Dante's POVI was preparing to leave one of my endless meetings when Tyler mind-linked me,"The Queen tried to attack her own baby, My King.""What nonsense are you saying, Tyler?" I questioned, unable to believe his words."We found her transformed in front of the baby. She was probably about to tear it apart when we rushed in."My brows were creased. Athena had grown to love her child even more than she loved me. There was no way she could kill our child.I rode back home hastily, after rescheduling the other meeting I had with the council."Where is she?" I yelled at the guards at the entrance to the Palace."She was tied up in the basement, my King," one of them replied.I slapped him hard on the cheek."How dare you tie up the Queen! My Mate!" I roared. I couldn't contain my anger. In no time, the blood of the guard was all over the place as I ripped him apart.I ran up the stairs, toward the basement, while mindlinking Tyler."Who gave you that order!" I growled, making my way t

Dante's povOnly two of the council members were present-- Mr. Fernhad Perkand Mr. Russ Bale.I didn't so much like Russ, unfortunately he seemed to be in charge."I'm sure the King must have discussed with you why we're here. Right King Dante?" Russ asked, calling my name but facing Charlotte."We don't have the whole day, Mr. Russ. Let's get started already," I cut in, shooting Charlotte a threatening look.If I hadn't stopped him, I was sure she would have said something foolish as her lips parted."Very well then. Charlotte White?" am I correct?""Y...yes" she stuttered, looking down as she spoke."Do you have a problem with my looks or is it just your form of showing respect, Queen Charlotte?" "Everyone knows how intimidating you can be, Mr. Russ. Unfortunately my mate isn't comfortable around you two," I replied, biting my tongue. It felt like I was betraying Athena by addressing another woman as my mate.I caught her surprised look, but I retained my straight face since I kne

Dante's POV"The sender's name wasn't written.""Don't be silly, Tyler. I meant whose body was it?""It should be one of the werewolves around. The note says to watch your back, My King. Whoever it is seems to be after you or the Queen.""Get me updates on Liliane and the other guards with Athena. I want that immediately. First thing tomorrow, send more warriors to stay on guard. I need to speak with the council. If this is their definition of protection then clearly I've been deceived."I tried not to worry, sending multiple messages to Athena, hoping that she would respond."Don't tell me you miss me that much," she finally replied as I headed back into the palace."Goodness, Athena. I get you want to punish me, but not this way. I need to be sure of your safety every minute now.""Why? is something wrong?" she asked.I hesitated at first. I didn't want her to panic. She was finally enjoying her stay with me, I couldn't take that away from her."Everything is fine. I just need to h

Athena's POV I slumped on the bed in one of the rooms, bawling my eyes out, in the depths of sorrow, with thoughts of Dante, Charlotte, and the mysterious son. My heart ached even more as I glanced at Cosmo, who lay blissfully in my arms. She brought back memories of my childhood. I could never watch her grow up the way I did. Dante never deserved us. He gaslighted me into believing he loved me and my child. But I had no where to go and I loved him so much that it made it hard to finally take the decision and run away from him forever. But, what about Cosmo? Would she grow up without her father? What if she ask about him? What if she hates me just like I hate Tony for abandoning me in the hands of strangers to be my parents? I was lost...shattered... confused. All I could do in the moment was shed painful tears, Cosmo making happy noises that pricked my heart more. I heard a faint sound from outside like a steel hitting a concrete. I gave it no second thought, consumed in the

Dante's POVI stayed awake all night in the study, refusing to share room with Charlotte while thinking of Athena's sudden behavior.I was dosing off when I heard a gunshot.I sprang up, running toward the window for a clean sight. The lawn seemed peaceful below and a few guards paraded the area.I mind-linked the head of the warriors in the palace,"What was that noise?""We are yet to trace the source, My King. We might have an intruder."I glanced at the time. It was just a few minutes past 3 in the morning.I rushed out of my study, forgetting to luck it as I hurried to check on Athena.She was sleeping soundly, undisturbed, with the baby by her side. I closed the double door slowly to avoid making the slightest sound and headed for the ground floor where my son's room was.I found the door locked as instructed. I unlocked it with the spare key and confirmed he was safe before finally heading for the palace grounds."Have you found the source of the sound yet?" I asked the first