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Bella's POV I looked at the masked man's eyes, but he averted them. "Can I please see your face?" I asked the man once again. He looked conflicted for a moment, but then he sighed. "Impossible, I wouldn't want to scare you. My face is disfigured, and Princess Arona has strictly instructed me not to show my face around here. I am sorry for not being able to grant you that wish, Luna." My face turned even sadder when suddenly he hugged me, and I hugged him back. He reminds me of my brother Braxten, but it is not him. This man is a Natbian guard. Remembering that, I ended the hug and thanked him for coming. "Luna..." He said. He seemed a little dazed, and he put his hand on his temple. He was struggling for words. "It's fine if you can't reveal your face. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble with Princess Arona." I said gently. He nodded and stepped aside. "Please, take care of yourself, Luna." I saw him leaving, looking a little confused. Arona was waiting for him at the distanc
Chad's POV Horror overcomes me when Bella tells me my brother had slept with her between his fucking arms. He said it when I went to see him tonight, but I refused to believe him. The thing is that it had never bothered me to share everything with him before, but not Bella. Bella is only mine and the fucking infatuation he feels for her it needs to fucking stop. "Bella love. I need you to avoid me during the full moons. I would hate if I suddenly feel the need to mark you. I don't want to hurt you and the baby." I urged, but she pouted. "But I can't sleep without you. Look at me now. I'm awake waiting for you. I need you in my bed." Fuck, why is it so hard to deny her something? "It's only 3 days a month, Ma Belle. Let's do this for the baby." I said. "Those days you slept with your hand on my stomach. You looked happy about the baby." Hendrick thought the baby was mine. "We'll talk about this tomorrow. You need to rest." I said. I took a shower before settling on the bed
Bella's POV The next day, when I woke up to the sound of the mourning trumpets. I sat up, feeling a void on my chest. Today, my father will be cremated. I looked towards Chad's side of the bed, but he was no longer here. I felt a panic attack building on my chest. My father was dead, my brothers were lost, and Chad wasn't here. I felt alone, abandoned. The sound of the trumpets was the painful and mocking reminder of that. The void feeling on my chest grew, and I felt that I couldn't breathe. I heard Chad's voice coming from far away, while I felt like I was falling in a bottomless pit. I couldn't cry and I couldn't scream. Someone shook me. I opened my eyes and found Chad's beautiful golden ones. "Drink this, you need to drink this, my love. Everything will be alright. I already ordered them to stop." I drank the milk he gave me, but it tasted bitter. I felt myself gradually calming down. "The trumpets woke me up, Chad, and I panicked when I didn't see you." I probably looke
Chad's POV Since I saw Arona when I got here, I felt that something wasn't right. Arona was way too happy and confident. Not surprisingly, Jasper was here with his lover. Bella sat next to me after she was done with her speech. She had also added a scholarship for young girls and young mothers who wanted to further their education. My woman was amazing, a true queen. "To the People of Keladia, I want to promise one thing." Arona Began. "That if Lycan King Chad unites Keladia with North Natbia, the nations will no longer be at war with each other." the audience murmured with approval. "Imagine this. If there's no war, your men will stay by your side throughout your pregnancy. Your pups will be stronger because you won't be suffering about your mate's absence in the most critical stages of development of your pups." Fucking Arona, she knows how to hit the right buttons. "Even more, with both nations united, there won't be any enemy that could beat us. Nobody would be a match to
Hendrick's POV: I haven't stopped thinking about her, but not obsessively on the contrary. She makes me feel sane. She is like a cure I need. I was going to let her be, after all Chad had warned me about her, but the minute I saw her something bigger than I could explain compelled me to stay with her. To get to know her. Trying to put distance didn't help when she was so affectionate. I hate physical contact, but her touch I welcome. The way she caressed my cheek or stroked my hair almost had me purring like a puppy. The first time she slept in my arms, I didn't even want to close my eyes, not wanting to miss a moment of her peaceful face scrunched into the cutest frown as she slept. Eventually, I fell asleep, and for the first time in years, I didn't have a nightmare, and I didn't hear the voices that have tormented me since I could recall. Today, I felt lucid and taking advantage of Dr. Strauss' absence I left my castle. I needed to see her. I hid on my mother's garden because
Chad's POV A fist landed on my jaw, making me stumble back. Dane laughed as I rubbed my chin. I had been distracted thinking about the fucking mess Hendrick's presence had brought with him here. "What's going on with you, Chad? You're very distracted today." Dane asked, still amused. He was particularly cheerful today. Elise had told him that they were expecting their first child. I was genuinely happy for both of them. I did a round kick and threw him on the floor, laughing at him as well. I give him my hand and help him get up, but he throws himself at me, pushing me back. I moved fast and gained back my balance. "That's enough for today." I told Dane. 'My brother is here.' I mindlinked him, not wanting to be overheard. "What?" Asked Dane. "I thought it was only during the full moon." He said with surprised. "That had been the norm for all of these years, but not anymore. He demands to stay as long as he feels fine." I exhaled with frustration. "What about the Luna?
Bella's POV I practically sprung out of Chad's lap when he mentioned revealing all our secrets. There is no way I could reveal to him all of mine. At least not at the moment. Especially after last night's events. I'm afraid of his reaction, and I can't lose Chad. "Bella?" His deep masculine voice called to me. I turned around to look at the impressive man sitting on the couch. His golden eyes looked inquisitively towards me. I forced the need to throw myself into his arms and feel his ripped muscles curled around me like I did every night. I need to leave, though. I can't talk about any of my secrets for now. "I gotta go, Chad. I told Elise that I was going to her Dr's appointment with her. We'll catch up later." I said, leaning to kiss him on his delicious lips. He grabbed me by the waist and deepened the kiss. Sparks danced in my body with his touch. Sometimes, they are not too noticeable, like this morning, but when they are, it makes it so difficult to separate from him. H
The Masked Man's POV I can not fully describe what I felt when I saw Luna Bella in distress. I felt the need to protect her. I wanted to tear that man apart and make sure he would never be a threat to her, but I'm just a warrior here. Fuck, I kick the dirt in frustration. If only I could get my memories back. I know that I'm more than that, I could feel it. I wish I knew who I am. Maybe then my mate would leave with me, but I don't even know my real name. "Where were you?" I had sensed her exquisite scent before she even got here. Her arms slide on my pectorals from behind. I grabbed one of her slim arms and turned her around, pulling her against my body. With her high heels, we were about the same high. She was really tall and slim, so perfect, like a runway supermodel. I kiss her passionately as she locked her arms around my neck and responds to my kiss with the same passion. "Arie." I whisper in her ear. She squints her eyes and looks at me ready to vent. She is so temperament
The pain is agonizing. It burns in my chest, travels through my insides, and suffocates me until I can barely breathe. This feeling is brutal, gut-wrenching; it's torture—she's gone. My mate is gone, and I'm left behind, unable to do anything about it. I pace back and forth in the hospital's private suite. Dane looks at me with worry in his eyes. "Chad, you need to follow Grace's orders. You're alive by a miracle. If she hadn't been creating the cure for Killtrax, you would be a goner by now. You were basically her guinea pig." He has been trying to reason with me since I woke up. The news of what happened spread like wildfire. Thankfully, any video footage of the event has been erased. "I will not rest until she's back with me!" I snarl. "What if she doesn't want to come back? According to you, she believes you are responsible for the death of her pup." Dane asks with concern and exasperation. "No, that wasn't my Bella. She wouldn't..." I trail off as Dane hits the wall wit
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 y
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