All Chapters of A REPLACEMENT FOR ALPHA KAEL : Chapter 11 - Chapter 18

Chapter 11 – The Ghost That Breathes Kael’s POV The night reeked of blood and smoke. Rogues had come from the eastern ridge—fast, silent, and vicious. We’d taken most of them down before the moon reached its peak, but the stench of betrayal lingered long after the fight was done. Now, in the stone chamber below the fortress, I stood before the last one breathing. He was on his knees, wrists bound in silver chains, skin blistered and raw where the metal touched. His head hung low, hair matted with dirt and blood, but the moment I entered, he raised his gaze. And smiled. “Alpha Kael,” he rasped, voice hoarse yet mocking. “I was wondering when you’d come.” I crossed the distance in three strides, grabbing a fistful of his shirt and yanking him up. “You came into my lands. You slaughtered my guards. Tell me why before I rip the answer out of your throat.” The rogue’s smirk widened, teeth flashing under the dim torchlight. “You wouldn’t kill me. Not when I’m the one carrying her mes

Chapter 13 – Unnerving SecretsKael’s POVDawn came too quickly.The first rays of sunlight slipped through the cracks in the curtains, painting faint gold lines across my desk. I hadn’t slept a single second. Not after leaving her room.The night had been long, the silence heavier than armor. And no matter how many reports I tried to read, how many tasks I buried myself in, her face kept cutting through the haze.The streaks of dried tears on her cheeks. The way she whispered my name in her sleep.I’d stood by her bed far longer than I should have — a foolish, dangerous thing for someone like me. But I couldn’t help it. Seeing her like that... it had cracked something I thought was unbreakable.Now, as I sat in my office overlooking the eastern courtyard, my chest felt like someone had poured fire into it and locked it tight.You’re losing control, Kael.The thought burned as much as it mocked.I shoved back the chair and stood, needing to move. To breathe. Anything to get the image

CHAPTER 15 — Whispering SecretsAriana’s POVMorning crept into my room like a shy visitor — soft, golden light spilling through the curtains, painting the walls in warmth I didn’t quite feel.I blinked awake, eyes gritty from too little rest. For a long moment, I just lay there, tangled in the sheets, my body heavy but my mind restless.The events of the previous day flooded back — the whispers, the humiliation, the crack in the earth that shouldn’t have been there. Kael’s voice. His eyes. The silence that followed.I groaned softly, pressing the heel of my hand to my forehead. “Great,” I muttered to no one. “Another day to feel like a freak.”Dragging myself upright, I shuffled toward the bathroom, feet bare against the cold floor. But halfway there, I stopped — frozen in place.Something tugged at the edges of my memory.It was faint, like the echo of a dream I couldn’t quite reach.For a second, I could almost swear… someone had been here last night.The room had felt different wh

CHAPTER 17 — A HEARTFELT CONFRONTATIONArianna’s POVThe morning sun slanted through the tall glass windows, casting soft golden lines on the corridor floor as I walked briskly through the long hallway that led to Kael’s chambers. My heart was thudding in a rhythm that made no sense—half nerves, half anger, and something I refused to name.Ever since my maid told me that Kael had scolded everyone, including the wolves, on my behalf—and that he’d been in my room while I slept—I hadn’t been able to think straight. I wanted answers. No, I needed them.The guards at his door stiffened as I approached. They exchanged a quick look, and one stepped forward, bowing awkwardly.“Luna, Alpha Kael isn’t—”“Don’t lie to me.” My voice came out sharper than I intended. “I can sense he’s inside.”The second guard tried again, his tone tight. “He asked not to be disturbed.”I took a slow breath, my wolf stirring faintly beneath my skin. “Then consider this an exception.”Before either could react, I p