Novel-novel oleh Glittering gold

XANDER'S POV“I’m fine,” Aria groans in my arms as I carry her.Aria was discharged two days after being admitted to the healer’s. She recovered faster than expected, but I still insisted on carrying her. I wanted to hold her close. As we walked to the lake, I thought she would want to go straight home, but instead, she asked to stop here.“Xander?”“Yes, Sunshine?”“You can put me down here,” she says with a small smile. “We’re at the lake.”“Are you sure?” I tease.“Yes,” she laughs, playfully slapping my chest.“Let’s sit over there,” she points to some large rocks near the water. I carry her all the way and sit on one of the rocks, her arms still around my shoulders.“Okay, mister clingy,” she chuckles, leaning into me.“Xander,” she says softly after a few moments of silence.“You’ve been avoiding this,” she begins. “Every time I try to apologize, you brush it off. Xander, it’s my fault what happened. You shouldn’t blame yourself. I made a mistake, and I—”I cut her off with a kis

XANDER'S POV It’s been a week without my mate. A week without her barging into my office, a week without her leaving snack wrappers all over the place.If I could go back to that day, I would’ve taken her to the car first and made sure someone took her with the others. But I didn’t. I thought I wouldn’t be able to catch Victor if I did, that he’d escape before I reached the car.If I had, she wouldn’t have risked her life to save mine. She wouldn’t have put herself and our baby in danger.Now, seeing her lying on this bed, with the relentless beeping of the monitor beside her, is the last thing I wanted. Even though she’s passed out before, this time is different. This time, I don’t know if she’ll make it.Lucas said her chances of waking up soon are slim.But just like she didn’t give up on me, even when my heart stopped, I won’t give up on her. She’s a fighter, and I know she’ll wake up.“You’ve got it in you, sunshine,” I whisper, gently squeezing her hand.Lucas said she used e

ARIA'S POV “Alexander, please, you have to wake up,” I said between sobs.My mind was completely blank. I didn’t know what to do or how to help him. All I could do was cry, holding his head on my lap.“You need to wake up,” I whispered, trying to connect with my wolf inside me.“We need to focus. We can save him,” I told her as I finally felt her presence.“No, we can’t,” she replied sadly. “He was stabbed with a silver knife, and it’s poisoned. Not just any poison, Aria it’s strong, and the blade went into his heart. We don’t even have anything to work with. You’ve already used up all the antidotes, and nothing is working. He’s not breathing, and his heartbeat is fading.”“Remember that time we healed a butterfly with just my hands?” I reminded her desperately.“That was ages ago, and it only worked once,” she countered. “Besides, Xander is not a butterfly.”“We have to try. I can’t forgive myself if anything happens to him. I don’t think I’d even be able to keep breathing without h

ARIA'S POVXander stood firm, his icy gaze locked on Victor. The tension in the air was thick, and I stayed rooted to the rock he had placed me on, my thoughts swirling as Victor’s taunts rang in my ears."I have no idea what file you’re after, Xander, but you’re not getting it," Victor said with a smug grin, his stance oozing confidence.Xander’s fists clenched. "Hand over the files, Victor. Or else."Victor chuckled darkly, his laughter echoing through the clearing. "Or else what? You think I’m scared of you? You’ll never get the files, and you’ll never know what’s in them. I’d rather burn them than hand them over."Xander took a menacing step closer. "Then apologize. Apologize to Aria for killing her parents to satisfy your greed."The mention of my parents made my chest tighten. I felt like the ground beneath me was about to give way.victor raises a brow."apologize for killing the holloways" Xander growled, even though Victor had a hand in the fire Xander's family were in why is

