    ¡°Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?¡± I asked, reaching behind to undo the clip in her hair so it spilled over her shoulders.


    ¡°You like it?¡± She asked shyly.


    I kissed her again, sucking hard on her bottom lip until it reddened. ¡°I do. You¡¯re so fucking sexy, it¡¯s hard not to notice.¡±


    As she gave a light chuckle, I pulled her to the bedroom and unbuckled her shoes. ¡°Permission to rip the dress off you, mydy.¡±


    Larissa¡¯s eyes clouded over with unmistakable desire and I took that as a signal. I gently unzipped the dress and let it fall to the floor. Her creamy breasts bounced deliciously, and my cock responded by stretching harder.


    Fuck. I wanted to take her here and now. But I promised myself I¡¯d be gentle. I wanted her to enjoy the experience as well.


    Once again we glued to each other, sharing kisses until we were breathless. I felt Larissa¡¯s impatient fingers move over my chest and begin to unbutton my shirt. I unbuckled my belt and took off my trousers. My length was rock hard and close to poking a hole in my briefs. As I stepped out of my briefs, Larissa let out a gasp. Her eyes were ssy as she stared at my veiny erection. When she licked her lips, I nearly cursed out loud. She was making it hard for me to keep to my promise.


    I pulled her to me until my length was poking her stomach. And then I carried her to the bed. I kissed her again, trailing down her chest and knowingly avoiding her breasts. I rubbed her legs, running my tongue down her inner thighs and dangerously close to her core.


    She let out a loud moan and clutched my head. ¡°Kaden¡­please¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked innocently.


    She pouted, and I could feel the vibrations of her legs. ¡°Please, touch me. You¡¯re taking so long.¡±


    I hid a smile and shut her up with a kiss. ¡°Soon, baby.¡± I resumed my trail, kissing all the way to her toes and then making my way back to her thighs and her stomach. When I got to her chest, I kissed the space between her breasts, and then ran my tongue over her swells, still avoiding her nipples which were now so erect and swollen.


    The precum spilled from my tip at the sight of her perfect nips. Slowly, I popped the first one in my mouth. It was fucking delicious. Larissa threw her head back in pleasure, moaning loudly and clutching my hair between her fingers. ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡± she moaned, arching her back and squeezing her thighs.


    I suckled on her nipples while my hands trailed down her legs again. My fingers slid over her core which was concealed by her panties and I shivered when I realised how moist she was. She was dripping. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re so wet.¡±


    She spread her legs wide, bucking her hips higher. ¡°P-Please¡­I want you to touch me. Please touch me. Kaden¡­¡± she begged.


    Instead of granting her wish, I returned back to her nipples and continued to suckle. She moaned loudly, reaching forward and grabbing my cock. She began to pump me. Hard. Not once did I stop suckling. Soon we were both moaning. I would go crazy at this point. I wanted to push myself inside her and fuck her, but I was trying to take my time.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Finally, I ripped her thong off. The sight of her dripping pussy nearly brought me to my knees. My dick throbbed with need.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± she begged, her legs still shaking.


    I pulled her up and ced both her legs over my shoulder so I could get a clearer view of the treasure between her legs. Slowly, I began to rub circles around her clit. Her legs around me tightened and she jerked forward. When she was a moaning mess, I gently slipped two fingers into her wet cunt and pumped in and out. Larissa trembled under my touch and without warning, her fingers moved to her clit and began to massage. As I finger fucked her, she rubbed her clit wildly, pleasuring herself until her eyes rolled to the back of her head.


    It was too much for me. I could not hold it back any longer. Clutching my dick, I slowly pushed into her. When I was steady, I took hard thrusts, feeling myself rise to climax with each thrust. My fingers worked on her nipples as I continued to fuck her.


    ¡°Ah! Yes¡­yes¡­yes, faster,¡± she screamed, clutching the sheets as I pounded her.


    I went faster. Harder. Pushing my raw cock into the warm folds of her pussy. Tugging. Squeezing. Kissing. Skin pping against skin until we were both shrouded in a film of sweat.


    ¡°Kaden!¡± Larissa screamed, throwing her head back as her fingers returned to her clit. Rubbing and pinching.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± I was close. From the look of things, Larissa was close too. With one final thrust, we both came, our moans renting the air. My warm seed spilled inside her and my cock tingled deliciously.


    Afterwards, we bothy naked and pressed to each other in unending bliss, talking until we fell asleep.

 I love you

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I woke up to the soft sound of Kaden¡¯s breaths and his arms wrapped around my waist. Immediately, I sighed in relief. He was here. Kaden and I wereying naked in each other¡¯s arms, just like I remembered fromst night. The knot in my chest unraveled as I observed my surroundings. This was real, all of it. As though seeking final confirmation, I raised my hand to look at my fingers, and there it was; the diamond engagement ring.


    The lightness in my chest made me want to jump up and scream for joy, but I did not want to leave thefort of Kaden¡¯s arms. I snuggled closer to him and shut my eyes, sinking deep in the memories ofst night; Kaden¡¯s apology, his promation of me as his mate, his proposal¡­it was perfect. And to crown it all, he had made love to me thrice in thest eight hours. A blush creeped up my cheeks at the memory, and I felt a familiar tingle in my core.


    Last night was mind-blowing. That was the urate word to describe it. I had no idea sex could be that enjoyable, and that experience had changed my views on itpletely. What did he do differently? I wondered.


    I¡¯d only had sex twice with Kaden twice so far, but the difference between the two was very obvious. When I was a virgin, I had dreamed about my first time and how it would feel. That wasn¡¯t to say that my first time was bad, but it came with a lot of pain and seemed very rushed. Butst night he had taken his time. He treated me like I was a special treasure he was scared to break. My cheeks med as I remembered how shamelessly I had begged him to touch me.


    Holding back a squeal, I buried my head in the sheets in shame. It felt like I was reliving the experience; the pressure in my waist, the tightening of my core, and the tingles running down my leg. Prior tost night, I had never touched myself before. Butst night I was like a woman possessed. I wanted to feel ashamed about it, but gosh it felt so freaking good.


    Again, my cheeks med. I had the sudden thought to wake Kaden up and go another round. I was about to tap him awake when a nasty thought crossed my mind. I knew just the way to wake him.


    Pulling away from his grasp, I slid down the bed and slowly pulled back the duvet covering his lower body. I took hold of his limp dick and fit it into my mouth. And then I began to stroke. And stroke. Until he grew hard and hot. He let out a moan and his eyes flew open. At first he looked confused, but then a smirk curved his lips.


    ¡°Fuck, Larissa. I thought I was having a sex dream,¡± he chuckled. His morning voice was deep and sexy, and it made me tingle with desire. I rushed forward and crushed my lips on his in a kiss. Before long, he had flipped me over so I faced the headboard, and then he spread my legs wide. I shivered, feeling my wetness slide down my thigh. He hadn¡¯t even touched me yet and I was a dripping mess.


    My nipples hardened and I pulled his fingers to them. When he began to squeeze my tits, my core clenched. I threw my head back and let out a loud moan.


    Kaden spread my legs again, and then he slipped his length into my slippery pussy. I gasped from the delicious impact. He arched my back, pushing my waist down so my ass was in the air. And then he began to pound me.


    He fucked me from behind, making a mess of my pussy until I was screaming and clutching the headboard for dear life. I came first, releasing my juices all over his cock. He came secondster, and I reveled in the warmth of his seed.


    ¡°I love you so much,¡± he whispered as he snuggled beside me.


    ¡°I love you more, baby.¡± I blushed at how perfect this moment was, and then I rested my head against his chest.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?!¡± Gwen pped my arm excitedly as we sat in the servant quarters sorting out my clothes.


    As though she suddenly realized something, she gasped and began to rub the spot where she¡¯d pped. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You¡¯re the Luna now, I keep forgetting. Alpha Kaden would have my head if he just saw what I did.¡±


    I could not help butugh. ¡°Come on, Gwen. You¡¯re my friend and that will never change. Although, yes, I think it¡¯s a good idea to not hit me yfully in front of my fianc¨¦.¡±


    Gwen squealed. ¡°Fianc¨¦? You guys are the cutest. Now, give me all the details. When did this start? How did you know? How did he know?¡±


    Iughed, picking out a dress from suitcase and putting it in the new one Kaden had ordered for me. Gwen snatched the dress from me with a re. ¡°Really? You¡¯re the Luna, Larissa. You need to dress the part. This is servant garb.¡±


    I sighed. I kept forgetting that I no longer had any fancy dresses. I was in the process of picking out stuff I would move upstairs to my new chambers. Kaden had asked me not to bother with packing anything as he would get me new stuff, but I still insisted oning down here. Turns out he was right, and the only presentable dress I had was the one I was wearing right now, and the green dress I¡¯d worn at the banquet a week ago.


    ¡°Fine.¡± I dumped the rest of my old things and stood. ¡°Since there¡¯s nothing more to do here, we should head down to the fitting room.¡± I said it very casually, but deep down I was nearly rolling with anxiety.


    The wedding was in two days and there was a lot of bustle and uproar in the pack as everyone yed their different parts in the organisation. My wedding dress was ready and I was supposed to go try it on, but I was a nervous wreck. My feelings were a mix of excitement and anxiety, but I was trying to keep steady.


    Gwen kept close to me as we walked down the stairs. ¡°Well¡­I¡¯m still waiting.¡± She had a sheepish smile on her face, and honestly, her smile was contagious.


    I shrugged. ¡°I knew from the first moment I met him. I knew he was my mate. My wolf felt an instant connection.¡±


    Gwen gasped. ¡°Really? Wow, it must have been difficult living with him while he was so mean to you.¡±


    ¡°I guess. But none of that matters now. The important thing is that we¡¯re together now, and it is all I could ever wish for.¡±


    Gwen squealed excitedly again. ¡°Last week at the banquet when he made that apology, I couldn¡¯t believe it. Alpha Kaden is so romantic. You guys are perfect for each other.¡±


    I blushed. ¡°Thanks, Gwen.¡±


    We continued to chatter about little things. The difference in position was clear since the night of the banquet. Every single pack member bowed or curtseyed when they saw me, they were all at my beck and call. At first it was strange, especially going from a lowly servant to Luna overnight, but after a week I had gotten used to it. As we walked past and into the fitting room, everyone we saw greeted and bowed.


    Finally we arrived. My stylist curtseyed low. ¡°My Lady, I have been anticipating your arrival. Your wedding dress is ready. Would you like to try it on now?¡±


    I swallowed, willing the lump in my throat to go away, but it stayed. My palms were mmy and I felt the sudden urge to throw up. Memories of thest time I had prepared for my wedding and tried on the wedding dress resurfaced and I felt tears springing to my eyes.


    Kaden had been my rock for the past week, alleviating my fears and reassuring me that I had nothing to worry about. Myst wedding had been aplete disaster, and although I knew Kaden was a better man than Stefan would ever be, it was hard to shake off this fear.


    My chest felt heavy and I slumped into a chair. The two people in the room rushed to my side in fear. ¡°Larissa, are you okay?!¡± Gwen asked.


    ¡°Get me some water.¡±


    She rushed out of the room while the stylist opened up the windows to let some fresh air in. The water came soon and I took a few sips until I rxed.


    I was going to be fine. Kaden was unconditionally in love with me, and he had proven it endless times. Everything would be fine. I was not going to let my past ruin my present. Not now, not ever.


    I stood from the chair and smiled at the stylist. ¡°I¡¯m ready to see my dress.¡±

 I object

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Hunter asked as he helped me straighten out my tux. We were standing in front of the mirror and doing some final touches.


    ¡°A little,¡± I admitted. ¡°But I¡¯d be lying if I said I¡¯m not fucking excited as well.¡± I was getting married to the love of my life and the most amazing woman on earth, why wouldn¡¯t I be excited?All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Hunterughed and handed me a bottle of perfume. ¡°Alright then, you should finish up. The boys and I will be outside, waiting to escort you to the hall.¡± He gave me a small smile and walked outside.


    I could not help but chuckle. Although I did not say it often, I loved and appreciated how much support they gave me; Hunter, Jackson and the Gemini. They stood by me, no questions asked, and as long as I was happy, they were too. They were my closest friends, and I couldn¡¯t have asked for more on the best day of my life.


    I turned back to the mirror with a smile. I couldn¡¯t wait to see my Issa. To be officially married to her and openly call her my wife. This was the best decision I had ever made, and I couldn¡¯t wait to see what the future had in store for us.


    I applied the perfume Hunter had given me and took one final look in the mirror. And then I headed down to the hall.


    Larissa¡¯s POV


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Gwen asked as she dabbed a makeup sponge lightly on my face. I was getting married today. Although I have gotten to this point, it still felt like a dream. I had gone through a turmoil of emotions in the past two days, but the one feeling that stayed strong was excitement.


    ¡°I¡¯m nervous, but excited,¡± I finally said, smiling. ¡°My palms have been mmy sincest night.¡±


    Gwen paused in applying my makeup to let out a snort. We bothughed for a while and then she nudged me lightly and leaned in for a hug. ¡°I would be nervous too if I was getting married to Alpha Kaden,¡± she teased. When I pouted, she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m just kidding. But, hey, you¡¯ll be fine. You¡¯ve been doing great so far. Plus, this is one of the best moments of your life. You should let yourself enjoy it, okay?¡±


    I took a deep breath and nodded. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Good. And for what it¡¯s worth, you deserve every bit of happiness that ising your way right now.¡±


    Her words made my eyes ze over, but I knew Gwen would kill me if I dared ruin her work of art on my face. I had opted for Gwen to do my makeup instead of a random person I didn¡¯t know. She had done such a great job thest time. Plus, I wanted the kind of makeup that was minimal and still showed my real features.


    After I seeded in keeping my tears at bay, I gave Gwen another hug and let her finish my makeup. She made light conversation as she worked, and I knew she was trying to calm my nerves. It worked, and soon I was chatting away and chuckling.


    ¡°And¡­done,¡± Gwen announced as she swiped my face with a brush onest time and put her tools away. ¡°Would you like to see? Or should I style your hair first?¡±


    I liked the idea of aplete reveal and I told her so. She spent the next few minutes styling my hair, and when she was done, she helped me put on my jewelry¨Cwhich was a ne I had gotten as a gift from Kaden. Finally, it was time to try on the dress. Gwen called for the stylist who walked in a few secondster with arge, ck bag in which the dress was hanging. My stomach churned with anxiety. When I tried on the dress two days ago, it was perfect save for a few adjustments that needed to be made.


    I stood to let the stylist put the dress on me, and I wanted while she and Gwen began to adjust and tighten and loop strings through the openings. After what seemed like hours, they finished. Gwen stood in front of me, the smile on her face nowhere to be found.


    My heart sank. Was something wrong?


    Before I could ask, I saw her eyes ze over with tears. She quickly looked away and sought a napkin to wipe her face with. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whimpered, shaking her head. ¡°You just¡­you look so beautiful, like a fairytale princess.¡±


    Her reaction made me tear up as well. ¡°Oh, Guinevere.¡± I pulled her in for a hug and patted her back affectionately. We both began tough, and immediately Gwen stood upright.


    ¡°No, no, no. No tears, please. Let¡¯s not ruin your makeup, okay?¡± She rushed to the makeup box and took out a blotter which she used to wipe the tears on my face, and then she did a quick retouch. Once she was satisfied, she finally led me to the mirror. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    I inhaled deeply and nodded. When she turned the mirror over, I nearly lost my footing from the shock. My jaw fell open as I continued to stare at my reflection. Gwen had applied my makeup to perfection. It gave me a regal look, paired with the high bun my hair was in. She had let a few strands fall in front to frame my face beautifully. And then there was the dress.


    I twirled around, still in shock of how gorgeous it looked.


    The dress was perfection. It was an immacte white ball dress with a sweetheart neckline and sleeves that began from my mid-shoulder and fell all the way to my wrists. The corseted bodice gave it a snug appearance and fitted nicely.


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. Maybe this was a fairytale wedding. I had never felt as beautiful as I did in this moment, and I loved it.


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect,¡± I said. ¡°It¡¯s so perfect!¡± Without warning, I lunged at the stylist in a tight hug and kissed her on both cheeks, making her let out a chuckle.


    Finally, Gwen linked her arm with mine and led me out of the room. The wedding was being held in the grand hall, and I has chosen Gwen to walk me down the aisle since I had no family members present. The pounding of my heart filled my ears as we stood behind the curtain, waiting for our entrance.


    This was it. The biggest, and happiest moment of my life. I still couldn¡¯t believe I had gotten to this point. Again, my eyes zed over, but I held it in. Finally, we heard the light music and the introduction of the bride¡¯s iing.


    The curtains fell open. Gwen squeezed my arm reassuringly, and I took the first step forward. The smiling faces in the crowd eased my tension, but the sight of an awestruck Kaden in a tuxedo was the mostforting of all. From where I stood, I saw his eyes light up with adoration. A warmth spread through me, and I felt like the luckiest girl alive to be getting married to this man. I loved him so much.


    Slowly, all my nerves began to ease away. Sure, it was bittersweet because I longed for my parents to be here. For Chloe, my best friend, to be here, because I loved them and missed them so much. But I should¡¯ve known I would be fine. I had a family. A man that adored me and vice versa. A little boy I cherished. Friends who loved and cared for me. I had stuck with the feeling of emptiness, when this whole time I had never been alone.


    I felt the overwhelming urge to hug Kaden when I got to him, but I kept steady because I wanted everything to be perfect. He told me how beautiful I looked through the mind link, and I¡¯m sure I blushed as red as my lipstick.


    Kaden knew how to make me feel like I was on top of the moon. He made me feel alive. I loved him so much.


    ¡°You may please be seated.¡± The voice of the wedding officiant rang through the hall. The hall went silent as he began to speak.


    ¡°We are gathered here today to witness the sacred union of Kaden Griffin and Larissa Howle. We stand here to honor and celebrate the love shared between these two people, as theye together to start their new life with a solemn vow, surrounded by their closest family and friends.¡±


    Not once did Kaden stop staring at me with a reassuring smile that calmed my insides.


    ¡°Wee, to all of you, who havee to share in this important moment in the lives of Kaden and Larissa. I ask you to join together in celebrating, acknowledging, and honoring this day and the vows that they will be making. By your presence, you witness and affirm the truth of their love andmitment to each other.¡±


    It was time for the exchange of vows. Kaden went first.


    ¡°Larissa, since the moment you walked into my life, I have not been the same. You reminded me what love was supposed to feel like. With you, every waking moment is a blessing. You bring out the best in me and make me want to be a better man. A better father. I promise to spend my days making you feel loved, making you feel better, creating a safe space for you no matter the situation. I love you so much, Issa, and I will love you forever.¡±


    I did not realize I was crying until a tear slid down my cheeks. I made no attempt to wipe it off and let it stream down my face.


    ¡°Guinevere will have your head for making me ruin my makeup,¡± I said, dabbing my wet cheeks. The crowd erupted inughter at my words, making both Kaden and Iugh.


    I could not stop myself as I moved forward and put my hand in his. ¡°Kaden, you are the most amazing man I have ever met. Everything about you inspires me; from your strong leadership, your fierce love for your son, and your loyalty to your friends and family. I have never been a confident person, but being with you has changed me for the better. You taught me how to stand up for myself. You showed me that love is a beautiful thing when you¡¯re with the right person. Every moment spent with you is like a breath of fresh air. I promise to cherish you, to stand by you, to understand your actions whatever the reason. I will spend my days taking care of you, supporting you, and being your best friend. I love you, Kaden, and I will love you forever.¡±


    For the first time since I¡¯d known him, I saw Kaden¡¯s eyes ze over. He squeezed my hand tightly, as though he never wanted to let go. I didn¡¯t want to let go either. As I stared at Kaden, I knew that everything I had been through to get to this moment was worth it. I would never have met him if not for my struggles, and I wouldn¡¯t change a single thing.


