Tamara’s POV The first rays of sunlight poured into the room through the sheer curtains, warming my face. I stirred slightly, feeling the steady beat of Dante’s heart beneath my cheek. He was still asleep, one arm securely wrapped around me while his other hand rested against my waist. I smiled softly, letting myself sink into the peace of the moment. In all the chaos of the past few days, this was the one place I felt safe—Dante’s arms. “Are you staring at me again?” Dante’s voice rumbled, still thick with sleep. I looked up, meeting his sleepy gaze as he cracked one eye open. “Maybe.” “Do you enjoy watching me sleep, Tamara?” he teased, pulling me closer as his lips brushed my temple. I laughed lightly. “Only because you look less like an intimidating Alpha when you’re snoring softly.” “I do not snore,” he shot back, pretending to be offended. “Oh, you do,” I said, grinning at his mock outrage. He pinned me beneath him in one quick movement, his face hovering above
Adrian’s POVThe sun was high in the sky when I stood outside Alpha Jonathan’s estate. I had come here reluctantly after agreeing to his request to review the evidence he claimed to have against Dante. Jonathan had suggested that together, we might be able to stand against Dante, to weaken his hold and reclaim what was rightfully ours.At first, I’d refused. The idea of joining forces with Jonathan didn’t sit well with me because He was a little unpredictable, and his motives always seemed to serve his own interests above all else. But when I reached out to Jack again hoping to pull him into the plan of destroying Dante, he turned me down flat.“I have no interest in fighting Dante. Tamara has made her decision to stay there and I believe she's happy now,” Jack had said. “That’s your obsession, not mine.”His words stung more than I cared to admit. Jack and I had been allies once when he was desperate for power, and now his dismissal felt like a betrayal. In the end, I’d agreed to
Tamara’s POV The courtroom was heavy with tension and the air was full of unspoken accusations. I could already feel that most people here had decided that I was the enemy. fuck! how was I supposed to get out of this?! My hands gripped the edge of the podium, trying to stay calm as Dante stood beside me, his presence grounding me. The elders sat in their ornate chairs, their faces filled with disapproval. The scum, Lord Jarek was at the center of it all, his piercing gaze challenging after they produced the picture. Me standing in Alpha Jonathan’s pack, speaking to Adrian, one of the biggest enemy of the north. My blood ran cold as the image was printed and even handed around the room which caused their whispers to erupt like wildfire. “Explain this, Luna,” Lord Jarek said, his voice laced with mock concern. “Why were you meeting with Alpha Adrian, of all people?” My mind raced. How had they even gotten this picture? I hadn’t seen anyone nearby when I spoke with Adrian
Tamara's POV A few days later-- The soft brush of lips against my shoulder tugged me from the edge of sleep. A gentle hum escaped me as the warmth of Dante's body surrounded mine, his kisses trailing up my neck, slow and deliberate. "Good morning, love," he murmured, his voice husky and laced with affection. I smiled, my eyes fluttering open. "Good morning. You're persistent, aren’t you?" His grin was mischievous. "I couldn’t resist. You look so peaceful when you sleep… but I missed you." He didn’t wait for my reply, capturing my lips with his. The kiss deepened, his hand sliding along my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies were pressed together. I melted into him, losing myself in the way his touch set every nerve alight. Before I knew it, his hands explored familiar paths, his lips igniting flames across my skin. I gasped as his touch left no space for doubt about his intentions. He was slow and thorough, like he wanted to savor every second. "Dante," I whispered, my v
Tamara's POVThe soft rustle of movement pulled me from my sleep, followed by the gentle press of Dante’s lips against my temple. I stirred, groaning softly as my eyes fluttered open. His face hovered above mine, illuminated by the faint moonlight seeping through the curtains."Dante?" I murmured, confused. "What time is it?""Midnight, we have to go," he said, his voice low and steady. "It’s time."Sleep instantly evaporated from my mind as his words sank in. I sat up, the weight of what we were about to do settling over me. "Are Casper and George already there?"He nodded, his eyes sharp and focused. "They’ve set everything up. Come on."---When we arrived at Dante’s office, Casper and George were already waiting, their faces grim. A small array of monitors and equipment was spread across the desk, wires snaking in every direction."Everything’s ready," Casper said, gesturing to the setup.George glanced at us, his expression unreadable. "Reuben has no idea about the cameras we pl
Tamara's POVI couldn’t breathe as tears clogged my throat. My chest tightened, and my heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst out of my ribcage. Sophie. My Sweet, loyal Sophie. How could she do this to me? My mind swirled with disbelief as I stared at the screen, watching her hooded figure standing under the dim light in front of Reuben. The truth was a sledgehammer, crushing every ounce of trust I’d ever placed in her and that fucking hurt!Dante’s arm wrapped around me firmly, pulling me back from the brink of collapse. His warmth grounded me, even as my world tilted on its axis. "Tamara," he said softly. "Don't worry, We’ll handle this."Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away. "Why would she do this, Dante? After how much I've tried to help her?"Before Dante could answer, George slammed his fist against the table. He looked even more distraught than I felt, his face pale and his eyes wide with shock. "This doesn’t make sense," he muttered, shaking his head. "Sop
