Chapter Fifty Six : UnwelcomeCara’s POVMy heart was heavy as I stepped into the packhouse with Liam beside me. I thought coming back here would bring some kind of relief, some kind of peace, but instead, uneasiness crawled over my skin like a warning.Sophia was the only person I expected to welcome me back. She had been the one who helped me escape, the one who believed me when no one else did. But as soon as her eyes landed on me, I knew something was wrong.Her expression wasn’t one of happiness. It wasn’t relief.It was disappointment.A deep, painful kind of disappointment that made my chest tighten.Before I could even say a word, a sharp, cruel voice sliced through the air.“Look at her,” Vanessa sneered, arms crossed over her chest. Her gaze flickered from my face to my belly, her lips curling in disgust. “Running back here like some lost little puppy. What, Damon finally threw you out? He got tired of playing with you?”I clenched my fists, my stomach twisting in anger.“Th
Chapter Fifty SevenTorn Liam’s POVI stood in my father’s chambers, waiting for him to speak. The room was quiet, but I could feel the tension in the air. My father, the Alpha, sat in his chair, staring at me with cold eyes.“You brought her back,” he finally said. His voice was low but sharp. “And with her, him.”I knew who he was talking about—my child.I didn’t say anything, but my father’s stare grew harder.“The elders are already bowing,” he said. “Bowing to a child who hasn’t even been born yet.”I stiffened. I had heard whispers, seen the way the elders looked at Cara’s stomach with something close to worship.“They say he will be the strongest Alpha of his time,” my father continued. “Stronger than you. Stronger than me.”I swallowed.“They are already choosing him over me,” he said, his voice bitter. “The Alpha, their leader, is being ignored. They believe in a child that isn’t even here yet.”I frowned. “The elders want him to be born?”“Yes,” my father said sharply. “The
Chapter Fifty Eight: Sophia’s Motive? I don’t knowCara’s POVI sat alone in the sitting room, my hands resting on my stomach. The silence in the house felt heavier than usual. Liam had been acting strange since we arrived, and now, he was nowhere to be found. A part of me wanted to go look for him, but another part of me didn’t have the strength to. Maybe he just needed time to think.Just as I was lost in my thoughts, I heard footsteps. I turned to see Sophia walking in. She looked tired, like she had a lot on her mind. She sat beside me with a sigh, leaning back against the couch.“You look like you have something to say,” I said, breaking the silence.Sophia gave me a small smile but didn’t respond right away. Instead, she stared at the ceiling for a moment before speaking.“Have you ever felt like you don’t belong?” she asked suddenly.I frowned. “What do you mean?”Sophia sighed again. “Everyone in this pack expects me to follow their rules, to do what they think is right. But w
Chapter Fifty Nine To know the truthLiam’s POVThe journey was long and exhausting, but I didn’t stop. I rode through the night, the cold wind biting at my skin as my mind raced with thoughts. My father’s words haunted me.“That child will take everything from you, Liam. He will be stronger, more respected. If you don’t act now, you will live in his shadow forever.”I had tried to ignore it, tried to believe it wasn’t true. But the way the elders in my own pack had bowed before the unborn child—the way they spoke of him as if he were already a ruler—it shook me to my core.I needed answers. And so, I had come here—to a distant pack where the elders were known to hear directly from the Moon Goddess. If anyone could tell me the truth, it was them.****The pack’s territory was different from mine. The trees were taller, the air heavier with mystery. The moment I crossed into their land, I felt something strange—an energy I couldn’t explain. It was as if the ground itself was alive, wa
Chapter Sixty : Sophia’s MissionDamon’s POVI sat in my study, staring at the papers on my desk, but my mind was elsewhere. No matter how hard I tried to focus, my thoughts kept drifting back to Cara. I hated how she still had this effect on me. She had made her choice. She picked Liam.I should move on. I should forget.A soft knock at the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I frowned. I wasn’t expecting anyone.“Come in,” I said, my voice sharp.The door opened, and to my surprise, a woman stepped inside. Sophia.I leaned back in my chair, watching her closely. She walked in with confidence, her long brown hair falling over her shoulders, her eyes calm but observant. She was different from Cara, sharper, more calculating.“What are you doing here?” I asked.She stopped a few steps away from my desk and smiled slightly. “I wanted to see you.”I scoffed. “And why would I care about that?”She didn’t seem bothered by my coldness. “I just thought I should thank you for taking care of Ca
Chapter Sixty One : Under The TensionCara’s POVI sat in the quiet of Liam’s room, my hands resting on my belly as I stared out the window. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the pack. The past few days had been overwhelming. I could feel the weight of everyone’s stares whenever I stepped outside—some filled with curiosity, others with resentment. Even though Liam had chosen me, it didn’t mean his pack had accepted me.I turned my head when I heard the door open. Liam walked in, looking deep in thought. His brows were slightly furrowed, and there was something distant about him. He had been like this since he returned earlier today, distracted, as if his mind was somewhere else.“Did you hear?” I asked, hoping to get his attention.He looked at me, finally meeting my eyes. “Hear what?”“The rogues,” I said. “They are coming. It’s been spreading across the packs. They are planning to attack every pack.”Liam nodded slowly. “I know.”I frowned. His reaction was too calm. T
Chapter Sicty Two : Discussuon Cara's POVThe room was silent for a few seconds after Luna had spoken. The air was heavy, as if it would be difficult to breathe, but I sat still, my hands neatly folded on my lap. My heart pounded in my chest, but I would not let any emotion show on my face."There will be a meeting at the Head Pack," Luna stated, her voice cold and commanding. "It is a very important meeting. The future Alpha of this pack, Liam, will be present. And, of course, he will come with his mate, Vanessa."A sharp prod in my chest, but I remained silent.Liam stayed quiet. His lips hadn't moved once since this conversation started. I didn't dare look at him, but his expression showed nothing."Everyone in the pack will be there," Luna continued, scanning the room. Then she turned to me. "Even you, Cara. But of course, you'll be going on your own."I wasn't surprised by what she said, but it did not take away the small ache in my chest as a shiver of disappointment ran throug
Chapter Sixty Three : An Option For Damon Damon’s POVI sat in my office, leaning back in my chair, while Lucas paced in front of me like a mother hen worrying over her reckless child. My Beta had a way of making simple things sound like life-or-death situations, and right now, his focus was on the upcoming gathering at the Head Pack.“Damon, you can’t go alone,” Lucas said for what felt like the hundredth time.I raised an eyebrow at him. “And why not?”He stopped pacing and looked at me like I had just asked if the sky was blue. “Because you’re the Alpha of the Lion Pack. You know how these gatherings work. Every Alpha arrives with a mate. It’s a sign of strength, stability, and power. You showing up alone? That’s like walking into a war zone without a weapon. People will talk.”I smirked. “Let them talk.”Lucas groaned and dragged his hands through his hair. “You’re impossible, you know that? They’re not just going to talk. They’re going to use it against you. An Alpha without a L
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