Sam’s POV My arms were held behind my back, preventing me from moving. A crowd of well-dressed people surrounded me.“You don’t need Ellie, Sam,” Zola assured me.“I do. I do.” I sobbed as I disagreed with her.“Sam, snap out of it!” she yelled at me.“You are not the naive girl you once were. You have grown, you’re stronger, you’re independent. Stand up for yourself. Show them you’re not the pushover you once were.” Zola yelled, and she was right. I’ve come so far since I left the Shadow Pack. I may not yet be as strong as Ellie. However, I will never be if I continue relying on others to fight my battles for me.Despite being restrained, Zola’s words gave me confidence. “Give him my pendant,” I yelled confidently at Lily, who was standing by Evelyn. Lily looked at Evelyn and played with her necklace. “She believes my necklace is hers. It’s a family heirloom of mine, passed down for generations. I don’t know what she’s talking about. After all, she’s nothing but a dirty, filthy thie
Sam’s POV I sprinted to the shower right after Sasha walked out the door. In my current state, wearing such a beautiful ceremonial gown was out of the question. It would be like disrespecting Caspian’s mother. Which is something I would never do. There wasn’t much time, so I quickly jumped in the shower before it was warm, carefully avoiding getting my hair wet. There would be no chance for me to dry it before I had to meet Ellie and Caspian in the gardens. I was drying off in front of the mirror and suddenly felt insecure about my appearance. “What does Caspian see in me?” I asked my reflection. All I could see was a woman whose body hadn’t fully grown yet. And even then, that body is scared. “Is it just the mate bond Caspian loves the idea of?” “Stop putting yourself down. Caspian loves you for who you are,” Zola barked at me. I knew she was right. The mate bond may have brought us together, but we chose this. We chose each other forever. My change of mood made Zola happy. Aft
Ellie’s POVThankfully, it didn’t come to killing anyone when a panting woman appeared at the gates. “Sasha, are you okay? You shouldn’t be running from the palace in your condition,” Kevin said with a touch of concern in his voice as he disappeared inside the hut and opened the gate to let her out.She ignored Kevin completely, and between her pants, she said a single word, “Ellie?” She asked. Her knowing who I am made me smile. I nodded my head in acknowledgment. As her breathing slowed. “What’s your wolf’s name?”It was a fair question. I had never met her before. But only someone who knew me would have told her the answer. “Kiki,” I responded. As her name left my lips, Sasha ran to me and held me tightly.“Where have you been? Sam’s been losing her mind,” she told me. Her scent told me she had been with Sam, so I had no reason to doubt her words. “Is she okay?” “I was with her when Kevin mindlinked me. She’s ecstatic and getting ready as we speak.” “What do you mean, Sasha? T
Ellie’s POV With everything going on at the rogue camp. I half expected Aaron to back out of taking me to the palace. But as promised, I sat in his truck, being driven toward the palace. I never even thought about how sane rogues lived. It was a real eye-opening experience. It made me appreciate being a lone wolf, as I had never known my life to be any different. All those people had been driven from their homes for a variety of reasons. Forced to either go insane or live a life of poverty. Though their circumstances were difficult, they remained resilient, creating a life from what little they had. They deserved better.I remember Aaron telling me there wasn’t much fuel in his truck, which was why he stopped at the first service station. I intended to use the ATM to withdraw as much money as I could. But as there wasn’t one, I ended up buying a dozen gift vouchers for a few random stores. He should be able to get some essentials.Aaron drove me for hours, and when we were close to t
Sam’s POV Today should have been special. It should be the morning after Caspian, and I accepted our mate bond. Bound ourselves together forever. It should be one of the happiest days of my life. But instead, Zola and I feel crushed. Heartbroken that the person who saved me, took care of me, and got me back on my feet. She is missing, maybe even dead. Zola and I have done nothing but cry and worry.Worse yet, the palace will soon be swarming with important people here to celebrate the Alpha King taking a mate. I had never met the man, and despite what happened when I first arrived. I wish him all the happiness in the world. A mate bond is something special and should be cherished.Although everyone in the palace knows who I am, visitors don’t. I dare not leave my suite, as I am still classed as a rogue. I wouldn’t want any misunderstandings on the Alpha King’s big day. So I lay in bed, worrying and crying.Her familiar knock on my door told me that Sasha was here. “Hey,” she cheerily
Caspian’s POV Of all the words to come out of Evelyn’s mouth. ‘I’m pregnant.’ Would never have been the ones I expected.I stared at her in disbelief. She’s pregnant, and I’m the father? Hawk growled in anger. “I told you to get rid of her,” he barked at me. But I couldn’t respond to him, as I was in shock. The room was spinning, and I felt like someone had kicked me in the nuts.Sam was everything I wanted in a mate. Sweet, innocent, kind, someone who needed my protection. Sure, the situation wasn’t great, and I was lying through my teeth to her. But hopefully, we can work through all of that. But if Evelyn is having my child, there was no chance we could work that out.“You’re pregnant?” Reagan questioned. I looked at him. The vein in his neck was bounding, and he looked disgusted.“Oh, don’t look shocked, Caspian. All those fun-filled sex sessions we had. You never considered that this could happen?” Evenly said cockily. “I. I.” I struggled to say. Not able to speak.But thankful