Chapter Sixty Four Sophia’s Secret Visit to DamonSophia’s POVThe sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the pack grounds as I stepped outside. A cool breeze brushed against my skin, making me shiver slightly. I had dressed carefully, making sure my appearance was flawless before leaving. My long, flowing dress hugged my body in all the right places, and my hair cascaded down my back in soft waves. I wanted to look my best.I had planned this visit carefully. I didn’t want anyone to suspect where I was going, especially not Cara. She had never hidden her dislike for Damon, and I knew that if she found out I was going to see him, she would try to stop me or at least question me endlessly.I had only taken a few steps when I heard her voice behind me.“Sophia!”I froze for a second before turning around with a smile. Cara was sitting on the wooden bench outside her house, her long dark hair tied back into a loose ponytail. She looked at me curiously, her brows slightly r
Chapter Sicty Five : The Day Of The Gathering Cara's POVThe party day was cold, the kind of cold that seeped to my bones and made me shiver even though I had on warm clothes. The sky was a dismal gray, thick clouds low and hanging, threatening rain but never quite materializing. The air was heavy with the scent of wet soil and pine, a smell I was accustomed to and which usually made me feel comforted, but today it was stifling.Everyone was preparing to go out to the Head Pack's domain, and the entire packhouse was charged with tension and anticipation. Warriors were double-checking their weapons, omegas were scurrying about, making sure everything was set, and the ranked wolves were at the door, ready for Alpha to give the cue.I remained quiet, watching as everyone moved into position. My chest was heavy, and I hated the ache in my chest. I did not even know why I was feeling this way. Maybe because I knew what was going to happen. This meeting was not a simple pack meeting. It wa
Chapter Sixty Six : The Spark KissDamon’s POVThe moment I arrived at the gathering, I felt eyes on me. It was expected. I was the last Alpha to arrive, and my reputation always ensured that I was the center of attention. But none of that mattered to me right now.Because the first thing I saw was her.Vanessa.She was clinging to Liam, holding his hand like he was the most precious thing in the world. My jaw tightened, my hands curling into fists at my sides. Liam was supposed to be with Cara. That had been the arrangement, the expectation. But there he was, standing tall, allowing Vanessa to lean into him, fingers intertwined.I wasn’t the only one who noticed.Cara did too.I could see the way her face fell, how her eyes dimmed just a little before she quickly masked her expression. She was trying to be strong, but I knew it hurt her.Good.Let her feel the same sting of betrayal I did.I let my gaze shift, my eyes landing on Sophia.She stood beside Cara, her posture stiff, her f
Chapter Scenety Sox: Broken HopesCara's POVThe moment Damon's hand wrapped around Sophia's, my whole world came to a stop.It was not supposed to be like that.I had stood there with my heart pounding against my chest, expecting him to make the choice and choose me. My arms had already extended, expecting him to come to me, his choice already made.But then—he passed by.Just like that.Like I didn't exist.And he chose her.Sophia.I was paralyzed. I was speechless. I could only stand there and watch as the scene unfolded before me. Damon, the man who was once mine—he had chosen another.For a couple of seconds, I tried telling myself it was not happening. Maybe I was dreaming. Maybe I had been mistaken. And then I looked at Sophia's face—the wide-eyed shock in her eyes, the puzzled expression on her face.She was really happy for this .Even Liam was shocked, his fists curled into fists.My throat closed, my breath hissing out in tiny gasps. I had to get out of there. I had to see
Chapter Sixty EightLiam's POVI sat outside, watching the pack members wander around, preparing for the gathering later that evening. The air was heavy, filled with the scent of burning wood from the torches being lit, and the soft murmur of conversations intermingling with the crunch of leaves in the wind.Vanessa sat beside me, her fingers tracing slow circles on my arm. It was a habit she'd gotten into—touching me, holding onto me, as if she was afraid I'd vanish.My friend Aaron came up to me then. His expression was solemn, the kind that told me he needed to say something."Liam, may I have a word?" Aaron spoke up, his eyes darting to Vanessa prior to settling on me.I sighed. "What's up?"Aaron crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "It concerns Cara."I tensed slightly at her name but recovered fast."What about her?" I asked, my tone flat.Aaron frowned. "You just don't understand the issue, do you? You're with Vanessa all day every day, and your mate—your pregnant mate—is on
Chapter Sixty Nine : The MissingSophia's POVMy heart skipped a beat when I heard the news. Cara was missing.I had thought I misheard, that someone was pulling my leg, but the worried faces surrounding me told me otherwise. My hands trembled as I held onto the closest thing around me for support. Missing. She was missing. And she was pregnant.I did not waste a second. I turned and ran, my legs carrying me as quickly as I could have ever thought possible. My only hope was one individual now—Damon.I burst through the grounds of the pack, the sting of cold wind on my skin as I zigzagged among crowds of babbling wolves. They were all chattering, speculating. Some claimed that Cara had escaped. Others fretted she was kidnapped. I felt a chill at the notion. Cara wasn't just an ordinary wolf—she was with child. Anything that happened to her.I opened Damon's door without warning, gasping for breath as I went in.He was at the window, his back turned to me, as if he already knew I was th
Chapter Seventy : Caleb’s CaptivenessLily's POVPain. That was the first thing I remembered. A throbbing ache at the base of my neck. My body ached all over, my wrists burned where the rough ropes had rubbed against my skin, and my legs ached from being immobilized in one position for so long.And then, the blackness was ripped away.My cloth blindfold was ripped off, and the blinding beam of bright torch burned into my eyes. I blinked repeatedly, trying to adjust, but even before my eyes had a chance to adjust, I already knew where I was.I recognized my captor.A shiver ran down my spine as my eyes slowly lifted—only to be met with the cold, icy glare of Alpha Caleb.The appearance of him sent a ripple of fear rippling through me. Not because he was strong, or because he had kidnapped me in the past. Because this time… I could tell by his eyes. This time, he was not letting me go.He towered over me, his huge body blocking the small moonlight that was able to penetrate the trees.
