LYRA’S POV“I don't know exactly what is wrong with Jake,” I yelled. “One moment he's nice, the next, he treats me like a piece of furniture decorating the house,” I busted out in anger.“You have every right to feel this way, Lyra. But what can I possibly say? I'm facing the same problem with my husband. He has been distant from me and that is so unlike him.” Lisa said. I don't know if those words were meant to comfort me, but they did nothing to calm my mind. If this was how other mates suffer in their union, maybe the moon goddess would have considered making me a loner, other than pairing me with a nut head. I paced up and down the room, sneering in anger.“I overheard my husband talking about a new pack ruled by a vicious Alpha, Leo and he is threatening to take over our territory. I think they are engrossed with handling the threat,” she suggested in a low tone.I flinched at the mention of that name. “Leo?” I asked. My tone was laced with a bit of curiosity.My brother, Leo,
JAKE'S POV“Do you want to question my authority?” I barked at the maid standing in front of me. My chest heaving as I spat at her.“No..No sir!” the maid responded, her voice trembling as she bowed before me.“I thought as much. Now get out of my sight before I throw your miserable self to the dogs to feed on!” I hissed.“Ye.. yes sir!” She responded before running off from my presence. My heart fell into my stomach immediately when she left my presence. This is obviously the toughest decision I have ever made as an Alpha. Hurting someone I care about without flinching. Not intentionally, but it was necessary to save them. “I hope Lyra gets to understand this hard choice later on,” I muttered to myself.“Jake!” I heard my mum yell my name while storming into the house. Whenever I hear her call me by my name in that manner, I know I'm about to have my head on a plate, but I care less right now. With time they will all understand why I have to do this.“Yes, mum?” I responded casua
JAKE'S POVMy words hung heavy in the chamber and hearts of everyone seated around the neatly polished conference table. The murmurs and gasps still simmered within. I could feel the disappointed looks and the disbelief etched into their expressions as they tried to suck in my words. Even my most loyal advisors seemed shaken, Damon especially. He still hadn’t lifted his head.I sat patiently waiting for them all to kick against my decision because I knew it was inevitable in this situation. But, what they didn’t understand was, I wasn’t doing this out of cruelty. I'm doing this to keep Lyra safe. I am very sure they do not know what it feels like to have blood in your hands and I'm not willing to go down that lane.I bit down on my inner lip, trying to get myself ready to hear several angry tongues lash out at me."I think you are joking, Your Grace, because you can't be serious," Elder Gregor finally spoke, his voice laced with disbelief. He was the oldest member of the council, his
LYRA'S POVA grave of silence spread through the chambers, very thick and suffocating. I knew if I yelled from now till centuries later, it would only take the command from Alpha Jake to make them leave the chambers. How can the heart of man be so wicked, I kept wondering with my heart pounding hard in my chest. I could feel the heat of my anger escaping through my nostrils as I waited for an unfortunate person who would dare speak to me so I could lace them with my venom.The council members moved uncomfortably in their seats, staring at each other without a word. I had stood behind the door listening to them argue before walking in, though it came as faint whispers, I couldn't make out the reason for the argument. Gamma Rhea’s lips parted in shock, while Elder Gregor, who had been the loudest in his opposition earlier, seemed momentarily at a loss for words.Jake’s voice sliced through the tension breaking the silence. “Leave us.” He ordered. His tone was low yet firm as he sat ba
LYRA’S POV“Oh, Thank goodness you’re here!” I overheard Tessa talking to Lisa from behind my door. It’s been three days now since my encounter with Jake and I haven’t stepped out to feel the sunlight. I wasn’t ready to have the eyes of the pack members on me and obviously the crazy gossips that would be flying around. Just yesterday, I overheard some maids talking about me from the laundry cot which was just behind my window. I was clothed in shame. How can I stand the faces of everyone who had thought so highly of me. But on the brighter side, I’m still Luna. I can’t let Jake’s flimsy attitude get the better of me. I should have gotten used to it by now.“Please open the door, Lyra!” Lisa pleaded, followed by her incessant knocks on the door.“Please go away, Lisa. I don’t want to talk to anyone. You all should let me be, Please.” I echoed back to her, sliding down to the hard floor with my back leaning against the door.“Just let me in, please. I promise not to talk. I just want
LYRA’S POV"Do you know who she is?" I whispered to Lisa still maintaining a firm stance while she walked in, in a chaotic manner. I briefly turned to Tessa, who looked like she expected it but not so soon. I took a few steps forward, meeting up with her halfway into the house. “I don’t know if you have issues with hearing, but I just asked a question a few seconds ago?” My voice came out sharp. “I am going to ask you one more time, what are you doing in my house or do you have the wrong address?” I asked again.She threw her chestnut-colored hair behind her shoulder with a smirk on her face while scanning me with her emerald-colored eyes as if checking if I was worth a response from her or not. She was tall and slim, and her curves were obviously not hidden. She carried herself effortlessly in a way that suggested she was used to luxury. Her shiny designer dress and the glittering accessories made a statement but I care less about those.She arched her perfectly carved brow. "Oh, I
