Bella's POV Chad had to leave impromptuly yesterday. I can't believe I've only met him for a few days and I already miss him. He has been so patient and attentive. I'm surprised he still doesn't have a mate. She will be a lucky woman, whomever that be. Somehow, thinking about it gives me an unpleasant feeling. But it's understandable I got the short end of the stick where mates are concerned. The Dr.announced herself with a soft knock on the door. Chad left me in charge of an only female staff. Every person who entered this room, doctors, cleaning people, and cooks were only women. Just the guards posted outside my door were men, and they acted like they were afraid to look at me. I think Chad was exaggerating. Nobody in their right mind would come looking for trouble to a military pack. He makes me feel like I matter, though. I wouldn’t say cherished because that's way too inappropriate. He is just grateful that I saved his life. But he saved mine too, so I considered ourselves e
Jasper "Is this the way to treat a woman, Alpha Jasper?!" The Lycan King asked, seething with anger. I hated the pretentious prick. Right now, he was standing between my woman and me. Bella even stepped closer to him with confidence. My wolf didn't like that, and neither did I. Theron wanted to tear him apart from her and claim his mate back, but the Lycan's aura was oppressing Theron. The wind was blowing Bella's silky hair, and I fixed my gaze on her mark. She is mine! "Lycan King, I sincerely apologize for my wife's behavior. I will just take her with me right now." I stretched my arm and called Bella, who was glued to the Lycan King's side. "Bella, come here, stop embarrassing me!" The Lycan dared to step in front of her protectively like she was his to protect. Theron's growl died in my throat. I couldn't afford to offend the king. "What is the meaning of this, my King?" I asked, swallowing my pride. "She is not going with you anywhere, Alpha Jasper! She could stay here u
Chad's POV "Chad, your aura is out of control. Your anger is tangible at the moment." I was outside her door with Dane. My rage hadn't subsided, not even for a bit. The way he was dragging her by her hair like she was a ragged doll almost led me to commit murder. "I am going to kill him, Dane! Why did her guars abandon her?!" Dane sighed. "Alpha Terrence ordered them. They were some of the older guards since you requested them to be mated. They're still more inclined to the council's old rules and costumes. They thought Alpha Jasper had all the rights to his mate. They will be in the dungeons for a week." A growl escaped me, and I punched the wall. "Chad, the wall is pure concrete. You're bleeding now." Dane shook his head. "You know what, Dane? This was all your fault. I shouldn't have listened to you. I didn't have to go to Royal City. I should have been here to prevent that moron from hurting her. Now she is inside there getting her knees bandaged by Dr. Sarah. Her eyes were a
Bella's POV Chad looked at me intently after what I said. Rejecting a fated mate was not common. It was frowned upon and, in most cases, punishable. The only acceptable reason to reject a mate was that if said mate was cheating or was abusive. But even then, outstanding proofs were required in order to present your case to the council. "Are you sure, Bella?" Chad asked gently. The more time I spend with Chad, the more I compare him to Jasper. Their differences were abysmal, not to mention that Chad was the king. Goddess, I even punched him when I woke up at the hospital, and he just chuckled. "I am sure." I said, more to myself than him. "I'm allowed to. He cheated on me for years!" My chest rose and felt rapidly. I was still mad and embarrassed about it. How did I never find out? Chad touched my face with one of his rough but gentle hands. I closed my eyes, relishing in the soothing and electrifying sparks emanating from him. "Of course you're allowed, and I will back you up i
Chad Jasper was now back on his feet. He stared coldly towards Bella. Bella held his gaze, defiantly. Staring an alpha directly in the eyes was a form of challenge in itself. I could see Jasper's jaw ticking. He hated my closeness to Bella. That much was clear, too bad for him, he lost his chance. I looked at Bella, standing closer to me . She had such gracious beauty. Jasper will not let her go without a fight. "Are you refusing my command, Alpha Jasper?" I asked threateningly. "Accept the rejection!" He sneered. "There's nothing to refuse or accept. She's just confused. I blame it on her pregnancy hormones. I will be lenient. After all, it was me who put that child in her womb." He was still trying to mark his territory, claiming his rights over her for everyone to hear. Cobalt growled. "I'll go to the Royal City Bella, and if by tomorrow morning you haven't come to me, I will take my case to the council and claim you back. I'm giving you a chance to come back as my Luna,
Bella My cheeks turned red when I heard the door reopen. I didn't have to turn around to know it was him. I could feel his eyes burning through my skin. The strong connection I felt with him scared me. My pregnancy hormones have no business having crazy thoughts about Lycan King Chad. He closed the door slowly and left. Rose and I started to giggle. "What an interesting birthmark you have on your back, Luna Bella." "Oh! My mom had the same mark. Well, at least that's what my father says... used to say." I trailed. My heart squeezed. The two most important people in my life are no longer alive. "I never got to meet her. My only memory of her are the stories my father and my brothers used to tell me." Rose folded ny dress carefully, giving me a sympathetic look. "Chad had bought me so many clothes. Once I get back to White Claw pack, I'll write him a check." I said as I looked at the silk blouse. The champagne color will look elegant with a pair of fitted jeans and high heels