Chapter Seventy One : The Relentless SearchI hurried through the dense forest hastily, my ribcage thumping with anxiety. The giant trees cast great shadows, and the thorns lashed against my garments like trying to stop me. I was desperate to find Cara. Every second passed like an age, and worry about what may be happening to her haunted my very existence.I paused, taking a deep breath, trying to capture her scent. The forest was rich with many scents—wet earth, wildflowers, and the faint musk of animals—but none that led me to Cara. Anger swelled within me. I clenched my fists, holding back the panic building within me. I couldn't afford to lose my composure now.As I went on, the stillness of the forest was broken by the swishing of footsteps behind me. I was about to turn and face whoever dared to pursue, tense muscles at the ready. Relief washed over my body upon seeing Sophia emerging from the bushes, her cheeks flushed and breathing hard."Sophia," I said in a mix of surprise a
Chapter 158 – Trapped in DeceptionDamon's POVThe air was thick in my study. Tension-charged. A burning heat radiated in my chest from a pain that had no reason behind it. A mixture of anger, fear, and confusion.Sophia was nowhere to be found.I had attempted. Texted. Waited.Nothing.She always kept her word. Always told me where she was going to be.But now… nothing.Lucas sat across from me, his hands flying quickly across the tablet screen. He had been quiet the last few minutes, trying to track Cara's phone. The guards we'd sent had lost Sophia. And now Cara too.I did not want to think it. I did not want to believe that Cara was involved. But every fiber of my being was screaming otherwise."Any signal?" I asked, my throat scratchy."Not yet," said Lucas. "Just another second or two. If she's got her phone on, we'll pinpoint it."Before he could finish speaking, the study door creaked open.I raised my head hastily.And there she was.Cara.Craddling the baby in her arms.My h
Chapter one hundred and fifty seven Suspect Damon's POVI waited in the study, staring at the clock.More than when she was supposed to call. I had told her to message me or call me the moment she arrived at the location Alec Davis had given her. She promised she would. I believed her. I believed she would keep herself safe.Too long. Too silence now.I picked up my phone and dialed her again.It rang once.And then twice.And then went to voicemail.I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. I tried a third time. Still nothing.A thunderous knock on the door caused me to look up."Come in," I said, attempting to sound calm.Lucas came in, holding a small tablet. I could tell from his face that something was wrong."We've got a problem, Alpha," he told me. "The guards we sent to tail Sophia… they lost her."My heart sank."Lost her?" I repeated, my voice even.What does that even mean?."She went into the building," he explained. "But she never came out. The guards stayed, maybe thi
Chapter 156 : Trapped By CaraThe streets were deserted as I walked to the destination I had been sent. It was an old street, near the town center, yet still deserted enough to make me get a bit apprehensive. I held my phone tight.And then suddenly—A heavy sound behind me.Before I could even turn, someone grabbed me hard from behind. A fist closed over my mouth. I struggled, kicked, screamed — but the rag over my mouth muffled my cry.I was pulled back, through an alley. My heart thudded so violently I thought it would burst.I caught sight of the shape of a broken-down, falling building — the windows broken, the walls cracked. My gut wrenched.They shoved me in.The air was thick with dust and mold. I was tied at the wrists. My mouth was open, my throat dry."W-What's going on?" I gasped. "Let me go!"And then I saw her.Cara.She stepped out of the darkness as if catwalking down a catwalk. Unfazed. Unapologetic. Evil.Caleb was behind her. He turned his head aside when I tried to
Chapter 155 :?The Weight in My Chest(Damon's POV)The air in my study was stale. The room smelled of old pages and quiet reflection. I had a book in my hand, but I wasn't reading. My eyes had been on the same line for the past five minutes. My mind wasn't calm.Not since that message came.Alec Davis — the name that had been so important to Sophia. Her favorite author. The one author who had written stories that had comforted her when the world had been cruel.Now that same author wanted to meet her in person. Alone.I didn't care for it. Not at all. It was strange. It felt too abrupt. Too personal. And something in the message… it had my wolf unsettle with unease.Just then, the door to our bedroom opened.Sophia stepped out. She wore light jeans and a soft cream-colored sweater. Her hair was brushed back neatly. She looked beautiful, but her face carried excitement, like a child about to meet her hero.“Damon,” she said gently.I turned in my chair, eyes meeting hers.“I’m getting
Chapter one hundred and fifty four : Cara's BargainPOV: CaraIt was cold air, night air, gliding down my body like a caress. I walked through the woods, taking my time, no hurry. My black trench coat was enveloped around me, heels of shoes sinking delicately into sodden ground as I went deeper into the trees. The moon was silver, distant, cold—like I am tonight.I'd given the message to Caleb hours ago. He responded right away."Same location. Midnight."This is the time I need Caleb the most, I know he doesn’t like Damon, and this is the time for me to act like I care about him.I smiled as I walked towards the small cabin hidden at the edge of the border, a place that only the two of us knew. A place that was filled with tired memories, lust, lies… and now, a new plan.The door was already open before I could knock.He stood there, big and broad, still with that same obstinate look he always had. Caleb. My history. My instrument."Cara," he said coldly. "What are you doing here?""