ARIA'S POV When I was sure Albert was dead, I dragged what was left of his body to the mud pit at the far end of the clearing. My hands were trembling, and my breathing was uneven, but I had no time to dwell on it.The chaos from the ceremony was still ringing in my ears, and I needed to get back. After wiping my hands on the damp earth, I made my way back to the gathering. But when I arrived, what greeted me was utter destruction.People were running in all directions, panic clear on their faces. Shattered decorations and overturned chairs littered the ground. Fires burned in scattered patches, and the air smelled of blood and smoke.I searched the area for Marcus, but he was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Xander. My heart pounded in my chest as I scanned the chaos. The only person I could make out was Russel, who was helping people escape from the premises.Where’s Victor? I thought to myself, my anxiety growing.Pushing through the chaos, I kept searching until I finally caught s

ARIA’S POV““Hello, Berta. I knew we’d meet again, but I didn’t expect it to be this soon,” I said with a smirk, watching the fear flicker in her eyes. It was clear she hadn’t anticipated this confrontation, and the sight of her trembling filled me with satisfaction.“A-Aria... What are you doing here? And you...” She paused, sniffing the air cautiously. “You smell different.”“We’re not friends or long lost allies, Berta, so what I smell like should be none of your business,” I replied coldly, taking a deliberate step toward her.She stepped back instinctively, and for every step I took, she retreated further, her back finally pressing against the rough bark of a tree.In a sudden, desperate move, she pulled out a knife and plunged it into her stomach. Warm blood splattered onto my hand, and for a moment, I froze in shock.“Berta!” I shouted, my voice rising with disbelief. “What the heck did you just do?”She slumped to the ground, clutching her self inflicted wound, her breaths com

NATE’S POV The road blurs under the headlights, but my mind is sharper than it’s been in months—too sharp, too awake, every nerve pulled tight like wire. Elara’s voice keeps cutting through me like broken glass. “You’re choosing death over us.” “You promised me.” “I don’t want to give birth alone again.” I slam my palm against the steering wheel, rage and guilt twisting together. I promised her. I fucking promised her I wouldn’t lose my head when this moment came. And I meant it. But the second I heard Marcus’s voice—or what sounded like it—everything inside me split. Some men can lose a sibling and still breathe. I’m not one of them. As irritating as Marcus can be when it comes to his life decisions. my brother has spent his whole damn life trying to protecting me in his own way. Heck I’m alive thanks to him. Years ago if he didn’t show up at the mines- No. Not now. If I let that memory surface, it’ll tear me apart before Nicolas even gets the chance.

ELARA’S POV Today’s session felt just like the last. Dr. Harrison said the heaviness in my chest is just my mind bracing for something bad. She still thinks I need to let go. But my gut has never lied to me. Every quiet minute. Every time Nate steps out of my sight. No matter how busy I keep myself, the dread stays. And if there’s anything life has taught me… when a fear refuses to leave, you listen to it. I just don’t know what to do to stop it. Is Nicolas getting closer? Or is Nate walking into something he shouldn’t? No. He promised me. I trust him. I have to. If I let my anxiety run wild, I’ll break myself before anything even happens. So I force my eyes shut and press closer to him. The past few weeks have been calm. No incidents. The baby is okay. I need peace more than anything. Warmth pulls me down into sleep— —until a soft buzz drags me back. Nate’s phone. His body tenses hard the moment he answers. “Hello?” A beat. Then his entire posture snaps like a wir

316: ELARA’S POV “Hi,” I whisper. The word tastes scared. He doesn’t smile. Not even the fake one he gives strangers. He sinks down beside me, shoulders stiff, hands balled. The scent of sweat and metal hiding under too much cologne clings to him. “What’s that?” he asks rough hands press to my lower back. My eyes narrow at his tired ones. Begging for me to pretend and not pry. He wants the distraction But why? What happened. I had a ton of questions. But my just had to remind me why all this is happening. So I force a smile. “Just a project I never got to finish.” “Tell me more!” I talk too fast explaining just the little things . “A shelter idea. It’s old and probably stupid of me to—“ “It’s not stupid.” He interrupts quietly. “You should do it, El. Everything about it is… you.” My heart tries to believe him. “You really think so?” “One hundred percent. I’ll be your first donor.” His fingers brush mine, warm but trembling. “Non-profit or not, I’ll back you.