LYRA’S POV"Lyra, please come on, we've got to go now," Lisa pleaded as she crossed her arm into mine pulling me away from the choking tension.I stood there frozen, and I didn't realize she was pulling me to walk away. My heart at that instant was drowning with emotions. The moment Jake refused to deny Ella’s claim, something inside me cracked—something I wasn’t sure could ever be repaired.I got a hold of myself and decided to listen to Lisa. I walked blindly, letting Lisa lead me while I wished I'd somehow open my eyes to realize it was just a nightmare.Sadly, it wasn't. My mind kept playing back everything that had just taken place, from Jake’s cold response and expressions to Ella’s sneers.I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely noticed when Lisa stopped walking. I looked up to see Tessa standing in front of me. As much as I tried to be calm, none of them was left out in my wrath. From Jake to his mother, down to the council members. They all knew about this.“Lyra…” she sta
LYRA’S POV“Pregnant?” I asked, walking back to the bed with shock over my face.“No, I’m not! Why would you think that?” I retorted.I’ve already been through enough, getting pregnant by someone who has practically rejected me will be the last straw that would break the camel’s back. A rejected pregnant Luna? Hell no! That would be a disaster. I don't think I'd be able to stand such a level of jest and shame. I heaved a sigh trying to shake off the thought from my mind.“I wouldn’t be totally wrong asking,” Lisa said, with her brows slightly raised. “As much as there are no physical signs chances yet, we cannot rule out the possibility. Not like Alpha Jake is impotent, plus the day you got out of coma,...”“Yes! The day I got out of coma,” I said, rolling my eyes. I remember throwing up but that should be the side effect of the medications I had gotten.” I retorted, cutting her assumptions off. “Me and Jake were not always in each other's bed except for one time; the day he came to
LYRA’S POV“Traitor! May the gods forbid! You deserve to die! Witch!” The clamor of the people echoed in my ear as the Chariot rolled slowly behind the scene unfolding before me.I sat on the open-roof royal chariot with Jake by my side, our fingers interlocked with each other on his thigh watching the crowd boo and throw garbage at Ella who was dragged along the road by mean guards.Partaking in the procession was Selene, who was dressed in her traditional long black robe. Her wavy silver hair cascaded down her shoulders. In her hands was the cup of shame from which Ella must drink from and forever be damned till death calls. Amidst the booing were chants of acknowledgements and praise from the people. “All Hail, Luna Lyra, The first of her name, The queen of shadowclaw!” The voices rose so loud that one would think it was my coronation day. My cheeks were as pink as those of a Barbie doll when a little girl broke through from the crowd, screaming my name and reaching towards me wi
LYRA’S POVThe mention of the name Caspian hit me like a punch in my stomach. Caspian? What would Jake likely be having with Jake? I saw the look on his face when he mentioned Caspian’s name early. It was clearly streaked with Jealousy. On second thought, what could the truth be? Are they brothers? Hell no! Because that would be totally ridiculous.I shot Jake a side-eye long look. “What could that be?” my brow rose as I queried.I felt unease beginning to creep up under my skin as Jake hesitated in giving me a response. His face fell to the ground without a word for what felt like a century. “Come on Jake! You don’t have to kill me with suspense before you let the cat out of the bag,” I nudged his shoulder slightly, with a soft smile slowly appearing on my face.Jake finally looked up, meeting my face with an unreadable expression. “I can see you’re in love with this guy. I can hear the excitement in your tone at the mention of his name, but you don’t have to rub it in,” he threw the
AEMOND'S POV “Sir..sir, I think we have a big problem!” A guard rushed in, panting like he had escaped an attack from a polar bear.I spun sharply. “Are you out of your damn mind?” I snapped, walking towards the guard. "How dare you barge into my chambers without knocking? I'm sure you want this day to be your last here in the pack house as a guard, right? I yelled into his face.The young man recoiled his eyes wide with fear. His face was pale, sweat gathering around his temples. “I…I’m sorry, Alpha Aemond! But it’s urgent. You need to come. Now,” he stuttered, leaning in a bow.I heaved a sigh, seeing how his body shook in fear. "And was that why you had to badge into the chambers like a mad man?” I queried him. My voice, softer and calmer than before.He didn't say another word, just words of apology. Took a long look at him and eased him off the tension in his body. "You may go. I'd be out there in a minute," I waved him off like a housefly, turning back to my seat. He wasted no