    ¡°If anyone objects to the joining of this man and this woman, speak now or forever hold your peace.¡±


    The hall was silent, filled only with smiling faces.


    The wedding officiant moved forward and began to speak as he faced Kaden. My heart raced with joy.


    ¡°Do you Kaden Griffin, take Larissa Howle to be yourwfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her,fort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?¡±


    Kaden squeezed my arm again, a grin lighting up his face. ¡°I d¨C¡±


    The thunderous sound of the doors swinging open reverberated through the halls. A scream rang through the room at themotion and everyone whipped around to see what was going on.


    My heart sunk to the pit of my stomach as I stared at the person who had just walked in. And at the sight of her face, my knees almost gave way.


    I knew that face. I had seen it in the photos packed in storage boxes Kaden had ordered thrown out. I had seen certain features of that face, a replica in Den. His mother and Kaden¡¯s ex wife.


    Amaya.

 Seething

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    The world was giving way beneath my feet. I could sense themotion in the hall, but all I could hear was the beating of my heart. It felt like I was in a trance as I watched the woman from Kaden¡¯s past walk through the doors and barge in on our wedding


    My wedding.


    ¡°Kaden..¡± I was trembling. He did not respond, his gaze trained on the woman in disbelief.


    ¡°This wedding cannot happen!¡± I heard her yell, storming forward purposefully. Before she could get any closer, Kaden¡¯s Beta and some other pack members rushed forward to shield us from her. The hall was bing rowdy as whispers began to ring all over.


    Immediately, Gwen was by my side. She clutched my hand and pulled closer to me. ¡°Are you okay? What on earth is going on?¡±


    I was too stunned to respond. I was trembling, my eyes not leaving the woman once. I did not understand what was happening. Why was she here? Why now? Was she deliberately trying to ruin our wedding? Again, tears formed in my eyes. She began to scream at the men who were blocking her way, but her words seemed to be floating all over. The ringing in my head had intensified.


    Almost as if a switch had flipped, Kaden whipped around, shoving his way through his men until he was face-to-face with her. ¡°What the fuck are you doing here?! The nerve of you to show up now, and at my wedding?! Get the fuck out before I do something we¡¯ll both regret.¡± He was bristling. Rage like I had never seen before clouded his eyes, and I knew he was only seconds away from doing something rash.


    To my shock, Amaya did not flinch. She took slow steps towards him. ¡°I didn¡¯te here to be yelled at by you, Kaden, so I suggest you hold your peace. Don¡¯t even think of trying to intimidate me, because it won¡¯t work.¡±


    Kaden was trembling so much his face reddened. ¡°You¡¯vee here to ruin things like the little snake you are, but I will not let you. Not this time. If you don¡¯t leave on your own, my men will do it for you.¡±


    The men surrounded her on cue.


    Amaya gave a tinklingugh that sent chills down my spine. I wanted to yell. I wanted to lunge at her and tear at her hair. I wanted to reverse time and erase thest five minutes. But I had no power, and it hurt more than I can exin to just stand in the corner as my wedding was ruined. Uncontroble tears slid down my cheeks.


    ¡°I said, leave!¡± Kaden thundered, grabbing onto her arm and bundling her out like she was nothing but a ragdoll.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± She screamed, fighting him off until she managed to escape his hold. She eyed him in disgust and rubbed her arm. ¡°As your wife, I have every right to be here,¡± she countered. ¡°And I have the legal backing as well.¡±


    Kaden let out a growl so menacing it scared me. ¡°Don¡¯t ever refer to yourself as my wife ever again. You lost that title three years ago when you eloped with a lover and abandoned your four month old son.¡±


    For a moment Amaya stared at Kaden wordlessly, but I saw no sh of remorse in her eyes. She really was a heartless woman, even more than I¡¯d thought. Seeing it y out in front of me sent shivers down my spine. A mother abandoning her baby to elope with a lover. It wasn¡¯t logical, and it said a lot about the kind of person she was. As I stared at her in the tight red dress she was wearing and the caked makeup on her face, I felt nothing but disgust for her. But I still did not understand what she was doing here.


    ¡°Get out, Amaya. I won¡¯t say it again.¡± Kaden motioned to his men.


    Suddenly, she smiled. It was a cold, empty smile. The kind that made you realize there was something up her sleeves. She hadn¡¯te here just to cause a scene and disrupt the wedding. She was here with a n. My heart sank once more and I felt goosebumps spread over my skin.


    My heart raged in my chest as I watched her dip a hand into her purse and take out a folded white paper. She spread it open and handed it to Kaden. ¡°Well, honey,¡± she spat. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how you feel about it. As far as thew is concerned, we are still legally married. We never got a divorce, and therefore we are still a couple. Mrs Amaya Griffin. That¡¯s who I am. And just in case you need a reminder, you cannot get married to¨C¡± she red in my direction. ¡°.. to whoever this tramp is without divorcing me first.¡±


    It felt like I had just been kicked in the chest. I doubled over in shock, and without thinking I rushed forward. ¡°Kaden, what the hell is going on?!¡± My eyes filled with tears.


    This can¡¯t be. It couldn¡¯t be right. There was no way.


    I lunged at Kaden and snatched the document from him. A skim of the document confirmed everything Amaya was saying. A sharp pain tore through my heart and I clutched my chest.


    Kaden held my hand steady and pulled me behind him as if to protect me. And then he turned back to Amaya. ¡°So is that why you¡¯re here? For a divorce? Hand me divorce papers so I can sign and you can be on your way.¡±


    Sheughed. ¡°No.¡±


    My confusion was building. What was she ying at?


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Kaden asked, his hands clenching into fists.


    ¡°It means I do not, and will not grant you a divorce. You¡¯re free to sign them, but I won¡¯t. Not without a price.¡±


    It began to sink in. She was here for ckmail. She didn¡¯t want to see Kaden happy. She didn¡¯t even know me and she already had it out for me. My legs were beginning to weaken, and I did not understand why the worst things kept happening to me.


    What this meant was that we did all of this for nothing. The nning, the wedding¡­it was for nothing. We¡¯d just been fooling ourselves the entire time. I couldn¡¯t get married to someone who was still bound to his ex in marriage.


    It was in this moment of realization, that something shattered inside of me. Unable to hold the tears back anymore, I slipped to the floor. Why was this happening to me? I had done everything right, why couldn¡¯t I just have my happy ending?


    I didn¡¯t have the strength in me to get off the floor. I was so tired. So broken. My only wish at that moment was to disappear and stop living. What was the point when all I ever experienced was pain?


    I sobbed into my dress, curling myself into a ball and shutting my eyes tightly to block everything out. Momentster, I felt hands lift me off the floor and carry me out of the hall. And Iy, unmoving, empty and numb.


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    Rage was bubbling through my insides as I red at Amaya. Seeing her still felt like a dream. I could not believe that she was standing right in front of me. It all felt like a joke, like a stupid prank. But it wasn¡¯t. Amaya had walked back into my life. She had walked into my wedding and created amotion. Amotion that had everyone shocked and confused. Because of her I had watched the woman I loved have a meltdown in front of the entire pack. My heart ached for Larissa. Seeing her in pain put me in pain as well.


    I whipped around to face Amaya, anger making me want to punch her in the face until she lost consciousness, but I had never hit a woman in my life, and I would not start with her.


    ¡°Clear the hall!¡± I roared. ¡°Now!¡±


    I was still shaking as I watched everyone clear out of the hall, leaving Amaya and I standing. I advanced towards her, subduing my wolf to keep from reaching out and strangling her to death. ¡°How dare you walk in here and do this to me?¡± My voice shook. ¡°How dare you?!¡±


    Being in the same proximity as her brought me to the highest point of disgust. It brought back memories that had taken me years to get rid of. Seeing her now reminded me of everything. The betrayal of my beta. The abandonment of her son. I despised her.


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not making anything up and you know it. We are not divorced. If you want it that bad then you just have to fulfill my conditions.¡±


    I knew Amaya well enough to know that there was no point dissuading her. She was a vengeful bitch. The only way to get all this over with and get back to Larissa was to y her stupid game. I would rather have bit my tongue off than reply, but my family was more important than anything, and I didn¡¯t want to cause them any more pain.


    I took a deep breath, trying to swallow my anger. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Amaya smiled. ¡°Good. That¡¯s the Kaden I know. You always knew how to get down to action,¡± sheughed suggestively. ¡°I miss that about you.¡±


    I clenched my fists. The goddess help me, if this continued, I would not be held responsible for what I do to her. I was trying my best to control myself but I didn¡¯t know how much more I could take. ¡°What do you want?¡± I repeated.


    Instead of replying, she began to walk in circles around me. I knew what she was doing, stalling for time so she could piss me off. I kept steady, waiting for her to finish up with her drama. Finally, she faced me and folded her arms across her chest. ¡°If you want me to sign this divorce papers, it will cost you.¡±


    So it was about money. I couldn¡¯t say I was surprised. She had always been a selfish bitch, driven only by greed and power.


    ¡°How much?¡± I wanted this over with as soon as possible.


    Amaya did not bat an eyelid. ¡°Ten million.¡±


    I red at her, hatred pulsing through my veins. I turned around and picked up the documents she¡¯d handed to me earlier. And then I tossed them at her. ¡°Sign them. The money will be transferred to you in an hour.¡±


    I saw surprise sh in her eyes, but she tried to cover it up.


    ¡°Now¡­get out.¡±


    She hesitated. ¡°That¡¯s not all I came here for.¡±


    I frowned. I was already losing my patience with her. ¡°What the fuck are you talking about?¡±


    Again, she hesitated. What the fuck was she on about? I had the feeling she was contemting on asking for more money. It was possible that she changed her mind about the amount she wanted when she saw how easily I gave in.


    ¡°I want my son. I want Den¨C¡±


    The words were barely out of her mouth when I lunged forward and grabbed her by the neck. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever call him that again. As far as you¡¯re concerned, you do not have a son. So don¡¯t you dare think for one second that you can just barge in and pick up from where you left off.¡±


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± She shoved me backwards, breathing heavily. ¡°He is my son. Whether you like it or not, I am his mother, and I have every right to him. I want him back, Kaden.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You will noty one finger on Den.¡±


    I was seething. How dare she demand him like he was a mere object?


    ¡°He¡¯s my son!¡± She countered. ¡°I¡¯ve been away from him for so long¨C¡±


    ¡°Because you willingly left him. Are you dumb? Do you even remember what he looks like? It¡¯s been three years. Not once did you care to return for him. So don¡¯t you dare act like you have ever cared about him.


    She backed away from me with an angry expression. ¡°I don¡¯t care for your opinion, Kaden. Those are my requirements. And if you don¡¯t grant them, then I guess you¡¯re not ready to get married to that whore.¡±


    My jaw clenched. My wolf raged at the insult to Larissa. ¡°Get the fuck out.¡±


    Amaya stumbled out of the room. ¡°I¡¯ll leave now. But this is far from over, so get ready. I will not stop till I get what I want. And not even you can stop me.¡±


    And with that, she was gone.

 Stay please

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    It had been forty eight hours since the best day of my life was ruined, and I was still d in my wedding dress. Since the day I had been carried out of the hall a crying mess, I locked my chambers and curled into the bed, sobbing until my throat was dry and hoarse. I cried myself to exhaustion, and by the time I awakened, it was dawn.


    I wanted to get up and peel the dress of my body, but my limbs would not cooperate. So Iy there, my chest aching as I waited to get the strength. But I never did. I drifted in and out of consciousness as different voices sounded outside my chambers. I heard Gwen, knocking and asking if I was okay. I wanted to get up and open the door, but I was so weak, and I just wanted to be on my own.


    When I heard Kaden at the door, my heart broke. He had stood there, begging and asking me to open up. But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to get up. The tears streamed down my face and stained my pillow, but I did not move an inch. I didn¡¯t want to see him, not now. I wasn¡¯t ready to face him yet. Everything we nned had just shattered right in front of us. I didn¡¯t know how to feel. Deep down, an unreasonable part of me wanted to be mad at him. She was his ex wife, after all. Why didn¡¯t he tell me they never got a divorce.


    Because she eloped, another part of me reasoned. I knew it was true. If she hadn¡¯t run away, he would have sorted everything out andpleted it with a divorce. And because she eloped, he probably assumed she would never be back. And it was a valid assumption. After a betrayal so great, no one else would have had the guts to show up unannounced. But not Amaya. She had strolled in like she owned a ce.


    The moment when she walked in shed through my head again, and I suddenly filled up with bitterness. Every single thing that had caused me pain in my entire life was of my own doing or due to circumstances and people I had unknowingly trusted. But with Amaya it was different. I didn¡¯t know her from anywhere, nor had I evere in contact with her. So it hurt that she¡¯d been the one to ruin my life for the second time.


    So I ignored Kaden andy curled up in my bed, waiting for the pain to go away. It never did. And before I knew it, it was dawn again. I was still too tired to get out of bed, so I stayed in. My wolf, as heartbroken as I was, still tried to speak to me, but I did not wish to have a conversation, so I ignored her.


    The hollow feeling in my chest did not go away hard as I tried. But I knew I had to get up even if I didn¡¯t want to. I had hid away for long enough. I realized that Den must have noticed my absence by now, and I suddenly felt guilty. He had yed no part in this so there was no reason to abandon him. He was like a son to me. The thought of Den was the only thing that kept me going, so I took a deep breath and pushed myself up from the bed.


    I looked down at the dress that had been the most beautiful dress I¡¯d everid eyes on. Now it was all rumpled, matted and reeked of musk and tears. I reached behind me to undo the string, but my hands were too tired. After a few fruitless attempts, I was so frustrated that tears formed in my eyes again.


    I couldn¡¯t do this alone.


    I managed to get up and walk to the door to unlock it, and then I called Gwen through the mind link. She burst into the room almost immediately and jumped at me in a hug.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, Larissa. I¡¯ve been so worried about you, we¡¯ve all been.¡± She pulled away to inspect my face. ¡°Please, talk to me.¡±


    I gave a slow nod. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± My throat was scratchy and my voice hoarse, and I realized I hadn¡¯t said a word in two days. All I did was cry myself to sleep.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Gwen looked concerned. ¡°You can be honest with me, Issa. I know you must be devastates but¨C¡±


    ¡°Please help me take this dress off,¡± I cut her off. The mention of the failed wedding had brought tears to my eyes and and thest thing I wanted was to discuss it. Gwen silently undid the strings until the dress fell free. I inhaled deeply. It just dawned on me that I had been wearing this dress for nearly three days straight. As I pulled the dress down my body, I could see the redness around my ribs and waist from the friction of the dress.


    Gwen gripped my arm and hugged me again. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Larissa.¡±


    I only nodded and gently moved away to go into the bathroom.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Gwen called out to me. ¡°I¡¯ll run a got bath for you. Just sit here and wait.¡±


    A bitterugh escaped my lips. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that, Gwen. I¡¯m not your Luna.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. To me, and to everyone else, you are the Luna. Anything else is nothing but a minor setback.¡±


    She pulled me back and made me sit on the bed while she ran the bath. Afterwards, she helped me scrub my body as I say face down in the bathtub. When I finished, I got dressed.


    ¡°I want to see Kaden,¡± I told her. ¡°Is he home?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Yes. He has been worried sick about you. He¡¯ll be very d that you¡¯re doing better now.¡±


    Gwen insisted I eat something before leaving my room. After I managed to, I left for Kaden¡¯s room. I hesitated at the door before knocking, wondering if I was ready to face him again. For the second time, I tried to kill all thoughts of ming him. It wasn¡¯t his fault. I was still at the door when it suddenly opened and I faced Kaden.


    ¡°Larissa?¡±


    The first thing I noticed was the darkness around his eyes and how dishevelled he looked. Immediately, all the bitterness I had been harboring melted away. He was just as broken about this like I was. When he pulled me into a hug, I shut my eyes tightly and let myself findfort in his embrace.


    He pulled me into his room and led me to the bed where he cupped my face in his hand and began to inspect. ¡°Are you okay? Do I need to call a doctor to check on you? Have you had something to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Kaden,¡± I assured him. ¡°I¡¯m a little tired, yes. But I¡¯m okay now. And yes, I¡¯ve had something to eat. Gwen made sure of that.¡±


    The worry never left his face. ¡°Are you sure? It was two days, Issa. I didn¡¯t want to barge in on you and disrupt your alone time. I know you needed time to process everything, that¡¯s why I ordered that no one should force entry into your chambers. But I would be a liar if I said I wasn¡¯t worried sick about you.¡±


    Again, guilt pricked at my chest. I didn¡¯t mean for anyone to worry.


    ¡°But it¡¯s fine. What¡¯s important is you¡¯re here now. That¡¯s all that matters.¡± He pulled me in for another hug which I returned. From then, a strange silence hung in the air. The elephant in the room was obvious, but neither of us were willing to call it out.


    ¡°Issa..¡±


    ¡°Kaden..¡±


    We both started at the same time. I paused to let him go first.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where to start, Issa. I am so sorry for everything that happened. I wish there was some way to make you feel better, but I don¡¯t know. I still can¡¯t believe Amaya showed up out of nowhere. And in the most important day of our lives. I¡¯m so sorry. I¡­I know your previous wedding in the past was a terrible period for you, and this should have been the moment that scratched it out entirely from your memory. So, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry the wedding was ruined. I¡¯m sorry everything fell apart. I feel like I have let you down, and I don¡¯t know how to fix it.¡±


    He paused, shaking his head as if in dusbelief. ¡°She¡­she eloped with my beta. I never expected her toe back here. If I knew where she was I would have filed for a divorce. I¡­I would¡¯ve file for a divorce, I swear it. I should¡¯ve have looked for her. I should be done whatever it took to make sure I was separated from her physically and legally. I¨C¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± I stopped him before he could continue. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Kaden,¡± I rubbed his cheeks, pain stabbing my heart at the helplessness and pain in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize or exin to me. You make it sound like it¡¯s your fault. It¡¯s not, none of this is your fault. You couldn¡¯t have known she¡¯d show up nearly three years after she betrayed and abandoned her family. So don¡¯t apologize.¡±


    I hugged him tightly and let him rest his head on my shoulder. Together we sat in silence for a while. I didn¡¯t know what to do or what to say. We were both hurting. I just wished we could get past this and get back to our normal lives.


    ¡°I guess we can¡¯t do anything about it now. The wedding has been ruined. What we can do is to fix this and get on with our lives,¡± I said. ¡°Have you signed the papers? I know she had some demands. What were they?¡±


    Kaden stiffened. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t signed the papers yet.¡± He hesitated before he continued. ¡°She asked for money. Ten million.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± My jaw clenched. After everything she did, she still had the guts to ckmail him? I couldn¡¯t believe how evil and heartless she was. It was disgusting.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kaden confirmed. ¡°I told her I¡¯d have it sent to her.¡±


    That should have been the solution to have her out of her hair, but there was something in Kaden¡¯s expression that troubled me. ¡°That¡¯s not all, is it?¡± I asked, scared of the answer he would give me.


    He nodded.


    A tense silence hung in the air before Kaden finally spoke up. ¡°She wants Den.¡±


    I jumped from the bed in shock. Did I hear him right? ¡°What do you mean?¡± My heart was pounding.


    Kaden slowly exined their entire conversation to me. When he was done, I was shaking with fury. ¡°How dare she?!¡± I thundered. ¡°She abandoned him when he was a baby. Who¡¯s to say she won¡¯t do it again? That woman has no idea how to care for a child. There is no way we¡¯re letting her get close to Den.¡±


    Kaden nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s what I said to. She left after threatening to keeping back until she got what she wanted.¡±


    I was silent. Why did this have to happen? It was unfair to us. We had both been through so much in life already. We deserved this shot at happiness, but now it was slipping away right in front of us. Kaden and I sat in silence, neither of us knowing what to say or do. Right now it looked hopeless, like there was no way to fix it.


