《You Rejected A Silver Wolf》


 Her Birthday

    Chapter One - Her Birthday Rihanna''s POV


    It was the Princess''s birthday; she had lived another year to cause hell for me. The decorations of pink and white in the ballroom sickened me. They always had, actually. They reminded me of the worst year of my life, reurring.


    I was nine years old then, wearing a cute red ball gown, with my head adorned with light jewelry and a gold ne that belonged to my mom. Princess Vanessa was having her tenth birthday, and the ballroom was filled with white and pink designs. I crept towards the long table where meals of different cultures and origins wereid, alongside cocktails and wines. I raised my legs to where her cake was kept, on the highest table, and gleamed wickedly at it. My twin brother, Raymond, was in charge of keeping the little pups away from the table, but he was far outside the ballroom, watching the Alpha King invite the guests. I knew my brother would get in trouble for what I was about to do, but I had to do it. Princess Vanessa owed me everything.


    I pped down the cake, spreading it across the table. It made a melting sound, and the high steps toppled to the ground. Inside, I felt bad for ruining it, but this was revenge. I was being petty, but that was all nine-year-old me could think of. Hearing footsteps from outside the ballroom, I envisioned the Luna Queen and the servantsing.


    I had shifted early, so I had my wolf. She told me to run away, but I stubbornly didn''t. I didn''t care I wanted them to see me. I wanted Princess Vanessa to see me. I ruined her cake! But Raymond appeared. His expression went from surprise to anger and then fear. He pulled me by the ear, but I pped his hands off.


    "Serves Princess Vanessa right!"


    My voice was small and light, so I made a noise shouting like that.


    "And you''ll be served a punishment soon..." he barely finished when our Luna Queen walked into the kitchen.


    She wore a smile on her lips, which were also smeared bright red, matching her auburn hair. Her bright green eyes darkened upon seeing the ruined cake.


    Slowly, with a re, she turned to my brother and me. Her eyes rested on my cake-stained dress. I quickly cleaned it off, scared as her strong aura filled the room.


    "Rihanna, no!" she tried dragging my hair, but Raymond pushed me aside. She grabbed him and yanked his hair, but I quickly bit her hands.


    She flung me easily, and her ws crawled from their ce, piercing my brother''s neck. I knew I had let her Luna wolf out, and it wouldn''t be easy to control.


    I began screaming while throwing cake at her. She was very annoyed that I was ruining her dress, but I still didn''t care. I hated her like I hated her daughter. My mother rushed in, running with her blue stilettos that I felt would break at any minute.


    A victorious smirk was etched on my face as all the guests came in, seeing the cake and the Luna Queen. Even Princess Vanessa came in, and my wolf beganughing.


    "Raymond, who did this?" my father barked. He was the Beta of our Kingdom, and he looked scary towering over my brother in his ck suit. But why did he care who did it? Couldn''t he see the Luna Queen almost killing his son? The Alpha King pushed my father aside and came forward. His expression changed to something different. The guests came closer one by one, eyeing the melted cake on the ground. I noticed a guest, Duchess Vivian, wearing an impressed smirk.


    But then Princess Vanessa burst into a wail. I couldn''t help it andughed along with Lana, my wolf. Everyone turned to me, and Raymond looked scared. I shook my head hard whileughing so much that a piece of jewelry fell off. They all must have seen the cake stained on me. Iughed like a mad wolf despite everyone looking at me.


    "I pushed Rihanna into the cake. It''s my fault," Raymond shouted as the Alpha King advanced on me. I stoppedughing.


    My mother narrowed her eyes at him. "Raymond, she''s the one with cake on her dress..."


    "But I pushed her into it, Mom," he repeated.


    He was a mood spoiler; why was he taking the me? What would they do knowing I did it? The Luna Queen''s hands were tightened on him.


    "What did Princess Vanessa do to you?" she roared. Everyone stood watching. She was strangling him, and no one said anything?


    I charged at her and headbutted her in the stomach. She staggered and threw me by my hair. Mom held onto Raymond as he dropped.


    "Sam, what''s wrong with your children?" the Alpha King screamed at my father.


    I wanted to yell back at him, about what was wrong with his wife. Trying to overpower the Luna was effortless, so I bit her hand numerous times. I was an animal, I knew. But her daughter was a witch and a bully. The servants fought and dragged me away from her, panting breathlessly.


    "Please, let her go. I messed up the cake, not her!" Raymond stuttered; his small suit was already stained with dirt. His dark hair had sand mixed with it. I red at him and the Luna Queen.


    "Shut up. I did it. Princess Vanessa, I am so happy to see you cry!" I screamed to everyone''s horror.


    Raymond pushed me down, and I fell on the cake. He repeated his im of messing up the cake. What was he so scared of? Why was he protecting me?


    "Raymond? Rihanna? Who messed up this cake and why?" my father asked calmly.


    With Raymond behind me, he gave me a sign with his fingers not to speak. I grumpily obeyed.


    "I did, Dad. It was an ident. Rihanna annoyed me, so I pushed her into it. That''s why she had cake on her body..."


    "And not on her hair? And everywhere on her hands? You''re lying!" Princess Vanessa cried.


    Her little eye mascara was drooping with her tears, staining her white ball gown. Her mother sighed and dragged her away from us.


    My mother looked at me disappointedly. They surely knew it was me. Raymond was never reckless; that''s why he was asked to watch the cake. I was the little witch around the house. But since Raymond agreed to the crime, he was punished. And I didn''t know that could happen.


    Why was Princess Vanessa''s cake so precious?


    My brother was given fifteen strokes for it! Who dared give the Beta''s son strokes? Of course, the Luna. I was so upset, but when I heard it was the Alpha King himself, I slid low. I hated everyone here.


    Princess Vanessa had earlier annoyed me by calling my father a stupid dog who only listened to her father without having a will of his own. I reported to the Delta, but she wasn''t punished.


    The Delta''s excuse was that it was her birthday, so no one would be punished. Yet my brother was flogged before the celebration began. My hatred for Princess Vanessa increased, but in return, the whole pack hated me. They didn''t like my confidence to stand up for myself or my mischievousness.


    They cursed at me, saying I was the reason for my brother''s scarred back. And no one yed with me; I didn''t mind until I finally began to. My mother hated me, and I became an embarrassment to my father.


    All I wanted was payback to Princess Vanessa, who insulted my father. I revenged in the most painful way I could think of as a child, but my actions kept on haunting me. Princess Vanessa asionally spread lies against me, iming I destroyed one thing or another, and people believed her, hating me more. I became timid.


    I had cooled down, but the name and hatred never left me. I was now diminutive due tock of love and care. I didn''t have any confidence left. I was the most hated in the pack, all thanks to Princess Vanessa. Her birthday hade again, and suddenly I felt a rush of energy, confidence, and mischievousness. My wolf, Lana, was with me, so I wouldn''t be beaten down so easily. I always remembered my sad story on all her birthdays. Today, she was to find her mate, and that smelled like more trouble for me. I stood far away. We were at the open field and not the ballroom-Princess Vanessa''s friends couldn''t fit. I stayed far so I wouldn''t get used of something again. All the guests gathered around her, including some important members of our kingdom. Our kingdom was a group of packs, with ours, ck Hills, being the most powerful, hence our Alpha being the King. I always felt like he didn''t deserve it. The guests were from different packs, and more were toe. They sang songs to the Princess and gifted her precious stones from theirnd. Duchess Vivian gave her a bracelet with a supposed wishing gem that granted one''s deepest wishes.


    That was a dangerous gift to give someone like Princess Vanessa.


    I stayed up at the hill to ensure I didn''t spoil their mood or appetite. I hadn''t worn a formal dress just a long-sleeved jacket with jeans.


    "Rih, what are you doing there?"


    I expected to see my brother Raymond, but I turned to see the Alpha King''s son, Prince Chris. My cheeks flushed a little, and I jumped from the tree I was on.

 A Mate For Princess Vanessa

    Chapter Two: A Mate for Princess Vanessa *Rihanna''s POV*


    "Hmm. From here? Why don''t you go down? Can you see anything?"


    The Alpha''s son tried to look from where I was standing. Sometimes he forgot I was the hated Beta''s daughter. His niceness to me usually caught me off guard because he was my enemy''s brother!


    My ears weren''t very sharp, so my eyes were sharper. He was almost slipping from the hill, trying to peek down, so I wrapped my hands around him.


    "Thank you," he sighed deeply as I pulled him back. My face was beet red, and I dared not look at him. I had felt sparks holding him.


    "Come down and celebrate with us. Your birthday is soon." he stated. Iughed it off. My birthday would go as it came.


    I noticed when Iughed, his eyes seemed to linger on me, so I frowned. I knew I was ugly when Iughed; he didn''t have to stare.


    "You know,ugh more. You look pretty."


    What, sir? Did he mean that? I looked at his retreating figure and felt flying insects inside my stomach. Did I swallow butterflies?


    That was the third charioting in today, carrying thest Alpha-or soon-to-be Alpha or son of an Alpha. I wanted tough; my wolf, Lana, wasughing already. It seemed our pretty Princess Vanessa wouldn''t find her mate today. If she did, he wouldn''t be among those fine Alpha males she hoped on.


    Lana smirked devilishly. "Today will be bad for her. I''ll annoy her again."


    I brushed the idea off immediately. "You wouldn''t. Stop acting rash just because you have powers. You''ll be caught."


    And then I''d be punished for it. I only wish to lie low in this pack and be as happy as I can be.


    Raymond ran to me, and I chuckled, seeing him struggle to climb the hill. The gel on his hair had weakened, making his hair look tattered. But he looked dashing nevertheless-nothing seemed to make him look bad.


    I looked ahead and saw Princess Vanessa''s frustrated face. It remained for one more Alpha to arrive. I didn''t get why she, as the Alpha King''s daughter, had to get married to an Alpha as well. It should be to her mate, Alpha or not. And if he wasn''t an Alpha, would she bear to reject him? Insecure thoughts filtered into my head. Would my own mate reject me? I was a no one.


    "Ahh, Rih, how do you do this!" Raymond grunted as he finally reached the top of the hill. Heid face up beside me. I rolled my eyes. He was just a weak little wolf. Or I was a really strong wolf. I made sure not to show it so as not to get hated


    more.


    "Why are you here? Won''t you go sing for your princess?" I teased him. I knew he hated her, and his disgusted face confirmed it.


    "Nah, I ran from there because so far, all the Alphas weren''t her mate. What if somehow, I became her mate? You know, maybe the Moon Goddess gave her a future Beta instead!"


    My face contorted. Lana wasughing inside me; I didn''t even see what was funny. Ray ran from there because he didn''t want to be her mate?


    "If you are her mate, you both would feel a mate bond before eighteen. Neither of you felt one, so you can''t be her mate now." I exined. And if you were, dear brother, I''d make sure you reject her because she''d be the end of you. Ray shrugged. "She''s nice to me recently, so I thought of that. Maybe it''s because her brother''s coronation ising." Raymond nodded.


    That was another big eventing. By then, all the young girls in our pack would have turned eighteen, so he can be coronated with a Luna Queen. I was a bit anxious. My brother would be his future Beta, and I''ve never been prouder. My father wasn''t very respected by the Alpha King. But Prince Chris was different; if he could treat me, a nobody, with so much respect, I felt he''d be a better Alpha King than his father was.


    "And herees Jake Justin of the ck Rose Pack, son of the Alpha. Princess Vanessa better be lucky." Raymond looked ahead. I followed his gaze.


    Never had I seen a ck Rose werewolf before. They were usually heavily tanned and very, very sexy. It was a rumor, but it was very true. Jake Justin jumped down from his horse, and I felt the ground tremble from where I was. He had a powerful aura that the pack and guests felt.


    He wore a tuxedo jacket with formal ck boots. His hair was in mullet style, and his dark eyes added more power to him. Also, the ck rose on his cloth was chef''s kiss.


    Princess Vanessa shook when he bowed at her. She could barely bow back. I noticed the smirk he had; he knew the aura he emitted.


    "I like that guy already." I blurted. I liked any guy who''d mess around with Princess Vanessa and make her feel lower. The Alpha must be well-informed.


    "You like him? Well, he and Princess Vanessa don''t seem to be mates. Hope for the best!" Raymond shouted.


    My eyes widened, and I pped his shoulders. I felt no connection to Jake Justin, so he''d never be my mate. I was nearly eighteen, and I''d know.


    "I didn''t mean I want him as a mate. I just meant I liked that he''s messing with Princess Vanessa. Baloney head!" I added a knock on his head.


    He sprang up from the ground, and I ducked. "Nah, I''ll get you, Rih. For now, let me go grab some cake. Want some?"


    I shook my head. "I don''t want her cake." My eyes remained fixed on Jake Justin; I watched him interacting with the other Alphas. There was something about his smile they didn''t seem real and faded off almost immediately. I recognized those fake smiles.


    I gave them a lot during a formal gathering where the Beta''s children had to be presented to the council of packs. Raymond and I should be the Alpha King''s Betas, as twins, but my Alpha King rejected me being Beta and threatened to demote me to omega if I refused to step down. All because I destroyed Princess Vanessa''s tenth birthday cake and made Raymond take the me.


    I was hated, my position stripped from me. My father could do nothing. And my mother seemed like she agreed. My brother and Prince Chris were the only ones who felt pity for me.


    The Alpha of the Red Moon Pack stood up to give a toast to Princess Vanessa. "To the Princess''s health and beauty."


    Everyone cheered except Jake Justin.


    I gagged. Princess Vanessa''s beauty was a gift from her mother. And improved greatly by heavy makeup. That Alpha was just looking for favor.


    Another Alpha stood up to toast, and I realized they''d all toast for her. "To the Princess''s wisdom and grace."


    Lana rolled her eyes. Princess Vanessa had no grace, and wisdom! They were really looking out for the Alpha King''s favor. The father already had a proud smile. The third Alpha stood up; he seemed like he was searching for what to say. "To the Princess''s happy marriage and long, long life." It was cheered, and even the Alpha King nodded at it. Meh. I awaited Jake Justin''s.


    "The Princess is highly blessed already. I''d toast to the future Alpha King and his Betas and to the unity of our Packs under his rulership!"


    Loud cheers erupted from the crowd after Jake Justin''s toast, and even my father pped. The Alpha King''s face stiffened, but he forced a smile.


    I caught on to what Jake Justin did there. ck Rose Pack was among the packs that had voted for me to be among the Alpha King''s Betas. I was so honored that such a powerful pack valued me.


    "Thank you. My Betas and I will do a good job." Prince Chris responded to the toast with a bow. And there were more cheers.

 Fight With Sasha

    Chapter Three Fight with Sasha


    *Rihanna''s POV*


    "Thank you. My Betas and I will do a good job," Prince Chris responded to the toast with a bow, and there were more cheers.


    Jake Justin nodded, and the other Alphas gave him a friendly pat. Raymond was there, and he also bowed to the Alphas. They did the same. It seemed they searched around for me but couldn''t see me. I noticed Jake Justin looking above the hills, but he looked down again. I felt more important all of a sudden. The other Alphas didn''t think I was irrelevant, and Prince Chris didn''t, either. Lana swelled in pride inside me.


    "I like these guys," she smiled. I nodded. I really, really like these Alphas.


    Lana pushed me forward, and we slid down the hill. Jake Justin''s head popped up again, and he looked above the hills. I forgot ck Rose wolves lived in the forest, so their sense of hearing was very sharp. If he was hearing something from the hills, he''d be alert.


    Walking towards them, I had an air of intoxicating pride released by my silver wolf. However, my mind link was broken into, and a hoarse voice ordered, "Rihanna, return NOW!"


    My wolf whimpered; it was our Alpha King. I saw Raymond look up at where I was, and Jake Justin followed his gaze. They all wanted to see me, but dragging my feet, I went back to my room. Who was I kidding? Even if other packs thought I was good, my own pack would think otherwise.


    I cleared up the ce along with Sasha, a maid''s daughter. She swept into my pile of clean tes and smirked. She was a jerk. I ignored her and rinsed them again. I wasn''t even supposed to be doing this. A Beta''s daughter shouldn''t work with maids. I was only allowed toe close after the birthday party. And for what? Cleaning and washing? I was tired of such living but didn''t darein. Raymond always tried to clean my mess up and hurt himself by doing so. He took care of the physical pain, so I should handle the mental pain.


    I can''t remember thest time I was allowed to train like other wolves, making me very weak except for my wolf powers. Raymond did teach me some skills from time to time. Sasha swept towards my washed tes again, and I dropped the one I was washing into the basin.


    "Sasha, don''t try me."


    She had a mock and surprised expression. What, she thought I wouldn''t talk to her? Or she felt I wasn''t strong enough to whoop her ass?! Maybe I wasn''t-she was trained by Prince Chris. I was jealous of that, but I could bite her and leave an injury that''d take three hours to heal.


    "Lady Rihanna, I didn''t know you speak, honestly. And what are you gonna do?" She swept more sand into the te. My eyes darkened. She called me ''Lady'' yet disrespected me. I knew Lana was getting angry. If Lana joined this fight, then it''d be more than biting we''d be doing.


    "You don''t want to know, Sasha. You don''t want to know."


    But she did, as she swept more sand in. "Tell me, my Lady, what are you going to do!" Mockeryced every word.


    I let Lana take charge, and her silvery self grabbed Sasha''s arm, twisting it harshly, and she wailed in anguish. Lana stepped back and created a boundary but charged at her again, throwing her off by the invisible boundary. Sasha shifted to her own dark brown wolf. I dashed to her legs to bite her, but boy, was that a wrong move, as Sasha flung from her leg. What kind of power was that?! Lana felt weakened. She wasn''t strong without her powers. Sasha dived down at me on the ground andnded punches that paralyzed me and shifted me back. I headbutted her, but it only made her stagger.


    Lana groaned in disbelief. How could her blow be this weak? Sasha should be crying! But no, she spat at us, calling us a weak wolf. Sasha tore my face with her ws, and I let out a shrill cry. I wanted to put my hands in my mouth to stop myself, but it came out. She had a victorious smirk, rising from me, and I justid there, blood oozing out from my face. Lana wanted to heal me, but I stopped her. Let them all see this. Wouldn''t they punish her?


    It was my father that came first, and then Raymond. Sasha had wiped off her smirk. What reced it was a scared and sorry look. "Beta, I''m sorry, she attacked me suddenly, and my wolf pounced on her." I was d she wasn''t trying to me it all on me, as it wouldn''t have worked, seeing her face was barely injured while I had a pattern on mine.


    Raymond asked what happened through our twin mind link only we could use. I nced at the dirt in the water, and he understood me.


    "Sasha, you were under punishment to clean with Rihanna. Rather, you caused more problems by fighting with her!" Prince Chris barked. I didn''t know he was there. I felt safe being around my father, Raymond, and Prince Chris. My father hadn''t said anything, just studied my wounds.


    "Why don''t they heal?" he asked gently.


    "It hurts badly. She wed my face." I sniffed, burying my head on him.


    Sasha forgot her act and cursed at me, making them turn to her. I smirked. She was a bitch; she could never hide herself.


    "So, you started causing trouble with her, didn''t you?" Raymond barked at her. She flinched, looking down. My brother was a damn Beta; she should be scared. I felt horrible with the way I lived. I didn''t have any aura as a Beta. I was born one, but I wasn''t trained as one. I wanted to be free to let my silver wolf exact vengeance for me. But she needed to be strong enough to do that.


    "Why won''t anyone believe Sasha''s story? Rihanna might have attacked her first." Princess Vanessa walked in with her father, the Alpha King. They both wore matching caps, having their father-daughter bond time again.


    The Alpha King''s eyes tarried on my face, and I felt he pitied me, but then his gaze became cold again. I was barely feeling pain anymore. Lana bore it all.


    "Vanessa, Rihanna is the one injured. And Rihanna is not strong enough to attack Sasha. Stop siding with Sasha!" Prince Chris growled at his sister.


    I loved the energy, but I was embarrassed they all thought Sasha was stronger than me. She was, but that''s not how it should be. I''m a Beta.


    "Chris, handle this. We have a meeting with the other Alphas before they leave. Come, Sam. Raymond, too," the Alpha King called. He pulled Princess Vanessa with him.


    My brother and father left with them. Raymond gave me a small smile, patting my head. I don''t know what Prince Chris said to Sasha-it was through mind link, or my poor hearing couldn''t pick it up-but she cried and ran off. We were left alone, and I felt those flying butterflies again! When did I goddamn eat butterflies?


    Prince Chris stooped down at me, still on the ground. I wanted to get up so he didn''t have to stoop, but he stopped me. His face was close, and I could see his green eyes peering into my brown ones.


    "I''ve handled Sasha! Now tell your wolf to heal you." He smirked. How did he know I stopped my wolf from healing me? I chuckled nervously and let Lana heal me.


    "Those scars... your body is weak. They won''t disappear on time for your birthday. It''s in a week." He helped me get up.


    Sparks erupted in me every time. I don''t think he felt them as he didn''t react. I arranged my ck hair, detangling curls and brushing sand off my body.


    "The day would pass like other days. It doesn''t really matter."


    "Didn''t you hear those Alphas? You are on your way to being my Beta. Everything about you matters. I''ll start training you after your birthday." He ced his hands on my shoulders.


    I looked down, fighting the flush rising to my face. "Thank you. I can''t wait for my birthday, then." I said it casually, but I really couldn''t wait. I''d be strong enough to whoop Sasha''s butt, and I could be free to show off Lana, my pretty silver wolf. She purred in excitement. Those who hated me would have no choice but to fear me. I didn''t need their love anymore.


    "Yeah, Raymond would also be legally my Beta, even before coronation. Oh, and he''d find his mate, right?" Prince Chris chuckled.


    My eyes widened. I''d be finding my mate, too. The flush rose to my face when Prince Chris turned to me. "You aren''t in pain, are you?"


    I shook my head. Did someone blush when they were in pain? Or he couldn''t read my expression? I exhaled and shook my head again. It was good he couldn''t.


    Whether Prince Chris was my mate, I hope he was, or whoever was my mate, I knew he''d treat me better, and I could be myself.**

 Our Birthday Ball

    Chapter Four - Our Birthday Ball *Rihanna''s POV*


    It was the D-day-the day I''d finally meet him, my mate. The day I could show off my silver wolf, keep everyone away, and emit intimidating auras. They''d all shudder in fear as I fulfilled the prophecy.


    Long ago, there was a random prophecy that a silver wolf would bless the werewolfnd. One stronger than any Alpha King could control. He or she wasn''t to be feared, as they weren''t born to cause havoc, but to integrate thends and fight off any werewolves'' enemies. It was said to be the blessing of the Moon Goddess to her people, but the twisted werewolves assumed it was a curse to control them, hence ostracizing and killing silver wolves. Many silver wolves were ughtered or sent away from their packs.


    The Moon Goddess continued blessing her people with silver wolves until she stopped, and that was when an Alpha King rose up to stop the belief. His mate had been a silver wolf, and he didn''t want her dead. With the help of other Alphas, he silenced the so-called curse, and with his mate, conquered all the enemies of the wolves''nd. For integrating thends, he became Alpha King. That Alpha King was the grandfather of our current Alpha King, Wayne.


    Fortunately, silver wolves can''t be inherited; they are only bestowed by the Moon Goddess. The werewolves were blessed again with a silver wolf-and that was me. But I had shifted while arguing with Raymond and had been too scared to shift again. When I finally did, no one cared anymore, and soon I was forgotten.


    I snapped back to reality when Raymond danced into my room, flinging his ck shiny hair tied in a ponytail around. I rolled my eyes.


    "You''re gonna be a man today, and you settle for a ponytail?" Even I wouldn''t do that. I brushed it off; it was his problem anyway.


    I swirled around in my red ball gown, admiring it. The maids at our mansion only just realized I existed and helped me into a gown I''d never seen before. It was annoying yet touching when my dad showed me his mother''s wedding gown. My mom didn''t care how I looked and hadn''t bought anything for me. I had no savings either. I felt bad wearing my granny''s dress, but it was pretty, and I felt content. I also wore pure diamonds on my hand and neck. I felt more powerful and confident than I ever had. When Dad said Grandma only wore those once after her wedding, I shrugged; it was still almost new.


    "Let''s go!" Raymond yelped and ran out. I flinched. Had he been watching me the whole time as I made dramatic poses and facial expressions? Compared to me, he wore a new suede red suit that screamed expensive. His hair was in a ponytail with a gold hairpin at the side. Yes, he did like using hairpins. His hair was almost longer than mine.


    I tried to make a catwalk out, like our Luna Queen used to do, but I looked like I had pins on my thighs. I loosened and bounced out, still in grace. There was something about my wolf, Lana, today. I thought she was calm and nervous about finding our mate, but she just seemed quiet.


    I looked around for Raymond as I left for the big yard; some guards spared me a nce, and I raised my head high. I saw my twin going towards the ballroom, so I trotted immediately behind him, excited and trying to avoid beingte. "We are legal, baby!" I said to Lana. I felt no energy, and it dampened my excitement. Was she feeling something negative happening today?


    "My wolf is angry with me?" I sniffed. I heard her chuckle, so I smiled. She always found it funny when I called her a wolf, like she wasn''t!


    "And my human is turning eighteen today, not really me. I''ve been with the Moon Goddess for long already," she sassed back.


    "Whatever. Today is your eighteenth year on earth. Loosen up. I think today will be magical," I swirled around.


    "Whatever too," she went back to her quiet state and fled to the back of my head. I ignored her since she wasn''t worried about anything exactly.


    I was out of the house and heading to the open field where ballroom celebrations were held. No one was around or looked like they were there. Raymond was standing outside.


    "No one is there?" It was almost a whisper.


    He suddenly smiled and ced a hand on my lips. In twin mind link, he told me that they were hiding. My heart beat increased, and I felt excited. They nned a surprise birthday for me and Raymond? I knew it was done more for Raymond than for me, but I couldn''t contain my excitement. I tried to act oblivious and walked into the hall. Raymond followed me, trying to hide his smirk.


    "No one here. They forgot. We dressed up for nothing." He sighed dramatically. I giggled.


    But no one popped up. We stood there for almost minutes. I was beginning to believe they actually forgot. I heard Lana whimper in sadness. My hearing wasn''t at its best, so I asked Raymond if he heard anything inside again. He answered in the negative. My shoulders slumped.


    "So, they did forget?" It wasn''t really a question. It was obvious they did. Everyone''s eighteenth birthday was a joy, except ours, because of me.


    "Let''s get out of here!" Raymond dragged me through the door. I felt my eyes wet. Couldn''t they have celebrated us, for Raymond at least? Lana was growing angry. What did we actually do to be hated?!


    Then I let out a shriek as an exploding sound snapped at my ears, and my blood ran cold.


    "Surprise!!!" It was the whole pack outside the ballroom. Mom and Dad had a ''Happy Birthday'' card. Our pack members had ''Happy Birthday Beta''. Well, since Raymond was officially their only Beta, I guess they were just celebrating him. Still, I was shocked to my bones to know they came. They were all dressed in red and white, which were our official birthday colors.


    I raised my legs to find Duchess Vivian, but sadly she wasn''t around. I was really looking forward to a gem bracelet. We all went into the ballroom again, and everywhere was lit brightly, decorated with red, white, and gold. The smell of perfumes was almost choking for me, but the sound of music was calming. All eyes were on Raymond and me as they sang our birthday songs. I felt loved for a while, though it dampened when it was dance time, and no one asked me for a dance-not like I could dance.


    "You look pretty, Rih. I can''t take my eyes off!" Jude, the pack yboy, grinned at me. I rolled my eyes but bowed. I moved away before he asked for a dance. He always bullied me as a kid; when I grew, he stopped but sometimes threw sarcastic remarks at me. I didn''t know if this was one of them.


    I was looking forward to someone seeing me,plimenting me-Prince Chris. But the Alpha King''s family wasn''t here yet; their huge seats were empty. I was almost tempted to sit at Princess Vanessa''s seat-these heels were killing me. I tried to smile at whoever smiled at me, ignoring the fact they only wished Raymond. Dad hugged me and said I looked pretty. It seemed I really did. Me brushing my dark curly hair out, straightening it, and adding eyeliner to pop my blue eyes was worth it.


    Then my eyesnded on it. A humongous cake stood majestically on the center table. It had both our names. I was d. I didn''t really like cake after my experience with Princess Vanessa''s. Also, I rarely came to eat at others'' birthdays, but this one, I''d enjoy it.


    "Where''s the Alpha King? And Prince Chris? Please call them. Where are they?" Mom inquired from my dad, with her usual impatient tone. My dad was too busy straightening out Raymond''s suit, which was rumpled by hugs from the pack members. I came closer to my mom.


    "I''ll go call them. Where can I find them?" I muttered. It would be wrong for a birthday celebrant to leave her party, but I knew no one minded.


    Mom gave me a disdained look and shrugged, "I don''t know. Just find them."


    I didn''t let that dampen my spirit and hopped to find them-Prince Chris exactly. I didn''t need the Alpha King to celebrate me; he didn''t like me anyway. I heard some yells at the Alpha King''s mansion when I came closer. Peeking, I saw Sasha and Princess Vanessa quarreling about an issue. They seemed dressed for my ball party. They weren''t needed.


    I stared at their dresses, red silk sleeveless dresses. Sasha''s had one sleeve. She stomped out and ran into the forest after Princess Vanessa pped her. Princess Vanessa looked guilty but went back to her house.


    A smile came to my lips. I liked when besties fell out. I crawled closer to the house.


    A sweet smell hit my nose, and I shuddered. What''s our Luna Queen cooking now? I nodded at the guards as I crawled into their courtyard. A naughty guard whistled at me, but I kept walking. I never minded them; they were just appreciating my beauty!


    The sweet smell became intense; it was of vani, and surely not from the Luna Queen''s kitchen. Lana beganing to the surface, attracted by it. I heard footsteps behind me.


    "Hey Rih, happy birth..." He stopped. It was Prince Chris. It was good he found me. I didn''t want to knock on the door.


    Lana began jumping and screaming inside me, attempting to shift. The sweet smell hit me strongly and I turned to Chris''s confused face. Could he smell it too?


    "Mate, Mate!" My wolf yelped.

 Rejected

    Chapter Five - Rejected


    Rihanna''s POV


    Prince Chris was my mate. Just as I had always dreamed. He was my mate. Lana, my wolf, stopped jumping when she saw the confused look on his face turn to sadness.


    Didn''t he want us? How could he be sad to see us? Lana slumped back inside as I walked toward Prince Chris.


    "We are mates." It wasn''t a question-it was clear we were. I may have bad sight, but my sense of smell is sharp.


    I studied his expression. No, this wasn''t the look of a man who had just found his mate. He looked hurt but offended. I felt offended as well.


    "You''re not happy we are mates. Why?" I asked him. He didn''t look up at my eyes.


    Someone cleared their throat behind us, and I looked to see the Alpha King towering over me. He was dressed in a ck suit.


    The Alpha King looked at us incredulously, and I understood he had heard me talking about being mates. The Luna Queen walked out, her blonde hair in a high ponytail that made her look taller. She looked us over. She stared into Prince Chris''s eyes, speaking with him through the mind link. I wondered what she said, but then she abruptly walked out. Prince Chris sighed.


    "You can''t be my son''s mate! What kind of pair is that?" the Alpha King asked the Moon Goddess thest part.


    "And why!" I barked. I dared to yell at him.


    The Alpha King growled lowly and grabbed my hand. "You are a weak wolf! A stupid, weak wolf." Prince Chris pulled his hand away from me.


    The Alpha King red at him, and I looked at Prince Chris, confused. Was he protecting me? Did that mean he was epting me?


    "If you weren''t my Beta''s daughter, I''d have thrown you away long ago! You''re a curse to my kingdom," the Alpha King scowled. Prince Chris''s hand fell off me, and I immediately felt cold.


    The Alpha King shoved past his son and walked toward the birthday hall. Prince Chris and I stood there in silence, and it was eating me up.


    "I am not weak, Prince Chris. Train me, and I''d be really strong. My wolf is a-" He ced his hand on my mouth.


    Wait, he should hear me out. I had a silver wolf; I was useful to the pack. I wasn''t weak. Lana became jittery and paced around inside me.


    "He is going to reject us. We''ll be rejected by our mate. I knew it. That''s what saddened my heart earlier today. I knew it."


    I kept quiet. Prince Chris and I had always connected. He couldn''t...


    "I''ll reject you, Rih." He broke my heart. "Maybe you''ll find someone else who''ll love you, but I have to reject you. I''m an Alpha King."


    My breathing became uneven. The Alpha King''s words echoed in my head. I was weak. I was stupid. Even my mate doesn''t want me.


    But why? No one wants to tell me why I am hated. For destroying Vanessa''s cake as a nine-year-old? Then I''m sorry. Why would I bebeled with such hate?


    "But you like me." A lump was in my throat. I telepathically shared my pain with my twin so I could speak clearly. "And I like you too."


    His eyes sank, and he looked away from me. "Well, that''s how the mate pull works, isn''t it?" He let out a painful chuckle. "It makes you think you''re in love."


    His words... I couldn''t believe them. Did he just deem the mate pull insignificant? Lana roared in me, and I was scared of her reaction.


    "Let him reject us already. He''s right, we were only interested in him due to the mate pull. He isn''t worth us," her voice died to a whimper.


    She didn''t believe what she was saying, and I didn''t know what to believe now.


    Prince Chris exhaled just as Raymond found us in front of the Alpha King''s mansion. With him came my parents, the guests, and the pack members. Will I be rejected in front of them? On a day that was supposed to be special to me? "Chris! Reject her already!" I heard the Luna Queen''s voice.


    The people gasped and began whispering. Raymond came closer, but the Luna Queen growled at him to stop. Prince Chris exhaled again.


    Lana frowned. "Why''s he wasting time?"


    I yelled back at her, "Do you really want to be rejected?"


    "I don''t want to be ridiculed, Rihanna. I am a silver wolf. A goddamn silver wolf. Don''t you see they don''t know? If they knew, they''d make you stay but enve you. Do you want that?"


    Realization hit me. My pack had forgotten I was a silver wolf, or else they wouldn''t reject me. I wiped away my streaming tears.


    "I was only nice to you because I pitied you, Rih. I, Prince Chris Wayne, reject you, Rihanna Sam, as my mate. I''m sorry, may the Moon Goddess help you."


    The whispers increased, and I saw Princess Vanessa''s head from a window. She had a smirk on her face. Some pack members had smirks on too.


    They all celebrated my pain. Lana sighed. I don''t know where she got the strength from, but I felt strengthing into me too. Some guests looked sorry, and my father bowed his head. "Fine!" I blurted.


    Prince Chris had been avoiding my gaze, but when I spoke, his head snapped in my direction. "What?"


    I looked at Raymond, whose eyes were already red. "I said fine," I repeated, looking back at Prince Chris.


    "And I, Rihanna Sams, ept your rejection, Future Alpha King Chris Wayne." I had a pronounced mocking tone on "Alpha King."


    The Luna Queen growled and came forward. "That''s bold of you. So, there''s some strength in you, after all."


    I shook my head. Strength she never knew I had. I looked back at Raymond and my parents. My mom had an indifferent expression. "I''m leaving," I said to Raymond through our mind link and turned around, walking out on all of them.


    My red dress restrained me, so I tore it off, dropping the pieces on the ground. I felt hurt ripping my grandmother''s wedding dress.


    But while it held memories for her, it held sorrows for me. I hate my pack. Damn them! Damn all of them! I had my wolf to protect me.


    Raymond followed behind me. When I heard my dading, I snapped back and growled at him. "Don''t follow me, Beta." I had the same mocking emphasis, and it shocked him. He was the weak wolf.


    His daughter had to face humiliation, face rejection when she was a Beta''s daughter. He didn''t deserve to be my dad. Some better man must have produced me.


    When I got to the house, Raymond helped me do whatever I wanted. Remove my makeup. Trash the house in anger.


    Destroy all my paintings of Prince Chris, my mom and dad, and finally pack my things.


    He was hesitant. "You are leaving?" It wasn''t much of a question. He knew I would. "You''ll be killed, Prince Chris would have to hunt you."


    Lana seethed and copsed in me, herst wall of courage failing. He was no longer our mate. Why did he still affect her?


    I sniffed. "Well, then I''ll do what rogues do. Fight. But I wouldn''t be like other rogues with no purpose. I''ll have a pack. A pack for real."


    I stared at Raymond''s brown eyes as they reflected mine. I was determined, and he needed to see that. His twin would be okay.


    I folded thest painting, one of Raymond, and threw it into my bag. Strapping it behind me, I bounced out of the house.


    "Where will I find you? Won''t you like to see my own mate?" Raymond blocked me, his tears falling freely. He was thest thing I had here, but that shouldn''t stop me from leaving. "She''d be a good girl. If not, reject her ''cause even gems can be rejected." I shoved him aside and continued on my way.


    My tears fell from my eyes. I didn''t want to turn back or I could stay.


    "Change your name." I heard him say. I peeked back. "Change your name. I''ll fake your death so no one woulde after you."


    I was surprised at his words. Fake death? Would they believe it after I''d been headstrong? How would I have my revenge if they thought I''m dead?


    "Even better. They won''t know what hit them," Lana replied slyly, her voice stronger.


    I nodded to Raymond without facing him. "I will. Thank you. Bye. Protect our weak parents." I saluted and continued on my way.


    "We are free."


    "We are free," I repeated after Lana.


    "We are rogues," she added. I paused.


    "And that''s not as bad as it sounds."


    I felt a surge of energy blow through me as I crouched on my knees. Strapping my bag on my shoulders, I tried to shift.


    I hadn''t shifted for almost five years. It was stressful and long and very painful, but soon silvery fur covered my arms and legs.


    A boundary formed in front of me, one I knew only I could see.


    I suppressed the howl trying to escape my lips. That would attract attention. I couldn''t admire my silver wolf as I couldn''t see myself. But I felt powerful with my sharp ws and silvery fur. I was enchanting, I knew it. Lana stretched her paws and made small jumps. "You ready, Silver?"


    "I''m Your Silver. Tell me when you''re ready," my wolf responded energetically. ''Your Silver.'' I repeated it to myself. I liked it.


    "Yes, we are ''Your Silver.'' The only thing strong enough to cause a wolf pain, even Alpha Kings." Lana bounced impatiently, and I told her to run.


    She sped like a bolt past the trees so fast I felt I saw them move. She maintained the speed, breaking stones and twigs under her feet.


    We looked back at the hills we always visited. They were far behind us, as was our pack.


    Today, I was a rogue. And not just any rogue-a Silver Wolf rogue.


    The people who hurt me had seen nothing yet, nothing. They rejected a silver wolf, but she''d be back.

 She Died

    Chapter Six - She Died


    Chris'' POV


    The birthday celebration of Raymond and Rihanna was ruined because of my rejection.


    As I passed by the hall, the maidens cleaning would momentarily gossip about me. I heard them. They thought I was too heartless to have rejected my mate. She was nice to them, and they believed she''d make a good Luna. She was also the Beta''s daughter and could protect the pack. I thought so too, but my mother didn''t.


    Perhaps I was a coward who rejected his mate for his mother''s sake.


    I finally found Raymond by the riverbank. It was important to talk to him, to tell him I was sorry and did what I thought was best. Actually, his sister was the only appropriate werewolfess to be my mate. By rejecting her, I was horribly wrong. "I don''t want to talk," Raymond said as I came closer.


    I still moved forward. "But I do. This shouldn''t destroy our friendship¡ª"


    "What friendship? We were friends, yet you treated my sister that way?" he snapped.


    I opened my mouth to defend myself, but no words came out. It was justifiable. Rihanna was also my friend.


    "Well, I wish you luck in finding a second mate." He scoffed. My eyes went to him. With his sarcastic tone, was he cursing me?


    It was usually difficult for Alphas to get a second mate after their first dies.


    And now I had rejected mine. Would the Moon Goddess ever forgive me?


    "Raymond, I swear, I didn''t think it through," I confessed.


    His eyes narrowed. "You mean you regret your rejection?" he asked.


    But I knew I couldn''t take it back. She had epted it, and the moon had already risen.


    "Yes, I think I regret it, but it has already been said. I''m sure she''ll be given a better man than I am."


    Raymond took a step toward me. "Chris," he called, "if you regret it and didn''t think it through, why did you ever open your mouth to say it?"


    He had a look of hate and utter disgust. I disgusted myself as well. Why was rejecting my mate the first thing I thought of doing?


    Because my mother wanted me to and had ingrained the importance of a powerful Luna in my mind. And I valued my mother''s every wish. "I don''t know."


    My mother shouldn''t be my excuse.


    Raymond shook his head, returning to the riverbank. "You''ll live to regret it, then," he mumbled.


    Was he cursing me again? I looked down, feeling the weight of his words.


    Someone stepped on a twig behind me. "Silence, Beta!" a harsh voice barked.


    Raymond and I turned to see my mother and father. My father had a darkness in his eyes when he looked at me. I bet he''d never have rejected his mate, even if she was an Omega. "Don''t you dare curse your Alpha! He won''t regret rejecting your useless sister!" my mother barked again.


    "No, he will!" Raymond shot back, making my father and I turn to him.


    "You rejected an innocent girl as your mate, she killed herself and returned to the Moon Goddess, and you think he won''t regret it?"


    My ears perked up as Raymond spoke. "He will!" Raymond barked again, pointing at me.


    My heart sank, and I rushed to the riverbank where Raymond had been standing. Had his sister reallymitted suicide?


    I saw floating atop the river, a scarf that belonged to her. Indeed, she killed herself. My knees weakened, and I fell to the ground. "Rih killed herself?" I asked, needing confirmation.


    He ignored me and began to walk away, but my father held him back. "Answer him." Shockingly, Raymond shoved my father''s hand away. "Don''t touch me," he said lowly.


    My father narrowed his eyes at him, but Raymond didn''t back down. He kept ranting.


    "What do you think? Shouldn''t an Alpha feel for his pack members? Don''t you feel empty after her death? Or did you never care?" My mother wanted to hit him, but her mate stopped her.


    "Her spirit will haunt you-all of you," Raymond said before walking away.


    I gazed at him. His shoulders were slumped, and every word wasced with the pain of losing a loved one.


    But my brain couldn''t fathom why she''d kill herself. She epted the rejection, so shouldn''t she have hoped for a better mate than me? Why end it?


    A strong arm held my hand and pulled me to my feet. It was my mother. She eyed the scarf and sighed.


    "If being rejected made her kill herself, then she''d have made a lousy Luna."


    Truly, this woman had no heart to mock the dead.


    "I''ll ask the hunters to find where her body washed up and give her a proper burial. For now, the Beta family is excused from all duties, and they will be borne by you, Chris," my father dered. My head lowered.


    "Are you punishing him? Rihanna''s death isn''t his fault," my mother protested.


    Her mate yanked her by the arm. "Yes, it should be yours," he pushed her back.


    My father might not have wanted me to reject my mate, but he never stopped me. He had also called her a curse and never encouraged us.


    Heart-wrenched, I stomped off to the house, hoping to lock myself in my room and bawl my eyes out.


    I needed to surrender to the emptiness I was feeling and let it ruin me.


    mming my room door shut, I fell against it, slowly sliding to the ground.


    I noticed movement beside me and snapped my head in its direction.


    It was my little sister, Vanessa, toying with the scented candle I had prepared for Rih''s birthday.


    I turned away from her. She hated Rihanna and would not share my grief.


    "I sent the sword gift you prepared to Raymond, but the candle is expensive. I don''t think thatdy was worthy of it."


    I gave her no response. She dropped the candle on my bed and sat close. Seeing the redness of my eyes, she dragged my face toward hers.


    "I never expected an Alpha to cry over rejecting a useless mate," she said, sounding so much like my mother. It terrified me.


    "Can an Alpha cry over the loss of a pack member, then?" I shot back.


    "What? Did Rihanna go rogue? Did she denounce our pack? That bitch had guts, didn''t she?" she huffed.


    I shook my head. It would have been better if Rihanna had gone rogue. With the confidence she had when rejecting me, she''d easily survive as a rogue.


    Or I would have allowed her to defect to another pack if my presence irked her, but she died, and it was more painful than it should be.


    "Rihannamitted suicide, Vanessa. Just leave her alone," I mumbled, folding my arms over my legs.


    Vanessa had a nk expression before uncertainty shed across her face. She left my room.


    Finally alone, I forced my shaky legs to rise, and I sauntered to my bed. I fell onto it, memories of Rihanna ying in my head.


    I may have liked her only because of the mate bond, but it was still a valid feeling.


    I was nearly asleep, sinking into the emptiness, when Vanessa tore my door open and patted me.


    "Chris, Raymond is denouncing being your Beta!" My eyes shot open. All traces of sleep fled my mind, reced by panic and worry.


    "You have to stop him! The Beta and his wife are saying nothing," Vanessa wailed.


    "Why should I? Vanessa, would you be loyal to a man who killed your twin sister?" I didn''t know where I found the strength to yell.


    Vanessa flinched, frowning. "A useless twin sister! How dare she cost you your Beta!


    I also heard that a maid from their household ran to tell the ck Rose Alpha about this, bringing more trouble."


    My ears perked up.


    The ck Rose Pack had voted Rihanna as my Beta, if they learnt she was also my mate but I rejected her, leading her to suicide, it''d really cause trouble.


    "This is all your mother''s..." I stopped, there was no need to push mes. The mistake had already been made.


    "Raymond is mourning, as well as the Beta and his wife, let every wolf give them space." I ordered Vanessa.


    She sighed, before nodding, then left again to carry my order.

 His Venting

    Chapter Seven - His Venting


    Chris''s POV


    A week passed.


    The maid who ran to inform the ck Rose Pack had reached them within two days. It made me wonder-was she a spy and not just an ordinary maid? Why else would she think of reporting to another pack? There was an infamous rumor that the ck Rose Pack kept spies in the packs of their allies. They usually never involved themselves in matters of my pack, the Alpha King''s pack, until recently when my father sought closer and better rtions with them. Their only contribution to our pack so far had been allowing Rihanna to be Beta-and that had been ruined. This situation had my anxiety shooting through the roof.


    "Chris, haven''t you opened the letter?" My father''s voice boomed through the hall. The letter from the ck Rose Alpha had been in my hands for hours, while my mind wrestled with how to bear the consequences of its contents. I ced it on the table. "No, I haven''t." How could I? It could be a verdict to never approve me as Alpha King. The ck Rose had that kind of power.


    My father stood close to me, his hand resting on my shoulder. "You are my son, but you mirror your mother all the time."


    I raised my brow at his remark. What did he mean by that? I was nothing like her. Sighing, I tore the letter open and read it.


    "The Alpha of ck Rose is straightforward," I mumbled, my forehead creasing. The Alpha had outrightly spelled out my fears, in a more demeaning manner than I had assumed. They dered that I wasn''t worthy to be their Alpha King because I deemed myself unworthy of my mate and returned her to the moon goddess. The Alpha made it sound as though I had killed Rihanna.


    My father nced at the letter and a smirk appeared on his face. "Alpha Gail is quite blunt. She shouldn''t forget her ce."


    I turned to him, confused. The Alpha of the ck Rose Pack was a woman? I turned back to the letter, rereading it. In the final part, she mentioned that her son would being to our pack. I rose from my seat and began heading toward the door. "Jake Justin will be arriving soon."


    "To do what?" my father asked behind me.


    "Another fear I had," I muttered. Jake Justin denouncing himself as the representative of the ck Rose Pack to us. The problems caused by Rih''s death were piling up, and I wished things had happened differently.


    "Alpha, there''s a guest in the training room. He''s with three warriors and is asking for you," a maid-Sasha''s mother-hurried to tell me.


    I quickened my pace, tightening my grip on the letter in my hand. The training room was filled with our young warriors, all gathered outside. "Where is he?" I asked one of them.


    He bowed and pointed inside. "He''s with Beta Ray. We weremanded not to enter."


    A sigh escaped my lips as I slowly walked into the room, closing the door behind me.


    "Well done, Alpha." Jake Justin''s voice echoed in the empty room. He had the same mocking emphasis on "Alpha" that Rih had used that day.


    I walked in with my head held high. I wasn''t proud of my actions, but I wouldn''t lose my respect or my right. "Wee, Jake. It''s a long journey from ck Rose to here. I wonder what the issue is?"


    A smirk tugged at his lips, and he nced at Ray, who was asleep, his head resting on a table. Ray had been in this pathetic state ever since her death.


    "Well, I heard one of your Betas died and came to check on you. She was your mate, so I know how hard it must have been for you." He feigned a look of sympathy.


    "I had rejected her, Jake. You''re well aware of that."


    He hummed. "Then I bet losing her doesn''t hurt you. Even if she was your Beta. How do you think, oh Alpha King?"


    I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to suppress the anger rising in me. I was hurt by her death, but Jake didn''t know her, and he had no right to speak about it.


    "And don''t misunderstand me," he continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I barely knew her and would never get the chance, thanks to you. But Ray, I know him, and you''re not worth his loyalty." "Okay, you will stop right there!" I pointed at him, my voice sharp.


    He chuckled, stepping away from the table he had been leaning on. "Don''t yell. You''ll wake Ray. Let him sleep-you''ve tormented his life enough."


    My eyes narrowed at him. He was clearly looking for an excuse to sever the alliance between our packs. I could feel it. A war between us would be devastating.


    "Ray is on a break now," I said, trying to keep myposure. "He and his family will have time to mourn. I will be coronated next week, and I anticipate your cooperation."


    "Of course, I''ll cooperate," Jake said with a smug grin, "for Ray''s sake. He needs a friend, someone who didn''t kill his sister." He ran a hand through his hair.


    I wondered if this was what he had been feeding Ray-convincing him that I was the murderer of his sister.


    "Anyway," Jake continued, "I look forward to meeting the new Luna, someone who will be greater than a Beta. I''ll take my leave now." He moved closer, leaning in as he spoke. "Oh, Alpha King."


    He brushed past me and walked out the door. The mocking way he said "Alpha King" resonated strangely with the way Rih had spoken that day. Was this the haunting Ray said I''d face? It was eating me inside and out.


    No matter what, the rtionship between ck Rose and ck Hills had been tarnished. And it had nothing to do with Rihanna-it was all on me.


    As I stepped out of the room, the young warriors gave me skeptical looks, some of them ncing over their bodies as if to check for injuries. I wondered why until I saw the g of the ck Rose Pack bent over but not broken. Jake Justin had his own peculiar way of venting and making his point.


    "Continue training. Leave your Beta to rest inside," Imanded, and they all bowed in agreement.


    With heavy steps, I made my way back to the hall. My father''s voice broke into my mind link, and I opened it to let him speak.


    "Hurry to the hall now. Someone has volunteered to be your mate. Someone without a mate that you can rte to," he said.


    My shoulders slumped with every word. I was getting an arranged mate just days after losing my true mate. I stopped the whining in my head and replied, "I''m on my way. But who is it, Father?"


    "Sasha, my Delta''s daughter."


    My feet froze in ce. Sasha was a maid''s daughter. Her mother had found her mate only after working as a maid in our pce. She was the Delta''s mate, but Sasha wasn''t the Delta''s daughter. What if Sasha, like her mother, found her matete? Shouldn''t she wait?


    "Don''t even think of refusing, Chris," my father''s deep voice warned. "You can''t be Alpha King without a mate. With the current issues, you can''t reject this."


    I nodded to myself and continued toward the hall. "Yes, Father. I ept Sasha as my mate."

 Perk Of A Silver Wolf

    Chapter Eight - Perk of A Silver Wolf.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Being a rogue was hard. I rolled on my back again, trying to get somefort that will slide me to sleep. I found none.


    I lifted myself from the ground and eyed the cave I was coiling myself in. Was I sure I could do this? Being a rogue? Not even the maids in our household lived this hopeless. If the rains came, I''d freeze to death.


    "Maybe instead of saying what you can''t do, try doing what you can?" Lana scolded.


    "And what''s that smartass? What in the world am I good at that will save us out here!" I pointed at my surroundings.


    "Use the eyes the moon goddess gave you. Go hunt girl. Or better, let me do the hunting. Sit back and whine." she began pushing for control.


    I cked backwards and let her take control, I was once again enthralled by her beautiful fur. In wolf form, I ran towards the bushes to hunt.


    It was morning, so the animals maybe quite few, but they''d be amongst the preys. I sighted a deer enjoying breakfast but went past it.


    It was pregnant and was due to deliver, I paused. "How did I know that, Lana?" I turned back to the deer.


    It did have a bigger stomach but I shouldn''t have been able to guest it was pregnant. I couldn''t tell male from female.


    "You felt it''s energy cos I am getting stronger. It''s a gift of silver wolfs. We feel energy and can give, when we want, of course." She lectured.


    That was awesome, I really needed to know more about myself and improve but that will all be self taught since I had no pack or teacher.


    I stooped low when another deer ran past a tree and sped towards the cave I had been. It was fast, very fast and scared.


    Then there was a gunshot. Lana shuddered and so did the pregnant deer, who immediately took to her heels.


    I ran towards the direction of the sound on impulse. There was a cargo of goods....,no people down below the hill.


    The energy those people had was mainly omegas and four out of them were of warrior ranks. The omegas had chains tied to their necks. They were ves being transported.


    The gun shot came again and another omega fell dead. Why were they being killed? But I didn''t want to interfere.


    The ve business had been on for a while. It was one of the things Alpha King Wayne had allowed to continue after his father stopped it.


    It was prohibited in only two packs, ck Rose and ck Hills; the other three packs indulged in it greatly.


    "Hey!" an omega was pped by a warrior. "If none of you speak, I''d put a bullet in your heads. Where''d she go?"


    The one who was pped, had a straight face, filled with blood and sand. She looked like she wouldn''t budge. They must have let one of them escape.


    Feeling weak, I crawled away from the scene as the warrior shot the omega down and began cajoling more ves to spill the information.


    It was annoying how these wolfs were being treated. Perhaps they had been stubborn but we were all equal to the moon goddess.


    "Lana, one day, we''d destroy this stupid practice and make that ignorant Alpha King pay!" I seethed.


    "That''s a sure one!" she huffed, running back to hunt. "He disregarded a silver wolf, but not the prophecy. His bloodline shall not reign for long." With renewed confidence and enthusiasm, I went back to hunt and while it was my first time actively hunting, I could say I did pretty well.


    From the little things I packed from home, I found items to start a fire and prepared a ce to sleep in.


    The smell of roasted deer meat was so enticing that I was almost sure I wasn''t the only one swallowing loudly.


    "Who are you? Come out before I find you." I ordered at whoever. That person had been inside the cave since I started roasting meat.


    A thin tall girl shuffled her legs from behind a cave wall. She raised her head, revealing the blood, sweat and sand mingling on her face. "I''m hungry, please." she mouthed.


    That was quite brave asking for food from someone she barely knew. What if I poisoned it?


    I scrutinized her properly and saw the matching outfits. It was the same as those omega ves I encountered earlier.


    Was she the one they had let escape? I smiled at her and cut out a piece of meat for her. I tapped beside me. "Come eat."


    She was energetic and ran towards me. Perhaps I was older by two, or three, years, but she was surely taller.


    I shouldn''t speak of the death of woman that didn''t expose her whereabouts. The guilt could kill her, or the pain make her stronger.


    "Why didn''t you help my n from getting killed?" she asked, as she bit into her meat.


    I turned to her. So she knew I saw all that? She must have seen it then? And how did she know I was the silver wolf?


    "You are a silver wolf. A blessing to our n. Why didn''t you help us?" her voice was bing teary.


    I backed away from her. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Chill, I don''t know where you guys are from. And I wanted to but I am not strong enough... yet."


    I tried not to look in her eyes, they held pain and a tint of disappointment. "And how I was to know you guys weren''t criminals being punished?"


    That came out wrong but it was worthy defense.


    She frowned. "We are victims! My father was the n chief, we lived quietly, not being under any ''pack'' but got raided! Our men were taken and women are to die so the lineage will end!" Every word was an outburst. I should be careful of what I''d say next. I nodded, understandably, waiting for her to be calm.


    "It''s no use anyway. You are young, there''s no way you could have saved us all." She stopped eating and stared into the fire.


    It wasn''t right, those warriors were only four. With the help of those brave women, who''d rather die than expose her, I could have taken those men. I would have been a Beta anyway.


    I rose from where we sat. Her n and those warrior would be long gone already. We couldn''t chase.


    "I will try to save who I can from now on. I am very sorry about your n."


    She looked up at me and I saw a tint of hope in her eyes. If that hope was in me, then I really didn''t want to lose it.

 A Bitter Soul

    Chapter Nine - A Bitter Soul


    Rihanna''s POV


    The rains came, so we had to move. The caves already had owners, and I wasn''t in the mood to fight animals over shelter.


    We were in our wolf form. My silver wolf seemed more agile under difficult situations than perfect ones. The omega girl from a n, named Dara, was struggling under the rain. She was my responsibility, so I had to help. "Climb on me!" I told her. I had learned to break into a mind link earlier while trying to warn her about tigers.


    Another perk of silver wolves. I wondered if it worked with Alphas too.


    Since we had no pack and were basically each other''s pack, we deserved to share a mind link.


    "Can you carry me and all those memories you have with you?" She gazed at my bag, then at me. "Don''t worry, I''m good," she said, continuing to crawl ahead.


    The bag held thest of the memories I had of my pack. They were the only things linking me to my former life. Without them, we would be total savages in this forest where even wilder animals roamed.


    Dara was an omega. She was weaker than I was and could die if I didn''t help.


    "Dara, wait up. There''s another cave up ahead," I said, using my sharp eyes to spot it. I pushed her up the hill, climbing toward it.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll set a fire as soon as we get there!" I assured her. She was already shaking violently from the cold.


    Once we reached the cave, I dropped my bag on the ground and started a fire. I gave her some leftover meat, still warm, and went to check the cave.


    I needed to know if there was already an owner. My eyesnded on an ebony ck sword sheath. If I knew anything about the packs under Alpha Wayne, specifically the Red Moon Pack, it was their peculiar obsession with swords. My mind went back to their young Alpha attending Vanessa''s birthday and gifting her many decorative swords. This sword sheath had to be theirs.


    "Rihanna!"


    My head snapped to the entrance, and I rushed to meet Dara, who had called out. When I got to her, I saw a bloody soldier lying on top of her. She was trying to save him.


    The man''s armor design matched the sword sheath. He was a hunter from the Red Moon Pack. I''d never seen one before.


    I dived into my bag and brought out some items to stop the bleeding, along with ointment to hasten the healing process. But when I got close to the soldier, he threw my hand away.


    "Let me die!"


    Dara''s face contorted as she looked at him, worried. "We can help you. Let us help you," she pleaded.


    "What use is living? I led my hunters to their deaths, and we couldn''t fulfill our mission. If I return, I''ll be killed anyway!" he wailed in bitterness.


    Yet another bitter soul. I sat beside him and forcefully stered a bandage on his wounds.


    "Kill yourself after this, but I don''t want to feel guilty," I said dryly.


    He turned his head to face me. "I should die, right?" I had meant my words as sarcasm, but I shrugged. Dara frowned slightly at me. Suddenly, the man pulled out a knife from his boot and stabbed himself. Dara and I jumped away from him.


    "Curse the ck Rose Pack! I curse them with my dying breath!" he groaned. Blood poured out, and he finally stopped moving.


    I nced at Dara. Her eyes were watery; she couldn''t bear seeing another death. I rushed to remove the bandage I had put on the man. "One who doesn''t want to live has no hope," I sighed. I shouldn''t have wasted bandages on him.


    "You shouldn''t have told him to die. He lost his hunters to a dreadful pack. The least you could''ve done was sympathize," Dara scolded.


    I ignored her. Perhaps I hadn''t thought much about my words, but the man already looked wasted. He was half-dead anyway. If he was that low mentally and emotionally, he wouldn''t have healed himself even if we had tried. "The ck Rose Pack has its problems, but don''t you think sending hunters to infiltrate that pack is more dreadful?" I asked her.


    She looked away from me. From what I could tell, if the sword and the soldier belonged to the Red Moon Pack, then did they send hunters to kill someone in the ck Rose Pack?


    I rolled up the bandage and tossed it back into my bag. "We''ll stay here for the night. With what he said, I think we''re close to the ck Rose Pack."


    That wasn''t a good thing. I was a rogue and should be dead. I shouldn''t be seen, let alone caught.


    "Let''s bury him," Dara suggested, referring to the dead man.


    I looked down at him in disgust. "I''ll bury him. Stay inside," I said. She nodded and began preparing the bedding.


    Outside, the rain had subsided, so I needed to hurry. Without the rain, anyone could catch my rogue scent and hunt me.


    I shifted into wolf form and lifted the man onto my back. I activated a protective barrier in front of me and made short strides, looking for the dampest spot.


    If this soldier was thest of his hunters, being buried nearby would be suspicious to the ck Rose Pack. I dropped him into a swampy puddle and muttered a short prayer to the Moon Goddess to ept his soul-his bitter, rude soul. On my way back, I heard the shuffling of leaves and the snapping of twigs under paws. I growled at the intruders.


    Two brown wolves jumped out of the bushes, growling in return. I felt their energy and knew they were of warrior rank. Lana convinced me we could take them, so I dived to attack.


    At first, I was thrown off bnce, but I recovered and sank my ws into one. The other wolf, hurt by my actions, attacked more fiercely. My dodges and blows were swift and precise.


    He tried to headbutt me, but my barrier sent him flying backward into a tree. The other wolf moaned in pain and rushed to help hispanion. I snarled at them, warning them to back off, or they''d die for real this time. They fled. "Save us!" someone cried from the bushes.


    I hurried over and found two women, tied with silver chains to a tree. Their skin was burning from the silver. In a swift movement, I tore the chains off them.


    They fell to the ground and rushed to kiss my feet. "Thank you, Silver Wolf. The Moon Goddess has blessed thend. Thank you."


    I had never felt so... important. I helped the youngest one to her feet and let her lean on me. Slowly, I was gaining the pack I needed.


    Maybe I should keep saving the weak wolves. Not long ago, I hadn''t been so different from them.

 A Rogue Silver

    Chapter Ten - A Rogue Silver Chris''s POV


    A coronation should be a joyful event, but mine wasn''t. I had always looked forward to the day with excitement, yet as it approached, everything started to irritate me to the core. There was still no news about Rih''s body, though it was rumored to have been devoured by fish, since a farmer had once spotted blood in the river. That must have been agonizing, and the guilt weighed heavily on my heart-something I couldn''t shake. It was even more painful than rejecting my


    mate.


    I looked ahead at the Alphas and pack leaders offering their congrattions. The ck Rose Pack was next, represented only by Jake Justin and his warriors. "Oh, Alpha King, congrattions!" he smirked, extending his hand for a shake.


    I took it nonchntly, though I noticed the slight squeeze he gave my hand. "Why didn''t your mother attend?"


    His eyes gleamed. "Oh, so you know I have a mother? Or is this some new knowledge you''ve acquired as the newly crowned Alpha King?"


    A sigh escaped my lips. He was exhausting, always trying to guilt-trip me in every possible way, but I had recently learned this piece of information.


    I''d heard stories about the Alpha, though I hadn''t expected her to be a woman. "Don''t start, Jake. Yes, I recently realized your Alpha was female..."


    "One that shouldn''t be underestimated," he said. "She hunted wolves with your grandfather and father. And she''s a true Alpha, not a hand-me-down." His lips tugged mockingly as he referred to my Alpha status as something inherited. I leaned in closer. "And so will you be."


    He shook his head immediately. "I''m not next in line for the throne."


    My expression shifted.


    "See, you know nothing about my pack. I''ll educate you about your most powerful ally when you''re done greeting the others." He huffed.


    My mind raced, trying to process how he wasn''t the heir. He was the Alpha''s son, after all. He walked away, disappearing into the crowd, but I could still see his dark, shiny hair as he headed toward the door. Was he staying to teach me, or was he leaving? Either way, it was good riddance.


    I forced a smile and continued greeting the remaining guests. My arranged Luna, Sasha, hurried over with a ss of water as I sat on the throne.


    "My Alpha, here, to quench your thirst," she said, smiling demurely.


    Looking into her face, I remembered the time I had mind-linked her, warning her not to bully Rih. Back then, I told her she was nothing more than a maid and had no right to bother a Beta''s daughter. She had cried and fled, but now, I had epted her after rejecting Rih-the one I imed was worth more than her.


    Rih would have mocked me to death if she had witnessed this ironic turn of events. My wolf wasn''t even with me during this coronation. He had distanced himself, processing everything slowly.


    I took the ss of water from Sasha just to get her away from me. "Thank you, you may leave."


    She quickly scurried off to gossip and judge the guests with Vanessa. I was sure it had been Vanessa who suggested Sasha to my father as my arranged mate. Even if they had quarreled that day, they bonded again over my rejection of Rih. The coronation finally ended after my speech and the mockery of a ''wedding'' to Sasha. The guests began to disperse, though some lingered for refreshments. My mother approached me with an unreadable expression.


    "I know today isn''t your best day, but try to be happy, hmm?" she said gently.


    I nodded, forcing a smile. She hadn''t agreed to Sasha being my Luna, but since my father insisted, she had let it go.


    When I stepped outside, I was surprised to see Jake Justin still around. He stood beside Raymond, someone who had avoided speaking to me throughout the coronation. I was grateful he had agreed to be coronated as Beta anyway.


    "Jake Justin, you didn''t leave?" I marched toward them.


    "I never said I would." He replied without turning. "I had a question, but your Beta answered it." He finally faced me. "I''ll be leaving now."


    I rolled my eyes and cocked my head. "We''ve had our differences. Please continue upholding the good rtions between our packs."


    Ray detached from Jake and gave me a brief bow before walking into the room. I watched him go. I didn''t want him to be a ''beck-and-call'' Beta like his father had been to mine, but he remained distant even after my apology. "You can''t fix that rtionship," Jake said, breaking the silence. I turned to him, standing beside him. "I''ll try."


    "You killed his sister. What do you expect him to do? Smile? He can only serve as he''s bound to do. Expect nothing more." Jake sighed.


