Alpha Kael’s POV.I paced back and forth in my private chambers, my mind racing with thoughts of the Council's challenge and the weight of my responsibilities as Alpha. It had been two days since I accepted the deal, and the stress was already taking its toll on me. The rain did not help, as it only gave rise to my hormones and I could see the slight bulge in my pants. It’s been a while since I had a lady in my room, I have been too occupied with pack politics, and I forgot I needed to let go of some steam sometimes.Just as I was starting to feel like I was going to lose my mind, there was a knock at the door. "Enter," I growled, not bothering to turn around. I already knew who it was, I had called for her. The door opened, and Akira slipped inside. My eyes locked onto hers, and a smirk spread across my face. I needed her tonight."Akira," I said, my voice low and husky. "I need you." I was surprised by how blunt and straightforward I was, but what even surprised me more was he
KEIRAN’s POV.I paced back and forth in my dimly lit chamber, my mind racing with thoughts of Kaida. I couldn't shake the feeling that Kaida was up to something, that would consequently lead to her slipping through my fingers, and it Pissed me off. How could she cheat on me, after everything I'd done for her? Just then, a soft knock was heard on the door of my chambers.“Come in,” I said, already knowing who it was. The door creaked open and Kaida walked in."Kaida, my dear, what's going on?" I asked, my voice laced with concern, as I poured myself another glass of whiskey.She sat on the couch, her hands on her lap. "Nothing, Keiran. Just tired, that's all." Her voice was, unconvincing. I could sense the hesitation in her words.I narrowed my eyes, my grip on the glass tightening, almost like I would break it. She was hiding something. I could sense it. "Tired? You're not yourself, Kaida. You're distant. What's bothering you?" I took a step closer, my eyes on hers.She sighed an
KEIRAN’s POV.As I turned to leave, I saw her. Kaida. Her eyes were wide with fear and glistening with unshed tears, her face pale. She took a step back, her hands raised as if to shove me aside. Her gaze darted to Asher's lifeless body, and her tears dropped from her eyes to her cheeks. "Keiran, what...what have you done?" she stammered, her voice trembling.I sneered, feeling no remorse for my actions. "You know exactly what I've done, Kaida. I took care of the problem. The one you created due to how stubborn and slutty you are.” Her eyes dropped to Asher's body, and she let out a blood-curdling scream. "You killed him! You killed my mate! You monster! You fucking killed him!”My gaze landed on her shoulder and I smiled as I watched her mate mark evaporate into thin air. "He was no mate of yours. He was a pathetic excuse for a wolf who thought he could steal you from me. And you are a stupid fool to believe any one of those lies that he must have told you.”Kaida's face contorted
KEIRAN’s POV.I strolled into Akira's quarters after ensuring that Kael was nowhere close, a wide smile plastered on my face. "Hey, Akira. What's up?"Akira's eyes narrowed her hand on the dagger at her waist. "Keiran. What do you want?"I chuckled, my eyes on hers. "Oh, I think you know why I'm here, Akira. You're a smart girl.""I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice firm, her hand still on the dagger.I laughed, the sound low and husky, yet chilling. "Don't play dumb, Akira. It doesn't suit you.”“I am serious, I have no idea why you are. Get lost.” She hissed. I took a step closer, my eyes never leaving hers. "You know exactly why I'm here. And you know what I want."Akira's eyes blazed with anger, but I just smiled. It was time to put my plan into action. No more long talks, let’s get down to business. I raised my hand, my fingers moving as I cast a spell. Akira's eyes glazed over, her pupils dilating as she fell under my control."Kaida..." she whispered,
AKIRA’s POV.I sat on my bed, staring blankly into space, my mind blurry, my head spinning like crazy but somehow I did not fall off the bed. I didn't know how I got there or what happened before. Everything felt weird, my head was foggy, and it was like a dream that I couldn't wake up from. But it wasn't a dream, was it? It felt too real, too vivid, everything was there.I tried to remember, but my mind was blank and my brain refused to help. Panic started to set in as I tried very hard to join pieces of what happened. Why did I feel like I was in a trance? Why did I feel so unusual and weird like I was not myself?"Think, Akira, think," I muttered to myself, trying to shake off the fear that now took control of my mind. But the more I tried to remember, the more my head hurt. I stood up, deciding to clear my head with a trip to the bathroom. Maybe some cold water on my face would help me snap out of this trance-like state. As I walked in, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror
KAEL'S POVI stood in the doorway, my eyes fixed on Akira as the guard's hand gripped her arm. A growl rose in my throat, and I took a step forward, my voice low and menacing. "Leave her."The guard hesitated, his eyes darting to mine before releasing Akira's arm. "I'm sorry, my alpha, but the Council has demanded—""I said leave!" I hissed, my patience getting thin. The guard bowed his head in submission, his face pale, as I took another step forward.I turned to face Akira and I could see the fear in her beautiful eyes that glistened with unshed tears. She was innocent, someone framed her for this. "Akira, come here," I said, my voice softer now, more gentle.She hesitated, then took a step forward, her eyes never leaving mine. I could see as she relaxed her shoulders, she had faith that I would protect her. And I would, I had to.As she reached my side, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, one hand on her waist, the other on her back slowly caressing. "You're
