Chad's POV The pent-up sexual tension was killing me. What with my internal battle with Cobalt wanting to mark Bella and me just wanting to rip her clothes off and fuck her senseless as I indulge in her delectable body. But when she asked me about what I talked about in my office with Dane and the others, it was like a cold bucket of water was poured over me. How do I tell her that her brother is a war prisoner and is up to me to get him back. But at what cost. I would need to let go of her. I can't. It would end me. My wolf would go feral. Cobalt has already claimed her in a way not shorter than a true mate, hence his insistence on marking her. Fuck, this woman is mine. I hadn't even felt alive for years until she came into my life. "Chad?" Her seductive voice called to me. Her denty fingers trailing dow my chest. Goddess, she looked perfect with her skin all bruised with my kisses. Her mate mark was already faiding, and Cobalt was dying to mark her. Hell, that's all I wanted
Bella's POV Elise and I have hit it off since the beginning. It was like we had known each other for ages. The more time I spend with her, the more I notice how different Sadie was. I often downplayed Sadie’s snide remarks in the past, as simple jokes or suggestive criticism. Now I see them for what they were. "Let's take pity on the boys Bella and go back. We can always order online, whatever else we are missing." Elise suggested. We had been walking all morning from store to store. They haven't complained, though. At least not in front of us. I smiled, Chad had been so attentive all day. He would carry my bags and would steal kisses from me at every moment. "It's been a long time since I've been out shopping. I didn't even keep track of time." I laughed. The bank had delivered my new cards earlier, and I had access to my money again. Even though Chad had insisted on paying, I didn't let him. He has spent so much on me already. "That's impossible. Why wouldn't you? Shopping
Chad's POV I held Bella in my arms on our way back. She understood my wolf's need. Only the fact that she was in my arms was the only thing preventing me from going back and tear fucking Jasper's body in half. How did he know Bella was going shopping today? I clenched my fists as anger started to build inside me again. Bella, who was nestled against me, felt me tense. She cupped my cheek and kissed me tenderly. I grabbed her arm when I saw the red marks on her wrist where that asshole had grabbed her. A growl rumbled from my chest. "Stop the damn car, Dane!! I will kill him!" I said through gritted teeth, my voice hoarse with rage. Bella threw her body over me, preventing me from opening the door. "Please, don't Chad. This is nothing. The bruises will fade. Stay with me, would you?" Her heart was beating fast. I stared into her baby blue eyes, and I knew I was never going to be able to deny her anything. She could ask me for my life, and I would lay it in front of her proudly.
Bella's POV I know my cheeks must be crimson red. I'm sitting on Chad's left at the dinner table. Chad is looking dangerously handsome as always. The white shirt he's wearing is unbuttoned at the chest, leaving me a clear view of his tattoos. It is also folded at the sleeves. His strong arms are covered in tattoos, as well. It doesn't help that I keep thinking about his promise for tonight. A delicious discomfort is building between my thighs, making me squeeze them tight. "Anty Bella, you look red." Piper's chirpy voice brought me back to reality. I touched my face as everyone stared at me. Somehow, I managed to blush even more. "Are you feeling alright?" Chad's low whisper makes my skin vibrate. "Perhaps you want to retire a little earlier." He gives me a knowing look and winks at me. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I felt his tongue on my skin, and I wish I could mindlink him to stop before he aroused me even more. "Do you want me to go with you, Bella?" Eli
Chad's POV "That's my good girl." She was laying on the bed like an offering. Her glistening pink pussy in whole display. I deserve a medal for being able to control myself. All I wanted to do was to bury my cock inside her pussy and ride her to oblivion. I grabbed the two red silk ties I brought with me. "Do you trust me, beautiful?" She nodded. "Yes, I do." Her soft voice was a mere whisper. "I need to tie you if we're going to do this." Her eyes were wide, but I didn't sense any fear. Surprisea and curiosity maybe, definitely arousal. Her scent was driving me crazy. "Why?" My beautiful Bella asked. "Because I'm hanging by a thread, and if you touch me, I will lose the last bit of control I have. If that happens, I may end up marking you, and we can't have that, not yet." She nods and puts her arms up next to both sides of her head. I carefully tie both ties on each of her wrists and fasten them up on each pole of the bed. "Are you going to fuck me Chad?" She speaks with a fe
Bella's POV "Bella, that diamond necklace is exquisite." Elise said in awe of the diamond necklace Chad had given me this morning. He also gave me a diamond tiara that was part of a matching set with the necklace. Chad's fingers burned in my skin when he put the necklace around my neck. He put my hair over my shoulder before putting the necklace around my neck. When he finished fastening it, he kissed my nape. A shiver ran down my spine. Memories of last night made me blush. He was so tender and passionate. He keeps treating me with caution, though. Like I'm breakable. I wanted to spend all night with him. I wanted to taste his cock and make him come with my mouth. I stole glances of his impressive manhood last night. I wondered how it would feel when he finally fucked me. He had held back a lot. The intensity of his gaze and raggedy breath did not match his careful touches. There was a moment when he was face deep between my legs, and his eyes met mine, my breath caught in m
Bella's POV "What gave you the right to come to my home and make demands, Hudson?!" Chad's aura was immeasurable. The waves of its powerful strength were sofocating. The foreign Alpha King let his aura out, too. It was dark and ominous but in no way closer to Chad's. Princess Arona smirked, enjoying the display of male testosterone. ""What?" Alpha King Hudson asked. "Are you going to let your people die just because you don't want to accept my sister, out of spite?!" The murmurs intensified. "What kind of king would leave their people to suffer?" The King Hudson turned around with his hands open, staring on everyone's faces. "Lycan King Chad cannot do this to his people!" Someone said. Many people agreed. "I always thought King Chad was a fair king." Another woman from the crowd said. So far, almost everyone seems to want that match to happen. "What does he have to lose? He doesn't even have a mate, and he is 36 already." The Hall was buzzing with all kinds of criticism. Ch
Chad's POV I didn't stop walking until we were back inside Bella's room. I set her down, and I buried my nose on the crook of her neck, Inhaling her peaches and cream scent, mixed with the vanilla and honey scent of her hair. It calmed me down. That's why mates were so necessary, and in my heart, Bella was my true mate, given to me by the Goddess or not. She was mine. Hudson and his sister can thank Bella that they're still alive. Only her gentle touch calmed me enough not to rip their heads off and tear their hearts out. Images flashed in my mind of my hands, holding each of their still beating hearts as blood ran down my arms. That would have been beautiful. "Are you alright, Chad?" Her soothing voice brought me back. I kissed her neck in the spot where I'm going to mark her soon, and then I stepped back. Jasper's mark is already gone. I smiled with satisfaction. "I am fine, Ma Petite. You can have your little fun with the competition. But just so you know, no matter who win
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