    Finally, I stood. ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna go. I need to get some rest, and so do you.¡±


    ¡°Issa, stay please. I haven¡¯t seen you in two days and¨C¡±


    ¡°Kaden. I¡¯ll see youter tonight, I promise. Have you had anything to eat?¡± When he didn¡¯t respond, Ieaned in and kissed his forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter.¡±


    I walked out of his room, heavier than when I walked in. I was about to climb up the stairs when a guard approached me. ¡°My Lady,¡± he bowed. ¡°Sorry to disturb you, but there¡¯s a visitor here to¨C¡±


    I waved a hand to stop him. ¡°All visitors are for the Alpha and should be directed to him.¡±


    I continued my ascent up the stairs, hating that everyone was treating me like the Luna when I wasn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t deserve it.


    ¡°My Lady,¡± the guard called out again, causing me to turn back again. ¡°The visitor specifically asked for you.¡±


    I frowned. Someone was asking for me? That was strange. I didn¡¯t know anyone who would want to see me, after all, up until three days ago, I was a serving omega.


    Still confused, I followed behind the guard and headed down to the front gates. The figure of a man was pacing around the courtyard. As I approached, he turned around.


    I lost my footing and nearly staggered down the stairs as I stared at the familiar head of hair and blue eyes that had haunted my memories. A face I never thought I¡¯d see again. The face of my ex husband.

 I need you

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    This was all a dream. This was nothing but a dream. I continued to repeat these words in my head as the image of my ex husband floated in front of me. Yes, that was it. I was hallucinating. It was only natural in a situation like this. I was so stressed out by Amaya¡¯s return and the stress of the wedding that my brain had begun to y cruel tricks by manifesting my deepest fears. It was not possible that Stefan was standing in front of me. This was all just in my head.


    Taking a sharp breath, I turned back to the guard who was by my side with a horrified look on his face. I must have startled him by nearly slipping down the stairs. I shook my head and told him I was fine as I turned to make my way back to my room. Perhaps the entire conversation I¡¯d had with the guard was in my head too. I sighed. I really needed some rest so I could get my head back on straight. This whole thing was beginning to take a toll on me.


    ¡°Larissa, please don¡¯t leave.¡± A familiar voice called out as I walked back up the stairs. A chill ran down my spine at those words. I could recognize that voice anywhere, and I knew it belonged to Stefan. I shut my eyes tightly for a few seconds before I finally turned around.


    I stared at the man in front of me. He was tall. Brawnier than thest time I saw him. But him all the same. I shut my eyes and opened it again, unwilling to believe he was here. Maybe I was mistaken.


    I watched him give a weak smile and call out my name. And then it all set in. My jaw clenched as I watched him take quick steps towards me. I could not process all the different emotions I was feeling at that moment. Shock, fear, and most of all, hot red rage.


    ¡°Stefan?¡± I repeated, hoping for both our sakes that my eyes were ying tricks on me. I could not handle another surprise, especially not after the shocking events of the past few days.


    ¡°Larissa, yes it¡¯s me.¡± He had the nerve to sound relieved. Without as much as a slight hesitation, he walked up the stairs, making his way to me with a smile on his face, and without warning, he wrapped his arms around me in a hug. So many different things happened at that moment. At first I flinched, the old fear I had for him shing through my mind and seeping in. But all that fear was immediately reced with anger. The worst years of my life were the ones I spent with Stefan. He had tortured me, disrespected me, and hurt me over and over again without a care in the world. And now this same man was here in a ce I could finally call my home, hugging me like we were old friends.


    Something inside me snapped. Rage like I had never felt before exploded in my chest, and my wolf growled in agreement. Furious, I tore myself away from Stefan¡¯s grip and pushed him as hard as I could. He stumbled down the stairs but caught himself just in time to keep from falling. My chest heaved with anger. I did not know where that strength hade from, but the mere thought of Stefan being close to me had irritated me.


    ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I demanded, walking down to stand face-to-face with him. ¡°What are you doing here and how did you find me?¡±


    Stefan slowly pulled himself upright and held out his hand. ¡°You have every right to be mad at me, Larissa. I shouldn¡¯t be here, I know. But believe me it was never my intention to show up here and disrupt your life¨C¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what you¡¯re doing,¡± I snapped. I shook my head. Right now I wanted to flee. I wanted to run far away where I was sure he wouldn¡¯t find me. Thest memory I had of Stefan was running away from him after almost getting sold to a whorehouse. My chest was beginning to constrict painfully, and every breath I was taking seemed shorter than thest.


    Suddenly, I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    It only took me a few seconds to realize I was having a panic attack. Being around Stefan was wracking up memories I didn¡¯t want. I had to get away from him.


    ¡°Just give me a chance to exin, I beg you,¡± he said, walking closer.


    I put up a palm. ¡°Get away from me.¡±


    ¡°What the hell is going on here?!¡± A voice thundered. I turned around to see Kaden bounding down the stairs. My heart leapt with gratitude. I had never been more happy to see him. Kaden got to where I was standing in a sh and put his arms around me protectively. Then he red at Stefan.


    ¡°I¡¯m Kaden Griffin, Alpha of Griffinhowl pack. And you are on my territory, talking to my mate, which begs the question; who the fuck are you? I won¡¯t ask you again.¡±


    His voice was firm, his words direct. And I knew he was ready to bundle Stefan out of the mansion.


    ¡°Her mate?¡± Stefan asked, and I could hear the surprise in his voice. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that. I¡¯m just here to talk to Larissa.¡±


    A loud growl escaped Kaden and without warning, he grabbed Stefan by the cor and squeezed tightly, restricting his airflow. As I watched Stefan struggle for those few seconds, sadistic thoughts flowed through my head. But I quickly shoved them away and stopped Kaden.


    Kaden obeyed, but then motioned the guards to take Stefan away.


    ¡°Larissa!¡± Stefan called out. I refused to look. ¡°Larissa, please. Katya is dead! And I will be too if you turn me away now.¡±


    I suddenly froze all over, letting the words I¡¯d just heard process in my head. Katya was dead? My eyes widened in shock. How? What on earth could have happened? And what did he mean he could be next? These thoughts raced in my head and I did something I never thought I would.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I held onto Kaden¡¯s arm as he made to ost Stefan. I was still shaky from the news I¡¯d just heard. I couldn¡¯t believe Katya was dead. I know a part of mepletely and utterly despised her for ruining my life, but I¡¯d never wished death on her. The thought of that gave me chills.


    And now I was faced between Kaden and Stefan standing helplessly across me, the guards ready to bundle him out. I didn¡¯t care, I continued to tell myself. He had no right to walk back into my life for any reason at all, and it was best to let Kaden deal with it. Throw him out without a care in the world. Discard him like he did to me. But there was still a part of me that wanted to let him be.


    The disgust and anger I felt for him had not changed at all, but he hade all the way here in search of me, and I wanted to know what he had to say. Katya was dead too, even though it shouldn¡¯t be of any concern to me, I still couldn¡¯t help but wonder.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Kaden,¡± I repeated when the doubtful look still didn¡¯t leave his face. I knew if it were up to him, he¡¯d have thrown Stefan out a long time ago. He wouldn¡¯t even have let him see me. I looked up at Kaden who was still ring at Stefan in disgust. It was the same way I had looked at Amaya. Again, I wondered why all of this was happening right now. It was unfair to the both of us. But I tried to take the thoughts off my mind right now. I had plenty to deal with.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Kaden asked, ncing at me before turning back to re at Stefan. ¡°I don¡¯t want this asshole anywhere near you, Issa. I can have him thrown out and dealt with. Just say the word.¡±


    I shook my head, grateful that Kaden was here with me. I don¡¯t know what I would¡¯ve done otherwise. ¡°It¡¯s okay, babe,¡± I reassured him. ¡°It¡¯ll be very brief. I want to know what he has to say.¡±


    Kaden didn¡¯t seem to like the idea still, but he finally signalled the guards to let go of Stefan, and then he pulled me gently to him and kissed me like no one was watching. My face immediately heated up, but I did not pull away. It was our first kiss since the wedding. Finally, he backed away. ¡°I¡¯ll be just at the door, okay?¡± He said, adding through mind link that he¡¯d be listening to every word we spoke just in case Stefan tried to y smart. I wanted him to listen and I told him so. With one final nod, he walked back inside and the guards followed suit leaving Stefan and I alone once again.


    I stiffened at the sight of him, but again he slowly progressed towards me. ¡°Please, Larissa. Just give me a chance to exin everything.¡±


    As I stared at him, memories of the past continued to revisit me. Stefan suddenly acting cold towards me. Stefan having sex with Katya on our wedding night. My fists clenched again and I had the sudden urge to call Kaden back. Did Stefan even deserve a shred of kindness from me? The answer to that was no. But I held myself back. Katya was dead. That should make a difference, even if it was little.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you your chance now,¡± I finally muttered. ¡°Why are you here, Stefan?¡± My voice was calmer. I was exhausted, tired of my life falling apart. I just wanted it to stop.


    Stefan took another step towards me, and for the first time in my life, I saw him look pitiful. It was not something I associated him with so it was a little strange. ¡°Larissa, please,¡± he began. ¡°I know I have no right to be here, not now, not ever. But I¡¯ve thought about you for so long, and I realized just how badly I treated you then. You know I have never been like that, Larissa. You know me. You know the real me.¡±


    Venom filled my mouth but I kept silent.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°You know just how much I loved you, Larissa. And I would be lying if I said I still didn¡¯t love you. I-I let Katya tell me those lies and get into my head. And those photos¡­they looked so real. I didn¡¯t know what to believe in anymore. Put yourself in my shoes, Larissa¨C¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. You. Dare.¡± My voice was shaky and I was struggling to hold back the angry tears that filled my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare try to y that card with me, Stefan. Put myself in your shoes? I would never have done what you did. I would have listened to you. I would have had an actual conversation with you. And I would never believe your step sibling over you. So, please, stop with that. You knew exactly what you were doing, and you didn¡¯t care.¡±


    Stefan bowed his head, and for a moment, I thought I saw remorse sh on his expression. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said brokenly. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I treated you badly. No one deserves that kind of treatment. And you¡¯re right, I shouldn¡¯t have asked you to put yourself in my shoes. You would never have done what I did, Larissa, because you¡¯re a good person. You¡¯re a better person than I am, you¡¯ve always been. I just¡­I wish I could turn the hands of time to erase all the pain I caused you.¡±


    Tears sprung to my eyes. Why was he apologizing now? It should have made a difference, but it didn¡¯t. I couldn¡¯t look past everything he¡¯d done to me, no matter how hard I tried.


    ¡°I need you, Larissa.¡± His eyes were zed over now and I could not hide my shock. As far as I knew, Stefan never showed any emotions. ¡°I need you,¡± he repeated.


    For a moment, I was silent. ¡°What happened to Katya?¡±


    He stared at the floor for a while before turning back to me. ¡°She contracted a disease¡­an incurable sexual disease.¡±


    I was stunned. That was a terrible way to die. I knew I shouldn¡¯t feel bad for her, especially after everything she¡¯d done to me, but I still did.


    ¡°It broke her down from the inside. She died two monthster, and that¡¯s when I found out she had transmitted it to me. It turns out she had multiple partners. She ruined my life, Larissa. And the only way I can be saved is by mating with my one and true mate. You.¡±


    I shut my eyes tightly. He was dying. He needed me to save him. I stared back at him, my thoughts scattered all over the ce.


    ¡°I need you, Larissa. I need you.¡±

 Biggest mistake

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    ¡°Letting you go was the biggest mistake I¡¯ve ever made, and I regret it every single day. I love you, I¡¯ve always loved you, Larissa. I know it may not seem like it, but I haven¡¯t been the same since you left. It¡¯s like you took a part of me with you, and I wished and prayed to the Moon Goddess to help me find you.¡±


    My vision was blurred through my tears, but I watched as Stefan walked forward and got down on one knee.


    ¡°I love you so much, Larissa. And I¡¯ll do anything to make you believe my intentions are true. Anything to make you forgive me and believe that I regret everything.¡± He took my hand and slowly brought his lips to it in a soft kiss. ¡°Come home with me. Tokenmoon misses you. I miss you. Let me love you, and I promise to make up for everything I did. We can be happy again, I know it.¡±


    His eyes were zed over when he finished, and the trembling of his lips he tried hard to hide was not lost on me. For a few moments, I said nothing. I just stared back at him. I stared back at the man I had once loved with such great intensity. I remembered how excited I had been to be getting married to him. I had felt like the luckiest girl alive, like all my dreams were about toe true. And I desperately believed that. But then everything came crashing down on me like a hurricane. All my hopes and dreams vanishing into thin air. And with that shove to reality came the worst days of my life.


    As I stared at Stefan now, I did not envision the man I had once loved. I only saw the man whocked such faith in me that he believed I could lie and cheat. I saw the man whoy with my step sister in the room next to me on our wedding night. I only saw the man who publicly divorced me and arranged to have me sold. And that man was not someone I wanted anything to do with.


    I had never envisioned Stefan bringing himself to a point where he would apologize to me for everything he¡¯d done. And I never envisioned how I would feel about it. But right now it was happening. I should have felt triumphant, or at least a shred of contentment that he was begging for forgiveness. But as I stared at the sick man in front of me, I felt absolutely nothing. And it was the most freeing thing I had ever experienced.


    Admittedly, when I first set eyes on him after so many months I wanted nothing more than to jump at him and w his eyes out. I wanted to rave and scream and hurt him until the hole in my chest was less painful. I wanted to hurt him as much as he had hurt me. I wanted to have him thrown out, and only seconds ago, I probably would have been d to see him dead.


    But, watching Stefan now, I realized how much of an empty man he was, and I wondered why I¡¯d ever been scared of him. His apology should have meant something, but it didn¡¯t. And I knew he was only here because he needed to renew our mate bond. And now I thought about it, it was just like him; shallow. But all the same, I did not want to keep carrying this resentment I had for him. All it had done was break me and hurt me.


    ¡°No,¡± I finally said.


    Stefan stared at me, eyes wide. ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I repeated. I gently pulled my hand out of his. ¡°Tokenmoon isn¡¯t my home, it has never been.¡± As I said the words, I realized how true they were. ¡°After I escaped, I had spent so long yearning for home, but I never had a home there, not with you.¡±


    Stefan shook his head, but before he could say another word, I stopped him. ¡°I used to think the worst thing that could ever happen to me was not being loved by you, and when it did happen, I thought it was terrible, like the world hade to an end. But in truth it was actually a blessing, because if that never happened I would never have met Kaden.¡±


    My chest was beginning to swell with emotions and I could feel my eyes fill up with tears, but I kept going. ¡°Meeting him was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I wouldn¡¯t change a single thing. He loves me unconditionally. He loves every single thing about me, and even when I¡¯m not doing anything right, he still finds a way to love me despite that. And I love him too. Loving him is like breathing for me; effortless. He makes it so easy, and I cannot think of a single reason why I would ever leave him.¡±


    ¡°Larissa, I know that¨C¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I sympathize with you for everything you are going through, Stefan. Losing your wife and living in uncertainty with this disease¡­it must be very difficult. I also ept your apology, and I forgive you for everything. It¡¯s hard, trying to dissociate the man you were from the man in front of me today, but I don¡¯t want to keep living with this anger and hatred. So, I forgive you. But I will not being with you. Absolutely nothing in this world could make me leave this man. He is the love of my life, and the man of my dreams, and I love him so much it hurts.¡±


    As Stefan continued to stare at me with the broken look in his eyes, I took a deep breath. ¡°Goodluck. And I hope you find a cure for your illness. But that cure isn¡¯t me.¡±


    The burning relief in my chest spread through my body as I finally turned away from him. I knew I had just gotten the closure I needed, and for the first time I felt light and content, just like it was meant to be.


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    My chest swelled with pride as I watched Larissa turn away from the bastard that was her ex husband. Immediately, I walked down the stairs to meet her. I could hardly put in words how proud I was of her. When the guard informed me that a man was here to see Larissa, I could feel her difort through the mate bond and I immediately ran out to meet her.


    One look at the bastard told me all I needed to know. He was her ex. The idiot foolish enough to ruin a rtionship with Larissa. Anger pumped through my veins at the sight of him, and I would have loved nothing more than to beat him up for trespassing and have him thrown out, but Larissa had stopped me. Larissa had done a lot of things today. And with the week she¡¯d just had, I was unsure how she would handle it. I was stunned at first to see her seething. I had never seen her so angry before, and it was a little scary. So, when she told me to let the bastard be, I was worried about her, although I secretly hoped she would bash his face up so I could have an excuse to join in.


    But again, Larissa proved just how strong she was. She was able to call him out on his bullshit and refuse him without losing her marbles. How could she be so mature? I wondered. It takes a lot of strength to even listen to someone who had made your life miserable, but she had done it effortlessly.


    As I listened to the words she said to him, I wanted to pull her to me and give her a big hug. She was so precious. Too precious to be going through this kind of pain.


    ¡°Come here,¡± I whispered as I approached her. She walked into my arms and I gave her the hug I¡¯d been wanting to. I kissed her forehead and leaned down to her ear. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± She hugged me even tighter and I breathed in her scent, never wanting to let go.


    But then my eyes met his. The bastard. He was staring at us, his eyes filled with jealousy. ¡°One second,¡± I said to Larissa, letting her go and approaching him. ¡°You heard her,¡± I spat. ¡°Get the fuck out.¡±


    He stared from me to Larissa, and I watched as he tried to say something. I gripped him hard by the cor before he could say anything. ¡°You really don¡¯t learn your lesson, do you? Well, I am not as patient as my wife.¡± He struggled futilely as I dragged him down and towards the gate. The guards had already pulled the gates open. I shoved him out. ¡°Go back to whatever hellhole you came from.¡±


    The guards shut the gates in his face and I made my way back to Larissa who was still standing and waiting for me. Sheid her head on my chest as I reached in for another hug. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked, caressing her shoulders. She nodded, mumbling into my shirt. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go up to my chambers and wait for me. I¡¯ll be there in a second, alright?¡±


    She nodded and I kissed her again before I watched her walk inside the mansion. I immediately summoned the Gemini and waited for them to arrive. I paced round the premises, deep in thought. If I didn¡¯t do what was on my mind right now, I would not be able to rest. I pulled the Gemini to one side when they arrived. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you both know what just happened.¡±


    They nodded. ¡°That was the Luna¡¯s ex-husband? What on earth was he doing here?¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Fuck, if I know. I need you both to do something for me.¡±


    ¡°Anything, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°That guy, Stefan, that¡¯s what she called him. There¡¯s something off about him. I just can¡¯t put my finger on it. My wolf sensed it even before I knew who he was. He gave a darn good apology, but there¡¯s something so sneaky and pretentious about him. I need you to tail him. Find out more about him and report back to me.¡±


    They nodded. ¡°Yes, Alpha. Will do.¡±


    ¡°Good. Also, Larissa should never find out about this. Understood?¡±


    They both agreed and I dismissed them and walked back to my room. Larissa wasying on the bed when I walked in. I scooted over to her and nted a light kiss on her forehead. ¡°How are you doing, baby?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Better than I thought I would, honestly. I still can¡¯t believe he was here. Our exes are appearing out of nowhere, it¡¯s a nightmare.¡±


    I rubbed her shoulders sympathetically. ¡°Well, you handled it perfectly. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d have been so mature about it. Although, at first, I was scared you were going to kill him.¡±


    For the first time in days, Larissaughed. I could not hold back the smile that broke out on my lips.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the past,¡± she said. ¡°He doesn¡¯t deserve any of my tears, he never did.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡±


    I snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her to me. And for the first time since the wedding, we kissed passionately. Hungrily. I could not get enough of her. Soon she was on myp as I continued to ravish her with my lips. I bit her bottom lip gently, suckling on it until she let out a moan.


    My cock throbbed.


    My fingers sought out her breasts through the fabric of her dress and I pulled at buttons until they spilled free. Sighing contentedly, I cupped one breast in my palm and kissed it hungrily. I ran my thumb over her nipple until it was swollen and erect. And then I popped it in my mouth.


