~ Rayel’s POVAfter barking out orders to Boris, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I had instructed him to gather all the soldiers at the training ground and call an emergency meeting with the council members. The weight of the situation pressed down on me. Boris acknowledged my commands with a sharp nod and hurried out of the room. The silence that followed felt heavy with anticipation. A wave of nausea washed over me as I slumped back in my chair. The dull ache in my stomach intensified, a reminder of my declining health. Initially, Dolph wasn’t a match for me even though he was also a powerful Alpha but I was so concerned about my health. Concern gnawed at me, a nagging voice urging me to prioritize your health. Ignoring the protests of my body wasn't an option, not with war on the horizon. I reached for the vial of medication again, downing a few more pills, I closed my eyes, desperately hoping for some rest to clear my head and steady my body.Just as I drifted off, the do
~ Rayel’s POV"Boris," I barked, my voice sharp with command, "order the training to begin. We need our soldiers sharper than ever before."He acknowledged my order with a sharp nod and relayed it to the soldiers. The training ground erupted with renewed activity, the soldiers pushing themselves harder, their movements becoming more precise, their attacks more coordinated.Next, I turned your attention to weaponry. "Open the armory," I commanded another soldier. "We need all available firearms and ammunition brought out and distributed."The clank of metal echoed through the training ground as soldiers scurried to obey. The sight of weapons being distributed, the weight of them settling into soldiers' hands, served as a reminder of the seriousness of the situation.Finally, I unfurled a large map before my soldiers, its surface depicting the territory surrounding Dolph's pack. With a pointer in hand, I began outlining my attack strategy again."Here," I declared, tapping a specific lo
~ Daciana’s POVA frown creased Hazel's brow. "How dare you question me?" she snapped, her voice sharp.Taken aback by her sudden defensiveness, I flinched slightly. However, the suspicion that had been brewing since I saw her secretive behavior the night before wouldn't be easily dismissed. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up, a chance to gain some leverage."I just saw you…" I started, placing the basket of snacks I was carrying onto the table with a soft thud. "Yesterday night. You were sneaking back to your quarters after…well, after what?" I tried to sound as if I was accusing her.The look on Hazel's face went from annoyed to full-on icy. "How dare you?" she said again, but this time her voice was cold and dangerous. There was a definite chill in the air."Oh," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "that means my guards aren't doing their jobs properly, does it?" Her glare could have curdled milk.My stomach lurched. Big mistake, confronting her like this. I could
~ Rayel’s POVI was woken up by the sounds of gunshots and I was so happy that the soldiers were training so hard. I stood up from the bed and I went to the training ground to join them after taking my drugs.For days, my pack buzzed with activity. The air crackled with nervous energy as I and Boris drilled the soldiers relentlessly. We honed our hunting tactics, wrestled to build strength, and practiced wielding our traditional spears and sharpened sticks alongside our rifles, shotguns, pistols, grenades and many other weapons. The day of the war finally dawned, thick and heavy with tension. I rallied my pack, my voice ringing out with a primal determination that echoed in their hearts as we marched towards Dolph's territory. Rain lashed against the abandoned amusement park where we faced off with Dolph and his men. The battle commenced with a mixture of roars and shrieks. Spears met machetes in a brutal clash. With a whirlwind of fur and fury, I led the charge. I fought with all m
~ Daciana’s POVA wave of nausea washed over me as I regained consciousness. My entire body throbbed with a dull ache, a constant reminder of the brutal punishment. Slowly, I pushed myself up on my elbows, wincing at the sharp protest from my muscles.As my blurry vision cleared, the horrifying scene from before the blackout came flooding back – the guards being tied down, the agonizing blows, my own desperate screams. But something was different. I wasn't outside anymore. I was back in my bed, the familiar comfort of my own quarters surrounding me.A flicker of movement caught my eye. There, by the doorway, stood the two hefty guards who had delivered the punishment. My breath hitched as my eyes landed on the guards. The memory of their imposing figures during the punishment sent a fresh wave of fear through me. I flinched back instinctively, my sore muscles protesting the movement.Turning my head with a groan, I saw a maid bustling around my bedside, applying soothing salves to m
~ Rayel’s POVI was bursting with joy when I heard about Hazel's pregnancy. I practically bubbled all night at the party. I couldn’t hide my happiness and then I pulled her into the room. I grabbed Hazel for a quick chat. Her face practically glowed, and that just made my happiness overflow. I kept sneaking glances at her belly, still in disbelief that a tiny miracle was growing inside her. Leaning in, I wanted to feel some kind of connection with this little bean. But I was unable to feel anything. Not a flutter, not a nudge. Maybe, I thought, it's just way too early. After all, the pregnancy is probably just a speck of a thing at that moment.Gazing at her for a moment, my love overflowing, I leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Hazel," I murmured, "you have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you for making me a father." Her voice wobbled slightly, a hint of tears glistening in her eyes. "This is for both of us, Rayel. It's a dream come true, and I can't b
~ Elara’s POV Rufus and I were swamped with work, running around to meet his rich clients. Thankfully, they were all really pleasant to deal with, a breath of fresh air compared to Ashley. And speaking of Ashley, I was glad she hadn't caused any more trouble for either of us. What surprised me most, though, was listening to these wealthy clients. Despite all their money, they all seemed to have their own problems. Some struggled with family issues or personal challenges. It made me realize that money doesn't solve everything. Everyone has their own battles to fight, rich or poor.Rufus turned out to be an amazing teacher. He patiently showed me how to make all sorts of natural remedies. He even taught me some first aid basics, like CPR and how to bandage a wound. It was incredibly helpful stuff to know. The most incredible thing, though, was how his feelings for me never wavered, even though I didn't feel the same way romantically. He was a true friend, always there for me. As my
~ Elara’s POVTears streamed down my face as I clung to Rufus. I just kept saying thank you over and over again, my voice thick with emotion. The fear of losing my baby had been so strong, and now that Rufus' actions had somehow prevented it, the relief washed over me in a wave. Even though Rufus gently pulled back, I held onto him as if my dear life depended on him. The terror of almost losing my baby was still raw, and letting go felt like stepping off a cliff. Tears welled up again. I sniffled, "But Rufus, what you did..." My voice cracked. "I was so scared. I thought..." I couldn't even say the words out loud. Rufus must have seen the fear etched on my face because his smile softened further. "Hey," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "It's alright to be scared. But you're strong, Elara. You're going to be okay, and so is the baby." He brushed a stray tear off my cheek with his thumb. He helped me lie down on the bed, tucking the covers gently around me. "You need to rest