Kael’s POV.Zephyr's expression changed quickly, and he smiled. "Nothing, Kael. Just worried about the situation."I nodded, but the seed of doubt had been planted. I couldn't shake the feeling that Zephyr was hiding something. Did he send me the letter or does he have something to do with the contents of the letter?"I'll be back soon," I said to Akira, trying to reassure her. "You're safe here."She nodded with fear written all over her. I knew she didn't understand what was happening, but she trusted me. And I would make sure she was safe.As I left the room, I couldn't help but wonder if Zephyr was involved in the incident against Akira. No, I pushed the thought aside. Zephyr was my friend, my ally. I trusted him with my life.But the letter's words echoed in my mind: "Your biggest threat lies not with your enemies, but with your closest friend. Trust no one."I would have to be careful, for Akira's sake. I couldn't let anyone hurt her, not even Zephyr.I walked into the Council c
ALPHA KAEL’s POV.My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with questions. "What is going on, Zephyr?" I demanded, my voice low and deadly. "Why is your scent here? Why are you holding a dagger identical to the one that killed Kaida?"Zephyr hesitated, his eyes darting to the Council members before turning to mine. "I... I can explain," he stammered."Explain?" I repeated, my voice rising. "Explain why your scent is here. Explain why you're holding a dagger that looks like it was used to kill Kaida. Explain why I should trust you?"Zephyr took a step back, his eyes wide with fear. "Kael, listen to me—""No," I cut him off, my anger taking over. "You'll tell me the truth, Zephyr. Now. No more lies, no more excuses. What do you know about Kaida's death?"Zephyr took a deep breath before he spoke. "I didn't kill Kaida, Kael. I swear it. But... I think I know who did."My eyes narrowed, my knuckles turning white from how hard I clenched my fist. "Who?"Zephyr hesitated, his eyes darting to the Co
The fire crackled in the hearth of my study, but its warmth didn’t touch the cold inside me. I stood by the tall window, staring out at the dark stretch of forest that surrounded the palace. The moonlight spilled over the treetops like silver blood, painting everything in a pale glow. I wasn’t interested in its beauty. I was thinking, calculating. Time was ticking, and soon, everything I’d worked for would finally fall into place. Kael was slipping. The pack could see it. His obsession with that breeder—Akira, was making him blind to everything else. Losing control. Turning away from tradition. And now, being so protective of her, like a mad wolf trying to protect his last scrap of pride. It was pathetic. Dangerous, too. A weak alpha meant a vulnerable pack. And vulnerability was the perfect opening. I walked back to my desk and opened the drawer, pulling out the sealed envelope that had arrived just before dusk. The wax stamp was unfamiliar. I’d had it checked; no scent, no c
Akira's POV The next day seemed to come too soon. I barely slept, and when I did, I had strange and fragmented dreams. I woke up tired, with a throbbing headache and a tight chest. The tension wasn't disappearing, it just kept on growing like a storm we could not stop. Kael hadn't said any word all through. We sat across from each other at the table during breakfast, barely touching our food. His mind was elsewhere, and so was mine. Something was happening in the dark, and we were only just starting to see pieces of it. "I don't trust this silence," I said quietly. Kael lifted his head, his eyebrows scrunched. "Neither do I. But we can't rush. We make one wrong step, and Zephyr runs…or worse." I nodded. The memory of Zephyr in the training room last night came back. His calm face. His eyes. How he'd asked, "You trust him?" That wasn't a casual thing to ask. That had been a warning in disguise. Kael pushed his plate aside and stood. "I'm going to the council hall. There's a mee
Akira's POV The next morning, the sun was already high, but the weight in my chest had not gone away. I stood by the window, observing outside as the pack guards marched in and out of the courtyard. I saw Kael outside giving commands, his voice sharp and crisp. But I knew better, his sharpness was just external. Deep down, he was carrying too much. After last night's conversation, I didn't sleep well. I kept wondering about Zephyr, how quiet he had been recently, how cautious. Too cautious. Last night's surprise appearance by him after our conversation was no accident. He was observing. A soft knock pulled me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I replied. Sheila-one of the maids-arrived with a tray of food. Her eyes scanned over me rapidly, as though she sensed my nervousness. "Are you okay?” I noticed you didn't come down for breakfast,” she said quietly. “I thought you'd be famished.” "Thanks," I responded, not feeling like eating. She put the tray down and waited. "I'm s