Bella Chad stiffened when he heard the woman. He didn't let go of my hand, but he avoided my eyes. My heart skipped. He told me he didn't have a mate. Who could this woman be? The woman's eyes jumped from me to Chad in bewilderment. Her fake smile looked like it was hurting her physically. "My King?" She tilted her head inquisitively. Her elegant two-piece suit fitted her like a glove, with a skirt just above the knee. The woman meant power and status. "This is Luna Bella Lockwood of White Claw Pack. She will be staying at the palace temporarily." I felt inner satisfaction when he called me by my maiden name along with my birth pack. Chad turned to me, his eyes sofetening. "Bella, welcome to the Royal Palace. You can stay as long as you..." "Aren't you going to introduce me, my King?" The woman interrupted with a forced chuckle. Chad looked at her, I saw his jaw tightening. "Lorna Ferguson, daughter of Alpha Terrence, an Honorable member of the Royal Parliament." Chad said w
Chad's POV When Cobalt urged me to go to her, I didn't think it twice. My wolf's connection to her was growing rapidly day by day. I ran through the hallways, searching for her until her sweet scent reached me. Something was not feeling right. It was as if I could sense her restlessness. Just as I was getting closer, I heard her yelp. I threw the door open with a powerful kick. Bella sat on her bed, fondling with her sheets. She stared at me breathlessly and called my name. Never have I ever felt so drawn to a pair of eyes like I do for those baby blues of hers. 'Mine,' said Cobalt in my head. 'You wish, Cobalt. ' And I wished so, too. "Bella." I looked over her damaged door and the stay of disarray in which she was. "I heard you scream. I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were alright." She nodded. "I was having a nightmare." She got up and put on her rob. I didn't know if I was sorry or grateful that she covered her perfect figure or not. She was a walking temptation.
Bella's POV After I showered an hour later, the maids, whom I now knew as Alyssa and Lana, helped me into a breathtaking Thalia dress. The metallic color added to its beauty, but Chad consumed my thoughts. I let them do my hair and makeup, feeling like a mannequin. They hardly spoke to me, only asking for my opinion on my preferred color palette or high heels. The walk-in closet was filled with luxurious items from all the haute couture brands, including mine. "Is this to your liking, Your Highness?" Alyssa asked. I nodded, not really paying attention to her. When I stood up, I gazed into the mirror. It was me, but somehow, I looked so different. My hair fell in delicate waves all the way to my waist, and a small tiara adorned my head. The high heels accentuated the shape of my calves, and my skin shimmered, making me glow even more. The sultry makeup gave me a vibrant and lively appearance, even though I felt dead inside. "Are you ready to go now, Princess Bella?" Lana asked.
Bella's POV Balzaree Everything is dark. I don’t know how long I’ve been unconscious. My body isn’t responding, but I can hear everything around me. What did Camilla do to me? And what did I do to Chad? My stomach plummeted as I remembered what I had done. Oh Goddess, Chad! Gut-wrenching pain consumes me. What have I done!? I want to run to him, but my body won’t obey. A cold hand brushes the hair off my face. No, stop it. Only Chad is allowed to do that. “She’s a Goldenthorn through and through. A spitting image of her mother,” a woman remarks with a chuckle. “Good job, Camilla,” the lady praises Camilla, sounding joyful. “At your humble service, Queen Aster,” Camilla replies, her voice dripping with pride for receiving the praise of her queen, my grandmother. Fuck! Am I in Balzaree? It hits me then. Camilla brought me here. That cunning bitch. Why did I trust her? Why did I fall for someone's lies again? I'm so stupid!! “Why hasn’t she woken up yet? Are you sure that what
An uneasiness creeps into my gut as I tug at my shirt's collar for the umpteenth time. Dane looks at me, and knowing me too well, he senses something is wrong with me. "Don't tell me you're nervous. This is just the legal union. She's been yours since the moment you saw her at that cavern." He pads my back with a smirk. His tux stretches against his burly frame, and I smirk back at him. "Elise managed to make you look decent for once," I remark, lightening the mood. Trent and Ace came in carrying their gurgling pups. I can definitely picture myself with 2 or three pups. All of them with Bella's eyes. "What!" Dane suddenly received a mind link. "Elise is being rushed to the hospital! So soon!" He panics. He lost his first mate to childbirth "She’s with Grace,” Fort burst in, followed by Tessa and Lira. Dane was already heading out the door. The women grabbed the babies from their dads and also started to leave. "I will return to Bella, and Lira will check on Elise," Tessa sa
