Semua Bab The Alpha Prince's Forbidden Scent : Bab 41 - Bab 50

The silence in the car was thick, heavy with unspoken anxieties. Elara's words hung in the air between them, a stark reminder of the insurmountable obstacles that stood between them. Kaelen's grip on her hand tightened, offering a silent reassurance that felt, at that moment, woefully inadequate."I... I'll figure it out, Elara," he finally said, his voice strained. "I'll find a way. I can't... I won't let you continue like that."Elara offered a watery smile, unconvinced. "It's not just about Damon, Kael. It's about everything. Duty. Expectations."The car pulled up to the Blackwood Pack House. As she stepped out, she felt the familiar weight of her reality crashing down upon her. Turning to Kaelen she said, "Thank you for everything, Kael, but I need to do this on my own."Later that day...The Spring Festival preparations had begun in earnest. Despite the Elders' veiled threat, Elara was determined to fulfill her duty as the pack's Lady. Her position, however unwanted, came with re

The bass vibrated through the walls of the Blackwood pack house, a dull, throbbing counterpoint to the delicate stitches Elara was carefully laying into a tiny blue onesie. Damon's party was in full swing, a cacophony of drunken laughter and boasting that she could practically taste in the air.Her fingers tightened around the needle. A few months ago, the thought of missing a pack function would have filled her with dread. Now, she felt a perverse sense of liberation."You should go, Elara," Damon had said, a sneer twisting his lips as he leaned against the doorway earlier that day, watching her work."Why?" She hadn't looked up, keeping her gaze fixed on the fabric."Because it's expected. The Lady of the pack..." He trailed off, letting the insult hang in the air.She finally met his eyes, a flicker of defiance hardening her gaze, "I don't have the energy to run around setting tables, serving your friends, and cleaning up after them. From now on, If you want a party, organize it yo

The morning sun, a pale gold, crept through the gaps in the curtains of the modest apartment, painting stripes across the rumpled sheets. Elara stirred, her dark hair a tangled halo around her face. Last night felt like a dream, a shared stolen moment of solace and unexpected comfort. But the solid warmth of Kaelen beside her, the steady rhythm of his breathing, assured her it was real.Her first instinct, before even opening her eyes fully, was to scent him. It was a primal urge, an omega's inherent need to mark and claim, to reassure herself that he was there, safe, and hers. She rose slightly, her fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw, the curve of his neck. Then, she inhaled. Deeply.The scent of Kaelen filled her senses – a potent blend of pine and rain, overlaid with the faintest hint of ozone, the scent of untamed power. As she breathed him in, a shiver ran down her spine. She deliberately prolonged the scent to ensure she gets his real scent, and feel his heat, triggering

(Elara's POV)The day had arrived. The Spring Festival. A day of unity, a day of alliances, and for me, a day I desperately hoped to survive with my sanity intact.I stood before the full-length mirror, my reflection staring back with a mixture of apprehension and defiance. The lavender dress Kaelen had picked out clung to me like a second skin, the delicate fabric whispering against my curves. It was breathtaking, the light shade highlighting the soft glow of my omega skin. The flowing design, particularly around my burgeoning belly, was subtly alluring, hinting instead of revealing. It was a masterpiece, a testament to Kaelen's exquisite taste… and his desire to make Damon regret his actions.A bitter smile touched my lips. Regret wouldn't even scratch the surface of what Damon was capable of feeling.I took extra care with my appearance, wanting to feel… beautiful. Not for Damon, gods no, but for myself. And perhaps, a tiny, forbidden part of me admitted, for Kaelen.My reflection

The Spring Festival blurred into a cacophony of forced smiles and empty pleasantries for Kaelen. The weight of his crown, usually a familiar presence, now felt like a leaden band crushing his skull. He saw the joy on the faces of his people, the shared laughter, the burgeoning romances blooming under the spring sun, and a stark, painful contrast ignited within him. He was a prince, an Alpha, destined for duty, yet his heart yearned for a life he couldn't have, a woman he couldn't claim.His uncle, King Valerius, clapped him on the shoulder, the gesture feeling more like a brand. "A fine festival, wouldn't you say, Kaelen? The Verdant Glade pack seems quite pleased with the engagement announcement. Lady Annelise is already proving to be a charming addition."Kaelen managed a tight smile. "Indeed, Uncle." He forced himself to look in Annelise's direction. She was surrounded by a gaggle of chattering women, her laughter ringing out, a sound that somehow grated on him. She was beautiful,