Tamara's POV The palace felt heavy, like a dark shroud of grief had descended and refused to lift. It had been three days since Sophie was locked in the dungeons, yet she hadn’t uttered a single word about why she had betrayed me and worked for Lord Jarek. I was supposed to be celebrating the fact that I could now start planning my marriage now that we practically had the elders in our hands but I could barely sleep these days. Even the staff moved around cautiously, their eyes downcast, afraid to add to the tension. George had taken it the hardest. He barely ate or slept, pacing the halls with a hollow look in his eyes. His usually composed demeanor had completely shattered, and It hurt to see my normally calm like this.I swear I caught him blinking back tears one time. I sat in the drawing room, trying to make sense of the situation. The Sophie I knew would never betray me. But the Sophie I saw through the cameras that night…she had. "Tamara," Lady Regina’s voice broke throu
Tamara’s POV The memory of yesterday was still heavy on my mind as I stood in Dante’s office, waiting for the time to be upNathan had been arrested at Dante’s command, and while it was the right decision, I couldn’t ignore the fact that Sophie could be killed if that asshole refused to tell the truth.The good for nothing man who Sophie had called her husband—the man she had begged me to spare the last time —had turned out to be as selfish and deceitful as I had feared. For now, Sophie, was still locked in the dungeon. She was technically still under arrest until we had proven in court that she was not a criminal, but a victim who had yet to see the truth. If we didn’t act quickly and decisively, the council might succeed in their plan to execute her for treason. Dante entered the room, breaking me from my thoughts. “He’s ready,” he said with a frown and I knew that Dante hated his guts as much as I did. I nodded and followed him out of the office. The plan I had come up with wa
Kayla’s POVMy money was stolen.Only my money.I stood there, my mind racing, my hands shaking as the weight of it settled in. The test had barely started, and someone had already made sure I failed.I looked at the guard, my throat tightening. "It was only mine?"He nodded. "Yeas ma'am. Lady Candice’s money is still safely locked away, plus she has guards safeguarding it."A cold wave of realization hit me. Candice planned this. And now I was furious at myself for not expecting something like this."That snake," I hissed, clenching my fists.Ingrid crossed her arms. "It’s obvious she’s behind this. Who else would want to sabotage you like this?"I barely let her finish before storming off to get my money back.I found her in one of the palace meeting rooms, standing with a few of her followers. She looked up just in time for me to march straight up to her."Where is it?" I demanded.Candice smirked. "Where’s what?""My money!" I snapped. "Don’t play dumb."She tilted her head, feig
Kayla’s POVI woke up before sunrise, my nerves already getting the best of me.Today was the first day of training and The first test.I had no idea what to expect, and the thought of failing in front of Lady Catherine— and worse, having my bad report sent to the council—made my stomach twist uncomfortably.I sat up, rubbing my face, when I felt the bed shift beside me.Strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back into the warmth of Adrian’s chest."You’re up too early," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.I sighed. "I have to be. I don’t exactly want to start my first day with your mother by being late."Adrian hummed, his lips brushing against my shoulder. "You’ll be fine, Kayla."I wasn’t so sure. "What if I mess up?""You won’t," he said, confident as ever. "And I’ll even check in on you later to show my support."That made me pause. "Really?"He nodded. "I want to see how you’re doing."Something warm settled in my chest at that.Adrian kissed my temple before
Kayla’s POVLady Catherine's gaze was sharp, cold, and unwavering.Even without her saying another word, I could already tell—this conversation wasn’t going to be a pleasant one.She wasn’t here for pleasantries.She was here to tackle something that had to do with me."You may have manipulated your way into getting engaged to the Alpha of the South," she said evenly, "but that does not make you an acceptable Luna of my pack yet, so don't go around town parading yourself as one."I swallowed. She must have heard about our outing.Beside me, Adrian’s body tensed. "Mother—"She raised a hand, silencing him effortlessly.I had never seen anyone talk to Adrian in that tone before. He must have a lot of respect for her.Lady Catherine turned back to me, her sharp eyes raking over my form as if she were already judging every flaw I had."Custom demands that all women who wish to become one of the Alpha's wives must undergo training," she continued. "You and Candice will both be instructed,