    ¡°Oh.. yes..¡± Larissa moaned, throwing her head back as she pushed hard against me. Her fingers tangled in my hair while her other hand focused on unbuttoning my shirt.


    She was at thest button when we heard the knock. I gritted my teeth in annoyance. ¡°Who is it?!¡± I growled. It had been a while since I was intimate with Issa and I didn¡¯t want anyone ruining this moment.


    ¡°There is someone outside for you, Alpha.¡±


    Larissa and I exchanged looks and we got off each other and began to straighten our clothes.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I ordered once we were done.


    A shaky servant walked in. ¡°S-Sorry for the intrusion, sir, ma¡¯am. But there¡¯s someone here for you.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    The servant looked ufortable as she picked at her fingernails. ¡°It¡¯s.. um¡­Miss Amaya. She says she¡¯s here to see her son.¡±


    I jumped from the bed as though struck by lightning, rage bursting through my body. That bitch was here? Why?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to teach her a lesson!¡± I growled. I was fed up with this drama.


    ¡°Kaden! Stop, please,¡± Larissa called out as I made to leave the room. I turned around, my chest still heaving. ¡°Let it go. This is exactly what she wants. She¡¯s doing this to anger you, and if you go out there now, you¡¯ll be giving her exactly what she wants.¡±


    I stopped. She was right.


    ¡°Tell her the Alpha is not epting any visitors currently,¡± Larissa said to the servant. ¡°If she resists, have the guards show her out.¡±


    The servant nodded and walked out.


    I sat by Larissa¡¯s side, our fingers intertwined as we both got lost in our thoughts. The mention of Amaya had killed the mood and left a sour taste in my mouth. I just wanted her gone.


    I had to take care of this whole thing before it ends up tearing my family apart.

 A deal

    Stefan¡¯s POV


    That fucking bastard.


    I was shaking with fury, my hands clenched into fists as I stood outside this tacky, godforsaken mansion. It was a sore sight to the eyes and the one I had built was every inch more luxurious. For a second I contemted going back in there and teaching that son of a bitch a lesson. How dare he? He didn¡¯t know who the hell he was dealing with. I was Stefan fucking Tokenmoon, and no one in their right mind had ever dared cross me. Who the fuck did he think he was? Manhandling me like I was a nobody? And setting those foolish guards on me like a dog. I would not let him go scot-free. Never.


    I shut my eyes in anger as I stood, still thinking. I couldn¡¯t believe that everything I had done, all the things I had said to Larissa to gain her forgiveness had gone to utter waste! I already hated that I had to stoop as low as begging for her forgiveness. That alone was infuriating enough, and if it wasn¡¯t for the sake of my health, I would never be caught dead pleading with anyone, especially not a woman. Why did I have to beg? I was her one and only true mate, after all, and I still am. But I knew I had to convince her somehow. So I swallowed my pride and made my way here, only to have it cut short and torn apart.


    Again, fury clouded my chest. I had even managed to shed a few tears. I knew deep down that I would have been able to convince her. I watched her break as I spewed those sweet, sad words, driving them straight to her heart. I was so close to seeding. Larissa would have been on my arm right now as I walked out of this ce. She had always been easy to manipte and bend to my will. She had never had a mind of her own, right from when I knew her. So I never thought I had my work cut out for me. And I was confident I could pull it off.


    But, no. The presence of that fumbling fool had given her a sharp mouth and a cold heart, and I was unable to break down her walls. There were no words to describe my anger and disappointment. I had taken a hard blow today, my pride had been hurt. I waspletely disregarded and disgraced by a bunch of fools I could have easily killed with one snap of my fingers.


    ¡°This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go!¡± I spat furiously. I had spent a lot of time working out this n. As soon as I found out I had contracted this disease, I had not had a day¡¯s rest. That bitch, Katya. The thought of her always filled me with disgust. The only thing I regretted was that she died of that disease. She should be d she got off that easy. I would¡¯ve tortured and killed her with my bare hands. A slow, painful death was exactly what she deserved. And because of her I had spent weeks searching for a cure.


    I was too much of a force to be reckoned with to die a shameful death. Death by a sexual disease from my cheating wife was an appalling and disgraceful way to die. That was why I sent my guards off to find Larissa as soon as the healer told me what I needed to do. I knew she would not be keen on returning to me. But I¡¯d always known how to manipte her so I wasn¡¯t worried at all.


    I paused in my pacing as something came to mind. I received no information about this whatsoever from the surveince I¡¯d set here. I had no clue Larissa was remarried. I clearly remembered my spies telling me she was a serving girl at this pack and nothing more. It would have been much easier that way. I could have been in and outpletely undetected. But of course, they had given me the wrong information. Those ipetent fools. I would deal with them when I got back.


    I hissed loudly in annoyance, punching at the first thing my hand came in contact with, which happened to be the brick wall. The impact made it shatter, leaving arge hole in ce. My chest continued to heave as I paced around angrily. I wanted to bash that asshole¡¯s face in. Beat him to a pulp until he died on the spot.


    And there was his name too.


    Kaden Griffin.


    A name I had known for years, but without a face to it. The man I had spent years strategizing about in a bid to dethrone him. Alpha of Griffinhowl pack; the biggest and most powerful pack in the werewolf realm. That title I was keen to secure for myself and Tokenmoon, which was why I had begun to unleash my men onto the smaller packs in his territory. Packs he bore the responsibility to protect. I wanted to knock him hard at the knees, weaken him from every side¡­and then when I was ready to infiltrate Griffinhowl, he would be too busy making ns to notice. And I would destroy him and take over every single thing he owned.


    It was why I had sent enemies against him several times in thest few months. It was why I¡¯d had him ambushed. It was why I¡¯d sent a spy to rattle him by making it clear I had eyes on his entire family, especially that little boy of his. I wanted to scare him, make him fear me. From the looks of things it was working, and this n was still underway.


    But, not once did I ever suspect that Larissa had taken refuge with Griffinhowl. Nor did I have a clue about their apparent rtionship. And now that it had alle to light, it was an even bigger reason to destroy the bastard. As soon as he introduced himself to me in there, I had the sudden urge to jump at him and be done with him on the spot. But I reasoned that it would ruin the fun. Plus, I was outnumbered. So I waited.


    And now everything had fallen apart because of him. I could not let this slide, no way. He had openly embarrassed me in front of those measly guards and in front of Larissa. I couldn¡¯t have that. He must have taken me for an utter weakling, a fool who came back crawling to beg for Larissa¡¯s forgiveness. Again, I felt shame crowd my chest. If not for the fact that I was trying to keep up appearances in front of Larissa, I would have dealt him with a blow he¡¯d never forget. But there was nothing I could do about it now. It was done.


    I just had to find another way. I had tried the easy way, warming up to Larissa to get her toe back. Now I was going to do it the hard way. If the only way I could be cured was by mating with her, then I would do exactly that. Whether she wanted to or not.


    And then, I had to get Griffin out of the way, by any means necessary. And if push came to shove and it couldn¡¯t be helped, then I would do the needful. If I had to die then so be it. But I would take the bastard down with me.


    My lips curved into a smile as I imagined shing my ws through his chest and tearing his organs open. A delicious chill ran down my spine. There was nothing more thrilling than brutal killing. And Kaden Griffin was high up on my list.


    Calm now, I turned around to make my way outside. I didn¡¯t want to spend one more second in this ce lest I changed my mind. I had only taken a few steps when I heard the gates behind me ng loudly. I turned around in time to see the guards shove a screaming woman out and then bang the gates in her face.


    I recalled seeing the woman go in earlier, but I¡¯d been too pissed to pay attention to her. I was going to make my way out until I heard the words she was murmuring.


    ¡°I said, open up! Kaden!¡± She screamed. When there was no answer, she kicked hard at the gate, rattling it noisily. And then she whipped around furiously and marched about, murmuring. ¡°That bastard! Keeping me away from my own son? I¡¯ll teach him a goddamn lesson.¡±


    Immediately, my ears perked up. Someone who harbored the same hatred I did for Griffin at this moment? Interesting. I wondered what exactly this was about. The woman was practically steaming. I immediately wondered what I could do with this.


    First, I took a good look at her. Although twisted in rage, her face was quite beautiful. Young. I guessed she was probably around Larissa¡¯s age. She wasn¡¯t dressed cheaply either so I knew she could not be a servant.


    My thoughts raced.


    The only person young enough to be her son within those walls was the little boy. A sudden thought ran through my mind, and as she stormed past me, I took a wild guess.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re the ex wife?¡±


    She suddenly froze in ce, and then whipped around, her face contorted in rage, and then she walked back to where I was standing. ¡°For your information, we are still legally married,¡± she spat. ¡°And who the fuck do you think you are, asking me questions?¡±


    Oh. It was all beginning to make sense now. I¡¯d heard the stories of the cheating wife who had run off with Griffin¡¯s Beta a few years ago. My guess was that she was back now, and probably disrupting the rtionship between Griffin and Larissa. Therefore, this woman here had issues with Kaden Griffin too. Amon ground for us both. I wondered if I could work something out with this.


    ¡°Alpha Stefan Tokenmoon,¡± I said, stretching out a hand which she did not take. I chuckled in amusement. ¡°Women like you know how to get things done. Let¡¯s chat.¡±


    She only hissed in annoyance and pushed past me roughly. ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m in the mood to get hit on? Get the fuck out of my face.¡±


    I watched her walk away, tempted to snap her neck on the spot for speaking to me in that manner. But I knew I needed her for this to work.


    ¡°I¡¯m Larissa¡¯s ex husband.¡±


    Once again, she froze and turned around. ¡°The tramp? She¡¯s taking every damn thing away from me! I won¡¯t let her take my son too. So she better not even dream of me granting that divorce, not until I get my money and my son,¡± she spat.


    So I was right about her. She had a motive. Perfect. I could hear the anger and determination in her voice. Jealousy and greed. They were always perfect hand in hand, and I could already tell that if I yed my card right, this woman would be an essential part of my n.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± She suddenly asked, ring suspiciously at me.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    This was my chance to strike the iron while it was hot. I just had to y it right.


    ¡°I came for her. I want her back. But just like you, I got kicked out by Griffin. What he doesn¡¯t know is that I don¡¯t back down easily. And I can tell you don¡¯t either. From the looks of things, we are in simr situations. I am not a spy, nor am I here to ridicule you.¡±


    She observed me for a few moments and then she inhaled deeply. I could see her features begin to rx. The hostile look had vanished from her face and she was warming up to me. ¡°Amaya,¡± she offered, extending her arm for a handshake.


    Very good.


    That was when I spoke again.


    ¡°Amaya, what if I told you there was a way for the both of us to get what we want? You get your son and your money, and I get Larissa back. You just need to be willing to work with me.¡±


    Her expression was a mixture of doubt and curiosity. For a second she said nothing, and then she crossed her arms over her chest and pulled her shoulders back.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±

 Tired

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    ¡°She¡¯s been here every single day this week. I can¡¯t keep turning her away, especially since she still has a legal right to visit him.¡±


    I turned away from Kaden, shutting my eyes tightly in annoyance. Amaya had been a thorn in everyone¡¯s side with her relentless visits to the mansion and her demands to see her son. Every day Kaden turned her away, and on days where she proved adamant with the guards, Kaden had to go down there himself and throw her out. It always ended up in a sort of screaming match, and Amaya vowing to return the next day. It had been taking a toll on him, I could see it clearly. It was also taking a toll on me, it was taking a toll on the entire pack, Den included.


    Because of her, a sort of gloom had descended over the pack, and everyone moved around, silent and listless. And it hurt me. I hated the screaming, the drama, every single thing. And I hated how it was affecting each and every one of us. Especially Den. He was still so young, but even he could sense the difference in energy of everyone around him. He heard the screaming too. That was inevitable. He had grown quiet, no longer as vibrant as he used to be. And if care wasn¡¯t taken, this could turn to a permanent change.


    I didn¡¯t want Den around any of this. And I most certainly did not want Amaya around Den. ¡°No,¡± I shook my head in response as I turned back to Kaden. ¡°I don¡¯t want her near him, Kaden. You keep referring to her as his mother, but she¡¯s not. Biologically, yes she is. But otherwise¡­we both know the answer to that. She is a terrible influence to have around Den.¡±


    Kaden sighed deeply. ¡°Look, babe, I know. I don¡¯t want her close to him either, but it can¡¯t be helped. If I keep turning her away, she will only decide to involve thew. And we still live around the humans. You know how that will end; very badly. Please try to understand.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat, knowing he was right, but still unwilling to back down so easily. ¡°I get what you mean. But, surely, you can figure out a way somehow. Please. If we let her see him now, she¡¯ll start to think she can just pop in whenever she wants. She¡¯ll be here every single day, and I don¡¯t think anyone would like that. Isn¡¯t there something you can do? Anything at all.¡±


    I was desperate. The thought of Amaya being a frequent visitor here was unsettling. She had already done enough damage. It would only put everyone in a bad mood. And I really did not want Den to get involved in any sort of legal battle.


    Kaden began to pace around the room. I watched him slowly make his way to the window and look outside where Amaya was still standing and yelling. She had been there for about an hour now, and it didn¡¯t seem like she was ready to quit anytime soon. This was just a disy of the behaviour she had been exhibiting this entire week. We were all tired of it.


    I don¡¯t know how many moments Kaden stood there for, but when he turned back to me, he shook his head as though in regret. ¡°Look at her, making a scene and disturbing the peace of the entire pack. I can¡¯t let it continue, Issa. Imagine how ufortable everyone is feeling right now.¡±


    I said nothing. He was right.


    He moved closer and intertwined our fingers. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried about the negative impact she might have on Den, but you don¡¯t need to. I won¡¯t let that happen. But before anything else, I need to let her see him. She has a right to see him, and as much as I hate the idea, there¡¯s nothing I can do to stop her.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    I shut my eyes again, defeated. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling I had about Amaya. She abandoned Den once. I don¡¯t want him getting attached to her only for her to leave him again. And I wished Kaden would fight harder to keep her away, but his words made sense. So I gritted my teeth and sighed. ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Issa.¡±


    ¡°I said it¡¯s fine, Kaden. Just¡­be careful with her.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°I promise. I¡¯ll be there the whole time. Knowing her she might try to nt some ideas in his head, but I won¡¯t let her. Okay?¡±


    I nodded, and watched as he walked outside to let her in. I¡¯d promised myself I wasn¡¯t going to get involved at all, but I couldn¡¯t help it. I walked out of my chambers and to the balcony where I had a clear view of the gates. A bitter feeling swirled in my chest as I watched Kaden order the guards to let Amaya through. She stormed up to him immediately. ¡°Have you finallye to your senses?¡± I heard her say. ¡°I told you I¡¯m not leaving until I see him.¡±


    I cut off my wolf hearing before Kaden could respond. They were standing far away enough. I would rather not listen to their conversation if I could help it. Seeing her near him was already making me ufortable. I stood at the balcony for a few more seconds before I finally walked back to my room, my heart heavy.


    ***


    ¡°But that¡¯s only because it¡¯s the only one she has, you see. We¡¯ve all been talking about it down at the quarters, and it¡¯s put everyone in a lighter mood. So I guess that¡¯s a good thing.¡±


    I was barely listening as Gwen told me the story of what was happening at the servant quarters. It seemed to be a funny story, but I¡¯d been zoning in and out so much I¡¯d missed the whole point of it. But I did not say that to her. I was much too tired. I honestly just wanted to be alone.


    ¡°And oh, we haven¡¯t had a chance to talk about it probably, but I have a little update on the Gemini,¡± sheughed. ¡°It¡¯s a lot of pressure being in the middle of two brothers, that¡¯s for sure. I feel really bad, but also quite awkward. One is my mate, I¡¯m in love with the other one. I honestly don¡¯t know what to do about it at this point. You know, I didn¡¯t think it was possible, but I think I¡¯m getting even more confused about my feelings. On one hand, I¡¯m bound by the mate bond and attraction is inevitable. But I¡¯ve also been spending time with the other brother and he is such a great person. I feel so torn and confused, Issa. What do you think about all of this? I don¡¯t know what to make of any of this.¡±


    Her words were sounding perfectly in my head, but I wasn¡¯t listening enough to understand what she was saying nor give a response. I felt like I was floating in my own thoughts. A dull feeling I did not recognize was heavy and full in my chest. But I could not put a finger on exactly what it was.


    ¡°Larissa?¡± I heard Gwen call out. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    I shut my eyes tightly in a bid to calm myself and silence the storm in my mind, but still, thoughts of Amaya persisted. Just the thought of her name made me sick. It had been four days since Kaden ordered the guards to let her in. Four days since he led her to the nursery where she got to see Den. She had stayed for two hours. Two long, painful hours for me. As soon as she left, Den appeared in my room and I spent the rest of the day with him.


    But the problem wasn¡¯t with that day. Yes, I had been ufortable with the idea, but not to the point where it would cause me to lose sleep. The problem was that ever since that day, she had continued toe over, which made it four days in a row. Two hours turned to three, and soon she was spending a minimum of five hours here.


    It was exactly as I¡¯d predicted, her gettingfortable and settling in once again. I hated every second of it. And I hated that nothing was being done about it. Den hadn¡¯te to see me since the first day, and although I tried not to show it, it worried me. I worried that he would no longer see me the way he used to; like a mother figure. I knew I wasn¡¯t his biological mother, but I was so close to him that I might as well be. And the thought that he might be closer to Amaya shattered my heart into a thousand pieces. I had never been a jealous person, but I didn¡¯t want to lose Den, especially not to someone that would surely end up hurting him.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Gwen¡¯s voice pulled me out of my thoughts again.


    ¡°I already said yes.¡± My voice was sharper now.


    Gwen nodded and continued what she was doing. ¡°So, you see? I feel like I¡¯m stuck in between the both of them, Larissa. I feel like a terrible person, and I probably am, but what do I do? How do I fix it?¡±


    I shut my eyes tightly, my fists clenching by my side. As Gwen slowly brushed through my hair, she continued to speak. And speak. And ask for my opinion on the things she was bothered about. My head was throbbing, my mind racing, the world spinning¡­I was beginning to feel hot and irritated.


    ¡°Should Ie out and own up to the truth? But how do I do it wit¨C¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± I grabbed the hairbrush from her forcefully. ¡°Just stop.¡±


    Gwen looked a little surprised, and then she tried to take the brush back. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here to help you, let me hel¨C¡±


    ¡°I said it¡¯s fine. I can brush my own damn hair. And this isn¡¯t about the stupid hairbrush, Gwen. I¡¯m tired of hearing about your problems, okay?¡±


    My chest was heaving. I had no idea where that outburst hade from. I was just so tired and irritated. I just wanted to be left alone.


    Gwen stood behind me for a few moments, and I could see the hurt in her face. ¡°Oh¡­I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to annoy or bother you. I just wanted to lighten your mood with the stories. I just wanted to make you feel better.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Just leave.¡±


    She nodded and walked out of the room, leaving me with my thoughts once again. I did not have the time to dwell on what happened because thoughts of Amaya resurfaced immediately. I stood from my chair and began to pace around. I didn¡¯t want her here, I didn¡¯t want her in our home. Why did it seem like everything was falling apart?


    I also hated the fact that Kaden was doing nothing about this. I knew he had the power to stop her if he really wanted to, so why was he being so soft on her? It was a genuine question, one I had not thought of, but it was starting to bother me. When Amaya wasn¡¯t here, just the mention of her name set Kaden off to the extremes. He hated her with everything he had in him. Now she was finally here, he didn¡¯t seem as bothered as I expected him to be.


    The feeling in my chest rose again, but this time it was bitter. Angry. What if he was going soft on her for other reasons? I wondered. They were old lovers after all. And with all the time they were spending in the same ce, his feelings towards her might be changing.


    My heart clenched.


