CLARA’S POV I turned slowly, pressing my back against the pillar as my heart pounded in my chest. What did I just hear? I was Edward’s mate? What kind of joke was that? I stole a glance at the two men, my gaze locking onto Henry’s face. His lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes were deadly serious. He wasn’t bluffing. He wasn’t joking. Edward was my mate. But how? And why was I only finding out now? I shifted my focus to Edward whose back was still turned to me. He wasn’t denying it, just stood facing Henry, his jaw fingers clenched. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Why wasn’t he telling this man that he was lying? “What happens in my family is none of your business, Henry,” Edward finally said, stepping closer, his voice low with warning. “So leave. While I’m still asking nicely.” Henry cocked a brow. “Is that what you think? That I’m not family? That’s ridiculous, Edward. Telling me to leave won’t change the fact that you’ve been keeping this from her for G
Clara’s POV I tossed and turned on my bed, my mind heavy with thoughts and frustration. I’d been thinking for nearly an hour, and I still couldn’t understand why Edward would do this to me. Why had he kept something so vital from me? If he’d told me we were mates long ago, when he first found out, I wouldn’t have had to suffer so much. Maybe I could’ve avoided the tragic turn my life took after marrying Nate. If only Edward had been honest with me… Sighing, I couldn’t shake the thoughts that plagued my mind. I threw the sheets off my body in a fit of frustration and stormed toward the door. As I unlocked it, I found Lydia standing there, looking worn and concerned. “Luna Clara,” she said softly, her hands clasped in front of her. “Are you still angry?” Ignoring her question, I cut to the chase. “I need you to do something for me.” She blinked, the hurt in her eyes fleeting before she nodded. “What is it, Luna?” “You saw the man with Edward, right?” Her brows fu
Clara’s POV Henry and I stared at each other for what felt like forever, my eyes burning with anger, his full of something else. Maybe surprise that I wanted to see him. Finally, he sighed, leaning back with a shrug. “Fine. I’ll tell you, since you’re so desperate to know.” I couldn’t help the small sigh of satisfaction that slipped from me as I leaned back in my seat, folding my arms. “I’m all ears.” “But first,” he said, smiling, “Why are you so covered up?” He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Let me guess, you don’t want to be seen with me?” I shot him a glare, my lips pressing into a tight line. “That’s not important right now.” He shrugged again, biting back a laugh. He signaled the waitress, ordering an iced coffee and a bagel, then leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. I watched him, trying to decide if I could trust anything that came from the mouth of someone so… off. There was something unsettling about him with each
CLARA’S POV I woke up with a pounding headache, like a hammer was slamming between my eyes. I sighed, not in the best mood. I wasn’t just sick—I was sad, angry, and overwhelmed. Everything with Edward had taken its toll on me. We hadn’t really spoken since the outburst, when I told him I’d be leaving once the contract was over, and after I gave him his baby. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been trying to talk to me. The problem was me. I didn’t give him a chance. The night before, he’d come into my room, trying to get me to open up, but I ignored him. Every time he touched me, I shoved his hands away. Eventually, he’d left, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Sighing, I forced myself up and shuffled toward the bathroom. Just as I was about to push the door open, a knock came at the main door. “Who is it?” “We’re here with breakfast, Luna,” a female voice called. I rolled my eyes. Breakfast already? I just woke up. “Come in!” I called out, slamming the bathroom door shut an
CLARA’S POV A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. My eyes flew open, and I could feel something stirring deep inside me: a soft, steady thumping. Was that… my wolf? Lying against Edward’s chest, I lifted my fingers to my neck, gently caressing the bite mark. Then my hand drifted to my chest, pausing over my heart, feeling the pulse beneath my skin. Yes… that was truly my wolf. “Clara…” A faint, almost whispering voice called to me, and I jolted upright, clutching my chest as my heart hammered wildly. Was that her voice? Edward stirred beside me, his gaze sharp and cautious as he watched me. “Is everything okay?” I nodded shakily, rubbing my palms against my chest to steady myself. “Yeah, I… I think I just heard my wolf’s voice.” My words were breathless, disbelief still clinging to them. Edward’s eyes widened, and he quickly propped himself up. His hand gently covered mine, his touch warm and comforting. “And I think I can feel her too,” I added, my voice barely
Nate’s POV Getting a bit suffocated inside the car, despite the blasting cold air-conditioner, I pressed the button in the arm of the door, the window rolling downwards. I inhaled sharply as the wind hit me in the face, natural and soothing. More like it… The car radio static cackled then, a female voice drifting through. “…Luna of the territory has been found and rescued, following her kidnap that happened a few days ago.” “Turn that up,” I quickly instructed, and the driver leaned forward and turned up the volume of the radio. “She was found in good shape and health, despite a few injuries,” the broadcaster continued, “and the perpetrator is still at large, no traces of them found.” I scoffed, shaking my head. So she’d survived, after all. That was quite disheartening, because for a while, I’d really thought this would be her end. But somehow, she keeps surviving. My jaw ticking, I lifted my fingers and pushed them through my hair, a bit unsettled by this informa