ELARA’S POV That feeling again. The one that presses into the ribs. A warning. A sting. Like my body knows something I don’t. It sits in my chest as I stare at my phone, waiting for a message from Nate. Nothing. Just silence and the last look he gave me before he left… the look that said trust me and don’t ask questions. Apparently, keeping my mind busy was supposed to help. That is what I told myself when I dragged Kyle into this. Big mistake. “Are you sure you’re listening to me?” His voice snaps me back and I jerk, blinking at him. “Yes,” I lie with a smile that probably looks painful. “No you’re not.” He pushes his laptop aside and leans forward, studying me with that annoyingly sharp gaze. Breathing today feels like lifting weights. Gardening was impossible. Sitting too long makes my hips lock. And bending down? I’d rather die. So I figured working on designs would distract me. Wrong again. “Why am I here? And don’t say it’s because you forgot how to m

NATE’S POV “Elara, what is going on?” Her eyes went wide as she pressed both hands over her belly. “What is going on? You said we would hit three more stores.” Her tone was flat, but her stare could cut stone. “I know. But maybe we should leave the rest for another day.” “No.” Her voice snapped like a whip. “We finally get to shop for our baby. I am not leaving until we cross everything off that list of yours.” “Elara…” I pinch the bridge of my nose, scrambling for the right words that will not set her off. She pulls out her phone, scrolling through the checklist from our parenting class like she is about to take an exam. “We are more than halfway done,” she says. “You can take one of the cars and go home. The guards and I will finish here.” Her expression is unreadable. Serious. A dare. “You don’t actually think I will leave you here alone.” “Then your plans should wait.” She most definitely know what could be at stake. What could happen if we don’t get to safety but she

NATE’S POVOur princess could not have chosen a worse moment for her first kick.One second Elara was crying into her tea. The next she was laughing like nothing had ever hurt her. And then that tiny flutter hit her belly and I swear the whole world shifted beneath my feet.For weeks I tried to get her involved in the nursery. I asked her opinions, showed her the crib options, begged her to just pick paint colors. She always slipped away. Flowers to tend, layouts to approve, furniture to order for other people’s homes. Everything mattered more than our own child’s room.But I knew better than to push. She is strong, yes, but until Nicolas is behind bars, she will always be bracing for the moment her nightmare tries to crawl back into her life. Even with all the raids, even with the police ripping apart his warehouse piece by piece, the bastard has not cracked. He will wait for the perfect time to strike.So we pretend life is normal. We pretend this city is safe. And we pretend that b

RONAN’S POV.The sun had already set by the time we returned to the pack house. Kyle carried Penny, who had fallen asleep somewhere along the way, her tiny head resting on his shoulder. Sergio was in my arms, his small body heavy with sleep until he stirred, rubbing his eyes groggily. The men I brought with me had already been dismissed, though not without Kyle warning them: "If I hear anything about that bear from anyone, you’ll lose your heads." They had nodded and slinked off, knowing better than to test his word. As we reached the apartment, I shifted Sergio gently in my arms and knocked on the door. For a moment, everything was quiet. Then the door swung open. Lisa stood there, her expression anxious and uncertain until her eyes landed on the sleepy boy in my arms. “Sergio!” she gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. Tears welled in her eyes as she dropped to her knees, unable to contain her relief. The boy’s sleepy face lit up with a tired but genuine smile. “

RONAN’S POV I rush toward the bear, intent on pulling the kids off, but the beast lets out another guttural growl, sharp canines glistening with drool. It's a warning: Take one step, and I’ll tear you apart.But I don't care if it rips me to shreds so long as I can get those children away and ensure their safety, I'll take whatever comes.“Don’t attack us,” Sergio says calmly, his small voice cutting through the tension.The bear lowers its growl as Sergio pats it on the head. “It’s okay, Bruno. They won’t hurt us it’s just my daddy and his friends,” he says with a smile.To my surprise, the bear kneels, allowing Sergio to slide off its back like it's nothing more than a trained pony.“Daddy!” Sergio runs toward me, his tiny arms outstretched. I scoop him up, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The relief washes over me like a wave, he's safe. But the bear's dark eyes are still fixed on me, tracking every move I make as if daring me to try something reckless.From th

