Chapter Twenty ThreeChapter 23: TakenCara’s POVThe air was still. Too still.A deep growl rumbled in the distance, and I froze, my body tensing. The training ground had been quiet a second ago, but now… something was wrong. The wind carried a scent I didn’t recognize—thick with danger and aggression.Sophia noticed it too. She took a step closer to me, her voice barely above a whisper. “Cara… something’s coming.”I didn’t answer. My instincts had already kicked in. My pulse pounded as I turned toward the trees, scanning the area. Then, they came.Shadows moved between the trees, fast and calculated. My breath hitched as a group of werewolves emerged from the forest, their eyes glowing with hunger and violence. Their movements were smooth, their bodies muscular and prepared for a fight.They weren’t just any werewolves. They were warriors.Sophia gasped beside me. I didn’t have time to reassure her. The second they lunged forward, I shifted.Bones cracked as my body transformed. Fur
Chapter Twenty Fiur: When Everything ChangedLiam's POVThe moment Sophia burst through the doors, gasping and gaping, I recognized that something was wrong. My entire body seized up, instincts in overdrive before she'd even get a word out."It's Cara—she's gone."Those words were like a blow to the gut. I didn't budge for a moment, didn't take a breath. But then my eyes snapped into focus and my wolf churned futilely beneath my skin.Gone?I approached her slowly, my voice strained. "What do you mean she's vanished?"Sophia swallowed once more, her face pale. "We—we were rehearsing. Everything was fine. Then they came." Her breath hitched, fear creeping into her tone. "They were fast, Liam. Too fast. Cara shifted and fought them off, but too many. And their leader—he was strong. Too strong."A growl convulsed deep in my chest. My wolf tried to claw free, looking for blood, looking for fight.I grasped Sophia by the shoulders, holding her face to mine. "Who kidnapped her?"She shook h
Chapter 25: His Mate?Cara’s POVPain pulsed through my body, but I ignored it. My muscles ached from the fight, my skin was raw where the ropes had bitten into my flesh, but I refused to show weakness.The room was cold, damp, the scent of wolves thick in the air. Unfamiliar wolves. The walls were made of stone, the only light coming from a small barred window near the ceiling. There were no chains, no silver, but that didn’t make me any less trapped.I had been taken.I clenched my fists, my heart pounding. Liam. Did he even know I was gone? Would he come for me?Or worse—had he let them take me?Before I could drown in that thought, the heavy door creaked open.Caleb.I knew it was him before I even saw his face. His scent, his aura, the suffocating weight of his presence—it all hit me at once.He stepped inside, his towering frame blocking the light from the hallway. His dark eyes locked onto mine, scanning my face, my body, and then his jaw clenched.And just like that, his expre
Chapter Twenty Six : Unbroken By WillI struggled with Caleb's hold, my heart beating wildly in my chest. His hands were rough, his breath hot against my skin. I pushed against him with all my strength, but he was too strong."Let me go!" I growled, twisting my body, trying to tear loose.Caleb scorned, his eyes black with desire and control. "Why fight it, Cara?" he whispered, his fingers outlining my jaw. "You were always meant to be mine."I jerked my face away in disgust. "I belong to nobody!"He laughed, amused by my desperation. His fingers sank into my arms, holding me against the cold of the stone wall. My heart was beating so achingly hard. I would not cry, would not be scared.Suddenly, the door burst open.A whirlwind of movement. A blast of wind.Then—Liam.He stormed into the room like a tempest, his eyes burning with rage. He did not hesitate. He leaped at Caleb, his fist connecting with his face, and knocked him tumbling onto the floor.I gasped, my body trembling with
Chapter Twenty Seven: Escape in the DarkCara’s POVThe air in the room was thick with tension. My wrists ached from the tight ropes, but that wasn’t what had my heart pounding. It was the way Caleb was looking at me—like I was some prize he was eager to claim.He crouched in front of me, his golden eyes burning with lust and possession. “I’ve waited long enough, Cara,” he murmured, reaching out to stroke my cheek. I jerked my head away, disgust twisting in my stomach.“I won’t let you touch me,” I spat, my voice shaking with fury.He chuckled darkly. “Oh, but you don’t have a choice, my love.” His fingers slid to my shoulder, gripping the fabric of my dress.I struggled hard, kicking at him, but he barely budged. “Don’t fight me, Cara. I will have you, whether you like it or not,” he growled.I turned my head desperately, searching for Liam. He was still tied to the chair, his muscles tense, his expression dark and unreadable. But his eyes… His eyes were filled with something terrify
Chapter Twenty Eight: An Unexpected WelcomeCara’s POVThe journey back home was exhausting. My entire body ached, and Liam was breathing heavily beside me. Though we had escaped, the tension hadn’t left me. Every step we took felt like we were still being hunted.Liam kept a firm arm around me, his touch both protective and reassuring. “We’re almost there,” he murmured.I nodded, too tired to respond. My legs felt like lead, and my mind was still replaying everything that had happened. Caleb. His touch. His threats. The way Liam had saved me. My heart clenched. If Liam hadn’t been there… I shook the thought away.As we reached the entrance of Liam’s house, the door suddenly swung open.“SURPRISE!”I flinched, my body tensing on instinct. But then, I saw Sophia standing there with a wide smile, holding a bouquet of fresh red roses. The entire house was decorated with soft fairy lights, and the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air.I blinked in confusion. “What…?”Sophia’s smile
Chapter Twenty Nine : A Deal for My MateCara's POVMy stomach growled as I walked down the hall, towards the kitchen. I was exhausted from everything that had happened, and all I wanted was a warm meal and some peace.The house was quiet, the air still. It was a strange kind of quiet, the kind that precedes a storm.As I neared the kitchen, I was just going to enter when I heard a voice I recognized.Vanessa.I stopped, my hand mid-air before I opened the door.Her voice was smooth, confident—perhaps too confident.Something in her tone made me hesitate. Instead of entering, I stepped back, pressing myself against the wall and listening."Luna, you know how much I respect Liam. He deserves a strong partner beside him. Someone like me."I frowned.What was she up to?Luna sighed. "Vanessa, I already said, this is not my choice to make. Liam will select his own mate.""But why should he pick someone weak?" Vanessa insisted. "Cara doesn't have a powerful lineage. She has no powers. She
Chapter Thirty : The BetrayalLiam's POVI was sitting in my room with my men, my fingers tapping on the wooden table. My mind had not been at peace since we returned home. Cara had been through too much, and I was taking no chances."She can't go anywhere alone," I said emphatically, my voice not open to discussion. "At least three of you must follow her everywhere she goes."The men nodded, their faces grave."She might not like it," one of them, Marcus, spoke up."I don't care," I replied. "This doesn't have anything to do with what she likes. This is about keeping her safe."No sooner had I spoken than the door swung open.Luna Mariana, my mother, stood in the doorway. Her face was impassive, but her eyes—there was something in her eyes, something that twisted my gut."Liam," she said, her voice steady but commanding. "Come with me. You need to see something."I frowned. "What is it?""Just come with me," she said.I paused. Something was not right, but this was my mother. I trust
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