    At first I didn¡¯t mind the idea of Kaden and Amaya in the same room because I knew it would prevent her from poisoning Den¡¯s mind, but now I could not help but feel a little insecure.


    ¡°Shit,¡± I sighed into my hands. I hated the direction my thoughts were going in. I knew deep down that Kaden truly loved and cared for me. I knew he would never betray me like that. He would never hurt me like that.


    I hated doubting him, and I knew I needed to let him know. It was better than sitting here and wondering. Perhaps if he knew how much this situation bothered me, he would find a way to put an end to it.


    Sighing, I tied my hair up in a bun and put on my coat, then I made my way out of my chambers to go find him.

 Get your hands off

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I stood in the corner of the yroom, my eyes narrowed and alert as I watched Amaya squat beside Den and pinch his cheeks lightly. It had been four days since I first let her see him, and she had been here every single day since then, but I still had not gotten used to seeing her by his side. Every time she touched him, I had the overwhelming urge to jump across the room and take him away from her. But my legs stayed rooted to the floor.


    I continued to watch as she tried to make conversation with Den, offering him the gift box she had brought along with her today. When Den showed no interest in even touching the box, she took it upon herself to unwrap it. As expected, it was filled with toys. I watched with bated breath as Den turned his attention back to the box.


    ¡°You like toys, don¡¯t you, Dy?¡±


    I nearly rolled my eyes at her nickname for him. Den nodded, but made no move to pick any of them up. Instead he moved away and sat in one of his tiny stic chairs, fumbling with an empty jar on the table. I rxed. To him, she was just a stranger. In the real sense, Den was supposed to be drawn to Amaya through the cub-to-shewolf bond, but it did not seem to be apparent. I suspected that was because he never had the chance to even fully form the bond.


    Amaya sucked in a deep breath. I could tell she was frustrated at Den¡¯s little participation. I watched as she sighed and scooted over to him, a smile on her face. ¡°You like jars, Dy? Tell me what you want, anything at all.¡±


    She could not mask the desperation in her voice, and I secretly felt an evil streak in me. That should teach her. Maybe she thought taking care of a child was nothing but a walk in the park. There was so much more to it. Learning their mannerisms, their likes and dislikes, their method ofmunication¡­it wasn¡¯t just something that came naturally after three years of absence. It was good she was learning. And knowing her, she would probably take off again when she saw how difficult it was.


    It wouldn¡¯t surprise me at all if she suddenly stopped showing up. She had always been a coward. It was the exact reason why I didn¡¯t even want her close to Den at all. And I was beyond d that Den showed no signs of warming up to her.


    ¡°Dy?¡± Amaya repeated, ruffling his hair. Big mistake. He hated getting his hair touched. He let out a loud yelp and backed away from her.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± He called out.


    Feeling triumphant albeit protective of him, I brushed past Amaya and picked him up, kissing his forehead gently until he rxed. Slowly, I walked around the yroom and bounced him gently until he rxed. Once he was quiet again, I put him back in his chair and let him y with his jars. A smile made its way to my face as I watched him y. I was reminded of how much I loved my son whenever I looked at him, and would damn well protect him against any harm. Maybe that was why I was so on edge about Amaya being around him. I did not want him to get hurt.


    ¡°Wow. How did you do that?¡±


    I turned at the sound of Amaya¡¯s voice to see her hovering behind me, her eyes wide as she stared at Den who was calm once again. ¡°He barely even looked at me for more than two seconds, and when I tried to touch him, he literally yelled.¡± She shook her head as though in awe. ¡°He¡¯s a little piece of work, huh?¡±


    I paused at her words. ¡°A piece of work? Is that why you left the first time?¡±


    ¡°I¡­no, that¡¯s not¨C¡±


    ¡°Save your exnations for someone dumb enough to believe it. I don¡¯t know what the hell you think you¡¯re doing, but if you truly believe for one second that I¡¯d ever leave Den in the care of someone who uses phrases like ¡®piece of work¡¯ to address a child, then you¡¯re even dumber than I made you out to be. Go home, Amaya.¡±


    For a while she was silent, which was new because ever since she materialised back into my life, she always had something to run her mouth about. We watched Den y inplete silence, and then she scooted a little closer to me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been hopeless when ites to things like this,¡± she said. ¡°But just like the others, it will pass. It always does.¡±


    I felt no response was necessary so I did not give one.


    ¡°Remember when I nearly burned the house down trying to cook?¡± She suddenly began tough. ¡°It was a week after our wedding and I was still trying to impress you. If you hadn¡¯t sensed it ande to save me, there probably wouldn¡¯t even be a mansion right now. Do you remember that?¡±


    My jaw clenched at her question. I hated that I remembered, even though I had willed myself to wipe out every memory of her. I hated that I could not just wipe her off in one swipe. But there was no point bringing it up again, I reasoned. The past was in the past.


    ¡°That was years ago,¡± I finally grunted in response. ¡°What does that have to do with anything?¡±


    I saw her cock an eyebrow before she walked even closer to me. Her eyes slowly ran over my face, down to my arms and then my legs. ¡°I¡¯ve also never known you to be so uptight, Kaden,¡± she whispered, running her fingertips over my bare arm. ¡°That tramp obviously doesn¡¯t know how to take care of you.¡±


    I gripped her wrist tighter than necessary, pulling her hand off mine. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever refer to my wife like that.¡±


    ¡°Your wife?¡±


    When my grip on her wrist didn¡¯t loosen, she finally nodded painfully. ¡°Okay, okay, I won¡¯t.¡±


    I let her go and pulled myself up to walk over to the corner of the room where I leaned against the wall. I shut my eyes, trying to push out all the thoughts. I was tired, in all honesty. I did not give a fuck about Amaya anymore, but I would be lying if I said her presence here did not affect me. It irked me to the core, it disgusted me, it reminded me of my Beta who betrayed me. I just wanted her to leave. I missed Larissa and I missed my son too. They were my real family. Amaya being here was disrupting a lot of things.


    I thought long and hard about how to solve this situation. Everyone was ufortable. Larissa was, too, but she was trying to avoid itpletely. I wondered if Amaya was here for some other reason. Every time I brought up the divorce papers, she always found a way to wave them off. Something told me that she wanted to get Den first, but we both knew I would die before I ever let that happen. So, what do I do? I needed her to sign the papers and be on her way before this whole thing escted. No ideas came to mind and so, there and then, I decided that if nothing else worked I would have no other option than to make her sign the papers, forcefully or otherwise.


    I checked the time on my watch, reminding myself to tell Larissa about my decision as soon as I saw her. ording to the time, Amaya had about thirty minutes left to be here before she would leave. Good. I needed her out. It already seemed like she¡¯d been here forever.


    As soon as the thought crossed my mind, she appeared immediately in front of me. ¡°Kaden¡­¡± she began, cing her arm on top of mine again. I made to fling it off but paused when I saw Den looking our way. I slowly lowered my arm, not wanting to disy any violence in front of him.


    ¡°What do you want, Amaya?¡± I asked under my breath, feeling irritated. ¡°What do you really want? I don¡¯t understand it. Why did you choose this period to show up in my life? Do you get off on ruining people¡¯s lives now? I wouldn¡¯t be surprised.¡± I tried to keep the venom out of my tone but it was harder than I expected.


    ¡°I¡¯m here for my son, Kaden.¡±


    ¡°Cut the bullshit. I¡¯m not an idiot, and you should know that by now. You might have been able to lie and fool your way into my home, but don¡¯t try it again. I thought you were here for Den too. Hell, I actually believed it at one point. But, anyone would be a fool to believe you would ever show remorse. You say you¡¯re here to see Den but you don¡¯t even keep to time. And when you do arrive it¡¯s with a face caked with makeup, a tight dress and heels that won¡¯t even let you y with your son. If you were really intentional about getting to know him again you would actually put in the work. Dress appropriately in yroom attire. But no, you just sit there afraid to mess up your manicure, and try to make conversation with me. So I¡¯ll ask you again, what are you doing here?¡±


    She was silent for a few seconds and then I saw her eyes ze over. ¡°Fine, you¡¯re right.  I am here for something else, but it doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t care about Den.¡±


    I did not respond, waiting for her to keep talking.


    ¡°I just¡­I thought I¡¯d be happier when I left,¡± she started again, her fingers tightening around my arm. ¡°But I wasn¡¯t. Nik was great in bed, but he never made me feel the way you did.¡±


    The mention of my former beta was like a stab to my chest. I did not want to remember that shit anymore.


    ¡°Get your hands off, Amaya,¡± I said as gently as I could. I was trying not to cause a scene in front of Den, but she was doing a fine job of provoking me. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could help it.


    She refused to let go. She pressed herself closer to me until her chest was pressed hard against mine. ¡°I miss you, Kaden. I miss everything; how we fell in love, our wedding, the beautiful times we had together, theughter, the joy. Remember how crazy we used to be, having sex in every corner of the mansion.¡± Her lips curved into a smile as she pressed even closer. ¡°You can¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t miss it too, Kaden.¡±


    I stared at her for a few moments, speechless. Was she fucking delusional? So this was the root of everything she had been doing. She had been trying to get back to me. I stared at her desperately trying to expose her cleavage to me, and I did not feel anger. I feltplete and utter disgust. She was the most shameless person I had ever met. After everything she¡¯d done to me she really thought shing her boobs at me would change a thing. And she was doing this shamelessly in front of Den.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My chest heaved with anger. ¡°I think you should leave now. You¡¯ve outstayed your wee.¡±


    I gripped her arm and began to drag her to the door.


    ¡°Kaden..¡± she begged, forcing her arm out of my grip and flinging it around my neck.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°I still love you. I love you so much, baby. I miss your touch, your kisses, I miss everything..¡±


    Before I couldprehend the whole situation, Amaya had flung herself at me. She gripped my cor and crashed her lips on mine in a kiss.


    At the same time, the door was pushed open and I saw Larissa walk in. She froze at the sight in front of her, and I pushed Amaya off me at the same time.


    My eyes widened at the realization of how this looked. ¡°Larissa, wait!¡±


    But she had already turned away with tear zed eyes and raced out of the yroom.


    Anger surged through me as I grabbed Amaya roughly. ¡°What the hell did you do that for?!¡± I hissed.


    She looked on wordlessly and I shoved her away and rushed after Larissa, my heart pounding. She needed to know this was all a misunderstanding. I needed her to believe me.


    I couldn¡¯t afford to lose her. I couldn¡¯t let that happen.

 Heartbroken

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    I furiously swiped the tears out of my eyes as I hurried down the hall. My chest was tight and my heart was shattering into a million pieces. How could he do this to me? How could he betray me like this? Betrayal. It sounded so foreign when it was in rtion to Kaden. It was not something I could associate him with. But after what I¡¯d just seen, I realised it wasn¡¯t so far-fetched after all.


    I ran. I ran like I could escape my reality if I got far enough. I wanted to stop. I wanted to scream. I wanted to fall to my knees and tear at my hair until I didn¡¯t feel this much pain anymore. But I couldn¡¯t. The image of Kaden and Amaya pressed together in a kiss continued to sh through my head no matter how many times I tried to block it out.


    Why would he do this to me? In a million years I would never have believed Kaden would willingly hurt me. It still felt like a dream. As I ran aimlessly, I instinctively pinched my own arm. Hard. I needed it to be a mistake. Some sort of dream. Anything else at all that exined what I¡¯d just seen. It couldn¡¯t be real. My eyes must¡¯ve been ying tricks on me. That was the only usible exnation.


    But the pain that shot up my arm at the pinch said the exact opposite.


    I did it again just to be sure, and there it was again, the pain. Tears spilled out of my eyes again as I shook my head in desperation.


    How could he do this to me? The question continued to resound in my head. The more I tried to make sense of it, the weaker I became. I didn¡¯t understand it. What was it exactly? Was it all the time they were spending together? Did being in close proximity with her stir up old feelings? After all she was someone he used to love.


    That thought was like a stab to my heart. I couldn¡¯t bear it, I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Meeting Kaden had made life seem worth living, but now even that had been snatched away from me. A sharp pain shot through me. Things just never worked out for me. Maybe I just was not destined for happiness.


    The tears continued to stream down my face as I ran. I immediately regretted ever trying to find Kaden in the first ce. I should have just stayed in my room. I should have just alleviated my worries on my own and left him alone tillter. But I didn¡¯t. I had sought him out in a bid to speak to him on matters I was worried Amaya¡¯s presence would bring up. I had never dreamed for one second that my greatest fears were actually a reality.


    I didn¡¯t know what to believe anymore. One thing for certain was that I knew exactly what I saw. They were kissing. Kaden was kissing someone else. Kaden had kissed another woman. Kaden had kissed his ex wife.


    I jerked backwards, my hands against the wall as a broken sob escaped my throat. I told myself I would not cry anymore because of the entire Amaya situation, but I couldn¡¯t help it. I¡¯d known that she¡¯d been a problem from the first time she showed up, but how could I have known it would create problems between Kaden and I?


    ¡°Larissa!¡±


    I suddenly heard a voice call out. Kaden. Immediately, I shut my eyes. He was following me, running after me, but why? What could he possibly say? What could he say that would justify him kissing his ex-wife? I wiped the tears off my face and took off running again. I couldn¡¯t face him, I didn¡¯t want to. Seeing him now would make me explode, and I did not want a situation where I would say things I wouldter regret. I just wanted to be left alone.


    I was almost at the courtyard when I felt a hand pull at my arm. ¡°What?!¡± I screamed, not bothering to see who it was.


    ¡°Larissa? Why are you crying? Is everything okay?¡±


    I snatched my arm away. ¡°Just leave me the hell alone, Gwen! Go back to your duties and just leave me the fuck alone!¡±


    I took off again before she could respond. As I ran, fresh tears formed in my eyes. I was being an asshole to my friend, twice already today. I stifled the sob that threatened to escape me. What was wrong with me? I had always believed I was a good person, but what if I had just been fooling myself the whole time? What if I had been delusional all this while? Maybe I really was a bad person. Maybe there was something wrong with me.


    That¡¯s why Kaden doesn¡¯t want me anymore.


    The tears fell in rivulets. I did not bother wiping them off this time. What was the point? I was just tired. I was so tired. I don¡¯t know how long I stood there just staring into space, but a whileter I heard the ruffle of footsteps behind me. Immediately, I turned.


    At the sight of Kaden, all the self loathing in my chest was reced by hot, red rage. ¡°Get away from me,¡± I warned, my voice trembling.


    Kaden paused in his steps, bringing his hand forward and shaking his head. ¡°Issa, please, I know your state of mind is a little messed up right now.. ¡±


    ¡°My state of mind is fine!¡± I yelled. ¡°I¡¯m fine, okay?! Stop trying to make this about me. I know what I saw.¡±


    Kaden shook his head. ¡°I know what it looked like, but if you¡¯d just let me exin, you¡¯d understand. She threw herself at me, Issa. You saw me push her away. I would never, ever hurt you.¡±


    I shut my eyes tight. ¡°Stop lying to me!¡± My chest was throbbing. ¡°You kissed her. I saw it, and I¡¯m certain of it. Just admit it instead of hurting me more by lying.¡±


    He moved closer to me and held my hand. ¡°Issa, I swear to you, it¡¯s not what it looked like. She kissed me. She came on to me, trying to get into my head and remind me of old times. Obviously it didn¡¯t work. But then she kissed me. It was sudden and unexpected, and I pushed her away immediately. I need you to believe me. I need you to say you believe me, Larissa.¡±


    I stared into his eyes, unable to read him. He sounded genuine enough, but something in the back of my mind could not help but fuel with rage. Why did everyone keep lying to me, trying to deceive me? I wiped the tears off my cheeks and stared at him. ¡°Do you still love her?¡±


    I watched the pleading look in Kaden¡¯s eyes slowly melt away. His jaw clenched. ¡°What?¡± His voice was low.


    ¡°Do you still have feelings for her? Is that why you made almost zero effort to stop her froming to visit Den? Is that why you let her kiss you? Is that it¨C¡±


    ¡°Why would you ask me that? You know how I feel about Amaya. You know how much I detest her.¡±


    ¡°Do I?!¡± I could not hold back the anger anymore. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the hell to believe anymore, Kaden. Everything has been falling apart from the moment she stepped into that wedding hall, and you don¡¯t seem to be doing much about it!¡±


    Kaden immediately red up. ¡°I don¡¯t seem to be doing much about it? What do you think I¡¯ve been trying to do for the past few days? Did you ever think for one second how all of this has been affecting me? She abandoned me and her son, cheated on me with my Beta, disappeared without a trace, and now I¡¯m being shoved in the same room as her and forced to be cordial so I can get her to sign the divorce papers. For you, all of this is for you. Because I fucking love you, Larissa. But all you choose to do is stand there and use me!¡±


    ¡°If you loved me you wouldn¡¯t have kissed her,¡± I snapped.


    ¡°She kissed me. And maybe if you trusted me enough it wouldn¡¯t be so hard for you to believe!¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should give me reasons to trust you, then!¡± I pulled myself away from him and slowly backed away. I could feel myself growing weaker by the second. I was tired. So tired. Tears filled my eyes again and this time a loud sob escaped me before I could stop it. I sobbed into my hands, exhausted from the inside out. ¡°Why¡­¡± I whimpered. ¡°Why¡­why..¡±


    I tried to walk away but my feet felt like lead. The world was beginning to spin around me.


    ¡°Larissa¡­¡±


    Kaden¡¯s voice sounded distant. I could barely hear him. My breath seized, my legs giving way beneath me.


    ¡°Larissa!¡±


    I fell helplessly to the ground in a heap and I could feel myself slowly losing consciousness. Thest thing I heard before I cked out was Kaden screaming my name and yelling out to someone to fetch the doctor.


    Kaden¡¯s POV


    My feet were rooted to the ground as I watched Larissa stagger on her feet. We were both fighting and yelling at each other that I did not even notice when she began to drift into unconsciousness. I watched in horror as she slipped down to the floor, and immediately my instincts kicked in.


    ¡°Larissa!¡± I yelled in shock. But before I could get to where she was, she had fallen to the floor with a loud thud. ¡°Larissa!¡± My voice rang through the hall. I jumped to the floor and pulled her into my arms, supporting her head and calling out her name. ¡°Issa, can you hear me?¡± I shook her hard. But her eyes were closed and I could barely hear the sound of her breathing.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Is anyone there?!¡± I roared loudly, fear gripping me as I watched Larissa seem to fade farther and farther away from me. A servant emerged from the top of the stairs and I quickly motioned to her. ¡°Get the pack doctor. Now! I¡¯ll be in my chambers.¡±


    As I gave the orders, I hurriedly picked Larissa up and carried her up the stairs to my room. My heart thudded in my chest as I walked, and I prayed to the moon goddess to spare her. Guilt rushed through me at the sight of her and I silently cursed myself for letting this argument get to this point. I shouldn¡¯t have tried to make her listen to me when she was so upset. I should have let her be. I should have let her cool off before I went in search of her. Thest thing I wanted was to hurt her, and now it had happened I was hurting too.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I whispered although I knew she could not hear me. As soon as I got to my chambers, I kicked the door open and carried her to the bed, gently cing her there and propping her head up on a pillow. She still did not stir. I was more worried than ever now. I ced a hand to her forehead and realized she was burning up.


    Where the hell was Annalise?


    I was distracted by the sound of the doors bursting open and I turned to face Annalise. ¡°Thank the Goddess,¡± I sighed in relief. ¡°Come,e.¡±


    She was at Larissa¡¯s side in a moment. I watched with bated breath as she check Larissa for signs. Finally she faced me again. ¡°What happened?¡±


    I began to exin but then froze. I did not wish to air our matters in the open. This was between Larissa and I and I wanted it to stay that way. ¡°We were having an argument and she just fainted.¡± I said. That was a good exnation without giving too much away.


