All Chapters of Hunting The Alpha’s Heart: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

Lyra's POVThat night, I could not stay inside any longer.Cole had gone to his study with Kalen after dinner to discuss the location Robert had revealed. I knew they were planning carefully before sending anyone into the northern mountains, and I was grateful for it. Freya's life could depend on every decision they made.Still, the thought of her being somewhere cold and frightened made my chest ache.I slipped out of Cole's room quietly and walked toward the garden. The night air was cool against my skin when I stepped outside, carrying the fresh scent of grass and flowers. Above me, the moon hung high over the mansion, bright enough to turn the garden paths silver.For the first time since speaking to Robert, I allowed myself to breathe.The garden was peaceful in a way the rest of the mansion had not been all day. There were no guards standing nearby, no questions waiting for me, and no painful truths being placed in my hands. Only the soft rustle of leaves and the faint chirping

Cole’s POVWhen we reached my room, Lyra changed into one of the soft sleeping dresses Caitlin had insisted on placing in her wardrobe. I waited near the window, pretending to look out at the dark grounds while I gave her privacy. By the time she slipped beneath the blankets, the fear that had followed me all evening had eased slightly.She reached for me when I joined her.I gathered her against my chest, and she settled into my arms as if she belonged there. Her head rested over my heart, her hair spilling across my arm. Within minutes, her breathing became slow and even.But I could not sleep.I stared at the ceiling while holding her closer, careful not to wake her. My mind returned to the years before I had met her, when the Ashwood heir had been nothing more than a mystery I could not let go of.I had asked my father countless questions about the Ashwood Clan. I had asked Kalen about the old records and the former allies who might know where John Ashwood’s daughter had been take

Lyra’s POV“Freya!”The name tore from my throat before I could stop it. I ran toward the sound, but Cole caught my arm before I had taken more than two steps.“Wait,” he ordered.“That was her.” I struggled against his hold, panic rising inside me. “Cole, I heard her.”“I know.” His grip remained firm, but his voice softened when he saw my face. “That is exactly why we have to be careful. It could be a trap.”“It could be Freya.”“It could be both.”Kalen moved past us and signaled for the guards to spread through the trees. “We follow the voice, but no one moves ahead alone.”Another scream came from deeper in the forest, weaker than before, and my heart felt as though it was being torn apart. Cole released my arm only to take my hand instead, holding it tightly as he looked at me.“Stay with me.”“I will,” I promised, though every part of me wanted to break free and run.We followed the trail through the trees, moving farther from the vehicles and deeper into the mountains. The blu

Cole's POVThe moment Kalen's voice reached the room, Lyra sat upright beside me."Cole. Wake up. We have company."I was already moving before the words fully registered. I reached for my shirt and pulled it on quickly while Lyra pushed herself out from beneath the blankets."What is happening?" she asked.A low growl rolled through the forest outside, followed by the sound of something heavy striking the cabin wall.Kalen's voice came again, sharper this time. "At least six wolves. They are surrounding the clearing."Lyra's face paled. I crossed the room and took her shoulders in my hands."Stay here."Her eyes flashed with immediate defiance. "No.""Lyra.""Freya is in the next room. I will not leave her alone."Every instinct in me wanted to order her to remain behind a locked door. I wanted to make sure nothing could reach her. But I had seen her fight for Freya earlier that day, and I knew she would not stay hidden while someone she loved was in danger."Stay with Freya," I said

Cole's POVFor several moments, I could only look at Lyra. The soft green dress made her eyes seem brighter beneath the warm glow of the candles, and the silver clips in her hair caught the light whenever she turned her head. But it was not the dress that held my attention. It was the way she looked around the dining hall, as though she still could not believe this place had made room for her.Lyra had spent years believing she had nowhere to belong. Cain had taken her from her home, buried the truth of her bloodline, and raised her to think she was nothing more than an ordinary girl with no place in our world. Darko had wanted to turn her into a weapon before she had the chance to understand who she was, yet tonight she sat beneath the Ashwood crest with her hand in mine, surrounded by people who wanted her here.She looked as though she belonged.My father remained standing at the head of the table, his glass still raised as everyone settled after the toast. His gaze moved to the As