CATRIONA My heart was about to explode, and I couldn't bear it that I found myself planting my lips on his with tears flowing down. "You don't have to be afraid because— I am here for you. You have me." By then, you were young and hopeless. Now you're not that same young and hopeless boy. You're a man, a strong man. A strong alpha, everyone fears. This is your kingdom, Gabriel. Stand on your feet and hold your head high and show her how the king rules his kingdom. Those people who hurt us don't care about our feelings, so it's up to us to deal with them, heal ourselves, and move on with life painfully but stronger. The right she had to mandate your life was in the past. This is present with a different person. I rapped. So, promise me that you won't scale back from your responsibilities because of her. "If that's what you want." He said.Yes, that's what I want, but I don't want you to do it because you want to make me happy. Do it for yourself, too. It's the only way you can quell

JAYDEN I was deep in the woods, running, trying to get my brother's menacing threats off my mind. I haven't got a chance to meet with him but considering how he speaks to me on the phone, tells me he's already in Vancouver, somewhere near the pack house but no matter how far I've searched him and the nearby packs, I couldn't find him. This shit of playing hide and seek while jeopardising my people freak the shit out of my guts. I shifted in my human, scratching my head, tired of this unending madness. I'm sick and tired of all these unending wars. I want some peace with my mate. Us alone without worrying about the pack. Without worrying about her safety when she steps out of the house. Without getting worked up with jealousy thinking she and Gabe might be doing some intimate things when she goes to see her family. Is that too much to ask…? As I raked a hand through my hair, I heard a whimpering. Whoever you are, show yourself before I get to you. I said in an even tone but menacing.

GABRIEL It hasn't even been half an hour since Catriona's grandmother informed me about my stepmother's plot when one of the elders who has been watching over them barged into my office where I was having an online meeting with the willpower pack's alpha, Zale. I averted my eyes from the laptop screen to her. She quivered at my death glare. Are you mute? I asked, gruffly. I think Luna is leaving with her family. They egressed the house with their languages. She said. Are you certain of what you are saying? I asked, forgetting zale for a moment. I'm certain of it. She replied. Alright. You can leave— but before you go, "I'm warning you for the very first time and the last one. Don't you ever barge in my office or any other place like you just did now. I'll let you off the hook today, but I will forget the importance you hold in this house if the same thing happens again. "Am I making myself clear?"Yes, alpha. She said, jittery and then sauntered out, closing the door behind her. T

CATRIONAI told Jayden to stop the car, and he did. I unbuckled the seat belt and rushed out. I ran toward the woods and stopped where it started. I fell down on my knees, feeling feeble and dismayed that Gabriel might lose his life because of me. Jayden's proposal wasn't bad at all and I liked it because I never went on a date before but now I regret accepting it. I would've stayed at the house and spent time with my brother. Are you alright, baby? Jayden asked, stepping forward. I really feel sick to my stomach and felt like throwing up, but nothing came out. Is it that I am just scared? Am I just worried about Gabriel? What is it, baby? Jayden asked again as he crouched down next to me. Does your stomach hurt? Do you want me to take you to the hospital— I'm good, Jayden. I said, holding his hand. I just wanted some fresh air. I said as I sat down on the ground. Alright, this is not about your pregnancy. It's about Gabriel. Right? He asked. He pressed his lips before looking at m

JAYDEN The burning scales on Lauren's skin were increasing in size, and just hearing her piercing cries, it looked painful. Go and get vanessa. I said to one of the girls, and one of them dashed out immediately. Help me, please. I promise not to poke my finger at her ever again. I promise I will be good. No, I will leave this place for good. She said, pleading out her eyes on me. I would have killed her myself right the moment she pushed catriona down, but watching her in this state is unsettling. The door burst open, and Vanessa, Pamela, and Alaia entered. What happened to her. They both asked in unison, wrinkling their noses. She became like that a moment later after attacking Catriona. I explained. The witches drew near Lauren and inspected her closely. The smell coming out of her was smothering me, but they both appeared unbothered in spite of the proximity. Pamela closed her and waved her hands over to Lauren while charting under her breath. A few minutes passed, and she lurc