    Annalise nodded thoughtfully. ¡°She just slumped?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    She nodded again and then motioned to another maid who was standing by the door. My head was still spinning as I listened to Annalise describe a certain nt she needed the maid to bring to her. The maid nodded and disappeared.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± I asked, unable to keep the worry out of my voice. ¡°Is she going to be okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha, she will. Her pulse is very weak, and her breathing shallow. That¡¯s a bit of a problem. But after she ingests the potion I¡¯m about to make, she will be much better.¡±


    I rxed, shutting my eyes tight in gratitude. Thank the goddess. I don¡¯t know what I would have done if something happened to her because of me. ¡°You¡¯re sure she¡¯ll be okay?¡± I asked again just to make sure.


    Annalise nodded. ¡°She will. Fainting is normal when you¡¯re under a lot of stress,¡± she exined. ¡°That must have been some argument you two were having.¡±


    The question underneath her words could not be hidden, but I was not about to discuss that with her. So I avoided the questionpletely. ¡°I¡¯m just d she¡¯ll be okay. Is there anything I can do?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll need space to recuperate and breathe. That means the fewer people the better. Is it okay if I call you when she wakes up?¡±


    I did not answer immediately as I continued to stare at Larissa¡¯s peaceful face. I did not want to leave her. I would have dly stayed by her side until she awakened so I could apologize for putting her through so much. But I also knew I should listen to the pack doctor if I wanted Larissa to heal quickly. She needed to be eased back into the present and maybe waking up to see me wasn¡¯t what she needed.


    Resignedly, I turned away from the bed and moved outside. I could not rx so I busied myself by pacing around, thoughts shooting all around my mind. I despised the way things were going at the moment. From the moment Amaya came back into my life, things had been a mess. I had tried to solve it on my own and keep the peace just so she could sign the divorce papers and go away, but all my efforts had gone to waste. It had only created a rift between Larissa and I. A rift that had widened by the day without me realising. I needed to put a cork in this matter and have it settled. I did not want to lose Larissa¡¯s trust. It was one thing that kept me going through bad times, and I don¡¯t know what I would do if it went away. I loved her so much. I wanted her happy andfortable. I wanted her to be fine.


    I was still pacing when I heard a sound beside me. I looked up to see the Gemini approaching me. They looked worried and I immediately knew they¡¯d discovered something.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± they both greeted.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    The both of them exchanged looks, sighing, and then Jacob spoke up. ¡°Alpha, we have some news for you, and you¡¯re not going to like it.¡±

 Lost

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I frowned. What bad news could they be talking about? ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, preparing myself mentally for whatever it turned out to be.


    Again, they exchanged looks. ¡°After a lot of spying and questioning, we finally found the mystery pack that has had it out for Griffinhowl for months now.¡±


    My breath caught and I stared on in surprise. Why did they look so somber, then? This was good news. So much had been going on that I forgot about thatpletely. This was great news. I knew the amount of torment we had been receiving from that godforsaken pack, and the fact that we had finally uncovered them was a huge step to defeating them once and for all.


    ¡°And?¡± I asked, excited for the first time in a while. My senses were whirring with adrenaline and I wanted to jump right off to the location and destroy the whole lot of them.


    ¡°Unfortunately, we couldn¡¯t find out the exact location of their pack. The pack members are scattered in so many different ces. We believe this is another one of their schemes to avoid detection. They do not want their actual location to be revealed, so they are in groups to throw off anyone who maye sniffing around.¡±


    I could not hide my disappointment at their words, but I tried to downy it. At least we were a step further than we¡¯ve been in weeks.


    ¡°However¡­¡± I heard Jacob say, making my ears perk up. There was more? ¡°We were able to uncover the identity of their leader, their Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    He went silent for a few seconds. ¡°Stefan Tokenmoon.¡±


    For the first few seconds my brain could not seem to process what I¡¯d just heard. And when it kicked in, I swore under my breath. Larissa¡¯s ex husband. The same man I had met for the first time only a few days ago. That was the same person who had been making hell for Griffinhowl pack. ¡°That bastard.¡± I gritted my teeth in anger. ¡°I knew there was something off about him right from the beginning. My wolf could sense it.¡± And my wolf was never wrong.


    That day I met him, it hade as a shock that Larissa¡¯s ex was in our home, and naturally I was pissed, especially since he had put her through so much in the past. Larissa had handled him perfectly that day and there was no need for me to tail him. But there was something about him that troubled my wolf, something did not seem right about him and I hadn¡¯t been able to put my finger on it. But now it was out in the open. I wished I had ripped his heart out that day and had him imprisoned.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What should we do next, Alpha?¡± I heard Jacob ask.


    I frowned, working through a n in my mind. ¡°For now, just keep close. Keep following them until you find out where the mansion is located. I am sure they have a stakeout aside from the official Tokenmoon mansion, so I want you to find it. Take a day¡¯s rest before you return back to your duties and then report to me afterwards.¡±


    As they both bowed and muttered their thanks, I nodded and waved them away. Once again I was alone trying to piece together the information I had just received. I couldn¡¯t believe it. That fucking bastard. I was going to kill him. I would make him suffer to the point where he would regret ever trying to hunt me down ande near my family. The fact that he was Larissa¡¯s ex husband was just another reason to hate him.


    I was jerked out of my thoughts when I heard the door to my chambers swing open. Immediately, I rushed forward. It had been an hour since the pack doctor requested I step out of the room, and this was the first time she had emerged.


    ¡°How is she?¡± I asked before she could even say anything. When she did not speak at first, my heart sank. I began to fear for the worst. ¡°Did something happen?¡± I asked, my voice shaky. My mind was beginning to race with a million possibilities and I prayed that Larissa was okay.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine, Alpha. She is in perfect health.¡±


    I rxed, exhaling in relief. But the look on her face did not go away. ¡°What is it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You might want toe inside for this,¡± she said and led me to the room. I followed, my face contorting in confusion. Larissa was still unconscious when we walked in. ¡°I noticed a few things while I was examining her, so I decided to do a full body examination instead,¡± Annalise began.


    ¡°Okay?¡±


    ¡°To cut it short, you¡¯re going to be a father to another child. Larissa is two months pregnant!¡± Annalise announced, breaking into a smile.


    My jaw dropped. ¡°W-What?¡± For a few minutes I was speechless. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant?¡± I repeated, still in disbelief. I moved closer to the bed and moved my hand gently over Larissa¡¯s stomach. Larissa was carrying my child. Sudden joy burst through me and a smile broke through my face. Nothing else mattered in this moment. I was going to be a father.


    ¡°I¡¯m having a baby.¡± I said


    ¡°You¡¯re having a baby,¡± Annalise repeated.


    Without thinking, I hugged her. ¡°I¡¯m having a baby,¡± I said again.


    For the first time in days, a heartyugh burst through me. I couldn¡¯t believe this. Larissa was carrying my child. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I could barely breathe. I moved to Larissa again and hugged her tight, kissing her forehead although she was asleep. I gently put her back on the bed when I remembered I wasn¡¯t supposed to make any sudden movements that could harm the baby.


    ¡°I¡¯m having another child,¡± I announced more to myself than to anyone else. This was amazing. I needed to get my life together and make things right. Every single thing that was wrong now needed to be corrected. I needed to get rid of Amaya, by any means necessary. I needed to make things right with Larissa. We had to start our family the right way, the healthy way. And I was so excited for it.


    ¡°We need to celebrate,¡± I said. ¡°As soon as Larissa awakens, we need to do something small and beautiful. Something she would like. That¡¯s a great¨C¡±


    I was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. My Beta walked in and I motioned him toe forward. ¡°Hunter, I have good news.¡±


    ¡°Something grave has happened, Alpha,¡± he said. I was stopped in my tracks by the anger in his voice. He handed me a bloodstained piece of paper.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°One of the guards was found dead from a stab wound. This was pinned to his chest.¡±


    The mention of death sucked out all the excitement that was flowing through me. I read through the words on the paper.


    ¡®I have something very dear to you in my possession. I¡¯ll be waiting for you toe get it.¡¯


    S. Tokenmoon.


    My jaw clenched. The telegram was from Stefan. I sucked in a sharp breath. So much was happening today. I wasn¡¯t even getting the breathing space to digest one piece of news before the next one came. But what the hell was he talking about?


    ¡°This is a stupid empty threat,¡± I hissed. ¡°Killing one of my men was just a stupid show of his power. I¡¯m going to kill that bastard.¡±


    I read the telegram again. What the hell did he mean? Something dear to me? I tried to think of it. The only things dear to me were my son and Larissa, nothing else. Larissa was right in front of me and Den was¡­


    A chill ran through me. I had left Den in the y room with Amaya. My eyes widened in shock. ¡°Where is Den? Find my son. Now!¡±


    Stefan¡¯s POV


    ¡°Alpha, the woman is here. She brought the little one with her.¡±


    I jumped from my chair with glee at my Beta¡¯s announcement. ¡°Send her in, immediately.¡± As I awaited her arrival, I could not help but chuckle at the situation. Admittedly, I had not expected her to keep to her own end of the bargain. But then again, what was that saying about a woman scorned? A smile curved my lips. Well, I would notin. She was essential to my n and this was just the beginning.


    My attention was drawn to the door of the council room when I heard it swing open. In walked the vixen of a woman I had met the other day in my quest of finding Larissa; ex wife to Kaden Griffin and mother of the little boy who stood crying by her side.


    ¡°Amaya,¡± I greeted. ¡°I see you have kept to your word.¡± I motioned to the boy whose crying was beginning to irritate me. ¡°How did you manage to pull it off?¡±


    She shrugged proudly. ¡°I told you it would be a walk in the park for me, and I do not exaggerate. I could have gotten Kaden to bed if that whore hadn¡¯t walked in on us at thest minute. But everything worked ording to n.¡±


    I cocked an eyebrow, humming in satisfaction. So Larissa had caught them in apromising position. Excellent. That was exactly my goal, for her to see that Griffin was a cheating bastard. It would make things so much easier, I reasoned. Next time she saw me she would run back into my arms after realising her mistake.


    ¡°I¡¯m impressed. Remind me never to doubt you again,¡± I praised in order to inte her ego.


    She shrugged. ¡°Good. Now, keep to your end of the deal. I don¡¯t care what you do, as long as I keep my son and get my money. The only reason I agreed to bring my son to you was because you assured me he¡¯ll be safe. I don¡¯t want him involved in any of this.¡±


    I waved her fears away. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about any of that. The boy isn¡¯t a part of this. I am only using him to lure Kaden out here and push him to pay the ransom. He shall be taken care of, I promise you that.¡±


    The doubt in her eyes cleared at my words and she cracked a smile. ¡°Thank you. I have to leave now, but I wille soon to see my son.¡± She turned to the little boy and squatted in front of him. I watched in amusement as he scooted away from her, iling his arms in the air. How pathetic. He was obviously not as close to her as she¡¯d like him to be, and it was amusing to watch her try so hard.


    Relentless, she ruffled his hair. ¡°Don¡¯t cry anymore, baby. You¡¯re safe here. Mommy wille get you soon, alright?¡±


    When he did not respond and instead squealed louder, she got up and walked away. I hid a smile as I watched her walk off and my eyes trailed down her body voluptuous body which was particrly striking through the tight dress she was wearing. She was a sexy woman. The type I would have liked to dominate and fuck senseless. Too bad I didn¡¯t have time for her now.


    ¡°Mark!¡± I called out to my Beta as soon as Amaya disappeared from sight.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    I motioned to the youngling who was crying and squealing. ¡°Take the pup out of my sight and have the maids keep him somewhere. If food is what it takes to shut him up, have them do it.¡±


    Mark bowed low and picked up the boy. As they exited the room, I thought of how delicious it would feel to strangle Kaden¡¯s heir with my bare hands, but I pushed the thought away. It would be much more satisfying to kill Kaden himself. I did not care for his son, that much should have been apparent. If Amaya thought I actually nned on keeping my promise then she had another thinging. Of course I would not go out of my way to bring harm on the boy, but if it came to the point where I had to sacrifice the boy for my cause, then so be it. I would do it without batting an eyelid.


    Absolutely no one was going to stand in my way. I was going to have Larissa one way or the way, and I would defeat Kaden once and for all. Power was the most important thing to me. I fed on it like a drug. It was the very reason why I had sought of Griffinhowl as Kaden Griffin was the only werewolf alive whose powers and influence rivaled mine. Once I defeated him, the world would tremble at the sound of my name.


    My lips curved into a smile, and I leaned back into my throne, satisfied. The reign of Kaden Griffin wasing to an end. And it would be by my hand.


    I summoned my Beta through the mind link and waited for him to arrive. It was time to put my n into motion. I was certain there was still amotion going on at Griffinhowl, and this was the perfect time to sneak in and do even more damage.


    ¡°You called for me, Alpha,¡± Mark said as he walked towards me, bowing slightly.


    ¡°I did. Have one of the spies send a message to Kaden Griffin. Let him know I have something valuable of his, and I am only giving him two days toe get it.¡±


    ¡°How would you like the message delivered, Alpha?¡±


    I smiled, chuckling at the thought. ¡°The usual.¡±


    Once Mark nodded and set off to do my bidding, I could not help butugh at the chaos that was about to ensue. Griffinhowl better be prepared, because they were about to have the worst times of their lives.


    Let the games begin.

 Taken

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    The ringing in my ears intensified as I struggled to open my eyes. I could not remember thest time I ever felt so weak and tired. I groaned painfully as I tried to sit up. My bones were also hurting and I felt like I was burning up. I was having a fever? But why? I tried again to open my eyes to no avail. They were just too heavy. I took a deep breath, noticing that it hurt my chest when I tried to. All I knew was that I wasying in a bed. The room was silent and I couldn¡¯t sense the presence of anyone else so I assumed I was alone.


    My fingers moved over the sheets I wasying on and I turned my head to the side to get a whiff of anything at all that would tell me where I was. As I sniffed the air, I immediately recognized the scent. I was in Kaden¡¯s room. I could smell him all over. I had spent enough nights in this room to remember what it felt like.


    I took another deep breath and I tried to rx, but the thought of Kaden had already set me into an overthinking mode. Thest thing I remembered was the argument we had. It also brought Amaya to my memory. A bitter feeling immediately filled up my chest at that. I had let that womane in between Kaden and I. I remembered the details of what I¡¯d seen, and from Kaden¡¯s exnation, I knew she had thrown herself at him. But I had been so embittered by the scene I walked into that I chose not to listen. I chose not to believe him and I¡¯d hurt him in the process.


    Emotion crowded in my chest and a tear slipped down my face. Why? Why did I have to cause a scene? Why did I let Amaya get into my head and nt thoughts I knew Kaden would never carry out? Why did I let myself be sucked in by anger and jealousy?


    Another tear dropped to my cheeks. I wanted to wipe it off but my hands were too weak. Now I had created a rift between us. I had to fix it. I had to apologize and make things right. I hated that I made all of Kaden¡¯s efforts seem like nothing. I knew how much he hated being in the same room with Amaya. It killed him, but he did it to get what we all wanted; peace. He did it for his family, for this pack. He did it for me. And yet I had chosen to ignore that. Guilt coursed through me as the thoughts continued to race through my head.


    I had to apologize to him. I wanted to see him, hug him, tell him how sorry I was forshing out. I loved Kaden so much. I never wanted him to feel like he wasn¡¯t doing enough. I never wanted him to feel like his efforts weren¡¯t appreciated. That wasn¡¯t the kind of wife I wanted to be; a nag, and a woman that always had something toin about. I had promised to be his partner, to stand by him in hard and confusing times. This was one of those times, and I¡¯d been doing a shitty job so far. I wanted to make amends, I needed to.


    My conviction filled me with strength and I finally managed to open my eyes. I pulled myself into an upright position and let my eyes roam the room. I was right about being alone. The room was empty and a basket of herbs was ced on a table in front of me. I immediately knew it was Annalise¡¯s. I managed to climb down from the bed and put on my house slippers before I made my way outside. My legs were a little weak but not something I couldn¡¯t manage.


    For some reason the ringing in my ears did not stop. It had gotten louder, in fact. On closer examination I realized it wasn¡¯t actually a ringing. It was a loud voice somewhere in the distance. Someone was yelling. I stopped in my tracks and frowned. What was going on? I listened closely and I realized it was Kaden¡¯s voice. He sounded pissed.


    What on earth was happening? I increased my pace and walked toward the direction of his voice. I had only taken a few steps when Annalise emerged, a horrified look on her face.


    ¡°Larissa? You¡¯re supposed to be in bed resting,¡± she protested, rushing to me and examining me.


    I stopped her with a shake of my head. ¡°I want to know what¡¯s going on. What happening?¡±


    She kept silent. ¡°I think you should rest for now. You still need to recover befor¨C¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked, more sternly.


    She took a deep breath. ¡°The Alpha¡¯s son is missing.¡±


    I staggered backwards in shock. ¡°What?!¡± I could not believe what I¡¯d just heard. ¡°Den? Den is missing? What do you mean he¡¯s missing?¡± Blood rushed through my ears, my heart pounding. Den, missing? How?


    ¡°Thest time he was seen, he was in his yroom with Miss Amaya, but he¡¯s not there anymore. The Alpha received a note from Stefan Tokenmoon saying that¨C¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± A lot of things were going on all at once and it was confusing the hell out of me. ¡°Stefan? What does he have to do with any of this?¡±


    Annalise dove into the story of how the Gemini had discovered the identity of the mystery pack that had been threatening Griffinhowl and how it turned out to be Stefan. She also gave me details of how a guard had been killed and a note stuck to his chest.


    By the time she finished I was dumbfounded. Den was in Stefan¡¯s hands now. Fear gripped me. I had no idea what he could do. I said a silent prayer to the moon goddess to keep Den safe. If anything happened to him I would never be able to forgive myself. Kaden would be shattered. My hands shook as I paced around. I had never hated anyone as much as I hated Stefan in this moment. Why did he have to do this? Didn¡¯t he already do enough? Why did he have to keep tormenting us?


    I buried my head in my hands, suddenly feeling guilty. Stefan hade here because of me, and I was certain he had taken Den to lure Kaden out. I don¡¯t know what vendetta he had with Kaden, but I knew he was also doing this to get to me. The memory of thest time I saw him surfaced in my mind. He was sick. He was a dying man, and mating with me was the only thing that could save him. Was that why he was so desperate to destroy my family?


    Pain shot through me as I contemted on what to do. First I had to see Kaden. I walked away from Annalise and hurried off. He was standing at the entrance of the yroom when I arrived, his shoulders tense as he yelled at a group of guards for not being watchful. I swallowed, a little scared to approach me.


    As soon as he dismissed the guards and turned around, I called out his name. His face was contorted in rage as he turned around, and I nearly cried from the look in his eyes. He was staring hard at me, anger apparent in his features. ¡°What do you want?!¡±


    I shrunk back, a little surprised. How was I supposed tofort him when he was so angry. ¡°I¡­I heard about what happened with Den. I¡¯m so sorry, Kaden..¡± I moved closer to him and hold onto his hand. ¡°How did it happen? I know we both saw him there in the yroom. And what about Amaya? Where is she? I don¡¯t know what were going to do but we need to get Den back. I¡¯ll never forgive myself if anything happens to him an¨C¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Kaden snapped, pulling his arm away out of my hold. ¡°My son¡¯s life is in danger and it¡¯s all because of your fucking ex husband! That bastard had my son kidnapped right under my nose and I had no knowledge of it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in shock too, Kaden. Why are you¨C¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s your ex! And he¡¯s doing all of this because of you, because he wants you back. Isn¡¯t it obvious? He came here and tried to get you toe back to him and when it didn¡¯t work he used my son as a pawn in his stupid games. This is your fault! It¡¯s your fault my boy is in danger. If anything happens to him I will never, ever forgive you.¡±


    My steps faltered as I stared at Kaden and digested his painful words. It was like a stab to my heart that he would me me for this. Without warning, my eyes filled with tears. My shoulders wracked violently as I stood in the middle of the hallway sobbing. Kaden had already stormed off, leaving me alone to weigh all the words he¡¯d said to me.