    But I wouldn''t give up. Rih''s death hurt me as much as it did Ray, and there were more pressing issues that required our full cooperation.


    ¡°Anyway, what question did you have?" I asked, changing the subject.


    He nced at me before looking back up at the stars. "Never mind. I asked if someone from your pack had dered themselves rogue recently."


    I frowned. "No." No one in the Alpha King''s pack would ever be rogue. They''d be proud to belong.


    "Why? A rogue issue? The ck Rose Pack handles those well, don''t they?" I teased.


    "We do. Only this time, the rogue is a Silver Wolf, and he''s causing a lot of havoc," Jake Justin said, clenching his fists slightly.


    "A Silver Wolf?" My eyes widened. It had been a long time since one appeared around here. Why would a Silver Wolf go rogue when so many packs would want him?


    "Yes. Recently, our Delta was attacked by hunters from an unknown pack. We tried to handle them, but the rogue showed up."


    Frustration colored his tone.


    "I sent more warriors to deal with the hunters, but they couldn''t find them. The hunters returned to attack again, and the rogue saved them. It''s infuriating!" He mmed his hand against the wall.


    I couldn''t help but feel a little satisfaction at seeing him so frustrated-finally, the ck Rose Pack was struggling to deal with something. But a rogue Silver Wolf could be a threat to all packs, and as Alpha King, I had to take it seriously. "Capture the Silver Wolf if you can. They''re rare and shouldn''t be killed. Maybe he thinks your pack is doing something wrong," I suggested.


    Jake Justin scoffed. "He can wait until I skin him alive. My pack already has two older Silver Wolves. We don''t need young troublemakers. We''ll kill him!"


    I grabbed his arm as he turned to leave. "That''s an order from your Alpha King. We don''t kill Silver Wolves anymore."


    He shoved my hand away. It reminded me of how Ray had pushed my father''s hand on the day Rih died. The memory made my heart both sink and boil. "This is my pack. Your orders aren''t needed here," Jake intoned. "I asked Ray if the rogue came from your pack. He didn''t, so don''t worry about him." With that, he brushed past me and walked back into the hall.


    Author''s note: Please drop yourments. I''m curious to hear your thoughts! Thank you.

 Against You

    Chapter Eleven - Against You Chris''s POV


    After Jake left me outside and walked in, I stayed, watching the stars and asking the Moon Goddess if Rih was up there. I wanted to know if she could see her curses on meing true. ck Rose Pack should be my closest ally, but they were the first to challenge me a few hours after my coronation as their King. To say it didn''t bother me would be a lie-it greatly did. This wasn''t a very admirable first day as Alpha King for me. And knowing that it was because I led to the death of their true Luna, I couldn''t really me their behavior.


    I heard my father clear his throat behind me. I turned and saw that his long ck hair had been cut short. He had always wanted it short, but due to the harsh temperatures at unconventional battlegrounds, he had to keep it long for protection. Now, I was the one to bear all that. My blonde hair stopped at my ears, though.


    My father looked at the stars I was staring at and asked, "What are you doing here? You should be inside with your guests."


    "I''ve met them all," I said simply. It wasn''t like they had any words of wisdom for me.


    My father stood beside me. "I saw you and Jake. Don''t mind him, he''s been a difficult kid."


    I nodded, feeling nofort in his words. How could I not mind him? One day, he''s being the most supportive person; the next, he isn''t.


    "And as Alpha King, you should be dealing with his older brother," my father added.


    I snapped my head to my father but quickly brought it back to the stars. Jake''s older brother-the person he said would be the Alpha. That''s why Jake had such an attitude-it was the youngest child syndrome: picky and with an attitude. "I''ll keep that in mind. Did you hear they were attacked by a rogue silver wolf?" I probed, wanting to know how much he knew.


    He confirmed with a nod. "If he''s a silver wolf, Jake Justin can''t defeat him that easily. He seems to have so much hate inside."


    I agreed with his words. The rogue may only be after ck Rose and not other packs. Maybe the rogue broke from a pack they had angered. Jake Justin would surely need help in the long run, and he''de to me, his Alpha King. "I''ll hold Jake Justin to that. Don''t worry."


    A smirk crossed my face as I envisioned Jake rushing to me, horror in his eyes,ining about how the silver wolf wrecked his warriors. In my mercy and power, I could release the best of my royal warriors tobat and subdue the threat, leaving Jake grateful to me.


    My bubble of self-delight burst when my father''s next words cut through it. "Jake will always have something against you."


    Was he cursing me? Why was everyone against me this year? "What do you mean? What would he have against me?"


    My father faced me, keeping one arm on the balcony''s rail. "You rejected the official Luna. It''s against the rules as Alpha King to do so."


    A wall around my heart, one I had been trying to rebuild since Rih''s death, shattered again. She would always haunt me.


    "My father made that rule after he had his silver wolf mate. It wasn''t just because Alphas rarely get a second mate, but because whichever mate they get is the best choice for Luna Queen."


    "Then why did you call Rihanna a curse in front of me?" I barked, cutting him off.


    A frown deepened on his face. He took his arm off the balcony''s rail, crossing both arms behind his back. "Rih was weak."


    "You just said that whatever mate an Alpha is given would be the best choice. I felt that way too, but you didn''t. Why?"


    "Well, because I didn''t see it in her! And you didn''t either-you rejected her! Neither of us was willing to give her a chance!" he barked back.


    I felt small before him. Not because he was barking at me but because he spoke the truth. I didn''t give Rih a chance, even when she was the most eligible. But how long would I keep regretting it? Couldn''t there be a ''move on'' button for me? I cleared my throat and looked down to hide the tears filling my eyes. "I regret everything about that day. The rejection, her death, losing Ray''s friendship, all of it."


    My father nodded. "I do too. I shouldn''t have let your mother''s hatred for Rih blind me to her potential. I was her Alpha."


    So he agreed as well, and it was my mother''s influence that caused all this? My mother was a hard one!


    "So, about Jake does he have the power to remove me from power? Is that what you mean by him having something against me?"


    "Somewhat. He can''t remove you, but he can make the Alphas aware of Rih''s rejection and death. You''d lose their respect and loyalty."


    And those were the two things I needed most to stay high on this throne. What good was a king without the respect and loyalty of the people?


    "I''ll make it up to Jake Justin. I''ll try being a little honest with him." As I spoke, I walked into the hall before my father could stop me.


    Thankfully, he didn''t. He might have really left the reins of the pack in my hands. I''d lead it well.


    I spotted Jake Justin speaking with Vanessa. He had an inquisitive look on his face and nced at Sasha from time to time. Perhaps he had figured out that I had an arranged Luna-it wouldn''t sit well with him. I hurried over to him. He met my gaze, his eyes darkening. I had been right. "Jake, I need to speak with you about something," I started first.


    His eyes brightened, and his inquisitive look returned. "What is it?"


    "Rihanna''s rejection wasn''t nned at all," I began. His eyebrows lifted, waiting for more. "You know the mate bond makes you like a thing or two about your mate?"


    He nodded. "Didn''t you feel that way with Rihanna? She was practically your Beta."


    She wasn''t exactly, but he didn''t need to know that. "She was. And we felt those things. But she wasn''t quite liked by everyone."


    "Should that matter? My oldest brother wasn''t quite liked by my uncles, but he''s next in line to be Alpha, not them. So?"


    I bit my lower lip, realizing I had no real reason for treating Rih like that except that I was a coward who listened to my mother.


    "If you''re worried about the Alphas finding out, don''t be. I won''t tell them."


    I looked up. He wouldn''t?


    "Because of Ray. He always dreamed of being a better Beta than his father, so I want him to fulfill that dream."


    His reason was for Ray? Not for my happiness? A scoff escaped my lips. "I guess I''m grateful?"


    "You should be, Alpha King," Jake Justin smiled. "I''m honored to be someone you''re grateful to." He tapped my shoulder and walked away.


    The edges of my lips twitched sideways, trying to force a painful smile, but there was nothing to smile about.


    For my years as Alpha King, I would always have to be wary of displeasing the ck Rose Pack because I had rejected my mate.

 Dispensable

    Chapter Twelve - Dispensable


    Rihanna''s POV


    Stubborn goats. Goats could even be tamed. I red at the two young girls in front of me with disdain and regret. Why didn''t I leave them to be shredded by the ck Rose warriors when they tried twice to attack them? "Cami and Beatrice," I called their names. Cami raised her head, but Beatrice still looked down, fuming with anger and bloodthirst.


    "This is thest time my silver wolf and I are going to risk ourselves to save your two asses. I told you-leave the ck Rose Pack alone!" Beatrice revolted. "They killed our team!"


    "You were trying to kill their Delta!" Dara roared back. Beatrice advanced toward her, but she stood her ground, staring Beatrice down. "You and your hunters dared attack a pack-you should know you stand no chance!" Dara ranted on.


    Cami pulled Beatrice back, and they both looked up at me like two dogs being scolded for breaking a vase. An expensive vase.


    "You two should never y such an expensive game again. I''m undercover here and shouldn''t be rushing into that pack!" I pointed at them.


    "If you want revenge, we need to build air. Gather as many warriors as we can find and form a fortress. Not mindless attacks."


    Dara came forward as I shared thest idea. "I know a hidden fortress. It was supposed to be the hiding ce of my n."


    "Andst I knew, your n is dead, so it wasn''t hidden enough." Beatrice smirked, ring at Dara.


    Cami nudged her, and she looked away.


    "Yes, we never got there. It was far, and those warriors caught up to us-warriors from your pack!" Dara fumed, ring at Beatrice.


    Beatrice red back, and a sigh escaped my lips. When two enemies see themselves in a simr situation, would they work together, or not? Dara and Beatrice were perfect examples.


    I still couldn''t wrap my head around why Red Moon would send hunters to silence a ck Rose Delta inside his own pack. Who''d imagine these powerful packs had conflicts between them? Petty conflicts, as they sent mere hunters, not warriors, to do the job.


    "I think I know what we should do. Dara, how far is the fortress from here?"


    She smiled, seeing that I was buying into her idea. "It''s south of the Red Moon Pack, but it can''t ever be seen-trust me."


    Beatrice and Cami rolled their eyes in unison.


    "That can work, as long as it''s far from the ck Rose Pack." I exhaled, packing my items into my bag.


    I didn''t want anyone seeing me. Ray was close to Jake Justin, and I didn''t want him knowing my status. It was better that way. I''d also be really embarrassed to meet Jake Justin as a homeless rogue girl, crying because she was rejected by her mate. I''d recovered from that.


    It was better if these packs saw me as Your Silver first, before Rihanna. It was also good that rumors had spread, iming I''m male. Funny.


    "Are we going to drop our revenge on the ck Rose Pack and head to a dirty fortress?" Beatrice broke my thoughts.


    Both Dara and Cami, who were packing as well, paused and looked up at her.


    "Well, yes. We''re rogues. We can''t be around a pack that''s known for killing rogues. We need a safe spot." I answered.


    She scoffed, making me feel offended. Why was she revolting? I saved her ass-what else did she want now?


    "I can''t run away from a fight. You can if you want. ck Rose killed my team, my leader. I can''t back off. You shouldn''t either, Cami." Cami didn''t respond and continued packing her things into the bag with Dara, who continued as well.


    "I guess you won''t, then? Fine. I''d like to see the face you''ll use to return to our Alpha. Or would you even return?" Beatrice sighed.


    I stomped to my feet. "Girl, you want to leave? Leave! I was there when your leader died, and he said he couldn''t return until the mission was done."


    Her eyes widened. "You saw our leader? He was injured. Did you save him?" she asked. Cami also looked at me, wanting to know.


    I shook my head. "He was dispirited and thought he''d lost everything. He killed himself, but that''s fair."


    Beatrice clenched her fists. "Fair? You''re a freaking silver wolf! How couldn''t you save him, and you say it''s fair?"


    Dara jumped from where she had been stooping to pack her items. "Don''t you dare yell at her! She saved your ass! Your leader was wasted already!" Cami turned to her and pped her face. "That''s my brother you''re talking about there!" Her eyes were watery.


    I shook my hands, anticipating a fight, but Dara only wiped her face and let out a painfulugh.


    "So, should I pity you? Your warriors killed my brother too-my father, cousins. My sisters and people are ves. Should I pity you?"


    I looked at Dara as her pain coursed through her and into me. I couldn''t live with the guilt of not interfering, but I knew I wasn''t strong enough. "Well, why didn''t your silver wolf stop them? Why didn''t-"


    I mmed Beatrice into the wall, and she fell, shutting up. She scurried back, and Cami and Dara stepped away as well.


    My eyes were ming orange. It wasn''t an ideal time to unlock Beta mode, but Beatrice was asking for it. "You''re a Beta?" Dara muttered.


    I pointed at Beatrice. "If you want to walk away? The f*cking do it! Don''t try to frustrate me! Do you think you''d survive if you returned?"


    I finally understood why Red Moon sent hunters-they were dispensable.


    "Your Alpha would have killed you to hide the truth. You wouldn''t have been honored, but some lies would be told about you." I barked at her.


    All the while, she kept her head down. Perhaps she realized her mistakes, or my Beta aura subdued her.


    "I''ll repeat-if you want to leave, leave. But I''m a silver wolf, and I will fulfill my prophecy, with or without you. I don''t need your sh*t!" I spelled out. She flinched as I spoke.


    I turned to Dara and Cami, and they went back to packing. "We''ll go to that fortress and make a base. First, we''ll recruit hunters and omegas." Dara nodded and hurriedly packed the bags.


    "Then we''ll stop those ve posts. Cami, you know where it is, don''t you?"


    She grinned and nodded slightly. "I''ll take you there at night. It''s a horrible ce."


    Dara came forward with the bags.


    "You''ll tear the packs apart from the inside, and they won''t know what hit them. Only the painful burn of silver will remain."


    I nodded to affirm her words. The hopes they had in me had to be fulfilled.


    Beatrice rose from the ground behind me. "I''m sorry. I just need to avenge my innocent team that was used by my Alpha," she said.


    Cami came forward with her and Beatrice''s bags. I slung my bag over my shoulder and handed Beatrice hers. "And they will be avenged."

 Your Silver Goals

    Chapter Thirteen - Your Silver Goals (Three Years Later) Chris'' POV


    There were five packs in total, including the Alpha King''s pack. The other four were under the protection of the Alpha King. The Red Moon Pack was the most resourceful, both in natural resources andbor force. The ck Rose was once a kingdom-pack but had forfeited its status toe under the Alpha King''s banner, hence their proud aura. They lived in steepnds with unpredictable weather, and the strongest warriors were found in their pack.


    The two other packs were the Blue Bloom Pack and the Blue Fire Pack, both originating from two lovers who were never meant to be but remained at peace. Over time, however, Blue Fire became aggressive, engaging in the ve trade, corrupted by the Red Moon Pack. They infected the Blue Bloom Pack as well, enving smaller surrounding packs. My father had approved of it back then because it created more wealth for the packs, wealth that, as Alpha King, he benefited from at the time.


    But now, these practices had invited something deadly, something that burned-a relentless silver wolf, named Your Silver.


    Numerous reports of his rampages flooded my court daily, making it difficult to turn a blind eye.


    "Alpha!" someone interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see Edwin, my Delta and Sasha''s brother. He rushed towards me, head lowered. "Jake Justin of the ck Rose Pack has arrived."


    For some reason, I felt an urgent sense of dread. I had developed an unhealthy dislike-no, an unhealthy fear of his name over the past few years. What was he here for? He''d almost never troubled me these past three years, only sending letters. What could possibly be so urgent that it couldn''t be written down?


    I nodded to Edwin. "Fine, let him in."


    Edwin bowed. "Yes, Alpha. He''s talking with Beta Ray right now, but he''ll be here in a few minutes." With that, he walked backwards and left.


    My gaze fell to the ground as I began to think. The first person Jake Justin had greeted was my Beta, Ray, not me. It made me acutely aware of the growing loyalty some hunters were showing to Ray while disregarding me. I appreciated that Ray had loyal followers, but they should all answer to me. Perhaps I was overthinking it. I owed Ray a lot, and he was doing his best.


    "Oh, Alpha King!"


    I snapped my head toward the door. Jake Justin still addressed me the same way, with that mocking emphasis. As he drew closer, his features became more defined. His hair was styled into a mullet, and his mischievous green eyes stood out more now. He was dressed in a warrior''s suit of armor and had grown more muscr since thest time we met. Even his voice had deepened.


    "Long time no see, my friend," I said, almost gagging on the word friend.


    Jake beat me to a reaction. "Friend? No, we aren''t friends." He stopped just in front of me, a snide grin on his face.


    I nodded. "Indeed, we aren''t. So, what brings you here today?" I wanted him to get to the point quickly so I could deal with the other pressing issues. If I received one more report about Your Silver wreaking havoc, I might just lose it. "Your Silver ravaged our hunters'' hideout," Jake Justin announced.


    My legs felt weak, and I sat back in my chair to conceal my momentarypse. "You''re not serious," I muttered, more to myself than to him. It was bing increasingly impossible to stop this man, let alone catch him.


    "For three years, the ck Rose Pack has been free from his attacks, apart from when he saved those hunters. Why did he attack us now?" Jake asked, clearly frustrated.


    I wanted to shout at him to find the answer himself, but dutypelled me to investigate. I met his gaze. "Do you think your hunters did something to provoke this reaction?"


    Jake shook his head. "Your Silver''s goals have been clear-he''s been recruiting rogues and stopping the ve market. My pack doesn''t engage in the ve trade, so no."


    A silent sigh escaped my lips. I flipped through the mental pages of affirmations I''d been telling myself. Maybe I needed a break. But the problems of being Alpha King still awaited me. "Personally, I think we should abolish the ve market," Jake suggested.


    Finally, he was thinking for himself. I was all for it, even though the suggestion felt a bit sketchy.


    "Good resourcese from the ve market, which you also benefit from. ves work and produce goods that are sold to you," I exined.


    "They could still work, but as paidborers, not ves. That might satisfy Your Silver. He''s currently the only Silver Wolf in ournds. The others died."


    More weight pressed down on me. Thest silver wolf in the fivends was now the most wanted rogue and criminal. How ironic.


    "Jake, this Silver Wolf shouldn''t die. If it''s the ve market he wants abolished, then we should adopt your idea to appease him," I agreed.


    I heard Jake p behind me. "You''re willing to weaken the Red Moon Pack. Apart from the ves working for them, they have nothing-no wisdom, no real contribution."


    I wasn''t interested in their internal squabbles. It was well-known that the ck Rose and Red Moon packs despised each other. If removing the ve market would weaken Red Moon, they''d struggle to contribute to therger society. "Fine. Let''s do it. But remember, this will be seen as a joint decision and not my response to their constant pleas for help," I reminded Jake.


    He chuckled a genuine one, which was rare between us. He must have been delighted that his rivals were losing their grip on power.


    "Of course. I''ll inform them. The other two packs will restart their fishing and craftwork as they did before," he confirmed.


    "Hopefully, after this, Your Silver will stop his rampage," I sighed in relief. This move should''ve been made years ago, but I''d been paralyzed by fear of how the packs would react.


    Was I still a coward after all these years?


    Jake gave a slight bow and walked backwards, heading out. Suddenly, he stopped, causing my heart to skip a beat.


    "My brother is here. I mean, it''s the first meeting, and he troubled himself toe in person. He''s with your Luna now."


    Why hadn''t anyone told me this before? Jake Justin was always a sly fox who got what he wanted. What kind of emotional distress would his brother bring this time?

 Visit from Jaden

    Chapter Fourteen - Visit from Jaden Chris POV


    Why didn''t they inform me beforehand as well? Jake Justin was already a sly fox who always got what he wanted. What emotional distress would his brother put me through this time?


    I realized I hadn''t responded to Jake Justin and cleared my throat. "Of course, I''m on my way. He is the new Alpha of your pack, right?"


    Jake nodded. "Yes, and we''ll be waiting for you."


    There was something slightly sinister about the way he looked at me and then at my record book before walking away.


    mming my book of affirmations shut, I exhaled deeply, closing my eyes. When I opened them again, they were red and ming. I was drawing energy from my wolf, Zeke. "Let''s go and rule those wolves," I muttered.


    Upon arriving at the courtroom, I saw Jake seated beside a man covered in a big ck hoodie. I paused before figuring out it was Jake''s brother. Of course, he had to wear a creepy outfit. His aura was strong-I could tell. He was even eligible to be an Alpha King if not for their alliance.


    "He''s here," Jake said, patting his brother yfully. He jumped out of his seat with high spirits, acting like the youngest around his brother.


    The young man slowly stood up and pulled down his hoodie. His green eyes pierced into mine before they rxed. His hair was longer than Jake''s, perhaps shoulder length, and he had a more feminine face structure.


    Both his hands were behind his back. Jake noticed and copied him, like younger siblings often do.


    "Alpha Chris, my greetings to you. I am Jaden," the young man said, bowing briefly.


    Jake reluctantly bowed as well. I was pleased that Jaden had a less arrogant attitude and hadn''t referred to himself as an Alpha.


    I gestured for them to lift their heads, and they did. "Nice to meet you, Jaden. I don''t recall seeing you at my coronation."


    I rubbed it in. Why should I have been dealing with the youngest son when there was an older one? Jaden''s expression darkened.


    "I couldn''t attend your coronation due to unforeseen distractions. My apologies," he said in a t, low tone.


    I nodded in agreement. "Yes, distractions happen. Wee to my pce. If you''d like, you could stay for a few days." I didn''t mean that, but courtesy demanded it. "dly!"


    He agreed?! Even Jake looked surprised.


    "I never got to develop a friendship with you, and I feel that staying for a while might help blossom that," Jaden said, his tone livelier.


    He was excited to build a rtionship with me? That was unexpected from anyone from ck Rose. I began to see him in a different light.


    "Um, brother, you have a pack to run," Jake said sternly.


    I smirked, knowing full well Jake didn''t like the idea of good rtions between us.


    "Handle it for a while. At most, I''ll stay for a day or two," Jaden said, patting his brother. "Honestly, this is the farthest I''ve ever been outside my pack."


    He turned his attention to the architectural designs on the wall. "And as your closest ally, I think we should findmon ground."


    I was beginning to like this guy''s positivity and openness. Jake had all the bad traits.


    "Very well, I''m open to that. You''ll be hosted here," I said.


    Jaden turned away from the wall and gave me a big smile. "I appreciate the kind gesture."


    Jake grunted and muttered under his breath, "This wasn''t what I thought he meant by ''let''s see our Alpha King."


    333


    A smirk crept onto my face as Jake stormed off, returning to his pack alone. It felt satisfying to see him displeased.


    With my knowledge of the ck Rose Pack, I knew them to be adventurous and always seeking a worthy challenge. This Alpha seemed like he was seeing things for the first time in his life.


    "You said this was crafted by the Red Bloom Pack? And it''s popr? Why haven''t I seen it before?" Jaden asked, referring to a spoon I''d had since I was five.


    "It was gifted to me five years ago. Very brilliant design," I said.


    "There''s hope for art in this world," he cheered, admiring an aesthetically pleasing te.


    Soon, I grew tired of showing off my tes and cutlery. If he wanted a tour, Sasha could do it. I had pending issues on my table.


    It clicked in my head that Your Silver had attacked them recently, though I didn''t quite understand why. Jake seemed to be hiding something. Hunters weren''t important enough to be kidnapped by a fearsome warrior like Your Silver; he could have killed them if he wanted them dead. Jake''s report that mere hunters were taken only meant he needed them alive, not with Your Silver.


    I cleared my throat. "Mr. Jaden." He snapped his head toward me, dropping the knife he had been holding. "You don''t mind me calling you that, right?"


    "No, but Jaden will do," he replied.


    His simplicity impressed me, though it would be frightening if it were an act. Of course, I trusted him.


    "Your Silver is only known to free ves. Why did he go after your hunters?"


    His eyes dted, and he looked down. Something was up.


    "Apparently, he also targets omegas and hunters who aren''t happy with where they are. He turns them into rogues," Jaden exined.


    My face hardened. Your Silver took his hunters to be rogues? When did he start doing that? He could im a lot of hunters and omegas, as many were unhappy in their current packs due to intimidation and abuse. "Either that, or it has something to do with the Red Moon hunters that attacked years back," Jaden added nonchntly.


    I snapped out of my overthinking and sighed in relief. "And why did he take those hunters?"


    "Those hunters were warriors who fought him back then. I demoted them for their own safety, but he caught onto them," Jaden said.


    "To kill them? That makes no sense. There must be something else he needs them for," I said.


    Jaden hummed thoughtfully but shrugged. "I''m investigating the families of those captured to find out. It could be rted to Red Moon, as Your Silver saved Red Moon hunters that year. No results yet."


    I smiled. Jaden was easier tomunicate with than Jake, so I asked again, "Could I be informed of the results of your investigation?"


    "Sure. It might take a while, but I''ll let you know," he replied simply.


    I nodded amiably and ced an old golden spoon my mother had been obsessed with in Jaden''s hands. "A souvenir from the kitchen."


    His eyes lit up, and he folded his fingers around it. "Thank you. I''d like to get more from the market. Can you take me there?" he asked, walking away.


    I was exhausted from the tour. We hadn''t sat down for almost two hours, but I sucked it up.


    As we moved toward the main hall, I spotted a figure resembling Jake climbing onto a horse. Wasn''t he supposed to be gone, or were my eyes deceiving me? The figure seemed to be holding my record book. Jaden appeared in front of me then. "Alpha, is this pce designed with marble or bricks? I can''t quite tell."


    I was distracted and couldn''t see Jake anymore. Perhaps I had seen wrong, but if I hadn''t, something fishy was definitely going on.

 Whos Your Master?

    Chapter Fifteen - Who''s Your Master? Rihanna''s POV


    Years had passed. Lana and I were no longer the vengeful silver wolf that wanted to get back at all those who offended us. Now, all we wanted was to get back at those who offended anyone, especially the weak.


    For three years, that had been our goal: destroying ve ports, releasing abused omegas, and making sure their Alphas couldn''t say a damn thing.


    But during one such rescue of an omega, I saw a secret message being sent to the Red Moon about another, even more dangerous threat. It was addressed in a familiar way. The Evil. Like in the prophecy. The prophecy I was a part of. It had to be the evil I was destined to stop somehow. And I needed to know what, or who, it was.


    The message had been sent by an omega, but she said it was given to her by the hunters of ck Rose, who were working under higher authorities. I felt it was rted to the incident where the Red Moon Pack wanted to kill an official in the ck Rose Pack.


    Cami had eavesdropped on her brother beingmanded to kill the man, or risk having him destroy them. Whatever the Red Moon Pack wanted to protect shouldn''t be protected. Whatever the Delta knew, he wasn''t ready to tell anyone not even his Alpha.


    Since it was rted to me, I took it upon myself to kidnap the hunters and get my answers. They were once warriors.


    Dara nodded and made a small bow as I approached the prison cells. "I blindfolded them so they won''t know who you are," she said.


    I scoffed. "They''ll hear my voice and know I''m not male. I don''t care about that. They won''t be leaving anytime soon, anyway."


    I threw the door open. The four men shivered as I walked in. The room was dark, and I could barely see where theyy, but I could feel their energy. I could smell their fear.


    My eyes shifted to a shade of orange, and in a sh, I lifted one of them off the ground.


    He groaned, struggling. "Let me go! Your Silver, please! I have a family, please!"


    I threw him to the ground as per his request and dragged the blindfold off another''s eyes. His gaze widened as he stared into my orange orbs.


    I saw confusion in his eyes, realizing I was a woman. For three years, they''d been scammed. Not my fault, anyway.


    I brought my hands to my mouth and made a quiet shh sound. "Don''t beg or yell, or you''ll die," I whispered, then made a small, mocking pout.


    He nodded quickly, cing his fingers over his own mouth. I gestured for Dara to take him away. She walked in and dragged him from the prison.


    I looked back at the remaining men, trembling and shaking. They had lost their energy, and would be useless for the torment I wanted them to feel.


    The man I had chosen was the most energetic, which meant he was their lead hunter-the best person to ask.


    A bucket of cold water was poured over his face to shock his nerves. He screamed, but bit it down.


    "Hello, Your Silver here!" I called out to him, seated on my throne of stone, grimy with dried blood. "Can I have your attention, please?"


    He forced his head up to look at me, water dripping from his hair into his face and mouth. He looked like a wet puppy. That was the bestpliment I could give, because he was kind of cute.


    I pped the t part of my knife against my palm. "Do you serve the Delta of ck Rose Pack, or do you serve the Beta, Jake Justin?"


    His expression stiffened, but he nodded. "The Delta handles the hunters. The Beta handles the warriors."


    I pursed my lips, nodding. Something simr happened in our pack, except that the Beta instructed both the warriors and the hunters, while the Delta fought alongside them. So, the Delta was more battle-worthy than the Beta. Ironic. I wondered if that was what Alpha Wayne wanted, or if it was my father''s choice.


    "Jake Justin isn''t the Beta of ck Rose Pack either," the man huffed, seeming to dislike Jake.


    "Not now, but he will be. He''s the Alpha''s son."


    "He''s only a representative to other packs, and the favorite of his uncles! Our Alpha bore two sons. The eldest is the Alpha." The man''s retort was bitter.


    I hated bitter people, and how dare he raise his voice at me?


    I mmed my hands on the armrests of my throne. Dara immediately poured another bucket of icy water over him, making him shriek.


    Why had she done that? I pondered over what he had said. Jake wasn''t the next Alpha-he had an elder brother. I hadn''t expected that. And what did he mean by bore? Was the Alpha a woman? That would be iconic. There were so few female Alphas, and I''d heard about the wonders of this ck Rose Alpha.


    Duchess Vivian of my old pack was originally from ck Rose, and she always spoke of the Alpha''s heroism but left out her gender.


    "Fine. Since Jake Justin isn''t Beta, then who is? Who''s your master? The Delta or the Beta? Speak now, or I''ll tear you to pieces," I threatened.


    He was panting heavily. "My master is the Delta. I don''t know why you''re targeting him, but he''s innocent and loyal."


    "That''s for Your Silver to decide, not you." Dara threw a block of ice at him.


    I smirked. "If your Delta is so loyal and innocent, why is he messaging the Red Moon Pack that your Alpha hates?" I folded my arms.


    The man shook his head. "He''s trying to keep the peace. The past Delta made a lot of mistakes and once sent Red Moon hunters after him."


    I sighed. Of course, the new Delta would be different from the old one. He''d be the son of the past Delta. After the Alpha King''s coronation, it was customary for other packs to change their leaders within three years.


    "The new Delta might be loyal and innocent, but I need information on what his father knew. Can you give me a way to meet with him?"


    The man looked up at me, indecisive. "If you meet him, either you die or he dies. He won''t let you go. And if Jake is with him, you won''t stand a chance. Stick to troubling the packs that deal in ve trade and let us go."


    I mmed my fist on my throne. "I decide what to do, not you!" Dara sensed my anger and poured more cold water over the man''s body.


    "If you don''t give me that chance, you and your men will die in the most horrible way since you''d be useless to me," I tilted my head. "What''s it going to be, then?"


    He gritted his teeth painfully and looked down. "Fine. I''ll let my Delta and the Alpha''s son tear you to shreds."


    A grin spread across my face. "They''re free to try."

 Catch That Delta

    Chapter Sixteen - Catch that Delta


    Rihanna''s POV


    Dara and Cami dressed in dark outfits. I dragged the ck Rose Lead Hunter as bait, with my loyal spokesman, Irwin, beside me. I usually used his voice when speaking to the ves we saved, so they''d believe I was a male and spread rumors. But that ruse would soon end-there was no need to hide anymore. It was far more rewarding to face your karma directly.


    My only fear was what might befall my twin brother, Raymond, if his Alpha discovered he had lied about my death and I became a force to be reckoned with.


    "Let''s head to Rose Meadow. You better hope your Delta got that letter," I told the Lead Hunter, shoving him onto the horse before climbing up behind him.


    We set off, three horses galloping toward Rose Meadow. Irwin rode behind Dara, while Cami rode alone. The journeysted only forty minutes before the red valley came into view.


    Rose Meadow was filled with nothing but red roses. Not exactly what I expected, despite the name. How could such a pure ce exist in ck Rose Pack?


    As we neared the valley, I noticed the Lead Hunter shifting suspiciously on the horse. I rolled my eyes, grabbed his hand, and pulled the knife from his waist. He grunted as the de nicked him.


    "Stay still, or I''ll kill you before you even see your Delta!" I barked.


    He grunted again and purposely fell from the horse, slowing me down. I mind-linked Dara and Irwin, telling them to go ahead. I''d guide Irwin on what to say if we could only deliver the message to the Delta. I nned to use the Lead Hunter as a distraction for Jake.


    "Your Silver, Jake Justin, isn''t with the Delta," Dara informed me as she rode closer to the young man. Irwin was hidden beneath a long hoodie.


    "Are you the Delta of ck Rose?" I said through the mind link, guiding Irwin to ask the Delta aloud.


    I tied the Lead Hunter''s hands and pushed him ahead. "Cami, be careful. If Jake isn''t with the Delta, he''s lurking nearby."


    She confirmed through mind link and found a ce to hide. I covered my face with a mask and kept the Lead Hunter under me.


    "The Delta''s name is Jonah, and he wants his hunters released," Irwin ryed.


    I added pressure to the Lead Hunter to keep him from moving. Suddenly, I felt a powerful presence nearby-Jake Justin.


    "Ask him what he''s discussing with Red Moon. Tell him you''re interested," I instructed Irwin.


    Suddenly, a massive brown wolf collided with the invisible boundary I had set up. It had to be Jake Justin. How did he get here so quickly? If he sensed the boundary, he''d suspect a Silver Wolf was near. Would this blow Irwin''s cover, or should I act as if there was a second Silver Wolf?


    Jake charged the boundary again but bounced back. I spotted Cami sneaking behind him. I quickly mind-linked her to stop-she couldn''t take on Jake alone.


    "Irwin, trap the Delta!" I ordered.


    "What? You want us to attack him?" he questioned.


    "Yes! He''s alone. Jake is tracking me, and we don''t have time to waste. Trap the Delta, or your cover will be blown."


    I shut the mind link and released the Lead Hunter as a distraction. He ran toward Jake Justin, screaming.


    "Jake, run! The Silver Wolf is-" A silver nail pierced his back, paralyzing him mid-sentence. Jake''s wolf whimpered, stepping back.


    I moved with the shadows, adjusting the boundary to keep Jake away from the Lead Hunter. Dara mind-linked me again.


    "We''ve got him with sleep paralysis, but Irwin fell for it too!"


    I rolled my eyes. Irwin''s omega rank was a nuisance. Dara, already at warrior level, had resistance to the sleep powder.


    "Let''s move out!" I ordered. Cami dragged the Lead Hunter away. I became visible to Jake Justin but left before he could fully take in my appearance.


    We arrived at Silver Cave, our fortress. The Delta was starting to wake up, but I didn''t want him to see me just yet since I nned to release him.


    "Irwin isn''t awake yet," Dara reported as I went to check on him. I sighed. The omega boy was truly weak.


    "Fine. I''ll show the Delta my face. I don''t care," I muttered, stomping toward the prison cell and throwing the door open.


    The Delta had a cut on his hand from trying to break free of the silver chains.


    "It''s no use," I said, strolling into the room. His head snapped up, and his blue eyes met mine. We stared at each other for a moment before I cleared my throat and looked away. Perhaps I was flustered because I hadn''t been close to a handsome man in three years. Nothing new.


    "So, Jonah, I am Your Silver," I said, my voice muffled by the mask that still covered my nose and mouth. "You''re a woman," he stated, almost usatory.


    "Can''t a Silver Wolf be a woman?" I tilted my head.


    He chuckled. "You wouldn''t be the first amazing woman I''ve met."


    He thought I was amazing? I brushed off thepliment.


    "I have a female Alpha," he added.


    "Had," I corrected.


    He rolled his eyes. "Whatever."


    I looked into his eyes. He didn''t seem to like his new Alpha. The Lead Hunter didn''t like Jake either. Maybe the pack had issues with the Alpha''s sons. It wouldn''t be surprising I hated Princess Vanessa. I knelt down to remove the silver chains. His jaw dropped when he saw me handle the silver with my bare hands.


    "You really are a Silver Wolf. Only Silver Wolves can handle silver without being burned."


    Why should it burn me? It was part of me, though I didn''t mention that it still had a slight burning touch.


    I freed him, and to my surprise, he didn''t attempt to escape. A bit disappointing, but I pressed on with my questions.


    "I need to know what Red Moon is hiding. You didn''t tell your Alpha, so will you let me be your ally in this?"


    "In exchange for my hunters? This is valuable information-dangerous enough to threaten your life." Interesting. Red Moon was preparing a secret weapon to defeat me. How cute.

 Mates To Slaves

    Chapter Seventeen - Mates to ves


    Rihanna''s


    POV


    A Lycan wolf. Did such still exist, or was this Delta just spitting crap to get released? I asked him again.


    "Red Moon wants to trade me for a Lycan wolf?"


    He nodded. "The Alpha King knows you are thest silver wolf and would want to keep you alive. Lycans are rare too, so you''d be traded."


    A scoff escaped my lips. How would they trade Lycans, the most dangerous wolves in the world, for a silver werewolf that was part of a prophecy?


    Or had everyone forgotten about the prophecy? Them keeping me alive was just because of it.


    "But ck Rose doesn''t want that!" Jonah interjected. "We don''t support trading you for the Lycan."


    "And only because you guys don''t want Red Moon to win, not because you care about my safety," I interrupted.


    He hesitated but agreed. "Yes, but don''t me us. You haven''t really been friendly."


    I pped my hand on my thigh, biting my lips. One thing was clear-the Lycan was in bondage in the Red Moon pack. Another enemy for them. "What pack are you from though?" Jonah raised a brow. "We never got to know."


    I looked away from him. We weren''t discussing that, we weren''t friends. But I still answered. "I have no pack. I just can''t stand being captive." "Oh, you must be from a minority n that Red Moon messed with. I understand your rage. Break the ves free. You have our support."


    I smirked and faced him. "If ck Rose never liked ve trading, why didn''t they revolt? Your pack is powerful. The Alpha King would bend." He tapped his head, as if thinking, then hissed. "Well, we didn''t care at first. But then, our Beta''s mate turned out to be a ve."


    My hands, which had been on my waist, fell. "Really?"


    He nodded. "And she had this hatred for people in power, so it was hard getting her to ept the mate bond and all."


    "I can tell." From experience, actually, but he didn''t need to know that. "You don''t treat a person like shit and expect them to suck it in."


    I noticed he was looking at me, trying to read more into what I said, but I shook my head.


    "Right..." he drawled. "But we weren''t the ones who treated her like shit. Still, we didn''t scold them. Also, the past Alpha''s sons and half the pack have no mates."


    A humorous grin spread across my face. "Oh, oh, and you think the mates could be ves?"


    He noticed and shrugged. "We are one in the Moon Goddess''s eyes, so yeah, she could pair us that way."


    I exhaled. It was new, meeting someone who believed in the mate bond for once. I didn''t anymore, but it surely worked for others.


    "I believe in freedom of choice. The liberty to mate with whoever and live freely. Hence, my craziest n yet-saving that Lycan."


    The proud smile on his face dropped. I waved and headed to the door to leave. Dara would bundle him back tomorrow; he had done his part.


    "You mean you want to break the Lycan from Red Moon?" I heard him chuckle.


    He thought I couldn''t? I paused and turned. "Yeah, I think I can. Why?"


    "Okay, so breaking out their ves is annoying enough. Do you think you can do it? Fight betas and Alphas to get there?" he asked again. "I am a silver wolf."


    "Doesn''t make you all-powerful," he added immediately.


    My breathing slowed. This was the first time I was being demeaned, but I''d take it in stride. He did have a point-I always attacked the ve depot, never the main pack. This Lycan would be at the most protected part of Red Moon. And if I failed, I''d have given those jerks two gifts. Even if I seeded, how would I exin to an angry, depressed Lycan that I was there to save him?


    "Don''t worry about that. It''s my issue. Instead, keep my name and gender anonymous, will you?" I closed the door behind me.


    "I don''t know your name," I heard him whisper. I smiled and continued to the main hall to address my pack.


    Dara stood up when she saw me and rushed towards the prison. I held her hand. "Be nice to him, he was cooperative."


    She gave a small smile, followed by a nod. I let go of her and stood in the middle of the hall. "Has anyone heard anything about a Lycan?"


    They all looked back at me before whispering among themselves.


    They scouted outside at night. There was no way they hadn''t heard anything. Or else, how secretive was Red Moon being?


    It then clicked-they tried killing the Delta who knew. My best guess was they didn''t want anyone to know.


    "There was an old Lycan at Blue Bloom Pack''s North years ago, about twenty-five years ago, but he was never seen again," a girl raised her hand.


    I turned to her. Could this Lycan be that old? Was he alive? That would exin why he couldn''t break himself out.


    What use would he be to me when freed?


    Lana scolded me immediately. "The fact that he is another wolf you freed from captivity is enough gain."


    I agreed. "Jean, get all the information you can on that Lycan. We need to know who exactly he is."


    Her eyes brightened up when I called her name.


    It might seem hard to remember the names of fifty people working with me, but it gave everyone a sense of belonging.


    One I never had in the beginning and hoped to get now. This Lycan wolf had better be as unfortunate as I was thinking and not evil.


    As everyone dispersed, Cami came forward to me with a letter. "There is weird newsing."


    I took the letter and opened it. It was from the spy she nted at ck Hills.


    The spy reported that the Alpha of ck Rose Pack was staying at the pce for a few days.


    That was more calming than the previous news we''d heard.


    Those two packs weren''t fighting but had an invisible battle for dominance.


    Chris wouldn''t be king for long since he lost a silver wolf from the prophecy. ck Rose might be the next kingdom-pack.


    I trusted them to make better decisions than I trusted Chris. "Well, I feel this Alpha is there to do a bad job. ck Rose and ck Hills aren''t buddies." I returned the letter to Cami.


    "The spy added that the Alpha made Chris leave the pce to take him on a tour."


    I snapped my head towards her. "That''s it! They hope to steal something. He''s leading him out of the pce."


    Cami''s eyes shone, and she nodded slowly. A smirk spread across my face. I used to like Chris''s innocence, but never again it would be his doom.

 Under The Sun

    Chapter Eighteen - Under the Sun Chris''s POV


    So this was what a day under the sun felt like. I felt my insides frying as I stood waiting for Jaden to finish picking which hairpin to buy.


    Did he have a mate? Why did he even need a hairpin? We hadn''t really gotten into personal talks as he always found a way to excuse himself. I moved closer to him and the seller. "The pink one is pretty, get that one." I didn''t care if it was; I just needed to get out of the sun.


    He picked it and smiled at me. "You have the best taste, Alpha King."


    I smiled smugly. He had a way with words that impressed me, but it also creeped me out to some level. It had been three hours away from my pce. He returned to me, dangling three hairpins. "Pretty? I bought this one for your mate. I hadn''t brought a gift when I came. Do you think she''d like it?"


    I gazed at the pin sternly, reaching out to it slowly. He let it go, but not before hesitating. This can''t be given to my mate-she was dead. For thest three years, I had seen the difference between Sasha and Rih, in terms of beauty, character, and our flow with each other. Sasha''s blonde hair was the only ethereal thing about her, but Rih had grace, even in suffering. As I grew older, the contrast became clearer. Also, Rih would have given me a child by now. Sasha had many curses that made her miscarry every time.


    "Alpha King? Do you think your mate will like it?" Jaden asked again.


    A frown crossed my face. Doesn''t he know my mate was dead? Why''s he pushing my buttons?


    "Rih would have, but she''s not here! If you''re getting a gift for my Luna, then get whatever you want for her; she''ll have to ept it!"


    I noticed the hidden smirk on his face as I retorted. He had purposely asked that, hadn''t he? I decided to linger on the topic.


    "So, tell me about your mate?" I asked smugly, "Have you met your mate?"


    "Not yet," he sighed. "I feel cursed sometimes and heavily envy those who find theirs."


    Was he backfiring and making me feel guilt for losing mine? I huffed and climbed atop my horse. We needed to head back to the pce. "You''ll find yours. Be lucky you didn''t need a Luna to be Alpha." I began riding toward the pce.


    He ascended his own horse and started riding behind me. "I did."


    I turned to him. "You had an arranged Luna then?"


    "Contracted. I told her after three months, she could leave. She did. She''s my Beta''s sister."


    I looked down. It would have been beneficial if I had thought of that, but it''d be different for me. I couldn''t change Lunas at will.


    And what if I didn''t get a second mate after I let go of the Luna? A sigh left my lips, and I sped up my horse.


    As we got closer, I saw Vanessa and Sasha yelling at the maids of the pce. Sasha raised her hand to p a maid, and I rushed to stop her.


    I attempted to push her back, but seeing Jaden there, I stopped my horse, even though I sensed he knew I regretted our union.


    The maids thanked me and ran away. With the way Vanessa red at them, I knew they''d be handledter.


    "What are you doing with the maids when you should be preparing for Jaden''s stay here? Weren''t you informed?" I tried not to raise my voice. Vanessa peeked at the man behind me and faced me. "Who is the guest? We heard nothing. Something happened in your study room, so..." "I am Alpha Jaden of ck Rose Pack," Jaden said, walking to thedies. I moved aside for him to bow to them as a courtesy.


    He didn''t and only offered his hand for a handshake. They both epted, smiling like idiots.


    And what had Vanessa wanted to say had happened in my study room?


    "I heard that stubborn Jake Justin was soon to be Alpha. I never knew he had such a handsome elder brother," Vanessa cooed, nudging Sasha. Sasha kept a straight face, ncing at me. She only made a small nod when I gave no reaction.


    Whether she admitted Jaden was handsome or not was of no importance to me.


    "Nice to meet you. And since preparations for my stay aren''t ready, I won''t waste your time any further and will return to my pack." "What?" Vanessa and I yelled at the same time.


    I cleared my throat. Perhaps she was looking for more avenues to flirt with him. I was stunned that he wanted to leave so suddenly.


    He made me stand for hours under the sun, moving from one stall to another, only to leave because he couldn''t stay here?


    "I could rent a motel for you, veryfortable. Forgive the irresponsible women of my home." I seethed at Vanessa and Sasha. Jaden hesitated. "Don''t be like that, Alpha King. I bet they tried their best, but I''d be very ufortable at a motel. I''ll just return."


    Vanessa''s face fell, and she looked away. "I hope you visit next time, Alpha."


    "I hope so too, Princess," he smiled at her.


    Sasha hurried away with Vanessa so I wouldn''t scold her. There were times when her being my Luna sickened me, and this was one of them.


    Other times, she was just my Luna, and I was either fairly pleased or simply displeased. At least she was good in bed.


    "You don''t need to escort me, Alpha King. I''ll find my way," Jaden called, snapping me from my thoughts.


    I turned to him, attempting to escort him to the main gate, but decided against it. I''d been under the sun for far too long.


    "Very well, safe trip."


    He bowed to me and left shortly.


    Strolling into my study room, I remembered Vanessa mentioned something had happened there. I mind-linked her from where I stood. "Did something happen in my study room?"


    She scoffed. "A guard said a book was stolen. Like a record book, but I doubt it''s important. Maybe the thief thought it was."


    As she spoke, I searched the tables, looking for the record book. It was indeed gone. It wasn''t useless-just not an official book.


    It had all the ns and rewards of all the packs. No one should have it, but if they did, it''d be useless to them. "Jake!" I snapped my fingers. Hadn''t I seen him holding it? But he left for his pack a long time ago before that. What was going on?

 Red Moon Dares Us

    Chapter Neen - Red Moon Dares Us! Rihanna''s POV


    Dara was injured. I rushed past the girls and checked her energy core-she was still alive. The Deltay unconscious on the ground. I felt his core; he was dying. Red Moon really had guts to attack a Delta so openly. I found the sword sheath in Cami''s hands, and she had an injured arm.


    "Red Moon dares us! The Delta will stay here until he gets better. Inform ck Rose-they''ll join this fight!" I ordered my warriors, and they scattered.


    I remained with the doctor and Cami, who cradled Dara on her thighs. The doctor finished tending to the Delta and moved on to Dara.


    "Will he survive? ck Rose will misunderstand if he dies after I kidnap him," I asked the doctor.


    The doctor shrugged. "He''ll live, but you better send him back, along with a message to ck Rose. That''ll avoid trouble."


    My shoulders slumped, but I nodded. The Delta would inform his Alpha about what happened, and Red Moon would be handled-unless they decided to me impulsive hunters like they had with Cami''s team. "Red Moon Pack never learns. Their new Alpha is as much a tyrant as his father!" Cami muttered, her eyes on Dara.


    I ced a hand on her shoulder, rubbing gently to calm her. "It''s okay. He won''t cause as much harm as his father did. I promise."


    The news was reopening old wounds. They wouldn''t hurt as deeply this time, but healing would take time. The doctor finished tending to Dara.


    "Send the Delta with a note from you, Your Silver, so ck Rose will understand you mean no harm," the doctor suggested.


    Cami nodded, gently cing Dara on the bed before heading out to prepare the carriage.


    "You know what to tell them?" the doctor asked as she packed her tools.


    I shrugged. Anything but, I am Rihanna, sister of Beta Ray of ck Hills. "I got it. I won''t reveal my face or name."


    "But if they know you''re a woman, they''ll inform the King. Your father might suspect..."


    "He''s a fool. I don''t care about him or his wife!" I snapped, my breathing ragged. "He ignored the truth, and look where I am the best ce I could be."


    The doctor smirked, rising with her box of tools. "Fair enough. Just hint that you''re from another pack."


    I nodded, though her smugness annoyed me. She always knew how to get under my skin. After she left, I red at the door. I sighed, turning back to look at the Delta and Dara. My fists clenched. "Red Moon has no idea what''sing for them."


    Outside, Cami returned with a few warriors to move the Delta into the carriage.


    "Will you tell them your real identity?" she asked as the warriors passed by me into the room.


    "No. Only you, Beatrice, Dara, and that annoying doctor know. No one else will," I replied with a frown.


    "Stay safe, then," Cami said with a small smile.


    The warriors carefully lifted the Delta into the carriage.


    I nodded, climbing in. "Take care of Dara," I told her as the horse began moving.


    Once a mile away from Silver Cave, I rode at full speed, mindful not to hurt the Delta. Rose Valley came into view, along with wolves patrolling the border. They hadn''t been there earlier, which meant the lead hunter had already reported to his Alpha.


    I slowed the horse, knowing I would need to neutralize them to pass. These wolves wouldn''t back off easily.


    As the carriage neared the border, the wolves ran toward me. I ced a boundary, riding faster. The wolves bounced back,nding safely among the soft roses. One shifted and charged again, breaking through the boundary. Jonah stirred awake inside the carriage, distracting me. "Tell your warriors to stand down, or they''ll lose their lives!" I shouted at him.


    I dropped the reins and jumped from the carriage, shoving away the wolves attacking the horses. These horses belonged to me; none of them would die. I didn''t like losing things.


    My ws extended, shing at one wolf and sending him flying. I kicked another away, while my protective boundary mmed into a third.


    More wolves approached, and I sensed a powerful presence among them. The energy felt simr to the brown wolf I''d seen before it had to be Jake Justin. Just the man I needed to see.


    Extending my boundary, I knocked back the wolves pestering me, sending them sprawling across the roses.


    "Jonah, get out! Red Moon only beat you; they didn''t kill you!" I shouted, throwing open the carriage door.


    Jonah groaned, still lying there. What kind of Delta was this?


    "The Red Moon, eh?" a voice called from behind me. Jonah rolled his eyes at the sound.


    I turned to see Jake Justin. A smirk formed on my lips beneath my mask. "Yes. Ask your dear Delta."


    One of the warriors lunged at me but bounced off my boundary. I gave him a pitying look. These wolves never learned.


    "You''re a silver wolf? Is that... a boundary?" Jake''s tone was filled with disbelief.


    The sun blinded me slightly, but I didn''t care. I already knew what Jake looked like an image burned into my mind.


    "There are two silver wolves, Jake," Jonah announced as he jumped down from the carriage.


    I raised an eyebrow. What was he doing?


    "Two? So there''s another one? And what do they want with you?" Jake asked, still ignoring me.


    What was this? I was Your Silver! Was Jonah trying to protect me or insult me?


    "Her leader wanted to discuss Red Moon. They hate them. As soon as I was released, Red Moon attacked me," Jonah exined.


    "And they knew exactly who I was," he added, marching forward.


    Jake exhaled but spared me no nce. I wasn''t pleased. I wanted to see the look on his face when he realized Your Silver was a woman. Then again, it didn''t matter. They were familiar with powerful women. I returned to the carriage.


    "I''ll carry on as nned. See youter, Jonah. Take care," I said.


    The warriors began to rise, preparing to stop me from leaving.


    "Wouldn''t it be nice to catch at least one of Your Silver''s men a silver wolf, no less," Jake sneered.


    A smirk spread across my face. Of course, I''d expected him to try.

 Psychic

    Chapter Twenty- Psychic Beta


    Rihanna''s POV


    Jonah immediately stepped in front of him. "Let her go. Do you want Your Silver attacking our pack?"


    But Jake brushed him aside. "Well, hasn''t he already? Where are our hunters?" he demanded.


    Jonah snapped his head toward me, and I widened my eyes in realization. I had agreed to release the hunters if Jonah told me what Red Moon was nning. He cooperated, but I hadn''t freed the hunters yet. It wasn''t intentional-I just forgot.


    Jonah, dejected, stepped back, leaving Jake to handle the situation. Some warriors helped Jonah back to the pack. I sighed and replied, "The hunters will be sent back immediately, except for one. We still need him. I''m handling Red Moon." I was referring to the lead hunter. He knew I was the real Your Silver, and I didn''t want him ruining the fun just yet.


    "No. All will be released, or you won''t be." Jake shifted slightly, avoiding the sun. "It''s either them or you. Let Your Silver decide."


    I stared into his mischievous green eyes. His looks hadn''t changed much in the past three years, but he had grown more muscr.


    Iughed. "You want to hold down a silver wolf in exchange for some useless, exhausted hunters?"


    "How dare you?" Jake seethed. "We''ll hold you down so Your Silver wille, and we''ll get him too."


    "Your Silver wouldn''t even engage you. He knows I can break myself out. That''s if you even manage to catch me." I winked.


    Jake gestured to his warriors. "Fine!"


    The impulsive fool was ready to sacrifice his warriors. How dare he underestimate a silver wolf, whether or not I was Your Silver?


    With wolf-like speed, I moved to the warrior beside him, my ws at his neck. Meeting Jake''s gaze, I asked, "Should I rip his gullet out? Do you want to lose more warriors?" I yelled.


    The warrior trembled like a fish onnd, and I released him when Jake said nothing. Silence hung between the warriors, who were still stunned by how I had disappeared from their side earlier. "You have a familiar aura," Jake muttered. "We''ll let you go to avoid trouble with Your Silver."


    I smirked. What familiar aura was he sensing? Ray''s? My father''s? He had never met me while I was at ck Hills.


    "Fine. You don''t want trouble with me, and I don''t want trouble with you. Your Silver has no issues with ck Rose."


    "He better not!" Jake turned away.


    I walked back to the carriage, keeping an eye on the warriors to see if anyone dared make a move. None of them did. Jake had clearly ordered them not to.


    It felt boring to leave without a show. So I turned back to Jake, who was still watching me, waiting for me to leave theirnd.


    "So, who should I tell Your Silver I met? Your name?" I asked.


    He looked away. "Say you met an official. That''s enough. Now leave my pack!"


    "Nonsense. You''re not the Alpha or the Delta, and you''re clearly not the Beta. What kind of official are you? A lead warrior? Fine, I''ll tell him that. Goodbye." "Stop there!" he barked, his warriors stifling their chuckles at his reddening face.


    I turned, folding my arms. "What? I was leaving."


    "You''re an annoying little girl. I''m the Alpha''s brother, if you must know. Tell Your Silver that. And tell him not to bother my pack again."


    I dropped my folded arms. Little girl? Tsk. He was only a few months older than me. But I didn''t want to dwell on the subject. "Fine. I''ll leave."


    As my horse began to gallop, I bent down to pluck a rose from the ground. Suddenly, a knife whizzed past, grazing my hand.


    I jumped off the horse, snapping my head toward Jake with a re. "Can''t I pick a rose?"


    Jake looked as surprised as I felt, so I knew it wasn''t him. Then I noticed a blond man-an extraordinarily handsome one-staring at me.


    "Don''t touch my roses, woman!" he growled, his deep voice resonating.


    The warriors immediately bowed to him. His energy was immense, possibly the Beta''s.


    His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, momentarily captivating me, just as Jonah''s had.


    I frowned, looking away. These men are something else. "It''s just a rose!" I snapped.


    "And you are a silver wolf who has spilled plenty of blood! My roses are pure. No contamination needed. Leave in peace!" He pointed toward the exit. How did he know I was a silver wolf? Was he eavesdropping? What a strange man.


    "And your brother is back," he told Jake with a softer tone. "You should see him and hand over the records you stole from the King."


    My brows shot up. Stolen records? So that''s what ck Rose was doing at ck Hills?


    "Stop being so blunt. We havepany," Jake muttered, nudging him toward the pack. "And make sure she leaves, witch!"


    I rolled my eyes, eyeing the roses but deciding to leave them.


    The Beta suddenly halted and said, "She''s not a witch. Just a hurt girl with only her silver wolf for protection. Be kind to her."


    I stopped in my tracks. What''s he saying? Is he psychic? And I wasn''t a hurt little girl anymore I had grown past that.


    Jake nced at me with a smirk. "Oh, I figured. That''s why she''s working with Your Silver. Just teenage exuberance."


    A teenager? How amusing.


    "Well, attacking ve depots is better than stealing records from your Alpha King. But I won''t me you-Chris has always been a fool." I scoffed.


    "You know him? Or is that just gossip?" the Beta asked.


    Jake nudged him again. "Stop engaging her. You''ve already told a rogue we stole from the King. What if she spills?"


    I tsked. "I won''t. I don''t have the time."


    "Yeah, right," Jake sneered. "You cause chaos in packs and destroy unity."


    His words annoyed me. I didn''t disrupt the packs because I loved chaos. There was no unity in the first ce.


    And freeing ves? I''d dly continue.


    "You''re the one disrupting unity. Ironic, considering how you toasted to the Alpha King and his Betas about uniting the packs under his rule." I was referring to the toast he made to Chris on Vanessa''s birthday. The Beta looked confused. Jake tilted his head. "How do you know that?"


    It clicked. I wasn''t supposed to say that. Shaking my head, I replied, "A spy overheard it at the ceremony, of course. Such hypocrisy."


    Jake didn''t seem convinced and stared deep into my eyes. "Hmm. You''re a suspicious little girl."


    I said no more, quickly mounting the carriage and riding away-before I exposed myself and embarrassed both my Rihanna and Your Silver identities.

 Two Silver Wolves

    Chapter Twenty-One - Two Silver Wolves


    Jaden''s


    POV


    I swiped through the pages of the record book.


    Many aplishments of Red Moon were written there-aplishments they didn''t deserve.


    Single-handedly building a great wall around the five packs to symbolize unity? That had been their project when Chris became King.


    But the truth was, Red Moon had raided smaller packs and forced their men to build it. All the names in the documents belonged to Omegas.


    Every wolf knew that Omegas couldn''t do such work-it was a task for the warriors of the pack, a royal duty as well.


    I turned to another page and found that crops meant for the Blue Fire pack had been diverted. Only sixty-five percent had reached them.


    Red Moon had kept the other thirty-five percent for reasons best known to them. Blue Fire remained unaware, but this revtion would surely cause chaos.


    Many other records were falsified, such as the price of the golden staff used for the burial of the Alpha King''s grandfather. All lies.


    "Jaden!" I heard my brother call, snapping me from my thoughts. I looked up and smiled at him.


    He stood with Jonah, who had been rumored to be kidnapped by Your Silver. I had been preparing to search for him myself. How did he return?


    "Why the shocked expression? Speak your thoughts." Jake frowned.


    I cleared my throat and shook my head. "It seems Jonah escaped?"


    They both climbed the pavement where I was seated. Jake''s jaw dropped when he noticed the record book in my hands.


    "You found the record book in my room?" he asked, frowning.


    I tucked it behind me, searching for an excuse. "I didn''t want to waste your time, so I took it myself."


    "By sneaking into my room?" he folded his arms.


    "Whatever!" Jonah interrupted. "What did you discover from the records, Alpha?"


    Jake huffed but stayed quiet. I showed them the pages, and the lies were so tant that even the blind would see them.


    "Could the Alpha King not have known this? Surely, he must have had a spy in Red Moon," Jonah suggested.


    That was highly doubtful. The Alpha King did everything himself, but he was also too trusting.


    If someone exuded a pleasant aura, he would let his guard down-like he had with me. I distracted him while Jake broke into his study. To him, I had appeared loyal. I scoffed and stood from my seat. "We''ll open his eyes to these lies and waste no time. First, we''ll spread the rumor that Jonah was kidnapped by Your Silver." "Then attacked by Red Moon," Jonah added.


    I paused. "They attacked you?" My fists clenched. How dare they harm my Delta? "Did they do this in broad daylight?"


    "Yes. Even Your Silver''s warrior was injured. They were sending me back when Red Moon attacked," Jonah exined. "Your Silver was sending you back?" That part caught my attention. Wasn''t he supposed to have kidnapped him? "Technically, it was his warrior-a silver wolf-who was returning me," Jake added.


    "What?" My expression twisted. "Another silver wolf?"


    Jonah interrupted, "No, no-"


    "No, what? Are you saying there''s no other silver wolf?" I asked, nearly going mad from their conflicting statements.


    Jake retorted, "Yes, there is. I saw her myself."


    "I mean no, it wasn''t the silver wolf who escorted me home. It was a warrior wolf! She got injured, so the silver wolf sent me instead!" Jonah rified, his voice rising.


    Jake stared into the distance, processing Jonah''s words, before nodding. I exhaled, finally understanding them. So, there was another silver wolf.


    And Your Silver had been kind enough to return Jonah? "Did they return the hunters as well?"


    Jake shook his head. "But the female silver wolf said they would, so we should expect them."


    A female silver wolf? That was interesting. If she had been the one causing the chaos, it made more sense why the male ves followed her so easily. Their level of trust in Your Silver was unbelievable or maybe they felt they had nothing left to lose.


    "Well, let''s forget about Your Silver for now since he''s not much of a problem. Spread the rumor that Red Moon attacked our Delta," I ordered. Jake nodded.


    "You and Jonah will pay Chris a visit with these findings. Tell him that your spy in Red Moon discovered the truth," I added.


    Jonah pointed to himself and then Jake. "You want us both to go?"


    Jake sighed. "It''ll be boring with you, but I''ll endure it if it means Red Moon pays. Maybe I''ll even find a mate there."


    I rolled my eyes. A mate from ck Hills would be a spy in our pack. They never changed their ways-not even for love.


    "Yes, you deserve a mate from ck Hills. Their women are very conceited. Have you heard of Princess Vanessa? She''s a total bitch," Jonah scoffed.


    I remembered meeting her a cruel woman who bullied maids. Our spy reported that she had been pleased with Rihanna''s death.


    "Let''s hope you both find good mates. But use your discretion and be wary of any further attacks from Red Moon," I warned.


    They nodded and walked off together, still arguing over who would find a better mate.


    To fuel their argument, I teased, "Jake, remove your charm so you''ll recognize your mate at ck Hills."


    Jonahughed, and I smiled. My younger brother pouted and red at me.


    "This charm will prevent me from finding my mate but allow me to see a divine being. Which is better-a mate or a divine being?" he asked.


    Jonah keptughing, so I added, "I''m just saying you won''t know if you''ve met your mate unless you remove it. When you visit ck Hills, take it off."


    Jonah grinned. "Yes, so you can recognize Princess Vanessa as your mate." He ducked away when Jake shot him a re.


    "Never! This charm stays on my neck!" Jake stomped his feet and stormed off. He looked cute when angry, and it was satisfying. "Goodbye, Alpha!" Jonah called as he followed Jake.


    "Yeah, go safely," I replied, my smile fading as I thought about the silver wolf Jake had mentioned.


    Silver wolves were divine beings with immense power-and they could be very dangerous if they went rogue, like Your Silver.


    For now, he had been freeing ves, but if he ever decided to take over packs, he would be nearly impossible to stop.

 Tension

    Chapter Twenty-Two - Tension


    Chris''s POV


    "My Alpha!" Sasha ran to me as I sat on the ground, flipping through books.


    I rolled my eyes so hard it felt like they got stuck behind my head for a second.


    "My Alpha, you have guests," she said as she came closer.


    "Who?" I asked, not looking up from the books.


    "Beta Gaius from Red Moon Pack. He says he has an offer concerning the silver wolf. He got an order that you¡ª"


    "I wille to see him!" I barked, cutting her off. "I wille to see him and hear what he says. Don''t speak for him."


    She backed away slowly, looking dejected. I knew she had been working hardertely, acting like a maid, because preparations for Jaden''s stay were disrupted. "Leave my room now!" I pointed toward the door. She stepped through but lingered just outside. I red at her.


    "I meant get out."


    "You should see your guest. I''d like to be in my room once you leave," she said, with a barely-hidden eye roll.


    Her room? She was back to her usual self. This was never her room. She was my Luna, not my wife.


    And she wasn''t even my Luna-she was the pack''s Luna. I was still waiting for a second chance mate, if the Moon Goddess would grant me one. "Sasha, I''ll break you if you don''t get out!"


    She stomped her foot. "And why? I''m your wife! Or is it because Jaden didn''t stay that I''ve be less than a wife to you?"


    "You''ve always been less than a wife to me, haven''t you? I made that clear from the start."


    Her breath hitched, and she hesitated. "For thest three years, you''ve treated me like a friend. I didn''t know you never saw me as a wife." "You were stupid not to figure it out," I chuckled.


