Chapter 32“A Walk to the Library”Alera’s POVThe library stood before me, towering against the sky like a monument of knowledge. It was easily the tallest building I had ever seen, its height so commanding it almost made me feel small. My steps slowed as I reached the entrance, my chest tightening with a mix of awe and nervous anticipation.But when I pushed the heavy doors open, I froze.Inside, the library wasn’t anything like I had imagined. From the outside, it seemed plain, structured, even ordinary—but within… it was breathtaking. The hall stretched out in perfect curves, walls arching in a circular design that defied logic. How could something so normal on the outside feel infinite inside?My lips parted in wonder. “Oh, to behold this beauty,” I whispered, almost to myself.“Let me guess… it’s your first time here?”The voice startled me. I glanced over my shoulder to see a young woman, her smile curious but kind. I nodded absently, my eyes still clinging to the sweeping, rou
Chapter 31********“Or so I thought”Alera's POVThe night stretched endlessly, leaving an ache I couldn’t shake. The room felt too hot, the air thick with everything Rex had stirred inside me and then abandoned. He had touched me, ignited me, and then walked away—leaving me stranded in the storm of my own desire.I couldn’t understand him. Why did he keep pulling away whenever we were on the verge of crossing that line? Why start something only to stop, as if denying me was part of some cruel game?He shouldn’t have made me feel this way. He shouldn’t have started it at all.Ava huffed in my head, a sharp sound that made my chest tighten.I knew what that huff meant—I wasn’t being honest with myself. I wasn’t just frustrated; I was starving for him. My body wanted what my pride refused to admit. If I couldn’t have Rex’s touch, I was left restless, unsatisfied, like a fire burning without relief.I rolled onto the bed he had left moments ago, my fingers sliding across the cool sheet
Chapter 30*********“Silent Confessions”Alera's POV It was past nine in the evening, and I had carefully prepared the bed for tonight. My heart wouldn’t stop racing as I paced around the room, back and forth, restless thoughts crowding my head. Ever since Rex brought me here, I had known it was purely for political reasons. I wasn’t naïve about that. Deep down, I had expected him to make advances on me much sooner. Yet, to my surprise, he had been nothing but a gentleman. Respectful. Patient. Almost distant. But then I went and triggered something inside him—something I shouldn’t have awakened.I glanced at the wall clock again. Almost ten. A wave of worry washed over me. He was never this late. Could it be that he wasn’t coming tonight?That thought alone struck sharp and deep, twisting my heart. Did he not find me attractive? Was I not enough for him?The questions chased one another in circles until my eyelids grew heavy and sleep finally crept in.I didn’t know how long I had b
Chapter 29***********“An Alpha edge”Rex’s POVThe chamber was cloaked in silence, yet anger burned inside me, simmering like molten fire beneath steel. My gaze swept across their faces—elders, advisors, men who claimed wisdom but carried only cowardice and hypocrisy. Hypocrites, all of them.“This will be the last time I am summoned for such a trivial matter,” I said, each word firm, deliberate. “You will refrain from questioning me about my relationship. That is not, and will never be, your concern.”I pushed back my chair, intent on leaving, but a voice cut through the stillness, pulling me back.“Please be aware, Alpha, that if anything arises… we may hold you responsible.”The words rang bold and heavy in the hall. The murmurs quieted instantly as Branox stepped forward.My suspicion sharpened. For as long as I had known Branox and Cassian, they had moved in quiet agreement. Rarely divided, rarely opposed. Yet tonight, their stares were sharp with animosity, their silence thick
Chapter 28**********“The Council’s Secret"Rex’s POV I walked through the long corridor, my gaze fixed straight ahead while countless thoughts crowded my mind. One thing about the Elders of the Black Hood Pack was certain—they rarely summoned an Alpha to their meetings. It was against custom, woven into the very laws of our people. And yet, when they did extend such an invitation, it was never without purpose.A purpose I couldn’t yet place.“Were they many?” I asked, my voice low as I glanced over my shoulder at Philips, who walked a respectful step behind me.“In terms of numbers, Alpha, I can’t say for sure,” he replied quickly. “But I don’t believe they’re too many. That alone should mean it isn’t too serious.” His steady tone was meant to calm me, and it worked—at least a little.He was right. If only a few Elders had gathered, perhaps this wasn’t such a grave matter. Maybe it was nothing more than their concern over the recent unrest in the pack.Who truly knew?We reached th
Chapter 27***********“Shadows Of Doubts” Rex’s POV I had thought today would be a good day. Instead, it clawed at me, heavier with every passing hour. The files before me blurred into meaningless lines, my mind replaying the High Priestess’ warning like a curse etched into my soul.Her words painted doubts I didn’t want to carry. Yet no matter how hard I tried, her face lingered in my head, her tone feeding the shadows I fought against.But deep down, my heart rebelled. She was not her father. If anything, she loathed the man. She wasn’t forged from his cruelty. She wasn’t cursed by his sins. She was… different. Special.Why couldn’t they see that? Why was it so easy for them to chain her to his name, to assume blood made destiny? Families weren’t mirrors. Even wolves carried different spirits. To condemn her for who birthed her was crueler than any punishment.“Alpha Rex.”I jolted slightly at the familiar voice. Philip stood by the door, worry etched across his features.“What i