RONAN’S POV“Kyle, you stay back. Howard and Team A will come with me,” I state firmly, knowing full well Kyle is going to argue. But he needs rest. Those bastards roughed him up, and I made him interrogate them again. As much as he won’t admit it, he’s not at full strength yet.Team A is made up of our most trusted warriors. I would’ve gone alone, but I need all the eyes I can get and only trusted eyes. Someone from the inside helped with the kidnapping; I feel it in my gut.Even though they got in during the race, they couldn’t have made it this far without help. When I find out who betrayed us, I’ll make an example of them so no one ever tries it again.Kyle stands his ground, hands in his pockets. “I’m coming with you.”His wounds have mostly healed, just a slight pinkish tint on his cheek. But it doesn’t change the fact that he needs rest.“No, you need to go and rest,” I tell him firmly.“My niece is missing too,” Kyle says quietly, his gaze unwavering. “Both kids are like my ow

RONAN'S POVFolding the sleeves of my blue button up shirt, I slip on my brass knuckles before taking a seat opposite him. The blonde guy across from me looks seconds away from pissing his pants. I tap the table lightly and lean forward with a cold smile. “We're in for some games tonight. I hope you’re ready.” He glares at me, trying to act tough. “What do you want from me?” I rest my elbows on the table. “First, how about you tell me your name?” “I’m not telling you shit,” he snarls. “Wrong answer,” I mutter, slamming my brass-covered fist into his face once, then twice. The sound of bone cracking echoes through the room as blood pours from his mouth. A tooth drops onto the table with a dull clink, and he groans in pain, spitting blood. “That should tell you I’m not here to play your ‘loyal spy’ games,” I say, wiping my knuckles clean. “Now, let’s try this again. What’s your name?” “Abel,” he whispers, trying hard to sound calm, but the fear in his eyes gives him away.

RONAN’S POV “Baby, are you okay?” I ask, though I already know the answer. I don’t need to ask to know she isn’t okay. For the past three days, she hasn’t cried or shown any vulnerability. I know she wants Sergio back, I do too. Just the thought of what might be happening to my son right now makes me sick. I don’t know exactly what is going on, but if even a single strand of hair is missing from his head when I find him, I will make sure I burn down any pack or territory involved, no matter how small their part. “Do I look like I’m okay?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “You don’t look okay,” I reply softly. She looks far from it. I know exactly what she’s doing, suppressing her emotions to stay strong. Gemma has been all over the place, crying and begging me to find her daughter. Lisa has been the only one holding things together, which means she’s bottling everything up to stay rational for everyone’s sake. But it’s eating her alive, and I know it because I feel it too. “L

LISA'S POV In a flash, we are no longer behind the bleachers, and the entire place erupts into chaos. People scatter in every direction, panicked voices rising over one another. My heart stutters in my chest, and my mind goes blank. My entire body freezes as if someone flipped a switch, cutting off my ability to think, move, or even breathe.Everything feels like it has stopped.“Lisa, I need to get you to safety now, please, don’t panic,” Ronan urges, his voice strained with urgency.His words barely register. It feels like I’m hearing them underwater, faint and distant. My limbs are paralyzed, every muscle locked in place, as if I have forgotten how to move.“I can’t go.” My voice is a trembling whisper as I take a step toward the chaotic crowd.“Lisa, no, it’s not safe in there,” Ronan shouts above the noise, trying to hold me back.“The kids are still in there! How am I supposed to leave when my children are caught in that madness?” My voice cracks with desperation as I try to sh