Kayla’s POVA slow warmth curled around me, pulling me from sleep. The bed was too comfortable, the scent surrounding me too delicious.It was Adrian, cuddling me without shame, and I was letting him.I could feel his gaze before I even opened my eyes."Are you awake, or are you pretending?"His voice was teasing, husky with amusement.I blinked my eyes open, only to be met with his smug expression.Adrian was close—leaning over me, his smoldering eyes full of mischief."You’re staring," I mumbled sleepily.He grinned. "Can you blame me? you're free to stare back."I scoffed and turned my face into the pillow. "You’re annoying.""And yet, you were seeking my touch in your sleep."I froze.My eyes snapped back open, and Adrian’s grin widened as he leaned even closer."Not like that," he added, his voice wicked. "Yet."I smacked his chest, my face burning. "You’re impossible!"Adrian laughed.Then, before I could retaliate, he sat back and stretched. "Come on. Get up. I have plans for u
Kayla’s POVI couldn’t stop thinking about it.Leo’s words echoed in my head like a haunting melody I couldn’t shake."I know your secret.""You’ll go missing, just like all those wolfless girls before you."My stomach twisted.How did he know?Who else knew?How long had they known?And worst of all—how much danger was I really in?I kept my face blank as Adrian led me out of the council hall, but my thoughts were anything but calm.I needed to figure out what to do.Fast.I barely noticed the drive back to the palace. My mind was still tangled in a mess of worry when Adrian’s voice suddenly cut through the haze."You’ve been quiet," he said, his golden eyes flicking to me with a hint of concern.I forced a small smile. "Just thinking about somethings. It's nothing to worry about."Adrian didn’t look convinced. "About what?"I hesitated.Should I tell him?Should I tell him that Leo knew everything—that he had practically threatened to make me disappear?The words were on the tip of
Kayla’s POVThe weight of their stares was suffocating.Every councilman in the room glared at me as if I were their worst enemy. As if I had committed some great sin simply by standing beside Adrian.I clenched my hands at my sides, forcing myself to breathe.I had expected hostility. But this? This was hatred.I turned slightly toward Adrian, seeking reassurance—not that I needed it, but because something about his presence always made things seem less scary.And when I looked at him… I saw growing rage.Not at me—but at them.Adrian’s dark eyes was beginning to burn with undiluted fury as he surveyed the room, his body tense with barely contained aggression.Then, his gaze locked onto Councilman Augustine.And just like that, the storm hit."I won’t be allowing you to preside over this meeting, Augustine," Adrian said, his voice deadly calm.Murmurs broke out instantly. Augustine was head councilman, this was his main duty, Adrian's words must have been a slap to his face.Augustin
Kayla’s POV A soft warmth surrounded me, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly safe and wanted. It took me a moment to register why. it was because I was in Adrian’s arms. His strong, steady breathing tickled the back of my neck, and his body heat wrapped around me like a protective cocoon. His arm was draped over my waist, holding me against him as if he had no intention of letting go. I should have been shy about this—should have been flustered about being this close to him. But I wasn’t. Somewhere between last night’s terrifying attack and the way he had held me afterward—something had changed between us. His touch no longer made me nervous. It made me calm. It made me feel home. I blinked up at the ceiling, my mind drifting back to the way he had touched my face last night, the way his thumb had brushed my cheek so gently. "You’re worth it," he had said. Those words had shaken me. I had spent so long being treated like I was disposable. Unwanted. A bur
Adrian’s POV The moment I stepped into my room, I felt my body relax. It had been a long night—filled with fights, interrogations, and threats—but now, I was finally back where I wanted to be. With her. Kayla was already in bed, curled up under the covers. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a soft glow on her face, making her look even more delicate. At first, I thought she was asleep. But then, her eyes fluttered open. "You're back," she murmured, her voice laced with exhaustion. A slow warmth spread through me. She had been waiting for me. I sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You should be sleeping," I said softly. She blinked sleepily. "I wanted to make sure you came back okay." Something in my chest tightened. She cared. Even after everything she went through this night, after all the danger, after all the problems she had endured—she wasn't thinking about herself. She wanted to make sure I was okay. I brush
Adrian's pov Kayla was finally relaxing around me. Finally trusting me. Thank the goddess!That moment in our room—**her leaning into my touch, the way she didn’t want me to leave—**it felt like a wonderful breakthrough.I wanted her to feel safe with me. I wanted to be the one she leaned on.But then… I remembered something else. I remembered this evening with Hector. I remembered how she leaned in his arms earlier that night.And my blood boiled.I clenched my jaw, trying to push the image away.She had looked so vulnerable. And he was the one who had been there to hold her. Not me.I didn’t like that at all.In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I realized something I hadn't let myself dwell on before.And that was that I didn’t want Kayla around any other man.I didn’t want her leaning on anyone but me.And just like that—it hit me. I wanted Kayla as my woman.Not just as my responsibility. Not just as my pack member. I wanted her romantically, sexually and, wholly as mi