LOGIN"You should both get some rest yourselves," Maya suggested, her experienced eyes noting the exhaustion etched on both brothers' faces. "I'll watch over her.""I'm staying," Knight and Lucious said in unison, then exchanged surprised glances.Maya's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "As you wish, Alpha Heirs. But at least eat something." She gestured to a small table where she'd set two bowls of the same broth Annabella had consumed earlier. "You'll do her no good if you collapse from hunger."Knight hadn't realised how ravenous he was until the scent of the rich broth hit his nostrils. His stomach growled audibly, reminding him he hadn't eaten since breakfast, before everything had changed."Thank you," he murmured, accepting the bowl Maya offered him.The brothers ate in silence, both k
Knight noticed Annabella's face had flushed pink, and her fingers had clutched the blanket more tightly. He wanted to reassure her somehow, to tell her that nothing would happen that she didn't want, but the words. He couldn't bear the thought of adding to her distress after everything she'd endured."We'll take everything at your pace," Knight said softly, surprising himself with his boldness. "Nothing will happen that you don't want or aren't ready for."Annabella's amber eyes found his, a flicker of gratitude visible in their depths. "Thank you," she whispered.The Alpha nodded his approval. "Knight is right. These bonds are sacred, but they develop at their own pace. There's no rush." He stood, his imposing figure somehow less intimidating as he looked down at Annabella with genuine concern. "For now, rest is your priority. Everything else can wait."
Knight's heart ached at the hope and fear warring in her voice. How cruel to make a child believe her mother is dead."She is," the Alpha confirmed gently. "She's been kept isolated in a cabin on our territory for five years. Eugene had her heavily medicated, convinced her it was for her own good." He hesitated, clearly weighing his next words. "She's with our best healers now. The withdrawal from the medications will take time, but Maya believes she'll recover fully."A single tear escaped down Annabella's cheek at the Alpha’s words.“I’m sorry…Alpha for the disruption to the pack this morning at breakfast that wasn’t my intention, and not how Lucious and I wanted to announce our mate bond, although I wasn’t aware I was mated to all six of them, till today, much like the other five, it must have been quite the shock for everyone.”The Alpha's expression softened at Annab
"Yes," he admitted. "I noticed you were cold."She took another sip of broth before speaking again. "I still have it. It's my favourite."Something warm unfurled in Knight's chest at her words. She'd kept his gift. Had used it. Maybe even treasured it without knowing it came from him.A knock at the door interrupted the moment. Raymond stood in the doorway, his imposing frame nearly filling it. His gaze immediately went to Annabella, relief visibly washing over his features when he saw her awake."Father wants to speak with us," he said, addressing Knight and Lucious. "All of us. When Annabella is feeling strong enough."Knight tensed. The Alpha wouldn't call all six of them unless there was a lot to go through.“Ah, Alpha Heir Raymond, the camera is in the air vent of my room, fa
"A few hours," Knight answered. "It's nearly sunset."Annabella's eyes widened suddenly, panic flashing across her features. "My father…""He is in custody, love, he can’t hurt you now, nor can Tate.” Lucious cooed.“Was I dreaming? I thought I heard Knight say that he was in love with me, has been for years.” Annabella turned her head slowly, her mind reeling, then it clicked, “the gifts and the paper cranes in only places I seemed to go to think.”Knight's heart stuttered in his chest. She'd heard him. Heat crept up his neck as he nodded, unable to find words beneath her amber gaze."Yes," he admitted finally, his voice rough. "Those were from me."Annabella's eyes widened, her fingers clutching the thin blanket covering her. "But why? You ne
"Guards found the contract in Eugene's office, just like Lucian said. It details everything—the arrangement with the Moon Slashers, the 'bride price,' the conditions of the transfer." Lucious's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "He was going to hand her over tonight. No matter if she had a mate or not. He was even going to have you five rip her from my arms if he had to. There was also a drug option for me, thinking they might have realised that she was my mate, regardless of whether she was my fated or not.”Knight's stomach twisted at the thought of Eugene drugging Lucious. What kind of father would do that to his own daughter? He ran a hand through his hair, trying to process the depravity of it all."There's more," Lucious continued, his voice barely audible. "We found journals in Eugene's room. He's been documenting everything, Annabella's punishments, his plans for her, even..."