    I sobbed bitterly, clutching my chest from the pain. Maybe Kaden wasn¡¯tpletely wrong. Maybe it was my fault that Stefan involved Den in this. He was my ex husband after all, and he was desperate to his his illness healed. All of this was happening because of me.


    Helpless I let myself sink to the ground, all the tirednesspounding on me and making me weaker. I pulled up my knees to my chest andid my head down, and I cried until I had no tears left. My chest was so hollow it was hurting. This period of my life has brought forth a lot of terrible things, and I couldn¡¯t help but me myself for some of them. Now Den was in the hands of a desperate man, and there was no way to know if he was okay.


    My eyes filled up once again and I let myself cry all the pain away. I don¡¯t know how long I sat there for, but by the time I stood up again it was dark. I slowly shuffled back to my room, weaker than ever.


    ¡°Larissa?¡± I heard someone call out my name as I walked past. I turned around to see that it was Annalise. She held my hand and looked at me carefully. ¡°You should be resting. She-wolves need bed rest especially in the early stages of their pregnancy. You should lie down.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I froze, wondering if I¡¯d misheard her. ¡°I¡¯m not pregnant.¡±


    A sudden look came over her face and she quickly apologized. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. With all themotion from earlier we forgot to give you the good news. You¡¯re two months pregnant, Larissa.¡±


    I was still frozen in shock at the news. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant?¡± Fresh tears formed in my eyes and my hand instinctively fell to my stomach. ¡°There¡¯s a little one growing inside of me?¡±


    Annalise nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Tears fell down my cheeks. I couldn¡¯t believe that I was going to be a mother in a few months. This was the biggest thing that had ever happened to me. The only thing I regretted was that it was happening at this time when everything was falling apart. ¡°Does Kaden know?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I gave him the news right before we found out about the little master.¡±


    I nodded, swallowing painfully. ¡°Okay. Thank you for everything, Annalise. I¡¯ll try and get some rest.¡± Slowly, I walked into my room and shut the door behind me. I shut my eyes and leaned against the door. I felt so light and fragile. After a few moments I walked over to my bed andy down, waiting.


    I listened to the clock as the hours ticked by. Still waiting. Running my hand over my stomach. Finally the hour I was waiting for came. I climbed down from the bed and walked over to my closet. I pulled a pair of boots off the rack and put it on. Next, I changed into a pair of trousers and a jacket and put my hair into a single braid.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    As I walked out of my room and made my way through the front of the mansion and past the guards. I wiped my tears as I scaled over the walls and jumped over the gate. As I walked through the woods, my hand did not leave my stomach once.


    I still knew my way to my destination although it had been a long time. I walked until my legs began to ache but I didn¡¯t stop. After what felt like hours, I arrived. The guards were manning the gate and I took a few moments topose myself.


    Did I really want to do this? I didn¡¯t know the answer to that. But I knew I had to make things right. Taking a deep breath, I walked forward. The guards looked hostile but as soon as the light hit my face, they recognised me.


    ¡°Take me to Stefan.¡±

 On my knees

    Larissa¡¯s POV


    Bile filled my mouth as the guards escorted me inside the mansion I had lived in for the worst years of my life. I never thought I would ever return to this ce, and even if it crossed my mind once, I wouldn¡¯t have believed it¡¯d be under circumstances like this. I tried not to look at the walls I still recognized. They held too many bitter memories. I tried to keep my head nk as I was led inside a room and offered a seat.


    The guards left as soon as I was seated and I let my eyes dart around. They had probably gone off to inform Stefan of my arrival. Again, my hand drifted to my stomach and a wave of sadness hit me again. I never wanted things to turn out the way they did, but I had to save Den. Even if it meant sacrificing myself for it.


    I stopped myself before I could be emotional again. I was here for business and nothing else. I needed to clear my head. As I waited, I wondered where Den was hidden in this mansion. It would be impossible to find him on my own, I knew that. But Iforted myself with the thought that he¡¯d be free.


    The door swung open just at that moment and I mentally prepared myself to see Stefan again. I heard his footsteps behind me before he finally came into view. His lips immediately curved into a smile when our eyes met. ¡°Well, well, well. What a surprise.¡± To my disgust, he pulled my hand to his lips and nted a kiss on it. I restrained myself from pulling away. ¡°To what do I owe this pleasure? Have you finally decided toe back to me? Or is this a scheme by you and Griffin?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I protested, getting to my feet. ¡°It¡¯s not a scheme, I¡¯m here on my own. I know you have the little boy, we got your message.¡± When he did not respond, I continued, moving closer and getting to my knees. ¡°Please¡­he has nothing to do with this. He is so young and he has a bright future ahead of him. Please don¡¯t involve him in any of this. I know it¡¯s me you want, and I am giving myself in exchange for him. Please, let him go.¡± Tears stood in my eyes when I finished and it urred to me just how terrifying the thought of Den getting hurt was.


    Stefan watched me for a few moments and then he pulled me off the ground gently. I did not pull away when his thumb rubbed over my cheeks to wipe the tears away. ¡°Good girl,¡± he smiled. ¡°I knew you woulde to your senses and find your way back to me eventually. And you¡¯ve always been so brave.¡± He kissed my cheek, making my skin crawl.


    I nodded, wiping my eyes. ¡°Thank you. Where is he? Just let me take him back home. If you doubt me, you can have your guards follow me. I promise I will just drop him off, break things off with Kaden and I¡¯ll return to yo¨C¡±


    He chuckled loudly. ¡°There¡¯s no need for all of that.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I frowned. He was walking towards me with a sinister grin on his face and it took all the courage in me not to shrink back. I nearly jumped in shock when I felt his huge hands mp over my arm.


    ¡°No one is going anywhere,¡± he snarled.


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    Suddenly the doors closed behind me and I saw the two guards walk forward as if to stop me from running. I looked back at Stefan, wrought with fear. ¡°What do you mean? You said you wanted me in exchange for Den.¡±


    Stefanughed wickedly once again. ¡°Yes, yes I do. But it¡¯s also more fun this way. After all, he is Kaden¡¯s heir, and I have scores to settle with his father. I can¡¯t just let him go now.¡±


    Suddenly, realization dawned on me. I was wrong about everything. He never nned to release Den in exchange for me. That was just a thought out plot to have the most important people in Kaden¡¯s life locked up in his possession. I was immediately filled with dread at the thought of what Stefan was nning for us.


    ¡°The boy is a precious pawn in the game now. He is already involved.¡±


    ¡°This is not a game!¡± I yelled, my voice filled with anger and fear, but Stefan only looked amused. For the first time ever I was genuinely scared of Stefan. He had changed so much from the man I once thought I knew. Way before we even got married. And now I realized that he had always been a monster. He was just good at keeping that fact hidden. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this, he¡¯s innocent,¡± I begged.


    ¡°That¡¯s not my problem,¡± heughed. ¡°Take her away,¡± hemanded the guards, and immediately both of my arms were mped from behind. They pulled me backwards roughly and made towards the door.


    ¡°Stefan, please, don¡¯t do this. The life of an innocent child is at stake, I beg you. Please!¡±


    But he paid no attention to me. As I was dragged out the door, I heard Stefan snap his fingers at the guard in the room.


    ¡°Get the men ready. We attack Griffinhowl at dawn.¡±


    Stefan¡¯s POV


    A loudugh escaped me as I leaned back into my chair with satisfaction. I did not expect this plot twist at all. Who would have thought dear old Larissa would show up at my door on her own ord, willing and ready to sacrifice herself for Kaden¡¯s little boy. It wasughable. I let myself wonder how she had pulled it off, as I could bet my life that Griffin would not let her do this. She must have escaped in the dead of the night. That was the only exnation.


    Iughed again. Larissa had always been stupidly kindhearted and self-sacrificing. It was one of the things I despised about her; she had hope when she wasn¡¯t supposed to, and she trusted people too easily. Well, I would notin about that now. It had brought her to me, after all. Everything was going even better than I expected. I rubbed my hands together in satisfaction, turning to face Mark who was standing with a few other men behind him.


    ¡°It¡¯s the best time to attack,¡± I said. ¡°She left the mansion only a few minutes ago so her presence will go unnoticed till dawn. We want to take them by surprise. They will still be in search of Larissa by the time we attack. And we shall destroy them all.¡± The n sent chills through me and I smiled. This would be a bloody massacre. Easy and quick.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± Mark nodded. ¡°There is one question I would like to ask though.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. Any input is wee, as long as it¡¯s a valid question.¡±


    Mark nodded and began to speak. ¡°Griffinhowl is one of the most powerful packs. They are widely known for having the best security system. I don¡¯t see how likely it is for them to be unprepared. They might already be set up and prepared for anything, especially after receiving your warning note.¡±


    I smirked at his words. ¡°Yes. That is a great observation, Mark. But that will not be a problem. Griffin has too much going on to worry about security. He is still distraught by the loss of his son. Imagine what the loss of his wife would do to him. He will be so disoriented and worried that he¡¯d be at a loss. And once the Alpha of a pack is weak, the entire pack is affected. He won¡¯t even see using.¡±


    They all murmured in agreement.


    ¡°Besides,¡± I continued, ¡°today should have been proof of how weak their security has be. How possible would it have been otherwise for the Alpha¡¯s wife to escape in the middle of the night?¡±


    I smiled in satisfaction when they finally understood. ¡°Go now, ready our best men and get back to me.¡± They all bowed and filed out of the room. I was still rxing and going through the n in my head when I heard a loud voice outside my study. I frowned. Who the fuck was that at this ungodly hour?This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    The door swung open and I watched Amaya storm inside, kicking at the guard who was trying to stop her.


    ¡°Alpha, I tried to stop her but she was insistent¨C¡±


    I raised a hand to stop him, making a mental note of his face so I could have him executedter. Any man who could let himself be overpowered by a woman should not be a guard of mine.


    Amaya was still heaving as the guard shut the door behind her. ¡°What the hell?!¡± She demanded. ¡°I have been waiting for your call this whole time. Have you been avoiding me? You said you were going to get it done today.¡±


    I staredzily at her. ¡°Is that why you¡¯re making such a fuss? Calm down, have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to calm the fuck down! I heard whispers outside that the tramp is here. You have her now, so where is my son? Did you even ask for the ransom? I want my ten million and my son, and I want it now!¡±


    ¡°Oh, shut the fuck up!¡± I growled. I had put up with this nagging bitch all this time because I needed her help, but her work was done and I would snap her neck if she pushed me to the edge. I stood from my chair and marched up to her. ¡°Don¡¯t walk in here and tell me what I should or shouldn¡¯t do. Do you understand?¡±


    I gripped her arm tightly and pressed, watching in satisfaction as fear clouded her eyes. ¡°Everything I am doing right now is for the good of my pack, and if you were sensible enough you would have understood. But instead you¡¯re choosing to be a dumb bitch. If you¡¯re not going to join me, then shut the hell up, sit back and watch it all y out. Once I kill Kaden Griffin, you will get more money than you bargained for. Ten million is nothing. A hundred is more like it.¡±


    I saw her eyes light up a little but the fear in them still remained. ¡°I never said I wanted Kaden dead,¡± she whispered, looking ufortable.


    ¡°I never asked.¡±


    I pushed her away from me and walked back to my seat.


    ¡°What about my son?¡±


    I fell into my chair and shrugged. ¡°As long as Kaden doesn¡¯t try to do anything stupidly heroic before he¡¯s released, the boy should still be alive by the end of it all.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Should? What do you mean should?!¡±


    But I had already motioned to the guards to take her away.

 Coward

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I could not sleep. I was tossing around my bed restlessly, thoughts filling my head. How could I when I had no idea of the whereabouts of my son? My only son. I was going mad with worry, different scenarios of the condition he was in shing through my head. I hated how powerless I felt in this situation. I had tried to follow his scent, but his kidnapper had taken care of that somehow and made it impossible. My best bet now was to find that bastard¡¯s hideout, but that too was proving difficult. I knew Stefan Tokenmoon had done it on purpose. He had intentionally made it difficult for me to find his hideout so that by the time I was close, he would take us by surprise and attack.


    Bloody coward.


    I would make sure he died a painful death by my hand. The thought filled me with so much hate and anger that I could not bear the thought of just lying down doing nothing. So I stood from my bed and made my way to the balcony. Everything that had happened in the past week was terrible. How did I get to this point? How was I somehow back to my old resentful self? Everything was falling apart and everyone I loved was getting hurt in the process.


    A twinge of guilt hit me in the chest at the thought of Larissa and the things I had said to her a few hours ago and I shut my eyes regretfully. Why did I have to go to that extent? Why did I me her for Den¡¯s kidnap and the return of her ex husband? How could she have known? I remembered how angry and disgusted she was when she saw him, so I knew how hurtful it must have been to hear me me her for that.


    I buried my head in my hands and heaved a sigh of regret. Stefan had it out for me from the very beginning, before he even knew who I was or my connection to Larissa. She was innocent in all of this, and I knew I had hurt her.


    I walked back into my room and made my way down the hall to hers. I knew she might not want to see me, but I had to apologize. I knocked softly at the door. ¡°Larissa, can Ie in?¡± It was still dark outside so I tried to keep my voice low.


    There was no response from her.


    ¡°Larissa?¡± I tried again. ¡°I know I overstepped today, and I¡¯m sorry. I should never have med you. I let anger get the better of me and I hurt you in the process. Please, forgive me. Let¡¯s talk.¡±


    I waited. And waited. But still no response from her. I pushed at the door and frowned when it fell open. The room was empty, and the bed was made. ¡°Larissa?¡± I called out. I immediately had a sinking feeling that something was wrong. Desperate to believe otherwise, I checked through the bathroom and the other corners of the chambers. She was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Larissa!¡± I didn¡¯t care if my voice was loud. ¡°Guards!¡± I called out, also mindlinking my men. As they all arrived I rushed forward. ¡°I can¡¯t find Larissa in her room. I want the mansion searched from top to bottom until she¡¯s found. Now!¡±


    They all dispersed and I raced up the stairs and rushed to the ces I knew she loved in the mansion. The yroom, the library, the study, the courtyard. As I ran, yelling out her name, a dreadful sense of deja vu enveloped me, reminding me of the search for Den. But I shoved the thought away, refusing to believe that anything had happened to my Larissa.


    By the time I reached the front of the mansion, my men were there too.


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t find her, Alpha. She¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°What the hell do you mean she¡¯s gone?!¡± I roared. ¡°Search the mansion again! If she¡¯s not there, go beyond the grounds. Do note back here without her!¡±


    I rushed back to her chambers to check for anything I might have missed, my chest aching. My wolf was writhing in pain at the loss of our mate and I held myself off from breaking down. ¡°Issa!¡± I called out again, but was met with an empty room. I walked into her closet to inspect and only then did I realize that a pair of her shoes were out of their ce; the ck boots I had gotten her for our hiking holiday. A sudden thought came to my mind and I rushed to her wardrobe and pulled it open. As I feared, one of her coats was missing too, its hangar dangling in the empty space.


    No. Larissa couldn¡¯t possibly have¡­


    I refused to believe it. But the signs were clear. She hadn¡¯t been kidnapped. She had left on her own ord. I slumped to the bed, pain filling up my chest. She had gone to Stefan. She had gone to give herself up in exchange for Den. I had made her feel so guilty that she thought it was her fault. I shut my eyes tightly, gripping my hair in frustration.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I stood from the bed and began to pace. I had lost the most important people in my life in the space of a few hours. My heart felt like it was about to shatter and I desperately wished I could go back in time. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I whispered into the empty room. My wolf was stricken with pain and fear.


    They were in the hands of a ruthless man. What if I never got to see Larissa again? Ourst conversation would have been an argument where I med her for something she had no fault in. And Den.. all alone in the middle of nowhere. What if I never got to hug him again? What if I never got to see him, or hear him call my name¡­


    A painful cry escaped me and I fell to my knees, my chest aching. I couldn¡¯t just let them go. I had to find them. I needed to find them. I could not go on living without them. Suddenly filled with determination, I pulled myself off the ground and staggered to the door. As I pushed it open, my eyes met thest person I expected to see.


    ¡°Amaya?¡± I growled, filling with rage at the sight of her. ¡°What the fuck are you doing here?¡±


    Hunter, who was holding her hands behind her back, bowed to me. ¡°We found her outside the premises. It seems like she was making her way inside so I brought her to you.¡±


    I was shaking with fury. I pulled her forward roughly, ignoring the fearful look in her eyes. ¡°I said, what the hell are you doing here? You had something to do with this, didn¡¯t you? Where is Larissa? And where is Den? You were thest person to see my son, and you disappeared as soon as he did. What the hell did you do to him?! Answer me right now or I swear I will make you regret it!!¡±


    She yelped, trembling under my re. ¡°I-I.. this was never part of the n, I swear it. Den was never a part of this. He was supposed to release my son as soon as he got Larissa back. T-thats what Stefan told me. H-He promised that Den wasn¡¯t a part of this.¡±


    I wanted to strangle her on the spot. ¡°So you were working with Stefan. Why?!¡±


    ¡°I¡­I met him outside the premises here once. We got to talking a-and he came up with a n that would help each of us get what we wanted. He wanted his ex wife and I wanted my son¡­and the ten million¨C¡±


    ¡°You put your son in danger for ten million?!¡± I could no longer hold back the disgust I felt for her. As I stared at her fearful tearstained face, I wondered what I had ever seen in her. ¡°You kidnapped your own son and handed him to a dangerous man for some money? How could you do something like that?¡±


    She wiped her face. ¡°He promised to keep to his word.¡±


    ¡°And you believed him? You¡¯re not a fucking child, Amaya! He wants to destroy me. What do you think he would do to my son?¡±


    She was silent, as though she just realized that. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was never my intention to hurt anyone. Stefan and I had a deal¡­but now he doesn¡¯t want to release Den even though he has Larissa now.¡±


    My heart jumped. ¡°You saw Larissa?¡±


    She nodded shakily. ¡°She came to Stefan herself.¡±


    The guilt pricked at my chest again. I had to get them out of there. I faced Amaya again. ¡°Where are they?¡±


    ¡°They were at the pack mansion when I met him, but that¡¯s not where he¡¯s holding Den. There is somewhere else, another hideout. That is probably where he will take her.¡±


    ¡°Give me the location. Now.¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She continued to sob as she described the hideout and the address. As soon as she was done, I showed her roughly away from me and motioned to my men. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Kaden! I¡¯m sorry,¡± Amaya called out to me as I walked away.


    I red at her right before I walked past her. ¡°You are a disgusting woman. A sorry excuse for a mother, and a cold hearted monster. If you weren¡¯t Den¡¯s birth mother, I would have strangled you with my bare hands.¡± I shoved her away and led my men to the council room, leaving her sobbing in the middle of the hall.


    ¡°What do you propose, Alpha?¡± Hunter asked as we all gathered at the round table. A map of our destination was syed on the table.


    I examined it carefully and tried to pull myself out of the disoriented mood I was in. I needed to get my head in the game. ¡°It is 4:30am. Larissa probably arrived at his mansion around 2. Naturally, Stefan would assume I would not notice her absence till daylight. So my best guess is that he ns to attack at dawn. At dawn we should be drowsy from having just awakened, and unprepared for attack. That would be their best bet.¡±


    Everyone nodded.


    I continued. ¡°And that is why we will beat them at their own game by attacking them in their sleep. If we prepare now, we should be there in thirty minutes tops. That will give us the advantage.¡±


    The men nodded in agreement.


    I looked through the map again and faced them once again. ¡°So¡­here¡¯s what we¡¯re going to do¡­¡±

 Be careful

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    I was right. Infiltrating the Tokenmoon hideout was as easy as we anticipated because they had indeed prepared to attack at dawn. The trip took us exactly forty minutes, being a little far from Griffinhowl mansion, but we got there in good time. The whole time I continued to repeat a prayer in my mind, pleading with the moon goddess to keep my son and Larissa safe. I prayed neither of them had been harmed in any way, and I tried to keep my faith strong no matter how helpless I felt.