CLARA’S POV I leaned back in the hammock, eyes fixed on the clear sky, gently rubbing my stomach. I used to wonder how women could carry life inside them and still manage to do so much. But now, I understood. Ever since I felt my wolf, since the night Edward marked me, I’d felt like a completely different person. Healthier. Stronger. More alive. “Here are the documents you asked for, Luna Clara,” Lydia’s voice broke into my thoughts. I looked up and saw her standing beside me, holding out a few papers. “Everything about the company launch is in here,” she added as I took them from her hand. “I’m really glad we’re moving forward with the plans, Luna,” she said, her grin wide and excited. I forced a small smile, nodding as my fingers brushed over the papers. But inside, I felt a sense of unease. No matter how far I tried to move forward, the fear still clung to me. Maybe it was just paranoia. Maybe not. I hated the way my chest tightened every time the memories c
CLARA’S POV “Hi.” A small woman with freckles and round glasses perched on her nose walked up to me, a polite smile on her face and her hand outstretched. Before she could get too close, two guards stepped in, blocking her path. They squared their shoulders, clearly on alert. I studied her for a moment. She wore a white short-sleeved shirt with a stiff tie and held a black bag tightly in one hand. I raised a brow, curious. Who was she? She noticed and swallowed nervously, adjusting her glasses. “I—I’m Samantha,” she said, voice a little shaky. “Samantha Winters. The journalist.” Ah. She swallowed again but lifted her chin. “It’s truly an honor to work with you, Luna. Thank you for the opportunity.” I kept my eyes on her and gave a small nod. “Yeah, so…” It was true—I asked Lydia to find a journalist to cover the company launch and help spread our goal to every part of the pack. I motioned to the guards to let her through. They stepped back reluctantly. Her smil
Nate’s POVI glanced over at the ginger-haired woman with an average bump, my jaw ticking as I contemplated if she was the right fit for the job.No—if she could execute the plan the way to my satisfaction.I cleared my throat loudly, drawing her attention.“So,” I started, “let’s go over the plan one more time.”She nodded, turning to me.“First off,” I pulled up my sleeves, counting off on my fingers, “you barge into any news network and demand to have an interview. Now, why do we need an interview?” I spread my palms, “to expose me,” I added almost immediately, in response to my question, as I pointed at my chest.She nodded, following closely.“When an interview is granted,” I continued, “you’ll claim to be carrying my child, and I’ve been sending just $10,000 monthly, for support.”“Obviously,” I scoffed, “the amount is outrageous already, and people would think you’re just being selfish, but that’s not the point here.” “The point is,” I drew closer, “to show that I have a baby o
Clara’s POV Henry and I stared at each other for what felt like forever, my eyes burning with anger, his full of something else. Maybe surprise that I wanted to see him. Finally, he sighed, leaning back with a shrug. “Fine. I’ll tell you, since you’re so desperate to know.” I couldn’t help the small sigh of satisfaction that slipped from me as I leaned back in my seat, folding my arms. “I’m all ears.” “But first,” he said, smiling, “Why are you so covered up?” He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Let me guess, you don’t want to be seen with me?” I shot him a glare, my lips pressing into a tight line. “That’s not important right now.” He shrugged again, biting back a laugh. He signaled the waitress, ordering an iced coffee and a bagel, then leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. I watched him, trying to decide if I could trust anything that came from the mouth of someone so… off. There was something unsettling about him with each se
CLARA’S POV A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins. My eyes flew open, and I could feel something stirring deep inside me: a soft, steady thumping. Was that… my wolf? Lying against Edward’s chest, I lifted my fingers to my neck, gently caressing the bite mark. Then my hand drifted to my chest, pausing over my heart, feeling the pulse beneath my skin. Yes… that was truly my wolf. “Clara…” A faint, almost whispering voice called to me, and I jolted upright, clutching my chest as my heart hammered wildly. Was that her voice? Edward stirred beside me, his gaze sharp and cautious as he watched me. “Is everything okay?” I nodded shakily, rubbing my palms against my chest to steady myself. “Yeah, I… I think I just heard my wolf’s voice.” My words were breathless, disbelief still clinging to them. Edward’s eyes widened, and he quickly propped himself up. His hand gently covered mine, his touch warm and comforting. “And I think I can feel her too,” I added, my voice barely a