    How could she be so clueless when her tongue was so sharp? Couldn''t her brain keep up with her words?


    "I never liked you. I never wanted you. Just focus on being my Luna and warming my bed when I need you." I stood up from the ground. "Maybe," I continued, stepping closer, "you''ll find your own mate after I find mine. I''ll let you go in peace. After all, you seem barren." She swallowed painfully, and the sound made me smile.


    "Aren''t you?" I added, my smile fading as I walked past her.


    She slumped to the ground, sobbing, but I didn''t care. I hadn''t cared before, either.


    When I reached the courtroom, I took a deep breath, forced a cheerful expression, and continued inside to meet Beta Gaius.


    "What favor does your Alpha want from me, Gaius?" I asked as I sat on the throne.


    He bowed, a smile stered on his face as he straightened. Something foolish was likely brewing in his mind.


    "My great Alpha King, may you live forever!" he said, spreading his arms wide. I nodded, urging him to get to the point. "Red Moon has achieved something remarkable, beyond anything you could imagine!" He chuckled.


    I doubted it. There was nothing I couldn''tmand into existence.


    I gestured for him to speak. "Surprise me."


    He pped his hands, and two soldiers entered, carrying what looked like arge banner-or was it a portrait?


    As they drew closer, I saw the image more clearly. It was a wolf standing on its hind legs. A Lycan!


    I leaned back on my throne as theyid the portrait at my feet. What did this mean?


    "You look surprised, my King," Gaius said with a smirk.


    I was. This was thest thing I''d expected.


    "What does this mean? Is a Lycan near my kingdom?" I barked, demanding answers.


    But Gaius and the soldiers remained calm, their expressions rxed.


    "This is the gift we offer you, my King."


    "A Lycan''s portrait?" I scoffed. "That''s your gift?"


    He shrugged. "Yes, but it''s the portrait of thest Lycan to walk the earth. Our finest artist captured it."


    I left my throne and walked toward Gaius, watching as the smirk faded from his face.


    "If you don''t tell me everything about this Lycan, I''ll tear you apart," I growled, my wolf surging forward, my eyes glowing red.


    Gaius stepped back cautiously. He should know better. A Lycan was a threat to my rule and my people''s peace.


    "Does Red Moon have a Lycan? Where is this Lycan from the portrait? How is a portrait supposed to be a gift to an Alpha?"


    "I apologize, my King. I didn''t mean to displease you. I only wanted to build some tension before revealing the details."


    "Tension?" I rolled my eyes. "The only thing your requests ever give me is sleepless nights."


    "Red Moon is willing to trade the silver wolf for a gift we believe you''ll value," he said with a sly smile, gesturing for his servants to leave. He was still trying to build tension. What could be worth a silver wolf?


    "We have thest Lycan on earth-Lycan Wolf Logan the Second!" he announced, his smile full of pride.


    The room fell silent. Even the guards standing at the edges of the room were still.


    "You captured a Lycan? How?" I asked. That was the only part that interested me.


    Whether the Lycan was thest of its kind or named Logan didn''t concern me.


    "Our warriors found him sleeping in the northern part of our city. We captured him using sleep paralysis," Gaius exined with a casual shrug.


    "Sleep paralysis only works on omegas and low-ranking hunters. How did it work on a Lycan?" I asked, skeptical.


    "I don''t know, but it did. The portrait is fresh. I wouldn''t dare lie to you, Alpha." He dropped to his knees.


    I exhaled. He wasn''t lying-I could sense it. But that only made things more troubling.


    And now he wanted to trade? Was I supposed to exchange a Lycan for the silver wolf, the answer to ancient prophecies?


    Looks like I''ll be losing sleep over this for another night.

 Unfair Trade

    Chapter Twenty-Three - Unfair Trade Chris''s POV


    "Beta Gaius, I don''t really know what you want me to do with this information," I said honestly.


    His shoulders slumped as he took a few steps back. "As I said, my King, trade the Lycan with the Silver Wolf. That wolf owes my pack."


    "A Lycan is better killed than ''petted,'' if that''s what you want. And it''s an old Lycan-not worth a Silver Wolf," I argued with finality. "But my King-"


    "There''s no such thing as an old Lycan, my King!" someone interrupted, walking into the courtroom.


    The guards bowed at him, so I knew it was my Beta, Raymond. I left my throne and walked down to him. I noticed Beta Gaius''s piercing gaze on Ray, but when I frowned, he quickly looked down.


    "Ray! How are your father and mother doing downriver?" I enveloped him in a hug.


    He hugged me back, something he had only started doingst month. A smile was on his face, but it shifted to a frown when he noticed the portrait. That was the only reaction a sane wolf would have in the presence of anything Lycan. "Is this the Lycan you referred to? The ''old'' Lycan, Gaius?" Ray asked, raising his brows and forgetting to answer my earlier question.


    Gaius scoffed, annoyed by the informal way Ray addressed him. Gaius was a few years older, but Ray called all Alphas, Betas, and Deltas by their first names. They should get used to it he wasn''t a Royal Beta for nothing.


    "Yes, it is. Red Moon wants to trade it for the Silver Wolf-Your Silver," Gaius said.


    I looked to Ray, hoping he shared my disappointment in the trade. It was undeniably unfair. But instead of disappointment, I saw something else fear.


    "No!" Ray barked. "How can you trade a Lycan for a Silver Wolf?"


    He was on the right track, but the fear in his eyes made me wonder. Was he afraid for the Silver Wolf or the Lycan?


    "And what will we do with the Lycan if he''s here?" he asked, expecting me to disapprove.


    I took his side immediately. "Yes, Beta Gaius, Lycans are powerful, but this one is old. If we bring him here, he''ll only be killed."


    "As Beta Ray said, no Lycan is old. They have immense strength and never age. This Lycan could help you defeat packs of your choice."


    "Like a dog?" Ray asked. "Do you think a Lycan will let you treat him like a dog? And do you even have this Lycan?"


    Gaius quickly replied, "Yes, we do. And we can wield him as we like. The King can as well-if we have Your Silver."


    It wasn''t a tempting offer. I didn''t want Your Silver dead, and that''s exactly what would happen if Red Moon got him. Besides, how was I supposed to catch him? They had been trying for three years, and he wasn''t really bothering me just a minor nuisance.


    Ray chuckled, pulling me from my thoughts. "It''s funny, Gaius. Your Silver stops you from harming small packs, so you want him out of the way?"


    Beta Gaius tried to defend himself, but Ray quickly added, "And now you want to trick the King into using a Lycan to attack other packs?"


    "Very Red Moon!" someone shouted from the door.


    Ray smiled without turning. "Very Red Moon indeed."


    I peeked toward the door. Was there a feast happening in my courtroom? Why was everyone trooping in?


    Then I saw him-it was Jake. His dark, shiny hair gave him away, though I wanted to be sure. He was with another young man. Jake had changed his clothes, now wearing designs from ck Rose. The pack''s signature ck rose emblem adorned his regal attire.


    So he had gone home. He hadn''t broken into my study I had just been imagining things. Still, I would have another investigationunched.


    "Jake Justin, you return again. Don''t you think your visits are too frequent?" I said, expressing my displeasure.


    Was he here to see Ray? Then he shouldn''t bother me with his presence.


    "I''m here on serious business, actually. There''s a problem." He nced at Beta Gaius as he spoke.


    The young man behind him stepped forward and bowed. "I am Delta Jonah of the ck Rose Pack. My Alpha sent me to deliver a message to you."


    My eyes widened. Thest leader of ck Rose had visited me. All packs had attended my coronation with their Alpha, Beta, and Delta-except ck Rose. Jake had represented them alone. I hadn''t wanted trouble, so I let it slide. Later, the Alpha came personally to apologize. And now, he had sent his Delta-an attempt to correct past mistakes, perhaps.


    I raised the young man''s head. "Nice to meet you, Delta Jonah. Would you mind waiting a while? I have a visitor."


    "Actually, the message is rted to your visitor." Jake strolled toward Gaius, stopping in front of him. "Aren''t you surprised to see Jonah alive?"


    I was confused and turned to Jonah, who was ring at Gaius. This matter seemed serious. A Delta I barely knew had an issue with Gaius-and it involved ''being alive''? How deep did the conflict between Red Moon and ck Rose run? "Then it should be settled. After that, we can discuss the Lycan," Ray said, moving to the corner of the room.


    I returned to my throne, slumping onto it. This would be a long conversation, filled with usations and counterarguments.


    "Is there an issue about a Lycan being discussed? Maybe we should start there."


    "No, it''s none of your business, Jake. Deliver your message," Gaius snapped.


    Delta Jonah stepped forward. "Then can it be my business? You tried to kill me because I knew about the Lycan, didn''t you?"


    Jake''s expression turned to one of stunned disbelief-mirroring Gaius''s.


    "You knew about the Lycan?" Jake asked his Delta.


    "I couldn''t tell you. You hated the Silver Wolf and would have let them trade him for the Lycan. But now, my life was almost taken because I knew about the Lycan."


    Ray stepped forward. "Why hate the Silver Wolf, Jake? All he does is correct wrongs. You should hate the one who tried to kill your Delta."


    Ray''s tone was sharp, almost angry-a rare urrence. I had never heard him use that tone with Jake. This Silver Wolf and Lycan trade clearly affected him deeply.


    "I do hate them," Jake admitted. "But their fate lies with the King, along with all these petitions." He came forward with a scroll.


    It was a small one, with no Lycan portrait on it. My eyes scanned the letter. It was a photocopy of my records, with handwritten notes detailing Red Moon''s wrongdoings. How had he gotten this if he hadn''t broken into my study? I smirked, setting those thoughts aside.


    "Beta Gaius, these are serious allegations."


    Gaius nced nervously between me, Jake, and Ray. "What allegations? What have I been used of?"

 Prepare Again

    Chapter Twenty-Four - Prepare Again


    Chris''s POV


    Beta Gaius nced from me to Jake and then at Ray. "What allegations? What have I been used of?"


    I threw the scroll at his feet so he could take a look. He hurriedly picked it up, and his eyes widened as he read each line.


    He fell to his knees. "You had a spy in our pack, didn''t you, Jake?!" he snapped, turning his head toward Jake.


    "That''s a poor way to deflect an usation, Gaius," Ray smirked. "It seems you are guilty. And yes, ck Rose has spies everywhere." Jake nodded proudly. "Our specialty."


    My forehead creased. Shouldn''t Ray be rmed that ck Rose had spies in every pack? He seemed oddly calm about it.


    I reminded myself that I should feel the same. It wasn''t like I had anything to hide. "Very well. Guards!"


    Two guards rushed into the hall and saluted.


    Ray hurried in front of me. "My King, I think we should settle the matter of the Lycan before throwing Gaius into prison!" Gaius red at him.


    I hadn''t intended to imprison Gaius, only to banish him from my pce and restrict his ess until his Alpha arrived to decide his punishment. However, given the severity of threatening a Delta''s life, he deserved far worse. "Yes, the Lycan," I replied. "Sorry, Gaius, but I''ll inform your Alpha that I refuse the trade. However, you may handle your Silver as you see fit." I smiled at him.


    He got to his feet dejectedly and bowed.


    "Fair judgment, my King," Delta Jonah said, bowing. I noticed the smirk ying on his lips as he did so.


    He had every reason to be pleased. Now that business was concluded, I could return to bed.


    "But Alpha, I believe we shouldn''t take the silver wolf lightly," Ray said. "You know that silver wolves are part of prophecy."


    "If they are, why are they destroying ournds? I believe your Silver has ns to take over our kingdom!" Gaius barked at Ray.


    I shuddered at that realization. Could that be the n? Was he gathering ves to overthrow me?


    Suddenly, there was a shout of pain. I looked down and saw Gaius clutching his left arm. Three w marks had been shed across it, oozing blood.


    "Don''t ever bark at me again!" Ray growled. His eyes shed orange as he flexed his fingers, ready to strike again if Gaius dared to speak.


    Gaius nodded, lowering his gaze. Even I found it hard to deal with Ray when he was enraged.


    The only time Ray had ever directed his anger at me was after Rihanna''s death, and I had no intention of provoking him further.


    "Take him away!" I ordered the guards, who dragged Gaius out. Ray calmly returned to his ce at my side.


    Jake and his Delta smiled, clearly satisfied. I decided to take the opportunity to make an unusual request.


    "While we handle Red Moon''s offenses, would you stay in my pce?"


    It was important to get to know Jonah personally. I hoped he would prove as easygoing as his Alpha, though hopefully with fewer dys.


    Although I wasn''t thrilled to host Jake, it might allow him to bond with Vanessa. She had made it clear she wanted him as her mate, even though it wasn''t entirely her choice to make.


    I noticed the two of them go silent, likely mind-linking. Jonah then stepped forward and bowed. "It would be my pleasure, My King."


    "Hmm, the pleasure is all mine. I''ll make sure you enjoy your stay and have something to bring back to your mate and Alpha."


    Jonah chuckled. "I don''t have a mate yet."


    "Pray you don''t find one here, or you might never leave," Ray joked, and Jakeughed.


    There was likely more meaning behind Ray''s words, but I chose to ignore it. If Jonah found a mate here, it would be a cherished memory.


    I excused myself to inform my sobbing Luna to prepare two rooms for our guests. This time, she needed to get it right.


    However, she wasn''t at the door where I had left her. I didn''t expect her to be, but she should have stayed nearby.


    I headed toward my sister''s room and overheard her gossiping with Sasha. Rolling my eyes, I pushed the door open.


    They sprang to their feet-Sasha looking down, while Vanessa gave me a hateful re. I bet her best friend had tattled on me again.


    "Jake Justin of ck Rose and Delta Jonah will be staying here for a while. Prepare some rooms," I instructed.


    Neither of them moved. Instead, they nced over my shoulder.


    "Since Sasha isn''t your wife, why not ask a maid to do that? Why are you ordering her around if she''s only a ceremonial Luna?"


    I recognized the voice and sighed. "Father, are you saying I can''t give orders to my Luna?"


    "You should do so with respect," he replied, stepping in front of me.


    He gestured for Vanessa and Sasha to leave and carry out my orders. They scurried away, heads bowed.


    "Noted. I''ll do it with respect next time," I said, turning to leave.


    "One more thing," he continued, making me stop. "I just saw the guards taking Gaius away for falsifying records?"


    I sighed.


    "He and his Alpha should be ashamed. I had no idea the records were falsified. Even the price of Grandfather''s staff..."


    "I knew," my father interrupted.


    I tilted my head in confusion. He knew they were fake? Why hadn''t he done anything about it?


    "You know your mother is from the Red Moon Pack. She wanted..."


    "Wanted what?" I interrupted.


    He sighed. "She wanted Red Moon to be second inmand after ck Hills. But I couldn''t grant her that because ck Rose held more power." "And so, you turned a blind eye to Red Moon''s crimes to appease her? What about the other packs that were cheated?" I asked quietly.


    He remained silent, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Well, I am no longer the Alpha. Handle it however you see fit."


    "I will correct this," I replied, turning to leave again.


    "And don''t be swayed by your mother," he added, stopping me once more.


    "If she asks you to pity Red Moon, don''t. ck Rose brought this matter to you, and you must deal with it. They are more powerful."


    It annoyed me to hear my father advise me to disregard my mother''s wishes, but he made sense.


    I wasn''t going to favor ck Rose because of their power but because it was the right thing to do.


    Over the past three years, I had learned to make decisions independently. My mother wouldn''t sway me this time.


    "Alright, Father," I said, walking away.

 My Story

    Chapter Twenty-Five - Rihanna''s POV


    The hunters of ck Rose were ready to leave. Dara came out of the prison where the lead hunter had been held and nodded to me. "It''s been done." I smiled, walking toward the hunters. They shuddered in fear, and it only added to my pride. "Your Silver releases you."


    It was important to act like a second person, as they''d likely report to their Alpha. They exhaled in relief, knowing they hadn''t been brought out to die.


    Their lead hunter was dragged out to meet them, looking drunk and speaking gibberish. Dara smiled as he stumbled out. That had been her duty-intoxicating him with drugs and miniature amounts of wolfsbane so whatever he said would sound like nonsense, including any mention of Your Silver being female.


    I hoped the ck Rose Alpha would fall for it. Thest thing I needed was another Alpha, aside from Red Moon''s, wanting me dead. Since Red Moon had a Lycan they wanted to exchange for me and could easily convince Chris to ept- I''d be a serious target.


    "You can leave now! Tell your Alpha that Your Silver wants good rtions with him!" I announced as the hunters finished washing.


    They exchanged suspicious nces but nodded. Of course, they knew it wasn''t true and hurried off. I watched as the carriage set off and felt relief knowing they were gone. Turning to my warriors, I addressed them. "One of you reported that after a meeting with ck Rose''s Jake and Royal Beta Ray, Beta Gaius of Red Moon Pack was imprisoned?" Jean, the one who had sent the report, crawled forward from the rest. "Yes, that''s the information I got. I didn''t hear what crime hemitted, though."


    I nodded. That was good enough. Whatever reason Jake and Ray had to cooperate would likely work in my favor and lead to Red Moon''s downfall.


    "I''m asking for votes now. This mission is by choice. You are not bound by duty or loyalty to do this," I exined, raising my left hand.


    They looked confused, so I rified. "I n to rescue a Lycan from Red Moon Pack."


    Although my dramatic warriors had heard crazier things that week, they gasped in disbelief.


    "As I said, I only need volunteers! He''s a captive, and we free captives. Besides, messing with Red Moon''s leverage on me would be satisfying." Cami stepped forward with folded arms. "Actually, what I heard from ck Hills was that Beta Gaius already tried to trade you."


    Jean nced at her, then lowered her head.


    "He went to ck Hills to trade her?" Dara asked. "Then why is he in prison? Did the deal fall through?"


    "Perhaps something else came up," Cami replied. "Delta Jonah is at ck Hills, and he might have reported Red Moon''s attempted murder."


    The warriors gasped again, nodding at Cami''s insight.


    Jean bowed her head in shame. "I''m sorry, Your Silver. I couldn''t get more information."


    Cami rolled her eyes.


    "It''s okay. Thank you, Cami. At least we can worry less about Red Moon attacking us with their lead assassin in prison."


    The warriorsughed, though I hadn''t meant it as a joke. Beta Gaius was only a pawn; the real threat was the Red Moon Alpha. With his Beta imprisoned, he''d be even more protective of the Lycan-hisst crucial asset. While the Alpha King might not care, a Lycan could still wreak havoc on smaller packs, just as Red Moon had.


    "Your Silver, I think we should forget the Lycan and take a break. All the smaller packs are free now," one warrior suggested.


    She got support from only a few others, as most weren''t in favor of taking a break.


    "Why not make more enemies? The more, the merrier. Blue Fire Pack still has ves earning low wages," Cami added.


    The mention of ves dimmed my spirits. Weren''t all ves supposed to be free? Blue Fire Pack had agreed to pay them-shouldn''t the price be their decision?


    Lana, the wolf spirit within me, sulked, and I felt my mood sink.


    "Come on, girl. Don''t give up on me now," I muttered.


    She sighed. "We freed the ves. Now, only revenge on Chris remains. But that may not work out-he''s not really our enemy."


    My fists clenched, but I slowly rxed them. I had mostly outgrown the pain of rejection, yet part of me still wanted to unt what I had be in Chris''s face.


    I wasn''t sure if being a rogue was something to be proud of, but I knew I was a force to be reckoned with one that Chris, at least, respected.


    "Warriors!" I called out, breaking their chatter. "For today, let''s ''take a break,"" I added, pointing to the wolf who had suggested it.


    She smiled proudly, nodding.


    Cami sighed audibly. "I guess we can hop on our personal vendettas too. I can''t see myself staying idle."


    She reminded me of Beatrice always rebellious. But I let it go. "You''re wee to pursue your vendetta, just protect yourself and don''t expect Your Silver toe save you." Dara rolled her eyes. "Yeah, make sure your butt is covered, because she won''te crying over you."


    The warriors chuckled, and I nodded in agreement. I''d need a long, uninterrupted sleep without anyone breaking my mind link in tears.


    "Actually, there''s no need to call Your Silver if she justes with us," Cami teased.


    I stopped mid-step, halfway to my room in the cave.


    The warriors stared curiously at Cami and me. "Where exactly do you want me to go with you?" I asked.


    "To blend in with us. We''re seeing a palm reader who can reveal our mates."


    One warrior made a loud "shush," silencing the others. My eyes widened. A palm reader to show me my mate?


    No thanks. I wasn''t in a rush to find a second mate. I''d know when I met him-sparks would fly, just like with Chris.


    "You think a mate''s what I need now? A mate will only slow us down and make us miserable. Remember her story?" Dara pointed at me.


    The clueless warriors turned their heads, wondering what story Dara referred to. Only Dara and Cami knew the full truth about me. Cami looked guilty. "Oh no, I''m sorry. I forgot. Some of us never had mates, so..."


    "I get it, Cami. But you''ll have to go without me. I don''t need a mate," I interrupted.


    She nodded slowly and stepped back. I smiled at the warriors, encouraging them to go if it made them happy.


    They left reluctantly, moving sluggishly toward their destination. It was their right to find happiness with their mates.


    But if anyone returned with a story like mine, he''d better be an Alpha King-or else he''d lose his head.

 My Story II

    Chapter Twenty-Six - My Story II Rihanna''s POV


    As expected, one of them came with a story like mine. Rejected at first nce, and it had to be the most insecure of them, Jean.


    Cami said her mate was a ck Rose warrior whom they met at the market; he rejected her the moment he saw the Your Silver logo on her. Was ck Rose Pack supposed to be hateful towards Your Silver''s warriors? We hadn''t done anything to them. We returned their hunters.


    "Cami, steal that warrior." I snapped my head to her, immediately. Her eyes widened but slowly dted. "I should bring him here?"


    "Yes, go alone. Do it discreetly. Let no one from his pack know Your Silver''s warriors took him."


    "Very well, in chains and beaten, yes?" she asked again.


    Dara smiled, shaking her head. "Do you want Jean to hate you more? I think Your Silver just wants to talk to him."


    Dara turned to me. "And please, talk nicely."


    I could only shrug. I needed to know his deal; why were men this way? What did he have to lose if his mate was a rogue warrior?


    Jean was a sweet girl, and since she had never had rtionships with a man before, this would be very painful for her.


    Cami set out quickly.


    Lana paced inside me. "I have a feeling that many of these girls will end up this way, being rejected for being rogue."


    My heart sunk. And why? I was rejected and became rogue. Why would they be rejected for being rogue? What did the world need from us exactly?


    "They''d have been dead if they weren''t rogue, if I hadn''t saved them. Don''t me this on me."


    "I never did. And we did this together. We saved them. They were ves with no cause, and we helped them have a cause." she said.


    A sigh of relief left my lips. "Right, they know that too."


    "Do they really?" she asked, then returned to the back of my head.


    Jean''s room door opened, and a warrior came out, stomping towards me. "Jean was rejected!" she announced, as if I wasn''t aware.


    I tilted my head, maintaining eye contact with her. "I was informed. So?"


    "So? All this happened because she was wearing the ''Your Silver vest''." The warrior threw her arms in the air, and they quickly fell.


    "Then she shouldn''t have. You guys wanted to blend in; you should have worn normal clothes to blend in." I replied, not really getting her point. She scoffed, eye rolling. "You don''t even look guilty while Jean is crying her eyes out. This is your fault!"


    "And how?!" Dara interrupted, pushing the girl away from me. "By saving you from being a fuck toy to a hunter, huh?"


    I red at Dara, and she backed away, as did the girl. It was a rule to not speak of the past of each other; they were saved, that''s all that mattered. The girl looked down, then up again with fiery eyes. "Yes, we owe Your Silver, but is it forever? Do we owe her forever?"


    "It''s not her fault Jean''s mate was a jerk. If you want to know, Your Silver''s mate had rejected her also because he was a jerk too!" Dara yelled.


    I seethed, pushing her back. That shouldn''t have left her lips. Jean and other warriors that were in her room wereing out at that point. Their mouths fell when they heard Dara. "Your Silver was rejected too?" a girl asked.


    Jean only gazed at me with teary eyes. Was that pity? Or disappointment? I looked away from her and turned to Dara.


    "I''m sorry it slipped," Dara apologized. Was she really? "But they feel you just decided to change the injustice in the world; you have a story too."


    The warrior looked down, including the one who had been earlier bratty. It was really hard being the leader of a ''pack''.


    I had to exin every time with motivational speeches. Never did I ever think my own story would be one of them. "Jean, that boy misunderstood you; he misunderstood us. But if he''s such a jerk, he doesn''t deserve you," I told her.


    She didn''t look assured. How could she? Recently turned eighteen, the only thing in her head would be her mate.


    "But he''s the one the moon goddess chose for me. I should change him, even if he''s bad..."


    "It doesn''t work that way; honestly, the moon goddess is losing her touch. She''s pairing brats with innocents. It isn''t fair." I snapped back.


    She shivered and wrapped her hands around her body. The other warriors bit their lips and looked down.


    I sighed. "You all should get in and rest for now. I am not your enemy..."


    "You never were, Your Silver; you saved us." A warrior said, the others agreed with nods and smiles, and I smiled back.


    "Greta misunderstood me." Jean turned to the girl who had earlier been bratty.


    "I only regretted being a ve who had to fight for justice. If I was a princess, I''d be epted?" she shrugged, wiping her tears off. "And be like the bitch, Princess Vanessa." Dara chipped in, and they chuckled.


    "I am sorry," Greta mumbled. I paid her no mind and gestured for all of them to go in and rest. Dara shook her head, going into her room. In a few seconds, I was standing all alone in the middle of the hall, awaiting Cami and Jean''s mate. "What''ll I even tell the kid?" I asked Lana. She came to the surface and smirked. "Tell him he and Lana''s pups will make good spies for ck Rose. Isn''t that their most honorable title?"


    Iughed; ck Rose valued spies a lot, and anyone, even a Beta, could be a spy at a pack. Just like I heard that a maid in my household had been a ck Rose spy all along and only showed herself after I was rejected; she had rushed to tell ck Rose.


    That pack''s deceit knew no bounds. I heard struggling sounds and knew Cami was back.


    She dragged the box, which had the boy, into her room, and I locked the door behind us before Jean would catch his scent.


    "Who are you? What do you want?" he yelled. His blindfold was removed; he studied around him. "Why bring me to Your Silver''s cave?"


    "Why did you reject one of her warriors?" I asked back. It was almost bing petty that I cared, but it was for Jean''s sake.


    "An enemy of our pack can never be my mate. It''s a rule our past Alpha made us swear. Even if Princess Vanessa is my mate, I''d reject her!"


    Oh, so ck Hills was some kind of enemy to ck Rose? And any sensible person would reject Princess Vanessa!


    "Your Silver isn''t your enemy, dear. Is that what your Alpha taught you after Your Silver kept away from your pack? Not nice!" I smirked and headed to the door.


    "Where are you going? Set me free!" he yelled.


    Cami smirked wickedly.


    "It''s been long since I''ve had an honorable guest; don''t worry, I''d treat you well." I made a bow before walking away with Cami.

 Two Your Silvers

    Chapter Twenty-Seven - Two Your Silvers Jaden''s POV


    I recounted the hunters; they wereplete and strangely didn''t even look like they had been in captivity. Coming closer to them, I perceived the subtle stench of sweat and grime. Your Silver might have allowed them a quick bath. "Report, where were you kept while in Your Silver''s captivity? Do you know where it is?" That ce should be at the end of the world. No one had ever seen it and lived anyway.


    "Not at all, Alpha. It was a prison; we don''t know where it is. We were returned in a carriage and only came out when it stopped moving."


    I cocked my head. "The driver of the carriage stopped you guys halfway?"


    "She did. I think it''s because she didn''t want toe close to our Pack or something."


    My Beta, Ralph, beside me, huffed. "Well, that''s good. Unlike the other silver wolf that dared fight our men here."


    I turned to him and smiled. That silver wolf could be Your Silver''s sibling or a close ally. The way Jake had spoken of her, she exuded aura. Daring to fight warriors and an Alpha''s son, along with the Beta that came. Beta Ralph had even said she had a lot of power. He was slightly psychic and would know.


    "Very well, return to your homes. I am grateful for the safe return. Is there anything else I need to know?" I asked, looking them in the eyes. Some missed my gaze while the others met it with shaky eyes.


    "Okay, what else is there?" Beta Ralph asked, noticing their hesitations.


    "Our lead hunter keeps saying weird things. He was held by Your Silver and possibly tortured, and he returned drunk."


    "So?" Ralph didn''t get it.


    I came forward. "So it''s possible she doesn''t want him saying a thing. Jake had said that she didn''t want to release him, right?"


    My Beta nodded. "She agreed to release others except him but eptedter on."


    I gestured to a warrior, and he brought the lead hunter to me. The man reeked of heavy drugs and wolfsbane. He staggered to me and fell on my legs. "Alpha! He-he, how are you, Alpha?"


    I held his head up. "What did Your Silver want? Why did she want you to stay with her? Why did you send a letter to Jake to meet him that day?"


    The lead hunter had a scared expression before he beganughing hysterically, then patted my face. I dropped him; he was wasted.


    "None of you really heard anything? Then tell me what his warriors looked like? Were they ves or just unruly rogues?"


    "Most were ves. I remember one who came to feed us. She once worked at a brothel I visited in Red Moon. She now has a warrior rank." Ralph slowly turned to me. I didn''t have an answer to his question except ''he was a silver wolf.''


    "For her to work as a brothel, she''d most likely be an omega, right? How can an omega get a warrior rank in such a short time?" he asked.


    "Your Silver is a silver wolf. He has his ways." I answered simply, not really believing it. If Your Silver was amon rogue silver wolf, he shouldn''t be able to teach. Wolves that can teach, as well as lead other wolves, can only be Alphas, Betas, and Deltas. None of these leaders, from any pack I knew, were rogues. So how exactly was Your Silver teaching these ves to be warriors? Did he have a leader supporting him?


    "Being a Silver Wolf is very amazing then. I''m so jealous," Ralph said sarcastically, but I bet he actually was. I pped my hands, and the hunters began leaving. It waste at night already, and I needed a bit of rest. I began heading back to my


    room.


    "What was the lead hunter saying that was crazy, though?" I overheard Ralph asking a hunter.


    "Not everything was crazy, but they aren''t reliable," the hunter sighed.


    I stopped moving and watched them. "He was taken from us, but when he reunited, he said that there were females rather than males in the ce, and Your Silver was rude." Ralph scoffed. "That''s not unexpected; that''s a fact. Also, many female ves didn''t stay to be paid wages by Red Moon, so it corrtes."


    "He also said something about Your Silver being a female wolf and not male. He said that maybe he didn''t see the male, though," the hunter added.


    Ralph paused. "Delta Jonah had met with Your Silver the day he was captured. Who the lead hunter met might be the female silver wolf."


    "Yeah, we met her too, and she seemed to be the boss around, and Your Silver never met us face to face," the hunter added.


    "What are you saying? There are two Your Silvers?"


    "Yes!" I joined their conversation.


    "I suspect the female silver wolf also ims to be Your Silver, like the male. They are both rogues. What makes her different? Being a girl?" Ralph nodded at my words. "This will make sense, but that girl is really young to cause all those terrors."


    "Perhaps she''s just taken over recently?" the hunter suggested.


    "Never underestimate a silver wolf; driven by anger and hate, they can be more than Lycans. Go and rest now," I told the hunter.


    He bowed and scurried away to join the others. My Beta sighed and faced me. "I saw Your Silver''s partner and didn''t catch her? I had even told Jake to let her go." "And why? Did you feel something?"


    "Honestly, I felt some kind of superiority with her, but it was masked with pain. So I assume because she had more kill counts than I."


    I couldn''t help butugh. "Kill counts don''t make one superior, and you''ve killed lots of rogues; that''s out of the way."


    He exhaled and then followed my steps as I headed toward my room. Habitually, I stared at him, hoping he''d realize and return, but he kept on walking.


    "Ralph, don''t you have a mate to go home to? Where are you going..."


    "I thought you''d never ask." He came in front of me with a frown. So he had been waiting for me to ask? What had gone wrong now?


    "So my mate''s brother entered warrior rank, and I helped him join ck Rose Warriors Force." He paused, then sniffed. "The boy is missing."


    My eyes widened. "Missing?"


    "Yes, and I can''t tell my mate because she was like he shouldn''t join the warriors, but the kid wanted to, so I helped him... don''t tell her."


    My lips were pursed; was this how having a mate was? I could wait to get mine. I cleared my throat and nodded. "I won''t tell her." The fact was, I hadn''t even met her before, talk more of having a conversation with her. "What makes you think he''s missing?"


    "The lead warrior said he never came for any of the training, and he had gone out to a palm reader to see his future and never returned."


    Palm readers? All palm readers were found at the Boots and Rivers Market. That ce was far away, closer to Red Moon. "Could it be Red Moon took him? They are the closest pack around?" I said my thoughts out loud.


    Ralph exhaled again. "I doubt it; Jake wrote to us that Beta Gaius was punished. I doubt they''d do something rash too soon." "Then who else lived close to Red Moon and owed you a grudge?" I asked him since he didn''t believe Red Moon was responsible. He shook his head before replying. "They might not have known he was my brother-inw. He wore a ck Rose warrior vest." "So they knew he was from my pack! Whoever it was had to pay then." I finalized. These habitual kidnappings were pissing me off.

 Boots and Rivers

    Chapter Twenty-Eight - Boots and Rivers.


    Jaden''s POV


    Beta Ralph returned from the palm reader''s shop holding up a card. He stopped in front of me and showed it to me.


    "It says I won''t live long."


    I dragged it from him and ripped it apart. "Don''t say that! Why believe in this nonsense? What did the palm reader say about the missing boy?" "He had met her, the palm reader, and asked if he was to find his mate soon." Ralph grinned.


    A look of disappointment was etched on my face. "Not about his future as a warrior?"


    "Apparently, his mate was more important to him than that." Ralph smirked. "She said he saw her though, but they argued."


    "That''s weird." I frowned. Ralph and I were standing in the middle of the Boots and Rivers Market, where many wolves passed by us.


    How''d he have found his mate seconds after being told he''d see her? And he disappeared too? Could it be he was with the girl? "What if he left with the girl?" I spoke my thoughts out loud.


    "I asked that too, but the reader said he used her of being a killer and to stay away, then left. The girl had left with her sisters too."


    That was suspicious. He rejected his mate at first nce? How dare he? The girl was a killer? Was she a Red Moon warrior? And sisters? "Where''s that palm reader?" I needed to ask her clearly. Ralph pointed at an old small shop, and I strolled my way there. "She also said my time of death isn''t near, though." Ralph kept speaking of that. I clenched my fists but ignored him. Merely breathing beside the door, thedy said toe in. We obeyed.


    She had small sses on her much smaller eyes. Possibly past a hundred but was a warrior in her prime, hence her good health. "You said you met a boy who rejected his mate?"


    "Was she his mate?" Her small eyes became smaller.


    I nced at Ralph, who came forward. "You told me he saw her but never added that they argued."


    "I didn''t. I stopped at he met her but never added argued or used her of anything..."


    "Neither did we speak of you saying ''used.'' Tell us!" I peered my eyes into hers. She was hiding something.


    "Why don''t you want to tell us? Were you threatened?" Ralph asked, pulling me away from thedy so I wouldn''t scare her.


    He was having that look when he was being weird - or psychic. Did he read that she felt fear? I calmed down. "Ma''am, the boy is missing now."


    "It has nothing to do with me. Ask others around if they saw him; I am sure I wasn''t the only store he visited..."


    "Can you tell us what the girl looked like? And her sisters? Did they have swords like Red Moon warriors?" Ralph interrupted her.


    She gulped down saliva. "Red Moon warriors would be stones if they ever walked into this market."


    I guess that''s a no, and with the pain she spoke with, she was a victim of Red Moon''s nonchnce.


    "Ma''am, if it''s not Red Moon, then who?"


    "I can''t tell you; they don''t want you to know them." She looked away, fondling a letter she had on her table.


    Ralph noticed it and mind-linked to me. "That wasn''t in her hands when I earlier visited her; someone must have met her after I left."


    She met my gaze and put the letter into her drawer. "Leave, please; I don''t want trouble. The boy was ungrateful and made the girl cry." "What were the exact words he said?"


    "That she''s a killer and not worthy of him." She scoffed. "He wasn''t worthy of her. I haven''t heard of him helping anyone before." Helping anyone? Did the girl and her sisters hold people? Could other sellers in the market identify her?


    Ralph wanted to keep engaging thedy, but I pulled him out of her shop. She wasn''t going to talk, and I wasn''t in the mood to cajole her. "Whoever sent that letter, the palm reader knows that person. And that person was quite fast to leave without us seeing them." "That person also knew we''d look for her." I added.


    Ralph nodded. "Then this attack was nned?"


    "Maybe. Maybe not. But..." I trailed off, my head snapping to the opposite direction, towards the river beside the market.


    I saw something run past. It was vague but quick; it was a wolf. "Ralph, someone is there. Come!"


    I ran as I spoke. He followed after me. I halted when I got to the river, a weird-looking body of water. Boots swam inside of it, and it was dirty.


    My hands itched when I ran my hands through the surface. "Is this why the river is said to be cursed?" I asked Ralph.


    "It''s said to have the blood and boots of many ves that tried revolting against Red Moon. A market was built for it and called Boots and River."


    I turned to Ralph with a done look. Why tell me the pathetic history of the river? I only wondered why it itched.


    Blood and boots didn''t make it itch. "It itches. We can''t swim through." I looked up. "But that wolf had swum through. How?"


    "A myth is that the river will only let you swim through if you are innocent. Maybe the wolf is innocent...."


    "Let''s go!" I shut him from his mythical history and dived into the river. Whoever that person was, they had to answer to me.


    Ralph groaned, soaking himself in the river. "It burns!"


    "I know. But if you don''t find your brother-inw, your home will burn hotter when your mate finds out."


    That was enough to shut him up. I turned to see him sulking. I smiled. We got to the other side; my skin felt like it had met with silver. What exactly had been dumped into the water?


    "I''d go!" I dragged Ralph to his feet and handed him my clothes as I prepared to shift.


    "Yeah, go get them." He sighed, rubbing his face with my shirt. I rolled my eyes.


    I quickly shifted and tried to follow the trail of the wolf. It had been fast, but I presumed it slowed down because I was catching a scent.


    A scent that kept drawing me towards it so much that my wolf increased its speed without me telling it to.


    "That wolf will be shredded to pieces when I find it." I seethed, making w marks on the earth as I ran. I felt intense emotion; was it anger?


    I stopped, seeing a cliff ahead. The gap to the other side was huge, and no wolf would make it. Where had the wolf gone to?


    Then I heard the breaking of twigs as something zoomed past me. Then past me again, and suddenughter.


    It went away like it came, and I was rooted to the spot. The wolf hadn''t known, but I saw its figure rush into an underground passage.


    One I''d checkter. My wolf felt weakness by the sensation because when the wolf hadughed, I felt something weird.


    Something one felt when they found their mate.

 She Rejected Him

    Chapter Twenty-Nine - She rejected him.


    Rihanna''s


    POV


    The boy we seized was the Beta''s inw, and the ck Rose Alpha and Beta came looking for him.


    I was trying to avoid annoying that Alpha, but fate had a different way to punish me.


    I asked the wolf who checked if she was sure.


    Greta nodded. "The Beta and Alpha were reported to have gone to look for him. Do you want me to take a run out again?"


    A hidden smirk was on her lips. She was looking for an excuse to run out again.


    "You seem like you enjoy running there. I used to do so too. I told you it would be fun to clear your stubborn head," I teased, meaning it a bit.


    She smiled, looking down.


    "Well, don''t worry. They shouldn''t see you, just stay in," I added. She nodded and left.


    I turned to Jean, who had fear and sadness in her brown eyes.


    When she had caught her mate''s scent here, I assumed she''d be mad at me for catching him, but she was happy. She only felt sad when he began threatening that his inw, who happened to be a Beta of ck Rose, woulde for him. "Young man, I don''t think I''ll be letting you go soon. Either you ept Jean, or you officially reject her and let her heal."


    Jean snapped her head at me, and I nodded. "Yes, rejection is an option, dear."


    The boy scoffed. "How about she denies Your Silver and works for ck Rose? Are you scared she will expose all the secrets and betray him?"


    Jean pouted, fondling with the hem of her skirt. Was she housing that suggestion?


    "If you ept her, she''d stay here and finish her mission. Unless, she wants to call it quits," I replied to the boy, my eyes on Jean.


    I hated these situations. Dara walked in, and I immediately walked out. She should handle it from there.


    A sigh left my lips, and I tried to connect with Lana. "An Alpha and a Beta could be outside my cave. Greta might not be discreet enough."


    "Even if they enter the passageway, they need to find the right door here. Don''t worry. But I think we should let that boy go."


    "With Jean?" My forehead creased.


    "Jean won''t leave. Avenging her parents means more to her than-"


    The door opened, and I turned to it. It was Jean walking out with Dara. She had a resolved expression on. "Let him go! I don''t need such a man."


    My heart sank. She was letting him go? "You know we can still keep him here."


    "She rejected him," Dara dered. She did? She had such guts? Her eyes brimmed with tears.


    "I did. He should leave with the feeling of being rejected. I don''t deserve it. I am an Alpha''s daughter," she seethed.


    I nodded. Her father was an Alpha of a small pack that was raided by Red Moon. She didn''t have a tint of his aura. If rejection was a way of getting that aura back, then it was a good thing. Just like what happened to me, facing a painful thing changed people.


    "I feel I should double your training. You are having what it takes," I told her.


    She blinked and looked up at me. "Was I getting promoted because I rejected him?"


    "You''ll need to get your mind off him. And you can channel that energy to Dara." I looked at Dara. "Yes, you''ll be the one to train her."


    Dara smirked and pulled the girl out with her.


    I returned to the room and saw the boy looking dejected. "She rejected you. You are no longer needed here. I will return you myself."


    He said nothing. Indeed, Jean was right. He would feel like trash. If he knew better, he should channel it to be a better version of himself.


    I had mind-linked Cami, and a carriage was in ce for me to return thed. In twelve minutes, I was already at Rose Valley.


    It could be pride, but I really liked daring those warriors. It was the only fun I could get around.


    "What are you doing in ournds?" one of them shouted. Didn''t they know I came to drop their warrior? Or were they unaware he was missing?


    "Ie in peace," I feigned innocence. "Your Silver saw a ck Rose warrior by Boots and Rivers Market. I''m here to bring him back."


    They backed away, looking intently at my carriage. The boy was unconscious, so he couldn''t deflect my ims.


    I felt the energy of the Betaing toward the warriors. I was d he wasn''t with the Alpha. I could talk or take down the Beta.


    "You said you saw him by the Boots and Rivers Market?" he asked. He must have good hearing.


    "Yes," I carried the boy from the carriage. "He had been delivered to Your Silver by a wolf who assumed he was an enemy to ck Rose." "So he returned to the boy to prove he isn''t?" The Beta chuckled.


    Why? Wasn''t that feasible?


    "Well, to us, Your Silver is still an unruly rogue. And he brought a silver wolf to us again. We appreciate the gesture."


    "I am his highest warrior. You better not be thinking of catching me. To be honest, do think of it." I dropped the boy down like a sack.


    The Beta frowned, and his warriors rushed to thed. "You won''t leave here today..."


    "You either kill me or die. Those are the only options," I warned, my eyes changing to orange. "And I promise I am not dying now."


    There was hesitation from him when I said thest part, or was it my change in eye color? It changed back to normal.


    If he knew I was a Beta, would he be able to know what pack I was from? Nonsense. Any rogue could attain Beta rank without being from a pack. They had to be either born into it or trained by an Alpha. Would that give me away too? Who had trained me?


    "You are a Beta," he said usingly.


    "I have been for long. I doubt you can stand me," I added. Should I have said that too?


    "Your Silver is an Alpha wolf then. Or he attained that rank somehow. He is even scarier than we thought," the Beta said, backing away.


    What? Your Silver was now scary for being an Alpha? I knew scarier Alphas who didn''t care about others.


    "Because he''s a rogue, he''s scary and all that? You ck Rose are like the others. Intoxicated with power that you don''t reason."


    He stopped in his tracks, staring into my eyes. I felt he would be the honest one, but they were all the same.


    "Where''s Delta Jonah? I did miss hispany when he was with us. The rest of you are crazy."


    "He is at ck Hills."


    I wasn''t expecting the Beta to answer me. I shrugged and walked away. He was still at ck Hills? What drama had happened there?


    "Did you see any girl with this boy though?" the Beta asked when I mounted the carriage.


    "She rejected him. She was his mate. She''s a Your Silver warrior and doesn''t want to be affiliated with a pack that doesn''t fight for ves."


    I turned to him. "Make sure your brother-inw doesn''t hurt himself. Rejection leaves scars."

 The Necklace

    Chapter Thirty- The Ne Chris''s POV


    Delta Jonah raised his hands again, and the maid came toward him. He whispered something to her, and her eyes widened. Jake Justin only smiled. What was going on with them? Since they came, they''d been avoiding my family, especially Vanessa. I had been trying to get them to talk, but after nearly introducing her to Delta Jonah and he ran off, I stopped trying.


    "I hope you are enjoying the food," I broke the lingering silence amongst us.


    Jake Justin raised his head from his food and looked at me.


    "It''s good. The meat would be better if sun-dried and whipped with the dry wind of Rose Valley, getting the scent of roses." "You dry meat in Rose Valley?" I asked, stunned.


    Delta Jonah nodded, smiling. "Not really, it''s just that warriors who guard the valley sometimes dry meat there to pass time."


    "I stay there a lot, under the sun, with my Alpha. That''s why ck Rose warriors are not a piece of cake," Jake boasted, munching on his food.


    I was painfully reminded of how Jaden had stayed under the sun for hours without feeling it. I felt less than a wolf, more less an Alpha.


    "Well, the environment makes people. I bet there''s an advantage to being around this chilly side of ck Hills, right?" Delta Jonah chided.


    It was my turn to agree. "Yes, great resistance to cold and harsh temperate. Also, ck Hills warriors are good climbers."


    The Delta only smiled and focused on his food.


    "We''d leave today. The Delta has gotten enough of a holiday from pack duties," Jake announced.


    I nced from the Delta to him. "You''ve only stayed for two days."


    The two days he spent staying away from all the maids and my family. All maids except the one in the room with us.


    It made me wonder if she was their spy here, but she acted flustered around him too. Maybe it was because she was in charge of his affairs. "Yes, but it''s unfair for both him and me to be here when my brother will need all the help he can get to deal with the pack," Jake exined. "He has a Beta. And you can leave if you want to," I answered, stabbing at my meat.


    Jake Justin quickly responded, after ring at Delta Jonah and making sure he wouldn''t revolt. "The Beta just got married, he''ll be scarce. My brother is alone there, so we''d be returning." The Delta added, "I can always pay you a visit, Alpha King. I have no mate to stop me."


    I wanted to smile, but I heard the distinct lie in his words. He had no mate to stop him? Why did I feel it was a lie?


    When we first met, he said he had no mate, and I believed him. Why did it sound like a lie now?


    I stared at the maid; when he spoke of having no mate, she looked down, disappointed. Was she his mate? Had he found his mate here?


    "Right? So, we will pack and head home. After this half-done meal, of course," Jake Justin chuckled.


    He was pissing, the only one who dared to piss me asionally. I exhaled deeply and mind-linked Vanessa toe and give a farewell, at least, as the Alpha''s sister.


    She rushed, and soon we heard a knock on the door. Jake Justin and the Delta became anxious.


    "Who was that? Are you expecting visitors, Alpha?"


    Jake Justin quickly took a ne from his neck and threw it on the Delta, right before me. What were they doing? "It''s my sister, Vanessa..." while I spoke, the door flew open, and Vanessa, with widened eyes, entered inside.


    The ne was on Jonah''s neck, and he was fondling with it nervously. Jake Justin also had a stered fake smile. Was he trying to impress Vanessa and didn''t want to be seen with a ne that looked like a shaman''s? Well yed. "Vanessa,e sit with us," I gestured for her to sit beside me. She still looked around, from the two men to me. "Was there someone else here?" she asked sternly. Not verydylike, what was she doing?


    "Just us. Why?" I replied.


    The two men finished their meals and rose up.


    "Alpha, we best be on our way. Enjoy your meal with the pretty princess."


    "Pretty what?" I overheard the Delta nudge Jake in the stomach. Jake bit his lips and changed his words.


    "Enjoy your meal with the princess."


    "Don''t you think my sister is pretty, Delta Jonah?" I asked loudly, gaining their attention.


    Vanessa nced at him, then looked away.


    "Of course, she is a princess," he said nonchntly, with a hidden eye roll.


    "What''s that?"


    He raised a brow at me. "What?"


    "The ne. What''s it for? You and Jake switched it when she came in. Is it a charm to attract women or what...?"


    He frowned. "Quite the opposite. It''s a charm to keep women away."


    "Mates," Jake corrected, then bit his lips again.


    My eyes widened.


    "Don''t mind me. I mean, yes, it''s a charm, but for good luck, nothing else." Heughed, pulling Delta Jonah out of the room with him. Vanessa stared at the ne intently as the Delta passed her. The maid was nearly fidgeting, so I called on her.


    I noticed Jake and the Delta pause.


    "Our guests are gone, clear the table, please," I said to the maid. She bowed hurriedly and began clearing the tes.


    Jake and the Delta exhaled and were almost leaving when Vanessa called on the Delta. What drama was happening now?


    "Is the ne the one that makes mates not recognize themselves? How long have you had it on?" she asked, with a raised tone.


    I rose from my seat. The maid sighed and rushed out of the room. Delta Jonah had darkness in his eyes when he responded to my sister.


    "And what''s that to you, princess?" he asked coldly. "Do my essories bother you?"


    Jake pulled him behind him and looked at me.


    "Is there a reason the princess is interested in his ne?"


    I wondered too. Vanessa mind-linked and asked me to keep him in the pce for longer. My lips parted; I wasn''t sure I could do that.


    "Is there a reason your Delta can''t just tell her what the ne is for? Maybe she fancies it."


    "She shouldn''t. It''s a relic from ck Rose, one that its leaders wear when traveling to avoid meeting evil and high spirits," the Delta replied. What was with the sudden change of tone? What made him so offended?


    "I heard it also prevents wolves from recognizing their mate. If you meet your mate here, you won''t recognize her. Is that right?" my sister inquired. "Very right to me. I will take it off when I see ady worthy of being my mate," the Delta sighed.


    I mmed my hands on the table. I couldn''t help but feel he directed that statement at my sister.


    She wasn''t worthy of being his mate? And why was she interested in that ne? Did it affect her?


    "He mustn''t go anywhere, brother," I heard Vanessa in my mind-link. "He must recognize me as mate."


    My forehead creased. They were mates? Or she wanted to be sure?


    ---


    Author''s note: Please dropments. I am curious about your thoughts, thank you.

 Called It

    Chapter Thirty-One - It


    Chris''s POV


    My forehead creased. Were they mates? Or was she unsure?


    "Alpha, I don''t know what the princess needs, but we really need to be on our way. If she wants, we can send her a gift of the relicter..." Jake suggested.


    "The relic is precious to ck Rose; no outsider can own it," the Delta raised his voice at Jake, who immediately fell silent.


    So, he had such a bad temper? "You insulted my sister with your words, Jonah. Would it take anything from you to take off the ne?"


    He sighed. "Since you will it, I shall obey." He made a small bow before ring at Vanessa. He took off the ne. "Did I be a ghost?"


    Jakeughed, and I sighed. Nothing happened after he took it off. What was Vanessa getting at?


    The expectations in her eyes dimmed but revived when she saw the ne in his hands.


    "Give the ne to Jake. I want you to have nothing to do with it," she demanded. Vanessa needed to stop.


    "I don''t want anything to do with you, either," Jonah snapped. What did he mean by that?


    "He means he doesn''t want to keep following your outrageousmands. It''s just a relic; don''t believe in superstitions," Jake noted. Vanessa''s eyes dted after Jonah snapped at her. Again, I felt there was some meaning to his words. He didn''t want anything to do with her? "We will take our leave, Alpha King." Jonah was back to his agile self, smiling. "Stay well."


    I nodded as they both walked away.


    "Vanessa, is there something you need from Delta Jonah?"


    "He doesn''t want me. But why? I am the one and only princess of ck Hills!" Vanessa stormed toward me.


    I moved back as she began to take on a scary form. He didn''t want her? Was she trying to push herself on him? Had she be that desperate? "How would he want you when you ask ridiculous things of him?" I sighed.


    "With the ne on him, I can''t be very sure if we are mates, but I know we are. He doesn''t want to ept it!" she barked.


    Frustration was eating her up. Was she sure about what she was saying? "How do you know? He didn''t look like someone who had just met his mate."


    Even if he didn''t want her, which made no sense, there had to be some kind of feeling when meeting a mate for the first time.


    "Has any other man been around you? I noticed him in the garden, but he disappeared. I thought my wolf was bluffing, but before I walked in just now, I caught the scent again."


    I had shbacks of Jonah looking nervous and switching nes with Jake when the knock came. Could it be that he actually was her mate?


    How dare he reject my sister!


    "Stay here!" I ordered her, pushing her into a chair. She plopped down and coiled herself in it.


    I mind-linked the guards to ask about Jake and the Delta''s whereabouts, and they informed me that they had already left.


    "Should I prepare your horse?" a guard asked as I stepped out of the pce.


    "Forget it; I''ll run with my wolf!" I replied. "And alone," I added when they attempted to follow me.


    They retreated, and I sped into the forest. Jake and the Delta wouldn''t have used horses; it wasn''t a ck Rose custom to travel by horse.


    I shifted, tying my trousers to my legs. Zeke growled angrily before leaping into the forest with massive strides.


    It waste at night, but with night vision, I could see everything. I heard nothing, which made me question if I was heading in the wrong direction.


    All I knew was that as Alpha King, whether or not I caught up with Jake and the Delta, I couldmand them toe to me.


    "We''re in another territory," my wolf told me as different scents drifted into his nose-rogue scents.


    We were either near rogues or surrounded by them. I was certainly not close to ck Rose; no rogue dared to go near them.


    I heard the gentle bleat of goats and guessed I was near mountains, likely shepherd territory-close to Red Moon.


    After running for twelve minutes, I found myself in Red Moon, nearly the farthest point from ck Hills. Zeke had really increased his speed. "It''s an Alpha," I heard someone whisper.


    I turned, snarling behind me. Another scent hit my nose, familiar but fleeting.


    A part of me wanted more of the scent, but it faded. My wolf ran towards it, trapped by a strange desire. The desire to kill rogues? "Kill it!" a female voice screamed. Kill it? Was I the ''it''?


    Suddenly, an arrow was fired at me. I dodged it easily. It seemed I was the ''it''. I growled, advancing towards the tree the girls were in. They jumped to another tree, and another arrow came from a different direction. I barely missed it. I was surrounded. The familiar scent returned, and then a blur of a wolf ran deeper into the woods. It was a Silver Wolf.


    Had I crossed into Your Silver''s domain? A snarl came from behind me, and I turned to see three small brown wolves, fierce in nature.


    "I won''t entertain them. It''s clear I''ve lost my way," I sighed to Zeke.


    Using my ws, I shed at each wolf in one swipe, sending them flying into a tree. More arrows rained down.


    A wolf engaged me in hot pursuit, fast and wild. Clearly a warrior wolf, ustomed to this terrain.


    Trees popped up at different angles, making it hard to run. The familiar scent came again, and I nced up.


    A silver wolf was running beside me. Friend or foe? The scent was too familiar. Could it be Your Silver? How was he familiar to me? Then, I was mmed into a tree by the figure. I blinked and saw the blurry image of the silver wolf in front of me. How fast was this psycho? I blocked out the faintly sweet scenting from him. It was indistinct, likely an ability of silver wolves to mask their scent and trick an Alpha. "Kill it!" another girl screamed. They were preparing another volley of arrows. My wolf was strangely unwilling to leave. Did he want to die? But I forced power through and dragged myself out from under the silver wolf, speeding towards the hills from where I''de. "Don''t chase it! Let it go!" the girl ordered again. It stung my pride to be called ''it'' repeatedly.


    Today, I had encountered Your Silver. He was stronger than the warriors imed. Or maybe those warriors had never actually fought him. He was as strong as a Beta wolf, at least.


    "Zeke, what was that about?"


    My wolf didn''t respond. He didn''t know what weakness had made him unable to harm Your Silver. But it wouldn''t happen again.

 He Deserved Better

    Chapter Thirty-Two-He Deserved Better Rihanna''s POV


    Lana seethed, ring in the direction Chris had gone. I tried to calm her down; there was no need to chase after him. I would only get myself exposed or injured, but surely not killed. He had hesitated when handling me I suspected I still carried the scent of ck Hills.


    Dara mind-linked me, asking if the warriors should return. I affirmed, "Today''s training should end. That Alpha has ruined my mood." Cami, in her wolf form, crawled toward me as I continued facing the path Chris had run down. What had made him leave his pce? "Tell me you know why he came this far?" I asked Cami.


    "The information I got from the pce was that the Alpha was chasing after Jake and the Delta. They were on their way home," she replied. Chase them? Did they have an argument?


    "Are they home then? Does Chris not know the way to ck Rose that he came to us?" I felt annoyed. Just when I was getting Lana to forget about avenging him and to live a peaceful life, he showed up and attacked my warriors. "Your Silver, won''t you ask why Chris was after Delta Jonah and Jake? I want you to ask," Cami snickered through the mind-link.


    I didn''t care much. Jake and Chris always had a bit of tension between them. If Cami wanted me to know, it would probably please me. I wanted to be pleased at that moment. I shifted back to my human form and slipped the gown from my leg onto my body.


    "What made him chase them?" I asked, sounding less interested.


    The warriors around me had clueless expressions. Cami shifted to her human form, and a warrior rushed to hand her a dress.


    "Delta Jonah somehow figured out my spy at ck Hills. She was a maid assigned to him," Cami started, frowning.


    That blue-eyed devil. Since the girl hadn''t been killed, it meant he didn''t expose her. "What about the argument with Chris?"


    "My spy said Princess Vanessa found a mate."


    Both Dara''s and my head snapped toward Cami. Dara jumped down from the tree where she had been shooting arrows, one still in her hand.


    "Princess Vanessa found her mate? With whom? Delta Jonah or Jake Justin?" she asked, eyes wide.


    I sighed. "It will be Delta Jonah. She''s met Jake Justin before now, but nothing happened. Jonah can''t be with her. She doesn''t deserve him."


    Dara agreed.


    I shook my head and wrapped my arms around my body. The other warriors did the same. The weather had turned cold, so I told them all to go inside. Our cave, beside a river, was always cold. I was thest to go in.


    I nced onest time at the path Chris had run down. There was no need to run after him; he would face the pain of rejection. When he saw his sister being rejected, he''d understand what I felt, what Ray felt.


    I hoped he''d remember me in his agony. I would feel very rewarded if he did.


    The warriors circled a fire in the open field, though it was warmer inside the cave.


    "Delta Jonah insulted the princess and ran back to his pack. That''s why Chris chased after them," Cami added, scoffing.


    "I think I''ll be nicer to him next time I see him. He knows rotten goods when he sees one," Dara joked, earning chuckles from the warriors.


    My lips tugged upward. I felt no pity for Vanessa. She hated me and made sure I was devalued by the whole pack. I lost my position as Beta because of her. She made her father, my Alpha, disregard me, and she was d when her brother-my ex-mate rejected me. I lost my mate and my happiness.


    Then, she made sure her best friend became the new Luna, recing me with that bitch Sasha. That was a blow to my confidence.


    But unknowingly, Vanessa had given me so much more a pack of my own and a chance to be more than ck Hills'' exclusive silver wolf.


    "We should sleep early since it''s cold. I''ll watch outside with Dara to make sure Chris doesn''t send any warriors to search for us," I assured. The pint of worry on the warriors'' faces cleared off, and they sighed in relief. Slowly, they went off to sleep.


    "Let''s go, Da..." I trailed off.


    Right behind me, Dara was already asleep. I rolled my eyes-the cold must have put her out.


    I searched for any sign of alertness from the others, but all the warriors were fast asleep. What kind of sleep sickness was in the air? Cold.


    I carried Dara to bed, tucked her in, took in the cheerful aesthetic of her room, and left to watch outside by myself.


    "Finally, some alone time," I exhaled, climbing atop the cave. I could see the entire market from there and a part of the cursed Red Moon Pack.


    I looked to the right and saw the vast river, with its signature collection of the dead''s boots.


    The myth surrounding the river protected us from anyone trying to cross it. They never found us. I also made sure the warriors poured silver and wolfsbane into it every month so it would itch and remain unsuitable for life forms. While my eyes focused on the river, I noticed a light glowing from the forest beside it.


    I jumped down from the cave and strolled toward the source. The intruder didn''t have angry energy and could be a traveler. But the scent was familiar.


    "Delta Jonah?" I gasped when I recognized the scent. My legs hurried toward him, but Lana froze me.


    "Why are you excited over this guy? Do you want your heart broken again? Doesn''t he already have a mate?" she scolded all at once.


    My forehead creased. What did she mean by that? She sounded as if I had more than tonic feelings for the Delta.


    "Should you even have tonic feelings for that man? He''s an enemy. Remember how ck Rose''s Beta wants to catch us?" she reminded me.


    "Yes, but Jonah isn''t that Beta. He''d talk about today''s events, and I''d badmouth Vanessa so much that he''d hate the fact that the Moon Goddess considered her his mate."


    Lanaughed. "You know you can never be his mate, right?"


    My jaw clenched, and I hissed. "I don''t even want to be, Lana. What''s wrong with you?"


    Not waiting for a response, I shut her out and hurried toward the Delta.


    "I''d rather die than do that. In fact, I shouldn''t return myself and let someone else do it," I overheard him muttering.


    I stopped walking. Wait, did he know he wasing close to my cave? No, he didn''t know where it was.


    Then what was he doing here? And he was speaking of dying? He walked past me without noticing.


    "Is he heading to the river?" I asked myself. Was this guy really thinking of dying instead of epting Vanessa?


    I peeked, and sure enough, he was heading toward the river. A stab of disappointment and doubt hit me. Was he really trying to die?

 Dared To Attack

    Chapter Thirty-Three - Dared to Attack Rihanna''s POV


    It was totally valid that Delta Jonah would rather die than be with Vanessa, but that should only be a figure of speech, not an actual possibility.


    I followed closely behind him, bold and unconcerned if he saw me. He didn''t know precisely where I wasing from, and if he did, he wouldn''t say a word.


    "So, what does this river do exactly? Remove memory?" He dropped hisntern on the riverbank, and I saw a bottle in his hands.


    "Oh, so he was trying to get some of the river water?" I smiled. "Ah, that makes more sense."


    One myth about the river was that two lovers once tried drowning themselves there because their parents disapproved of their love. They were saved but forgot about each other, making their parents happy. Since then, people started taking the water to forget painful memories.


    "But the river had wolfsbane and silver? Is it safe to drink?" I wondered while watching Jonah scoop the river water into the bottle. The person he''d likely give it to would be Vanessa, to ensure she wouldn''t remember him. So, I didn''t care if it was safe to drink. Jonah returned with the bottle in hand; that seemed to be all he''de for. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed, but I''d let him be. "If I give Ray this, he should really let her drink it all. I can''t just have a bitch as a mate." He muttered as he walked past me.


    Hearing him mention my brother made me smile sadly. I hadn''t seen him in three years, and I didn''t want anyone watching him closely. No one should know he was my brother until I was ready to reveal my identity.


    With Jonah''s words, I figured Ray was still friends with Jake and would be helping them deal with Vanessa - as he should.


    Low-key, I''d kept my ears open to hear if Ray had a mate, but nothing had surfaced. Which was good, for now.


    "Your Silver, where are you?" Dara asked sleepily in my mind link.


    "Sleep, baby girl. I''m fine," I replied, watching the glow of Jonah''sntern fade away. Suddenly, another energy of wolves came from my right.


    "What were these wolves doing in the middle of the night?" I used my wolf vision and realized they were heading towards Jonah.


    "Dara, don''te out. We have visitors!" I ordered.


    "Oh, okay. Be careful," she replied, then disconnected the link.


    "Red Moon warriors, those jerks! No one else would dare attack a Delta!" I cursed, using my wolf speed to reach Jonah.


    He seemed lost in his thoughts and didn''t notice me beside him. Then, a growl sounded, and we both turned to see a brown wolf leaping at me first. My ws met its neck, tumbling it down. "Your Silver!" Jonah shouted, rushing to my side, only to be stopped by more warriors.


    These were warriors, not hunters this time. Red Moon meant business. Jonah would need help.


    I tackled the brown wolf beneath me, but another dived at me. In human form, I was more vulnerable to injuries. But I held back from shifting because I had no clothes to change into, and Lana was wilder; she could harm Jonah. Lana usually fought alone and trusted my warriors since they had the scent of someone from her pack, but Jonah didn''t.


    I mmed the warrior against a wall with such force that I felt his back crack. The brown wolf was still alive but weakening. My ws sank into the other warrior''s throat, tearing out his gullet. "None of you are leaving alive," I growled, my eyes glowing orange.


    Three more were left. Jonah had already immobilized two. "They''re just following orders," he said without looking at me.


    "They chose which orders to follow. They die by their choice," I snapped, wing at the brown wolf''s face, feeling his energy drain away.


    The others began to flee, but I ran after them.


    "Your Silver, stop!" Jonah called. The warriors'' eyes were filled with fear, realizing I was the silver wolf.


    Even more reason they shouldn''t live - no one should know my face or gender yet.


    By the time Jonah reached me, I had thest warrior in a chokehold, mming him onto his own sword.


    "I feel useless," he sighed.


    "Wanna be useful? Help clean this up. This ce is close to a market, and people will flip at seeing this much blood," I noted. Jonah folded his arms. "What are you doing around here?"