    As soon as we arrived, I tossed aside all the doubt and fear in my mind and prepared for battle. This was not the time toment and worry. It was the time to save my family and defeat that bastard once and for all.


    I turned to Hunter. ¡°You know the n. Scope through the building and destroy any weapons you can find so we can cut them off at the knees. Then meet us inside. We only have ten minutes tops before we are detected, so make it count.¡±


    He gave a stiff bow and moved closer to me. ¡°Be careful,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t die on me either.¡±


    We exchanged looks onest time and then we parted, my men close behind me. With my wolf vision, I looked through the empty courtyard behind the gate. I counted six guards in total. It would not be a problem getting past them as they were asleep. I turned to the Gemini. ¡°Now.¡±


    The rest of us stayed close behind as they put on gas masks and jumped over the gates. The guards were huddled in one spot so the fumes knocked them out quickly and effectively. They returned to the gates and pulled it open. ¡°Go in, find the guard quarters and spread the fumes there as well. We need to knock a lot of them out as we¡¯re outnumbered.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    As the Gemini raced into the mansion, I directed my men, and together, we snapped the necks of the unconscious men to make sure they were dead. Then we all filed inside. I turned to thest person I was meant to send off; a smallish maid I had seen with Larissa on several asions. She had insisted on joining us on the grounds that she¡¯d be able to find Den faster under the guise of blending in as a maid. I tried to dissuade her but she would not budge.


    ¡°You know what to do,¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes Alpha,¡± she nodded readily. ¡°I won¡¯t let you down.¡± She picked up her skirts and raced up the stairs. As soon as she was gone, I began to separate my men. But we hadn¡¯t even gotten far when we heard the deafening sound of a warning bell.


    We had been detected.


    Immediately, chaos descended. Guards descended from both sides of the the stairs and the rooms behind us, all of them shifting to their wolf form. And they were all rushing towards us.


    ¡°Hold!¡± I yelled over the noise, my arms spread wide to stop my men from moving. We had to stick to the n.


    The crowd of werewolves had transformed fully now, their ws out as they got even closer to us.


    ¡°Hold!!¡±


    Come on.


    I waited with bated breath.


    As soon as I caught sight of the Gemini at the top of the stairs, I yelled to my men. ¡°NOW!!¡±


    We jumped out of the way as Jacob dropped the tworge smoke bombs to the ground floor. Immediately, thick white fumes filled up the air, temporarily blinding the wolf vision of the army of werewolves. I knew it would affect them more because they were transformed fully and I was grateful things were going ording to n.


    We tore through the crowd, shing the necks of the men who were still trying to adjust their eyesight. When we finally outnumbered them, I left my men toplete the job as I raced up the stairs and began to search for Larissa. I knew the bastard would not let her out of his sight, so I needed to find him.


    As I raced past screaming servants and children who were ducking for safety, I yelled out Larissa¡¯s name. But there was no answer. My chest began to thump wildly and I prayed that she was somewhere in this house and not somece else with that bastard.


    I climbed through the six flight of stairs to the top floor, still screaming out her name. I had almost given up when I heard a scream in the distance. It wasing from the floor below me. I raced down like my life depended on it because it did. Again I heard a woman scream. ¡°No! Stop!¡±


    I knew that voice anywhere. Larissa.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Instead of using the stairs, I scaled the wall down to the next floor and jumped at the door. With all the strength I could muster, I kicked down the door and rushed in. The sight that met me sent fiery rage coursing through my veins. Stefan was tearing off Larissa¡¯s dress, forcing her to him, his trousers pulled down and his dick exposed. The bastard was trying to rape her.


    ¡°GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER!!¡± My wolf roared in anger. I lunged forward before he had the chance to react, aiming a hard kick to his head and sending him sprawling. He rolled on the floor, writhing in pain.


    ¡°Larissa!¡± I yelled, pulling her to me in a tight hug. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so sorry for everything,¡± I mumbled into her hair. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    She nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m sorry too. I love you so much, Kaden.¡± She hugged me again.


    I melted in her embrace for a few seconds before I pulled away. It wasn¡¯t over yet. I had one more thing to take care of. My gaze moved toward Stefan who was struggling to his feet, a murderous look on his face. Quickly, I kissed Larissa¡¯s forehead. ¡°Go..¡± I said to her. ¡°Run as fast as you can and don¡¯t stop. Hunter is waiting for you beyond the gates.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you.¡±


    ¡°You have to. I can¡¯t lose you again. Just go, find Den. He¡¯s with one of the maids. They should be heading in Hunter¡¯s direction as we speak, so join them. Now.¡± I released her hand and pushed her toward the door.


    ¡°Kaden¡­¡± her eyes were teary.


    ¡°Go!¡± From the corner of my eyes I could see Stefan running towards me. Once Larissa disappeared from sight, I faced him, transforming to my wolf form as well.


    This would not be one of those fights where the viin would circle round whilst giving a speech. I did not have time for that shit, nor would I dare give him the chance. I was here to kill. For Den. For Larissa. For Griffinhowl.


    With a loud growl, I jumped high in the air and shed my ws into his face.


    Larissa¡¯s POV


    My heart felt like it was about to burst as I ran down the stairs. Tears sprung to my eyes but I did not stop running. I was still shaken from almost being raped by Stefan. That bastard. I hated him so much. As I made my way past themotion and fighting, I prayed to the moon goddess to protect Kaden. Stefan was a bastard, but I knew how dangerous he was. The thought of losing Kaden was too much to bear. I didn¡¯t want to leave him, but I had no choice. I ran until I was outdoors. My eyes darted left and right in search of anyone I recognized, but I was lost.


    As I took a sharp turn in the courtyard, I bumped into arge figure with turned out to be a cloaked Gwen, Den huddled into her.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± He screamed when he saw me. I cried out in joy and hugged him tight when he jumped into my arms. I missed him so much. I pulled away to check his body for any marks, but he was fine.


    I said a silent prayer to the goddess for keeping him safe. Then I turned to Gwen. Before I could say anything, she jumped at me in a tight hug. ¡°God, Larissa. I was so worried when I heard you went to sacrifice yourself in ce of Den. What were you thinking?!¡± Tears stood in her eyes. ¡°Do you know how worried I was? You, in the clutches of this dangerous bastard¡­he could have killed you!¡±


    I pulled her into a hug, tears spilling from my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry..¡± I whimpered. ¡°I¡¯ve been such an ass to you for the past few days and¨C¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Larissa. I get it. You were under so much stress. A lot happened. You don¡¯t need to apologize.¡± She pulled away when she realized a part of my chest was bare. She quickly wrapped her cloak around me.


    I hugged her again. She tugged at my arm urgently. ¡°We need to leave. It¡¯s not safe here. The Alpha¡¯s Beta is waiting outside for us. Come on.¡±


    I scooped Den into my arms and followed behind her, and we ran. We were almost at the gate when I stopped.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Gwen asked.


    I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. I couldn¡¯t do it. ¡°I can¡¯t leave Kaden, I can¡¯t. I thought I could do it, but I¡­I won¡¯t leave him.¡±


    ¡°Larissa..¡±


    ¡°I love him, Gwen. And no one has ever loved me as much as he does. He¡¯s the best thing that ever happened to me and I can¡¯t bring myself to abandon him here not knowing if he¡¯s going to walk out alive. I want to be there for him, help him in any way. I can¡¯t leave..¡±


    Gwen looked fearful. ¡°B-But you¡¯re pregnant¡­what could you possibly do?¡±


    My hand rubbed my stomach. ¡°I won¡¯t let this baby grow up without a father. I¡¯ll be fine. But I have to know he¡¯s okay.¡± I wiped the tears off my face and handed Den back to her. ¡°Take him. Go. I¡¯m going back in.¡±


    She stared at me. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I will not let Stefan destroy the life I have built. I love Kaden, and I¡¯m not letting him go.¡± I pushed her toward the gates and hugged them once more before I raced back into the mansion.


    Praying that Kaden was safe, I raced back to the room I hade from. I crossed a room which looked to be an armory and I went in search of any kind of weapon I could use. I knew I did not stand a chance against Stefan, but I did not want to be unarmed. I finallyid eyes on a small dagger. I let out a loud yelp when I picked it up, realising it was made of silver. I stared at therge burn on my palm, deciding if I should take it. Finally I picked it up again. Silver would kill instantly. I could take the burn.


    As I reached the room I heard a loud gunshot and then a deafening@ groan.


    No. Please, no.


    I walked in. Kaden was clutching his abdomen, blood spurting out in all directions. He staggered on his feet, his eyes wide. As soon as he saw me, he jumped at Stefan and silently motioned me to leave. I stared on, rage filling my chest. Stefan had brought a gun to a physicalbat, the coward.


    I watched fearfully as Stefan overpowered Kaden, shing his ws through Kaden. He was going to kill him.


    ¡°Stefan!!¡± I yelled from the bottom of my lungs.


    He froze just as he was about to deal Kaden a fatal blow. I released the breath I was holding.


    Stefan let out augh as he staggered to where I stood. He was bloody from head to toe, blood leaking from gashes in his skin. ¡°Oh, Larissa. I knew you woulde back to me.¡±


    ¡°Larissa, run¡­¡± Kaden wheezed from behind. He tried to crawl forward but he was too weak. I prepared myself for what I was about to do, shuffling backwards as Stefan came even closer.


    When he was inches away from me, I raised a hand up to p his face, but he caught it easily. Immediately, I raised my other hand which held the silver knife, digging it deep into his temple. He did not see iting.


    I watched his eyes widen as he stumbled over his feet. His lips moved as if he was trying to speak, but blood spurted out instead. The whites of his eyes slowly turned red and he fell to the floor in a heap.


    My heart was thundering in my ears as I watched Stefan writhe on the floor. Bitter tears filled my eyes at the memory of everything I had gone through in his hands. I hated him so much. I wanted him dead.


    Letting out a loud scream, I kicked the knife deeper into his temple. Deeper. And deeper. Until he breathed hisst. I swiped the tears out of my eyes and rushed to Kaden. ¡°Stay with me, please¡­¡± I begged. I pressed the open wound in his abdomen and kissed his forehead.


    ¡°Larissa?¡± His voice was drowsy. Low.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, baby. I¡¯m fine. Den is safe. You have to pull through, okay? We have this little one to think about too.¡± I ced his hand on my stomach andughed through the tears when I saw him crack a smile.


    ¡°You were so brave, Issa.. so¡­brave.¡±


    I kissed his forehead. ¡°Stay with me. Please. Stay, okay? I love you so much.¡± The tears streamed down my face. I couldn¡¯t lose him. I just couldn¡¯t. ¡°Help!¡± I yelled, hoping someone would hear me. I mindlinked Gwen, telling her to bring Hunter, but I didn¡¯t know if she got the message.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I heard Kaden whisper. ¡°I said so many horrible things to you. So many things I didn¡¯t mean. None of it was your fault, Issa. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry too. I also said things I shouldn¡¯t have. We¡¯ll work it out, we always do. You have to be okay for us, hmm? We¡¯ll work it out.¡±


    He nodded drowsily. I watched fearfully as his eyes began to close shut. ¡°Kaden¡­¡± I shook him. ¡°Kaden!¡±


    Momentster I heard footsteps rush into the room and my heart leaped when I saw Hunter race inside. Kaden waspletely unconscious by now.


    ¡°Hurry!¡±

 The end

    Kaden¡¯s POV


    The room was silent as Larissa and I stood hand in hand, watching Amaya sign the divorce papers in the corner of the study. Larissa¡¯s hand was ced over mine, caressing softly as we waited. Soon, Amaya flipped through thest page and then stood. She walked in our direction tentatively and then handed me the papers. When she looked up at me, an apologetic look was apparent in her eyes.


    I took the papers from her and looked through them to make sure. Everything was intact. Larissa smiled gently and rubbed my arm. It had been two weeks since the huge battle. Larissa had stayed by my side every day until the gunshot wound healed. A few days after that, Amaya came to see me. I was so mad that I had the guards send her away. But she kepting anyway, begging for a chance. Larissa convinced me to see her finally and it turned out that she was here to sign the papers. I had insisted Larissa be here because it was an important moment for the both of us.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Amaya spoke up, her voice hoarse. It was not the first time she was apologizing, and I had found it difficult to forgive her, but after Larissa spoke to me, it did not hurt so much anymore to be in her presence. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything,¡± Amaya continued.


    She turned to Larissa. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I hurt you. I¡¯m sorry I ruined your wedding. I was just so¡­so jealous of you. You¡¯re a good person, Larissa, more than I¡¯ll ever be, and you¡¯re a better mother to my own son. I understand now what Kaden sees in you. I¡¯m sorry, again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Larissa nodded.


    Amaya took a deep breath and continued. ¡°I know I¡¯ve been a terrible person, and I don¡¯t deserve to even stand in front of you, but I beg you¡­please, if you could let me see Den once in a while, I would be eternally grateful. I won¡¯t fight for custody, because I don¡¯t have what it takes to take care of a child¡­but I want to be in his life, get to know him, to make up for all my years of absence.¡±


    Larissa and I exchanged looks, and then she gave my arm a gentle squeeze and smiled. A part of me wanted to refuse Amaya as the memories came rushing back, but I did not want to deprive Den of his biological mother. And Amaya seemed remorseful. I could see the pain and regret in her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I finally said. ¡°We can schedule visitation days. I won¡¯t stop you from seeing him. You are his mother, after all. Just¡­don¡¯t hurt him again.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t, I promise. Thank you, Kaden. Thank you so much. I don¡¯t deserve your kindness,¡± she whimpered, tears filling her eyes. ¡°After all the hurt I caused you I don¡¯t deserve it. Thank you¡­¡±


    I looked on at her. I waited for the anger. For the hate to consume me. But it never came. Larissa was right. Forgiveness took a huge weight off your chest. ¡°I carried so much anger and bitterness against you in my heart for years. I let it consume me. I let it change me. And when you came back, I felt the old me slowly drifting back, and it almost cost me my family. I don¡¯t want to do that anymore. I don¡¯t want to be that person. So, I forgive you, Amaya. I forgive you for everything.¡±


    Tears streamed down her face as she thanked me again. She gave a friendly nod to Larissa and I before finally exiting the room. For the first time, I felt my chest rxpletely. I could breathe. I was fine. And it was the best feeling ever.


    ¡°That was amazing,¡± Larissa said as soon as the door clicked shut. ¡°I¡¯m so d everything finally worked out.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t listening anymore because I was getting on one knee. When Larissa turned around, she gasped. A small box which contained the ring I had proposed with weeks ago was open.


    ¡°Larissa,¡± I spoke up. ¡°I know we have been in this position before, but to me it feels like the first time. Over thesest few weeks we faced so many hurdles that would either make or break our rtionship, but it only made me more certain that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you, Issa. I love you even more each passing day. I love everything about you. I want a redo of our rtionship. A fresh page. I promise to be a good father to our unborn child. I promise to make you the happiest woman alive from this point onward. Will you marry me?¡±


    Tears ran down her cheeks as she nodded. ¡°I would love nothing more than to be your wife, Kaden.¡±


    A wide grin lit up my face and I slowly put the ring on her finger. We both stared at it in silence for a while, as though in disbelief, and then all of a sudden we started to yell in excitement.


    ¡°Can you believe this?!¡±


    ¡°No! Can you?!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s wonderful!¡±


    ¡°I love you so much!¡±


    ¡°I love you too!¡±


    We both burst into loudughter and began to dance round the room, and I watched her beautiful face glow with joy.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    As I pulled her closer and kissed her, I knew there was absolutely no one I would rather spend the rest of my days with.


    ***


    Larissa¡¯s POV


    ¡°Richard!¡± I called out to my brother as he emerged from the front door. ¡°Over here!¡±


    A bright smile pulled at his lips as he sighted me, and he quickly made his way over to me and enveloped me in a hug.


    ¡°The baby¡¯s growing so fast,¡± heughed, being extra careful not to squeeze my huge belly too tight.


    Iughed. ¡°I know, right?!¡± I said, struggling to speak over the loud music. We were in the banquet hall of the mansion where my wedding reception was taking ce. It still felt like a dream to me, and every now and again I would pinch my hand just to make sure I wasn¡¯t dreaming.


    Richard and I moved to a corner of the hall and began to chat. It had been almost a week since I was reunited with my family, and I missed them all so much. Kaden had made it a huge surprise. One afternoon he had just driven off, and returned hourster with my parents, my brother, and my best friend Chloe in the backseat. I was so shocked I could hardly breathe. I did not remember thest time I saw them, and I was so excited. After a teary reunion and a small party to celebrate, Kaden insisted they all stay with us until the wedding.


    I was still chatting with Richard when my parents approached us. There were huge smiles on their faces and Iughed, knowing something was up. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Iughed. ¡°You both have that look.¡±


    Mom chuckled, walking to me and leading me to the door. ¡°We have a surprise for you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    They nodded. I waited expectantly as the doors opened, and two people walked in. At first I could not recognize them, but as soon as I did, I rushed to them, nearly bursting with excitement. ¡°Joy! Kylian!¡±


    They both hugged me. ¡°Miss Larissa. It¡¯s so good to see you.¡±


    It had been so long since I saw them both, and I could barely recognize them. Joy, my handmaid when I was Luna at Tokenmoon, and Kylian, the stable boy who had saved my life. Tears of gratitude filled my eyes. ¡°I never thanked you properly for saving my life. Thank you, again. I wouldn¡¯t be here today if it weren¡¯t for you.¡±


    Kylian waved it off with a smile. ¡°It was an honor, Miss Larissa. I¡¯m just so d you¡¯re happy.¡±


    I spent the next hour chatting and catching up with my family and friends. Joy and Kylian informed me that they were married now and we all cheered them on and made a toast. Kaden had also introduced me to his sister, Elizabeth. Everything was perfect. Later on as I sat watching them mingle andugh, my heart was bursting with so much happiness. I thought I knew what happiness was, but this was the peak of it.


    There was no malice, no tension. Even Amaya hade over a few hours ago to drop a wedding gift. Everything was perfect. All the people I loved and cared about were in the same room, chatting happily and getting to know each other.


    Den was jumping and ying on my mother¡¯sp as my parents cooed and talked to him. My two best friends, Gwen and Chloe, were chatting with Elizabeth and motioning towards a group of men, probably discussing love lives. Kylian and Joy were drinking and talking with Hunter, Jackson and the Gemini. Kaden and Richard were engaged in an animated conversation, bursting intoughter every few minutes.


    If I were asked to paint a picture of contentment, this would be it. Tears of joy filled my eyes as I looked round the room. I believed now that happiness was attainable. I just never thought a moment like this woulde.


    A tear slipped down my cheek and I wiped it off. When I looked up again, Kaden was in front of me. He gave me a knowing look and kissed me lightly on my cheek, and then he pulled me to my feet.


    ¡°Will you dance with me, Mrs Larissa Griffin?¡±


    I chuckled yfully. ¡°Of course, Mr Griffin.¡±


    Soft music began to y and Kaden led me to the dance floor. As we swayed slowly to the music, he whispered in my ear, ¡°You¡¯re so perfect. I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you too, baby.¡±


    He twirled me around yfully and then got on one knee, kissing my belly affectionately, and then he got back up and began to twirl me around.


    I could not hold back myughter. The smile etched on my face was permanent this time. This moment was the one I¡¯d been waiting for my whole life. I was genuinely happy, I was going to be a mother soon, and I was married to the love of my life.


    Happiness was freeing. It was beautiful, even more so than I imagined. I was surrounded by the most important people in my life, and nothing could be more perfect. I pulled Kaden into a passionate kiss, after which I motioned everyone else to join us.


    And as we danced the night away, I knew I had just taken the first step into the best years of my life.


    THE END.


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