Chapter 129Authors POVThe day was typical for Lessie. She woke up, took a shower and got dressed for school, and tried to focus on things to be studied. But something was different, something she couldn't quite place. As soon as she stepped out of the gates and onto roads leading toward school, she knew. Someone was following her.It had happened for the first time, and she waved it off. Perhaps it was the weight of responsibility on her shoulders, or simple paranoia for being in the presence of someone as powerful and controversial as Alpha Duaine. Eyes were raised at her often, wondering, suspicious, or even admiring. There was something, however, that clung to her, followed her around corners and corridors, then simply disappeared when she suddenly turned around.By day two, the feeling returned, more vivid this time. She saw a momentary glimpse of a dark shape rushing behind a wall just opposite the school gate. Her heart missed a beat. The stalker was not bold, but wary, as
Chapter 128Duaine’s POVI had always been a man who believed that strength must be tested, not only trusted. Titles and reputations meant little if the arms that carried them were weak, and lately, I’d noticed something in Dave. He had been at my side for years, more loyal than most, but loyalty alone does not swing a sword or carry a shield. His actions had slowed down a bit. As much as he hated it, the load of responsibility was starting to get to him.That's when I took initiative and stepped in.The early morning air cut through my flesh as I entered the training grounds. The sun barely rose above the horizon, and a fine golden haze lay over the open grounds. The ring of swords, the impact of boots on earth ringing out, and the new guards, my new guards who Dave had chosen were exercising with a mix of efficiency and pride. Today I would examine them myself."Fall into line," I commanded then, my loud voice carrying out onto the grounds.The men doubled in two lines at once. I o
Chapter 127Dylan's POVThe moment I opened the front door of my house, the scent of cedar and worn stone enveloped me.My home was lightyears away from Duaine's fortress, built for intimidation, mastery, and allegiance. Mine had been built for power and decadence. Walls appeared to narrate tales of carnage, conquest, and cruel excess. I threw my coat on the arm of a chair, the tension of relaxation seeping through my muscles as I stretched my arms out to either side of me.I was given less than a couple of minutes' respite before my Beta materialized in front of me. He had large eyes, was dressed in his impeccable finest as ever, and stood ready to bow before me. He bowed his head and spoke to me in his suave tones but underlying that a hint of eagerness."Alpha," he began, "today was fine. We have been able to put a mole into Alpha Duaine's pack."I leaned forward, not breathing, my eyes locked on him. "Already? That fast?""Yes," he answered, his shoulders set. "One of the new memb
Chapter 126Duiane's POVWhen I heard Dave's voice behind the door had his voice taut with every syllable, my chest tightened up. I'd been with Lessie, she was safe and close as we were together but duty poked me again.I despised it. But as Alpha, I knew better of all that commitments had a tendency to crack in even in the most intimate, vulnerable moments.I sat up in bed so softly after a peck on the forehead in a hurry. My hand automatically went out to smooth the shape of her cheek before I pulled back completely, my heart uncertain but my mind preparing myself for whatever Dave was going to tell me.I flung the door open and Dave stood waiting there, usually impassive but hardened soldier's face creased in deep consideration. His head nodded respectfully, yet his voice remained professional as he spoke to me."Alpha, I didn't want to wake you so early, but this has to be done now."I arched an eyebrow, my voice still on the verge of anger. "It'd have to be really good to wake me
Chapter 125Lessie's POVI woke up from the warmth that wasn't the blanket that was covering me. I had thought it was a dream, my brain was still fuzzy from the disappointment of the evening before. But opening my eyes and adjusting to the gray morning light coming through the curtains, I knew what had happened.Alpha Duaine was stretched out next to me.My heart raced. His arms were clasped around me tightly enough, nearly restraining me in fear of losing me if he let go in his hold. He was weary, even sleeping. But there was something else in addition to that too, something fragile.I wished for a moment to feel that he relied on me so urgently.Gently, I tried to roll over. I did not wish to wake him, I just wanted to roll quietly away. Perhaps fetch my glass of water, perhaps clear my head before I dived into the typhoon of feeling that burst forth when this close again to him.But the instant I moved, his arms clamped down more tightly and his eyes snapped open."Where are you
Chapter 124Lessie's POVThe house was too still, the kind of still that felt like it pressed down on me, weighed over me, heavy. I was huddled in the sitting room.It was already nighttime and Alpha Duiane still had not come home.I went on calling him again and again but he was not picking up. With every call, that uneasy stench in the pit of my stomach was increasing.Something was off. Alpha Duiane was a planner, the type of person who always tied up loose ends. If he was running late, he'd call Dave, and Dave would let me know. But not tonight. No phone calls. And he was not answering.What if something had happened to him? I thought.I looked at Dave who had walked in, he had his arms folded across his chest, his expression steadfast as usual. I swallowed and finally gathered the nerve to say something."Dave, what if he had been hurt?" My voice shook, and the fear I had fought so hard to keep hidden surfaced.Dave looked at me, as if he was holding his breath for the question.