    I narrowed my eyes, marching toward him with blood-stained hands. "Don''t ask, Jonah. I''m Your Silver; I can be anywhere."


    His eyes widened as his blue gaze lightened, and he tilted his head. "You''re a pretty girl, you know."


    Did my cheeks warm up at his words? I sighed, looking away. He now knew my gender and what I looked like. Should I just kill him?


    "Maybe, yes. So you won''t feel indebted to him, and that feeling might turn to love or something worse," Lana chimed in unexpectedly. "Shut up!" I said aloud.


    Jonah pointed to himself, and I nodded. "You too!"


    He looked confused, but it didn''t matter. "Don''t tell anyone you saw a pretty silver wolf around here. It wouldn''t be good for someone who just found his mate."


    His expression changed, and I smirked, knowing I''d annoyed him. "I''ll be on my way; you owe me one for saving you."


    He corrected me immediately. "You helped with the warriors; you didn''t save me. I can''t believe they tried to kill me after the Alpha King found them guilty."


    "And now, you can''tin to the Alpha King because you insulted his sister. You''re not the luckiest guy in the world right now," I teased.


    He exhaled, looking down. "Why have a spy in ck Hills'' pce? Is it necessary?"


    I shrugged. It was Cami''s connection, but I benefitted, knowing Ray wasn''t hurt. "It is necessary. Ask fewer questions."


    He nodded. "I don''t have time for more. Thanks for the help. I''ll take my leave."


    I wasn''t dismissing him and felt guilty for suggesting it, but I asked again, "Where did you leave Jake Justin?"


    "He got tired from eating too much, and this ce is cold. I also needed some of this water." He raised the bottle of river water.


    "Hmm, enjoy, then. I''ll stay on watch, in case there are more wolves to kill." I smirked, turning away.


    "Be careful, though," he said as I left.


    To be careful? I should tell him that. He was closer to a pack that wanted him dead, alone at night.


    "You be careful; I am Your Silver," I tsked. I lived here, so all the trees were familiar.


    "That doesn''t make you all-powerful," he replied, echoing the same line he''d used when we first met. "Are you still thinking of saving that Lycan?" Was he disappointed, thinking I was fearless as a man, but as a woman, I wasn''t all-powerful?


    "None of your business, Jonah. Goodbye." I walked away.


    "What did I say wrong?" I heard him mumble. I shook my head; boys will always be boys.

 She Feared Karma

    Chapter Thirty-Four - She Feared Karma Chris POV


    When I returned to the pce, Ray was already with Vanessa. She had exined every one of her suspicions, and Ray had a doubtful look. Jake was his friend; he better have a good excuse for him. And hadn''t he wished Delta Jonah didn''t find his mate here? What was wrong with that?


    "Alpha, are you okay? You left the pce without the guards?" he rushed to me. I shoved his hands away when he tried helping me to a seat. "I am okay; I''m not a baby!"


    It wasn''t like I was limping or anything, just breathing heavily from my encounter with Your Silver and his warriors. That was another problem on its own, one I''d like to handle personally. Ray took his hand back and looked down, keeping a distance from me. I regretted my reaction.


    "I will handle the issue with ck Rose, My King. Rest assured, Princess." He looked from me to Vanessa. He was being formal, but whatever.


    "Handle it before it gets to my father; he wouldn''t take it lightly," I informed.


    "Yes, but I''d ask, will you willingly let Vanessa go to ck Rose to be with her mate?" Ray enquired, raising his eyebrows.


    My sister huffed. "I am a Royal Princess; why do I have to move?"


    "Then do you expect a Delta to leave his pack and be with you?" Ray raised his voice a bit.


    Vanessa was speechless. She nced at me to help her out, but I was interested in that answer as well. "She can always visit ck Hills when she likes. Being with her mate shouldn''t be a problem," I replied to Ray.


    Vanessa didn''t agree and folded her arms. Ray smirked. "I''d try tomunicate with ck Rose then. Do excuse me?" He bowed and strolled away.


    Vanessa red at me. I sat on my chair, the scent of Your Silver returning to my nose. Why did it feel familiar when I''d never met him before?


    "You want me to stay at ck Rose with a Delta?" my sister asked after minutes of ring.


    "Why does it sound like you don''t want a Delta as a mate?"


    I smiled, remembering three years ago how she had imposed on my father to invite only Alphas or soon-to-be Alphas to her birthday party. "Oh please, an Alpha or nothing had been my goal, but only when I was younger. I''m matured now. I don''t just want to leave ck Hills."


    A part of me understood her fear, but she wasn''t bound by any rule to remain here. "You do nothing for me here. Why can''t you leave?"


    Her eyes widened, and she clenched her fists. "I do nothing? Have you forgotten I''m a royal maid of yours around here? You order me about!"


    "As your Alpha King and elder brother!" I reminded her. "But if you''re sick of it, just go with your mate!"


    "You''re unbelievable! Even if I want to, he doesn''t want me, and I don''t want a marriage like yours and Sasha''s." She grunted, looking red.


    And was I supposed to be triggered if she mentioned Sasha? I felt that was her whole point. She wanted to argue and drift to Sasha. Also, how''d she ''protect'' Sasha from me if she was far away? "We are different. Sasha isn''t my mate, so I can''t love her. You''re his mate, and he''d learn to love you. Maybe he had a first love."


    "One that will die when I see her." Vanessa sighed, rubbing her temples. "Do you really not mind your only sibling being at ck Rose?"


    "I don''t. You''d be good there. A problem arises when you''re not." I replied.


    She pursed her lips and nodded, childishly. I added, "If you must bother, bother about convincing Mom because as Red Moon hates ck Rose, she could hate them as well."


    "I don''t care about her. She made you reject your mate, and it led to her death; she will never lead me down that path." She affirmed.


    "You know you added to Rih''s death." I had to refresh her memory. Now she was having mate issues. Rih was dead, but her revenges were alive.


    "It''d always haunt me." My sister deadpanned. I didn''t expect the reply; it felt like our argument had drifted to a heart-to-heart sibling talk. "I am still a bitch, but making someone kill themselves, I still can''t believe she''d do such." Vanessa closed her eyes tightly.


    "If you want to ask for forgiveness, go to her grave and do it properly. She deserved that." I advised.


    Vanessa pressed her lips together and smiled. "That apology is well overdue. Now I''m getting a mate; I need to really apologize."


    As she marched out, I chuckled. She was still selfish; the only reason she ''matured'' was because she didn''t want to face Karma. But that would be an argument for another day.


    I retired to my room to get some sleep but saw Sasha inside, stark naked. Was she being a temptation? "Don''t ruin my already ruined mood. Did you even try to console your best friend when you heard about her mate?" I scolded. She turned face up and shook her head. "I heard, but for mates, they''d settle after being tired of refusing the mate bond."


    "Sad; we don''t have that." I threw my worn shirt on her. "So there''s no bonding this night. I got mmed on a tree by Your Silver."


    Sasha rose from the bed in fright. Her breasts bounced as she made the movement. "Are you alright? You met with that man? Is he dead?" "No, we just met."


    She sighed in relief. And why relief? She didn''t think I could take that man?


    "I talked to my father, and he was so offended that Your Silver was destabilizing the peace of the pack. That''s against the prophecy," she noted.


    I turned to her; my eyes first met her sulent breasts and then her clear body. I tried to ignore it. "What was the prophecy exactly again?"


    "About a silver wolf that will protect thend from an evil. So far, he''s been the evil. I feel he has ns to take over packs at this rate."


    I listened attentively to her, because my eyes were on her naked body, or because I just realized Your Silver was more dangerous than I thought. When I met him today, he acted like he knew me personally, the chase and the way his warriors kept calling me ''it'' while knowing I was an Alpha wolf. What gave them the guts! I never saw it like that.


    "You know, Sasha, you are good Luna material. That was some good thinking there." I sat up.


    She stopped her chattering and smiled, pleased. "Oh, thanks. Can I get a wee gift?"


    I raised a brow, and she gestured to her body. My eyes ran over it. She was already tempting as it was. How could I say no?

 Owe Him One

    Chapter Thirty-Five - Owe Him One Jaden''s


    POV


    It had been on my mind. The wolf I met was she my mate? My wolf had been very calm while in the forest, but when I left, he had a longing.


    Beta Ralph walked into my room with a scroll, reading through it. "Um... the prophecy says the silver wolf will protect us from an evil.¡± He looked at me and back at the scroll. "That''s all really." He folded the scroll. "Why are you interested in it suddenly?"


    I wasn''t sure. The reason why Your Silver needed to be alive was because he was thought to be the silver wolf. If there was another young female silver wolf, then he need not be alive. He had messed with lots of packs and deserved to be punished.


    Ralph tapped me, peering into my eyes. "Could you share your thoughts, Alpha?"


    I smiled. Usually, I was always reminded to share what I thought because my wolf was my only thinking buddy then. I cleared my throat, sitting up from the couch. "There''s another silver wolf. I think Your Silver should be captured. He''s a bad influence."


    Ralph went back. Didn''t he agree? His brother-inw had already reported that his mate didn''t want to leave Your Silver because she was loyal to him. Your Silver had those little girls in his palm, telling them it was revenge when he was only venting. Basically, he was making use of them.


    "Your Silver gathered wolves filled with pain and vengeance. They became a formidable force. If they''re loyal, then they think he''s right," he said.


    I raised a brow at him. "Right? Well, they think he''s right, but he isn''t..."


    "If Your Silver isn''t a pained wolf like them, there''s no way he will be able to manage them. He must have shared a simr goal with them."


    I was getting where Ralph wasing from, but he was also the empathetic one. "Which is? Apart from causing trouble, he has no goal."


    "I understand he is annoying by kidnapping our hunters and warriors, but we cut him ck for saving ves as well," my Beta shrugged. I exhaled. That may have been the only selfless thing Your Silver had done. He was selfish all through; he wouldn''t fight for another person. My lead warrior ran into my courtroom at that point. Ralph and I shot our heads up. "What is it now?"


    "Sir Jake and Delta Jonah are back. But a few minutes after they arrived, a royal order from Alpha King Chris ordered them to return!" I slowly stood up. Chris was ordering them to return? After spending more than a day there? He had to be joking.


    "Call them in now!" Ralphmanded. The guard bowed and ran out.


    "Chris is daring! Did he want them to stay there forever?" my wolf screamed in my head. I agreed with him, but outside, I was calm. Jake and Jonah walked into the courtroom. I scrutinized their bodies and didn''t notice any struggle; they hadn''t fought with anyone. "You won''t believe all the things that happened to Jonah these past two days. It was a total rollercoaster of emotions!" Jake dered.


    I looked at my Delta, concerned. Ralph frowned. "But he seems happy." He had the psychic look, like he was reading Jonah. "That''s because thest event was a good one. Who wouldn''t be happy to escape death?" Jake chuckled.


    Death? Escape death? Who tried to kill him again? He came before me and bowed. "How''ve you been, Alpha?" He was all smiles.


    Indeed, he was happy. "What was Chris''s reaction when you brought up Red Moon''s crimes?"


    "Beta Gaius was there, trying to trade a Lycan they caught with Your Silver. He was put in prison when his crimes were found," he replied.


    There was silence between Ralph and me as we heard of a Lycan. Was it a real Lycan? Such still existed? Red Moon was really desperate to attempt such a ridiculous trade.


    "It seems Chris didn''t agree to trade Your Silver then, right?" Ralph asked.


    Jake nodded. "It was ridiculous. Who wants a Lycan trouble? Also, Ray was very sensitive about it; he supports Your Silver, you know?"


    Another problem I had with Ray; he didn''t really care about governments as long as the people were satisfied. I still wondered how he was loyal to Chris if it was a hoax, but he seemed happy where he was. Death of a loved one did a lot to a person.


    "Fine, Red Moon is on check. Then why''s Chris asking for you two to return to ck Hills?" I asked Jonah.


    "My mate turned out to be his sister, Princess Vanessa. I am not interested," he deadpanned.


    Ralph snapped his head at me and then at Jonah. He pointed. "Are you crazy? Why aren''t you interested?"


    My lips parted, but I didn''t know the words to tell him. He looked resolved and rolled his eyes at Ralph''s remark. "I am not interested in a bitch."


    My younger brother was at the corner,ughing and shaking his head. It must''ve been fun for him when Jonah recognized Vanessa as his mate.


    "Did you reject her?" I ran my hands through my hair, expecting the worst reply, but my hands fell from my hair when he replied negatively.


    "I didn''t, but I fear I really upset the King; he had chased after us himself." He looked down.


    Ralph threw the scroll he had on him, advancing to hit him, but I held him back. Jake pushed Jonah behind him to save him.


    "Ralph, calm down. Do you me him for his reply with Princess Vanessa? Remember, she caused Beta Rih''s death," Jake reminded.


    I let go of Ralph when he chilled; he was still ring at Jonah, who was looking down.


    "If he rejects Vanessa, the King won''t forgive ck Rose. Rih is dead; she has nothing to do with this. She was rejected by her mate..." "Then let Vanessa see the same," Jake interjected. "Last I remember, it was you who asked my mother to support Rih as Beta." Ralph sighed, tempering down. "Yes, she had what it took. She was a special Beta wolf, but she died, sadly. It doesn''t mean Jonah will..."


    "I don''t like Vanessa anyway, and she would want me to move to ck Hills as she was a princess!" Jonah shouted.


    My wolf came to the surface, pissed by that realization. "Jonah, you won''t leave ck Rose; you would rather reject that woman!" Ralph frowned, turning to me. He looked down when he saw my eyes red. Jonah made a small nod, still not pleased.


    "Also, Red Moon attempted killing me again. Bad things just keep happening to me," he mumbled.


    Jake nodded. "It was Your Silver who had helped him tackle the warriors. Jonah said Your Silver might have gotten injured too." Your Silver had helped him? That was another selfless thing he had done.


    "Are you sure the wolf was Your Silver or that female silver wolf?" I asked to be sure. The female wolf might be the selfless one. Jonah''s eyes widened. "You know the silver wolf is female?"


    "Yes, they are two. One is male and the other is female."


    He looked confused but then sighed. "No, it''s Your Silver who helped me. None of Red Moon''s warriors survived it."


    Ralph smiled, facing me. "I guess we owe Your Silver one. He protected our Delta from being hurt by Red Moon, the second time."


    I remembered the wolf that had zoomed past me in that forest. Should I pay Your Silver a visit? I needed to see that warrior of his and be sure.


    "Yes, we owe Your Silver one. I think it''s time we see him. And maybe thank him?" I suggested.


    Jake shrugged, and Ralph looked unsure. Jonah was the only one who had a humorous look.

 They Were His Target

    Chapter Thirty-Six - They Were His Target Jaden''s POV


    The issue with Alpha King Chris was not serious, thanks to Ray, who had Princess Vanessa in hold. She expressed her unwillingness to live in ck Rose with her mate, and her mother and father seemed to support it. So, until she was willing, Jonah wasn''t entitled to ept her as his mate. For him to stay at ck Hills wasn''t even an option. I was thankful to Ray for calming the Alpha King, and he forgave Jonah for being stubborn. My young Delta had always been stubborn. "Are you sure you really want to see Your Silver?" I saw him leave the royal stable, dragging a haughty horse towards me. I looked at the poor creature. I didn''t need to horse ride to Your Silver, but since it was a formal meeting, maybe I should. "Hmm. Let''s see him and thank him for his cooperation so far, and maybe talk about the girl who''s Dan''s mate," I replied. Dan was Beta Ralph''s brother-inw, who had been rejected. I wasn''t sure if there was anything to be done since the warrior had rejected him. But he didn''t ept it, so I''d try to work it out. Your Silver''s warrior wasn''t a princess that couldn''t leave her abode. If Your Silver released the girl to us and mended one broken heart of my pack, then I''d owe him two. That was, of course, if the girl wanted that.


    "Just like I can''t leave ck Rose to go to ck Hills, it is possible that Your Silver''s warrior can''t leave him as well." He handed me the reins. I frowned, taking them. Your Silver had already dered himself leader of Silver Pack, an abode for ves, but I wouldn''t be acknowledging that.


    "He is only a rogue; his warriors don''t owe him loyalty. And why would a young girl reject her mate?" I tsked, getting atop the horse. Jake and Ralph rode their horses towards me. A frown was still on my face. My mind link got tugged on. "What''s in your head now?" my brother asked. I looked up at him, and he was watching me. I faked a smile. I wouldn''t be telling him about my suspicions on one of Your Silver''s warriors being my mate until I was sure. If I was, I''d have her with me by all costs; even a rejection wouldn''t stop me. It would hurt a lot, though. A sigh escaped my lips, and Ralph noticed. He asked nothing and only gave me his psychic look.


    "You can''t read me, you know?" I reminded him.


    "Yeah," he smirked. "That''s because you always chat with your wolf. I am not used to your facial expressions; they''re mostly nk."


    I made a small smile, but it soon vanished. It wasn''t all the time I talked with my wolf; I only formed a habit of keeping my thoughts to myself.


    "But if you''re worried about meeting Your Silver, Jonah is sure we''d meet him. His letter reached them, so someone will meet us," Ralph assured.


    Someone better. With our horses, we set out towards the Boots and Rivers Market. I knew Your Silver''s hideout would be around there, but I need not announce it. He could get unwanted visitors and be too busy to do the ''good'' he did. Until he stepped on my tail, I''d keep his secret for him.


    "Aren''t we going towards Red Moon?" Jake asked, looking around the forest. I became conscious. Indeed, we were, as Boots and Rivers Market was around Red Moon.


    "So Your Silver''s abode was around Red Moon? No wonder he easily raided their ve depot!" Jake hollered. It made Ralphugh. In that sense, one could say Red Moon was his major target, perhaps because it was the main pack that engaged in ve business. I was beginning to see this silver wolf in a new light. "Jonah, who exactly did you send your letter to? Can you chat up with Your Silver?"


    He cleared his throat, looking nervous. "Not exactly. But one of his warriors scouted at the Boots and Rivers Market; I gave her the letter."


    A warrior who scouted at the Boots and Rivers Market? Could it be the one I presumed was my mate?


    "There''s a fight in front of us!" Jake hollered and ordered his horse to move faster. We all followed behind him. We were above a mountain and could barely see what was happening. I felt my wolfe to the surface. Was his mate here? We were far away, or he''d have known for sure.


    A young woman shed the neck of a warrior; it was a Red Moon warrior. He fell to the ground, gullet out. Another Red Moon warrior tried to hit her, but a figure zapped past him, and his head dropped. The figure was so fast, we barely caught an image of it. It reminded me of the wolf that had run in the forest, but this one seemed faster.


    "These are Your Silver''s warriors; I think Red Moon sent warriors to look for the others they sent outst time," Jonah huffed. The figure zapped past two warriors, and they fell dead. Ralph looked away, attempting to find a ce we could ride down to meet them.


    "Your Silver really trained these girls; they are totally formidable," I heard my brother say; he was almost cooing. I pped his horse, and it got frightened and threw him off. Jonahughed at him, and I rode away. He shouldn''t be giving credit to these rogues; they were killing warriors, which may sound right but isn''t legal. "Let''s act like we didn''t see this."


    Getting to the ce where the warriors had been killed, we found it cleared out. If not for the blood on the trees, one would never believe a mass murder had happened here.


    "They clean out so fast; that''s why no one would believe they stayed around here," Jake kept on praising.


    "Alpha Jaden of ck Rose!" someone called behind us. We four turned simultaneously.


    "And you are?" Ralph asked.


    "I am Dara, lead warrior of Your Silver." She walked to us. She would be at least eighteen, very young for the position she held. If she had been the figure zapping around, then she was totally worth the title.


    "I came here to meet Your Silver," I spoke to her. Her eyes dted, and she held a disappointed look. Of course, he would feel too important to meet me and send a lead warrior instead.


    "He was attacked a few days ago by some Red Moon warriors while trying to help your Delta. He isn''t in our pack at the moment," she sighed. It sounded believable; Jonah had hinted at him being injured. I nodded, giving him a pass for it. "And the other silver wolf, where is she?" Jonah asked, with a mocking emphasis. Why was he asking of her? He had the same mocking emphasis when I wanted to meet Your Silver. Did he know something I didn''t?

 Friendly With Dara

    Chapter Thirty-Seven - Friendly with Dara.


    Jaden''s POV


    "She was with Your Silver at the moment; I''m sorry." Dara, the lead warrior, replied.


    "She was there to defend him in case of another attack. I doubted there would be any; we handled all so far."


    "I was grateful for the sacrifice." I made a bow.


    She did the same. "But if you have any message you want me to ry to him, I dly will." She smiled broadly.


    I bet she had been instructed to beely.


    "It would be a wasted effort toe all the way and not meet him. He was supposed to answer our questions," Jakeined. "What questions? I had been with Your Silver since his first raid. I can answer them," she hurriedly said.


    A warrior wearing the same uniform as her sped toward us and knelt before her.


    "Dara, there''s an issue. Your Silver is..." The warrior stopped speaking upon seeing us.


    "What happened to Your Silver?" Jonah asked, oddly concerned.


    The warrior sighed, looking at Dara. "Are these the ck Rose leaders?"


    Dara nodded, with a frown.


    The warrior bowed. "Forgive me. Your Silver was on his way back but got in a fight with his second; they''d be there for a while." Jonah sighed, backing away.


    "His second is the female silver wolf, right?" He still had the same mocking tone.


    Dara red at him, and he shut his lips together. He did that when he was hiding something. What was he hiding now?


    "It''s okay. I will not meddle in his personal business. I will ask you, Dara, my questions and head back to my pack," I informed. Dara and the warrior bowed.


    "Oh, and do scout before returning in case of Red Moon warriors," the warrior whispered, but I heard it before leaving.


    Dara exhaled, assuming afortable stance. "What are your questions, Alpha?"


    What lingered in my head at that point was if Dara was the scout I met that day. But my wolf had not reacted to her, so maybe not.


    "First, I wanted to ask if you had some particr wolves who scouted." It was random; even Ralph was confused.


    "Well," she hesitated. "Your Silver scouts himself. If need be, he asks either I or his Delta to do so."


    I nodded. So Your Silver also had a Delta? He really got a pack for himself. Who had I seen that day then? I wasn''t sure if it was a silver wolf.


    "Well, recently, he has been teaching some young hunters to scout; perhaps that was who you saw?" She blinked.


    I shook my head. "I did see someone; I just wanted to be sure of what I saw. Was that scout Your Silver or a young hunter?"


    "A hunter!" she replied immediately. "A hunter had been trained in that position. Hope no problems?"


    "None." I replied.


    There was silence.


    "Um... about a girl named Jean," Ralph started.


    "She epted the young man''s rejection. Your Silver had banned us warriors from engaging on that topic," Dara said sternly. "epted his rejection? He said she rejected him," Ralph corrected.


    "Yes, but after he told her to get away from him and called her a killer. It''s a mutual agreement." Dara smirked.


    I remembered the palm reader saying something simr. It seemed Dan had regretted his words afterward, but it was toote.


    "The young warrior? Can we meet her? She wasn''t forced to reject him, was she?" I inquired.


    "No, she wasn''t," Dara deadpanned. She stared into space for a while, probably mind-linking, and soon a blonde girl came walking to us. She frowned. "I rejected him of my own will. Your Silver wasn''t even aware I did."


    She had a strong voice. And was their abode so close that she came within seconds of being called? I sighed; Dan would have to suffer. "He regrets his actions. Could you take it back?" Ralph pleaded.


    Her eyes dted, and she looked at Dara, who shrugged. "I will think about it. Excuse me." She sped off.


    Jake came down from his horse. "Well, I don''t think there''s any other question we have. Just keep being on our side."


    Dara bowed. "As long as it''s favorable. Your Silver will always be in alliance with ck Rose."


    Alliance? I didn''t recognize his pack, so it wasn''t an alliance but cooperation. But that was the least of my problems.


    Was the young scout my mate? I really didn''t want to leave here without getting this solved.


    I had waited five years since I turned eighteen, waiting for a mate. If the moon goddess had given me a rogue, I wouldn''t mind.


    "Tell me, Dara. If Your Silver was to find a mate, would he stop all these rogue acts and be with her?" It left my lips.


    Dara was already collecting the gift box Ralph had prepared for Your Silver; she paused.


    "I don''t know if I should say this, but Your Silver had been rejected by his mate once; the chance of meeting someone else is low." I noticed Jonah look hurt.


    I nodded, brushing the question away. I didn''t want to meddle in the man''s affairs. His pack and these girls must be all he had.


    "Oh, and tell me, is it only female warriors he has?" Ralph raised a brow. That hadn''t urred to me. Jake cleared his throat, having a smirk. "Majority of us are women. That''s because ves are mainly women. Red Moon usually killed off the male wolves to prevent uprisings."


    Jake''s smirk fell off. "Oh."


    She continued.


    "My pack was raided, and my father and brothers were ughtered. That''s the story of almost every warrior here. Your Silver training us gives hope." That was deep; I felt it. It was nice to know there was a man challenging and doing things that never crossed my mind to do.


    "That''s nice. We''d call it a day then," Ralph concluded. Dara nodded, taking steps back.


    "I am sorry about your pack," I told her. Someone had to apologize to these ves.


    "I lived through it, thanks to Your Silver," she replied.


    Ralph and Jake set off heading home. I waited a bit for Jonah and overheard him asking how a particr ''she'' was and if that ''she'' was injured? Dara replied in the negative, with a nod and a wink? What was going on? I looked away when Jonah rode toward me.


    This young man was asking too many questions, much that I couldn''t hide my thoughts.


    "Is it me, or are all Your Silver''s warriors pretty? For a moment, I took off my ne to be sure Dara wasn''t my mate," Jake confessed. Jonah and Ralphughed and even pped him yfully. "I mean it, though," Jake pouted.


    "Jonah, have you ever met Your Silver?" I broke the two-second silence. Ralph paused and turned to me. "You mean while he was there?" I nodded at him and faced Jonah; he wasn''t looking at me. "Tell me, you had an informal rtionship with Dara. Have you met him?" "Are you suspecting something or what? I never met with any man there. I only spoke to a man on the day I was captured," he replied. Jake nced at me and asked through mind link, "Is something wrong? If you have more questions, we can go back and ask Dara."


    "No need." I replied. Jonah seemed to have all the answers I needed; I just had to make him spill it. "Let''s go then." And we continued on our way.

 What Scout?

    Chapter Thirty-Eight - What Scout? Rihanna''s POV


    That was close. They had just ambushed us with more Red Moon warriors when I felt the energy of four powerful wolves. I wanted to shift and get ready to handle it, but two of the four energies felt very familiar-Jonah''s and the Beta''s. At that point, I remembered Cami telling me that the Alpha of ck Rose was paying Your Silver a visit. It was imperative that I dodged and made Dara tell a horrendous lie. I even sent a warrior to im I had fought with "my second" so the Alpha wouldn''t think of waiting for me. I was far away from him, so he wouldn''t even catch my scent, but I could see him. Like Jake, he was really handsome but had a nk expression.


    There was no way to tell if he bought the lie Dara gave, but it seemed he did, as he didn''t ask questions regarding Your Silver. It was quite funny how, in a bid to hide my identity, I became my second-inmand and the "female silver wolf." I hated it.


    "Should we keep it on now that we have told the ck Rose Alpha?" I asked Lana.


    She sighed. "It was fun before, but it''s beginning to get hectic. If Jonah keeps ying along, when it''s revealed, his Alpha will hate him."


    Hate was a strong word, but I knew what she meant. "Fine, next time I meet that Alpha, I will be Your Silver as well as the female silver wolf."


    Lana cheered and stayed behind my head. Dara wasing back from the "meeting," but I still wanted to know what those four would be talking about.


    "I will make sure our guests go home safely," I told her in our mind link. She was confused at first, but then smiled. I sped after them, keeping a safe distance. Their horses were quite slow, so I could assume they didn''t use them much. ck Rose barely horse rode, unlike myzy ex-pack.


    As I came a bit closer, I noticed the Alpha of ck Rose stop his horse. I went back; he was an Alpha, but could he be that sharp? I was basically three hills away; he wouldn''t see me if he turned back, and there were trees. It''s not like I stepped on a twig or something.


    "Is something wrong, Alpha? What''s on your mind again?" his Beta asked him.


    "Nothing," he said simply but still stayed at that point. Was he looking out for anything in particr? I came closer again to get a better look at him andpare his facial features to Jake''s for fun. I was bored.


    "The scout," the Alpha pronounced, getting down from his horse. I froze upon seeing him do that. His eyes were changing to a shade of red, and I hid behind a rock; he was going to use his wolf''s vision to survey the forest. Why was he being conscious? How could he hear my footsteps? Truly, these ck Rose wolves were wild. It reminded me of Jake looking for me at Vanessa''s birthday while I was at ck Hills.


    "What scout?" his brother asked.


    "The scout is here," the Alpha said again.


    "What scout was the dude talking about?" I wondered to myself. My mind link was being battered, so I opened it. "What now?"


    "The Beta of Red Moon has escaped prison. He could be on his way home," Cami informed me. I looked away from the ck Rose Alpha; he seemed to be looking in my direction, but I was sure he couldn''t see me. Beta Gaius dared to escape ck Hills; he''d surely not make it home. It was time for him to pay with his life. I began heading back to my pack.


    "Wait..." the Alpha said, taking steps forward. It was beginning to creep me out. Was he telling me to wait? He couldn''t see me. I ran off still. "Cami, where''s Beta Gaius?" Just then, I felt an energy in the forest, a few meters away from me.


    "Forget it, girl. I got him."


    I shifted to Lana, without having anything to change into, but I didn''t care.


    "Your Silver, make sure you kill him. I am getting reports that Chris had been the one to release him," Cami seethed.


    It made me slow down. How dare Chris do that when he agreed to avenge Jonah? That jerk was really two-faced!


    "I''m going to use that Beta to up my rank. Wish me luck!" I said with a sadistic tone and switched off my mind link. Lana could take the reins now.


    I spotted the Beta and made a jump at his neck, but he was alert and I missed it. I growled angrily upon seeing him.


    "Your Silver? Just the man I was sent to kill!" heughed wickedly. Had he been sent to kill me? So Chris had released him in exchange for killing me? Maybe myst encounter with him had really pissed him off.


    The Beta shifted to a reddish-brown wolf that was an inch taller than I was. His teeth were curved and slobbered with saliva.


    "Eww. Those won''t touch me today," Lana seethed and charged at him, leading with her head. Head-butting was her signature first blow.


    But it didn''t seed; the Beta threw his sharp ws at me and tore through my fur. I set up my imaginary boundary, which threw him back. I fell back as well.


    Lana groaned at her new injury, but it was a new feel. It had been long since I got an actual injury; these were worth the exercise. We charged at each other,mencing a cat fight. My limbs were being shredded and so were his, but I knew he was losing strength. He had run all the way here, so he wouldn''t be able to stand for long.


    I threw him back, but hended on


    I threw him back but hended on his hind limbs. I growled, charging at him again. He had to die today, there was no escaping it for him.


    As ast line of attack I scratched the bark of the tree around us and dug out the silver particles that were hidden inside them.


    He was weaker and limping. I threw them at him as they had little effect on me. He shrinked down, snarling and whimpering.


    It was my chance to climb at his chest, with his back down and began ripping open looking for his heart.


    The silver was on his face and genitals so he was going through a considerable amount of pain.


    I kept ripping till I dug my ws into his throat. His bloodshot eyes looked into mine. At that point, I shifted, wanting him to see my face.


    "I am Your Silver. Real name Rihanna Silver. And I am your killer." I pulled my ws out of his throat, making a hole there.


    His neck fell down, staring at my naked body, but if that will be thest pleasant thing he saw, I''d let him.


    I shifted back as it was hard moving with that body. "Lana, he''s dead, we have to get home."


    I searched my mind link again, "Cami,e to the training ground. I am..." the words didn''te out when I fell... unconscious.

 Accepted Only Now

    Chapter Thirty-Nine - epted Only Now Chris POV


    Your Silver owed me one! Ray knelt below me, head down. I had never felt so much rage against him! How could he bete to save Beta Gaius? Sasha held onto my balled fists, but I pushed her away. She rolled to the ground where Ray was, but he didn''t say a word.


    "Chris! Stop! It isn''t Ray''s or Sasha''s fault that Beta Gaius died. It serves him right, actually. Didn''t he escape prison?" Vanessa barked at me. She didn''t understand; none of them did. Your Silver was the real enemy here, not me.


    "Beta Ray, are you sure you didn''t meet that silver wolf? We really need to clip his wings now!" I barked.


    "Your Silver only defended himself. Beta Gaius must have attacked him first," Ray replied.


    My Delta sighed. "Are you siding with a rogue who killed a Beta of an ally pack?" He red at Ray. When Ray met his gaze, he looked down.


    "And you didn''t meet Your Silver? None of you did?" I pointed at the warrior beside Ray. She looked down but said nothing.


    I needed her to speak up. She didn''t know how to lie, and I didn''t trust Ray to actually capture Your Silver if he saw him. He seemed to like that guy for no reason. "Cara!" I called the warrior. Gently, she lifted her eyes and gave me a disdainful look. She had always been like that since we were younger.


    She was clinging to Ray''s arm, like a bug. She would surely side with him.


    "Did you meet with Your Silver?"


    She replied, "No!"


    Ray raised a brow at me. "Why ask her? Did you doubt me?"


    I looked away. I didn''t know what to believe.


    "How had Beta Gaius even escaped? None of the guards agreed to have seen anything!" He looked at the Delta.


    "I will conduct an investigation, Beta. Surely someone released him; there''s no way he left on his own..." She started, but I cut her off. "Is that necessary? He is dead, so..."


    "It is necessary. We can''t have a spy in our kingdom, can we?" Cara interrupted me, then turned and walked out.


    I rolled my eyes but noticed the slight smirk Ray had on his face. He was unbelievable. He also made a bow and walked out with her.


    It reminded me of when Vanessa bothered Rih, and they both ganged up against her; now I was the one they were hanging onto again. But it wasn''t to defend Rih, but a rogue. "Delta!" I called. The young man came before me. "Take some men and search around the Boots and Rivers market. Find Your Silver."


    He hesitated, looking at his sister, Sasha, for help. Finding Your Silver was hard; catching him and bringing him here was harder. "And if he doesn''t find him?"


    "He should." I left my throne. "He should find him." Before they could revolt, I tried to walk away, but Vanessa blocked me.


    "Instead of putting your Delta in such turmoil, ce a bounty on Your Silver''s head and let his warriors and rogues try to catch him." My eyes widened at her suggestion; I faced her and nodded.


    Sasha rushed to me with her brother beside her. "It''s best if rogues catch a rogue than for your honorable self and Delta to chase around a rogue." She made a point, but I didn''t acknowledge it. I walked away, heading towards my room.


    "That silver wolf has to be cut off before he takes my kingdom from me," I mouthed, mming the door behind me.


    And now Your Silver had killed Beta Gaius; his rank would be higher. What kind of a man was he to even have killed a Beta? An Alpha wolf?


    I fell on my bed. What if he was actually an Alpha wolf? To kill a Beta and run away without Ray seeing him? He was truly formidable.


    "Red Moon has to use their Lycan to silence him. It will be too risky going after Your Silver, as he can overpower you," Zeke told me.


    It dampened my confidence. Your Silver was yet another threat. I took out a scroll and ink. I needed to inform all packs that Your Silver was wanted and should be killed on sight.


    All omegas should endeavor to kill him and be elevated to hunter level. They felt Your Silver was their savior; I could do more for them.


    "Cara! Deploy all your warriors to my pce now! I have an announcement!" I mind-linked her as the lead warrior.


    She moaned, making me stop my writing and freeze. What was she doing?


    "Alpha, I am quite busy now. My warriors and I will meet you by evening, if it''s okay with you," she said in a low voice.


    Was she with her mate? She had no mate. The memory of her clinging to Ray at the courtroom zoomed past me. Were they...?


    They had known each other since they were preteens! And he had been coronated without her. How could they be mates now? Or was she just his fling?


    "You aren''t quite sure he is the one with her, you know," Zeke warned me.


    I dismissed the thought not to annoy him. Since Rih''s death, he had a soft spot for her brother.


    "Very well, Cara. Make sure your warriorse. And if you are around Ray, tell him to meet me," I switched off my mind link.


    I folded my scroll and ced it on the table. A knock came on my door. "Come in."


    My mother rushed in, wearing a scowl. She shouldn''t be around scolding me. I did what she wanted by setting Beta Gaius free.


    "I know. Are you sure Ray didn''t see the rogue? I asked Cara, and she replied that even if they did, she couldn''t take him on alone."


    I faced my mother. Did Cara mean Ray wouldn''t have challenged Your Silver? This was giving me questions.


    "I am sorry about Beta Gaius," I apologized.


    My mother shrugged. "Never mind; he has a son to rece him. Have you seen though? Cara has a bite mark. She has finally been mated by Ray."


    The ink in my hands dropped. Mated by Ray finally? My mom always had premium gossip, like her daughter and daughter-inw.


    "They were mates?" I enquired.


    "Actually, since she turned eighteen, she knew. But he always denied it until today; it''s weird, right?" My motherughed.


    Seeing she was in a good mood and not very much offended by Beta Gaius''s death, I rxed. But how could Ray ept Cara only now?


    "Ray is a mysterious young man. You need to keep an eye on him," my mother added.


    Zeke was rejecting the thoughts, but her words were forming realizations in my head. Ray wasn''t an enemy, but he hadn''t really been friendly.

 Regret and Guilt

    Chapter Forty - Regret and Guilt


    Rihanna''s POV


    I felt power surge through my bones. An incredible amount of power. Beta Gaius had been a good kill.


    Cami knocked on the door twice, signifying that all the warriors were asleep. But I didn''t need her reminder. Since I''d regained consciousness, I could feel every wolf around me by their unique energy.


    And another perk of a silver wolf had been unlocked; my eyes were white when I awoke, and Lana was in full control. It was as if she were in her god mode.


    "Ray found us,¡± she whispered to me. My eyes opened. They''d been shut as I focused on fully recovering.


    "What do you mean?" I wouldn''t have known if he had. All I knew was that Cami had brought me back to the pack. Had my brother seen me? How?


    "He was chasing after Beta Gaius with a warrior. You know her, Cara. That girl you don''t like," she snickered.


    Fond memories filtered into my mind. Caramel. She was the lead warrior''s daughter and had a crush on Ray for the longest time. I didn''t like how she always tried to hang out with Ray at every slightest opportunity. She was a good girl nevertheless.


    "Ray''s wolf realized she was his mate when he met you," Lana added, making my lips part.


    "Rih, do you know that you and Ray''s twin telepathy is..." she trailed off.


    "Is stronger than we think?" I asked.


    "No. All these years, Ray couldn''t realize Cara was his mate because he was away from you. The twin telepathy... we hurt Ray for a long time."


    I sat up, trying to let her words sink in. What exactly was she hinting at? Ray couldn''t realize Cara was his mate because of me?


    If I remembered correctly, she hadn''t been at our birthday party; she''d visited her mother in another pack. What happened afterward, I knew nothing about.


    "The year we realized Chris was our mate, our twin was beside us. Ray never realized his mate because we left," Lana''s voice was teary.


    I blinked several times. Ray and I needed to be together to recognize our mates? That was absurd! But it seemed true. Our wolves had a mindlink and telepathy of their own, like they were one. If Ray and I hadn''t been different genders, maybe we''d even have had one mate.


    A sense of guilt and regret washed over me. Because I''d left, my twin brother couldn''t recognize his mate for years.


    I wondered how he felt when he realized. I wondered how Cara felt. Ray must have denied it when she discovered. It would have felt like he rejected her.


    "He let us go. And Cara, she knows our secret now. Chris will be after Your Silver as we killed Beta Gaius. At least, I saw Ray," Lana sniffed.


    But I hadn''t. That wasn''t the issue now. I forced myself to stand, tears stinging my eyes.


    "This also means we can''t find a second chance mate without Ray." I chuckled. That was a relief, anyway; I didn''t want one.


    Lana didn''t really agree with me on that, but she didn''t argue. "Let''s keep the girls safe. And stay away from Boots and Rivers market."


    I nodded. Chris would likely hold a meeting against me. Perhaps he''d agree with Red Moon to trade the Lycan for me, or release the Lycan to kill me.


    "I have to train and get used to this newfound energy Beta Gaius gifted me." I smirked. Until then, Your Silver would be on hiatus.


    I moved close to the door, the whispers from Dara and Cami were audible to me, even though I knew they were far away. These Beta perks were cool. "What scout was the Alpha speaking of, then? Greta or who?" Cami asked Dara.


    I remembered the Alpha of ck Rose calling on a scout, and I listened closer.


    "I don''t know," Dara replied with a sigh. "Your Silver is usually the one who scouts. It was Greta''s first time that day."


    "Yeah, and Your Silver had shown her how to do it, yet she got caught by the Alpha. That girl is unbelievable," Cami sighed.


    I pursed my lips. The scout the Alpha was referring to was Greta? Why?


    She''d only scouted after I returned. I made sure the Alpha and his Beta had left by then.


    "Dara? Cami?" I called, opening the door. They rushed to me.


    "Are you feeling better? We didn''t hide Beta Gaius''s body; it was found by your brother," Dara said, with a tense tone.


    I nodded, showing I was well aware. She looked surprised, but then it faded. "He said to hide you and not worry about it."


    A smile came to my face. "Of course, did you think he''d rat his sister out to the man that hurt her before?"


    They both nodded knowingly.


    "It has been half a day since I was unconscious. Tell me what Chris is nning to do to punish me." I leaned against the wall.


    I didn''t know how I could tell how long I''d been unconscious, but this infinite understanding of my surroundings excited me.


    "Not much. He''s called an exclusive meeting of all the Alphas and Betas. I feel he left out Deltas because of Jonah and Vanessa," Dara sneered.


    So he was affected by that awkward mate pair? I was, as well. Jonah really deserved better.


    "Tell the girls we should be careful. No one is to wear the Your Silver uniform." I ordered.


    Cami nodded. "I will tell all the spies to lie low, too. Chris is being careful." I nodded in agreement.


    "What Chris wants to tell the Alphas won''t be to your advantage. The ck Rose Alpha could put in good words for you," Dara pointed out.


    Even if he didn''t, it wouldn''t stop me from going on with whatever course of action pleased me. I was even getting a ridiculous idea.


    "All Alphas and Betas will be at ck Hills. Can''t we easily break the Lycan out from Red Moon?" I asked the two girls.


    Dara gave me a pointed look, scanning my body, which still had cuts and bruises that hadn''t healed. She shouldn''t mind that; they would.


    "No. The Lycan will be sent to Chris. He might be epting that trade," Cami added.


    I sighed in dismay. There was no other action I could partake in to train myself.


    "What about appearing before all the Alphas and Betas and causing a tantrum?" I asked absentmindedly.


    There was no reply. Were they considering it?


    "I was wondering, if Chris really wanted Your Silver to stop raiding packs, all he had to do was ept us as a pack under his."


    That idea had been in Dara''s mind since I first met her.


    I didn''t want to be under Chris, but the only other Kingdom pack we could swear allegiance to was many seas away. Also, I didn''t always want to be a rogue. I wanted a pack of my own, an acknowledged pack. "I hate to say this, but you have a point." "So, will we be storming this exclusive meeting?" Cami''s eyes were hopeful. She always liked action.


    "Yeah, we may be paying a visit," I shrugged.


    7---


    Author''s note: Curious to know if Your Silver will really show herself? Want to see Chris''s reaction when his nemesis happens to be the mate he rejected? \---


    Let me know if you''d like further assistance!

 Very Impressive

    Chapter Forty-One - Very Impressive Jaden''s POV


    I felt my mate; she was surely the one. Perhaps the scout hade to check on the guests and ran back, but even though she was far away, I sensed her with my Alpha abilities. Yet, she hadn''t sensed me. I felt almost broken that she didn''t. Jake knocked on my door. I didn''t even know how to tell him why I''d been throwing a tantrum recently. But what news did he have? I was aware that Beta Gaius was dead. I was stunned that Your Silver could defeat a Beta while injured. It raised more questions for Jonah, but with my current temperament, I didn''t want to engage him and risk overreacting.


    Jake knocked again and opened the door before I could respond. "Are you okay?" he asked the dreaded question.


    "Yeah, I''m good,¡± I lied, getting off my bed. Sweat fell from my forehead to my thighs like water droplets.


    "Ralph told me how you acted when Dan met you. He''s still a kid; he acted that way toward the girl without thinking," Jake exined.


    I got a shback to when I''d yelled at the eighteen-year-old for his actions toward his mate. I was only sensitive because he had a mate and still dared to treat her badly, while mine seemed to be ying painful mind games with me. "I''m sorry; I''ll tell him that," I said to Jake.


    He came closer, closing the door behind him. "Yeah, but why were you harsh with the guards as well? Something''s up, right?"


    I sighed.


    "I can read you, you know? Is it Your Silver? Are you wondering how to defend him in front of Chris? Chris seems really pissed."


    I nodded. "Yeah, Your Silver''s case does worry me, but I''ll only do my best for him. Killing a Beta is too much."


    As I tried to leave the bed, my door was mmed open. Jonah rushed in, holding a scroll. He looked up and froze.


    "Sorry, you''re awake," he mumbled.


    I shook my head, brushing off the intrusion and gesturing for him to report.


    "Chris just sent this. All Alphas and Betas are to meet him before the date. He got intel that Your Silver was nning to make an appearance," Jonah said.


    His lips shook, and he blinked many times as if he were scared of the wordsing from his mouth. The news stunned me, nothing more.


    "Your Silver must be crazy to show his ugly face in front of the Alphas! Does he want to die?" Jake screamed.


    The fact that Chris already knew about Your Silver''s visit meant he wanted him to know. It also meant he was nning something big during the meeting. Was he nning to kill everyone, since he had already started with Red Moon''s Beta? Was he that crazy? And wasn''t he injured? I stared at Jonah.


    Jonah was frowning as he put the scroll away. "Someone needs to warn this girl. Your Silver can''t appear now," he murmured. I heard him.


    What girl? The female silver wolf? He wanted her to warn Your Silver? That meant he was closely connected to her, enough to care about her safety.


    "Jonah," I called before he could turn away.


    "Yes?" He looked up.


    I asked, "Tell me, can you meet Your Silver or the female wolf informally? It''d be nice tomunicate with either of them now."


    He hesitated. "I can''t, Alpha." He shook his head. "I''ll leave to prepare your horses for the journey." He made an attempt to leave. He froze when a growl left my lips. Jake stepped back.


    "What is it now?"


    "Jonah, do you know something that I don''t know about Your Silver?" I barked.


    Jake turned to him, then at me. "Jonah, do you know something?"


    Jonah swerved around to meet my gaze. He blinked and sighed multiple times before looking down.


    "I swear, the only reason I didn''t say was that I didn''t want you to use me to hurt her," he spoke.


    My eyes narrowed. Which "her" was he talking about now? The silver wolf? Jake folded his arms and advanced toward him.


    "You''re keeping secrets from your Alpha to protect a girl? That silver wolf? What about her?" Jake asked sternly.


    "She is Your Silver. The one and only," he replied.


    I tilted my head, and Jake stared at me.


    "Are you serious?" My voice was low.


    He nodded.


    "You''re lying. She''s..." Jake trailed off. "She is Your Silver?"


    I bet he couldn''t wrap his head around it; I barely could. Memories of all the chaos Your Silver had caused came to my mind. So it was the work of a girl-who, ording to Jake, looked like a teenager? She had the aura of my mother. It was very impressive.


    "Perhaps, like Dara, her family was murdered, and she became such a wild version of herself," I said, smirking.


    Jake snapped his head at me. "Are you epting it? I think Jonah is lying."


    "I am not. I''ve met her lots of times already. I''ve seen her use her abilities. I am yet to see her silver wolf, though," Jonah pouted slightly.


    He sounded as if he were bragging about her. He should be; he was the only wolf I knew who had met her as Your Silver and survived. "You wouldn''t survive if you did. Whenever she shifts, heads drop, and nothing stays alive," I quoted what a warrior once told me. Jake heaved a sigh of disbelief. "I guess I should be expecting a prettydy at Chris''s meeting today."


    "A very pretty one," Jonah smiled.


    Jake frowned at him. "No wonder you don''t want Princess Vanessa. You like Your Silver already," he beganughing.


    Jonah raised a brow questioningly. "I don''t. I really don''t, but she''s greatly impressive."


    His words made me smile. His cheeks were already slightly red at being used of liking her. It was sad she wasn''t his mate.


    Your Silver being the female silver wolf, like I''d suspected, wasn''t very surprising. It was, as Jonah said, impressive. I found the strength to leave my bed. My wolf was still howling with excitement, realizing that Chris was about to get the shock of his life.


    I couldn''t miss his expression when he saw Your Silver was a young female. She had terrorized his life so much.


    "We should leave for ck Hills now. Get Ralph. You''reing with us, Jake. Take care, Jonah," I ordered, putting on my jacket.


    The two bowed and left the room.


    "I hope the scout follows Your Silver to ck Hills today. I feel like we''ll be meeting our mate soon," my wolf murmured.


    It was good to be expectant, but I wouldn''t bet on it. There was going to be enough drama.

 Barks At The King

    Chapter Forty-Two - Barks at the King


    Jaden''s POV


    I felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu as I walked into ck Hills Pce. A certain maid brushed past me, bowed, and left. It was the same as when I visited ck Hills for the first time. She was blonde and small.


    Perhaps she was Silver''s spy whom Jonah had met. The girl wasn''t very inconspicuous; it''s just that Chris had never suspected. I respected all the girls walking with Silver, like a group of pained young women making a mark for themselves. I eagerly wanted to know what Silver had nned for today''s meeting.


    Ralph returned to me, along with Jake, and we began walking into the courtroom.


    "No Alpha has arrived yet," Jake told me in a mind link. "I think they''re still offended at Chris because of Beta Gaius''s death."


    Seriously? My wolf eye-rolled.


    Chris had imprisoned the Beta, but he ran away and met Silver-and that was where he met his death. It was no one''s fault but his own. Either way, they''d still have to appear before their Alpha King; they had no choice. "Alpha Jaden, finally! I thought no one woulde," Chris sighed.


    Jake, Ralph, and I bowed before him. Ray sat beside him, ying with a ping-pong ball.


    "You don''t look like you were expecting guests," I smiled at him as he bowed.


    "I hoped no one woulde, honestly," he sighed, sitting back down.


    Chris frowned at the statement but let it go. Ray was always too honest for his own good.


    "Bring some seats for them. The meeting will onlymence when we areplete. I have no time to repeat myself," Chris ordered a guard.


    I thanked the guard as he swiftly brought seats for us. There was a ten-second silence after we were seated.


    "Ray found his mate," Chris broke the silence.


    Jake jumped from his chair, ring at Ray, usatorily. "He found her?" he asked Chris.


    "Shouldn''t I have announced it myself?" Ray sighed, tiredly. He seemed exhausted, like he was waiting for something exciting-perhaps the drama that would happen today.


    "You didn''t look like you''d say it," Chris smiled. "I''m surprised Jake didn''t know. I feel better he didn''t, actually."


    Jake folded his arms and plopped back into his seat, pointing at Ray and then at himself, making Ray smile.


    "I only figured it out a few days ago. Don''t get over yourself."


    "It''s very amusing that you figured out that a warrior who''d been by your side for years was your mate only after meeting Silver," Chris said.


    If I didn''t know better, I''d say he was using Ray of something or wanted Ray to spill more information on a given topic. I stayed calm, watching, listening, observing.


    "My wolf was pumped about meeting Silver; maybe that''s why he recognized his mate," Ray replied in a dismissive tone.


    It was ridiculous, but he could get a pass for the creative excuse. Chris clicked his tongue and rxed on his throne. Another ten-second silence was about to end before Chris broke it again. "We will be deciding Silver''s fate, as he killed one of ours," he started.


    Jake snickered but kept a straight face. I bet he was amused at Chris referring to Silver as a ''he.'' It had tripped me up as well. Chris nced at him but continued.


    "I''ll be asking for the maximum penalty for him. He killed a Beta. He must die as well."


    I waited for Ray''s revolt, but it wasn''t forting. Wasn''t he a fan of Silver? Ralph cleared his throat to speak. Chris raised a brow at him. "I presume you''re the ck Rose Beta?"


    I realized I hadn''t introduced Ralph, as it was his first time seeing him. I was about to, but Ralph beat me to it.


    "Yes, I am. And Alpha, you don''t need to be scared of a rogue taking over your kingdom. Silver is only being rebellious."


    We all turned to him. How dare he tell the Alpha King he was scared? He had that psychic look on his face was he reading the Alpha King?


    I turned to Chris. Was he really scared that Silver wanted his throne? Silver, the rebellious teenage girl? It was funny.


    "Don''t say that; the King is only being cautious of a threat, as Silver seems dangerous," Ray defended.


    I knew he said that so Chris wouldn''t feel threatened and insulted, but Chris''s expression showed he already was.


    "Don''t misunderstand; I spected," Ralph shrugged. "But Silver can be appeased instead of killed. Beta Gaius was a criminal."


    That was true. Beta Gaius had been serving time in jail for trying to have my Delta killed.


    "Yes, and he died for it," Ray added.


    Chris sighed audibly. "Will it kill any of you to know that Silver is dead? Since when did ck Rose have mercy on rogues?" he barked. "Since Red Moon dared kill our Delta twice, yet it was that rogue that saved him... twice!" Jake barked back.


    Not even I would dare bark back at a King, but Jake seemed to have no problem.


    "I didn''t know Silver was nice enough to save your Delta. Isn''t it obvious he did it for favor? Also, I punished Beta Gaius for that," Chris red. Jake folded his arms. "And he tried escaping and was killed by a rogue. That''s his loss. Silver isn''t good, but neither was Beta Gaius." Ray nodded to his words, and Ralph exhaled, seemingly agreeing.


    Jake added, "If your only reason for Silver dying is Beta Gaius, then that''s groundless. If you have other unspoken fears, then share them." Chris''s chest heaved up and down. I expected him to pounce on Jake already, but he swallowed it down as if it wasn''t the first time.


    Jake easily crossed his limits-I''d need to warn him in the future. Another ten-second silence wasing again.


    "But Alpha, if you insist he dies, we should at least endeavor to kill him."


    I slowly turned to Ralph. What did he mean? Why was he countering himself? He wasn''t aware of Silver''s real gender, and even if he was, I bet he was after a rogue being tamed. Chris smiled for the first time since he raised the topic. "Then, I am insisting." He looked at the rest of us in the room.


    Ray sat up, looking troubled. "I refuse..."


    "Why?" Chris hurriedly asked.


    "Silver is the only silver wolf in the wholend. What about the prophecy?"


    "Damn that prophecy, Ray. Silver is the evil in that prophecy, not its savior!" Chris retorted.


    "You never see greatness till you lose it; that''s your problem!" he shouted.


    A lot of barks were directed at Chris. I had to give him props for being so calm-headed. Worthy of being Alpha King indeed. "And what do you mean?" Chris asked, intertwining his fingers.


    "You rejected Rihanna!" Ray''s voice changed to a growl as he mentioned his sister''s name.


    That was sudden. How was she involved in this? I left my seat, knowing this was a sensitive topic for both Ray and Chris.

 Exciting Drama

    Chapter Forty-Three - Exciting Drama


    Jaden''s POV


    The King''s eyes dted as he searched for the right words to respond. "What does that have to do with Your Silver?"


    Ralph nodded and stared at Ray as though trying to read him. We all focused on Ray, waiting to hear what Your Silver had to do with his sister.


    "Did any of you know Rihanna was a silver wolf?" Ray pointed at each of us.


    "Did you? And since you killed her, do you want to kill another?" Ray directed his finger at Chris.


    My mouth fell open. His sister had been a silver wolf? My head snapped toward Chris, who had risen from his seat.


    "Rihanna was a silver wolf?" he asked, his voice raised and his breathing uneven. "My mate was a silver wolf?" he repeated, this time as though speaking to himself.


    "Should I be warning you about killing silver wolves when your grandmother was one?" Ray pped his hands together.


    "Your grandfather stopped the killing of silver wolves, and here you are, trying to start it again!" Ray fumed.


    "Well, not with my permission!" he finalized and then sat down calmly.


    Jake and I exhaled simultaneously, our eyes still fixed on Ray, trying to absorb his words. So many shockers hade my way today-some impressive, others incredibly disappointing. Rihanna Sam had been a silver wolf? Chris had the blood of a silver wolf on his hands?


    "No wonder Your Silver torments you," I said, breaking the ten seconds of silence.


    Chris turned to me, his expression nk. "What?"


    "Your Silver torments you because the blood of a silver wolf is on your hands. Silver wolves are truly the Moon Goddess in wolf form," I added.


    I knew it wasn''t helping, but it had to be said.


    Ralph steadily nodded, wearing his usual psychic expression. I didn''t know what he was trying to deduce from such a clear scenario, but he had my blessings.


    "It will always haunt me," Chris replied. "I think we should settle on hearing Your Silver out. It won''t be by my hand that anything happens to him." Ray huffed. "If you give themand, as Alpha King, those other Alphas will have to obey."


    It felt strange hearing him speak so calmly after his earlier rage.


    "We would all agree to let Your Silver be. He is an incarnate of the Moon Goddess; his works could bring stability to us werewolves," I supported.


    So, it was decided to let the silver wolf be. That girl was getting away with everything, courtesy of Rih. Silvers really did help each other, alive or dead. About thirty minutester, all the Alphas and Betas of the remaining three packs strolled in. The Alpha of Red Moon came alone.


    "Hello, Alpha Jaden," he mumbled to me before heading straight to the Alpha King.


    I bet he was expecting a pity party from the King, but Chris spared him no eye contact.


    The course of the meeting was about to change, and the other Alphas wouldn''t see iting. I was here for it.


    As everyone settled, a whiff of honey and cinnamon reached my nose. My wolf stirred to the surface and purred.


    The scout was here, which meant Your Silver was close. The drama was about to begin.


    They could have waited for Chris to announce that Your Silver be spared.


    If she appeared now, there would be chaos. I still didn''t fully understand her intentions. My heartbeat quickened, anticipating the excitement. Suddenly, the young maid I had suspected to be Your Silver''s spy rushed into the courtroom, panting. "Beta Ray, please, we need your help!" Everyone turned to her, questioning her rude intrusion, but she paid no mind. Ray stood up slowly.


    "And why?"


    "It''s urgent, sir. Pleasee; the warriors are nearly killing themselves." She rushed out again after saying that.


    Ray sighed, rubbing his temples. He addressed us, "I''m sorry. I''ll go handle this." He stomped off.


    I didn''t understand. Was this some sort of diversion, or would Ray truly be missing out on the drama?


    The whiff of cinnamon and honey grew stronger, filling the air. The guards outside began screaming, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "Alpha! Alpha! Princess Vanessa-!" A knife flew into the chest of the guard who had run in. All the Alphas shot to their feet, alert. "Vanessa?" Chris left his throne.


    This was bing troublesome. Could Your Silver really handle what she was about to unleash?


    Soft footsteps echoed a woman''s heels. My wolf grew agitated, muttering mate. A knife flew toward Chris, but he caught it with ease. The Red Moon Alpha frowned and assumed a defensive stance. "It''s a rogue. I smell a rogue."


    But I smelled my mate. Why was a scout taking the lead in this confrontation? Shouldn''t Your Silver be leading?


    "Hello, Alpha King!" a feminine voice called from behind the door as she flipped her long ck hair. My wolf howled inside. Mate! Mate!


    As she entered, a wave of weakness swept through the room. The Blue Bloom Alpha dropped to one knee.


    "Silver!"


    That''s when we saw it her hair glistened with particles of silver. Each flip of her hair released them, infecting the air and choking everyone who breathed it in.


    She stood tall for a ''teenager'' with striking dark eyes and an enviable figure. She was a grown woman. What had Jake meant by a ''little girl''?


    The silver on her head didn''t seem to bother her. And my wolf called her mate?


    "Your Silver! You''re Your Silver!" Jake cheered, then lowered his gaze when everyone turned to him.


    ¡°With a petition!¡± she raised her hand, and several girls in uniforms rushed in, their noses covered by masks. Each carried buckets filled with silver. Another wave of weakness swept over us.


    I summoned the strength to sit without copsing to my knees. My mate turned out to be Your Silver? What was happening?


    "I can''t believe this," Chris finally broke his silence after minutes of staring at Your Silver, as if recognizing her.


    All the Alphas and Betas knelt, their gazes fixed on Chris. He was still standing strong, though his face showed hurt.


    "I can''t believe this," he repeated.


    "What can''t you believe? That your nemesis is your rejected mate, or that your Alphas will bow to my will today?" Your Silver smirked. Rejected mate? The whispers began. Jake turned to me and Ralph. A rejected mate? Rihanna had been the only rejected mate... "Rihanna! You lived!" Chris threw down the knife he had held. Itnded near her feet as heughed hysterically.


    "Why wouldn''t I?" she stepped forward, the trail of silver intensifying.


    "I epted your rejection, faked my death, and built a pack. Sasha couldn''t. Don''t get me wrong I''m not jealous." She shrugged. The Blue Fire Alpha reached for a gun. On impulse, I kicked it from his hand. He red at me, confused.


    "That''s my mate you want to harm, peasant!" my wolf growled.


    I ignored the Alpha and tried to focus on the unfolding drama, deliberately avoiding the fact that Your Silver ignored our mate bond.


    "You and Ray tricked me," Chris groaned, visibly affected by the silver in the air.


    "Ray?" She looked around. "Oh, my brother Ray? I haven''t seen him here. Why? Did you demote him from Beta too?"


    She seemed genuinely concerned. Did she not know Ray was still Chris''s Beta? Would she care if she found out?


    "You mean you haven''t met him?" Chris was stunned. I was as well. She had stayed away for three years without meeting her brother. She had truly changed.


    "Should we have? He talks too much and would have ratted me out," she dismissed. "By the way, I didn''te here for idle chatter."


    One of the masked girls approached and dropped a letter on Chris''sp.


    "To torment you further, sign that treaty making Silver Pack a subordinate to you. Of course, we''d be as


    rebellious as ck Rose." She winked at me.


    Did she just ? My heart raced furiously.


    Chris looked at me, then back at the treaty. "No!"

 Dont Rih Me

    Rihanna''s Point of view


    An Alpha being my mate wasmendable, but I was on my way to being an Alpha myself. So... I''d pass.


    I figured Alpha Jaden was my mate when I came close to the courtroom and caught his scent. I knew it well, though it was mingled with a sweeter aroma.


    Lana was excited, but I wasn''t. I made Ray leave so the connection would break-I didn''t want him distracting me. He alone should catch my scent.


    Chris turned to Alpha Jaden as I winked at him. Was he jealous? He shouldn''t be. We were over! And no rtionship was starting either. Didn''t he have a good for nothing as wife now? He should treasure such a wonderful match for him from the mood Goddess.


    "No!" he snapped.


    I smirked, snapping my fingers as my warriors stationed buckets around the Alphas, except for ck Rose. They were my allies.


    "In ten minutes, all those Alphas will have their insides melted out. In one minute, you can sign that and give my pack all the rights a pack should have," I dered, taking a step closer. "Chris, in case you didn''t hear what this guard said..." I pointed at the guard who had a knife to his chest.


    "I have Vanessa. She''s being beaten brutally by one of my warriors because, well, she''s a jerk and always has been. So..." I tilted my head. "Be a good big brother and start listening."


    It was almost cute how Chris quickly picked up the treaty and scanned through it upon hearing Vanessa was being beaten.


    "This doesn''t make you a pack, Rih..."


    "Don''t Rih me!" I barked. "I am Your Silver to you. Your one and only nemesis. Don''t you dare Rih me." I pointed at his shocked face.


    The Alphas gave him both pleading and condescending looks. I strolled over to them, stopping in front of the Red Moon Alpha. "Just so you know, Beta Gaius died staring at the body of the prettiestdy in the world," I mocked. The Alpha''s face squeezed.


    I overheard Alpha Jaden growl. Was he annoyed to hear that? I red at him. "I''m being nice to your pack, Jaden, but it''s thanks to Jonah."


    He met my gaze. It didn''t have disgust, but neither did it hold full support. I cared less and turned away.


    "Signed?" I asked Chris as I walked toward him.


    He threw the treaty at me. "Yes. Let Vanessa go."


    "Okay. But not the Alphas, right?" I teased.


    "Let all of them go, Rih..."


    "It''s Your Silver," I corrected again with a re.


    He bit his lips, exhaling. "Let them go, Your Silver. And no pack will hunt you or your warriors."


    The Alphas growled angrily in disagreement. They looked like rabid dogs.


    That made me burst into hystericalughter, and my warriors joined in. "Y''all look so piteous. But since we are under one kingdom..." I nodded at my warrior, who began removing each bucket of silver, one by one. "I''ll let you go, by my own mercy," I ended.


    The effect of the silver would make them weak for days. By then, my warriors and I would have settled in our newnd¡ªand between Red Moon and ck Rose, made up of all the small packs we had raided. I hoped the girls would feel at home while rebuilding theirnds.


    "So, since my treaty is signed and I''ve made my glorious presence known, I''ll be taking my leave." I wriggled my fingers at everyone.


    "Dara, you can stop beating Vanessa now," I mind-linked as we all walked away.


    "All the silver buckets are gone, but everyone''s still too weak to chase," Dara replied.


    "I stopped a while ago. She wasn''t strong enough to endure, and it''s sad ''kill her'' wasn''t your order."


    A smile crept across my face. Vanessa still had those princess privileges that kept her from training? She was more than a useless mate to Jonah.


    I strolled into Vanessa''s room where Dara was. A small pint of blood stained the bed where the princessy. Her eyes lifted when she saw me. "Rihanna?"


    I wanted her to call me Rihanna. She never did back then-it was always ''bitch'' or ''you.'' Now, I was in a position to demand my name.


    Still, I corrected her. "It''s Your Silver to you too, bitch."


    I took out silver from the bucket and rubbed it on my hands, proving I was Your Silver. Her eyes widened in disbelief.


