LOGINSunlight filtered through the curtains, causing me to stir awake. I felt Azriel's side of the bed and noticed he wasn't there with me so I stood up from the bed and stretched my body to shake off the sleep, then I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up.
Fortunately, ever since I found out about my pregnancy, I hadn't experienced any morning sickness, and I was really grateful because morning sickness sucked. It leaves you weak and drained. I learnt of this in my father’s pack. Once I was done with my business, I left the room and went downstairs. As I made my way down the stairs, I heard some sound coming from the kitchen so I went there due to curiosity. As I got to the kitchen, I saw Azriel cooking shirtless with just his sweatpants that hung low on his waist. Beads of sweat dripped down his toned body, and I couldn't stop myself staring. I couldn’t believe the Alpha King was cooking for me. “He looks so sexy,” Nora whispered in my head, and I couldn't agree more. When he noticed my stare, he looked up and saw me standing at the entrance of the kitchen. He flashed me a warm smile and washed his hands. He walked up to me. “Good morning, love. How was your night?” He asked, giving me a quick peck on my lips and walking back to the stove. “Good morning,” I replied and sat on the high chair. “My night was wonderful. I slept like a baby.” “That's good to hear. Are you hungry? I'm preparing a traditional English breakfast.” He said as he continued to fry the food in the pan. “I'm a bit hungry,” I said, rubbing my stomach and he smiled. “So, what are we doing today?” “Well, I'm thinking of giving you a tour around the pack.” He said. “How about that? He asked, placing a freshly served meal containing baked beans, toasted bread with scrambled eggs and some apple juice by the side in front of me before he took his plate and settled beside me. “Sounds nice,” I replied softly. We began eating in a comfortable silence. With just the clinking sound of our utensils against our plates. I finished my food and let out a contented sigh. I felt so full. I looked at Azriel and saw him staring at me with admiration, and I couldn’t help but ask. “What?” I asked shyly. “You're so beautiful.” He stated, smirking which made me blush harder with a racing heart. “Thank you,” I replied and pecked his lips but he pulled me in and deepened the kiss. We were both fighting for control but he won at the end. After a few minutes of eating each other’s lips, we pulled apart, gasping for air. We exchanged a quick glance and burst into laughter. “Go and freshen up while I do the dishes.” He said but I refused. “You cooked so let me wash the dishes,” I said but he wasn’t having it. He took the plates to the sink and began washing them. I huffed and walked back to our room. I went into the bathroom and had my shower. Once I was done, I applied the necessary skin care on my body and moved to the walk-in closet. I was struck by the different designer brands of clothes, bags and shoes. I couldn't stop staring at them. When had he found the time to buy such nice things? I couldn’t help but wonder. And how he knew my sizes amazed me. I went for a blue V-neck jumpsuit, matched with a black boot and a tote bag. I applied my lipgloss and sprayed my Victoria's Secret perfume before leaving the closet. I was good to go. When I stepped out of the closet, I saw Azriel wrapped in a towel around his waist. Fresh out of the shower. “I'll be waiting in the living room once,” I said to him “Okay, love. I'll be quick.” He said and walked to the closet. I went downstairs. To pass the time, I took out my phone and began playing some games. A few minutes later, Azriel came down, looking handsome as always wearing black jeans with a grey shirt and black shoes. The fitted outfit showcased his muscular build. “I need to get you a new phone.” He stated as he walked up to me. “Why? What's wrong with my phone?” I questioned, looking at my iPhone 6. “You should be using something better, not this thing.” He said, his face twisted in disgust as he stared at my phone. “There's nothing wrong with my phone, Az,” I replied as I stood up from the couch. “Let's go.” I took his hands into mine and walked to the door. He opened it for me, and I walked out with him beside me. As we walked, people bowed their heads to Azriel in respect and he acknowledged them with a nod. He showed me the pack house, the pack hospital, the school, the playground and lastly the castle. I was in awe as we walked inside the castle. “It's so big and beautiful,” I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah. I only use it during important meetings or balls given its vast capacity,” he explained as we walked into a large hall. “The king and queen’s offices are also situated within these walls.” The hall was decorated with an assortment of expensive paintings and decorations on pure white walls, with marble floorings – white with streaks of black and silver. The hall was adorned with various flower arrangements which gave a warm finish to the space. “My Lord!” A voice called from behind us and we tilted our heads in the direction of the voice and saw a beautiful woman with a fair complexion and gorgeous blonde hair bowing down to us. “What is it, Renee?” Azriel asked. “The date for the ball has been fixed.” She said, taking a glance at me for a few seconds before shifting her gaze back at Azriel. “What ball?” I thought to myself. “When is it?” Azriel asked. “Two days from now, My King,” Renee replied and Azriel let out a deep breath. “Okay. You can start sending out the invitations to the other packs.” Azriel ordered and with one last bow, she walked away. Once she was out of ear reach, I turned to Azriel, “What ball was she talking about?” “I totally forgot to tell you. We will be hosting the Annual Mating Ball in two days.” He said. The Annual Mating Ball? “Does this mean all the pack leaders and mateless wolves would be in attendance?” I asked, and he nodded. A knot formed in my stomach. Which probably meant I would see either my father or Victor. Why was my life so complicated? *******PAIGE’S POVThe rumour had spread wide in the pack like wildfire, and I’d grown really uncomfortable. We still hadn't found the culprit responsible for it. I had my suspicions, but I couldn’t say anything until I was sure of it.