Akira's POVThe next morning, the sun was already high, but the weight in my chest had not gone away. I stood by the window, observing outside as the pack guards marched in and out of the courtyard. I saw Kael outside giving commands, his voice sharp and crisp. But I knew better, his sharpness was just external. Deep down, he was carrying too much.After last night's conversation, I didn't sleep well. I kept wondering about Zephyr, how quiet he had been recently, how cautious. Too cautious. Last night's surprise appearance by him after our conversation was no accident. He was observing.A soft knock pulled me out of my thoughts."Come in," I replied.Sheila-one of the maids-arrived with a tray of food. Her eyes scanned over me rapidly, as though she sensed my nervousness. "Are you okay?” I noticed you didn't come down for breakfast,” she said quietly. “I thought you'd be famished.”"Thanks," I responded, not feeling like eating.She put the tray down and waited. "I'm sorry about every
Akira’s POVThe weight on the room seemed to press heavily on me as I stood opposite Kael, his intense gaze piercing into me as he tried to read my thoughts. I felt uncomfortable for what I was about to say as I had struggled to confront Kael with it since I started thinking about it but at this point, I seem to be left with no choice. It wasn't just about me surviving anymore, it was about Kael's survival, and the entire pack's."It's about Zephyr."Kael's eyebrow went up, his expression going from bland to interested, but there was something in his eyes—something reserved. "What about him, Akira?" His voice was low, but I could feel under it the underlying frustration, the sense of urgency he usually reserved for problems that threatened the pack.I could feel my stomach form knots. The words were too risky to spit out, and I wasn't sure that I was ready to be burdened with them. But I was. For myself, for Kael, and for the benefit of everyone who had trusted in me."Well, I kind o
AKIRA’s POV.I paced back and forth in Kael's private chambers, frustration threatening to consume me.“F^^k it.” I cursed, pulling my hair.First, the search at Keiran's place yielded nothing. And now, Keiran was closer to being proven innocent. Which meant more trouble for me.“Why the f^^k is this happening to me?”All the evidence pointed to me, but I knew I didn't kill Kaida. Yet, Keiran wouldn't rest until I was killed. I couldn't understand why he hated me so much. What have I done to deserve this?“Maybe it is because you repeatedly promised to stop him from being the alpha of this pack, so he is teaching you a lesson on how to keep your nose on your face and out of other people’s business.” A voice in my head scorned.Or was he doing this to distract the pack from a bigger game he was playing in the shadows? I wouldn't put it past him. Keiran was cunning, always thinking several steps ahead.But what could he be planning? And why involve me in it?I stopped pacing and looked
Keiran’s POV. I stood up from the couch, my eyes fixed on the guards as they searched my house. My anxiety only got worse with each passing second. After Kael left, the guards seemed to double their efforts. I knew I had hidden all the things that would be of help to them, but I still could not help the fear that slowly took hold of me. What if they found something that I carelessly left? And why did Kael have to excuse himself for some time? Where did he go? I thought back to the moment Kael entered my quarters, his eyes scanning the room as if he knew what he was searching for. But what did it mean to him? And why did he have to speak with Akira afterward? In private, no less. My mind raced with questions, each one more unsettling than the last. I didn't like being in the dark, not when it came to things that affected me directly. And this... this was something big. Why would Kael side with me and refuse to search Zephyr only for him to give an order that I should
KAEL’s POV.“None of your business.” I hissed at Keiran and turned to leave his quarters. “Where to my king?” A guard who escorted me asked.“Miya’s,” I replied. Seconds turned into minutes and soon the chariot stopped in front of Lyra’s house.“You can go back,” I said dismissing the guard, who bowed his head and turned to leave.I knocked on the door, and a soft voice called out, "Enter." I pushed open the door and stepped inside. Miya’s house was dimly lit, the air filled with the scent of herbs and smoke."Kael, what brings you here?" Miya asked, her eyes gleaming in the dim light. She sat behind a cluttered desk, surrounded by strange objects, carvings and a pot situated in a corner of the room sizzled and hissed."The murder case," I replied, taking a seat across from her. I pulled out the picture from my pocket and placed it on the desk. "I need your help on this."Miya's expression turned serious as she picked up the picture. "A photograph... of Kaida." Her eyes scann
“Only one way to find out,” I replied as I led Akira out of the chambers and took her to Keiran’s quarters.I stood outside Keiran's quarters, my eyes scanning the area. The toughest guards in the pack surrounded the building, their faces stern. Zephyr and Akira stood next to me, their eyes fixed on the entrance. The council members stood behind us, their whispers and murmurs reaching my ears"Let's get this over with," I said, pushing open the door.Keiran walked in and sat on a couch, his eyes blazing with anger. "This is a waste of time, Kael. You won't find anything. You are wasting time.”I ignored him, my eyes scanning the room. "Search every inch of this place. Leave nothing untouched. Check everywhere and the minute anything is found, bring it to me.”The guards moved swiftly, their hands searching every corner.As the search began, my mind drifted back to the events that led us here. Akira's accusations, Zephyr's suspicions, and Keiran's weird behavior. Somethi