    "As someone who was once unwanted, I feel your pain," I mocked.


    Even if she was deaf, she should''ve caught the sarcasm. Her eyes narrowed at me.


    "You didn''t die, and you destroyed the peace of the man who rejected you. You''re still..."


    I pped her face before she finished. "I feel nothing but sympathy for Chris. I''d have waited a while to take revenge, but there were changes in ns." Cami alerted me that the royal warriors were closing in. We''d infiltrated with little attention so far, but now we had to leave.


    "Bye, and stay a bitch!" I said as I climbed down the pce wall.


    My warriorsughed as Cami called, "Alpha Your Silver!"


    I pouted. "Too long?"


    They nodded.


    "Call it Alpha Rihanna, then. No need for too much formality."


    We began heading to our packnd. There would be a lot of rebuilding and relocating. Thankfully, Boots and Rivers Market were nearby.


    "Ah, Lana, I''m already thinking like an Alpha. It''s sad I haven''t unlocked it yet," I whined.


    "You''re still a higher-level Beta, but you can take down a weaker Alpha," she confirmed.


    "I expected you to end the Red Moon Alpha there," she added with a huff.


    I chuckled. "Trust me, it was tempting, but that''d be too vague. Maybe another time."


    A feeling of aplishment swept over me. The secret was out now. I could sleep knowing I''d left Chris and Jaden in emotional turmoil. It was so satisfying.

 His Outburst

    Chapter Forty-Five - His Outburst Jaden''s POV


    It had been a week since Rihanna''s demeaning visit to ck Hills. None of the Alphas dared to speak about it, out of shame for their defeat. Speaking of it would likely cause a riot with Silver Pack. A great number of ves had been deployed to Silver Pack to help rebuild and stay.


    As an ally, I had sent Jake, along with some warriors, to help her map out her pack house. Within a week, her pack had amassed a greater size than Blue Fire Pack, even though Blue Fire had been the smallest pack since ancient times. Rumors suggested that Blue Fire and Blue Bloom were contemting merging under one name to avoid being overthrown by Silver Pack.


    That youngdy was gaining respect and striking fear in the Alphas, but not in me. I intended to support her as her mate and co-alpha.


    "Mate? Tsk," my wolf sighed. He found it hard to be ignored by his mate, so he pretended she wasn''t his.


    I had experienced being ignored countless times and didn''t mind waiting a while longer for my soulmate. "Would she have been better off as a broken girl haunted by Chris''s rejection?" I asked him.


    I wasn''t sure which was better-having a broken Beta under ck Hills as a mate or having a rebellious rogue-turned-alpha as a mate. Either way, Rihanna had changed her fate for the better. Anyone would be impressed.


    The maid beside me cleared her throat, snapping me back to reality. I nced at her and smiled. It was a habit whenever I stared at nothing for too long.


    "It''s cold already. Just pack it up," I said, leaving the dining table.


    She pouted and began clearing the dishes.


    "At this rate, you won''t have the strength to train the warriors," my wolf mumbled, referring to myck of proper meals in days.


    "Should we pay Rihanna a visit and see how the building is progressing?"


    "We should go to Jake," he countered.


    Had he given up on his mate? I doubted it. The moment he saw her, I was sure he''d be excited again.


    "You know me," he sighed, agreeing with my thoughts. I smirked as I walked into the courtroom.


    Of course, there was business to handle. The table was filled withints and, unsurprisingly, threats.


    Since Rihanna''s preferential treatment of mest week, many death threats had been sent by other Alphas, warning me to betray her. I bet even Chris would be biased against me, annoyed that his ex-mate was favoring me. It would surely infuriate him to know she was now my mate. He''d feel reced, even though it wasn''t my fault he was blinded enough to reject her. Either way, I''d keep the mate bond undisclosed until she epted it. "Alpha!" someone called the moment I sat down to review the reports. Ralph hurried in, stopping in front of me before bowing.


    "Reports and rumors areing from ck Hills... they''re really bad," he said.


    I looked up, unrolling a scroll in my hand. "What is it now?"


    He blinked multiple times before inching closer. "The Luna is missing," he revealed, his voice hushed. "And Alpha, Your Silver is being med for it."


    My eyes widened. Unconsciously, I crushed the scroll in my hand. Realizing this, I let go and rose to my feet.


    "Make sure that rumor doesn''t circte around my pack," I ordered. As allies, we should protect that secret until it was confirmed.


    "It hasn''t been announced yet. No one is sure. Only warriors who knew of Your Silver''s visit specte she took the Luna," Ralph added.


    My mind returned to Rihanna''sments about Sasha, where she''d imed to feel no jealousy over her selection as Luna. I doubted she''d say that if she harbored ill intentions.


    "I n to visit her today and speak of this. I doubt she had enough time to meet us, beat the princess, and steal the Luna," I replied.


    "Meet us?" Ralph frowned. "Why are you downying all she''s done?" he demanded, folding his arms.


    I sat down, sensing an outburst wasing.


    He began. "First, you, Jake, and Jonah didn''t tell me she was a young girl-"


    "She isn''t. If she''s Ray''s twin, then she''s 21," I corrected.


    Ralph paused, absorbing the information, and then nodded.


    "Even so, I wasn''t aware of her gender. And she humiliated us and other Alphas and got away with it. Then you sent Jake to help her?" "What should I have done? Chase her after being injured by her silver? Chris let her go himself," I countered.


    "We shouldn''t support her then. She hurt us," he said quietly.


    "Don''t forget she saved Jonah twice. She''s under the ck Hills kingdom and dered us allies. We should act ordingly," I said firmly.


    Ralph''s gaze remained uncertain. "I can''t shake the feeling that you either have an ulterior motive or you''re trying to win some favor by helping her," he muttered.


    I met his gaze and smirked. "You''re getting better at reading me these days."


    His eyes widened. "So I''m right? Which is it? Ulterior motive or a favor?"


    "Figure it out," I shrugged. "I''ll be visiting now. Take care."


    I walked past him toward the door. He sighed, dropping into the chair I had vacated. "It''s definitely an ulterior motive. What favor could he want from that rogue?" I smiled as I exited. Actually, I wanted a favor from her. One that would make her indebted to me.


    She''d need it too, as a new Alpha who might not have secured her rank yet. With her enemies multiplying now that she was no longer in hiding, it would be easier to strike.


    I secured a bundle of clothes to my leg and shifted into my wolf form. After notifying the border warriors, I sped past the border toward Silver Pack.


    The fresh air revitalized me, and I increased my pace. I was nearing the Silver Pack''s trees when the scent of cinnamon and honey stopped me in my tracks. My wolf slowed. "Mate."


    "Didn''t you say you''d ignore her?" I scolded.


    He growled and turned. He could sense her nearby. She must have been patrolling while the building was ongoing.


    A figure darted past me and stopped atop a hill. I turned to see a silvery wolf shimmering under the sunlight, ring down at me.


    Despite everything, her wolf was stunning, mesmerizing even. I was certain many of her victims had been distracted by its beauty before meeting their end. "My Alpha would like to know what brings you here," a blonde woman approached, her stance authoritative.


    I nced at her, then at the angry wolf. Was the


    re a no-visitors rule? Why was she so furious?


    That wasn''t exactly the best way to treat one''s mate.

 Visit To Mate

    Chapter Forty-Six - Visit to Mate


    Jaden''s POV


    That was definitely no way to treat your mate.


    I ignored them both and sped deeper into the forest. She knew I meant no harm but was being mean because she wanted to weaken the mate bond. Well, I wouldn''t let that happen.


    She chased after me but lost me within seconds. She should know I was trained in forests like this.


    "Are you ying a hide-and-seek game with our mate?" my wolf sighed.


    "It''s a couple''s thing," I replied.


    "Except we aren''t a couple," he sniffed.


    "Right." I diverted back toward her pack, but she cornered me immediately, growling. No doubt, she was in a bad mood.


    I let her lead me to the pack, and she left to let me change. I wouldn''t have minded her staying.


    When I came out, she was in her human form as well.


    "Jake isn''t here," she said as I approached her.


    I froze. "But I sent him here."


    "And I sent him back," she said, turning to me. Her dark eyes pierced into mine, doing strange things to me.


    "Why?" I managed to ask, trying to hide how distracted I was.


    "Well, he shouts a lot. I don''t want Jonah here either. He looks down on me. Your warriors are all that''s needed," she said in a heartbeat.


    Ady approached her and mind-linked when she got close. I could tell because thedy stared at me for a while without actually looking. "Kill it," she ordered, and thedy smiled. I bet that was a rogue.


    "I actually came here to see Jake," I told her when thedy left.


    "Did you?" she rolled her eyes.


    "What if I came here to see you?"


    "I would wonder why. I need no Alpha advice."


    "And that''s all I am to you just another Alpha?" She was beginning to hurt my feelings.


    "Right now, yes," she replied, meeting my gaze.


    She was being sincere. What did she mean by "right now"? Like that could change when she was ready?


    Then I wouldn''t worry. I was good at waiting. Officially being mated to her at this point in her life would only bring chaos.


    "That''s mean," I scoffed, looking away.


    I noticed her smile. "I am mean,¡± she admitted, ncing at me and then at the warriors working. "If you want to stay, you can stay. I''ll be patrolling."


    I tried to join her, but she raised her hand.


    "And please, don''t join me in patrolling my own pack. Thank you."


    I stayed where I was, wondering what I was supposed to do.


    "Oh, before you leave, I wanted to ask." I called her back before she left. She sighed and sluggishly walked back.


    She looked like Ray when he was bored. It stung to know she was bored of me.


    "Wanted to ask...?"


    "There''s a rumor reaching me that Sasha is missing." I avoided using "Luna" in case it displeased her.


    She frowned, looking at her hands. "Why?" She looked up at me. "Wait, are you asking me?"


    I shook my head vehemently. "No, I''m just sharing."


    "It sounds like you''re using me. I didn''t even see her that day, so how''d I steal her?" She raised her voice.


    I sighed. "I didn''t use you. I just shared. Actually, the rumors also said that you took her, but it''s obvious you didn''t."


    There was a brief silence between us before she scoffed.


    "Maybe her mate killed her. I doubt he liked her before their coronation. She was always a bitch."


    She surely disliked the Luna but deemed her unworthy of attention, so she was unlikely to be involved in her disappearance.


    "Either way, she''s your Luna now. At least worry about her safety," I told her.


    "I''ll tell my warriors to look out for her, but tell Chris he might not have her back in one piece if I find her. So, he''d better find her himself." She clicked her tongue, ying with her hair as she walked away. She was obviously thinking about Sasha.


    I wondered too. Did Sasha feel threatened after hearing that Your Silver was Chris''s ex-mate? Did she think Chris would want her back? That seemed unlikely. Rihanna and Chris were over.


    I doubted he could even live in the same house with her, knowing the torment she caused him. Besides, she was my mate now. Mine.


    I exhaled, looking for a ce to sit. There was none, so I walked ahead to find my warriors and cheer them on.


    I passed by the men building blocks but stopped when I noticed something familiar.


    A man wore a hairpin.


    That was unusual for men here. This area was cold, so the men typically had long hair that covered their necks.


    Also, men wearing hairpins was considered feminine. The only pack that did so was Blue Bloom, and their men looked feminine.


    The hairpins were usually expensive and worn by privileged men or officials. What was one doing here? "She''s gone," a warrior beside the man said. "What did you want to do now that she''s gone?" "Ahh, nothing. Just speak to her in private," the man replied, bowing.


    He left the others and began tiptoeing toward the forest.


    Your Silver''s warriors didn''t notice anything peculiar about him, but his hairpin stood out to me. I followed him.


    I hadn''t walked three blocks before I saw the man rubbing his neck. A tattoo revealed the mark of a warrior wolf.


    "Alert Dara now! There''s a wolf going after Your Silver," I mind-linked my warrior.


    I did it so Dara would know, but I knew she''d bete. I followed the man myself.


    Your Silver could easily defeat him, but if she was caught off guard and assumed he was just a ve, he could hurt her.


    "What do you want, sir?" she asked as the man approached, head bowed.


    He fell to his knees. "I am very grateful for you helping me and my family escape Red Moon. They enved us for years."


    He was a good actor. Nothing about him seemed Red Moon.


    Rihanna stepped closer, wanting to help him up. "It''s alright. You''re wee."


    I saw his ws emerge, ready to strike her as she reached out to him.


    "Not on my watch," I whispered.


    As she held his arm, he raised his ws to scar her, but I rushed in and held them mid-air. My ws shot out, tearing his arm off. Rihanna stepped back as the man screamed. Her eyes darted in confusion, trying to understand what happened.


    Realizing the danger, she tore out his gullet, letting him copse lifelessly. She exhaled.


    I wanted to ask why she hadn''t interrogated him, but I bet she was too mad to think clearly.


    "Thank you. I could''ve been s


    eriously injured," she sighed, holding her hands.


    Well, there it was. I had won a favor from her.


    "Sure. You''re wee," I responded proudly.

 New Alpha King

    Chapter Forty-Seven - New Alpha King Chris''s POV


    ck Hills hadn''t recovered from Your Silver''s visit. Neither had I. It was the lowest I''d ever been, and I couldn''t even fight.


    It brought back old traumas and regrets and birthed new hatred as well. My tormentor was my one-time mate.


    I dared not call Your Silver by Rihanna. She didn''t want me to, and that was because she wasn''t herself anymore-she was a ghost of her.


    Rih would never have hurt so many people in the name of freeing ves. Rih didn''t have the heart to be rogue.


    But Rih was a silver wolf? How could I have missed it?


    Yet she let herself be treated so poorly by other wolves. It made me feel like everything I knew about her had been a lie.


    "Alpha King, you have a visitor!" my guard said, bowing. I sighed, nodding and gesturing for him to let them in.


    My court hadn''t had a visitor for days. All the Alphas were displeased with my decision to let Silver Pack be under us.


    What did they expect of me? To let her kill them and Vanessa? Also, myst soft spot for her had made me hold back from sending my warriors after her. But I regretted it. She humiliated me further by stealing my Luna. It was an insult to a King like me.


    "Chris."


    I looked up to the man and woman who had just walked into my court. My eyes dimmed with anger. Were these my visitors?


    Before me stood Former Beta Royal Sam and his wife, clinging to him.


    The elders had ordered their son, Beta Royal Raymond, to be in suspense after discovering his sister hadn''t died.


    I knew she said he didn''t know, but the events angered everyone.


    "How dare you show your faces to me after discovering the beast your allegedly dead daughter became?" I barked.


    Sam frowned, letting go of his wife and stepping forward.


    "We didn''t know she faked her death, and we both know she wouldn''t have if you hadn''t been selfish!" He pointed at me.


    How dare he? I was his King. And since when had he grown a spine to answer back while in retirement?


    I chuckled, stepping down from my throne. "Since when did you have the guts to reply to me..."


    "Since your selfishness robbed me of my daughter and made my wife sick," he pointed at his wife on thest part.


    I nced at the Beta''s wife and sighed. Thatdy had never been a good mother to Rih as far as I knew-always trying to gain my mother''s favor.


    She had suddenly be sick after hearing her daughter died. She should have been better now, knowing she hadn''t.


    "So I''m selfish? I think it''s better that I rejected her. She had the blood of a beast inside her..."


    "You call silver wolves beasts?" the Beta''s wife asked, walking closer to me. "Like your grandmother?"


    My eyes dted. Both she and Ray were always reminding me that my grandmother had been a silver wolf. But had she ever brought trouble to me? "Mind you, my grandmother was different. She made my grandfather an Alpha King. She didn''t torment him," I replied.


    "And so will be Rihanna''s fate. She will make her mate an Alpha King," her mother deadpanned.


    I tilted my head, folding my arms. "And how?"


    "You don''t know, do you?" Beta Sam smirked. "The other half of the prophecy. It wasn''t as popr as the first."


    "Many feared there was no other silver wolf to make it valid, but there is my daughter." His wife chuckled.


    What were they getting at? My father had once told me about the second half of the prophecy, but I had long forgotten. He said it was important to have a silver wolf, especially a young one. Was there something I was missing?


    "What does the second prophecy say?" I asked them since they seemed intent on not telling me.


    "The second prophecy says that the next silver wolf will make another Alpha King!" Beta Sam smirked.


    Confusion befell me. Another Alpha King?


    "And together, she and her mate will defeat a great eviling to thends of the werewolves," he added with a smirk.


    It sounded oddly familiar to what my father had said, and it nted a new fear in me. What Alpha King? What evil could be greater than Your Silver?


    "You rejected her, so you disqualify yourself from being that Alpha King, Chris! The Moon Goddess gave you a chance, and you abused it!"


    I snapped my head to the Beta''s wife as she shouted. Her eyes glistened with excitement. What? I disqualified myself?


    The new Alpha King would be mated to the Silver Wolf that would save thend of werewolves from evil?


    That should have been me and Rihanna then. If I couldn''t be the one, then who? Who would be the Alpha King she''d destroy the evil with?


    I red at the woman who had just spoken. Was she insinuating that I''d be overthrown?


    "You speak treason, you are aware, right?" I said in a low tone.


    She stared at me. "Your grandfather used to say, Kings call the truth they don''t like treason."


    Her stare gave me chills. Had I really disqualified myself from something great?


    "Well, we came here with a request," Sam said, breaking the tense mood. "Your father permitted me, but I''d need you to permit us also."


    I returned to my throne, breathing heavily, stunned by the realizations of today. "What request do you want?"


    "First, I''m grateful that you epted her pack under yours," Sam started.


    I rolled my eyes. epted? As if I''d had a choice.


    "Second, information she sent to all the Alphas said her coronation would be postponed as she had no Beta," he informed.


    "She''s nning a coronation?" I wondered aloud. How dare she organize a ceremony for being Alpha when she had forced it on me? "Yes, I bet she didn''t invite you then. She invited the other Alphas apart from Red Moon, and I guess you," Sam shrugged.


    That girl was directly pissing me off. It''s not like I''d have attended. "So what''s your request?"


    "To deploy to her pack."


    My eyes shone.


    "What?" I stood from my throne.


    His wife came forward. "Please, we''ve been away from her for long. Ray med us all those years, and we weren''t very close to him either."


    It was true. I knew Ray only visited his parents once every two weeks to send food supplies. He rarely stayed there.


    "Letting us reunite with our daughter is the greatest gift you can give me after my retirement, Chris," Sam pleaded.


    I scoffed loudly. "What makes you think she''d like to see you after faking her death and leaving for three years?"


    "Then we get rejected. But I wanted to try first. We made mistakes." He held his wife''s hand. "We want a chance to correct them."


    I exhaled, sitting back on my throne with my head raised.


    They were no use to me and could leave.


    Only that a Former Beta leaving for the rogue-turned-alpha pack from an Alpha King''s pack was insulting.


    I looked up at them and smiled. "Fine, you can leave for your daughter''s pack. And never return."


    They bowed in pleasure. My head shook. I was losing wolves to her pack already. And that prophecy still bothe


    red me.


    Who would the next Alpha King be? Someone who''d overthrow me? Who dared? I had to make sure I kept tabs on who that would be.

 Kill The Prophecy

    Chapter Forty-Eight - Kill the Prophecy Chris''s


    POV


    Sam and his wife finally left my presence. I had the courtroom to myself to think, even if there was no one to share my thoughts with.


    My Beta would be on suspension until his twin sister settled down from her tantrums with other packs. My Luna was nowhere to be found, and I was still skeptical about Your Silver being the one who captured Sasha. Vanessa was still on a bed, trying to recover from Your Silver''s visit. The fact that Your Silver had to use her warrior to beat my sister still annoyed me, but I had to look away from it for now.


    "Your Silver will have to pay somehow. I have no other sentiment left for her, and you shouldn''t either," I told my wolf, Zeke.


    He sighed, giving me no response. I folded my hands around my body and rubbed myself. A strange fear still lingered within me.


    "Zeke, we''ve to rid ourselves of this fear. A King should have no fear of a rogue," I told him again.


    He chuckled, howling at the end.


    "Don''t you think we don''t deserve the Alpha King position? We refused the gift of the Moon Goddess, and now all this has happened," he spoke.


    My hands fell from my body. What was this wolf saying? He doubted his own capabilities?


    "I began to doubt myself since you ignored my urge to ept our mate three years ago," he mumbled.


    My eyes dimmed. "Are we still milking that? I regretted everything that day! You made me regret everything about that day!"


    A part of me even preferred rejecting her. Otherwise, wouldn''t she have ruined me with her inner violent nature?


    "Yes, we are still milking that!" he growled. "We lost our mate, and she became a force we fear. You-not me-you rejected a silver wolf!"


    My fists clenched. Was there a way to detach my wolf from me so he''d shut the hell up? I sent him to the back of my mind and stormed out.


    There was no way to run away from my wolf or the fear emanating from my body. A new Alpha King? That prophecy shouldn''t be heard across thends, or people would think I was a fake. But then, who was there to rece me? I barged into the room where Vanessay and kicked the bucket I saw lying around. It bounced off the wall and broke, jolting her awake.


    I felt guilty seeing her stunned, looking around. Then her eyesnded on me, and she sighed in relief.


    What relief could I give? I couldn''t even save her from that beast.


    "You''re here. Is there something wrong? Has Sasha been found?" she asked.


    I shook my head. "We''ll find her, don''t worry. Today''s been a mess, but I shouldn''t burden you with it."


    "Do burden me with it. I haven''t spoken to anyone for days. The people we usually talk to aren''t around, so..." She shrugged.


    I sighed, sitting beside her bed and adjusting the bandage on her head.


    "Sam and his wife came over and asked to be deployed to Silver Pack. I agreed." I studied her reaction.


    At first, it seemed she had a hard time remembering who Sam was-it had been years since shest saw them-then she nodded.


    "They did? It''s good you let them go. They should try to tame their wild daughter," she rolled her eyes.


    I scoffed. Tame? I bet they went there to cheer her up and assure her she was fulfilling some prophecy.


    "They didn''t go there for that." I smiled painfully. "It''s more of a ''forgive us and take us back'' kind of visit."


    My sister scrunched her face, displeased to know her assumptions had been wrong.


    "She lied to them by faking her death and destroyed the peace of their pack. Their son is on suspension because of her-"


    "They think it''s all happening because of them," I interrupted Vanessa''s ranting. "I am more to me, of course."


    It was the first time anyone was willing to share the me for what really turned Rihanna into Your Silver. But I bore most of it.


    "You know what, ever since I realized Your Silver is Rihanna, the pity and guilt I felt for her died," Vanessa stated. "She''s the bitch, not me." I nodded. "She''s more than a bitch, Vanessa. ording to the prophecy, she has the ability to appoint the next Alpha King." Vanessa looked confused. "The hell how?"


    I made a quick rundown of the second part of the prophecy and let out a long sigh afterward.


    "That wouldn''t be happening!" my sister barked.


    "I hope," was my simple reply. Prophecies had a knack for happening. What could a mere wolf like me do to defy the Moon Goddess? Vanessa shook me violently. "Don''t just hope. Do something to stop that from happening."


    I pulled her hands away from me. Was thisdy mad? It couldn''t be stopped. What did one do to stop a prophecy? Appease the goddess? "And what''s that?" I asked for her expertise.


    Her eyes darkened, and she vomited ridiculous words. "Stop those who''d fulfill it. Kill them. Rihanna and that new mate."


    I ran my hands through my hair. "Are you listening to yourself? Kill a silver wolf? How''d I get here again? One can''t kill a prophecy."


    She pushed me away andid back on the bed. I stood back, then began pacing.


    If I wasn''t going to do something about the prophecy, did that mean I epted it? That I epted being reced by Your Silver''s new mate?


    And because she was a Silver Wolf, she got to mandate who became King or not?


    To be fair, I had the first chance but rejected it.


    "I can''t let my throne be given to some other wolf," I confessed through gritted teeth.


    Vanessa raised her head and smirked. "Of course you can''t. The humiliation and contempt you''d get you can''t survive it."


    And that was another point. I imagined the Alphasughing at me as they bowed and revered the new Alpha King. I imagined Jake, someone who had always condescended to me, smiling with an "I told you so? look. "You''re right, I couldn''t survive it. I need to find that mate and kill him. Your Silver can defeat the evil without him," I told Vanessa.


    "Yes, much better. We should use her to defeat the evil, then silence herter. That way, the prophecy will be half-fulfilled," sheughed.


    Shivers ran down my spine as herughter resembled that of my mother. Was she bing my mother? Was I going to be controlled by a family member to make another regrettable decision? "Chris!" Vanessa called.


    I snapped my head in her direction,ing out of my thoughts. "Hmm?"


    "Don''t even have second thoughts. You need to keep the royal blood for your heir."


    I chuckled. "Hrious. I don''t have an heir."


    Her lips twitched. "Then hope you find Sasha, and meet him, because you actually do.''


    I realized I had still been pacing and stopped, moving closer to Vanessa. "You mean Sasha''s pregnant?"

 Sharing Secrets

    Chapter Forty-Nine - Sharing Secrets (Revised) Rihanna''s POV


    About two hours ago, I felt as though I might have been a dead wolf. The fear that coursed through me in those few seconds was intense. But I pushed it aside. No wolf was going to strike fear into me. I am Your Silver, the one who strikes fear into wolves.


    The Blue Fire pack hadn''t been on my cklist initially. I thought they were merely influenced by Red Moon, but then they turned around and influenced Blue Bloom. They were just as corrupt and had the audacity to send their warrior after me, barely a week after I was announced as one of theirs? They''d have a taste of me of course, in a subtle way since we weren''t rogues.


    "Feel better now?" Jaden asked from behind me. My wolf Lana smiled, urging me to be nice to him. Why did I feel like this gesture was going to cost me a favor?


    "Yeah, thanks," I replied nonchntly. "Care for tea?" I added, trying to be nicer.


    "Sure," he responded.


    I knew he would. He was looking for any excuse to stay longer. It was almost evening, and he and his warriors could return soon.


    "Thank you," I said to the warrior who served us tea. She wore her uniform with a dagger strapped to her side. Jaden noticed it and smirked.


    "I can introduce you to some servants you can pay to work for you. Your warriors should focus on training."


    "We don''tin," the warrior replied sharply before walking out with the tray she had brought, taking his spoon with her.


    He gasped and stayed quiet. I chuckled.


    "I can easily find willing workers and keep them on a paycheck. You needn''t worry. Also, you''ll be returning with your warriors," I said firmly.


    He choked on his tea, setting the cup down quickly. I wasn''t sure if it was because the tea was too hot or because of what I had just said. "You want to give me no reason to visit you, right?" he sounded offended.


    That was far from the reason. I could pay for workers to build. Having his warriors do it for free, even as allies, felt like very to me.


    "I really appreciate your help. I just want to bear the cost of everything I''ll be using to raise my empire," I countered.


    "Empire?" he raised an eyebrow.


    "You heard me, Alpha. My empire. And I don''t want to be indebted to anyone," I added.


    He bobbed his head to some unknown tune, lifting his cup to his lips but not drinking. "I''m impressed that you want to be independent."


    Of course, I was impressive. I drained my tea and stood. "I should continue my patrol..."


    "You didn''t sound this impressive back at ck Hills," he said, stopping me in my tracks. I sat back down.


    I didn''t like reminiscing about my time at ck Hills-it was in the past. But I had created a better future for myself, so it didn''t scare me. My voice had been stifled there because my Alpha had never valued me. Redemption came only after I left.


    "Jake told me about the Beta vote for Ray and his twin. I''ve never seen twins before and wondered what you looked like," Jaden continued, sipping his tea.


    "Yeah, twin wolves are rare," I said simply.


    "Coupled with one being a silver wolf and the other not caring about the world."


    "Ray?" I smiled.


    Jaden nodded. "He''s nonchnt and blunt, but in a good way. Sometimes."


    I chuckled silently at the sometimes. Ray had grown up well if someone could testify to that.


    "I wasn''t my parents'' favorite growing up. Ray was, and he had a lot of freedom," I shared, feeling a need to be honest. "But don''t tell anyone that."


    He chuckled. "We''re sharing secrets now? As mates or allies?"


    Did he really want to bring up the mate issue again? I''d disappoint him. "As allies."


    He nodded. "Well, I can rte to that."


    "You can?" I asked, surprised. How could he rte to being the least favored when he was Alpha? "You must have proven yourself to be where you are now."


    He nodded. "Many thought I shouldn''t be Alpha."


    "Why?" I asked.


    "My father and uncles wanted Jake as Alpha because I seemed quite autistic growing up," he said softly.


    "Your father and uncles? That''s like your whole family," I said, shocked.


    "Yeah, except my mom. Jake didn''t want to be tied to duty. He wanted freedom and stubbornly pursued it."


    The way he spoke of his brother showed no grudge for being the family favorite. Simrly, I held no resentment toward Ray. It wasn''t his fault. Between us, he had always been careful. "I want to know something," Jaden said, holding my gaze this time. "You know we''re mates, right? Why do you keep ignoring it?"


    I blinked, hesitating. He deserved an answer, but I couldn''t tell him I felt nothing because I wasn''t with Ray. It would raise too many questions. "Without my twin Ray, I can''t feel the mate bond. I will only feel it after the rites of mating arepleted," I exined quickly, avoiding his gaze. "Twin telepathy and connection. I read about that once," he mused.


    I sighed in relief, d he wasn''t pressing for the rites to be done immediately. "Yeah, that."


    "But Ray found his mate. How did he?" Jaden asked suspiciously.


    I exhaled before answering. "We met while he was chasing Beta Gaius on the night I killed him. Ray was with a warrior who turned out to be his mate." Jaden seemed stunned but not judgmental.


    "So, he knew you were Your Silver before you stormed ck Hills?" he asked, though it sounded more like a statement.


    "Yes. Don''t tell Jake that or anyone," I warned.


    "We''re sharing another secret?" he teased.


    "Yes, and this one''s even more important. It could put Ray in serious trouble," I admitted.


    "Right. Is this shared as allies or mates?" he asked, smirking slightly.


    "Mates," I shrugged.


    He smiled faintly. "Fine. To the grave it goes."

 Danger

    Chapter Fifty - Danger


    Rihanna''s POV


    I watched as Jaden and his warriors returned. He was quite fun to be with and engaging, but I''d get over hispany quickly.


    Dara strolled toward me, making me look away from him.


    "An Alphaing to visit you and you serving him tea. Sounds like you''ve got a friend!"


    Her hair was coiled, with the back half packed in a ponytail. She looked more girly, and I hoped she''d find a mate soon. At least she was moving closer to her happiness.


    I shook my head at her earlier statement. "He wants me to be his friend, and why not? I''m thetest Alpha around," I bragged.


    Dara knew me and only rolled her eyes. We walked together back into the room.


    In her hands was a scroll, bound with horsetail, one peculiar to ck Hills, I noticed.


    "Did you go shopping while at ck Hills?"


    She frowned in confusion before looking at her hands and realizing what I meant.


    "Oh, this?" She hid it behind her and shook her head. "I didn''t. How could I?" she chuckled.


    That wasn''t convincing at all, but I didn''t ask more. She wouldn''t have had enough time to beat Vanessa and go shopping. She may have picked it up while there.


    "Also, this scroll holds the prophecy''s half part. I found it three days before we stormed ck Hills, and it''s interesting...."


    Suddenly, there was a loud ringing of a bell throughout the building.


    It was Cami''s rm, alerting that there was danger she couldn''t handle and needed backup-me.


    I snarled, annoyed that such danger was threatening my pack a few hours after one had already threatened my life. It seemed my new co-alphas didn''t like me at all and weren''t interested in liking me. I honestly shared the same sentiments. "Dara, I''ll get back to that interesting part of the prophecy. Let me handle the present, okay?" I said to her and ran to the border.


    "Sure, will you need some help?" she asked. I didn''t answer; she knew I wouldn''t.


    I tried not to shift in case I''d be needed to talk to this danger before leaving them lifeless. Lana was boiling and running with might. Then my mind link was tugged at. "Cami, I''m on my way. Hang in there," I pleaded.


    "Chill, Alpha. I just needed you toe out and see this. It isn''t much of an emergency," she replied with a rxed tone.


    She wasn''t fighting any seven-foot monster that was trying to leave her lifeless? And it wasn''t an emergency?


    "What''s going on then?" I didn''t reduce my speed and focused on getting to the border.


    "Chill, first," Cami said again in a calm tone.


    I got to the hill where I could see the border and beyond. Looking down, I saw Cami with two horses and two figures atop them.


    They looked like a couple with matching outfits. Were they deploying to my pack with all those luggage?


    I couldn''t tell who they were, nor could I identify their scents, but they radiated powerful energies-one a Beta and the other of warrior rank.


    A cutebination, like my parents.


    "Lana, let''s meet them," I urged her. She seemed unwilling.


    "Your parents," was all she said. I wondered if it was because of what I thought of the cutebination.


    "Yeah, like my parents," I repeated.


    "No, they are your parents, Rih. What do they want here?" she whimpered.


    I narrowed my eyes at the figures. I couldn''t see their faces at all.


    "They''d better not be here to scold me. They lost their parental rights three years back," I muttered as I came down the hill.


    "What are my parents doing here, Cami?" I asked her through the mind link, making my presence known amongst the visitors.


    Cami bowed as I came closer, moving away to give me a path to them. But I stopped far off.


    "Why are you here?" I asked.


    Cami raised her head questioningly and frowned at me. Why? I had told her how my parents didn''t support me. She didn''t expect me to cry and hug them, did she? "We came to see you, Rihanna," my mother spoke.


    Her voice was croaky and had lost its softness. She must have been sick for a long time. I didn''t care... much.


    "Sent by your King? You still bow for him, don''t you?" I faced my father.


    My case with him was more than his negligence of me; it was the disrespect he allowed himself to face when with Alpha Wayne.


    He brought down his hoodie, and I stared into his brown eyes-one of the numerous things I inherited from him. His forehead had more wrinkles and was saggy.


    I felt it was too much for just three years. Hadn''t they lived in happiness and luxury?


    "Rihanna, we came on our own your mother and I. Alpha Wayne let us, and his son, Chris, granted us permission to deploy here..."


    "Hold your horses!" I heard Dara yell from behind me. She tagged along?


    I snapped my head back to my parents and squinted my eyes. "Deploy to my pack?"


    "The craziest thing I''ve heard," Dara concurred.


    I nodded. Cami frowned at her and pulled her to the side to let my parents and me talk. But I had nothing to say.


    "No! So your dead daughteres back to life, makes it big, and you''re interested in her life? No!"


    "Honey, we made mistakes in the past due to our "


    "What? Immaturity? Bias? Blindness? Not interested in whatever excuse. You gave support to Ray but not me. I was all I had!" I barked. My emotions were beginning to pour out, and I didn''t want that. I pointed out. "Leave. Tell Chris I reject you. I house ves, not bad parents." They were speechless, and so was Lana. What did she expect? Could she even bear to see those people bask in her greatness? "Fine," my mother swallowed hard. "We''ll leave." She looked down.


    Good. I folded my hands and waited for them to move.


    "But we also came with some information that could help you steer your future the right way. So far, I don''t think-"


    "You don''t think she''s steering her future the right way? Exactly, starting with the mom talk," Dara butted in, walking toward me.


    My mom couldn''t be serious. My future was made by me. Steering wrong or right was my doing. She had no say.


    "You should leave first. I''ve got me," I pointed out again.


    My father held my mother and pulled her to himself. "Rihanna, your mother and I are sorry. We understand your anger and will leave." "Comforting," Dara mocked. Cami dragged her toward her again and smacked her lips.


    My parents turned around and were about to leave before Cami stopped them again.


    I red at her. She shouldn''t try bringing those people into my life. I was better without them.

 Accepted

    Chapter Fifty-One - epted


    Rihanna''s POV


    My parents turned around and were about to leave when Cami stopped them again.


    I red at her. She shouldn''t try bringing those people into my life I was better off without them.


    "Alpha, they were permitted to deploy here. ck Hills will not ept them again if they don''t sessfully deploy," Cami reminded.


    Dara scoffed. "What do you know? They''d feel what it''s like to have no ce to rest..."


    "Dara!" Cami shouted, cutting her off.


    "This is Alpha''s decision. They''re her parents, who have apologized, and we need former officials to help our new pack," she said thest part to me. My eyes stayed fixed on my parents'' horses as they moved away. They were both dramatic, walking slowly as if hoping they''d be called back. Lana came to the surface. "They should stay, since they have nowhere else to go."


    I turned to Dara as if she were the devil on the other side of my shoulder, stopping me from epting my parents back.


    "Don''t ept them, Alpha. We don''t know if they work for Chris. There''s an important detail in the prophecy that Chris shouldn''t know," she said. Cami frowned at her. "What now?"


    Ignoring them both, I ran toward my parents'' horses. They halted when I spread my arms in front of them.


    "To be epted in my pack means you are loyal to me and no other, not even the Alpha King," I spelled out.


    My mom looked at my dad and then back at me.


    "Is that a no?" I asked them.


    She shook her head. "We didn''t ask to deploy here to backstab you, Rih. We want to help you build your pack. And discover something more." Something more? Like what? I brushed it off and gestured for them to return. "You''re epted then."


    "Really? Thank you, dear." My mother''s horse turned as she spoke.


    My father stared at me for a moment. "Don''t worry; we''ll make it up to you. And Ray."


    Ray? Weren''t they with him all those years? My father''s horse turned around and crossed the border. I exhaled and followed.


    "I hope you know what you''re doing, Alpha," Dara said to me via mind link.


    I hoped I knew what I was doing too. It was sad that I couldn''t even trust my own parents in times like this. They shouldn''t disappoint me.


    "Here, you''ll have no title. Rest, interact, and live peacefully, but that''s all! Do not oppress anyone with your ranks!" I ordered.


    My mother nodded, seemingly unbothered by the orders. However, I knew they were specifically for her-she always had the urge to grasp authority. Here, there was none for her.


    "That settled, I also don''t want you two trying to control me here," I said, folding my arms and staring at them.


    "But dear, there''s something you need to know. The second part of the "


    "Mom, I''m being serious here. Don''t try to control me," I interrupted, ensuring she understood my demands first.


    Dara stepped forward and turned to her. "Second part of the what? Prophecy? You know about it already?" she asked, looking rmed.


    I calmed myself and thought hard. Dara had mentioned the other part of the prophecy that was ''interesting.''


    "What''s this second part about?" Cami asked.


    My father took out a scroll from his luggage, but Dara quickly snatched the one in her hands and handed it to me. "Mine''s authentic," she said with a smile. "The authentic one was stolen," my father frowned, ring at Dara. She avoided his gaze and stared into space.


    Cami rolled her eyes and nudged her.


    I read through the scroll, and my mouth dropped open. Was I the silver wolf the prophecy talked about?


    I knew about defeating an evil, but having a mate who''d be the next Alpha King, and us defeating the evil together? That was news to me.


    "It''s crazy, right?" Dara smirked, turning to my father. "Chris shouldn''t know this, or he''ll realize his reign is doomed and cause trouble."


    I agreed with her-this was a lot to take in. To think Chris was once my mate. He''d know now that he''d lost out more than he thought. "Actually, he is aware," my mother said in a low tone.


    Dara snatched the scroll from me, raising it high. "He saw the scroll? How? I took it from his library so he''d never see it!"


    She did? How did she get there? How did she have the time? This girl was really fast.


    "We told him ourselves. I did research a long time ago when I realized you were a silver wolf. We told him before he allowed us to be deployed."


    I shook my head at my mother. Did she tell him as a threat that his rule was ending, or as a e and kill my daughter''s new mate''?


    That was Chris''s likely move if he were bloodthirsty-kill my mate. And that happened to be Alpha Jaden.


    "Chris isn''t someone who''d kill for the throne, right?" Cami asked, sounding unsure.


    "He''s a good kid, but don''t underestimate him. He might see it as saving the throne from someone unworthy," my father replied.


    A scoff escaped my lips. "He''s the unworthy one. He had a mate, rejected her, and now the new mate is unworthy while he''s worthy?"


    "Well, until you find a new mate, this secret shouldn''t be told to anyone else. Let''s watch Chris''s next move," Cami advised.


    Her being very tactical and less warlike since we formed our pack was amazing. Dara seemed to be the wild card now.


    I nodded at her words, as did my parents and Dara. I needed to understand everything before telling Alpha Jaden he risked being killed if Chris learned we were mates. "Very well, thank you for the heads-up. We''ll tighten security so there''s no repeat of today." I made a small bow to my parents.


    Dara bowed as well while Cami escorted them into the pack. I waited to continue patrol.


    "What did she mean by ''repeat of today''? Did someone try to hurt her?" my father asked Cami as they walked away.


    "Yes, a Blue Bloom warrior. She was saved by Alpha Jaden of ck Rose Pack just in time," Cami exined.


    "Oh my."


    "That Alpha? Is he on her side?" my mother asked, sounding impressed.


    "He''s an ally. Has always been, actually, even when we were rogues," Cami answered.


    "What? ck Hills didn''t know of such a rtionship," my father noted.


    Camiughed. "Yes, it was quite a secret. One you now share as part of Silver Pack."


    She sounded hearty with them. I knew she had never had parents and her brother was her only family.


    Either way, I sighed. The other half of the prophecy was a real problem and steered my future in a new direction.


    But what really was this evil we were supposed to fight?

 Crazy Thoughts

    Chapter Fifty-Two - Crazy Thoughts Chris''s POV


    What was I doing? I nced at my mother and Vanessa to my left and sighed. Surely, I was being driven by them again.


    The Red Moon warrior stepped forward and bowed. "Alpha, there was an incident at Silver Pack. A Blue Bloom warrior was killed." Vanessa stepped forward. "What is a Blue Bloom warrior doing there? You all shouldn''t try to kill Rihanna. She''s a silver wolf."


    She turned to me, expecting my agreement, and I nodded. "How dare anyone try to kill her? I also gave a clear order not to!" I raised my voice.


    The warrior lowered his gaze. "me the Blue Bloom Alpha. And no one can get info on Silver Pack; the warriors are very active against spies."


    My mother sauntered forward and, standing in front of the warrior, grabbed his chin and tilted it upward. "Marcus, dear," she called. He looked up at her. "Yes, Luna."


    I rolled my eyes. She was going to use her lead warrior''s daughter card to manipte the young man again.


    "Find someone who can tell you the ins and outs of that pack. If you must, date one of the warriors," she instructed sternly.


    Vanessa chuckled, stepping forward as well. "Find the most insecure of them, okay?"


    Marcus nodded and turned to leave but halted. "We sessfully nted someone at ck Rose, but we know she''ll be ratted out soon." I frowned. "Why? Don''t you send your best people there?"


    "We do, but they get caught and... killed, so very few spies agree to go."


    Vanessa sighed. I hoped she saw the logic in why she needed to go to ck Rose herself. She''d make the perfect spy for us at ck Hills.


    "Thest info the spy gave was that Alpha Jaden sent his warriors to aid Your Silver''s building and even visited her," Marcus reported. My mother turned to me, visibly annoyed. "Isn''t this Alpha close to you? Why''s he close to Your Silver as well?"


    "The spy didn''t speak like they were on good terms. I feel the Alpha was just trying to maintain a good rtionship," Marcus added. My mother exhaled sharply, looking away from me. "That''s a smart Alpha. Leave now and send word back on the Lycan. And hurry!" Marcus bowed and ran out of the courtroom. Hearing my mother speak of the Lycan again sent shivers down my spine.


    I didn''t like her ns forbating the prophecy. Sure, I wanted to get rid of the unworthy ''new Alpha King,'' but not with a ''possible evil.'' And if she thought the ''new Alpha King'' could be someone of lesser rank, why send a Lycan after them? Why couldn''t I handle him myself? "You look unsure about something. A King should never second-guess himself, Chris," my mother''s voice broke into my thoughts.


    "I''m second-guessing your ns, not myself, Mother," I replied, leaving my throne. If their ns were going well, I should rest in my bed. My cold, empty bed. I never thought I''d miss Sasha''s presence. Turning back to my mother, I asked, "Any news on Sasha?" "Some say they saw her shopping in the market with a wagon. She headed back to the castle, so we''re searching there," she said. Sasha rarely used her wagon unless buying a lot of goods, and she usually took some maidens along.


    Why was that day any different? Her disappearance also coincided with Your Silver''s visit.


    It bothered me that my pregnant Luna could have been hurt by my ex-mate. But what would Your Silver gain?


    "Fine. Keep on the lookout. I''ll go rest," I said to her and turned away, heading to my room.


    I hadn''t even opened the courtroom door when someone entered from the other side. It was a guard, rushing in and panting.


    "Alpha! There''s a legion of warriors outside the pce. They bear the ck Rose Alpha''s staff!" he shrieked.


    My mother and Vanessa slowly stepped back. What did they mean by bringing warriors to my pce? And how had my lead warrior allowed this? Where was Cara? Had she given herself a suspension with her mate? What wasn''t happening?


    So many thoughts raced through my mind as I awaited the first move.


    Did they know a new Alpha was supposed to rise-and it wasn''t me? I felt insecure. Why would ck Rose be the first to rebel?


    My mind returned to how Your Silver had been more cordial with ck Rose. Were they allies without my knowledge?


    "Alpha King!" It was Jake''s voice. I frowned. He was thest person I wanted to meet during this humiliation.


    He rushed toward me, d in armor. My ws were ready if he dared attack, but he walked to me calmly. "Alpha King, we are here!" He bowed slightly, voluntarily, for the first time.


    My Delta entered behind him, and I rxed, watching them both and wondering if they were conspiring against me. "Alpha King, ck Rose is the first pack to respond to the Luna search call-though they came here," my Delta smirked. Jake pouted. "I wasn''t at the pack when the order was passed, so when I heard, I brought my warriors here."


    Relief washed over me. I hadpletely forgotten about the Luna search call. No other pack had responded until now.


    ck Rose''s swift response impressed me. My earlier doubts mocked me as I exhaled in relief again.


    "Thank you foring. It''s good you came here; my Luna must be nearby," I said to him. My Delta nodded and left.


    Jake nodded understandingly. "I hope you''re not too worried. You know women-they must take vacations sometimes," he smiled.


    Was he being kind because he thought I was emotionally affected by her disappearance?


    Not much; I cared more about my baby. "I hope it''s just a vacation," I smiled back.


    My sister stepped forward and bowed. "When I heard you were here with warriors, I thought otherwise," she chuckled.


    Jake looked confused. "You thought otherwise?"


    I red at Vanessa. She lowered her gaze, carefully considering her reply. "I mean, I thought something else. That''s all." Not the best response. I pushed her back and gestured for Jake to follow. "Let''s continue the search."


    I noticed Jake smirk and asked, "What?"


    "Your sister is quite foolish, Alpha King. That must be annoying," he said, adjusting his armor.


    Jake didn''t mince words or reconsider them.


    I changed the subject. "Do you think Your Silver had a hand in my Luna''s disappearance?"


    "If she did, will you me her? Could you stop her?" Jake shook his head.


    I stopped in my tracks, his words reying in my mind. What did he mean by that?

 Always Disagree

    Chapter Fifty-Three - Always Disagree


    Chris''s POV


    I stopped moving along with him, his words reying in my head. What did he mean by that?


    "Jake, you always made me misunderstand you," I told him honestly. "Should I me Your Silver? Could I stop her?"


    He paused his steps and swerved to face me. "Yes, those are the exact questions I asked."


    And he knew he was being annoying? Jake Justin never changed. "You always made me misunderstand you."


    "And why?" he smiled. "Because you couldn''t answer those questions?"


    I frowned, my fists balling. We were outside the courtroom, and I could see his warriors ahead.


    Would they be annoyed if I hit their Alpha''s brother? Was he insinuating I wouldn''t dare challenge Your Silver a rogue?


    "You always had a problem with me, didn''t you? And I wondered why," I enquired bitterly.


    He chuckled hysterically. "I couldn''t dare have problems with you, Alpha King. I only highly disagreed with you, and I was honest about it."


    I scoffed loudly. "Disagreeing and being honest about it? Those aren''t wrong, but you always had an annoying way of making that point..." "Since when have I been that way? Since you rejected your mate, which led to her death, right?" he raised a brow.


    Was everyone still milking that? "But she didn''t die!"


    "You and I know she did. A part of her did, and she became the merciless Your Silver who defied everything!" he raised his voice.


    He smiled and rxed. "I would have let it go eventually if your mate had just stayed a dead girl, but she came back-a broken beast." "I''m d you know she''s a beast," I muttered audibly.


    "But a good one," he retorted. "One that could hunt its offenders and give them tormenting nights."


    I red at him.


    "Actually, I liked the beast she became. She reminded me of my mother." Jake snickered and began walking away.


    His mother truly was a beast. While my father was Alpha, he always mentioned her revolting him, just like her son was doing to me now. "You must have really liked Rihanna to dislike me so much for hurting her," I said Rih''s name for effect.


    Jake paused. "Yeah, I liked her," he turned to me. "She seemed like a pure soul, like Ray, who''d serve you despite your ws."


    My ws? He really knew how to pick his words.


    "And I liked her better as she rose like a phoenix. You know she dered ck Rose as her ally, so it meant she really wanted to have a pack."


    So, in his words, he''d never agreed with me on anything because I caused a ''pure soul'' to be a ''broken beast.''


    "You deserve it," my wolf, Zeke, taunted.


    Jake began leaving when he saw my Delta. He acted like he hadn''t just confronted his Alpha.


    I followed behind him and stopped in front of my Delta. "How many warriors did he bring? The guard had said a legion."


    The Delta squeezed his face. "A hundred. Blue Bloom and Blue Fire packs are far away and won''t respond on time, so we need more men."


    "How''d he gather a hundred warriors and bring them here within yesterday and now? Their Alpha must''ve told them to leave immediately."


    I smiled inwardly. At least Alpha Jaden showed his support to me all the time.


    "Actually, I didn''t want to say, but they were acimed allies of Silver Pack, so they sent warriors to build for her. These are those ones." My heart fell. Marcus had spoken about that. It was indeed true. These warriors were the ones who worked for Your Silver?


    Why bring them to me? It felt like they betrayed me. I huffed, looking down. Of course, Jake had brought them himself to annoy me. "Thank you. Spread them out. And make sure they find what we are looking for," I said authoritatively, hoping to overwork them. They said ck Rose warriors were really tough. Even after building for Your Silver, they could still transport themselves here within a day. Let me exploit them to my desire, then.


    "Yes, Alpha." My Delta bowed, understanding what I implied.


    I watched the warrior march out with Jake and my Delta to search for the Luna. It was a futile effort as my warriors had already done that. A smirk was on my face as I strolled back to my chambers, knowing a self-absorbed young man would be searching for nothing in my dark hills. "Chris!" someone barked as my chamber''s door closed. It was my father, and I quickly opened it. He''d sped in front and was raging. "What happened? Did something happen to Mother? Vanessa?" He was usually that mad when something happened to them. Like he had been when he found out Your Silver''s true identity and that she had hurt his daughter and embarrassed his son. "That girl Rihanna-she''s in the second part of the prophecy!" he raged, barging into my room.


    I nodded. "I figured already. Beta Sam and his wife informed me before leaving."


    He snapped his head at me. "Why did you let them go if they knew that much? I didn''t even want to permit them!"


    "What? You permitted them."


    "I did, but you shouldn''t have," he grunted. "I expected you to say it''s not safe or something. Now, Rihanna will know and feel more powerful." I was transfixed. He wanted me to not let them go? Why didn''t he give a clue or send a guard to tell me? How was I to know those things? Well, Your Silver not knowing the truth of the prophecy wouldn''t stop it from happening. I only had to make sure it didn''t happen urately.


    "And Vanessa told me Sasha was with child?" my father reduced his tone to ask.


    I met his gaze, and it had softened. I confirmed, "ording to Vanessa, she was. She didn''t tell me before her leave."


    "Or disappearance. Your Silver might not have anything to do with it. Someone else could have been involved," my father suggested.


    That never crossed my mind. Who''d take my Luna after being annoyed with me? No one else came to mind-unless it was an enemy of Sasha''s. "Either way, for it to be on the day Your Silver came, then it meant the person infiltrated our kingdom through Your Silver," he added. Your Silver might not have known, but someone from my pack would know.


    "You have the right to request her warriors be investigated or ask your Delta to go. Of course, tell him to be nice so he''d be backplete." Hearing my dad worry about Your Silver being nice to my Delta reminded me of Jake''s question: if I could stop her?


    "Father, Your Silver wouldn''t dare hurt my Delta," I seethed.


    He looked at me. "Because they grew up together? You know they weren''t close."


    "Because he''s a royal Delta, Father," I exined. "And he who hurt a royal Delta disrespects the King. No one should disrespect the King."


    He understood where I wasing from and nodded. "Then maybe you should be the one to visit her."


    Was he joking? There wasn''t a smile on his face. He wasn''t joking. "Why would I go there?"


    "At the creation of a new pack, the Alpha King blesses it to the Moon Goddess-it''s tradition. Remind her that you are her King bying."


    I smirked at those words. Yeah, I had to remind her by tomorrow.


    She had to know that the treaty she forced me to sign made me her Alpha King.

 Useless Lycan

    Chapter Fifty-Four - Useless Lycan


    Jaden''s


    POV


    Spies and rogues. They were two groups I hated a lot.


    My hands crawled to the neck of the man and began strangling the life out of him. It was quite funny when the Moon Goddess gave me a rogue as a mate. Maybe it was because it wasn''t her destiny to be a rogue.


    The man fell lifeless. I kicked him and moved towards the other shaking man.


    Rihanna''s destiny was to be a Luna Queen-a powerful one, just like the Silver Luna Queen, Chris''s grandmother. She should have had a kingdom that ruled other packs and a love that flourished without the pain of a broken heart, knowing her mate valued her. That should have been her fate.


    I frowned as the shaking man moved back; I didn''t have all day. My ws came out, and I slowly dragged the flesh off his skin. His screams were only a melody to my thoughts.


    Rihanna being a broken yet powerful Alpha was admirable but steered far from what her future was supposed to be. She had been deprived of her chance to be a Silver Queen by a selfish man-or had Chris actually been selfish? What had made him do that?


    The man stopped screaming and fell dead. I left him and moved toward the tieddy.


    Deep down, I wanted my mate to get back the future she deserved. To be the Silver Luna Queen as the Moon Goddess had nned for her. But I couldn''t change the past. I only wanted her present to change. But again, it might have been toote.


    Perhaps the Moon Goddess had given her another future. Or had she?


    Thedy kicked my legs, jolting me from my thoughts. My eyes shifted from red to their normal color.


    "Please scream rather than kicking me, okay?" I asked her gently, reaching for her neck.


    She shook her head and bit off the cloth tied to her mouth. "Don''t kill me, please! Don''t kill me!"


    Her words distracted my thoughts. I disconnected from my wolf and looked down at her. I realized she was a Red Moon spy.


    "You are a spy from Red Moon? Don''t they usually send warriors, or are they tired of acting impulsively?" I smirked, stepping back.


    Her breathing slowed as I wasn''t making a move to end her. She looked at the dead men and gulped. "I was forced toe."


    "Hmm," I said dismissively, sensing the lie in her words. "You weren''t. Perhaps you''d be given gold if you provided them with useful information." She red at me. "I really was forced here!"


    "Don''t lie to me!" I gripped her neck suddenly, startling her. She tried to push my wrist away but was too weak to make it move.


    "Drop your hands, or my ws will leave their ces and tear into your neck!" I ordered.


    She involuntarily dropped her hands while gasping for breath. I let go of her, and she fell.


    I hadn''t even realized I had lifted her off the ground. I sighed. My wolf should really stop getting in my way.


    "Okay, I''ll let you talk with these wolves when you can easily kill them and go rest," he huffed.


    "If we kill them all, we won''t know exactly what they want. Stay clear and let me do my thing," I retorted.


    "Fine." He retreated to the back of my head.


    I breathed out, my eyes assuming their normal color again. My wolf always switched them without my consent.


    "Now, let''s talk. You''re not a rogue like these men, so why did they send an official to spy here? I love the attention, but why?" I sat down. She looked under the table where I sat. There was a saw beneath it. She nced at me in fear.


    "I swear, I''m not going to use that on you," I assured.


    "Yet," my wolf whispered, making me frown.


    The young girl swallowed hard. "Actually, my Alpha has always been sending spies here. I''m the only one who ever sent back information." She had sent back information? "What did you send?" I frowned.


    She looked down. "I informed him that you sent warriors to help your Silver and even visited her as an ally."


    Hearing her say "as an ally" made me exhale. I thought she''d assume I wanted a rtionship with her. It ddened me that she wasn''t that... smart. "You should be proud of yourself. You''re the first spy to do that," I grinned.


    Her eyes dted as I got up again. "If that''s all you''ve done, then I doubt you''ve been here long. It''s best to end you now. You can''t help me..." "Actually, I can!" she interjected.


    I retracted my ws. "How? And I don''t want a spy for Red Moon. What happens there doesn''t concern me."


    "It should," she hurriedly said. "You know of the Lycan King there?"


    My eyes widened. Lycan King? I knew of the Lycan Red Moon had been wanting to trade with ck Hills, but he was a King?


    My wolf came closer to get a fill-in on this gossip. He was particrly interested.


    "What about the Lycan King? And how did Red Moon get a Lycan King?" I inquired, almost disbelieving her.


    A Lycan was really powerful. An average Lycan couldbat a Beta, more so a full Lycan. Then a King of Lycans? Something didn''t add up. "And how do you know he''s the Lycan King?"


    "He''s crazy! Mad! He killed all his family and was heavily injured so much that he''s like a warrior wolf," she replied.


    "Then he''s almost useless," I deadpanned.


    "No, he''s rebuilding. A fight with a Silver wolf will greatly improve him. He''ll be Red Moon and ck Hills'' secret weapon," she smirked. Those two packs would seriously not ept trading a Lycan in our world to a Silver wolf.


    "That was the arrangement before I left Red Moon. I don''t know if itmenced or changed. I can find out if you let me go," she pleaded. She was very convincing. I wanted to protect my mate, and I''d need an insider. But if I let this spy go, how could I be sure she wouldn''t run away? "Let''s do this. You keep being a spy for Red Moon, but in turn, you ask for information that can facilitate your espionage," I offered. She cocked her head. "You''ll let me keep being a spy?"


    I nodded. "So far, I have few secrets to hide. If I do, you wouldn''t know about it, even if you tried. I''ll assign a warrior to you so you won''t leave." She nodded readily. "As long as I don''t die, I''ll do anything you please."


    I sensed sincerity in her words. A part of me felt she was tired of working with Red Moon. They also had a history of disposing of their spies. "Very well. Stay here. I''ll send a warrior for you to answer to," I told her, walking away.


    She nodded, and I left the barn. The warrior outside went in immediately and removed the dead men.


    I mind-linked him. "I''m assigning her to you. She''ll report Red Moon''s information, and you''ll report to me."


    He replied, "Yes, Alpha. And Beta Ralph came shortly to say that King Chris is currently at Silver Pack. He thought you should know."


    I froze, cutting off my mind link. Why was Chris there? My wolf came to the surface. What did he want with her?


    He''d recently released her parents to her, and now he came himself? Was he trying to gain her favor? Or was I overthinking? "Don''t be jealous. Let''s go there now!"


    "That would be


    impulsive," I retorted.


    Yet I let my wolf shift. We would visit. I didn''t like the idea of my mate being alone with an ex.

 Haughty Rihanna

    Chapter Fifty-Five - Haughty Rihanna


    Jaden''s POV


    When I arrived, I saw the carriage of the King outside the mansion where Rihanna and I had tea. Had she taken him into her sitting room?


    My wolf let me take control, and I tidied myself before strolling in.


    "Alpha Jaden!" It was Dara. I smiled at her and walked toward her.


    She walked faster and grabbed my hand, moving me away from the room.


    "Chris is in there. He''s asking for traditional olive oil and wolf bone to bless ournd. Is it something he should do, or my Alpha?" she asked.


    My mind went back to my mother''s tales of newnds and packs and how they needed an Alpha to bless thend-an already existing Alpha. "It doesn''t have to be Chris, but as her Alpha King, he could if he wanted to. Any already existing Alpha can do it," I replied.


    "As I thought, Chris won''t be doing it!" she huffed. Then she smiled and turned to me. "I forgot. Thank you for saving my Alphast time." I shrugged. "It was nothing; she owes me one."


    The girl nodded. "Yeah, I''m d she finally has a friend."


    Oh, please. I wanted to be more than that, but I kept my thoughts to myself. Dara stormed back into the room while I followed. "Alpha Jaden," Chris called. It sounded more like a question. If he was about to ask me what I was doing there, I didn''t know. "Hello, Alpha King. You came to our part of the forest," I smirked, taking a seat beside Rihanna, who had a nk face on. Chris paused, looking at the both of us, trying to read it. "Our forest? Red Moon stayed around this forest too, you know."


    "But I doubt you came to see Red Moon. They are your loyal dogs you can summon with the snap of a hand," Rihanna retorted with a scowl.


    Chris had aid-back smile and seemed pretty rxed about the situation. Rihanna looked rather pissed. He still had an effect on her.


    I sat up and stayed farther from her so it wouldn''t be misunderstood. "So you came here to bless hernd? A warrior told me."


    He turned to me. "Yes, I did. As her Alpha King, I should at least inaugurate my pack..."


    "It''s my pack!" she pped the table. "And I don''t need you inaugurating it! I''ll ask an ally to do it or damn it totally!"


    She pointed at him. "You better get your butt out of mynd, Chris, or I''ll really show you..."


    I pulled her down, making her shut up. Why was she so pissed all the time? Chris looked amused, and it was beginning to piss me off too. "For real, you aren''t Rihanna," Chris smirked. "You''re lucky you submitted yourself to me, or you''d have wasted your silver wolf."


    Rihanna''s fist clenched under her, and mine did as well. She submitted to him? From what I remembered, she bullied him to ept the treaty. How could he mock her for changing when he caused her to change? He was the pain that made her change, and here he was bragging. "Should I kill him?" I heard Dara say behind us. She was ring at Chris, and her ws were already out.


    Chris''s smirk fell when he heard her. He turned. "Excuse me? What did you say?"


    "I wasn''t speaking to you," Dara replied, not even sparing him a nce.


    He rose from his chair, and Rihanna did the same. I controlled my wolf to stay in ce. I''d known Chris to be a calm guy; he wouldn''t overreact. "Didn''t you hear your maid...?"


    "Lead warrior," Dara corrected. "Do I look like a maid to you?"


    Rihanna smirked, walking in front of him. "You better watch your mouth, Dara. He''s a King." She stared at Chris with a mocking expression. Dara huffed and stayed calm.


    Chris smiled and sat back down. "You don''t teach your officials politeness. And you are yet to introduce your Beta and Delta to me." "My Delta is out scouting; you met her at the border. My Beta isn''t here at the moment. When she arrives, I''ll tell you to pay a visit." My wolf howled inughter as Rihanna added thest part. How could a king visit his subject?


    Chris still had the smile on his face, though it was contorting into a psycho grin. "You should also watch your mouth. I am a King." Rihanna rolled her eyes and sat down. "Well, King, my response remains. You will not ''bless'' mynd for the moon goddess."


    "It''s not like you reverence the moon goddess. You rejected her gift to you," Dara murmured to herself.


    "


    We all turned to her, hearing her. Had she forgotten she was supposed to shut up, or did she forget she was in a room filled with Alphas with good ears? "Are we still milking that?" Chris grinned. "I didn''t know you told your warriors how pained you were by the rejection." He faced Rihanna.


    She red at him. "I did tell them of your foolishness but with gratefulness that you were foolish," she spat back. "And Dara, get out!" Dara looked down. "Yes, Alpha. I''m sorry." She walked away.


    Chris had a pleased smile, seeing the lead warrior leave. He turned to me. "You''ve been quiet. I wonder why you even came here."


    I hoped he''d never ask, but since he did, I had the answer. "I heard you visited, and I knew she''d be haughty, so I came to caution her." Rihanna scoffed. "You should havee for him; he''s the oneing to ces that don''t need him."


    Chris sighed, looking away from me. "Yournd is mynd..."


    "It isn''t!" She mmed the table again, getting up. I could see Chris losing his patience. Rihanna had already lost hers.


    "Alpha Jaden, you said you were to caution her. Do caution her," he said in a low tone.


    Slowly, I held Rihanna by the waist, startling her and seemingly Chris as well, then dropped her back in the chair. "Yes, Alpha King."


    Chris shifted ufortably in his chair, staring at me. Rihanna said nothing and kept her eyes fixated on Chris.


    "And if I dared contribute, I''d suggest letting her pick an already existing Alpha of her choice to bless hernd, if she still wants to.'' Chris frowned. "Why? Who blessed yours..."


    He trailed off when he realized that his father or grandfather hadn''t blessed mynd.


    "My grandfather had a friend then who was an Alpha. He helped bless ournd more than two hundred years ago," I replied in a low tone. Rihanna snapped her head to me. "Two hundred? Your pack has existed before ck Hills. Why ever did you guys submit to them?"


    I hushed her. "It''s an honor to be under a King who stopped the killing of silver wolves. My grandma then was highly impressed with him." "Wait, your mother isn''t the only female Alpha in history?" she asked again, stunned.


    I nodded proudly. "Actually, I am the fourth male Alpha in our history. We had more female Alphas, but no one cared if it was female or male." Chris huffed, getting up. "You seemed so qualified to bless hernd. Then bless it."


    "Me? I never insinuated blessing it. I wouldn''t know if she wanted me to," I said, innocently.


    "I want you to. Do it in my stead," Chris replied and walked away.


    Rihanna began chuckling, rising from her seat too. "I saw what you did there, and I would want you to bless it if it''s such a big deal."


    I wasn''t sure what I did. If it was intimidating Chris and making him feel I w


    as better, that was an ident that could cost me a lot.


    But if it made my mate feel better, I would do it again any day.