Bella's POV I wake up from a long sleep, sitting up abruptly. “Chad!” I exclaim. He stirs beside me and wraps his arms around my waist. “Today is the wedding! I have so many things to do!” He simply tightens his hold. “Come back to bed, ma chérie,” he says in that husky voice that always makes me crave him. I push his hand away, and the blankets slip to my feet. “Not today. Everything needs to be perfect. I finally get to mark you.” That wakes him up; he quickly gets off the bed, but before I can move away, he grabs me by the waist, pulling me flush against him. “You’ll at least shower with me, won’t you?” His breath is hot against my ear, sending tingles through my body. My resolve melts instantly. “Okay, but we need to be quick,” I say breathlessly. “I’m ready!” he replies with a devilish smile, pointing at the appalling bulge in his boxers. "The shower, I meant," I reply. My breath hitched when he lifted me up. He tore my nightgown off and tossed it aside. In no time, I
Hudson's POV Arona flinches as I throw another crystal vase against the wall. Since my return, she has not been any help. I can see her struggling to hold back the urge to say, "I told you so," but she knows better than to provoke me when I'm in this fucking mood. Camilla glances at me and sighs. Ever since I arrived, I have been berating everyone nonstop. A warrior enters the living room, fear clearly visible on his face. “A... Alpha King. None of the men made it back to North Natbia.” I snarled and grabbed him by the collar, throwing him against the wall. He landed on top of the shattered glass. Arona snickered from behind. I turned around, pinning her with a menacing stare. The warrior scrambles to his feet and flees the scene. I was still seething. I had to flee Kaladia like a coward. My warriors stood no chance against Bella, and my useless mother was unwilling to confront her. Therefore, I had to leave Bella and everything else behind. “What kind of witches are you two?
Hendrick's POV I entered the room as soon as Chad left. The air still reeked of sex, and I felt a sharp sting of jealousy. Lycans have a much stronger sense of smell than wolves. I felt Bella's scent as I approached the bed—she smells exquisite. That natural aroma of hers calms both me and Chaos. I sat on the chair to gaze at her like a fucking stalker. She stirred in her sleep. Her wolf could sense me, but she did not feel threatened by me. She sleeps peacefully. I resisted the urge to brush the silky strands of hair away from her face. Her pillowy lips are slightly parted as she breathes softly. The palace is bustling with activity, all in preparation for her wedding to Chadwick. My jaw tightens. This infatuation has had to go. She's my brother's mate. The one and only, not a second chance mate, but the one the Goddess intended for him. Holloway signed his death sentence with what he did. I know my brother. He does not forgive easily, especially when it comes to her. Hence, m
**Bella's POV** After Dane shared the great news, I got up from Chad's lap and placed the plate of food on the table. I had been so hungry earlier. Although I usually don’t eat much meat, I felt like I could eat everything on the table. Chad had been feeding me tiny bites when Dane walked in, and I noticed the amused glint in his eyes at the sight of us. Everyone at the palace saw Chad as the big bad wolf, but he was so sweet to me. "So, he's gone!" I exclaimed with excitement. "It seems so," Chad replied, leaning back on the couch and crossing his legs in a figure-four position. "We won't let our guard down, though. Don't forget that he is working with a witch." He focused his gaze on me, and I felt my cheeks flush as I averted my eyes. I grabbed the glass of wine Rose had served earlier and welcomed the bittersweet taste. "I will reinforce the security around the palace. People from neighboring packs have started to arrive for your wedding," Dane said before excusing himself
Chad's POV I witnessed everything in those fleeting seconds from a distance. The chaos that unfolded was overwhelming. Her power was immeasurable; she tore through the magic barriers fiercely. My warriors stood helplessly. There was nothing else to do. She eliminated the threat singlehandedly. Now, I cradle her in my arms inside the car as she sleeps like an angel, not as the terrifying witch who just obliterated an army of warriors. The small lashes on her supple skin finally heal, and I clench my jaw at seeing them. The dried blood that smeared her skin had already begun to flake away. Hendrick speeds past on his motorcycle. He knows what Bella is capable of, so he had no doubts when he took her to that place. I can't help but feel jealous of their closeness. Why does she trust him with her secret and not me? Dane pulls through the castle gates, and I leave the car carrying Bella. As we pass by the common room, the women gasp and look in horror as they see Bella covered in bl
Bella's POV As we approach the crumbling, abandoned building, my heart races like a wild drum in my chest. The eerie silhouette of the structure looms before us, its broken windows resembling dark, unblinking eyes. Despite the unsettling ambiance, my real fear lies not in what might be lurking within those walls but in the possibility of Chad discovering my location. Tonight, I plan to unravel all my secrets to him, a daunting task that sends a flutter of anxiety through me. I rub my palms together, feeling the cool air against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of my apprehension. Hendrick catches my gaze, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “Don’t tell me you’re getting scared? Bella, you single-handedly subdued the four men who tried to kidnap you in Royal City,” he teases, his confidence radiating like a beacon. Though my stomach twists slightly, I can't help but quirk my lips at his words. “Well, I didn’t mean to kill them. I was just learning to harness my newfound p