Chapter: Secrets and ShadowsDamon's POVThe moonlight through the big windows in my office cast silver streaks on the floor. I sat at my desk, drumming fingers on the wood with nervous restraint. I had banished Sophia earlier that day, telling her I needed to rest. But my thoughts wouldn't rest tonight.Not after that message.Something is amiss.A knock on the door."Come in," I replied.Lucas walked in. My Beta. Loyal. Calm. Sharp.He bowed slightly. "You called, Alpha?"I nodded and motioned to the seat across from me. "Sit. We have to talk."Lucas sat, understanding the seriousness in my voice. "What is it?"I placed my phone in his hands and let him read the message.He read again, slowly.And then looked up at me with an eyebrow raised, furrowed face. "Alec Davis. wants her to come alone?""Yes," I said. "No destination yet, but I know Sophia will depart once it comes. And she doesn't want me included."Lucas sat back. "That's not wise. She's the Luna. What if it's a trap?""Th
Chapter 152: Something She's Keeping SecretDamon's POVThe room was peaceful.Sophia was in my arms, her head gently on my chest. She smelled of roses. Her breath was hot on my skin. Outside was quiet. No guard shouting. No wolves training. Just us. Alone. Safe.I kissed her forehead gently. She smiled faintly but did not open her eyes. She was tired. Maybe it was everything that happened today. The elders visited us earlier. They brought laughter and gifts—but tension as well. They kept reminding us that the pack needed an heir. That we owed it. A future to build.Sophia had said nothing after they left. I'd known something was bothering her. I hadn't asked. Not yet. I'd known she'd tell me when she was ready.Now, in this soft silence, I sensed her release once more."Are you alright?" I whispered, running my hand down her spine."I'm fine," she replied, her tone soft and slightly unsure.But before I could ask her anything else, her phone beeped.She sat bolt upright, grabbing the
Chapter 151: "The Game Begins"POV: CaraThe room was quiet—too quiet. Just the way I liked it.I perched on the bed in the guest room Damon had so generously allowed me to occupy. A part of me was entertained at how uneasy Sophia and Damon both were with my presence, yet they didn't have the backbone to tell me to leave. Guilt is such a potent leash. And I intended to tug it tighter.I deliberately folded my knees, watching as the curtain twitched to an imaginary dance created by a whiff of a breeze coming in through the window. Outside, the pack revelled, their laughter and cheers causing my stomach to churn—though not from envy. No, it was. enjoyment.For deep within, they knew not that their peace was what I held within my hand. And tonight, I was about to shatter.My phone buzzed on the table next to me. I grasped it drowsily and smiled at the name lighting up the screen: Mia — Publisher.Perfect timing.I picked up the phone in a sugary, scripted tone. "Mia, sweetheart. I was ju
Chapter: The Search for Alec DavisDamon's POVThe night was still. Too still.I sat in my study, the gentle glow of the fire illuminating shadows in the dark corners of the room. The logs popped as I stared into the fire, my mind far away. My mind wandered back to earlier today—when the elders had come to demand an heir, when Sophia had looked at me with that mixture of hope and fear. I had told her everything would be fine, but that little ball of doubt in my chest wouldn't go away.The heir.Was I already letting her down?I had promised Sophia that I would never abandon her. To protect her. To care for her. But how could I make her so joyful when something as important as this was slipping away from us?I sighed, slouching in my chair and running my hand through my hair. I had to clear my head. But I'd already wasted hours pacing, deliberating, trying to come up with a solution.And then, the one thing that could possibly cheer her up, I remembered.Alec Davis.I had heard her onc