 Weird Guys

    Chapter Fifty-Six - Weird Guy


    Rihanna''s POV


    I was still smiling ear to ear as I walked Chris back to his carriage. Jaden''s brag on ck Rose''s history was impressive.


    ck Hills had celebrated a hundred years when Chris turned eighteen-a year before I did. ck Rose was the true Kingdom among us. "I won''t be visiting here again, unless I have to," Chris said, climbing into his carriage.


    I flipped my hair back, exposing my face, which I had been hiding behind my hair for a scary effect. "You will have to," I chuckled.


    I noticed his eyes lingered on my face and scoffed. "What? Did you think I was beautiful when Iughed? That line is dead now."


    "Just as Rihanna is. Before me is Your Silver; I am very well aware," he replied.


    I shook my head. "If you console yourself with, Rihanna is dead, then fine. But her spirit will always haunt you, in the form of Your Silver."


    He mmed the door shut, and I heard him sit angrily inside. A smile was etched on my face, knowing I had displeased him.


    I returned to the sitting room, trying to find Dara in the mind link. Perhaps I had been a bit harsh with her. She was speaking nothing but facts. Cami disrupted my search by informing me that Chris had crossed our border and was heading home.


    It was good to know we didn''t breathe the same air. I couldn''t find Dara and decided to let it go.


    "So, what was the exact reason you came here?" I asked, folding my arms as I walked into the room where Jaden was.


    He was staring into space and only snapped back when I sat down.


    "Um... yeah. I caught a spy who informed me a Lycan will be sent to... kill you," he said, looking unsure. "Or something like that?"


    "Why?" I was nearly rmed. The Lycan I was still hoping to save, being sent to kill me? I knew it was supposed to be traded with me, but... "Sure?" I asked.


    There was something about the way he added, something like that? that made me unsure of him.


    He shrugged. "It was said to be a n of Red Moon and ck Hills, but Chris didn''t seem like he had killing you in mind now."


    Red Moon was indeed ck Hills'' puppet-or were they the ones puppeteering ck Hills? It was ttering that they both thought of me.


    But why would Chris want to kill me when he was iming I belonged to him? "It didn''t add up," I said.


    Alpha Jaden nodded. "Lots of things that spy said didn''t add up, like Red Moon getting a Lycan King? That''s huge."


    Lycan King? It was a damn Lycan King being sent to kill me? I was as good as dead. I turned to Jaden and stared at him nkly.


    Was he worried his mate was about to be assassinated? Was that why he ran all the way here? I had noticed his horse wasn''t outside.


    "You just realized I''m handsome, or you spaced out while looking at me?" His voice brought me back to consciousness.


    "I''ve seen more handsome men, believe me. I was just thinking," I scoffed.


    "I believe you," he grunted, leaving his seat. "But if a Lycan is really after you, I don''t think you should move around alone."


    A sigh escaped my lips. He had a point there. I was too used to ying solo, but things had to change now that I was an Alpha.


    I had to depend on my pack while they depended on me too. Warriors had to stay at the border; it was their specialty to identify threats on time.


    I nodded. "I''ll take that as advice from an existing Alpha to a new Alpha."


    He spaced out again by the time I looked up at him. Where did he usually go to? I peered closer into his eyes and noticed they were red.


    "Are you okay? What are you doing?" I tugged at his torso. As I felt it, it was hard and nicely shaped. I pulled my hand away.


    He looked down at me dismissively. "Did you call?" His eyes were normal again.


    Okay, so he had to be weird guy. The Moon Goddess must have a sense of humor.


    First, she gave me an adorable mate who rejected me. Now, a weird mate who seemed caring. Don''t I deserve a full ten?!


    "No, I didn''t call. You''d have heard me if I did." I clicked my tongue. "You''ve warned me about the Lycan. You can head home now..." "Don''t chase me yet."


    I turned to him. "What?"


    His eyes turned red again, then back to white. "Chris is nning something bad. I''d need to be careful."


    Chris? What did Chris have to do with anything we''d been discussing for thest two minutes? He''d left almost five minutes ago. "Wait, were you listening to him? Is that why you spaced out?" I walked closer to him.


    He took a step back. "Yes, and why does that seem new?"


    "Well, it''s weird, intrusive, and I don''t know anyone who can hear miles off. Before I walked in, Chris had passed my borders, so..."


    My mind went back to him calling for the scout earlier. He''d mistaken me for a scout, but being able to hear far off... was impressive.


    "I''m not your average Alpha then," he sighed, shaking his head. "Live how you want; you''re not his problem, thankfully."


    I wasn''t his problem? Hadn''t he said I should be careful? "Tell me, what did you hear?"


    He looked down, biting his lower lip. "It wouldn''t bother you, so there''s no need to tell you."


    That was fine with me. It didn''t seem like my problem then. I shrugged, adjusting the chairs closer to the table.


    "In that case, thank you for your time. I''ll be off running my pack, and you should too. On the day of coronation, you''ll be blessing thend."


    He nodded absentmindedly, then looked up again. "You didn''t even persist to know. Of course, it wouldn''t bother you." He chuckled.


    That chuckle seemed painful, followed by a fake smile I was all too familiar with.


    What exactly had Chris been gossiping about to elicit such a reaction?


    Still, I shouldn''t care. It wasn''t detrimental to me. "I avoid problems and overthinking. Could you please spare me?"


    "dly," he said, moving back. "I''ll head back now. Stay safe."


    One minute he was saying, live how you want. The next, be safe?


    I should assume it''s just the mate instincts. "Yeah, I will."


    It was only after the words left my lips that I realized I should have replied, You too. He was already gone by then.

 Kids!

    Chapter Fifty-Seven - Kids!


    It had been a month since my coronation and the sealing of Silver Pack as one of the packs under ck Hills. Beatrice was back, weirdly and happily, with a son. I hadn''t gotten the time to ask her where he''de from, but he surely wasn''t hers.


    My pack was like a normal one now. We decided to major in gold mining, as we were very used to dark ces due to our roguish nature. And Blue Bloom was solely majoring in fishery, so we could as well steal their source of ie. Everything was going smoothly, well, I even got to chat with Ray for a minute at the coronation. He had been Chris''s representative. But Alpha Jaden had been acting weird since hisst visit. He stayed for only a few minutes during my coronation. He spoke only congrattory words to me and left before any official saw us together. I mean, we weren''t doing anything wrong.


    Jake attended the majority of his meetings and never spoke of his brother. I doubted I''d be weed if I went there. I must have said something wrong on the day he visited, or was it about what Chris had said? I never knew what it was. And after I thought hard on it, I realized that he had said something about him being careful. I really should have asked what he''d heard.


    A knock on the door of the courtroom broke my thoughts. I nced at the silhouette of the figure, looking through the door with wolf vision. It was a small man, Beatrice''s son. He wasn''t small, at eight, but he surely didn''t look it with that three-foot height.


    "Alpha?" he peeked inside when I said nothing. He smiled broadly on seeing me. "My mom ising to see you."


    "She shoulde, I''m right here," I said in a t tone. The kid didn''t catch that I wanted to be alone and walked inside.


    "No! I tricked you, she''s noting," he beganughing. What was funny? My face didn''t even move. Since when did I dislike kids this much?


    "What''s that?" he pointed at a painting.


    "It''s a nonyabusiness."


    He made a surprised face. "Wow? What''s ''noyabizne'' for?"


    I groaned internally; he was so dumb and curious. Those two shouldn''t go hand in hand.


    "It''s just a painting, okay?" I sighed, flipping through the book in front of me.


    He came in front of my book and stood before the light. "What are you reading, Alpha?"


    My fists clenched, but I hid them away from him, not because I didn''t want him to see it, but I didn''t want him to know when I''d use it!


    "Nonyabusiness, thetest edition."


    He looked at the painting and my book. "That painting is from this book?" his eyes widened.


    He must be kidding me! But I nodded, anything to make him let me be. He ran to the painting and looked at it enthralled. I sighed. Beatrice shoulde get her kid.


    Like the Moon goddess heard me, Beatrice walked in, with a frown, marching towards me.


    "Here to scold your kid for leaving his room?" I asked her in mind link.


    She slowed down and gazed at her son. "No, I knew he was here with you."


    She what? And she let him?


    "Actually, we have a rogue problem. We caught a spy from Red Moon that has been here for a while, dating one of our warriors," she reported.


    I rose from my seat, the kid ran behind his mother. Did I look scary? Maybe I should look this way all the time to get him off my track? "Where''s the bastard and his lover?" I barked, storming out of the courtroom.


    Red Moon had someone here for long? How did they ever get past without me knowing? And why didn''t she just handle this one? "Greta?!" I yelled in disbelief.


    She jumped and ran in front of a young man, kneeling on the floor, in a protective stance. "Alpha, I can exin."


    I blinked furiously. Greta was the one who fell for a Red Moon warrior? She was supposed to be a smart badass. Emphasis on smart.


    "Do exin. He''s been here for a month already, who knows the information you''ve shared with him," Beatrice barked, making Greta sob.


    "He''s not dangerous," she sniffed.


    I red at the young man. He was still a teenager, like Greta. At best, he''d be neen. Using my wolf vision, I could tell he wasn''t an ordinary wolf but a warrior wolf.


    "He has greater strength than you, Greta," I said.


    She looked up at me and saw my eyes were reddish-orange; she understood I was checking him.


    "But he said he was an omega," she looked at him.


    "I am," he pleaded, but Beatrice pped him.


    "Liar! You are a spy from Red Moon. How do you think I caught you! You were sending letters!"


    Greta ced her hands in her mouth in disbelief, tears streamed down her eyes. I calmed down, exhaling. She''d be the second warrior who''d be getting their heart broken; I hated this. And how could she just fall in love like that? These girls. "I wasn''t, I really wasn''t!" the young man kept on acting.


    Beatrice kicked his stomach, and he fell face down. Some warriors picked him and pulled his face up. Greta turned away.


    "I housed him for weeks now. I''m ashamed."


    "He didn''t touch, did he?" I nodded to be sure we weren''t expecting another kid around here.


    She shook her head in the negative. "I was hoping he''d be my mate first."


    "Girl!" Beatrice grunted. "You both are already past eighteen; you don''t need to wait a month to know if he''s your mate or not."


    I rolled my eyes at Greta''s statement. Indeed, she got the badass but left the smart.


    "Leave. We''d take it from here!"


    She was reluctant but finally, with slumped shoulders, ran away and bumped into Dara. "What''s going on?" Dara asked, walking into the scene. "Why''s Greta''s face wet?"


    "She''s crying," Beatrice responded in a matter-of-factly manner.


    "I see that, but why..."


    "A Red Moon warrior sneaked in here," I replied to Dara. "You can drop your act and start speaking."


    The young man looked hurt; he swallowed saliva and said, "Yes, I was sent."


    "Good," Beatrice smiled, proud that she caught him. "And how did you get in here?"


    "I sneaked in somehow," he said inly.


    "Shut up! I am the warrior in charge! Not even squirrels pass the border!" Dara yelled.


    He flinched and looked down; his lips trembled.


    "How long did Greta say he''d been here?" I asked Beatrice.


    Her eyes were boring holes in the young man; she sighed and said, "A month already."


    My mind went back to any suspicious activity that happened a month ago. Then it clicked. Chris had visited. He came in with some warriors, but I didn''t count how many. Since he was working with Red Moon, could he have sneaked in spies? After all, Alpha Jaden that day had told me he caught a spy of theirs.


    "You were really smart to have used a warrior to live here. Smart one," I folded my arms.


    He didn''t look so pleased, because he was caught? "Tell me why I shouldn''t kill you now?"


    "Cause, it will annoy the former Luna. She sent me here, and Princess Vanessa sent me after a warrior. I am under their orders."


    "Wait, did you just threaten our Alpha with the Princess and former Luna Queen?" Dara scoffed.


    Beatrice rolled her eyes in disbelief.


    "He actually gave us useful information. Now we know that Red Moon and ck Hills royalties are all scared of me," I folded my arms. "I''d bundle you to them, of course after torture. I''ve a message for yor queen; you''d be delivering it," I spoke, looking him in the eye.

 Thinking

    Chapter Fifty-Eight - Thinking


    I''d say I was more scared of leaving my mate alone in this world than dying because I was her mate. Rihanna didn''t need to face another pain of losing a mate, especially if it would be caused by Chris again.


    A month ago, I visited Rihanna while she talked to Chris. I couldn''t help but feel rage towards him, seeing how he taunted my mate. When he left, I overheard him tell a warrior to alert him on whoever became Rihanna''s mate. I had be alert myself. What did he need such information for? Was he still interested in her?


    Then I overheard again that he''d need the man dead but would like to meet him first. He then ranted on about a prophecy he didn''t want to happen. Dara was big on prophecies, so I wrote a letter to her and realized Rihanna was a key to a big prophecy, along with her mate.


    The moon goddess was really pushing buttons. A few years ago, I was the caged, enclosed son of the Alpha. Now I struggled to get an Alpha position; I was being haunted by an Alpha King because I found my mate. She was very considerate, wasn''t she?


    "Jaden!" A voice called, jolting me. I sighed, seeing my tea spill on me as I shook. I looked up but looked down again. That kid was annoying.


    "I know you space out a lot, but thisst one was for almost ten minutes," Jake smiled, sitting beside my bed. "I was watching you."


    I tilted my head. Ten minutes? I couldn''t even remember all I''d thought of.


    "Something, other than pack and your normal fantasies, is bothering you. Tell me, what?" he inquired.


    I frowned at the "normal fantasies" part, but he wasn''t lying. I grunted, stretching a bit on the bed. "Jake, I''m alright, don''t worry."


    He said nothing, then I heard the bed sink inside. I grunted again. "No, no, get down." But when I turned, he was already inside the covers. That kid! I pulled the covers, but he clung to them. "What is it?!"


    "Tell me what''s bothering you. Also, your bed has always been softer than mine. You have no one to share it with, so..."


    He dragged the cover again and wrapped himself in it. I let him, resting my head on the bed rest. "I just think till I overthink; it''s nothing."


    His head popped up from the covers; he had a sad, mixed with an angry face. "Can you not tell me? Just tell me what''s wrong?"


    It sounded like he wasmanding me to. I waspelled. He was one person who was forcing me to share my problems, and I needed ideas.


    "Okay, fine. I found my mate. But you''d rather die than tell anyone," I replied, tilting my head back to rest on the bed rest, I closed my eyes.


    "Really? Oh my goodness. We would be having a Luna?" I heard him yelp.


    I smiled, opening my eyes, but then his face, grinning, was the first thing I saw. I would have jumped, but I didn''t want my lips to crash to his; that would have been weird.


    Seeing he was standing on my bed, I kicked him down, and he let himself fall. He jumped right up, like a yful dog. "So who''s she? Do I know her?" he grinned, making small hops on my bed.


    I sighed. I wasn''t ready to disclose that part yet.


    "You mustn''t know that; she can''t be Luna yet," his face saddened as I said that.


    "In other words, you can''t be with her as well. That''s enough to think for ten minutes," he nodded at his own words.


    "Also, someone isn''t happy with whoever her mate will be, and will kill him apparently," I continued.


    Jake raised a brow. "That''s you? The person will try to kill you?"


    I nodded, with a small pout.


    He smirked. "I dare them." The way he said that just gave a whole younger brother vibe and support; I was d I had him. But it was the Alpha King we were talking about here, and no matter what, there was a reason he was the Alpha King. It was more than inheritance, like Jake used to say.


    Chris had the aura of a King, and by prophecy, he''d have been the mate of the great silver wolf if not that he rejected her. I doubt much changed after that.


    "Okay then, but does the girl know you will be killed if you guys are together? She needs to know," Jake told me.


    "She doesn''t care... much," I replied. He red at me. "And I don''t want to bother her about it; she has a pack to run." It slipped my tongue.


    My eyes widened, likewise Jake''s. We slowly turned to each other with a dropped jaw. There was only one girl who ran a pack around here. "No way!" Jake squealed.


    "No way!" I face palmed. "You mustn''t tell anyone, Jake. Like for real, shut your mouth."


    He pinned his mouth together and smiled. "No one will know. Unless they have high hearing like you, but I doubt anyone does."


    I exhaled. Things weren''t quite going as I wanted.


    "Does Rih know? Like does she know you too are..." he gestured the remaining words.


    I rolled my eyes but nodded. "Yeah, but it doesn''t matter. Something big can easily destroy that, and that''s what I''m actually thinking about."


    Jake''s facial expressions changed. "What could destroy it? For years, you''ve been fantasizing about your mate; you get her, hot, strong, can withstand you, and something wants to destroy it?"


    He sounded so pissed, but what''s with him going on and on about me fantasizing? He didn''t live in my head, did he?


    "It''s not that easy. Also, I can''t just have her; she''s an Alpha. What happens to her pack?"


    "We merge!" Jake announced proudly.


    Someone should get him away from me.


    "Silver Pack and ck Rose Pack merge. Silver Rose Pack! Whoo! It''d be amazing! A new legacy is formed," he kept on shouting.


    I doubt that was our future. Something simr, but it wouldn''t end that way. I wasn''t sure if I should go further and tell him about the prophecy and Chris wanting to kill me because I was sure he''d go overboard with it.


    He did tell me that he argued with Chris those few hours he stayed at ck Hills to search for the Luna. He and Chris were very ipatible.


    "Aren''t you thinking of that?" he finally calmed down and asked. "Oh, and who''s the scum that will stop you from being with Rih?"


    Scum? Well, I dare not speak.


    "Wait, someone who won''t be happy with whoever her mate will be, and will kill him?" he remembered what I said.


    He turned to me. "Red Moon? Chris? Those are the only options. And why''d Red Moon care? It''s Chris, right? That''s why you''d be scared."


    Scared? Was I scared? Hmm, maybe. Perhaps less for Chris but more of losing her. It was stupid that I was scared of losing her when she wasn''t yet mine, but the fear, it was so prevalent that it made me think. Nonstop.

 Visit To Red Moon

    Chapter Fifty-Nine - Visit to Red Moon


    I wanted to rewind back thest twenty minutes when Jake didn''t know about Rih and I and the connection with Chris. We were currently on our way to Red Moon, and I didn''t know what for. Ralph was riding with us, slowly at the back. "Why are we going to Red Moon again?" I asked Jake in mind link. I''d beenmunicating with him through mind link since to prevent him from identally spilling more than he should. He was like a time bomb, that I knew. "We both know Red Moon and ck Hills are working together to diss Silver Pack. Why don''t we make Red Moon on our side?" he smirked.


    Why''d I expect such a ridiculous answer? I had known his words would be silly. I stopped my horse; Ralph got to me and stopped his too.


    "You just realized the reason we are heading to Red Moon isn''t worth it, right?" he asked, with a sigh, probably still sleepy as Jake woke him up.


    I nodded firmly. "Jake, let''s turn back now."


    My younger brother kept on riding. "I have a sick idea. Just hear me out. And don''t you want to see the Lycan King they say they have?" "Jake, listen to your brother," Ralph sighed, "You know they won''t just let you see the Lycan, and he''s probably dangerous."


    "I am not a weakling. And I have you and my brother." He stopped riding and turned to us.


    My growing anger diffused seeing he was making efforts toe back, but I soon saw he wasn''t actually and had a lot more to say. "Look, Red Moon sends rogues after Silver Pack, as well as Blue Bloom and Blue Fire packs, let''s negotiate to stop this," he said. "Why?" Ralph asked, moving his horse forward to him. "Why do you want to help Silver Pack?"


    I blinked, and so did Jake; he nced at me and then away. "Nothing special. We are their allies."


    Ralph had caught his eye movements and sighed. "Another secret y''all are keeping from me?" he folded his hands. "I shouldn''t be here."


    Jake stopped him from leaving. "Hey, don''t sulk. It''s nothing. Just brothers'' secret. But primarily, it''s to make sure Silver Pack is okay."


    My Beta turned to me, ring with usatory eyes. "I don''t know why Alpha is making much effort for that girl."


    Jake snickered silently then began moving again. "Let''s go. We''ll tell Red Moon, leave Silver Pack, and work with us. Gain immensely."


    His horse galloped farther from us and got lost in the woods. By now, I was already on my fourth time regretting telling Jake. A part of me really wanted to know the offer he had for or against Red Moon. One that could save Silver Pack some stress. I was all for it.


    "We areing closer. Be careful so you won''t be seen as a trespasser," Jake mind linked to me and seemingly Ralph as he nodded.


    "Who''s there?" a border warrior called as we approached.


    "Alpha of ck Rose and Beta of ck Rose!" Jake informed with a holler. "You should roll and kneel on the floor."


    Thatst part earned a chuckle from Ralph. My brother was always too much. "We want to speak with your Alpha," Ralph said.


    The warrior had hateful looks ring at him. "Oh Beta Ralph, how are your precious roses know one touches?"


    "Very well. Thank you," Ralph replied naturally, ignoring the man may have had an underlying story behind his question.


    Another warrior came to us. "The Alpha permits you toe and see him. Let me in," he told the other warrior, who moved away for us to pass.


    Ralph nced at me, and so I did to him. How did the Alpha know we were here already? We stared at Jake.


    "Yes, I sent a letter earlier. Did you expect me to leave an Alpha and Beta waiting at the border?" he admitted.


    We left our horses at thest staircase and climbed up to get to the courtroom.


    "Anything you say, Rihanna being my mate shouldn''t be one of them," I told Jake in mind link.


    "Sure," he responded immediately.


    "Ahh! I never knew a time woulde when you''d ride to my pack wanting a favor!" Red Moon Alpha hollered when we walked in.


    Jake smirked. "We might have saved you the trouble of riding, but it is you who would want a favor from us."


    The Red Moon Alpha frowned, recing himself on his seat. He gestured for all his guards to move away, and they did.


    We stood before him. Jake marched closer. "I found a relic which was peculiar to ck Rose. A Charmed ne that made one unable to identify their mates."


    My brother took off the ne on his neck and swung it around. The Red Moon Alpha didn''t seemfortable seeing it.


    "I just discovered from an olddy in my pack that it was once popr here in Red Moon, amongst the witches," Jake continued.


    Witches? I pulled Jake''s arm. "That''s a sensitive topic to speak of in front of their Alpha."


    Red Moon was once filled with witches who swapped people''s destinies; it was horrific. When ck Hills Alpha King had rid them of it, they signed themselves as one of their packs. It was wrong to speak of such dark times.


    "I am getting somewhere with this," Jake pulled his arm off me and threw the ne at the Alpha, who shrieked, kicking it away.


    "I believe your father told you, of a witch he asked a favor for," Jake raised a brow. "The witch had used that relic to swap something."


    An Alpha asked a favor from a witch? I thought he was clear that no wolf ever coborated with the witches?


    "My father didn''t tell me of such a thing. What do you mean, Jake Justin! And what are you doing here exactly!" The Alpha pointed at me.


    I wasn''t sure what I was doing there.


    "Jake, get to the point, will you?" I asked him through mind link.


    He cleared his throat. "I have reasons to believe and proof as well, that the former Luna Queen isn''t the actual mate of Alpha Wayne." Ralph, who had been looking sleepily, suddenly widened his eyes. He turned to me. "What did he say?"


    I bet he heard him right, only didn''t understand what he meant.


    "Alpha Wayne''s mate is actually another poordy somewhere. And Red Moon is responsible for that swap!" Jake barked.


    Shivers ran through my spine. Alpha Wayne''s mate was swapped? The former Luna Queen wasn''t his actual mate? That was huge.


    "What do you have to say to this?" Ralph shouted at the Alpha.


    He gazed at the ne, looking regrettable. "Why should I ept it? It is an usation!"


    "Oh really, what if I have someone that can reverse what you did to Alpha Wayne? Do you want that instead?" Jake asked.


    "No!" the Alpha left his seat. He bit his lips, looking down. "Don''t reverse it."


    Ralph clenched his fists. "So it is true? You sent a daughter of Red Moon to the pce by coborating with a witch?!"


    I couldn''t say a word. Shivers ran up and down my spine. I wondered Alpha Wayne''s reaction when he''d discover this. And Chris''s reaction too. The world''s reaction. And if such a thing can be done, how was I sure my future hadn''t been swapped before?

 His Losses

    Chapter Sixty - His Losses


    Swapping of destinies was all the witches of Red Moon were known for. Swapping mates wasn''t in the list. But it''d make sense; after all, your mate was a huge part of your future and destiny. Red Moon had treaded far. The Alpha was on the chair, looking defeated. I needed the full story. If this was what Jake was holding on to ckmail them, it was good.


    "I understand why''d you send her to Red Moon, but why as an Alpha''s mate?" I asked. If they wanted a spy, sending her there would be good enough. Why deceive their Alpha King to achieve that?


    "Minerva couldn''t bear being a Delta''s mate. She always wanted to be an Alpha''s mate," he said, exhrating. Minerva was Chris''s mother.


    She couldn''t bear being a Delta''s mate? So she was a Delta''s mate? The current Luna was actually a Delta''s daughter.


    "Could you exin? You mean Alpha Wayne''s Delta was actually Minerva''s mate?" Ralph inquired.


    Red Moon''s Alpha nodded. "And we swapped his mate to be the actual Luna. He married the mate of Alpha Wayne," he looked down. Jake went back. I bet he didn''t also know that part.


    "I didn''t know that part. So two people''s mates were swapped?" he murmured. "Red Moon will be destroyed by Wayne when he finds out."


    "But the current Luna is the rightful Luna''s daughter. She was still rewarded somehow," the Red Moon Alpha defended.


    Was that valid? She wasn''t also Chris''s rightful Luna, so it was still invalid. Her mother should have been the Luna Queen.


    "That''s not fair to Chris; the Luna was arranged. You cheated Wayne of a mate, and now Chris is being cheated as well!" Ralph was fuming. For the part of Chris being cheated, I''d say he caused that on himself, but every other thing aligned. His father wouldn''t recover from this. Ralph marched to the Alpha. "We will not keep this quiet!"


    My hands fell from my waist. This would cause too much drama. Where would the corrections be made? Minerva birthed the Alpha King''s son, whoter married the true Luna''s daughter. The swapped destinies were bingplicated. "You have to. Yes, Red Moon will be destroyed, but the people will also hate Chris, using him of being half-blood royal," the Alpha noted.


    Half-blood royal? He''s the Alpha King''s son, so a true royal. That''s a ridiculous usation. Also, we did intend to keep it quiet, as a ckmail. "So Alpha Wayne should keep living with that traitor as a mate while his own mate was with his Delta?" Ralph barked.


    "Yes," I answered.


    Ralph turned to me, confused. "Yes, like we''d keep it quiet?"


    I nodded. "Even the true Luna won''t want to be the Luna anymore. It''s been twenty-three years plus already. The Delta isn''t at fault either."


    "I know. Neither the Delta or Alpha is at fault. Only Red Moon and that Minerva! She''s a fraud," Ralph pointed to the direction of ck Hills. "And will stay as a fraud," Jake interrupted.


    "No!" I disagreed. "Red Moon will look for whatever excuse they could muster and bring her out of the pce."


    Jake snapped his head at me and asked through mind link, "Take her out? It will raise questions."


    "Questions Red Moon will answer," I replied.


    The Red Moon Alpha frowned. "Take her away from Wayne? He''s very possessive of her. How''d that happen!"


    "Well, that''s your cup of tea, isn''t it!" Ralph pointed at him before rolling his eyes. "I can''t believe you''d do that to your King!"


    That showed some deep level of betrayal there. Thank the moon goddess that those witches were all gone. I''d never want a simr story.


    "ck Hills lost a true Luna twice. They are surely cursed by the Moon goddess," Ralph sighed.


    We all looked up at him, and he had his psychic face on. Sasha''s mother and Rihanna. The two true Lunas that were lost. Well, they had moved on; nothing was sending them back. The deal had been done; the curse proimed. Indeed, Chris might not stay Alpha King for long, and it wouldn''t be his fault. There was too much pollution in the royal seat.


    "Well, as we keep this quiet for you. You have to make sure Silver Pack and ck Rose are off from your stupid ns," Jake strolled around.


    The Red Moon Alpha kept his head down as he spoke, in a submissive manner. Surely, he was not expecting such a twist this good evening. The realization of today was still overwhelming me. Destiny and mate swap should never be a thing ever again.


    "I have a way of removing the curse, of righting my father''s wrongs," the Alpha announced, hushing Jake from his speech.


    He came down from his throne and walked to me. "Alpha Jaden, help me. You are closer to Your Silver. Let''s bring her back to ck Hills."


    I think I was missing what he meant. "Bring her back to ck Hills to do what there?" I asked innocently.


    Jake rushed to my side. "No, Your Silver is done with Chris, and you can''t fix it. They rejected each other. Thend is cursed. Still your fault."


    I pushed the Alpha back on impulse; he was confused by my reaction. Jake held my arm. Had he actually meant to set Rihanna up with Chris so one true Luna would be back? That couldn''t happen. Chris had already been reced. Both in Rihanna''s life and as Alpha King. It was sad to agree but true.


    "Then will we watch ck Hills slowly crumble? I guess this brings that prophecy to light in a way," the Alpha sighed.


    My brother and Ralph were lost.


    "Yes, now we are basically allies..."


    "By default of your ckmailing me?" Red Moon''s Alpha frowned. He didn''t have a choice, so he should start acting like it. "Yes, by the ckmail, and note, I have witnesses. So better cooperate and tell us what prophecy is on now," Jake added.


    "A new Alpha King," the Alpha responded quickly. "Chris sent a Lycan to kill who''d be Your Silver''s new mate as he will be the one." "Wait, who gave her grace for her mate to be the new Alpha King? So either way, she bes a Luna Queen?" it annoyed Ralph. "It''s her destiny!" Jake cheered.


    Ralph folded his hands. "Why does it seem like you knew?"


    "I didn''t. But the news is surely not detrimental to me," Jake bragged.


    The Alpha was quiet while they chatted and argued. He was surely going through a dilemma, seeing he was vulnerable to his worst person.


    "They are many times our parents make mistakes, and we pay for it," I told him.


    He looked up at me, with saddened eyes. "That''s the most rtable things you''ve ever said to me, perhaps the nicest too."


    I nodded, even if I said that more to Chris than to him. Chris was quite unfortunate; he''d be losing his mother, had lost his true Luna and arranged Luna, and soon his throne. "I''m d you rte, make less mistakes from now on," I said to the Red Moon Alpha.


    Author''s note: Do you think it''s fair for ck Rose to be quiet about the mate swap? What do you think will be Chris''s fate?

 Visiting The Luna

    Chapter Sixty-One - Visiting the Luna


    I had seen w marks on the trees around my pack. It could be the Lycan pacing around my forest. Wasn''t he supposed to be at ck Hills?


    I tugged at the warrior who was shackled, hands and feet, to move faster. I didn''t have all day. I went past the forest of Silver Pack and headed towards ck Hills'' pce, through the hidden road.


    "How do you guys know about this path? Surely this ce will be locked when you release me?" the warrior scoffed.


    I shook my head internally; this warrior didn''t know he was on my kill list. He''d yed Greta and was spying on my pack, and thought he''d live?


    I threw him on the ground, in front of the guards protecting the pce. They all ran down to me, unsheathing their swords.


    "Hold your horses. I came to see your Luna; I have a message that she wanted to see me," I said to them, my ws out of their ce.


    I was hesitant to hurt them because they were warriors under Cara, my brother''s mate. They slowly backed away, giving me space. I dragged the warrior with me, strolling into the courtroom. Chris should be pleased that it was me visiting him this time.


    "Rihanna!" Vanessa screamed, seeing me walk in. She was seated beside her brother, possiblyining about something.


    Chris''s eyes darted to the warrior I was dragging in and then to my ws out.


    "Where''s your mother?" I threw the warrior down; he tried to run, but I stepped on the chain pulling him back. "She had asked for me."


    Chris left his throne gently. "She asked for you? And you came?"


    "Shouldn''t I obey the former Luna? Not like there''s another Luna around. Also, I had some words for her," I replied, flipping my hair. Vanessa stayed behind her brother, ring at me from there. I pointed at her, then at the warrior. "I heard you sent him after a warrior." She looked at the boy and rose from her seat. "I bet he wasn''t sessful since you caught him."


    I shook my head. "He was. Very sessful. It''s not surprising how your family''s way of hurting someone is emotional heartbreak and pain." Chris''s eyes dimmed on me; I took a step towards him. "But like me, that warrior will rise and doom you. Now, get me your mother!"


    At that moment, a guard was walking in with a report. He halted seeing us and nearly ran back.


    "Come in. She won''t dare harm you," Chris ordered, staring into my eyes.


    It seemed he was daring me, but did he think I was a senseless killer? I wouldn''t hurt his petty guard over nothing.


    As the guard came closer, I pulled the scroll report from his hands, making him jolt in fear. "Give me this; run, go call the Luna."


    He didn''t even wait for Chris''s permission before running off. I threw the report to Vanessa. "Be a good sister and read that to your brother." She rolled her eyes before picking it up.


    "So you came to visit me..."


    "Your mother," I interrupted Chris. "Don''t think I came here for you. I would''ve bundled your bastard to you but decided toe myself."


    "I guess I should be thankful..."


    "That I didn''te with an army? Yes," I red at him. "I am aware you helped sneak the bastard in."


    "And you''d retaliate with war?" Chrisughed. "That''s daring, Your Silver. Very daring."


    "Don''t underestimate me, Chris," I pointed at him; he shoved my hands away, making me smirk, but I continued. "Being under you doesn''t mean I''d serve you. It''s a cover and only that. Treat my pack like a yground, and I''d y with yours as well." His amused expression changed to something nasty and dark; he returned to his throne and sat, staring into space.


    I wondered if it was a good time to bring up him wanting to kill my mate. He shouldn''t be so surprised I knew; his bastard told me.


    "Chris, there''s a problem," I heard Vanessa mumble to her brother, leaning towards him.


    I could hear her with my wolf''s hearing, but I acted like I couldn''t.


    "Mother has to return to Red Moon immediately. Grandfather summoned her, and she would stay there for a long while," the princess reported. Chris nced at me, but I was looking away; he inched towards his sister. "Red Moon doesn''t have the right to take my mother from me."


    "I know, but this is about grandfather. Mother would want to go. Should I tell her?"


    A smile came to my face. So that bitch of a Luna was leaving? That was good. One less viper to deal with.


    "Tell her then. I''d respect whatever decision she takes," Chris replied with a sigh.


    Vanessa stood up to leave, but I stopped her. "Your mother ising to see me, isn''t she? Wait; you''d tell her the news when shees." She frowned. "You don''t regte my movement..."


    "I can. Just bundle you and keep you away. Like whoever did to Sasha. I bet they were ridding the pce of vipers," I folded my arms.


    She breathed heavily then asked. "Do you have anything to do with her disappearance..."


    "No, sadly not. But bless who do," I spoke nonchntly.


    Chris looked annoyed and worried. That''s new. Didn''t he always hate her? Or f*cking her lots of times cleansed the hatred. Miracles do happen.


    "I am here, girls. Stop arguing!" I heard the Luna''s voice. I hadn''t heard it in years, but there was a change. Apart from it being less lustrous due to her age, it didn''t cause fear in me anymore, but rather anger. I managed it. My ws were still out, and as I turned to meet the green eyes of the Luna, I dug my hands into the neck of the warrior.


    I heard Vanessa gasp behind me. The Luna halted in her steps.


    "I believe you sent this bastard to my pack to spy on me," I cocked my head. "Well, he failed." I tore out the boy''s gullet.


    His legs shook like a fish as he fell to the ground. His eyes were bloodshot and soon were filled with not fear but emptiness. Looking down and seeing the courtroom was covered with red rugs, I was annoyed that there wasn''t a very visible mess. "You are something, Your Silver," Chris exhaled, not feeling bad for what I did to him.


    How could he? All warriors were dispensable. Especially if it''s from Red Moon.


    Vanessa shrieked. "How could you kill him?"


    "How could you send him to me? Haven''t you heard? Whoever unworthy meets Your Silver, will meet the Moon goddess as well," I smirked. Vanessa covered her mouth, looking away from the blood. She hurried to her mother, holding the report. "And what''d you want to tell my mother?"


    I wiped the blood off my hands. "Just to remind her that I was worth it. And she should regret ever doubting me."


    The Luna scoffed, looking down at the boy. "Yes, I see you became a beast, a strong one. But I''d always go with my son rejecting you."


    "I know. He wouldn''t have been able to handle me. That''s why I''d get a new and better mate," I turned to him.


    His eyes dimmed, and he left his throne. "You know the prophecy already, don''t you? Have you met him?"


    I chuckled. "I don''t remember it being your business. Just keep annoying me, and your butt will leave that throne sooner than you think."


    His fists clenched, and my lips widened to a smile. Contending with an Alpha King was dangerous but surely fun.

 Typical Chris

    Chapter Sixty-Two - Typical Chris


    Rihanna''s POV


    Vanessa returned to stand in front of me, her eyes dark and resembling her brother''s. That was the only time they looked alike.


    "You won''t ever be Luna Queen while I am alive," she seethed.


    I was a tad confused, but then I understood. Having a mate as Alpha King meant I''d be Luna Queen. Wasn''t that a demotion from being Alpha to Luna Queen? "And who needs you alive?" I asked Vanessa, tauntingly.


    "Don''t cross your limit, Rihanna! That prophecy was made up by mad people. Anybody''s destiny can be changed!" the Luna yelled.


    My eyes were glued to Chris''s. The way he was quiet yet clearly plotting the worst things to do to me was hrious. I could see right through him.


    "My destiny isn''t yours to change. The Moon Goddess can only n my destiny, but I''d be the one to forge it," I said, not looking at her.


    "You know, apart from having a mate who''d be Alpha King, I am also key to stopping a greater evil. We should worry about that," I added. Chris swerved his head away, plopping into his throne. That look of defeat mixed with rage graced his facial features.


    Vanessa, sharing his rage, stormed out of the courtroom, urging her mother to join her, but the Luna refused. She sighed and stayed behind. "The evil is your problem, not mine," Chris said.


    Oh, was that how he''d y it?


    "But it''d be your problem when it''d be you ore from you," I said, referring to the Lycan.


    "You know of the Lycan too?" he asked, jaw dropping. He red at the dead warrior beneath me. "Well, even if, what can you do about it?" Was he openly daring me? To think he wanted me submissive under him but also wanted my downfall. Typical Chris.


    The Luna suddenly rushed forward, pulling me by the hand. She flung the scroll to the ground. "Did you do anything to my father?" "No!" I said, taking her hand off mine.


    "Mother, what''s wrong?" her daughter asked, holding her.


    "I am being asked to return to Red Moon for good, and you mean you have nothing to do with it?" the Luna yelled.


    Why would I have something to do with it? The only thing I owed Red Moon was death, not taking away their daughter from the pce.


    "Mother, why do you think it''s her fault?" her son asked. I was curious too, as it seemed like a big issue.


    "My father would never summon me back. He''s not sick! How can a warrior be sick? He just wants me back for some reason," she mumbled.


    That was interesting. She snapped her head at me again. "If you didn''t cause trouble, then who?"


    Good question. But Red Moon had plenty of enemies, and I wasn''t one to use nonviolent methods to punish them.


    "Please, leave the room for us," Chris said to his sister and mother.


    "No, I''m already leaving," I interrupted. "That Lycan you are sending to my pack-I''d take him away from you." Chris''s expression shifted to uncertainty. "What Lycan?"


    "Oh, denying that you have a Lycan after saying you did?" I chuckled. Typical Chris.


    Vanessa stepped in front of me. "Bitch, we have a Lycan, but we haven''t sent it to you yet. You''re not the target." Did she need her tongue pulled out for calling me a bitch? And if they didn''t send the Lycan, then who else?


    I sensed she wasn''t lying. And why would they deny sending it after admitting they had it? Indeed, I wasn''t the target.


    "I''m sure it''s a Lycan destroying my trees with w marks. If it''s not yours, I''ll find it and-"


    "If it''s not mine? How many Lycans are there?!" Chris interrupted with a yell.


    "Ask the folks who gave it to you. Ask Red Moon. You''re a crazy Alpha King to try messing with Lycans," I said, shaking my head. Those were beasts. If there were more where Red Moon found them, that spelled trouble.


    "That is a setup. There''s only one Lycan. He is weak, in a cage-none else. Go handle your pack. We will handle you," the Luna scoffed. Her authoritative tone pissed me off, but I held back. "I was already leaving."


    I stormed out, dropping the chains that had been in my hands. So many times, I''d wanted to swing them but resisted.


    If the fool marking my trees wasn''t a Lycan, then who was stalking my pack? It had better be a spy-I''d enjoy venting on them.


    I left ck Hills through the same path I''d entered. I came to drop things ringing in my head for the Luna but left with even more ringing.


    Who was the blessed soul causing trouble for the Luna? What''s their deal? And who the hell was wing around my pack?


    I needed answers, and perhaps help. Since Chris had admitted to having no good intentions for my mate, I''d better tell him.


    "Jaden shouldn''t know. What''s the use of him knowing? He isn''t fully our mate yet, so there''s no trouble," Lana queried.


    I hated to disagree, but he was our mate whether or not I epted him. And if it depended on that, I didn''t see myself epting him anytime soon.


    I took off my clothes, tied them to my legs, and shifted into my wolf. "Let''s tell him and also ask if he''s seen anything suspicious."


    We sped toward Rose Valley. The sky was darkening, and crickets had begun chirping.


    I headed straight for ck Hills'' main gate. I wasn''t a rogue, so I had no need to use Rose Valley to enter theirnd.


    "Stop!" a warrior barked.


    I slowed down and growled to alert him of my presence, but then I saw a harpoon hurled in my direction.


    What the hell? I wasn''t a rogue or something. I clearly didn''t carry a rogue scent. Who was this warrior failing to confirm my identity? Another harpoon came at my left, then arrows to my right. I might have thought it was a dream if I hadn''t already hurt myself. "Someone will lose an arm today!" I growled, biting into an arrow and flinging it back toward its source.


    A small knife pierced my paw, fumbling me. The warriors were everywhere, making it hard to dodge the projectiles.


    I ran back, heaving heavy breaths. There was no way to alert Jonah or Jake of my presence. I sighed when I heard footsteps.


    Reluctantly, I prepared to leave without taking one of their arms. Then I heard a grunt. Peeking, I saw the arrow I''d thrown had struck someone.


    The man resembled an older version of Ralph, ck Rose''s Beta. Older by a few years. He clutched the arm where the arrow stuck. "We should leave," Lana urged.


    I nodded and darted off in the opposite direction, running as fast as I could before another harpoon flew my way.


    "There... it''s a... it''s a silver wolf! Catch it!" the man yelled to others.


    They might have been able to throw things at me, but they couldn''t outrun me. Their voices faded after ten seconds as I lost them in the dust. Well, that settled it. I''d never visit ck Hills again.

 Uncles

    Chapter Sixty-Three - Uncles


    Jaden''s POV


    The Luna Queen hadn''t been found, and there was a new presence in the forest, one lurking in the shadows and stalking packs.


    Dara had informed me that there were w marks on their trees, but no warrior had been hurt. The same applied to my pack.


    My lead warrior said something simr about the roses being cut off and scattered. Ralph was triggered and ordered his brother and his men to guard the entrance. I wondered how they were faring.


    They were wild men, but if they could kill whatever was causing unknown fear among the farmers, good.


    I bounced the ping-pong ball on the wall again, and it flew back into my face. I sighed. "Has someone found it already?" I asked the workers.


    A red-haired girl popped her head from the bookshelves. "No, Alpha. Give us a minute."


    How many minutes would I be given? I folded my arms and looked up at the ceiling.


    Rumors of another prophecy had surfaced, and I was bent on knowing what it was, rather than hearing it from another source.


    "We want to see you," someone broke into my mind link to say. I looked away from the ceiling and stared into space.


    Who the hell just broke into my mind link? I rxed, remembering that the only people who could break into my mind link were my uncles.


    I wasn''t a big fan of them, and now they all wanted to see me? It surely wouldn''t be good.


    I replied, "I''ll be there in five."


    "Two," one of them retorted and blocked the link.


    I rose from my seat to rush over but calmed myself down. I would show up even if it took ten minutes. I plopped back into my seat.


    "Practicing to disobey your uncles?" my wolf howled withughter.


    "They can be pushy sometimes. They live at the edge of the pack and expect me to be there in two minutes?" I sighed, leaving my seat again.


    "Alpha..." the red-haired worker popped her head out again. "I''ll send it to you when we find it," she said, looking down.


    "Alright. Thank you." I left the library.


    "Whatever my uncles want to talk about, it''s likely something my mother wouldn''t have wanted them to do, so they''ll use me," I said to my wolf.


    "As they should. You''re the Alpha now, not your mother. They need your permission," he replied.


    He made it sound like it worked that way when it was often the opposite but that would change.


    Jake, their favorite nephew, disliked them. They weren''t ideal uncles at all.


    As I stepped outside the pce, I saw Ralph''s brother rushing inside with a bandaged


    arm. I wouldn''t have been surprised to see him injured.


    He barely passed me when I grabbed his arm. "What happened?"


    He slowly pulled his arm away from my grip. He didn''t like me, and the feeling was almost mutual.


    "I found the bastard harassing the pack. They won''t being back. Rest your pretty head,¡± he replied and walked away.


    He sounded as if I''d asked him for a favor. He was just doing it because his brother had asked him to. I had warriors to assign there if needed.


    Also, I''d need more than "the bastard." I wanted to know exactly who or what they were, or he wouldn''t be getting a "thank you" from me.


    Brushing it aside, I walked on toward the edge of the pack to meet my annoying uncles.


    Passing the hunters'' lodge, I saw Jonah flirting with a young huntress. I smirked; the kid didn''t know a thing about loyalty.


    "Jonah, meet me at the hunters'' lodge. I want to meet my uncles," I said to him through the mind link.


    He looked stunned, detaching himself from the girl. She blushed at their near-kiss moment and ran inside.


    My heart raced a bit, seeing the blush on her face. I wished I had such an effect on Rihanna, but she didn''t even feel our bond.


    "You just wanted me to leave her, right?" Jonah said from behind me.


    I smiled. He had even used the back route to escape the lodge. "Yes. You have a mate."


    He rolled his eyes, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Vanessa isn''t a wild rose. I like wild roses. Wild girls have a different feel to them."


    I exhaled. I''d second that. Perhaps that was why I got a rogue as a mate. "Come on.


    My uncles are waiting." We moved ahead.


    "What do they want now?" he asked.


    "Someone to TALK to, I hope."


    "Talk or vent¡ªI''m there with you," he said, clenching his fists.


    We reached the mansion at the edge of the pack. I searched for them through the


    mind link to let them know I was close, but they seemed locked out.


    I knocked, but Jonah opened the door before we got a response. "They don''t keep an Alpha waiting," he mumbled, walking in.


    I breathed in and out before entering the house. Traumatic memoriesy here


    memories of being locked in while the house burned.


    Perhaps that was why they hated me. I hadn''t died when they wanted me to, and I''d "taken" the throne from their favorite nephew.


    "Jonah!" my eldest uncle called cheerfully. "You''re almost six feet tall now," heughed.


    They all trooped out of a room, bending down to get past the door. What were they even doing there?


    There were three of them, all seated on the couch. Jonah stered a fake smile on his face as he greeted them.


    "How have you been, uncles?" I said moodily. "And why did you call me?"


    The youngest nodded to the eldest. As usual, the middle one had a nk expression.


    "You can sit. We aren''t bullying you or anything," the eldest chuckled.


    I crossed my arms but eventually sat down. Jonah did the same.


    "So, we called because we were looking for news about you having a mate, and there was none," the youngest raised a brow.


    And so what? I stayed silent.


    "Well, you''d need a Luna to celebrate seven years as Alpha. You''re almost twenty-five,


    so that''s happening soon," the youngest added.


    "Is itpulsory? I never heard it was a tradition," Jonah asked.


    The middle uncle nodded. "It is."


    We remained quiet for a while. So they called me all this way just to ask me to get a Luna? They were hrious.


    "The actual reason we called is because... we sensed the presence of a Lycan around ck Rose," the middle uncle said.


    My eyes widened. A Lycan? How did they know about the Lycan? "How did you know..."


    "We''ve met a Lycan before, boy. And this one doesn''t mean well," the elde


    st nodded.


    Of course, he didn''t. He was here to kill me for being Rihanna''s mate. But how did he already know it was me?

 Triggered

    Chapter Sixty-Four - Triggered


    Jaden''s POV


    My uncles had gotten experience. Together with my mother, they had ruled the pack.


    The eldest had been her Beta, the middle her Delta, while the youngest her warrior. They only shifted the positions after I was born.


    So if they said they sensed a Lycan, they bloody did. Right now, they were going on and on about their adventures and brave travels.


    I used to enjoy their stories when they told Jake, but as they never cared to tell me, I ignored them. Now, they were bragging to Jonah about them.


    "How close did you sense it to be?" I asked, interrupting them.


    The middle uncle smirked. "Why, don''t you trust us?"


    "I do. There have been rumors in our kingdom; I just need to know where you sensed it," I replied calmly.


    His furrowed eyebrows straightened. "Miles away, and it had bad energy. It might have been close but only for a while."


    If that was so, then it might not havee on a mission but was still searching for its victim. Yet, he suspected Silver and ck Rose pack.


    I nodded, leaving my seat. "If that''s all, then I''ll be leaving." Jonah jumped from his seat and stood with me. "We''ll be leaving."


    I smirked internally. Wasn''t he enjoying their tales?


    My eldest uncle stood up, towering over me. "Jaden, you seem to underestimate this Lycan. Your bones should be shaking now."


    I sighed. "I''m not a child, uncle, who shakes in front of bullies. Also, I''ve had prior knowledge of the presence of the Lycan, so..."


    "Don''t think you can handle it. You can''t. Ask for Lycan hunters around. There should be some somewhere," the middle uncle interrupted me.


    Lycan hunters had stopped existing since we assumed Lycans didn''t exist in our part of the world. Where would you find those hunters?


    "If you''re worrying about me, which I doubt you are, then don''t worry. The Lycan is looking for something specific. He won''t find it."


    "He better not. Nothing should make your mom nervous or worried-be it you being unsafe or the pack being unsafe," the youngest warned.


    I calmly nodded. "I''ll be careful."


    "For your own sake and mother''s. You should know we don''t care," the eldest scoffed.


    "I know." My fists clenched. Did he have to be so in? "I''ll be leaving now to handle the Lycan problem. Thanks for noticing it."


    The middle uncle gestured with his hand for me to leave. My fists unclenched, and I rushed to the door, Jonah behind me.


    I blinked several times, trying to fight the anger and dejection I felt. Whenever I walked into their house, I usually left feeling lesser than before.


    Jonah walked beside me in silence. Any words he said could trigger me. I stopped walking, paused, and exhaled.


    I turned to Jonah. "Call Ralph''s brother and tell him to meet me at the library. I need to be sure what exactly attacked the roses."


    He bowed and briskly walked off. I turned to re at the house we had just left.


    If they weren''t my uncles, I''d have banished them from our pack due to the numerous attempts they''d made on my life since I was a child and teenager.


    On getting to the library, I saw the red-haired girl and her team still searching for the prophecy. Books were overturned everywhere.


    A shelf of old documentaries had been emptied, and one even got torn. The girl was dragging down another box with a friend to search.


    "You''re sure it''s in here?" I asked, startling them all. They looked down but nodded. "Yes."


    I nced around the trashed room. "And there''s no better way to search for it than to trash the ce?" I raised my voice.


    They didn''t meet my gaze and fidgeted with their hands. I didn''t want to scare them or pour the anger I felt for my uncles on them.


    "Keep searching."


    They nodded and threw the box open, bringing out the old crumpled scrolls that were in it. Many of them choked on the dust.


    "Cover your noses with masks, please," I said, quite worried about the stench.


    I heard footstepsing towards the library and caught the scent of Ralph''s brother. I leaned on the wall. "I''ll be leaving now."


    They all snapped their heads toward me.


    "Make sure you find the prophecy and send it to me, unfailingly. Is that okay?" I asked. They nodded and kept on searching.


    Ralph and his brother appeared before me. I frowned at Ralph.


    I would be speaking condescendingly to his brother and would feel guilty if Ralph was around.


    "Do you need something?" I asked him through mind link. He turned to his brother and then to me. "You asked for him, didn''t you?"


    "Yes. HIM," I emphasized.


    "Follow me to my courtroom. I have questions for you," I told the brother, sparing no nce.


    Ralph stopped him from following, and I paused my steps. "I can answer the questions you''d ask. Let him go tend his wounds for now," he said.


    I cocked an eyebrow, looking at his brother''s arm. They were already taken care of. There were no wounds on him.


    Hadn''t I seen him earlier, hurrying to treat them when I was left for my uncles?


    Perhaps there was something Ralph wanted to say, and he didn''t want his brother to know. "Fine. I''ll get back to youter."


    The brother nodded quite obediently and strolled off. I expected a condescending speech or worse. But he seemed... regretful.


    "Okay, did your brother do something?" I continued towards the courtroom.


    Ralph exhaled deeply, which was a sign that his brother had. "You know he doesn''t really know about the people around here."


    "Yes. Did he kill any of my warriors? He should know his own pack''s scent, at least, shouldn''t he?" I raised my voice.


    I barged into the courtroom, and Ralph ran in with me. "Calm down. He didn''t hurt anyone from our pack, and he''s regretful as it is."


    "He should be if he messed up. Who did he hurt?" I peered into Ralph''s eyes.


    He twitched his lips, then bit them. "If you want, I can go myself and apologize to her.


    It''s just that she didn''t give a message that she wasing."


    I didn''t get where he was going. His brother had hurt a female? None of the warriors around the border were female.


    I made sure because sometimes they got kidnapped and raped. Also, their mates were quite possessive of them being out in the open.


    I calmed down, sitting on my throne. Since it was a female not from my pack, it might be a messenger from ck Hills.


    "Who the hell was it?" I asked Ralph.


    "My brother identally threw harpoons at your Silver while she was visiting. None hit


    her, but she ran off injured. He''s sorry."


    The amount of speed Ralph used to wrap those words made me smile, but it slowly faded when they began making sense.

 He Knows

    Chapter Sixty-Five - He Knows


    Jaden''s POV


    Harpoons? On my mate?


    I wanted to bark at him but held myself back. One, he wasn''t at fault, and two, I shouldn''t react that way.


    Rihanna was just an ally. It would be confusing if I showed any sentimental reaction. My hands, which were behind me, balled into fists, and I twisted my arms to keep them in ce. Ralph backed out slowly.


    Calmly, I nodded. "So she came visiting and was met with crazy harpoons... She''ll never visit again."


    And if I visited, I''d likely be met with an angry silver wolf. I nked out, thinking about it and hoping she''d be okay. Ralph''s voice broke through my thoughts.


    "I''m very sorry. I''ll make it up to you, I promise. My brother said she put up a fight, so he assumed she was dangerous."


    That was typical Rihanna, always putting up fights. And how dare he try to kill a silver wolf? Or wasn''t she in wolf form?


    "She was in wolf form, but he didn''t think she''d be anything special since she wasing from ck Hills," Ralph added that bit slowly.


    My eyebrows arched but came down gently. I had no right to ask what she was doing there. I breathed in and out.


    "Did he at least ask her why she came here before throwing his wild weapons at her?" I asked.


    Her reason for visiting could be rted to the w marks on her trees, which could very much be the Lycan my uncle talked about.


    Ralph shook his head. "He didn''t."


    I left my seat. I had to meet Rihanna and talk to her before she held a grudge for too long.


    "I''m very sorry, Alpha. If you don''t want to face her, I will," Ralph apologized for the hundredth time.


    And why would he think I wouldn''t face her? She was only just my ally¡ªat least, to him.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll go exin myself. My uncles just told me that a Lycan has been preying on our packs, so I''ll warn her," I replied.


    He took a step back, folding his arms. "The Lycan suspects us too? It''s rted to Rihanna''s mate being the new Alpha King, right?"


    I nodded, attempting to leave. "Yes, the Lycan suspects us that..." I trailed off.


    I took a step back. "Wait, how did you know the Lycan suspects us?"


    Ralph smiled. "Well, as you said, he''s preying on our pack and Silver Pack. Doesn''t it mean he suspects us?"


    I looked him in the eye. "Suspects us of having Rihanna''s mate? The new Alpha King? Is that what you mean?"


    "Yes, that''s what you said," he shrugged.


    I hadn''t exactly worded it that way. I gazed at him. That smile, mixed with that psychic look and nonchnce... He must have figured it out.


    "You know Rihanna is my mate, don''t you?" I exhaled after asking.


    He looked away from me, rhythmically tapping his foot on the floor. "You just told me now. Wow, that''s amazing."


    He didn''t look surprised that was definitely the reaction of someone who''d known for a while. Why did I ever underestimate him?


    "Well, I''ll go meet my mate and tell her your brother didn''t purposely try to kill her." Ralph chuckled. "I kinda want toe and see you two being all...¡±


    "Don''te!" I huffed, making himugh harder. The kid was surely psychic, and it was bing annoying.


    "You must have taken my request to figure it out yourself too seriously."


    "Shouldn''t I have? You were keeping secrets from me," he said, sounding like an offended child.


    I smiled and began walking off. "You''re sure Jake didn''t tell you?"


    "He didn''t. I caught on when you were close to her all of a sudden. You always tried to stay away from girls, but not her."


    I slowed my steps, pursing my lips. "I didn''t try to stay away from girls. They stayed away from me."


    "Hmm, like the Princess of Blue Bloom who tried engaging you?" Ralph chuckled, walking out with me.


    That was different-the princess literally tried marrying me without my consent just because I would be an Alpha without a Luna.


    "She was trying to be a Luna. ck Rose isn''t like ck Hills, which needs a Luna to be Alpha. She pushed her luck," I scoffed.


    "You know there are many examples of girls you pushed away..." Ralph continued, but I interrupted him.


    "Because they weren''t my mate. Yes, so I didn''t bother getting acquainted, because it''d be ruined when they either found their mates or I found mine!"


    He gave me a side-eye for a while, saying nothing.


    "I''m sorry if I raised my voice, but you weren''t helping," I apologized.


    "Oh, nothing about you raising your voice. You have been for a while now... Just that you sound unhappy even after finding your mate..."


    Was he attempting to go psychic on me again? Hell yeah, I wasn''t happy-she wasn''t mine yet, but that was better than not having her at all.


    "I am grateful, Ralph. Very."


    I increased my pace toward the door before he could start another lesson.


    "Of course, you''d be worried. Her new mate will be the Alpha King, and that means you''d have to confront Chris for the throne," he started again.


    "Or let that part of the prophecy slide because I''m not interested," I said sternly.


    He held my arm, stopping me from reaching the doorknob. "You couldn''t now. Chris is trying to use a Lycan to kill you. And Jonah told me your uncles sensed Lycans."


    "Yes, Ralph. And that was what I was about to take care of before you came..." I ran my hands through my hair, engulfed in frustration.


    He bit his lip. "Oh."


    "Can I leave now?" I rubbed my temples. "We''ll engage in this tiring conversationter."


    He smiled, letting go of my arm. "I''ll be looking forward to it then."


    He must be joking. "I wouldn''t." I mmed the courtroom door closed. Another sigh left my lips, and I rushed down the stairs.


    "Jonah?" I searched for him through the mind link after leaving my pce. I''d need to meet Rihanna with someone she wouldn''t be offended to see.


    "Yes, Alpha," he replied almost immediately.


    "Would you mind following me to Silver Pack? I need to speak with their Alpha," I asked.


    "Sure, Alpha. I''m at the hunters'' lodge. I''ll meet you outside," he replied, and I cut off the link before thinking.


    Hunters'' lodge?


    He was with that huntress again. Was I the only one worried about getting acquainted with someone who wasn''t my mate?

 Co-operating

    Chapter Sixty-Six - Cooperating


    Chris''s POV


    Your Silver had haunted me since hering here. A Lycan around her pack? What other Lycan than the one I was looking at now?


    I raised the torchlight to see his face. Hey face down, always tired, breathing heavily as though he had just eaten.


    My warriors treated him like a pet, and he surely acted like one. I dropped the torch in the holder and attempted to walk away.


    Suddenly, the Lycan growled, halting me. It carried authority andmanded obedience. My legs froze at the sound.


    He had never shifted to his human form, so there was no way to talk to him, though I was aware Lycans couldmunicate verbally in wolf form. This one was just stubborn.


    "Do you want to say something? How many of your kind are out there?" I folded my


    arms.


    A chuckle erupted from him, making the fire on the torch flicker. At least it was a reaction¡ªnot an ideal one-but it was something. He had never reacted before. "Would you answer me, or did you remember an amusing past of yours?"


    His muzzle opened, and for the first time, words came out of it. "There are no other Lycans out there. I killed them all."


    That was bothforting and disturbing. "For the records, thank you for killing them. But why did you?" I asked.


    He moved again, onto his side, theny on his face again, as though his body was too heavy to hang sideways. He groaned as he spoke.


    "They didn''t deserve to be Lycans when they were weaker than Werewolves. Wanting simple lives like Werewolves when we could lord-"


    He choked on his words and stopped speaking, gagging. I maintained a nk expression.


    He had killed the other Lycans because they wanted to live like Werewolves? Wasn''t that a good thing for once? Lycans living like wolves, inside packs, or having packs of their own. Being in human form most of the time and falling in love. That was good and beautiful for both them and us, Werewolves.


    "So you were a Lycan King who didn''t want his pack to be happy? Look where you ended up." I scoffed.


    Another growl left his mouth, but it didn''t have as much effect on me as the first. He was a total joke¡ªa wasted Lycan.


    "You serve me now, and I could teach you how to prioritize your pack before your selfish needs. But now you have no pack." I smirked.


    "Not for long."


    My eyebrows arched. "Not for long? You n to steal my pack or what?" Unknown anxiety engulfed me. I knew such things happened while messing with Lycans, yet I never listened to my wolf or my instincts-or Your Silver as she hinted at it. "No."


    My heartbeat slowed down. "No? No what?"


    Could he stop speaking with so few words and exin clearly? "No what?" I repeated. "No, I won''t serve you for long. Soon, I''ll get strength, run off, and live in peace. Or we''ll agree on when I can leave after I do your bidding."


    It was nice to see he knew his ce. He wanted cooperation because of how useless he was. But what was I to gain?


    "Perhaps having a peaceful mind that no Lycan holds a grudge against you?" my wolf, Zeke, suggested.


    I rolled my eyes. "What exactly do I gain from cooperating with you?" I enquired, stepping closer to his cage.


    "I don''t attempt to run away or ruin your pack. I may not have strength, but there are lots of wolves I could handle "


    "Is that a threat?" I cut him short.


    He groaned, turning onto his back and pushing his heavy body up to stand. "Those aren''t threats but reasons why we should cooperate."


    I couldn''t quite see his eyes, but they had a golden tint. He was still in his lead warrior stage, transitioning to Delta rank.


    I''d meet him myself and not send my Delta, in case he attempted pulling a fast one on him. My former Delta couldn''t lose both a daughter and son.


    Thinking of Sasha''s disappearance along with my unborn child, I felt discouraged about everything. What was I fighting for without an heir? And then thinking about the prophecy that said I was no longer eligible to be Alpha King, it left me purposeless. "Those questions you ask yourself-only you can find the true answers to them."


    I looked up at the Lycan as he spoke. How did he know I was questioning myself?


    "I was once an Alpha King. There are times like this, but know this-someone has to die for the greater good. Everyone, if possible="


    "Then if everyone dies, what''s the use?" I queried. "Who was to share your celebration of victory with?"


    He said nothing to defend himself. I sighed. I wasn''t about to take advice from a deranged Lycan King who killed his family and pack.


    Attempting to stroll out of the prison hold where he was, I heard bones crack and shift


    as he inched toward me. "About my offer-"


    "I''ll think about it, thene to you," I replied.


    He sighed, sounding like a deep groan. "I hope it won''t take long. I quite want to know


    what you''re after and get out of this ce="


    "You will know... and you''ll get out of this ce," I finalized and walked out of the prison.


    More worries mmed my head. Was I really making the right decision by working with a Lycan? Was my goal worth the danger?


    I was about to close the prison door when I heard a light chuckle from the Lycan. I waited.


    "These Werewolves never learn..." he yawned and fell back onto his face.


    I closed the door and paused, trying to understand what he meant. Did he trick us into something?


    My wolf wanted me to confront him about those words, but I didn''t. He could deny it if he actually had bad intentions.


    "Lycans and Werewolves can''t mix. They don''t cooperate! To kill Your Silver''s mate, you want to go that far!" Zeke screamed in my head.


    "She''s no longer your mate, so you should stop being so thoughtful of her," I reminded him, making him mellow down.


    Destroying Your Silver''s mate was about more than just ensuring the prophecy went unfulfilled-it was also because he''d be a bad king.


    So far, she hadn''t found out who it was. That meant he wasn''t even an Alpha, Bet


    a, or Delta. Probably some lowlife wolf who''d be Alpha King? How could such a man rece me? Funny.

 Banter

    Chapter Sixty-Seven - Banter


    Chris''s POV


    The prophecy must have been mistaken. I was the one who should have been the Silver Wolf''s mate.


    I agreed I had flopped it and might never get another chance, so it would stay flopped but with me as Alpha King. Your Silver would fulfill her destiny, but no presence of any new mate, at least not untilter. That was all the mercy I could give.


    "I have it all under control, Zeke," I told my wolf as he kept murmuring on and on about cooperating with the Lycan.


    "And spare me the toxicity. I just lost my mother to some evil conspiracy n, and my heir is missing," I added.


    He murmured loudly, "Then don''t you think somehow this is the Moon Goddess punishing all those evil doings?"


    "Okay, I''m done!" I barked, shutting him up. "Whatever the hell I want to do, I do."


    I must have looked like a madman yelling at nothing in particr to my warriors guarding the prison. Thankfully, they weren''t even looking at me.


    Zeke sighed, then retreated to the back of my head, staying calm. I stered a smile on my face while passing the guards.


    The evil I did, I did. There was no need to guilt-trip me; my heart was already cold.


    "Is there anything else that would stop me from resting?" I asked Ray, who had been bringing in all the duties for the day.


