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Chapter 43

Author: Annie
last update Last Updated: 2025-12-21 17:47:22

Grace’s POV

The territory had grown too quiet.

I noticed it the way one notices rot…slowly, then all at once.

Aria’s laughter carried farther now. Softer. Warmer. It went through the halls like something alive, something settling in places it didn’t belong. Axel’s presence clung to her like a second skin. Aiden’s scent lingered longer than it should have.

Bonded. Strengthening.

My fingers tightened around the cup in my hand.

Too fast.

I watched from the balcony as Aria crossed the courtyard below, sunlight in her hair, posture lighter than it had been days ago. Not broken. Not afraid.

That wouldn’t do.

“She’s being pampered,” I murmured to myself.

Pampered became protected.

Protected became untouchable.

And I did not tolerate things I couldn’t touch.

I turned sharply and summoned the guards.

“Patrol schedules,” I said smoothly when they arrived. “I want them adjusted.”

One guard hesitated. “Adjusted how, my lady?”

“Expanded perimeter,” I replied. “The eastern woods have gone unwatche
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  • Fated to the Alphas   Chapter 44

    Asher’s PovI noticed it before she did.The way her shoulders sat looser.The way her scent had shifted….warm, steadier, mixed faintly with Axel’s calm and Aiden’s heat.She was opening.And she didn’t even realize what she was still keeping locked away.I watched her from across the yard as she folded linens, humming softly to herself. Peace looked almost dangerous on her. Like something that could be taken from her too easily.Axel had soothed her.Aiden had stirred her.But neither of them had tested her.Mother's voice echoed faintly in my head from earlier….something about patrol routes, supervision, order. I barely listened. I already knew what I was going to do.I crossed the yard before I could overthink it.“Aria,” I said.She looked up, startled. “Asher?”Up close, the change was even clearer. Her eyes didn’t dart anymore. She wasn’t bracing for impact. She trusted the ground beneath her feet.That trust made something dark and protective coil in my chest.“You’re busy,” I

  • Fated to the Alphas   Chapter 43

    Grace’s POVThe territory had grown too quiet.I noticed it the way one notices rot…slowly, then all at once.Aria’s laughter carried farther now. Softer. Warmer. It went through the halls like something alive, something settling in places it didn’t belong. Axel’s presence clung to her like a second skin. Aiden’s scent lingered longer than it should have.Bonded. Strengthening.My fingers tightened around the cup in my hand.Too fast.I watched from the balcony as Aria crossed the courtyard below, sunlight in her hair, posture lighter than it had been days ago. Not broken. Not afraid.That wouldn’t do.“She’s being pampered,” I murmured to myself.Pampered became protected.Protected became untouchable.And I did not tolerate things I couldn’t touch.I turned sharply and summoned the guards.“Patrol schedules,” I said smoothly when they arrived. “I want them adjusted.”One guard hesitated. “Adjusted how, my lady?”“Expanded perimeter,” I replied. “The eastern woods have gone unwatche

  • Fated to the Alphas   Chapter 42

    Grace’s POVThe night answered me the moment I stepped beyond the wards.It always did.The pack slept behind stone and spells, warm and unaware, while the forest breathed…slow, patient, waiting. I pulled my cloak tighter around my shoulders and followed the narrow path that only those who knew could see. Moonlight cut through the branches in thin, silver shades. Somewhere far off, an owl cried. I welcomed the sound. It reminded me that the world still understood hunger.Aria had upset the balance.No! she had poisoned it.I could still see her at the table that morning, sitting where she did not belong. My sons flanking her. Protecting her. Looking at her like she was something precious.Mine.The bond had wrapped around them faster than it should have. Too fast. Too deep. The goddess had made a mistake and mistakes had consequences.I reached the clearing just as the fire flared to life, unprompted, its flames licking upward in a familiar, greedy curl. Shadows shifted. Figures stepp

  • Fated to the Alphas   Chapter 41

    Axel’s POVMy heart was already racing before she even opened the door.I stood there with my hand half-raised, the wildflower hidden behind my back, wondering for the hundredth time if this was a mistake. Not the date. Never that. Just… whether I deserved to stand in front of her like this. Whether I was allowed to want her so quietly when my brothers burned so brightly.The door opened.And I forgot how to breathe.She stood there looking at me like she hadn’t yet decided if I was real. Soft. Nervous. Beautiful in a way that had nothing to do with what she wore and everything to do with how her eyes widened when she saw me.I just stared.Not because I wanted to take her in like something to claim but because she felt like something sacred. Like if I moved too fast, I’d ruin the moment.“You look…” I started, then stopped, embarrassed by my own uselessness. A shy smile tugged at my mouth. “Beautiful.”Her cheeks flushed, and something warm bloomed in my chest at the sight.“You look

  • Fated to the Alphas   Chapter 40

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  • Fated to the Alphas   Chapter 39

    Aria’s POV“Come,” Axel said after a moment, drying his hands. He didn’t grab my wrist or tug me along. He just held his palm out…open, offered, waiting.I placed my hand in his.He guided me to the small sitting room near the back of the house, the one with the soft lighting and the blanket folded neatly because he always folds things neatly. He sat first, then motioned for me to sit too.“So,” he began, rubbing the back of his neck a little nervously, “the… date.”His eyes flicked to me and then down again. “I don’t… really go on them.”“I know,” I whispered, smiling.He smiled back, shy but true. “But I want to. With you.”Warmth flooded my chest.“What do you have in mind?” I asked, cheeks heating.He thought for a moment, eyes drifting away like he was picturing it.“I want it to be quiet,” he said. “Just us. Somewhere you won’t feel pressured. Somewhere you can breathe.”That was Axel…always thinking about how *I* would feel before he even considered himself.“And… maybe,” he co

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