CLARA’S POV I leaned against the balcony railing, looking down at the patio below. For a brunch we’d thrown together just days ago, the turnout was incredible. Like Lydia suggested, I had to put myself out there before launching my company and the first step was this brunch for women in business. Lydia had sent out invitations and they’d shown up in numbers. More than I expected. More than I could have hoped for. I was impressed and grateful. And, if I was being honest, a little on edge. The patio was packed with at least two hundred women, maybe more, each one a business owner from different packs. Soft music drifted from the speakers, mingling with the low hum of conversation. On one side, rows of neatly arranged tables stretched out, white cloths draped over them, wine glasses catching the sunlight. The whole setup looked… perfect. I ran a hand over my dress, taking in the scene when Lydia’s voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. “Luna,” she said from behind me,
CLARA’S POV I leaned against the balcony railing, looking down at the patio below. For a brunch we’d thrown together just days ago, the turnout was incredible. Like Lydia suggested, I had to put myself out there before launching my company and the first step was this brunch for women in business. Lydia had sent out invitations and they’d shown up in numbers. More than I expected. More than I could have hoped for. I was impressed and grateful. And, if I was being honest, a little on edge. The patio was packed with at least two hundred women, maybe more, each one a business owner from different packs. Soft music drifted from the speakers, mingling with the low hum of conversation. On one side, rows of neatly arranged tables stretched out, white cloths draped over them, wine glasses catching the sunlight. The whole setup looked… perfect. I ran a hand over my dress, taking in the scene when Lydia’s voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. “Luna,” she said from behind me,
NATE’S POV I got home late, the weight of the day still hanging off my shoulders. Amanda’s arrival had gone smoother than I expected, and now it was time to deal with the loose ends. One, in particular, had overstayed her welcome. Isla. She was on the couch, curled up like she owned the place, watching TV and eating grapes. As if she wasn’t the biggest disappointment of the year. I didn’t wait for her to notice I was home. “You’re done,” I said flatly as soon as I entered. She looked up at me, confused for half a second. “What?” And then, like she suddenly remembered I was just coming back, she stood up, drawing close to me. “You’re late today. Work must have been stressful.” She moved to touch my face but I hit her hand away. “You’re leaving tonight.” I told her firmly, trying not to sound irritated as I felt. “You failed to do the one thing I kept you here for. You’re useless now.” She paused, as if trying to make sense of what I said. “Excuse me?” “You couldn’t
EDWARD’S POV Just as more emergency vehicles were pulling into the hospital wing of the Estate, I rushed in through the main entrance, feeling even more frustrated. I hurried into the wing, my eyes quickly catching the panic in the air. I looked around the hallways, filled with people groaning on both my left and right. Most of them were throwing up badly, dropping to their knees. It was complete chaos in here. I saw some doctors and nurses helping the poisoned victims who were too weak to move, guiding them into the wards. As I moved quickly through the hallways, I noticed almost every ward was packed full of sick people. This was horrible. What made it even more disturbing and upsetting was that most of the people vomiting so terribly were important figures in the territory—Alphas and Lunas of high ranks. I shook my head at the sight, my fingers curling into fists at my sides, wanting nothing more than to catch whoever was behind this. Even while I was worried ab
Nate’s POV “Henry Sterling, cousin to Edward Sterling, the Alpha of the territory, has just been arrested as the culprit behind the kidnap of Luna Clara, and the sabotaging events that had taken place these past few weeks.” I stared at the T.V screen, rage and agitation coursing through me, my eyes burning. “This happened earlier today,” the broadcaster continued, “after the culprit had moved into the estate and harassed the Luna, threatening to kill—“ I switched off the television, not wanting to hear any more of that. I let out a huge sigh, tapping my feet against the floor. What the hell was going on? I mean, generally, and with me… I couldn’t deny that I was scared, really scared, especially after this news I’d just seen. How come things kept going well for Edward and Clara? They had somehow discovered the person behind her kidnap, and I was scared now that they might catch up to me soon enough. My mind was not at ease, at all. Henry Sterling…so it had been him
Clara’s POV I stared down at the blood trickling down my thighs, my heart pounding. My eyes blurred, and tears began to fill them, making it hard to see. What was causing this blood? Why was I bleeding so suddenly? Where was it coming from? I slowly turned my gaze up to Edward’s face, seeing that he looked just as shocked and scared as I felt. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of my bloodied thighs and the soaked sheets beneath me. “Edward…” I whispered, my voice breaking as the weight of fear settled heavily in my chest. “Get the doctor!” Edward suddenly yelled, his voice sharp with panic. A guard rushed in, looking confused. “Alpha?” “Get the doctor, now!” Edward’s voice was desperate, and his panic spread across his face. He bolted to his feet, lifting me into his arms with a gentleness that didn’t match the urgency of the situation. Without hesitation, he carried me out of the room, half-sprinting down the hall to his own room. “Edward,” I whimpered, my ches