    He cleared his throat. "The Princess of Blue Bloom is here. She doesn''t want to wait in a guest room and has been in the courtroom. Do hurry."


    My steps slowed at hearing that. What did Blue Bloom want this time? I hurried again.


    The young damsel had been waiting for almost three hours. She didn''t look tired, fazed, or annoyed that I waste.


    She bowed respectfully and sat down. She was more courteous in front of me than she usually was to her brother, Blue Bloom''s Alpha.


    Lots of thoughts spiraled through my mind about what she actually came for.


    I was beginning to doubt something hade up in Blue Bloom that needed my attention so much that she hade here herself. Perhaps she was thinking of being a second wife to me, or perhaps I should stop assuming.


    "I wonder how you''ve been doing, Alpha King?" she smiled.


    I shrugged. "Doing what Alpha Kings do." My wolf mocked me, but I ignored it. "What have you been doing, Princess?"


    Ray left his seat and attempted to give us the room, but I blocked him from passing the door, holding onto his arm. He should stay here with me.


    "I believe you wanted to speak with the King in private, right? Please, that''s what you told me," Ray gazed at her, pleading.


    She looked down. "You both can stay. I just wanted to know how you all are doing in the pce amidst everything that has happened."


    Smiling, I forced Ray down into a seat. "Good, that was thoughtful." I sat beside him.


    He had a straight face on, looking down at the princess. "Amidst what has happened?" he asked.


    The princess looked up and then down again, faking a meek expression. "It isn''t news that Blue Bloom sent a warrior to kill Your Silver."


    "Is it true, then?" I asked, acting surprised.


    Red Moon had told me this as a secret finding, so I was stunned that their princess openly dered it "not news."


    "My brother was blinded by rage," she replied.


    "So it''s true? Your pack sent a warrior to kill an Alpha under ck Hills'' g?" Ray raised his voice.


    Was that how he would take it? Like Blue Bloom was disrespecting ck Hills? That was a smart and sweet way to defend his sister.


    The Blue Bloom princess was hesitant to ept it. Where did she even hope to go with that? Why bring up the topic in front of Ray, even?


    "As I was saying, he was blinded by rage after she insulted ck Hills by storming here. She even kidnapped the Luna," the princess replied.


    "It wasn''t confirmed. And didn''t you know our King settled her and inaugurated her pack? Your brother was being ridiculous," Ray intoned.


    The princess lost her cool and rose from her seat. She didn''t spare me a nce as she stormed toward where Ray sat, pointing at him.


    "I didn''t want to think you''d be biased because she''s your sister, but it seems you are. How can you side with her "


    Ray pped her hand down. "Keep your filthy hands to yourself, woman, or I''d break them for you!" he barked.


    She frowned and dragged them back. "Don''t dare intimidate me. Rihanna should be scorned for her attitude"


    "Watch your mouth!" Ray warned again. The princess really should. That name belonged to an Alpha she couldn''t defile and was also Ray''s sister, so she should temper herself while talking about her.


    "If she was truly raised in ck Hills, how could she have no respect for their King!" the princess hissed.


    That was no wonder. I was her usual good buddy back then. But then I had ruined it. "Well, he wasn''t the current King when she was here, and you better have respect for the current Beta. Now sit down!" Ray barked again.


    The princess huffed, clenching her fists. "I actually didn''te here to exchange words with you. I came here for the Alpha King."


    I frowned. Me? She shouldn''t drag me into this. I watched in horror as Ray smiled. He jumped from his seat and faced me.


    "I believe I should leave, then. Permit me, or your guest will return to her brother with one less limb," he demanded.


    The princess''s eyes widened horrifically. She pointed at him but dragged her hand down before he saw her.


    I didn''t mind their banter; it was entertaining and diverted my mind from thinking. "Stay and hear the princess out, Ray," I replied.


    His shoulders slumped. "But why? She doesn''t want to talk to me. She didn''te here for me."


    "Well, speak respectfully to me, and I''d speak with you," the princess raised her head proudly.


    Ray''s expression was disgusted. "The hell! I don''t want to talk to you. Blue Bloom daring Your Silver is your worst mistake."


    "What? How dare you "


    "You heard me," Ray interrupted. "You are in her bad books, and the King isn''t pleased that you dared his Alpha."


    So much for him speaking for me. The princess turned to me for a reaction. I gave


    none.


    "I guess I''m not needed here, then. I am sorry, Alpha King, for my brother''s rage_" "Intrusiveness. One that cost him a powerful Alpha as an ally, my respect, and soon his life if he keeps messing up," Ralph chided.


    Perhaps Ray was going too far, but I stayed quiet, looking at the princess for her owneback.


    "Fine, whatever. I''ll take my leave. Mind you, my pack is also allies with Blue Fire, Red Moon, and ck Rose."


    "Great," Ray rolled his eyes.


    "And I''ll go visit ck Rose now since I am not needed here," she added.


    "Please do. He may throw you out or not want to see you. You''re a nuisance," Ray sighed, walking out the door.


    I saw his ws hade out of ce. This should have been his least violent banter


    with anyone. He usually let his ws do the talking.


    "Travel well, princess," I final


    ly spoke as the princess walked out.


    She turned back, bowed, and walked out. The things I saw as Alpha King were tiring.

 Dramatic

    Chapter Sixty-Eight - Dramatic


    Rihanna''s POV


    "Alpha, he''s here," Dara told me as I dragged the horse back to its stable. The horse was really strong, draining so much strength from me.


    "Yeah, sure," I replied, staring at the horse. It was a surprising gift from Red Moon to me, saying they epted my pack.


    I didn''t give a damn; they couldn''t do anything about it. It was suspicious how they were suddenly nice to me. The horse they sent must have been too much trouble for them, so they passed it on to me to suffer. And I was suffering, having bruises here and there.


    I double-checked to ensure the horse wasn''t some kind of spy. Maybe Red Moon had figured out a sorcery that could turn a warrior into a horse. After all, they had a history with witches.


    "Alpha!" Dara called again, snapping me out of my ridiculous thoughts.


    I sighed, leaving the stables. "Alpha Jaden must have rushed to give an apology. Honestly, I needed it." I rubbed my temples.


    Dara smiled. "Act dramatic so he''d feel guilty."


    Really? Damsel in distress wasn''t my usual trope, and I wasn''t about to start with my mate. Though it''d be entertaining.


    "Alpha Jaden!" I called sternly, folding my arms. I felt a slight pain as my arms brushed against a big bruise I had gotten while dealing with the horse.


    I noticed Jaden leave his seat. "Is that from... my... you got that when you visited me?¡± His eyes were on the bruise.


    Watching him, he looked quite cute with the remorseful face he had on. I thought of clearing it up that I wasn''t badly hurt, but Dara''s words came to mind. "Act dramatic so he''d feel guilty."


    "I experienced worse with your warriors," I scoffed, pushing him away and heading towards the seat. "Did they want to kill me?"


    I heard him sigh and murmur some words. I hoped the warrior who did this was still alive.


    "All I wanted to do was visit ck Rose for the first time without using the back route. But what did I meet? Harpoons and a crazy man!" I yelled.


    Jaden turned to me, hands on his hips. "That''s my Beta''s brother, actually. Not sure what he feeds on, but he''s surely a lunatic," he grumbled.


    I had a hidden smirk on my face. That was the first time I heard him openly insulting someone. He must have disliked the guy before this.


    "Well, both he and Ralph have tendencies to piss someone off!" I clicked my tongue, pouring a ss of tea for myself.


    Jaden scanned my body for more injuries, then exhaled. "You took medications, right?"


    "Do I look like I needed them? I let them heal," I bragged.


    He went back and nodded. We were silent for a while.


    "So, why haven''t you been visiting?" I broke the silence.


    "Can''t you visit me if I don''t..." he trailed off when he realized.


    "Exactly. I can''t because harpoons may wee me," I shrugged.


    He shook his head and rephrased his words. "I couldn''t visit because of something Chris said."


    "About my mate being Alpha King?" I asked knowingly. He must have caught on already if that was why he stayed away.


    He snapped his head to me, stunned, and nodded. "You knew? Well, why didn''t you say?"


    "I knew after you stopped visiting, but I didn''t tell because I didn''t want you chickening out," I deadpanned.


    Sometimes I spoke without thinking, but I rarely regretted it. Who''d dare chicken out


    of being my mate? I faced him.


    He had a done look and asked, "Really?"


    "Really," I replied.


    He smiled broadly. "You must really want to have a mate then."


    "Who doesn''t want an Alpha they can leech on?"


    Jaden cocked his head at me, and I shrugged, sipping on my tea.


    He sighed. "You are weird."


    "I prefer crazy."


    We were quiet again. The conversations we usually had were always structured awkwardly, but the silence didn''t feel awkward.


    My wolf reminded me of the Lycan and the ws on trees. I shifted awkwardly in my seat.


    "I visited Chris recently after I noticed w marks on my trees, belonging to a Lycan." I dropped my ss on the table to be serious.


    "I noticed some on mine, and the roses at Rose Valley were affected," Jaden replied. "My uncles also sensed a Lycan presence."


    "You have uncles who can?" I wondered aloud. "The ones who didn''t think you could be Alpha, right?"


    He nodded. "They told me only because they had to help look out for the pack. They think a Lycan hunter should better handle it."


    "Insulting," I gasped.


    "I know, right," he hissed bitterly.


    I went back to the topic at hand. "Well, when I visited Chris, he said something quite traumatizing...."


    There was silence for effect. Jaden then asked, "He epted wanting to kill me, didn''t he?"


    Chris didn''t know it was him yet, if that was what he feared. "Not you, whoever my mate will be. But yes, he didn''t deny it."


    "Wow. So is that what traumatized someone like you?" Jaden smirked.


    I frowned. "Not that, but he also added that he hadn''t sent his Lycan after me because I''m not his target."


    Jaden nodded, and it made me feel he didn''t understand me. "You aren''t his target. The Lycan may have just marked your trees."


    For no reason? Marking trees meant daring to cross my boundaries and destroying mynd. And that wasn''t even Chris''s Lycan.


    "Chris never sent his Lycan out, Jaden. The Lycan that marked my trees isn''t his," I stated.


    He was calm, so I added, "Also, why would he mark your trees when Chris doesn''t know that you''re my mate? This is something else."


    He didn''t have the reaction I desired, basically just looked shocked with a mix of confusion. "They are two Lycans."


    But why did it sound like he didn''t mind?


    "Yeah, we don''t know if they''re on our side. One of them is already marking our trees. That''s not a good sign, is it?" I looked down. It was worrisome.


    He shook his head, cing his hand on top of mine. "Surely isn''t. This one might be looking for trouble... or the other Lycan."


    Something clicked in my head at that moment. That was surely another way to think of it. The other Lycan might be looking for the Lycan King.


    "And the Lycan should be heading to ck Hills if he was looking for his King. So soon Chris will call attention to it," Jaden assured.


    I hoped he was right. Red Moon kidnapped a Lycan King somehow and thought no


    one woulde after him? Be it an enemy or friend, a Lycan King couldn''t go missing like that. Unless he wanted to.


    My mind link got tugged on as I tried to pour a ss of tea for Jaden. I sighed, opening it. "What? Did that horse leave the stable again?"


    "Even worse. The princess of Blue Bloom is in front of me." Beatrice''s voice was every shade of


    disgusted.


    Princess of Blue Bloom? The kettle left my hands as I rose to my feet. Jaden stared at me like I had run mad.

 Banter II

    Chapter Sixty-Nine - Banter II


    Rihanna''s POV


    Princess of Blue Bloom? What was she doing in my pce after sending a warrior to kill me? The kettle slipped from my hands as I rose to my feet.


    Jaden stared at me like I had run mad. Perhaps I had this princess surely wanted to lose a limb bying to my pack uninvited.


    "Can I ask what happened..."


    "Don''t. I''ll handle it," I interrupted Jaden, rushing out and closing the door firmly to ensure he didn''t follow.


    He shouldn''t be there to stop me from breaking something. "Keep that pest there; I''ming!" I ordered Beatrice.


    "She''s already making herselffortable," Beatrice replied with a sigh.


    I slowed my steps. Making herselffortable? In my pack?


    "She wants to see you and Jaden. She came from ck Rose after she heard he was here," Beatrice added.


    Well, peace to her soul. If the Princess of Blue Bloom was on such friendly terms with Jaden, why did I feel more disgusted than jealous?


    Throwing the door open, my eyesnded on a small blonde girl who jolted to her feet. Her lips twitched as her gaze met mine.


    She was pretty, with healthy-looking skin that showed she took care of herself, but it also meant she''d never been to war.


    "And you''re here for?" I asked. Her shoulders slumped as I walked closer, towering above her.


    I rarely towered over anyone, but she was that small. What could she possibly want to say that made her risk her life bying here?


    "I came to see Alpha Jaden. I only have a few words for you," she replied boldly.


    My mind wandered as I wondered why she was called a princess when her pack wasn''t


    a kingdom. She must have instilled some "princessyness" in herself.


    "You''d meet Alpha Jaden at his pack. Here, he''s my guest. The few words you have for me, spit them out I have even fewer for you," I huffed.


    The corners of her eyebrows furrowed together in a cutely angry way. I smiled,


    adjusting my weight onto one foot. "And you''d better hurry."


    She nced behind me, then exhaled. "I am not leaving till I speak with Alpha Jaden. Someone has to teach you manners, and only he can."


    The ghost of a smile on my face faded. Beatrice stepped closer to her, raising her hands.


    Teach me manners? How considerate of her.


    "Hit her!" I ordered, and Beatrice''s raised handsnded on her precious white face.


    She staggered back, holding her cheek, stunned. "You pped me?" Her face reddened, but I had no regrets.


    Beatrice began scolding her, going full mom mode. "I''ll do it again. You don''t badmouth an Alpha in her own pack. Youck manners."


    I nodded. "As well as the will to live. Princess, you have great skin, and I''d hate to scar


    it. Leave now, if your words for me aren''t worth my time."


    "They are!" the princess barked. "You don''t deserve this. My pack will never surrender to you. You''re worse than your brother, Beta Ray."


    "Wow. You''ve met him?" A smirk formed on my lips. And who said I wanted her pack to surrender to me? They were a group of clowns.


    The girl nodded, looking down. "Beta Ray chased me out of ck Hills, insulted me, and threatened to tear off my limb."


    My brother had surely embraced his crazy side, sprinkled with anger issues.


    "Well, seeing as you''re still whole, he didn''t keep his promise. But I will, for him. You''d better leave," I warned, stepping toward her.


    She took two steps back, looking between me and Beatrice, who seemed exhausted just breathing the same air as her.


    "My words don''t affect you, right?" the girl asked. "Because you aren''t Rihanna. My brother said Beta Sam''s daughter was long dead."


    "If that''s what he needs to believe to sleep at night, then so be it. My father is here with me-his living daughter," I snapped.


    Her words were starting to piss me off. I gestured for Beatrice to drive her away, and she immediately attempted to.


    "Wait." Jaden''s voice called out as he walked out of the door. The princess escaped Beatrice''s grip and ran into his arms. Like a scared lover?


    I rolled my eyes. Funny enough, Jaden pushed her away, giving her an annoyed look.


    "You can leave with her. I don''t think our conversation is heading anywhere," I reminded him.


    "Stop it, Rihanna," he said authoritatively, confusing me. The princess smiled, looking between us. What did I do?


    "You shouldn''t be bantering with a teenage princess when you know you''re an Alpha," he added in a disappointed tone.


    Banter? The "teenage princess" walked into my pack to piss me off, and I defended myself. Now it wasbeled as banter?


    "I''m not just a teenage princess, and she''s the one with so many words to say, like her brother," the princess said with an eye roll.


    I couldn''t believe her-or Jaden. Maybe he was used to brats around him, but I wasn''t.


    "Are you following her, or can I throw her out?" Beatrice asked, hands on her hips.


    d someone was on my side. One or both of them had to go.


    "Princess, I''d meet you on your way to ck Rose. I need to finalize my discussion with Alpha Rihanna-it''s urgent," Jaden told her.


    She pouted with a sulky expression, looking ridiculous. I couldn''t stand it and stormed back inside. Why treat her with such respect?


    "Get out of my pack within a minute, bitch!" I yelled as I mmed the door.


    Pouring myself a ss of tea to calm down, I whipped my head up and found my vision blurring.


    I blinked furiously, cleaning my eyes with my palm. My vision remained unclear, but I saw what appeared to be an image of a horse.


    I tried to walk toward it, but whenever it moved, I felt dizzy. Was this from getting too pissed at that princess? Was I hallucinating?


    With Lana''s help, I snapped out of that realm and saw things clearly again. But the faint image of a horse lingered before fading away.


    "What the hell?" I gasped, cing the cup down. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Jaden.


    "Did you see that?" I asked to be sure. He looked stunned and slowly nodded.


    He did? Then I wasn''t hallucinating. Something strange was happening.


    "That was an image of a horse, but from another realm. You know, like Spirit Wolves," he mumbled.


    I had heard of those before, but they were associated with Moon Goddess myths.


    Normal werewolves couldn''t create them.


    "Do you have a new horse here?" Jaden asked.


    I sure did, thanks to Red Moon. "Why?"


    "Realms are triggered by either the presence of the Moon Goddess or sorcery. I think


    it''s thetter this time," he sighed.


    Sorry? Red Moon gave it to me, so...

 Breeding Chaos

    Chapter Seventy - Breeding Chaos


    Rihanna''s POV


    Something was more than tripping. Red Moon was fully associated with sorcery? And the big twist of Former Luna Queen Minerva being a fake? My head could never wrap around it. That bitch had stolen Sasha''s mother''s ce?!


    If things had happened right, Minerva would have never birthed those jerks, Chris and Vanessa. Sasha''s mother would have gotten a better daughter with Alpha Wayne. And maybe he''d have been a better Alpha because he wouldn''t have had such a stuck-up Luna. How could Red Moon have cheated him this much?


    Jaden snapped his fingers in my face, and I returned to thend of the living. I was staring at the horse again.


    I knew it was suspicious. Red Moon gifting me stuff to say they epted me it was all too tricky, and the horse had issues too.


    My ws came out of their ces. "I''ll kill the horse and rid both it and me from the sorcery."


    Jaden shook his head. "It''s not fair to the poor animal. There''s a way to handle this other than taking its innocent life."


    I raised an eyebrow. "So it should stay alive and be used by Red Moon to torment me?"


    I cared about some animals'' lives, but not at the expense of mine or my sanity.


    "Won''t you think of ways you can use it to your advantage?" Jaden frowned.


    "Use a sorcerer''s horse to my advantage? You''re joking, aren''t you?" I asked, pointing at the horse. "I don''t use sorcery; how''d I do that?"


    Jaden was quiet for a while, then exhaled. "I don''t know, but this means one thing: Red Moon hasn''t stopped sorcery. Someone still uses it there."


    Those words sent shivers down my spine. Someone still used it there. They had a witch with them.


    "If someone still uses it, then they could use it against Chris and make things worse. He needs to know." I pped my palms together.


    Jaden seemed reluctant, and I understood it''d cause lots of talks, but it''d be unfair for Alpha Wayne to keep on living with such deceit.


    "Their lives are good now. I''ll send a letter to Red Moon to stop what they''re doing to you. But be calm about this," he said.


    What exactly did he gain from being calm in this? Red Moon would fall, and Alpha Wayne would be grateful to him.


    But Chris... that''s right, Chris was close to his mother and got easily brainwashed by her. He wouldn''t understand. The swap didn''t directly affect him, only his father. His mother was still his mother.


    "But we can''t keep quiet about sorcery being a thing again. What will that make us?" My heart judged my conscience.


    Jaden replied, "I assured Red Moon that if they leave you and me out of their trouble, I''d keep quiet about the Luna being a fake..."


    "But they didn''t listen and troubled me. And this is bigger than the Luna being fake. Sorcery is being used in Red Moon," I frowned at him.


    He nced at me, then away, flexing his hands. "So you think we should expose them? It means exposing the Lycan."


    I nodded. "All packs will know that Red Moon brought a fake Luna and a Lycan to ck Hills."


    That''d work in my favor. Chris would kill the Lycan so the people wouldn''t worry. He''d have no choice but to step down for the new Alpha King too.


    A smile came to my face just thinking about the kind of turmoil this would bring to ck Hills.


    "Don''t smile. This will bring chaos. The Lycan will be killed. Chris''s throne will be questioned as the prophecy is brought to light," he listed.


    "I''d be respected more. You''d be on your way to being the new Alpha King." Those weren''t bad things, but his tone made it look like they were.


    He shook his head. "I don''t like chaos, but you seem to enjoy it."


    "I do. And this chaos was brought to us by Red Moon. We''re ying their game." My ws left their ce. "This horse has been tormented."


    The temper it had and the unusual breathing-they had mingled a spirit with its own.


    Like an injured horse. He only needed saving. I shed his neck forcefully, dragging him down. Jaden stepped back in surprise.


    The horse began shaking till it bled to death. It didn''t take long; it was already a walking corpse.


    "I freed the horse. It''s time to free Alpha Wayne!" I told myself out loud.


    Jaden looked at me like I was mad. Again, I was. But it was a joy to be things were working for my good, and it''d been a while since they had.


    "Chris will easily believe you if you''re the one telling him. Tell Alpha Wayne as well so he won''t try hiding it," I advised.


    "What if he suspects that I am the supposed new Alpha King by reporting?" Jaden asked.


    I shook my head. "He''s not that smart to think that way. He''ll only assume you were looking out for him when you weren''t," I replied.


    Jaden took one more look at the horse before walking away. He murmured some words as he left. I assumed it was a prayer.


    It''s about to go down. In all of the packs. Red Moon would be hated for its use of sorcery, ck Hills would be pitied and questioned.


    And Silver Pack-it and their Alpha would be looked upon as a source of hope. ck Rose would also have some fans.


    Blue Fire and Blue Bloom would be as irrelevant as they''d always been.


    "Lana, do you feel good energy from this?" I asked excitedly.


    She gasped. "I am ecstatic about it, but the energy I feel from this isn''t happiness. It''s definitely energy, though."


    I smirked. That was right. No matter what wasing, it only mattered that we had the energy to deal with it.


    Dara was tugging on my mind link, and I released it. "Yeah, honey?"


    "Alpha Jaden just left our border," she said.


    "Good," I replied. "Soon, big and wonderful news will reach all the packs. Be ready, in


    case we get some attack from haters."


    "You know I don''t understand you, right?" Dara sighed.


    She didn''t now, but when it began, she''d totally catch the news from the air. "Don''t


    worry, girl. I''ll exin when you''re back from duty."


    "All right, Alpha." She switched off her mind link, but someone reced her immediately. I was in a good mood, so I didn''tin.


    "Alpha, please, you aren''t very busy, are you? I''m leaving to get supplies with some hunters." It was my Beta, Beatrice.


    "Yes?" My brows furrowed.


    "My son is on his way to stay with you. Just stay with him for a while. Thank you." She switched off her mind link before I could revolt.


    I shook my head, searching for her, but then the door of the stable opened.


    "Alpha!" A small voice rang. Horror was on my face. "Ohhhh! This ce is huge! It has horses too!" I dropped my hands in annoyance.


    "Hey, quiet down, okay?" I made to leave the stables.


    "Alpha, Alpha, can I ride a horse..." He trailed off, then gasped.


    I smirked, turning to him. "Of course, the dead horse. Wanna know why I killed it?"


    He turned to me, looking scared. He shook his head, but I told him anyway.


    "He was stubborn, noisy,


    and wanted to run about. Be good, and we''ll get along, right? Okay?" I tilted my head. The boy looked down and nodded.

 Venting

    Chapter Seventy-One - Venting


    Chris''s POV


    (Three Days Later)


    It was over for me.


    "Alpha King! Wait, please!" the Red Moon Delta begged, but my father''s ws sank deeper into his throat.


    Vanessa was on the ground in tears. I didn''t even understand her. What was the point of crying? Her mother was a fraud-what was there to mourn?


    "How dare you!" my father barked. "How dare you use sorcery on me! You and that bitch of a woman!"


    The "bitch of a woman" who was the mother of his children. But it was alright; I shared his rage. Red Moon had crossed too many limits.


    I embraced my sister, hoping she''d get a hold of herself, but she simply buried her wet face into my chest. I sighed. "Father, you''re scaring her."


    My father paused and gently dropped the Delta onto the ground, his ws leaving deep gashes in the man''s neck.


    Vanessa turned, peeking at the Delta as he bled from the wounds. "Father, Mother isn''t a bitch. She''s still your wife."


    My father''s eyes darkened at her words. He stepped away from the Delta and ran his hands through his hair. "That''s inconsiderate of you, Vanessa."


    Vanessa lowered her gaze as my father red at her. I released her from my hold. She was being inconsiderate.


    "You swapped my father''s mate with his Delta. Do you realize the chaos you caused in their lives?" I demanded of the Delta.


    Clutching his neck, he struggled to speak. "I was told by the former Alpha to find a witch to do his bidding, and that''s what I did."


    He sounded far less remorseful than he should have. Anger surged through me, and I kicked him in the stomach, making him cough up more blood. "Father, you can vent on him."


    My gaze drifted to the scroll on my throne the one Alpha Jaden had used to send this cursed information.


    He deserved to know I was grateful for his report, but he''d never understand how much sadness it had brought me. Worse, Jaden had sent the same scroll to all the packs and even beyond the seven seas.


    The Red Moon deal with the Lycan had been exposed, and the prophecy revealed. My throne would be questioned.


    I heard a throat being shed and turned. My father stood there, holding the gullet of the Red Moon Delta-the only Delta they had.


    In six months, they''d lost both their Beta and Delta. And I was certain Alpha Jaden had exonerated the Red Moon Alpha from this.


    iming the Red Moon Alpha hadn''t known about the deal didn''t mean he hadn''t be aware of itter. Jaden had saved Red Moon from being branded as a rebellious pack, outing only the direct perpetrators.


    "Red Moon ceases to be part of this kingdom from now onwards," my father muttered under his breath.


    "Father!" Vanessa sprang up from the floor. "You can''t do that! My mother is from there!"


    Was she stupid? Her mother wasn''t my father''s mate! Why was she still fighting for her?


    My father, his hands still bloody, pointed a trembling finger at her. "You''d better watch your mouth, Vanessa. You''ve been shockingly biased in all of this."


    I nodded in agreement.


    "You should be thankful I haven''t sought her out and killed her myself for deceiving me for years!" my father added bitterly. I didn''t like hearing that.


    Vanessa scoffed loudly. "And what would you gain from that? She bore your children and was your Luna. Do you prefer a maid like Sasha''s mom?"


    "Vanessa!" I snapped, dragging my sister back. She fell to the ground. How dare she demean her father''s true mate while praising the fraud?


    "Be careful. Are you justifying Red Moon''s actions?" I demanded.


    "And you?" she retorted, stubborn as ever. "Rejecting a mate you knew wasn''t worthy of you isn''t that the same as swapping?"


    My wolf, silent and dumbfounded by today''s revtions, suddenly burst into mockingughter.


    My sister''s words stabbed through my heart, sparking a spiral of self-degradation. "Chris rejected Rih because of your mom!" my father roared at Vanessa. "She made him do it. No wolf in their right mind rejects their mate!"


    I remained calm despite my wolf''s tormentingughter. I had never med my mother


    for my mistakes, but she truly had been the root of many of them.


    "Vanessa, go to your room and reflect on your actions. Our mother was wrong in what she did. Don''t deny that," I told her firmly.


    She hesitated, itching to argue more, but eventually let out a sigh and trudged off to her room. I called for guards to remove the Delta''s body.


    "And Sasha is missing," my father exhaled. "Perhaps this is the Moon Goddess punishing your mother''s sins."


    Of course, he''d twist it to make my mother the evil in the prophecy. Speaking of the prophecy, other matters had been exposed with Jaden''s message.


    "We need to kill the Lycan. If the people find out we took it from Red Moon without killing it, they''ll panic and rebel," I said in a low tone, trying not to trip my father''s temper.


    His chest heaved, his eyes darted, and I could see his thoughts racing. "Yes. There''s no need to kill Rih''s mate. She deserves another after everything she''s been through. That foolish n was your mother''s doing," he admitted.


    My shoulders slumped as I nodded. "Father, you should rest. The Delta had already sent word he''d keep his wife..."


    "Yes. I don''t want his wife. She''s no longer my mate. She was swapped. They should remain together," he finished for me. I nodded again.


    "I''ll handle the Lycan. Take care of yourself," I said, stepping back. He sighed deeply but didn''t speak.


    I couldn''t fathom the betrayal and pain he must have been feeling.


    The guards outside wore fearful expressions as I walked past them. I ignored them. Today wasn''t ck Hills'' day at all.


    I envisioned my enemiesughing at us for sheltering a fraud for so long. It made me wonder what else we had been deceived about.


    My mother''s lies about how she had realized my father was her mate-all those emotions she had imed-had all been false.


    "Alpha! Alpha! It escaped!" My Delta ran up to me, screaming and breaking my train of thought.


    I frowned. "What escaped?" My gaze followed the direction he hade from-the prison. The Lycan.


    I rushed inside before he could exin further. The metal gate to the prison had been


    torn apart, a hole gaping in the center.


    The brick-and-rod walls had copsed


    leaving a clear path of destruction.


    "How did it grow so strong?" I murmured, dread settling over me.

 Casually

    Chapter Seventy-Two - Casually


    Chris''s POV


    ck Hills had dered a state of emergency. How dare that Lycan terrorize my pack! A guard had been found dead at his lodge the same one who had guarded the Lycan''s prison during the early days. Killing him must have been revenge.


    "This Lycan won''t survive today! How did it even know I wasing to kill it?" I growled to myself, searching around. Our warriors were sprawled across the pce, scouring every corner. It wouldn''t have gone far.


    My father was tugging at my mind link, but I ignored him. He shouldn''t involve himself in handling the Lycan. His strength wasn''t what it used to be, and he was thest honest parent I had. He needed to stay safe.


    "Alpha, Beta Ray...!" a guard began, but he didn''t finish his message.


    Fear gripped my heart. What had happened to Ray? I ran toward the direction of the guard''s voice, but all I saw were trails.


    "Alpha!" another guard screamed behind me.


    What was all this confusion? Where was the Lycan? Where was Ray? Reluctantly, I opened my mind link.


    "Alpha, the Lycan is running into the forest. I''m on its trail!" Ray''s voice rang in my head before he shut the link.


    "Beta Ray is in the forest. Get me the warriors!" I ordered the guards, who immediately sprinted off.


    The forest was dark and misty. I hoped the Lycan wouldn''t try to counterattack Ray. The destruction in the prison still stunned me. How had he broken free while only advancing to Delta rank? He surely hadn''t received any help.


    I trusted my warriors to catch up soon. I stooped low and began shifting. My wolf surged forward, eager to aid Ray, who was now in harm''s way.


    "That Lycan will lose a...!" I snarled mid-sentence, thest part morphing into a growl as my wolf took control. ck fur sprouted from my skin, and my bones cracked, reshaping into a dominant stance.


    With a single leap, I sped into the forest, following the faint scent of Beta Ray. His wolf rarely left a scent when running, and if he weren''t from my pack, tracking him would have been nearly impossible. I wondered how the warriors would manage to find us.


    "Alpha, he''s moving toward Silver Pack. Should I alert my sister?" Ray''s voice asked again, breaking through the mind link.


    Could he do that-alert someone who wasn''t from our pack? The trees ahead began to look different, resembling the ones near Silver Pack. What did the Lycan want there? "If you can, do it. But tell her to pull all her border warriors inside to keep them from dying!" I replied.


    His mind link shut again, and I heard a loud howl. Was that his n? I hadn''t even considered it. Another wolf howled in response, followed by another, and another.


    "Alpha, he stopped at the border. Should I let him enter and find out what he wants?" Ray asked.


    At that moment, I caught sight of his wolf, crouched by a tree. His gray fur shone under the moonlight, giving him a superior glow. His wolf moved toward the Lycan. I followed cautiously, my jaw dropping when I saw it.


    The Lycan stood a sturdy eight feet tall, with broad shoulders and ck fur. He was on his hind legs, staring at Silver Pack''s territory.


    "She''s your sister, isn''t she?" the Lycan asked, his deep, trembling voice cutting through the still air.


    Was he speaking to Ray? Ray''s wolf let out a soft sound that seemed to confirm it. Were theymunicating?


    "She is a powerful girl, that one. A lot of power runs through both of your veins," the Lycan continued, turning fully toward Ray.


    I couldn''t understand what was happening. This creature had escaped prison, killed a guard, and was now casually chatting with my Beta.


    The Lycan took a step forward into Silver Pack. "I''d like to meet your sister. There are things only she can help me with."


    What? How did he know she was Ray''s sister? And he thought he could casually waltz into Silver Pack to ask for help?


    "If you''d take me to her, I''d be grateful and leave yournds in peace. All I want is to save myself. I don''t mean trouble," he added.


    He didn''t mean trouble? Hadn''t he caused destruction and death in my pack? I crept closer, but a twig snapped under my paw. The Lycan turned, and I quickly ducked back.


    A surprise attack was the only way to bring down something as massive as him.


    Ray''s wolf sprang forward, eyes glowing orange with his usual stubborn determination.


    "Alpha, his weak point is the head," Ray said through the mind link.


    I crawled closer, relieved he wasn''t trying to let the Lycan meet his sister.


    The Lycan smirked, rising to his full height. "You don''t seem like you''re going to take me to her."


    Ray''s wolf snarled and lunged at him. The Lycan stepped back, the smirk still stered on his face.


    "Get him from your angle," Ray ordered, headbutting the Lycan with full force.


    The Lycan staggered but quickly regained bnce, growling. My ws extended, and I dove from my hiding spot, shing across his neck. Thick fat cushioned the blow, making the injury superficial.


    Ray struck him again, forcing him to retreat. My ws swiped at him, but he dodged, kicking up sand.


    "This won''t end well," the Lycan barked, crouching into a fighting stance. His hind legs bent back, bulking with muscle.


    Ray lunged, but the Lycan sidestepped and sprinted toward Silver Pack''s border, crashing through.


    "Ray, block him! He''ll harm innocent wolves!" I shouted.


    Ray quickened his pace, howling in rm. The Lycan sent a barrel of silver powder flying toward us. Ray leaped past it, but it slowed me down.


    Why did Silver Pack keep barrels of silver lying around the border? Their wolves must have some resistance to it. I was reminded of when they''d attacked.


    Ray tore through the Lycan''s fur, slowing him momentarily. But the Lycan kicked him back into a tree, leaving him bleeding and swollen.


    I froze, staring at the Lycan''s glowing red eyes-burning with anger and hate, filled with nothing but sinister intent.


    "It''s an Alpha Lycan King," Ray rasped, his voice fading. "Alpha, avoid


    him..."


    "Ray! Ray!" I called, but my cries echoed unanswered through the empty forest.

 Threatened

    Chapter Seventy-Three-Threatened


    Rihanna''s POV


    I heard the howl. Ray''s howl. It sent shivers down my spine, and my wolf was charged.


    "Alpha, should we retreat from the borders?" Dara asked me through mind link.


    I replied immediately, leaving my bed. "Yes, all should retreat. I''ming out."


    I was yet to know what exactly Ray was warning me about, but Lana was already agitated, so it wasn''t a good thing.


    "Ray! Ray!!" I searched for my twin through telepathy. If he was close, then we should connect.


    "Rihanna, an eight-foot Lycan ising your way... he stopped," he said as we connected.


    I stopped my steps as well. An eight-foot Lycan? My blood ran cold for a second. Coming to kill me?


    "He wants to meet with you," Ray spoke again.


    I rushed towards my border. "Did he say for what reason?"


    "He needs your help."


    My help? Wait, was heing here for sanctuary? That would be a bit of a problem. We made no room for him, literally.


    "But he wouldn''t be making it, Rih. Never mind," Ray said again and switched off mind link.


    What did he intend to do?


    "Let''s go help out," Lana warned. "Ray sounds like he''s alone. A Lycan that was able to break out of ck Hills is no ordinary one."


    Already outside the pce, I mind linked to Beatrice to keep all wolves within the pack to avoid casualties. I also halted Cami from getting to the border and told her to remain at Boots and Rivers Market until everything was cleared.


    I shifted to my wolf and sprinted off to my border; my paws broke down each rock and twig it came across. As I got closer, I heard my border being broken into. My jaw fell; that border took us three days to mold, and something broke through?


    "Ray, end him. He''s going too far!" I heard someone scream. That was Chris. What was he doing here?


    I initiated a barrier ready to collide with the Lycan. He was crossing past his limits.


    There was a knock-out. Someone was thrown off; it distracted me, and I loosened my barrier. Chris began screaming again. "Ray! Ray!!"


    What did that Lycan do to my brother? Was it Ray that was knocked out like a bag of meat? With my barrier, I charged at his direction.


    A huge ck wolf appeared in front of me, snarling and growling in dominance, but he was messing with the wrong wolf. I bent my head to head-butt him, but my barrier met with him first.


    In honesty, I wasn''t expecting him to fly feet into the air andnd on his back, but that''s what happened. My barrier wasn''t that heavy, or surely didn''t have such a reaction on other wolves.


    I slowed down, checking and pinning his head with my ws. Its eyes were red, heavily red, and all kinds of hatred emanated from them.


    "Rihanna, Ray needs help!" I turned to see Chris. He was in human form and only had small shorts on.


    I rolled my eyes, so he was with Ray? I rushed to help my brother, but the Lycan groaned. It was helpless and couldn''t move.


    "That wolf is a liar," Chris pointed out. "He''s not as weak as he ims."


    Using Lana''s wolf vision, I checked for his inner energy and saw he was internally injured. It looked like a rupture from the impact on my barrier.


    "My barriers seem to hit him well," Lana bragged, leaving him to check on Ray.


    Chris slightly panicked seeing us leave then left with me. We were able to take Ray back to my pack. The Lycan, Cami, and her warrior carried him. He didn''t even try to fight it when he was ced in prison.


    "He wanted to meet you," Chris said to me after I shifted. I wrapped the cloak I had tightly around my body; he shouldn''t even see a skin. Dara threw a long coat on him so he''d hide his abs; no one cared.


    "I''d meet with him after my brother is okay. Tell me, how exactly did he escape an Alpha King?" I asked, ending with a scoff.


    Chris was staring at Ray''s breathing chest. "Your brother will survive, hear the Lycan, but don''t hesitate to kill it if it tries escaping."


    Was he seriously telling me what to do with a Lycan I found at my pack? Who hurt my own brother?


    "Don''t give me orders! And since when did you care! Are you scared of receiving hate when you willingly epted the Lycan?"


    I barely finished my words when Chris grabbed my neck and pinned me to the wall.


    Lana took over and scratched his chest, but it only made his grip tighter on my neck. "Don''t frustrate me, Rihanna!" he barked at me.


    "It''s Your Silver to you!" I kicked him with my legs, and he backed out.


    I made to attack again, but Beatrice held me. I didn''t know she was inside. She was ring at Chris.


    "That Lycan will be killed after you hear what it wants to say. I don''t want to repeat myself!" Chris ordered again.


    I tried to shove Beatrice''s hands off, but she held me tightly. She sighed, still ring at Chris. "It''s funny how you bring your trouble to us to fix, then try to hurt our Alpha."


    Chris paid her no attention and patted Ray. "I''d leave when he''s awake..."


    What the hell? "No, you''d leave now!" I shouted, pointing at the door. "He''s my brother and would stay...."


    "He''s my Beta and will leave when I do!" He shut me up.


    "I don''t give a damn about him being your Beta, Chris! Haven''t you noticed that you being Alpha King is the only reason you''re breathing in front of me!" My hair jumped as I screamed.


    Chris smirked, looking down at his hands then up at me again. "It''s good you''ve respect then."


    Respect? His left brain must be dead. "It''s not respect, it''s just cause I can''t kill you... yet! And goddess help you when I can. I won''t wait to!"


    Beatrice exhaled as I said those words. She pulled me away from Chris as he smirked again. "You dare me?"


    "I threaten you," I took a step towards him, but Beatrice pulled me back again.


    Chris chuckled, looking from Beatrice to me and then Dara. "So it''s a gang up? I''d


    keep it in mind. And since you can''t kill me, I''d stay here, waiting for my Beta."


    My fists clenched, and with my ws out, it dug into my skin, but I didn''t feel the pain, only rage.


    "Your rage is nothing," Chris mocked, then wa


    Iked away. "And do tell me whatever that Lycan says."

 The Talk

    Chapter Seventy-Four - The Talk


    Rihanna''s POV


    His legs would go first, then that stupid head, then I''d carve out his disgusting mouth from his head. All of those would be burned in mes, and then the ashes would be thrown into a volcano. These and more were what I envisioned when Chris spoke to me, even held my neck, and gave me a slight scar there.


    Did I look like his submissive wife, Sasha? I exhaled, letting the rage I felt diffuse into the air and leave me, but it remained. I threw the prison door open and red at the Lycan. He was calm, lying on his face; it looked quite ufortable, but he seemed fine. He raised his head to look at me.


    "I don''t want to see your wolf," I said. "It reminds me of Chris''s, and that was thest thing I needed, so shift to human form."


    After that, I threw the cloak I had on him and left the prison. He had better listen to me, or we''d be skipping the talking stage and getting to the killing.


    Outside the door, I heard bones cracking and bending. He was actually obedient. "I''m ready to talk, Rihanna," I heard him say.


    He had a deep voice, like he was in his thirties already. But of course, he would surely be much older than that.


    I swung the door open, and he did look like he was in his thirties. Scary enough, he looked very familiar. His darkened eyes were green. What was with the moon goddess making all the men around me have green eyes? It was bing infuriating. This Lycan looked familiar because of the ck hair and green eyes, features like all the men I''ve met, only with a more manly touch.


    "If you''re done checking me out, we can proceed to the talking," he sounded annoyed.


    I was annoyed. "Checking you out? You must be joking. The only thing I''m observing is the first ce to hit you for hurting my brother."


    "Your brother?" He raised his brows.


    Didn''t he know Ray was my brother? Of course, he might not. "Yes, the Beta who chased you down was my brother."


    "But you aren''t from his pack? How did that happen?" he sounded concerned.


    I shook my head. "Long story."


    "Well, cut me ck for hurting him," he sighed. "I was only defending myself. Being transferred from one cage to another is demeaning."


    "Oh," I gasped, looking at the ce we were in, a prison.


    "No, don''t worry," he sighed. "This prison has more space than the cages I''ve been in; it''s like a room. And you''d help me, so I''m good."


    For weird reasons, he didn''t seem like he had murderous intent and reeked of pity instead. But I wouldn''t be letting my guard down. I had witnessed him outrun an Alpha King and hurt a Beta. He might not be as piteous as he acted.


    "So what do you need me for?" I asked the big question.


    I camepletely inside the prison and locked the door. It was to prevent others from listening in.


    "My health is failing," he started. "I''m seen as a crazy Lycan King, but due to my poor health, my pack actually tried to kill me."


    Why would they try to kill him if his health was already failing? "Go on," I said with a nod. "How exactly do I help you?"


    "By saving me," he started. "I''m thest Lycan here, and it''s unfair if I die. You saw how badly your barrier affected me; you can affect me..."


    "How do I save you?" I interrupted his long talk.


    "I need a piece of your energy," he said. "It''s the only thing that can heal me. I could die in months if nothing is done." He muttered.


    A piece of my energy? "Couldn''t anyone do that for you? Or only me?"


    "You are a silver wolf; only you can. I don''t want trouble, I promise to leave and return


    to my loneliness. Just grant me this." He pleaded.


    I blinked after staring at him for too long. Well, that would be a problem. I knew


    nothing about the transfer of energy. "Can I get your name?"


    He cocked his head. "Logan."


    "Logan, I don''t know about transferring energy. And I need it as I''m about to break rank. Is there any other way I could help?" I questioned.


    He cocked his head. "What rank are you breaking into? Aren''t you an Alpha?" he had a demeaning tone to thest question.


    I folded my arms. Alpha or not, I still ran a pack. "I''m an Alpha, just not with rank yet. Is there no other way to help you?" I asked again.


    He breathed out then whispered. "None."


    A weight was ced on my head at that point. I couldn''t give energy as it could heavily affect my training. "What do you think, Lana?"


    My wolf had been quiet for a while. I bet babysitting Beatrice''s son hadn''t gone well for her. "If we were to help, how''d we?"


    I snapped my head at Logan. That was a good question. Was there even a way to take


    out my energy and put it in him?


    "If I''m helping, what technique is used for that energy transfer?"


    Wearing the straightest face, he deadpanned. "Sorcery."


    My shoulders fell. He was serious? "You must think since Red Moon uses sorcery, all packs do, right?"


    "That is the only way to help me live on," he retorted. "Your silver energy can heal me, only it."


    "What kind of practice is that? I never heard that we silver wolves were medicine to Lycans. This is my first time!" it was bing infuriating.


    I lowered my voice. "And I would never partake in sorcery. If there''s another way I can help you, tell me. This is out of the question."


    I made to leave. If there was no way he could get my help, then I should let him die naturally, but he growled, stopping me.


    I turned to him, keeping my hands behind me. My ws shot out in case he''d try attacking.


    "Didn''t you hear me? I won''t partake in sorcery, so if there''s no other way to save you, prepare to die. Your former owner wants you to," I said.


    "I have no owner. I own myself. I assumed you''d understand since many packs didn''t think you should be Alpha, but you''re like them," he leered.


    "What? How am I like them? I haven''t tried to sell or kill you!" I shouted.


    "Yet. I know you were sent here to kill me; that''s the reason I ran out of ck Hills at first. But what use is it if I ran into one of his dogs."


    That was it! I brought out my hands from behind me. "I will so scar you that you won''t recognize your own face."


    "If it pleases you, do. After all, I have said you are like them," he seethed, looking away. Slowly, he sat on the floor, breathing heavily.


    I used my wolf vision to scan him, and he didn''t look like he had any health problems.


    The rupture he had was already healed. And what kind of illness would an Alpha Lycan King have that would require sorcery and a silver wolf to heal? None of it sounded right to Lana.

 Last Prophecy

    Chapter Seventy-Five - Last Prophecy


    Rihanna''s POV


    Every Lycan had a strong desire to kill Werewolves, which was why they were termed monsters. Logan was one Lycan who wanted peace and loneliness.


    "Where''s your family?" I broke the twenty seconds of silence.


    The Lycan, who I assumed had lost hope, looked up at me with light in his eyes. "Dead."


    I wasn''t sure if I should ask how, but I brushed it off, not wanting to reopen old wounds. "I can''t use sorcery, but if there''s another way, I''d help."


    "That way is dangerous and requires more energy," he murmured. "I don''t quite like it either, so I don''t want to suggest it."


    I stepped closer, stooping beside him. His green eyes met my brown ones. "Tell me, and let''s do it instead."


    "Let him tell you before you say we are doing it!" Lana scolded loudly. What was with her? Did she feel it was something we couldn''t do?


    "Transfer by blood. An archaic kind of sorcery without the sorcery. You''d need to be an Alpha for it to work too," Logan exined.


    I stepped back as Lana chuckled. "Tell him a straight no and walk out. That''s dark magic. Blood covenant is another word for what he wants."


    I heaved a heavy sigh and looked at him again. "So, taking my blood will heal you? In other words, you could kill a Silver Wolf to heal yourself?"


    He shook his head nervously. "I don''t need just blood, but the energy in the blood."


    It was turning into some dark covenant business that I didn''t want to partake in.


    "Okay, I''ll think about it." It was the card I used when I had no intention of agreeing. I rarely thought before doing things.


    I still felt terrible that we wouldn''t be able to help him. He was thest Lycan. Couldn''t something be done?


    "And you''re thest Silver Wolf. You need to protect your pack and secure the throne for your mate. Don''t get distracted," my wolf remarked.


    My mind link was tugged on, so I released it. "Alpha, you have a visitor. He wants to meet the Lycan," Beatrice said.


    "Visitor? Who is it?" I asked, turning away from the Lycan.


    "Alpha Jaden. He has some information that he says you wouldn''t like," she replied.


    Did he also meet Chris there? If he was seen visiting me while Chris was here, it would raise suspicion. Not that Chris and I were actually a thing.


    "I''ll meet him outside. Has Chris seen him?"


    "No, he just got here."


    "Good. Tell him to meet me near the border," I said, cutting the mind link.


    I took onest nce at the poor Lycan before walking out of the prison, repeating myst card. "I''ll think about it."


    My legs rushed toward the forest, moving sneakily to avoid Chris realizing I was


    leaving. That jerk was making me take precautions in my own pack.


    My ears perked up for the sound of growls or paw movements, but as I rounded a corner, I saw a huge gray wolf stretching.


    Not what I expected. I shook my head, walking closer to him. He stopped and assumed a more dominant stance.


    "Hey! Do tell me you have something to change into," I said, hurrying to a rock to sit. The scroll at his feet looked heavy.


    With his muzzle, he nudged it toward me while he stepped off to shift.


    I admired his gray wolf for a moment. It resembled Ray''s, and like mine, it had an innocent shine to it.


    I flung the scroll open, and it rolled down to my feet. My forehead creased; so much for the full version of the prophecy. This looked copied.


    But it had the prophecy in full.


    "Where did you get this?" I asked Jaden as he came out in human form. Thankfully, he had a shirt and shorts on.


    "My librarians searched all night for it. Some might have gotten sick from inhaling dust," he chuckled.


    I looked up. "Do wolves get sick? Like, bad health? How bad could it be?"


    He halted his steps as he walked toward me. "Where do you live? Wolves can get sick, but like any ailment or injury, we recover fast."


    That was the problem. The Lycan sounded like his sickness had been ongoing, and he had been searching for a solution.


    Since being at Red Moon and ck Hills, his sole duty must have been to find a way to get to me. Perhaps that was why he acted weak.


    "Thest prophecy, I don''t get it. After all the heroic things the Silver Wolf will do, it ends with, ''Or must the story be this way?'' Really?"


    Was the prophet writing a book while reporting revtions?


    "I believe he means there was a way to avert the prophecy entirely or change how it would end," Jaden suggested.


    Those were deep wordsing from him. I smiled. "I guess. But as the main character in this, I''m yet to see the evil."


    Not that I couldn''t wait to fulfill a prophecy-I had a lot of time. But wasn''t I supposed to meet trials and hassles first?


    "I suspect it will rise soon. It could have been avoided, yet we let it be a revengeful, hateful beast..."


    Why did that conjure a picture? I turned toward the direction of the prison.


    "Have someone in mind?" Jaden asked.


    I faced him and nodded. "The Lycan you wanted to see. He gave me an offer I''ll be refusing. I''m sure it won''t sit well with him."


    Jaden frowned, gazing toward the prison hold. "It''s dangerous for you to be around


    that Lycan. And Dara said he came to you-what''s the full story?"


    I smiled, folding my arms. "He was chased here by Chris and Ray. Ray''s injured, and the


    Lycan wanted to talk. His offer was ridiculous."


    I didn''t know which part made Jaden''s frown deepen, but I''d assume it was Ray getting hurt.


    "Chris is here again?"


    Or maybe not. He definitely frowned at Chris being here.


    I shrugged, pping my thighs. "He put up a fight when I wanted him to leave and forced me to ask the Lycan for the offer."


    I rolled my eyes at the thought. "I won''t be telling him, though. He should try to kill


    me again this time in front of my brother."


    "Killing you?" Jaden asked in disbelief.


    I faced him and raised my head so he''d see the slight scar. Maybe I was being petty,


    but everyone had to know Chrisid hands on me.


    With his index finger, Jaden brushed over the bruise. Sparks rose within me at the gesture.


    He examined it tenderly before breathing out. "I''m sorry about that. You should let it


    heal."


    I nodded, looking down. "And until we figure out what exactly the prophecy means, or


    how to answer the Lycan, I''ll just keep this scroll."


    He nodded. "What was his offer?"


    "Transferring energy through sorcery to him. If not, he dies. He''s very ill," I listed, watching Jaden''s face for a reaction.


    "That Lycan is shady. Energy transfer always has an aftereffect on the user. So does sorcery. He''d leave you almost wasted," Jaden stated.


    Lana made an approving yelp, and I nodded in agreement. Since I wasn''t agreeing, I''d better think of how to tell Logan.

 Tingles

    Chapter Seventy-Six - Tingles


    Rihanna''s POV


    With Ray around me, I felt the mate bond more intensely. It was crazy and hard to stay away from Jaden.


    He was inspecting the border, which had been broken by the Lycan. Jaden''s warriors had helped mold it when we were rebuilding.


    Ray mind-linked me, saying he was leaving with Chris. I didn''t want him to leave just yet-maybe because I''d stop feeling the sweet tingles-but I wanted them home, especially since I''d been speaking too nicely with Jaden. I needed to stop feeling these things.


    "You won''t mind my warriorsing again to help with this mold? I take pride in the fact that your border was molded by them," Jaden smirked.


    I nodded readily. "Sure." That was all I said.


    Jaden expected more. "Sure? You wouldn''t mind that I''m trying to build your pack for you?"


    I knew I had used that line before, but this time, I was feeling crazy emotions. Did he feel them too? Was that how it was for him? Damn. No wonder he frequented here. "You''re trying to be a worthy ally. I''ll let you," I shrugged, looking away.


    He nodded. "Well, thank you."


    I smiled but let it fall before he saw it.


    "You''re quiet. That bruise didn''t affect you, did it?" he asked, taking a step closer.


    I took two steps back. He needed to keep his distance before something happened.


    "Do you think I''d be shaken by a bruise? I''m only displeased that I used words to taunt Chris, and he used hands," I scoffed.


    Jaden''s eyes darkened as he turned back to the mold. "Why not stop taunting him? He is your Alpha King."


    "Your Alpha King, not mine! And I''ll show him that soon enough," I promised.


    Ray was leaving. I could feel his connection getting harder to reach, and the tingling feelings stopped.


    "You should be less haughty, Rihanna. Chris isn''t your problem right now. That Lycan is," Jaden reminded, walking toward the prison.


    I ran my eyes over him from head to toe in a disapproving manner. I wasn''t going to listen to him. Chris deserved none of my reverence.


    I followed Jaden, trying to construct the right words to say to Logan without provoking him into bing evil. I didn''t mind not fulfilling the prophecy. Peace was more important than following the musings of a funny prophet.


    "Any news on the other Lycan?" I asked.


    Jaden snapped his head toward me before slowly looking ahead. "I totally forgot about it. It hasn''t done anything since."


    After the news about Lycans living among our packs came out, the other Lycan seemed to have hidden in the shadows.


    As we walked into the prison, I exhaled, finally piecing together what to say to Logan. Beatrice gave me a side-eye when she saw me looking nervous, but I nodded to assure her I was okay.


    "I''ll go with you," Jaden said, opening the prison door. I nodded, walking in as he followed and closed the door behind us.


    "Logan," I called.


    He looked up, first at me, then lingering on Jaden. His eyes softened before he smiled. "You came to me with an Alpha? Your reply is a no?"


    I shook my head immediately. "Not inly a no. I can''t partake in sorcery; its aftereffects are too much."


    "And you must have known that, yet you told her to partake in it," Jaden interjected.


    I nudged him, silently urging him to let me handle this so Logan wouldn''t get offended.


    Logan exined, "Sorcery works differently for people. Witches are wolves who could withstand it after partaking in it many times. Her case is "


    "She''s not a witch!" Jaden interrupted again.


    I sighed, letting my hands fall. He wasn''t helping. "Look, Logan, I''d happily provide whatever you need to live yourst days happily, but I can''t help you."


    The Lycan growled lowly, moving backward in irritation. "To think I depended on your Werewolves."


    That wasn''t a good line; he was clearly offended.


    Jaden clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "Stop the act. You don''t have any illness; you just want extra energy."


    What was he saying? I stared at Jaden with questioning eyes.


    "If you give him energy to ''heal,'' he''ll get stronger. If he''s a Delta, he''d break into Beta rank," Jaden added. "And you don''t have an ailment; you just need energy from a Silver Wolf. Otherwise, anyone could have helped you."


    Logan suddenly beganughing. I took steps back. Were Jaden''s words true? Did he only want to use me?


    "I am an Alpha Lycan King. What rank do I need to break?" Logan asked Jaden with a frown.


    That made sense. He was already as powerful as he could be or was he?


    "Well, it''s surely not illness you''re trying to cure. Only you know what twisted ns you have up your sleeve," Jaden shrugged.


    I hit Jaden at his side. That was going too far. What if Logan genuinely needed help?


    Lana fully agreed with Jaden, but I didn''t know if it was because he was her mate or because she sensed Logan''s bad vibes.


    "It''s fine. You two are Werewolves anyway. I didn''t expect much," Logan said, rising to his feet.


    My heart thumped violently, but Jaden didn''t seem shaken.


    "So what''ll you do now?" Jaden asked. "There''s no other Silver Wolf in our kingdom.


    Will you try other kingdoms or die peacefully?"


    "Why do you care?" Logan smiled at him.


    Jaden rolled his eyes. "To be sure you won''t cause trouble. Her offer is still open to help you live well until your death."


    Logan''s fists clenched. "I don''t need it. And you surely don''t need me here on a full red moon. You can''t hold me."


    Did that mean he''d leave? Should we just let him?


    "Stop worrying! He won''t back off and will get to us one way or another. He''s shady," Lana hissed.


    Logan brushed past Jaden, making him smirk.


    He turned to me. "So the Lycan will just walk off? Didn''t Chris say to kill him?"


    "Do you have the heart to? He''s a sick man-"


    "Rihanna, didn''t you use your wolf vision? He isn''t sick! He is a full Alpha Lycan King;


    he can''t be sick," Jaden yelled in frustration before storming off.


    I sighed, my forehead creased. Why was he yelling at me when I was trying to work with my heart for once?


    "Your heart has always slowed you down. Use your head. That Lycan isn''t being open..."


    My mind link was suddenly broken into. Groaning, I tried to block it, but then I heard Logan''s voice in my head.


    "If you won''t participate in sorcery for my sake, will you do it for your pack member?"


    I was sure it was Logan. My pack member? I rushed out of the prison, running past Jaden.


    "What is it?" Jaden asked as I stood outside, looking around.


    "Beatrice was out here just now! Where is she?" I shouted, searching for her through


    the mind link, but I couldn''t reach her.


    Bloody Lycans!

 His Wolf

    Chapter Seventy-Seven - His Crazy Wolf


    Jaden''s POV


    Beatrice was a Beta and the mother of a child. How could the Lycan take her within seconds of leaving?


    Dara confirmed that she wasn''t receiving her through the mind link. Rihanna looked distraught, convinced it was the Lycan who had spoken to her through the mind link, breaking it in the process. If he could do that, then he was undeniably powerful-there was nothing "sick" about him.


    "I told you not to trust him. He needs your energy for something devious and will go to any length to get it," I said quietly.


    Rihanna was already regretting her actions, so I shouldn''t have added to it. Dara returned to us in a rush.


    "A warrior sighted him crossing our border just now. He has Beatrice," she reported.


    Rihanna took off before I could ask Dara where exactly. I followed to ensure she wouldn''t get hurt.


    "Put her down!" I heard her growl.


    I was awestruck, watching Rihanna shift into her silver wolf in front of me.


    There was an art to her shifting the bending of her body, the way her skin sprouted shimmering silvery fur under the sky-but I didn''t have time to dwell on it.


    The Lycan remained in human form, and Beatricey unconscious beneath him. He had knocked her out when she wasn''t expecting it.


    ¡°I asked, and you didn''t answer. If you won''t participate in sorcery for my sake, will you do it for your pack member?" he smirked.


    Rihanna snarled, advancing toward him, but his eyes glowed red, forcing her to retreat.


    I stepped between them. "So, what do you n to do now? Cause a fight between her and you?"


    "Stop asking what I n to do, boy. I need her energy, and she isn''t giving it!" he shouted, his frustration evident.


    "You don''t need it; you want it," I countered. "I feel like you''re trying to find a reason


    to start a war with Werewolves-one that will go down in history."


    "You speak a lot of nonsense," he sighed, looking down at Beatrice. "If I kill her, perhaps you''ll start speaking mynguage."


    He picked Beatrice up like she weighed nothing. Before he could strike, Rihanna lunged at him, biting the arm he used to hold her.


    He let go of the Beta and flung Rihanna away, but shended gracefully on her feet and charged again.


    I darted forward to catch Beatrice before her head hit the ground. The Lycan was thrown into a tree, and Rihanna''s silver wolf howled into the air.


    If she was calling her warriors, this wouldn''t end well. I ced the Beta down to help,


    but Dara arrived with hunters, who carried her away.


    "Protect our Alpha!" Daramanded before leaving with Beatrice.


    I exhaled deeply and searched for Rihanna and the Lycan.


    They were circling each other near arge rock. When I tried to intervene, Rihanna growled at me to stay away, so Iplied, pretending not to notice the barrier she had activated.


    The Lycan lunged at her, but the barrier repelled him, mming him into another tree. Rihanna''s wolf leaped excitedly and pinned him down, snarling at his face.


    Was a barrier supposed to affect him like that? High-ranked wolves shouldn''t have been this vulnerable.


    "You seem to know that your barrier is his weakness," I observed, digging my ws into his hands to immobilize him.


    Rihanna did the same to his legs, and he groaned in pain. My wolf surfaced, relishing the sight of his agony.


    The Lycan met my gaze, and for a moment, I felt as though he could see my wolf''s thirst for blood.


    His eyes glowed brighter, his body erging as energy coursed through him. He was shifting into his Lycan form, doubling in size.


    By instinct, my wolfshed out, shing his ws across the Lycan''s face, leaving deep


    scars.


    He stopped growing and tumbled from the tree, copsing on the ground. Rihanna shot me a strange look, as though I had only angered him further.


    Acting on my wolf''s impulses, I struck his neck, immobilizing him. How did my wolf know the exact spots to target?


    My ws dripped with blood, and I fought the pull of my wolf''s bloodlust.


    "You should stay down, Lycan King, or I''ll make more marks on you," I warned, hoping he wouldn''t provoke me further.


    "You grew up crazy, didn''t you?" he choked out, clutching his injured neck.


    His insult pleased me, but I masked my satisfaction with a frown. Turning to Rihanna, I asked, "We''re not killing him?" Disappointment tinged my voice-I already knew her answer.


    Her wolf shook its head and began to retreat.


    I snapped my gaze back to the Lycan. He smirked, struggling to his feet.


    "Be a good boy and leave," he taunted, leaning on a tree for support before slipping


    and sliding to the ground.


    His ws etched marks into the bark-marks eerily simr to the ones left on Rihanna''s trees and my rose valley.


    "You''re the other Lycan, aren''t you?" I demanded.


    He froze before ring at me. "Other Lycan?"


    "You were the one stalking Rihanna''s packs and ruining my rose valley!" I barked.


    His lips twitched into a mocking smile. "Did you think it was someone else?"


    My ws extended. "You know I won''t hesitate to use them."


    He nodded, his smirk unfaltering. ¡°Why would you? You''re the first wolf to wound me


    so well. You''re one of a kind."


    Retracting my ws, I shook my head. "You''re insane. Stay away from her pack and


    mine. Go torment Red Moon-they captured you."


    Heughed bitterly. "Don''t be a fool. I let them capture me."


    I froze. "You did?"


    Before I could press him further, he vanished, a gust of wind brushing past me.


    He had orchestrated everything-Red Moon, Rihan


    na''s capture-but to what end? His ns were undoubtedly sinister, and they seemed centered on my mate.

 Hes the Evil

    Chapter Seventy-Eight - He''s the Evil


    Jaden''s POV


    I found Beatrice walking out of the courtroom and stopped her. "You should rest."


    She smiled. "Thank you for helping my Alpha save me, but I am okay."


    I let her go, shrugging. Thedies of Silver Pack seemed to be built differently. After such a traumatic experience, I''d be in bed for a while.


    I continued inside the courtroom.


    "I can''t believe you, really!" Dara was shouting. "You let that Lycan live? What if hees back again?"


    I agreed with Dara. The Lycan had shown he was dangerous. Did Rihanna think that just because she had weakened him now, he wouldn''te back?


    "I''d hate to being here all the time to check up on you, Rih. There''s a reason Chris said to kill the Lycan," I joined their conversation.


    Dara nodded vehemently, pointing toward the border. "My warriors and I can''t stay there in peace, knowing he may attack at any time."


    Rihanna only breathed in and out as theints piled up before her.


    "Give an order, and my warriors and I will look for him. He won''t be able to kill us all..."


    "I want no one to die!" Rihanna shouted. "I don''t want death, and that''s why I let him leave. I can''t kill him yet. He''s too strong."


    "You had Alpha Jaden with you. You both could have killed him off there," Dara pointed at me.


    "I bet he wanted to," Rihanna frowned, referring to my violence with the Lycan. "But that''d make the Lycan the evil in the prophecy."


    Her lead warrior''s hands fell, and she paced around, perhaps searching for words or trying to cool a rising temper.


    "I know you are disappointed, but I didn''t want casualties. Put an eye on Beatrice..." "You said you didn''t want tobel the Lycan as the evil from the prophecy, right?" Dara asked.


    Rihanna shrugged. I leaned on the door, watching them.


    "That means he is possibly the evil, right? The evil from the prophecy has been


    revealed to us, and you let it go?" Dara looked disappointed.


    I knew it wasn''t the ideal time to add, but since we were on the topic, I spoke. "Dara is right. That Lycan was the one who wed your trees."


    They both screamed. "What?"


    I repeated my words and added, "He confirmed it himself."


    Rihanna looked pumped to go find him. I blocked the door before she could move. "He also revealed that he let Red Moon capture him."


    There was a brief silence before Dara punched the wall behind her, bruising her hand.


    "Alpha, give the word, and we''ll get him. I never thought a Lycan would be the evil. I thought it''d be Chris," Dara confessed. "You know?"


    I shook my head, staring at her. I didn''t know. Why would it be Chris? Did she think Chris had something against Rihanna?


    "I think I made a mistake again," Rihanna mumbled under her breath. I heard it and came closer.