DON CARLITO'S POVI stood at my usual spot- The rooftop of my estate overlooking the city. It was past mid-afternoon, but today the weather wasn't harsh. It was windy, though not storm-like, but I couldn't sense it brewing, making me uncomfortable.Today seemed quiet, too damn quiet for a man like me. In my world, silence does not mean peace; it meant tension. It meant something was about to snap and I hated not being ahead of events.I viewed the city through my massive periscope, swaying it left and right, observing the street, which was the breeding site of chaos. "Any news from the head of the shadow boys?" I asked in a carefree tone, still looking through the periscope."Nothing, Sir. The last time I heard from Perez, he informed me the shipments are yet to arrive at the port," my assistant, Quavo, responded sharply. Quavo had been my eyes and ears around the city, sometimes I wonder why I hadn't given him the task of getting me the girl and the damn pendant."We are expecting
AEMOND'S POVWalking through the halls of the pack house felt different this time. I could hear the whispers of my name through every wall I walked past. No one dared to look me in the eyes. Everyone scrambles off at the sight of me.I was headed to the cell when one of the guards ran up to me, hastening his steps to meet up with my pace.“I was informed you called for me Beta Aemond!” He said, gasping for breath.Did he just address me as Beta? What insolence! I stopped abruptly, clenching my fist with a twisted face and slowly turning around with my jaw twisting.“I am going to forgive your ignorance,” I said slowly, raising my eyes to meet that of the guard. “Next time!” I continued with a slow, dragged tone. “You don't address me as Beta! I am Alpha Aemond! And you, along with everyone else, will address me as that!” I hissed.The guard trembled as he bowed his head, apologizing for the misconception. “I am sorry, Alpha Aemond!” He pleaded.I scoffed, waving it off. “I need you to
AEMOND'S POVI paced up and down what remained of the temple, my mind racing with words Valkyrie had told me in the trance. I had to get everything from that little bi**h. I never thought things would go south and now I have to go an extra length to get her. I growled in frustration, turning to Zephyr who stood motionless staring at me.“He offered me everything, Zephyr,” I muttered, sitting on the stone ledge beside the large window, staring into the dying twilight. “All, I have to do is get the damn bond broken and everything...I mean everything will be mine!" I voiced out with every sense of certainty.Zephyr shook his head in what seemed like disbelief.“You are totally out of your damn mind!” he barked, clawing his head in frustration. “No one strikes a deal with Valkyrie and walks out whole! That’s like shaking hands with the goddamn devil. You will lose everything and I mean every single thing!” he growled in a low tone, cautious not to have anyone hear him.A low growl rumbled
LYRA’S POVJake's face twisted in anger as he sprang from his seat, pointing towards Alpha Benson. Veins, lining the side of his forehead. His eyes, once filled with warmth, now brimmed with something heavier; rage, hurt, and betrayal. I could feel it roll off him like a tidal wave. Every person in that hall instinctively held their breath.Hauling Alpha Benson in what seemed like an arm drag, Jake stepped forward slowly, his voice deep and controlled, echoing through the grand hall. “Alpha Benson of the Arrakis Pack,” he began, eyes locked with Alpha Benson. “You were once considered an ally, a partner, and a friend," he growled with a low, yet steady tone. "A father figure in diplomacy. A man I once trusted to walk beside me in strength and wisdom,” he said, holding up his chin.Alpha Benson looked up from where he knelt, sweat pooling on his forehead. He didn't dare speak. Nobody dared intervene at this moment, not even me.“But instead,” Jake continued, squeezing hard on Benson's
LYRA'S POVMy sight blurred, I could feel something dripping down my nose but I barely paid attention to it. I bent down over Ella, my hands gripping her neck. She squirmed beneath me, making gurgling sounds, her hands feebly hitting my wrists. I didn't mind I had just gone through a painful evacuation process, I damned every sting of pain I felt in my body. All I sensed was the fire within my soul, the sting of betrayal seeping through my fury."LYRA! STOP!"Selene's voice struck through the thick rage in my head like a clap of thunder. My head jerked up, hair tousled around my face, nostrils widening. I turned towards the direction of the voice and noticed her sprinting towards me. Her face was drained with fear of what I might do to Ella."Stop Lyra, You're bleeding!" she yelled, pointing down.Bleeding? The words got to me. I must have stressed my healing body with magic. I noticed my body has been slow to heal likely due to the fact Aemond was wielding part of my powers and the
LYRA'S POVI watched Jake snatch the medical reports from Selene, frantically. His eyes scanned through each line and paragraph. As soon as his hands and shoulders dropped, I realized this was not a joke.“No, No!,” I whispered, shaking my head in disbelief. "This is not true," my voice broke as I spoke. "Nothing is wrong with my child. He's healthy and fine," I stuttered, placing my hand over my stomach, hoping to protect my baby from the unbelievable news I was hearing.My vision gradually began to blur as warm fluid rushed into my eyes. I pressed down on my lip trying to stop it from rolling off my eyes but my lip trembled. I felt a string in my heart snap, as my chest constricted. The weight of Selene's announcement pressed on me, sinking me into an abyss.“Wh…What did you just say?” I asked in a low tone, my voice shaking. Somehow I hoped Selene was mistaken, maybe the scan results weren't for me.I slowly turned my attention to Jake, staring into his eyes. For the first time, n