“Why are you curled up all alone by the window?” Azriel's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.I sighed as I looked up at him. “Things are not getting better, Azriel. The rumours are still circulating day by day. We need to put an end to this.” I complained.“I know, Paige. I'm working on it. You need to stop worrying.” Azriel said as he took my hands into his, but I pulled them away.“You can't tell me to stop worrying, Azriel! Someone is out there destroying my life, and I can't go out without being looked at like some criminal. It's frustrating!” I exclaimed angrily. I stood up to walk away from him, but he pulled me back, turning me to face him. And before I could protest, he moved closer to me, and my breath hitched as he pulled me flush against his chest
PAIGE’S POV I groaned as I sensed the bright light under my eyelids. I let out a frustrated yawn and stretched my limbs before opening my eyes to see a space beside me on the bed.Yesterday, after my conversation with Sophia, I felt so happy that I opened up to someone else about my problem. When Azriel returned home for the day, I took Sophia’s advice; I told him about my stepmother. He was pissed initially, but I was able to calm him down.I sat up and made my way to the bathroom to get ready for the day and after a few minutes, I was ready and made my way to have breakfast. The air suddenly felt so strange and tense, like something was wrong.When I got to the kitchen, I didn't catch sight of Stella, but I saw that my food was already served on the dining table. I decided to pack some food for Azriel since he rarely ate before he left for his office.Once I was done, I took his food basket and my apple juice which had become my favourite drink ever since I became pregnant, and lef
PAIGE’S POV “Are you okay?” Sophia turned to me after Helena left the house.My heart was beating wildly in my chest as she asked me that question. She just witnessed Helena insulting me, and I know she’s going to ask me some questions, which I wasn't ready to share with anyone other than Azriel.I didn't want to explain my past to her. I didn't know if she was trustworthy or not.I decided to look up, and when I did, I saw her eyes already staring at me in concern. I needed to reply to her question.“Yes, I'm fine.” My voice came out barely above a whisper, and embarrassment and anxiety washed through me.“Paige, why were you being treated like that?” She asked. Her eyes were soft and full of worry.What should I tell her? Should I tell her the truth about how my father banished me?“It's nothing, just don't worry about it,” I said.“This is not nothing. I'm sure this isn't the first time she's treated you like this.” Sophia angrily said. This talk was stressing me out.“As I said,
PAIGE’S POV I lay in bed, the sweet chirping sounds of birds outside and the gentle warmth of the sunlight peeking through the curtains in our room. I was grateful Azriel returned before I went to bed, just as he had promised.Seeing my father and stepmother brought different emotions within me.I rolled over to the other side of the bed, watching Azriel's peaceful sleeping form, bare-chested and muscles fully on display. His left arm draped over his eyes, which is where his forearm scar was, catching my attention. I took my time examining it closely, wondering what had caused it. From its appearance, it didn't look like it was from a knife, maybe a claw or some other weapon.Why haven't I noticed this scar on him before now?Immediately, I recognised the royal family crest on his right arm. There were a few other scars on his body, but none were as large as the one on his forearm.“Love.”His raspy and husky voice startled me, so I got up quickly and began smoothing out a non-existe
AZRIEL’S POV I watched as she angrily stormed out of the ballroom without saying a word to me. What just happened? I was left in a state of utter confusion. One minute we were dancing, and the next, she was angrily walking away. ‘Go after mate, ’ Jax growled in my head. “Is everything okay? I saw Paige hurriedly leaving.” Sophia said as she stood by my side. I let out a deep breath. “I don't know either. She just left angrily.” “Then you should go after her, brother. Something might be wrong.” Sophia urged me. I strolled out of the room in search of her. I scanned the area with my eyes, but I couldn't find her. I made an effort to search the rooms in the palace, but she wasn't there either. Where could she be? I was getting worried and a bit frustrated. I decided to mind-link Trevor, “Where are you, Trevor?” “I'm still at the ballroom, Your Majesty.” He responded swiftly. “Meet me outside, now!” I barked before blocking him off. I hope you're safe, my love? Because I woul
PAIGE’S POV The day of the Annual Mating Ball had finally arrived, and I was really anxious. I stood up, staring at myself in the mirror, thinking about how I was going to interact with the people.It was all new to me.Azriel was also to announce me as his mate, which was why I was this anxious. I glanced at the most gorgeous dress I had on, with the most expensive fabric, dripping from my body.It was obscenely lavish, and while I should be angry about wearing something that could literally feed a small country, for odd reasons, I was not. Everything on me screamed EXPENSIVE.I was not used to this type of lifestyle, and I doubt I’d ever get used to it. Azriel had been spoiling me silly with new and expensive things every day since I had arrived. He had recently changed my phone to an iPhone 16 Pro Max.Crazy right?Suddenly the door swung open, I took a glimpse at who it was through the mirror and saw Azriel standing there, looking like a Greek god.He looked so handsome in his bl