    "We can tell the packs to search and kill him since you feel guilty. He went toward Red Moon, so they should handle the mess they started."


    Dara came closer to us, having heard my suggestion. She nodded. "With your order, I''ll send the messages to the packs."


    My mate still looked hesitant but eventually nodded. "Do it."


    Dara hurried out.


    Rihanna plopped down on a chair, raising her legs onto the table. "That Lycan was just asking for trouble."


    Was she only realizing this now?


    "Um, Alpha Jaden?" Dara came back. "You said you''d hate to being here all the time to check up on our Alpha?"


    She was just processing my words now?


    "Funny, right? Like I needed him to check up on me?" Rihanna rolled her eyes.


    Dara observed us suspiciously, then smiled. "We can take care of ourselves, don''t worry." She finally left.


    I sat beside my mate. My wolf could feel her unease, but it was no use pointing it out she wouldn''t understand since she couldn''t feel us.


    "Chris and Red Moon will want to cover their tracks, so they''ll kill the Lycan if they see him. The con is that Chris will me you for losing him."


    She tsked. "Not a con to me. I never wanted to listen to him anyway. He''ll see my continuous disobedience and know I''m returning his mess."


    She never listened. "In the meantime, until your warriors can watch your border, don''t ept ves. Send them to my pack if you must."


    She snapped her head toward me. "You''ll ept the ves who want to deploy to my pack, into yours?"


    I nodded with a small smile.


    "Why?" She narrowed her eyes at me.


    There were a lot of reasons. It would make her happy to know I helped the ves. It was the right thing to do. It would ease her pain.


    "We''re allies," I said instead.


    Her disappointed expression appeared briefly before vanishing. "You try."


    What did she want me to say instead? That I wanted her to be happy? It was useless being romantic with her if she couldn''t feel it.


    She jumped from her chair. "You should head to your pack, though, so you can tell your warriors about the new development."


    Whenever she spoke of me leaving, it hurt my heart. It was a sign I had slipped up. "Oh, and about today with the Lycan-I''d assume you haven''t beaten anyone recently, right?" Her eyes curved like a smile.


    "Certainly," I covered up. "And the Lycan didn''t have a likable character at all." "Well, that was cool. And hot. It''s nice to know my mate has a crazy side. It''s rtable," she chuckled to herself.


    Did she just call me hot? I calmed my wolf down before he got over the top. "Yeah, I''ll head to my pack now. Hopefully, no issues await."


    "I know, right," Rihanna sighed in agreement.


    When I finally left, I let a small smile form, remembering everything that had


    happened.


    I hade on impulse to check up on her after spreading the news of Red Moon using sorcery.


    I needed to know Red Moon hadn''t attacked her, but then I met with more danger.


    I exhaled. "Let your crazy self out. You made me spend too long there, and I need to be home."


    My stubborn wolf scoffed beforeing to the surface. "That Lycan-I hope we meet again. I really want to take him alone."


    His confidence was ridiculous. "Your sole duty is to protect your pack, mate, and mate''s pack. Satisfying your ego isn''t one of them."


    "But you enjoyed it," he defended.


    "You made me enjoy it!" I retorted.


    Slowly, he took control, and my vision changed. I was in wolf form within seconds.


    "I still look forward to meeting that Lycan. He is one of a kind."


    That was exactly what the Lycan had said to me. "Wolf, just take me home," I repeated.


    My wolf was indeed one of a kind: desiring the extreme, enjoying pain, and


    being dominant even with other Alphas.


    The weirdest part was that he never told me his name he said he wasn''t sure. Who does that?

 Who Took Her?

    Chapter Seventy-Nine - Who Took Her?


    Chris''s POV


    Ray would have to go. His sister caused this. My lead warrior marched toward me, kneeling down at a respectful distance.


    It had be a habit of hers since she discovered Ray was her mate; she seemed to avoid close contact with any male wolf.


    "My warrior and the Beta are ready to look for the Lycan," she dered, her gaze fixed on the floor.


    I nodded. "Take care of yourself, my Beta, and the warriors. Work together and bring the Lycan back. If you can''t, kill him."


    She bowed and then stood. "May we have permission to rest at ck Rose or Silver Pack while searching?"


    My eyes narrowed on her. It was understandable that the warriors might need to pause somewhere during their search, but why did it have to be either of those packs?


    "ck Hills only," I ordered firmly. "It was Silver Pack that caused the Lycan to escape in the first ce. Stop only at ck Hills!"


    She responded with another bow and marched out. Left alone in the courtroom, I grunted loudly.


    I nced at the empty throne beside mine and patted it, feeling its loneliness. For weeks, it had remained unupied.


    Sasha wasn''t here to sit in it, and the princess was mourning-grieving for both her mother and her best friend, who were no longer with her.


    My Delta, Edwin, reached out through the mind link, and I opened it. "Any bad news?" I asked. These days, that was the norm.


    "It''s kind of good news. I went to my mother''s house before she met my father as her mate and I found something of Sasha''s," he said.


    My forehead creased. Did he really have to mention before she met my father as her mate? He knew full well they weren''t true mates. Or was he ignoring that fact?


    Either way, they were his parents. I left my throne. "Are you sure it''s hers? Where are you?"


    "Around the market,¡± he replied. "There''s a small cabin near ake. I remember my sister having this recently, and she hasn''t visited my mother''s house."


    An item of Sasha''s was found in her mother''s home, even though she hadn''t visited there? How was that possible?


    My guards bowed as I exited the courtroom. I paused and turned to them. "Don''t let anyone in to wait for me. Send them to..."


    I trailed off, realizing there was no one here to host them. No Luna, no princess, my Beta was away, and my father was too broken.


    "Just tell the servants to serve them tea while they wait, okay?"


    They nodded, and I shifted into my wolf form for the short run to the market. I had been avoiding the people ever since the mate swap scandal went viral.


    The people must have seen me as unworthy-especially after my mother, once a beacon of light to them, shattered their trust.


    I followed an old route, bypassing the market to reach the cabin near theke. As I ventured deeper, the quality of the environment deteriorated. Sasha''s mother had indeed lived a hard life.


    Being epted as a maid in the royal pce must have been her happiest moment. Meeting her mate should have been a reward from the Moon Goddess for her struggles. But Red Moon had ruined it.


    Still, she seemed happy with the Delta. She remained a kind and generous woman.


    When I arrived at the cabin, I shifted back into human form. "Edwin, I''m here!" I called out as I scaled the low wall.


    I heard amotion and rounded the corner to find him struggling with a wardrobe, swatting away rats that poured out of it.


    "You''re still searching for more things?" I asked.


    He hurried over, holding up a horsetail. "This. Sasha bought this recently. She didn''t visit my mom''s ce, yet somehow it''s here."


    "Then how did it get here if she didn''te?" I questioned.


    "Sasha would nevere here," Edwin said firmly. "It''s a family issue, and she really hates this ce. I''m positive she didn''t bring it here."


    "So she was kidnapped, and her item was nted here? To prove what?" I asked.


    Edwin shrugged, sighing. "Maybe to make it look like she stayed here for a while?"


    I shook my head, starting to walk away, but Edwin grabbed my arm. "I''m certain Sasha


    wasn''t here. And who takes a horsetail around as a travel item?"


    Horsetails weremonly used for cleaning or decorating rooms, not as travel essories. I sighed.


    "For the enemy to know this house, they must be close to her," I remarked.


    "Not necessarily. They could have found out because my mother was a maid. It''s no secret. Also, the enemy definitely isn''t from our pack," Edwin insisted.


    My eyebrows raised. "And why do you think that?"


    He crouched by the wardrobe. "There are traces of heavy mud and silver particles here. This person might havee to kill my sister."


    "What kind of wolf uses mud and silver particles to kill someone?" I couldn''t think of many. Wolves are highly sensitive to silver.


    "The mud suggests they''re from a muddy region, like Red Moon. As for the silver particles, it means they might be resistant to it," Edwin exined.


    His words didn''t fully make sense, but when I stooped down to examine the tracks, I noticed the mud.


    Mud was rare around ck Hills because of its hilly terrain. Red Moon, however, was notorious for its red, muddynds.


    And the silver particles? I didn''t know many wolves in Red Moon who could withstand silver, but with their sorcery, anything was possible.


    "I didn''t have a problem with Red Moon when Sasha disappeared. Why would they take her from me?" I wondered aloud.


    I looked around and realized Edwin wasn''t with me. I found him outside, staring down


    a well.


    "You think they killed your sister and dumped her in a well?" I scoffed.


    "My sister wasn''t strong after bing Luna. So yes, it''s possible," he said grimly.


    I almostughed. A wolf would infiltrate my pce, kidnap my Luna, and kill her? That wolf would have to be fearless-or incredibly foolish.


    There were only three wolves I could think of with such audacity, but I didn''t want to let myself suspect them.


    "Alpha, I think Silver Pack owes us an exnation," Edwin said.


    I turned to him, and his thoughts seemed to align with mine.


    The three suspects in my mind were Jake Justin, though he wasn''t that bold; Rihanna,


    though killing Sasha seemed extreme for her; an


    d her lead warrior, Dara, who was fearless and unapologetic.


    But these were all just suspicions-for now.

 Another Wolf

    Chapter Eighty- Another Wolf


    Rihanna''s POV


    We were at the border of my pack. A ve, who was trying to deploy to my pack, was found, gullet and limbs outstretched, it was disgusting.


    The w marks on him belonged to the Lycan, and he was pinned to the trees. That Lycan dared to hurt a werewolf. He was truly mad.


    Dara jumped down from the rock. "No sign of the Lycan or ck Hills warriors. I believe we aren''t waiting for thetter, are we?"


    I smiled at her pouty face. "Having an extra hand isn''t too bad, but I doubt Chris will let his warriors stop by here."


    Dara smiled broadly. "Good, I don''t even want to see them. Apart from your brother, all of them could go to hell." She jumped back onto the rock again.


    Cami nced at her momentarily before looking down again, shifting her chess piece. Beatrice did the same.


    I exhaled, then inhaled the clear fresh air around the ce. "Do you guys sometimes miss when we were free?"


    I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. "When you could sneak in anywhere, hide in shadows, be reckless. I feel having a pack limits that."


    Beatrice smiled, moving another chess piece. She seemed to have gotten Cami''s piece, as Cami frowned.


    "Well, I still move around whenever I like, so it''s not anything to me," Dara shrugged.


    "You do? Lead Warrior position is that fun? Cami tsked. "I don''t move around, and I do miss it."


    I smiled painfully. Living freely and being a rogue was more of a dream than being Alpha. But it wasn''t peaceful.


    Not having to hide my face when making threats because "Your Silver" should be a man. "And now I think of it, the name ''Your Silver'' is slowly dying."


    Beatrice nced at me and then at Dara. "Is that a bad thing? I mean, I was a Red Moon huntress, but now Silver Pack Beta. That''s change."


    "Yeah, only that it took you three years, you increased rank and all to achieve that. But my name changed in a few days." I sulked.


    Beatriceughed. "Well then, it wasn''t change, but we still call you ''Your Silver.'' Manage that."


    Cami suddenly howled. "Ha! I won!" she jumped from her seat and began dancing. Beatrice had a done face while gazing at the chessboard, she rolled her eyes afterward. "Yayy! We both won you, Beatrice. You owe us new boots! Expensive boots!" Dara cheered, swirling a horsetail in the air.


    I stared at it for a while. That was different from the one I saw with her during the early days of Silver Pack. Was she hoarding horsetails now?


    "What do you use horsetails for exactly?" I cut her short. She pulled her hands down and hid it behind her. "I don''t know, it''s cool."


    She had the "don''t judge me face."


    I looked away. The one person I knew who liked horsetails was Sasha, and because of that, I hated horsetails. But if Dara liked it, it was cool.


    I picked up paw steps from far off. Whoever was running in full force. Perhaps from something.


    My ears perked as I stood up. "North, half a mile off. Someone is in danger and is running towards us!" I rmed the girls, leaving my seat.


    Beatrice started to run there, and Cami followed. Dara tried to join them, but I held her back. "Stay here, watch the chessboard."


    She threw her hands in the air as I ran with the rest. "Really!" I ignored her and caught up with Cami and Beatrice.


    The paw steps stopped, and I feared the worst had happened. We got there a few secondster.


    A wolf was ahead, lying motionless. I stooped to it and found its gullet was taken off. The blood was still warm, it had just happened.


    "Argghh!" I growled. "Logan, show yourself instead of hurting these poor people. You want to challenge? Show yourself!"


    Beatrice looked away, her eyes bing cloudy. She was sensitive as the wolf was young, it must remind her of her son.


    "Alpha, the w marks on this one. It''s different from the one on the ve earlier," Cami said.


    I turned to her, my hands on my waist. "What does it look like?"


    "A normal wolf''s. This wolf had scratched thrice to take the gullet out. A Lycan would do it in one swoop." She pointed out.


    I noticed the pattern. And it seemed this victim had tried to fight back. He wouldn''t dare if it was a Lycan.


    So was there another deranged wolf killing wolves?


    "If that''s so, then I can find him," Beatrice offered. I nodded. That wolf wouldn''t be escaping.


    "Cami, return with the body. Stay with Dara. We will be back!" I ordered. I didn''t wait for her reply and sped off, Beatrice following.


    My eyes changed to red-orange as I looked around for any energy around us. A panting wolf came to my ears. They were two.


    I cornered towards them, pointing towards the Boots and Rivers Market so Beatrice would know where to go.


    "They are rogues!" I barked as I sighted two rough-looking wolves, dancing around.


    Beatrice barked at them, I saw she had shifted. Before they could run off, she pounced on the closest one, trying to choke him.


    He must have been the killer as he had blood on him. The other wolf looked in horror, not attempting to run off.


    It whimpered as its partner fought Beatrice. I took steady steps towards it. Its eyes met mine, and it ran back, then slowly shifted.


    My lips rose to a smirk, seeing it was a female, and I knew her. The daughter of a rogue wolf that had almost killed me while I was "Your Silver."


    I had sworn to him to end him when I was stronger, but he was killed by ck Rose before I could fulfill my promise.


    The wolf that had killed him was the ck Rose Alpha, whom I thought was Jake Justin. The man''s wife had then moved to a different forest.


    "So you are back, Mi Vida." I taunted. "I missed you. And I''m very touched the first thing you did on arriving, is bothering me."


    I spread my legs apart, my ws shot out. "I assume you want my attention, you have


    it."


    She was ncing at the direction Beatrice and her partner had run to. "That''s my mate. Don''t you dare kill him!"


    That didn''t faze me, a mate was always dispensable. If she was worth it, she would get another, if she survived.


    "That''s nice. My Beta is about to leave you mateless, and I''m about to leave you... dead." I cocked my head.


    She snarled, charging at me. Her energy went to her eyes, and they glowed. She was drawing strength to fight for her mate? How cute.


    With her eyes glowing, I was aware she had broken Delta rank. Sadly, I was s


    till in higher Beta rank, so she should be a challenge.

 Wild Fire

    Chapter Eighty-One - Wild Fire


    Rihanna''s POV


    Mi Vida was a disappointment, but then I was the one who expected more. I had dodged her attacks effortlessly.


    A frown appeared on my face as I met her horrid gaze. "You''re still slow?"


    A frown appeared on her face as well, and she charged at me again. Her swipes at me were easy to avoid, and her kicks were low.


    I head-butted her and tore through her stomach. She fell on her back, and I stepped on her face.


    "I want you to know I''m delighted to do this."


    My leg crushed on her face, her cries and struggling only fueled my anger and pleasure seeing her beg.


    Her eyes'' glow died down as her screams did the same, but suddenly Beatrice rushed to me, pulling me away from her.


    Unknowingly, I shoved her hands away and my ws dug into her arm.


    Mi Vida was passing out, but when she saw the ident, she smiled. I kicked her face and barked. "What is it, Beatrice?"


    My Beta looked down. "I''m sorry, but when I killed the male wolf, he said a Lycan will avenge him. They seem to be working for the Lycan."


    My head shifted to Mi Vida, she closed her eyes, but a p from me shot them open again.


    "You are working for the Lycan? You are that dumb?"


    "Why can''t I? Are you scared that I will get some power from him?" she cackled softly, her teeth stained with blood.


    I dropped her on the floor. Her head fell to the ground, and her eyes dimmed. She groaned, but it turned to screams when my boot met her head.


    "They''re many of Mi Vida''s warriors. And they will be loyal. The Lycan had promised some kind of power. It''s shit." I told Beatrice.


    She nodded, holding onto her arm.


    "Sorry," I apologized about the injury.


    "It''s alright. I think we should get a new port for these ves since the Lycan and rogues are targeting here."


    My wolf reminded me of Alpha Jaden''s proposal to keep them. I smiled, "I know somewhere."


    With my heel still on Mi Vida''s face, I pressed it down, feeling satisfied with the crushing sound.


    Beatrice smirked, seeing her smashed face. "I''d give anything to be the one to kill her, she bullied me that year."


    "You could have done it if you asked. She wasn''t all that fun." I wiped the blood with the grass on the floor.


    Her corpse was in the forest and not around my pack, so I left it by; they would be manure to the grass, they would be useful.


    "I''d need to visit ck Rose," I told Beatrice. "Alpha Jaden needs to be aware of Logan trying to attack him. Also, he offered something."


    "What?"


    "To house ves until my border is protected. I''d take the offer, I''m hurt that innocents are being killed because of my mistake." I replied.


    Dara was standing on the rock when we cornered towards her. She came down and ran to us. Her forehead creased.


    "The rogue did this?" she referred to the injury on Beatrice''s arm.


    "I did, identally. And you won''t believe who the rogue was? Mi Vida and family. She even got a mate. Tsk." I huffed.


    My fists clenched, thinking of her words about the Lycan promising them power.


    Was his n to defeat me and hand my pack to rogues? "He really was sick. In the head."


    Mi Vida''s family would always resent me because I left the rogue life and became an Alpha, a feat they had never thought of.


    Also, when Mi Vida''s father was being a jerk who treated the female rogues like sex toys, I helped rescue them, and they rebelled.


    Some of them returned to their packs, and some joined mine, that was actually the beginning of the hatred between her father and me.


    Reminiscing on those days made me realize how caged being under a pack was.


    And being under Chris, I resented strongly for years. I didn''t anticipate taking that route, but I did it for the girls to have an identity.


    They were happy, so I believe I achieved something. And it was good to tame wild fires.


    Wild fires like "Your Silver." The world shouldn''t be my yground, yet.


    "Alpha Jaden sent a letter that ck Hills'' warriors stopped by his pack. They''re avoiding us when we were closer." Cami reported.


    They should avoid us, I didn''t want a spy sneaking in without me knowing, not as everything was this rowdy.


    "I''d head there now. Beatrice, tend to your injury. Cami, stay here with Dara..."


    "I don''t need a babysitter, I can handle anything thates alone." Dara interrupted, whining.


    She folded her arms in a stubborn manner, and it made Cami roll her eyes.


    "Dara, please, this is a Lycan we are dealing with. He might decide to patrol, and we didn''t leave a very nice gift for him. Let Cami stay."


    After those words, I shifted to my wolf and began making small runs towards ck Rose.


    I tried to disconnect from reality as my wolf was in control, but she didn''t meet me.


    "Is there something wrong?" I asked, annoyed I wasn''t able to cut off from everything. "Something is wrong," she admitted.


    "What now?"


    She started. "It''s been too long. I easily broke Delta rank, even Beta rank wasn''t a hassle, but Alpha rank is taking too long."


    My heart fell hearing her say that. Was it my fault? I trained hard and got an injury or


    two pushing myself past limits.


    "No, it''s not your fault," she said, sensing my worries. "And I don''t think it''s mine. However, with this Lycan around, we need to break it."


    I nodded in agreement. "Only how do we?" All the training I knew had been done. Did


    I need a coach?


    "You know there are two ways to get this rank, right?" she smirked. "More even, if we add sorcery."


    "Using sorcery to get Alpha rank? You''re nuts finally, eh?"


    "Hear me out. Not sorcery, that''ll backfire. But killing an Alpha. We killed Beta Gaius, but he wasn''t enough to break Alpha." She replied.


    "I believe in BREAKING ranks, not GETTING it. Also, being Alpha by taking it usually


    She was quiet, increasing her speed and skipping tree stumps.


    "But if we want to, who do you suggest?"


    "Red Moon Alpha, Blue Fire Alpha, Blue Bloom Alpha, Chris." She listed.


    "I''d need reasons to kill them. Red Moon won''t be crossing my path ever. The Blues are too weak to touch me. Chris..." His death could only be sure when I''m Alpha, not after.


    "Then let our mate teach us. We mustn''t tell him we are trying to break rank, but just a simple duel." She sounded excited suggesting that.


    "I knew it. Since we felt those tingles, your head shifted, and you''ve been looking for a way to get us touching skin." I mentally face-palmed.


    She chuckled."


    Do you me me?"


    Actually, I didn''t. I supported her, strangely.

 Lose Appetite

    Chapter Eighty-Two - Lose Appetite


    Jaden''s POV


    He was my mate''s brother, and I had a weird urge to treat him better, to know him better.


    Ray thanked the servant, who served him with a smile, then helped his mate get a spoon. We were at the dining table.


    I nced at Jake, who was eating happily, and then at Jonah, who was staring at one of Ray''s warriors who was quite pretty.


    I rolled my eyes, returning to my meal.


    "If you''d tell, what is the result of the search for the Lycan?" Ralph asked, breaking the silence.


    "It was unsessful," was only Ray''s reply. He was more interested in watching his mate eat than reporting on the search.


    Ralph smiled, understanding. I admired how Ray stared at her, like he was seeing her eat for the first time, love in his eyes and all.


    Could Rihanna be like that? Having utmost love and fascination for something rted to me?


    My appetite was slowly leaving me. Jake looked up at me and my food, he nudged me as he was on my left. "Not hungry? Is it about the Lycan?"


    His voice was low, but Ray at his side picked it up and turned to me. I shook my head.


    "That is already being handled. It''d be resolved soon. If not, we all are more than capable of handling him."


    The lead warrior, Cara, frowned, looking me in the eye. "That''s being handled? By who?"


    I nced at Ralph and then at Jonah. "Well, the Lycan was first the prisoner of Silver Pack, so they are actively hunting for him, like you are."


    There was an unreadable re in her eyes as I mentioned Silver Pack. Surely, she shouldn''t have hatred for them.


    Their Alpha was literally her mate''s twin.


    "News I got was that they lost him. They are supposed to be looking for him. Not us." She replied. Her mate frowned slightly.


    Jake snapped his head at her. "Didn''t my brother say that? They are looking for them already. And Chris sent you guys here for what again?"


    Ray''s mate glowered at him. "What do you mean? To find the Lycan, of course..." She gave him the ''ridiculous'' look.


    "Because he lost it at first?" Jake mocked. "Or why will he feel guilty? Don''t me Silver Pack. Ask your mate, the Alpha saved him."


    "She is his sister, of course, she will." Cara huffed.


    "Then give her some respect!" I interjected, looking her in the eyes. "Respect your mate''s sister."


    Ray had a smirk on his face, he picked a piece of meat and chewed on it slowly.


    "Fine. Let''s hope she really gets the Lycan." Cara sighed.


    There was silence again, but Ralph broke it before it got to a minute. "Why don''t you like Rihanna, Cara?"


    Ray dropped his fork and gazed at him.


    Ralph ignored him. "From what I know, she lived a quiet life at ck Hills before Chris''s rejection that made her leave..."


    "That wasn''t why she left!" Ray interrupted.


    It wasn''t? We were all staring at him.


    "She didn''t leave because of Chris, but because of everyone. Even me, okay? ck Hills just sickened her. Now can we eat, in peace?" he asked Ralph.


    Ralph was still ignoring him, and waiting for an answer from Cara, but she ignored him as well.


    He exhaled. "Fine, those who still have an appetite, should eat." He left his food and walked out.


    I had the strong urge to follow him, my appetite had finally left me. Jonah rose from his chair and walked out as well.


    My eyebrows raised, why was he leaving? He followed the same route as Ralph and made me assume he left because his Beta did.


    Ray was looking sorry for scolding Ralph. He dropped his fork, maybe losing his appetite.


    From the corner of his eyes, he red at his mate. Of course, she had caused this.


    "We made the meal specially for you, don''t feel bad if those two aren''t hungry." Jake chuckled, trying to lessen the mood.


    Ray picked his fork again. "Thanks."


    My mind link was tugged on, and I rose from my chair. The person trying to connect was my Lead Warrior, he was around the border.


    It could possibly be a Lycan attack or a unique visitor.


    "Yes, is there a trouble at the border?" I hurried my feet towards the door, while asking the lead warrior.


    He made a heavy gulp, then exhaled sharply, like he was injured. "Alpha, it''s a visitor..."


    I sped to the door, out, through the forest, and stopped at the border within seconds. My eyes med while I looked around for him.


    My pack wasn''t about to lose an official. But then my eyes died down when they fell on her. My wolf came to the surface.


    "Rihanna, you came?"


    "Yes, and was greeted with violence again. ck Rose is really the violent pack in the kingdom. My father used to say." she judged.


    I looked at the lead warrior usatorily. He shot at her? But on his arm, was a w mark, and she had none.


    "Of course, once bitten, twice shy, I didn''t let the violence get me, but rather be violent. Don''t worry, he''d heal." She smirked.


    My wolf howled in support, but hurting my official wasn''t verymendable.


    "I''d need to visit ck Rose," I told Beatrice. "Alpha Jaden needs to be aware of Logan trying to attack him. Also, he offered something."


    "What?"


    "To house ves until my border is protected. I''d take the offer, I''m hurt that innocents are being killed because of my mistake." I replied.


    Dara was standing on the rock when we cornered towards her. She came down and ran to us. Her forehead creased.


    "The rogue did this?" she referred to the injury on Beatrice''s arm.


    "I did, identally. And you won''t believe who the rogue was? Mi Vida and family. She even got a mate. Tsk." I huffed.


    My fists clenched, thinking of her words about the Lycan promising them power.


    Was his n to defeat me and hand my pack to rogues? "He really was sick. In the head."


    Mi Vida''s family would always resent me because I left the rogue life and became an Alpha, a feat they had never thought of.


    Also, when Mi Vida''s father was being a jerk who treated the female rogues like sex toys, I helped rescue them, and they rebelled.


    Some of them returned to their packs, and some joined mine, that was actually the beginning of the hatred between her father and me.


    Reminiscing on those days made me realize how caged being under a pack was.


    And being under Chris, I resented strongly for years. I didn''t anticipate taking that


    route, but I did it for the girls to have an identity.


    They were happy, so I believe I achieved something. And it was good to tame wild fires.


    Wild fire


    s like "Your Silver." The world shouldn''t be my yground, yet.

 Mutual Dislike

    Chapter Eighty-Three - Mutual Dislike


    Jaden''s POV


    I let Rihanna walk in first before I joined her, watching everyone''s reaction.


    Ray seemed to have realized she was around, perhaps the twin telepathy. He smiled before meeting her gaze. "Wee, Alpha."


    Jakeughed at the gesture. "Yeah, wee to ck Rose, Alpha."


    The warriors chorused pleasantries as she came close to the table, as deserved, she was an Alpha under their Kingdom.


    Cara had murmured a pleasantry as well.


    Rihanna smiled. "Yeah, I am d you warriors found hospitality here. Silver Pack is a bit too dangerous for y''all."


    There was very little mockeryced on each word. Could she stop? Her brother was literally leading this team.


    But even Ray smirked at her words. "Yeah, it''s dangerous. And I bet we wouldn''t have been fed."


    "Certainly." She replied, then tilted her head to see Cara. "But it''d be nice to make some good rtionships though."


    I smiled internally; it was nice she was trying to make a good rtionship with her brother''s mate. Cara must have misunderstood her.


    However, Cara didn''t meet her gaze and kept on eating. Jake frowned and was about to call her, but I told him not to, through mind link.


    "Or not.¡± Rihanna shrugged, seeing Cara''s unwillingness towards her. "Anyway, Alpha Jaden. Private talk please?"


    I nodded, and she walked towards me, wearing a straight face.


    Ray nced at his mate, but she didn''t also meet his gaze. I could already hear the argument they would have after this.


    Only I wasn''t sure what Cara''s excuse would be for being cold to Rihanna. At least Rihanna tried.


    "You''ve been an amazing host. My team and I will be leaving now." Ray stood up. Cara joined in, not looking at me.


    The talk I nned to have with him would wait until we met again. He had urgent issues. "Fine, I''d be d if you stopped by again."


    "Unlikely so don''t hope on it." He made a tight-lipped smile before trooping off, his warriors bowed in thanks as they left.


    I swerved to my right and rushed to meet Rihanna in the other room.


    "Don''t tell Rihanna that Cara doesn''t like her." I heard in my mind link from Ralph.


    He wasn''t in the room at the moment. "Cara''s hatred or whatever isn''t strong, so Rihanna shouldn''t dwell on it."


    I smiled. ¡°Sure. And you, don''t be annoyed at Rihanna''s brother. You know Ray is quite outspoken."


    "I know." He switched off mind link.


    Inside the room, Rihanna was peeking through the window, watching her brother and his team leave. I saw the small pout on her face.


    I chuckled, getting her attention. "When I told you to walk in, I meant to talk with your brother, but you stayed out."


    She folded her arms, moving away from the window, her pout slowly fading to a frown.


    "I didn''t get it. How''d I just barge in? And good thing I didn''t, did you see Cara''s face? That bitch. She should be happy she got Ray atst."


    My pupils dted. She sounded like she also didn''t like Cara. "Why?"


    She shrugged. "Well, she had always glued around Ray for long, saying she had a crush on him. I didn''t like her for that."


    It seemed it was a mutual dislike. "Wait, if she had a crush on him, then she already knew they were mates somehow?" I asked.


    "Meh. I don''t know. But Ray only figured it out after meeting me, with her, three yearster, so..." Rihanna rolled her eyes.


    She waited that long before her mate epted her? It hurts. But Rihanna wouldn''t get


    it as a mate was just an essory to her.


    "If she knows that''s why he dyed mating her, she had every right to dislike you..." I noted.


    "Oh, so the reason I left should be discounted? Also, she doesn''t worth my brother, but I''d forgive it. Tch. Anyway..." Rih flipped her hair.


    She was looking very pissed with the current topic, so I willingly changed it. "What rogues were the Lycan using, by the way?"


    She slid a sword from my cab, admiring it. "You once killed the leader of this rogue group and told his members to return to their pack."


    Lots of rogue leaders had been ended under my heels; I can''t even remember their faces.


    "It was cool you did. Actually, I thought it was Jake. Don''t you remember the man? He tried killing me even?" she swung the sword.


    I really wanted to remember him and scowl at the fool that nearly killed my mate, but nothing was forting.


    "Can''t remember. And be gentle with the sword; it''s quite sharp." I warned, but before I finished, the sword was pointed at me. "Really?"


    "Yes, really. Do you insinuate I can''t use a sword?" her forehead creased.


    She was sensitive. "I only warned to be careful. You aren''t used to people worrying about you?"


    She dropped the sword. "No, my parents didn''t. I was all I got. Wanna duel? We''d talk on how to get the Lycan after Ray fails to." She smirked.


    "You know he will fail to catch him?"


    "Of course, the Lycan is using rogues, meaning he''s hiding somewhere, healing. He won''t daree out until he''s healed." She reported.


    That was actually a good thought. And Ray should have known to avoid wasting his efforts.


    She snapped her fingers. "Come on. Where''s your training ground? If I''m able to break this sword and win, then you''d give it to me."


    What will she use a broken sword for? And that sword was hard to break. "Fine. If I win?"


    "Meh. Think of something. What do you want that I can give?¡± she questioned, going behind the room.


    My wolf began dropping weird ideas. Thoughts dirty and won''t be happening. "You forget Rihanna is your mate, not your Luna."


    "Mates are prohibited from kissing each other?"


    I literally cringed when he asked. "Stop. I won''t want that just because I won a duel. I''d think of something."


    At the training ground, there were two warrior suits, a female''s and male''s. Used by


    my parents, but I never touched them afterward.


    One reason was the male suit was my dad''s, and I wasn''t close to him. And two, the female suit had no one to wear it except now.


    Rihanna was trying to loosen the waist belt. "Why is it this small? The previous owner of this must be really slim?"


    "Or have really small waist." I corrected.


    She frowned, keeping her hands on her waist. "Well, I have a small waist." She pursed


    her lips.


    I realized what I said and shook my head. "I didn''t mean that. Of course you do..." I trailed off.


    She raised a brow with a hidden smirk. "What?"


    "I didn''t say... I mean you... It''s my mom''s suit. I wasn''t just..." I pointed at the suit and then her. My words just finished.


    "Whatever. Let''s go. I''d vent by winning you. Wear yours too." She threw the male suit towards me.


    I caught it, staring at it for seconds. We wearing an Alpha and Luna vest? Did she mean she epted being my Luna? Or was I overthinking?

 Her Change

    Chapter Eighty-Four - Her Change


    Chris''s POV


    Sasha was surely kidnapped. Her handmaiden had also been missing. Today, Vanessa cared to ask about the maid, and it was revealed.


    Could they have been in the same ce? Sasha wasst said to have gone out with her carriage, but she never returned with it.


    How had the carriage been returned if the rider wasn''t in it? Sorcery or someone else rode it?


    "Is there an entrance or path into ck Hill''s that I am not aware of?" I asked a guard who came to drop reports.


    He paused, looked down, thinking, then shook his head. "Not one I''m aware of, Alpha."


    I nodded at the guard, and he left. There had to be something.


    Rihanna had crashed in here that day, and it wasn''t through the front gate. She must have found a way.


    I shuffled through the remaining reports I had. They weren''t much as Red Moon was out of my kingdom.


    Blue Fire and Blue Bloom were conservative as they were productive. ck Rose never needed anything, only droppedints.


    Though since I''ve made contact with Alpha Jaden, they had been few. Silver Pack, I''m yet to see a single report.


    "Brother!" Vanessa called, strolling into the courtroom. I nced up and noticed her change in aesthetics.


    Her usual bright and girlish attire had shifted to ck and dark purple. Her aura had a significant change.


    I always feared whenever girls went through such a change, transitioning from cheerful and bright to dark and challenging. Your Silver was enough hassle.


    "After you told me about Sasha being taken and this..." She held up the horsetail. ". was brought back. I underwent a test on it."


    I covered the scroll in front of me. Finding my Luna, and my baby were more important.


    "Blood, mud, silver, and dust were found in it. Those aren''t things Sasha gets involved with." My sister noted.


    I took the horsetail that Vanessa held out. It had been to more ces than its owner had. "Silver and Blood and dust and mud?"


    Those were surely not things Sasha involved herself with; she was always indoors. "Silver Pack. Whoever did this is from there. To have silver close that it touches a hand essory. And this could probably be a warrior." She said.


    Her usations were heavy, but as she came with facts and a test, I had to let myself believe it.


    It''s not like I didn''t have suspicions already, only I didn''t have concrete proof. "Why a warrior? Why not Your Silver?"


    "Because there''s blood. Sasha tried fighting back; we both know she isn''t good enough to make Your Silver bleed." Vanessa reminded me.


    Made sense. I stared at the horsetail. So a Silver Pack warrior stole my Luna. For what reason? Surely it was rted to Your Silver.


    "Is there another option?"


    Vanessa shook her head. "The mud and silver point at Silver Pack. Let Alpha Jaden ask her about it. He seems closer to her."


    I had noticed.


    "Send this horsetail to him as well. He should make Your Silver ask which of her warriors did this. Sasha will be brought back."


    The authority in my little sister''s voice annoyed me. What had she been waiting for all


    the while to have the aura of a royal princess?


    Was she only being tough because she had no friend and mother? "I will send it to him. Or you can do it yourself."


    She frowned, folding her arms. "And why!"


    "See your mate, investigate this properly, bring back the warrior to be punished. I want


    you to go do all this." I instructed with a straight face.


    She held her head high. ¡°Fine. I''d go. Send Edwin with me, in case we meet difficulties."


    "Ray and Cara are around ck Rose, Vanessa, you won''t meet difficulties." I replied; I couldn''t let all my officials out of the pce.


    She pouted then huffed. "Okay then. If a Lycan gets me, it''d be your fault." She stormed off.


    And here I was thinking she changed; she was still the entitled princess.


    "Safe journey." I shouted as she mmed the door. A smirk was on my face.


    I went back to the scrolls but noticed one stained in blood.


    My eyes dted on it; was it from a warrior who couldn''t make it? I hated this. It was


    wrapped with cloth, so it was probably sent by a dove.


    Putting on a glove, I pushed the scroll forward, and the w marks on it became visible. It had the Blue Bloom logo.


    I opened it, and the ink on the scroll looked expensive; the scroll had a royal stamp. It must be from royalty, but why was it bloody?


    "Chris?" I questioned, seeing the letter was addressed to me with my first name.


    "Surrender or she dies?" I read the second line. I looked up, and behind me and around. Was this a joke?


    "My name is Logan, and I want your life in exchange for hers. Be a good King and act dutifully. You werewolves never learned."


    Shivers ran through my spine reading out thest line. Those were thest words from the Lycanst time I visited.


    Was he with a girl he wanted me to exchange my life for? I thought hard. A royalty from Blue Bloom. A she?... The Blue Bloom princess.


    She left for ck Rose after her banter with Ray. She must have reached there, but she never wrote back.


    Blue Bloom hadn''t reported her missing. I searched through the other reports and found an identical scroll.


    From her brother, and it asked if his sister was serving me well here. She wasn''t here.


    I left my throne but froze, ncing back at the letter. Logan was the Lycan''s name. It rang a bell.


    "Find me Edwin!" I ordered a guard who walked in. He turned and ran off.


    She had another scroll in her hand, and it made my heart beat faster. The scroll also had a Blue Bloom design.


    Could this Logan really be with the princess? And he wanted to meet me before releasing her? What does he gain from challenging me?


    "You have a duty to Blue Bloom. You must meet with the Lycan." My wolf, Zeke, reminded me.


    "An Alpha Lycan King. I could run out of luck."


    Zeke scoffed. "You have already, don''t run out of dignity. You must honor it or the girl


    dies. Ask Your Silver to go with you...."


    ?


    "Doing that reduces my dignity more. I''d never ask her..."


    "She took him on her own, remember? Her barrier is an advantage. Also, she caused


    his escape; she''d feel indebted to help."


    I saw the sense there, but I hated the idea. My Delta walked in, then frowned seeing I was standing.


    "We''re leaving for Silver Pack, tell Vanessa I retract my order to her, take the horsetail from her, and prepare a horse. Now!"


    He hesitated before walking away but turned again. "Do you think Sasha is there? Is that what we going to resolve?"


    "That question and more will be resolved there. Don''t worry." I replied with a sigh. Author''s note: Comments are always appreciated.

 Hiding Something

    Chapter Eighty-Five - Hiding Something


    Chris''s POV


    The scroll the female guard had was from the Blue Bloom Alpha. He got a simr letter from Logan. And he was pleading with me to save his sister.


    Quite selfish of him, or maybe he thought so highly of me. I rubbed my temples as the carriage bumped on a rock.


    Taking a carriage to Silver Pack was the best decision, other than horses. I reread Logan''s letter repeatedly until I began reciting them.


    "You are sure this is from the Lycan?" Edwin asked, after hearing me repeat it for minutes.


    I nodded. "Your Silver will have more information about this wolf. Whatever made her release him, she''d tell me!"


    The carriage slowed down, alerting me that we were at Silver Pack. I jumped down, assuming a more dominant stance.


    I looked up the stairs and saw Your Silver ring down at me. She was in a white dress, quite pure and feminine for her.


    Edwin came down the carriage as well, looking around. "Her ce is really nice but could have loads of hideouts."


    "Of course, they were once rogues who were always in hiding; they would build their pack that way to feel safe." I answered.


    Your Silver shouted at me. "Rather than gossip about me,e up and say it to my face!"


    My Delta, Edwin, pointed at himself, then at me. "Was she referring to you or to me with that tone?"


    I smirked. He knew nothing about how disrespectful she could be. I hoped he wouldn''t snap when he''d see it; he couldn''t challenge her.


    "I came on urgent business, Your Silver. I don''t have time to gossip about you." I walked up the stairs.


    Twodies by her side came forward and stood before she and I when I came closer. I frowned. "What is this?"


    "Well,st time, you strangled me. Shouldn''t they protect their Alpha from an abusive person?" she tilted her neck in a doll-like manner.


    I clenched my jaw, massaging between my eyebrows. Edwin gave me a questioning and careful look.


    She was making me look bad, like she hadn''t said something infuriating to deserve my reaction.


    I red at her, and a smile was on her face. Every one of her reactions was infuriating. "Let me in. I won''t be standing here to talk to you."


    "Then leave." She deadpanned.


    Edwin came in front of me. "Hey! Hey! Just because the Alpha strangled you doesn''t mean you can talk bratty at him."


    "Of course, you wouldn''t care. He must do that to your sister all the time." Your Silver snapped at him.


    Edwin went back, feeling offended.


    "Your Silver, please, let''s not do this. The Lycan you failed to kill kidnapped a princess. We need this talk." I pleaded with her.


    She didn''t look like she cared. Was she already aware? "Vanessa? He has bad taste. He should have taken you." She walked in.


    As she walked in, the twodies followed her.


    "It''s actually the Blue Bloom Princess. On her way back from ck Rose." Edwin corrected.


    Your Silver turned to him. "That girl?" Her eyes dimmed, and she threw the door open. "She can''t even defend herself."


    Did they meet? Or is it from telltales? The Bloom princess was good at archery from what I knew. I doubt that could help her when facing a Lycan.


    "You can me yourselfter. For now, we need to find him." I shifted the letter he sent to me towards her.


    "The letter asked for you only. Why are you bringing me into this?" She remarked.


    I knew she''d say that. "Well, I can''t save the princess and kill the Lucan at the same time."


    She shook her head. "You don''t think you can kill the Lycan alone." I rolled my eyes. Whatever.


    She stared at the letter then at Edwin. "I''d help."


    "Of course you will. It is your fault that the Lycan left in the first ce." Edwin asserted.


    I nudged him. He shouldn''t offend her, since she agreed to go with us.


    "You are Edwin, right? Hmm. I remember as kids, Ray avoided hanging with you because you said stupid things." She chuckled to herself.


    A smile came to my face; I gazed at Edwin who was ring at her. She didn''t care.


    "You still say stupid things." She added, then gestured to some servants to serve us


    tea.


    "Don''t mind her." I said to Edwin through mind link. He stopped ring and looked away.


    Slowly, I brought out the horsetail with me. "Do you know who this belongs to?"


    Her eyes widened. She turned to someone behind me. I met her gaze, and it was her lead Warrior, Dara, who stood outside.


    "Warriors have it here." She replied. "Why?"


    Why did she look at Dara? That was heavily suspicious. "This horsetail is expensive and few. Can only be found at ck Hills."


    She scoffed. "Oh please. Boots and Rivers market sell anything. And the ones in ck Hills'' could be a cheap copy."


    "You mean the ones in Boots and Rivers market because the man who makes these stays at ck Hills." Edwin argued.


    She paid him no attention. "And what does it have to do with me? Why do you have it?"


    "It belongs to Sasha. And recently was found at her mother''s house after she went missing. I suspect her kidnapper nted it there."


    Your Silver''s facial expressions changed from confusion then to disbelief then became slightly proud. "Well, it has nothing to with me, does it?"


    Her eyes went behind me then back at me. I knew Dara was still behind me. "Do you know who did this? Silver and Mud was found on it."


    "Silver Pack warriors aren''t the only warriors who are around mud or silver." She defended.


    Edwin sighed. "You are lying! You know something! I see your hidden smirk, so you''re hiding something!"


    She surely was. But why was she?


    She said she didn''t care about Sasha, so why defend the one who kidnapped her?


    "My warriors once joined the search for your beloved Luna, we didn''t find her." she shrugged.


    "If your warrior was the one who had her, why will they find her!" I barked.


    Unlike her, she didn''t get annoyed. But her smirk became more obvious. "Instead of ming me, let me investigate, hmm?"


    She took the horsetail from me. "Dara!"


    Dara rushed to us; I noticed her eyes widened when she saw the horsetail.


    Your Silver wasn''t looking at her. "Please, keep this for me. I''d investigate thister.


    Chris thinks someone nted it at his Luna''s home."


    "Um... yeah... sure." Dara stammered, taking it.


    Your Silver smiled after Dara left. "Dara will handle it, happy now?"


    She knew what she was doing. She knew Dara was responsible. "Fine. We''d get back to this. Let''s go get the Blue Bloom Princess."


    "Fine. Let''s go." Your Silver exhaled.


    Edwin left his seat and began storming out; he brushed past Dara as he left. The girl ignored him, clutching unto the horsetail.


    Author''s note: Hello readers. Due to elections in my country, servers will be down, and


    I''d not be able to update until Monday. Please bear with me and keep my book in your library. Thank you.

 Fight

    Chapter Eighty-Six - Fight


    Rihanna''s POV


    Had I been tricked by Chris?


    The Lycan said he understood his letter. Had he told Chris to drag me from Silver Pack?


    I jumped down from the tree. I never hid away from the Lycan in the first ce there was no need to use Chris to deceive me intoing here. He could havee to me himself. He was the coward.


    "We both know I''m not scared of you! You''re the one using cheap ways to get us together!" I yelled, marching towards him.


    His ears perked up at the sound of my voice. He snarled angrily and moved toward me. I watched as Edwin rushed to his Alpha, who was struggling against the silver burning his face. I bet his skin had been scarred by the toxic waste. Served him right!


    Edwin dragged him onto his shoulders and helped him flee the scene. Great. So much for "I''ll help you disarm the Lycan." It had all been a lie.


    "So let me get this straight-you want to kill me because I won''t heal you?" I asked as I stood face to face with Logan.


    His eye bags were darker than thest time I''d seen him. Indeed, the wicked shall have no rest.


    "I''ll get what I want by killing you. No worries," he chuckled, unsheathing his ws.


    I was alone now, but I''d do the best I could. Hopefully, this fight would help me break my Alpha rank.


    He swung at me, and I barely dodged as his ws grazed my skin. I charged at him, aiming to knock him down, but his hind legs stopped him from toppling over. He gripped my shoulders tightly, forcing me toward my knees.


    I held firm, stopping his hands from pressing me down. Veins popped on my arms as I pushed back.


    "You''re quite young for a girl, but I''ll humble you today," Logan growled through gritted teeth.


    His words enraged me. I added more pressure to his arms, refusing to let him touch me. His ws sank into my skin, and I bit my lip to keep from crying out. The stance wasn''t in my favor, so I kicked him hard in the stomach, forcing him to release me.


    Seizing the opportunity, I wed his face, leaving a deep gash. He stumbled back, holding his injured cheek, while I clutched my bleeding shoulders.


    He charged again, but I smirked and stepped back, initiating my barrier. It caught him off guard as always, throwing him back. This time, however, he managed to brace himself, showing he was learning.


    "Today, you die, Logan. No more mercy from me!" I dered.


    He wiped the blood trickling from the corner of his lips, ring at me. "Mercy? When did you ever show me mercy? How ungrateful. Letting you walk out of my prison was my mercy. You lost that after hurting my Beta and enving all those innocents!" "That was pity, not mercy," he scoffed.


    "Call it whatever you want. You''ve run out of both!" I retorted, pointing my ws at him.


    My fangs ached to tear through his flesh. I didn''t care if I stayed in human form to do


    it.


    We battled for several minutes, exchanging blows and snarls. My arms ached from the constant shes, and exhaustion began to creep in. When he lunged at me again, I activated my barrier, sending him sprawling.


    He grunted, his fists clenched in frustration. I smirked. "Perk of being a Silver Wolf."


    He straightened to his full height, and a small part of me feared he was about to shift into his Lycan form. Instead, he simply stretched.


    "I can sense your fear, Silver Wolf. Don''t worry. As long as you don''t shift into your silvery beast, I won''t go Lycan on you," he sneered.


    How dare he mock me?


    Fueled by anger, I head-butted him, catching him off guard. He struggled with his hair for a moment before flinging me into a nearby tree. Inded on my feet, teeth bared.


    Lana, my wolf, took over. Scanning his body for weak points, she spotted his injured shoulder. Grabbing arge nk, I leapt into the air and mmed it down on the joint. Logan howled in pain, staggering backward.


    "There. I''ll make sure Ipletely break that arm before killing you," I said, dropping the nk and advancing toward him with my ws extended.


    But Logan struck first, his hand wrapping around my neck in a vice grip.


    I wed at his hand desperately, drawing blood, but his grip remained firm.


    "Now, Silver Wolf, you''ll know true pain. And then, you''ll taste death!" he barked, raising his ws to strike me down.


    Gasping for air, I mustered the strength to flex my legs and send blood rushing to them. My boots slipped off as I stabbed my toe ws into his stomach.


    Logan''s grip faltered, and I seized the chance to wrap my legs around his neck, forcing him to the ground.


    We hit the ground hard, and my head smashed against a rock. Dazed, I struggled to


    my feet, blood pouring from my temple.


    Logan red at me, his breathing heavy. "You little bitch... How dare you "


    "No, how dare you!" I shot back, grabbing the nk again.


    Before I could swing it, Logan rose and kicked it away. Enraged, I shed at his face,


    but he countered with a punch that sent me sprawling.


    My vision blurred, and my head felt light. If I cked out now, I''d be at his mercy.


    "No, no!" I whispered, forcing myself to stand despite the pain. But my body betrayed me, and I copsed again.


    "Pathetic!" Logan sneered. "You don''t deserve the power of the Silver Wolf. And you''re selfish for hoarding it instead of giving it to someone worthy!"


    Worthy? Did he mean him? A trickster and a murderer?


    shes of the death and destruction he would bring to my pack filled my mind.


    Lana surged with a final burst of energy, and I leapt to my feet. "You''re the pathetic


    one," I spat, though my breath came in ragged gasps.


    He looked impressed. "You don''t want to die, do you?"


    He was damn right.


    Someone had to make Chris pay, and there was no way I''d let Logan dere me dead


    a second time.

 Fainted

    Chapter Eighty-Seven - Fainted


    Rihanna''s POV


    I dodged Logan''s punch andnded one on his face. I staggered as I took a hit to my side but quickly recovered. He kicked a rock at me, but using my barrier, I sent it flying back to him. It went straight to the middle of his eyes, and he groaned.


    With his vision impaired, I grabbed the nk again and used all my strength to hit it against his right arm. It shattered on him, and a piece flew into my eye. I fell back to the ground.


    "There, I broke that arm," I said, panting.


    Using Lana''s vision, I saw the arm disconnected from its source. It''d take days, maybe even a week, to heal as it was an internal injury. His cries of pain and agony delighted my anguished body. It felt as though I was healing faster.


    "It''s time to kill you now, Logan!" I dered, but I had no strength left to finish the job. All my energy had been drained. My legs moved, but that was all they could do they couldn''t lift me.


    "Or you can kill yourself if you''re too ashamed a girl will do it," I suggested instead.


    His cries intensified, perhaps in realization. I tried to reach out to Lana for help, but she was just as exhausted as I was. Letting out a helpless howl in the forest, I prayed someone woulde to my aid.


    The birds in the trees flew away, but none came to help.


    "I will kill you, Logan!" I repeated, hoping that somehow Lana still had a spark of strength left to share with me. Power surged within me, but there was none to use.


    Logan began walking away, finally giving up. Relief washed over me, but so did despair. He shouldn''t be allowed to live and return for another fight.


    At the same time, I sensed a familiar energy approaching, though it was still far away. "Logan, stay there!" I ordered, sitting up from the ground. But he kept walking until he was finally gone.


    I copsed back down as a scent hit my nose. Tears streamed from my eyes-tears of anger, pain, and relief.


    "Logan, I said stay there," I whispered into the air.


    Footsteps approached, and Lana picked up on them. The scent became clearer, making me smile.


    "Ray,e get me," I said through the mind link to my brother. He was the one closest; I could feel it.


    "Rih, I''ming. Are you okay?¡± he replied, but before I could respond, everything went dark. It felt like my body had shut down, though my mind, consciousness, and wolf remained alert, protecting me from external forces. I didn''t know I could do that. If Lana was that powerful, maybe I was the one holding her back from breaking rank. And what if Logan was right? What if I didn''t deserve to be the Silver Wolf?


    "You''re weak and second-guessing yourself. I''d forgive that. But shut the hell up!" Lana yelled, snapping me out of my thoughts.


    Her confidence was a relief. Soon, my body was touched by warm hands. It was Ray- he had found me.


    "Rih, Rih, are you okay?" he called, his voice full of concern. I felt his strong arms lift me, but he didn''t move right away.


    Then, I heard another voice.


    "Why''s she here? Rogues?" Cara asked, her tone usatory.


    "Rogues did this to my sister? She must''ve faced the Lycan. Tell the men to scan the area and find that bastard!" Ray barked.


    Cara scoffed, making my blood boil.


    "If your all-powerful sister couldn''t kill the Lycan, how would your warriors manage it?" she sneered.


    "She''s my sister now? Cara, don''t get me started. Let them scan the area now!" Ray ordered sharply.


    He began moving, but I wasn''t sure where we were headed. Silver Pack wasn''t far, but was Ray taking me to ck Rose? Seriously?


    I heard the ck Rose trumpet signaling a visitor''s arrival. My brother was annoying for dragging me all the way there.


    "Bring the doctor here, or I''ll take your brains out!" he barked at someone.


    It was a relief to hear his voice again after the long silence.


    "Lana, I''m bailing. I''m getting tired of being... conscious," I whispered, surrendering to the exhaustion.


    The door opened, and a wave of excitement surged through me. My mate had just walked in. His scent and the jittering in my body hit me all at once. But my consciousness was fading.


    Ray''s presence drifted away, the feelings subsiding as he left the room.


    "Ray, what happened to her? Could you... Ray! Exin what happened to..." I heard Jaden''s voice, but it became unclear as the darkness took over.


    Was this what aa felt like? It was sickening. I wanted to reim my body, but I had


    no strength left. My brother had left me, but where had he gone?


    "He sent his mate to find a Lycan. Of course, he''d be worried," Lana muttered, answering my unspoken question.


    I mentally rolled my eyes. His mate wasn''t worth it. I couldn''t feel my own mate anymore, though someone was tending to my wounds.


    "Two people are in the room," Lana informed me. Probably the doctor and Jaden.


    I heard pacing footsteps, likely Jaden''s.


    "Alpha, she''s suffering internal bleeding. Her shoulders are badly injured... but she doesn''t have many w marks. She wasn''t ambushed," the doctor reported.


    Ambushed? No, I fought fair and square with the Lycan King. And lost.


    "Ray doesn''t want to say what happened. Maybe it was the Lycan. Perhaps he used the


    rogues," Jaden wondered aloud. His tone was full of worry.


    The doctor touched a wound, making my body react. Was I regaining strength?


    "Be gentle there," I felt Jaden''s warm hand on my leg. "Whatever did this will pay." Damn right they would. Chris first, then Logan.


    Five minutester, my wounds were dressed, but the warm hand on my leg remained. I heard a chair scrape closer before someone sat down.


    "Thank you," Jaden said, presumably to the doctor. The door closed, leaving him alone with me. Didn''t he have Alpha duties to attend to?


    "Rih, are you feeling okay?" His hand touched my head, the warmth sending goosebumps over my cold skin. Why was it so cold? Oh yeah-the hole in my head.


    "Will you be paralyzed after this?" Jaden asked, his voice breaking.


    Paralyzed? Unable to move?


    "Lana, could I be paralyzed after this? I''m supposed to heal," I asked her, fear creeping into my voice.


    She didn''t respond immediately. When she finally did, she whimpered.


    "I have to heal you, but I feel too weak. So, maybe... until then, you could be paralyzed."


    What the hell?

 Impulsive

    Chapter Eighty-Eight - Impulsive


    Chris''s POV


    This was preposterous. When I awoke, there was a scar running from my face to my neck. It didn''t burn as much, though.


    I leapt from the bed, taking in my surroundings. I had passed out the moment I rested on Edwin.


    "Where are we? Where''s Your Silver?" I asked my wolf. He seemed disconnected from me, no matter how hard I tried to reach him.


    A female warrior walked in, wearing the Silver Pack uniform, which confirmed I was at Silver Pack.


    Why did Edwin bring me here? Did he and Rihanna let the Lycan get away?


    I groaned as I stood up. It felt like a heavy wall had copsed on my face. Surely, there was more than just silver in that water.


    "Where''s your Alpha?" I demanded from the wolfess.


    She frowned. "I should ask you, Alpha King. Where''s my Alpha?"


    Such audacity. And how would I know where her Alpha was when I had just woken up? Deciding not to engage her, I wracked my brain for thest thing I could remember.


    The Lycan''s outrageousughter after saying I had read his letter well. Of course I had, and I''d had a solid n to put him in his ce.


    "Fine. Where''s Edwin?" I asked the wolfess.


    She smiled, folding her arms. "He caused trouble with our lead warrior, so she ordered us to lock him up."


    What the hell? I advanced toward her, but then a memory shed in my head-the Lycan saying he wanted to kill the Silver Wolf.


    I froze, turning to the window. The Silver Wolf was Logan''s target? He had never stated that in the letter.


    "Release my Delta now! I need to look for your Alpha," I ordered, pointing at the girl before running downstairs.


    Had Your Silver stayed back to fight the Lycan? That was impulsive she would surely need help.


    Once downstairs, I saw Edwin slumped on the ground. I rushed to him, noticing the corners of his lips were bloodstained.


    He grunted upon seeing me, trying to get up. Did Dara do this? What was wrong with Silver Pack warriors?


    "Alpha, Ray is here... and he''s mad," Edwin sighed, holding onto me for support as he got up.


    Ray was here and mad?


    "He did this to you? Why?" I asked Edwin, brushing the blood from his lips.


    The door mmed open. It was Ray, and his eyes were zing orange as they red


    at me.


    Zeke edged closer to the surface. He never did that for Ray, but perhaps he sensed a threat.


    "What''s this nonsense?" I frowned.


    Ray said nothing, pacing around the room like a predator marking its territory.


    "Ray, I said, what is this? Why did you beat up Edwin?"


    "We didn''t leave Rihanna there to die! The Alpha was badly injured, and I couldn''t fight a Lycan alone!" Edwin shouted at him.


    Ray stormed toward us, his fiery gaze fixed on Edwin.


    He didn''t speak to me but rather barked at Edwin, "That''s not an excuse. My sister was badly injured, and the Lycan wasn''t found!"


    Edwin stepped forward, fists clenched. "Well, she should''ve run back when the Alpha was hurt, but she stayed-"


    "Don''t dare use that as an excuse! She isn''t a coward. Why would she back away from


    a fight?" Ray cut him off, his voice sharp with rage.


    Was he indirectly calling me a coward? I exhaled, trying to piece together what had happened, but my memory remained nk.


    Ray was always vtile when it came to his sister.


    "Where is she? And the Blue Bloom Princess?" I asked, steering the conversation back to what mattered.


    He raised a brow. "The Blue Bloom Princess? Why would I know? I left my sister where I thought she''d be safe-ck Rose."


    "Wouldn''t she be safe here?"


    "With you in it?" Ray barked, shutting Edwin uppletely.


    Was he seriously using me of endangering his sister? Why would I harm her?


    The situation escted so quickly. Your Silver should have retreated when I was injured. The n was for us both to take Logan down.


    I wondered if Your Silver thought I had purposely left her and turned her into bait.


    That would be breaking the treaty I signed. As her Alpha King, her protection was paramount.


    "Ray, we didn''t want to leave her there. How bad is she?" I inquired when he finally sat down.


    He nced at me briefly before shifting his re back to Edwin.


    "I left her there and ran back to the forest. I hope she''s okay. She couldn''t even move."


    Edwin hissed under his breath before asking, "Did she get the Lycan?"


    "Is that all you care about? There was no dead body near her, so I guess no. But there was blood-and not all of it was hers," Ray replied coldly.


    Not all hers? Did she bleed? Zeke''s heart dampened. Did she still affect him? "You weren''t at ck Hills, or we both would''ve gone. The Lycan kidnapped the Blue Bloom Princess and demanded I release her," I exined, sitting beside Ray.


    He nodded, listening, a frown etched on his face.


    Perhaps Edwin forgot that Ray had been the one to bruise him, or maybe he assumed Ray would take his words lightly.


    Because his next words were, "The Alpha thought, since you were hurt by the Lycanst time, your sister would do something more impressive."


    It took a moment for his words to sink in, but Ray caught on faster and punched him before I could intervene.


    Edwin pushed him back, standing his ground. "What? A Silver Wolf who was almost beaten to death by a Lycan. What''s her pride for?"


    I might have agreed with Edwin-Your Silver was annoyingly proud, and it rubbed off on her disrespectful warriors.


    But a Lycan Alpha King was no easy opponent, and since he meant to kill her, her survival alone proved her strength.


    Still, siding with Edwin wasn''t in my best interest. Ray could kill him.


    "Oh really? You think so, huh?" Ray''s voice turned menacing, and his delusionalughter followed. His ws reacted immediately.


    I sped to grab his hand just as he raised it to strike Edwin. My Delta retreated, stunned that he had nearly gotten himself killed.


    "You forget you''re messing with Ray, right?" I reminded Edwin through our mind link.


    He took a few more steps back before walking away entirely.


    I shoved Ray''s hand away with a huff. "And you forget you were about to strike my Delta, right?"


    Ray dropped his re, staring at his ws like he didn''t recognize them. He always acted with his ws, never his brain.

 Annoying

    Chapter Eighty-Nine - Annoying


    Chris''s POV


    Ray finally sat down, and I tried mind linking Edwin, but he was out of reach. I wanted to leave here. I was surely not weed here.


    "Let''s go see your sister, Ray. I am really sorry about everything," I said.


    He said nothing but got up again and walked to the door. I followed.


    Dara was the first person I saw. She raised her head on seeing me. Ray passed her, and she didn''t react, but when I did, she rolled her eyes.


    I got it that Ray was their Alpha''s brother, so they''d cut him ck, but they needed to understand I was their Alpha King.


    "My warriors will stay at the border until your Alpha is capable enough to return," I turned to tell her.


    Of course, I didn''t care and only wanted to piss her off. Surely, I should make her feel useless because she''d be killed by me for hurting Sasha.


    Dara snapped her head at me. "No!" she challenged. "That''s my border, and I don''t need anyone to stay there for me."


    As I expected, only with less challenging spirit. "It''s an order, Dara. Your Alpha isn''t here for now, so what I say stands..."


    "Says who!" she barked, interrupting me. "My Beta and Delta are here, so what you say can''t ever stand in..."


    She trailed off when she looked behind me. I raised a brow, following her gaze. Behind me was Ray and the Silver Pack Beta, Beatrice.


    I folded my arms. "I''d talk to you directly since you''re higher than this mad dog. My warriors will stay at your borders," I said to Beatrice.


    "But doesn''t Beta Ray need them to search for the Lycan?" she asked calmly.


    I shook my head. "Forget the Lycan. He''d be handledter. Nothing should happen to your pack while your Alpha is down."


    "She''d be back up, we don''t need you to help," Dara walked in front of me to say.


    I smirked. "What happened to your Alpha is partly my fault, so I want to take responsibility..."


    "No," Dara interrupted again. It was bing infuriating.


    "Beta Ray told us, it is fully your fault, take responsibility by finding the Lycan and killing it, not..."


    "Dara!" it was Ray. "Shutdown!"


    He sounded like she was a robot on full power and really needed a shutdown.


    The Silver Pack Beta was quite chill, with an unreadable expression. "Dara, let me handle this."


    "Nothing to handle. Just let the warriors stay at the borders. I''d be leaving now," I said to the Beta.


    She swallowed down saliva and closed her eyes for a while. "Yes, we''d let your warriors stay. But we do not owe them food or water."


    She''d let them stay? That made it feel like I asked her permission, I didn''t. "They don''t need your food or water," I replied.


    She smiled, then briskly walked off, pulling Dara by the arm. Ray had an amused smirk before it faded off seeing me watch him.


    "C''mon," I nudged him, and we left the building, heading towards the carriage.


    My mind link was tugged on as I got to the carriage. I gestured for Ray to get in while I stood out, opening my mind link.


    "Chris, how are you doing? I heard from some warriors that you got scarred on the face. Stop by, I have something for you."


    Hearing Beta Sam''s voice in my head didn''t annoy me as I thought it would.


    He wasn''t part of my pack anymore, yet could still infiltrate my mind link.


    I pondered hard if I should go with Ray, but I decided against it. "Go ahead, I''de


    myself. I''d talk with someone and meet at ck Rose."


    When I peeked in, I found that Edwin was in there already.


    Would they fight if I leave them alone? "And please, no bantering," I added.


    Edwin didn''t react and totally acted like we two didn''t exist.


    That was eptable, for now. I tapped the carriage so it began leaving.


    As they were out of sight, I swerved towards the main pack. I expected the Beta and his


    wife would be kept closer to the Alpha''s mansion.


    I was wrong. I found them at the center of the pack. Beta Sam''s wife had a small


    bakery, and lots of pups circled her. That was new.


    "My husband is inside," she said, not sparing me a nce.


    I stood there still, watching a little boy make holes in his cake. He stabbed like a psychopath, the holes he made were huge.


    The crazier part was the small smile on his face. I came closer, and he stopped, looking up at me.


    His lips were pursed, and he wore a guilty expression. I felt his neck would hurt as he kept staring up at me, so I sat down.


    "If you''re done eating, you can give someone else," I said.


    His eyes darted to the Beta Sam''s wife then back at me. "She said I should eat it all. And I want to, or else Alpha will kill me."


    Oh really? He had Rihannaphobia. I could rte to that. I chuckled. "She wouldn''t literally."


    "She would. Last time, a horse died because he was stubborn to her. She said she''d kill me if I don''t listen," he pouted.


    Wow. He was only nine and was already this traumatized. I gently left the seat I was on.


    "He is Beatrice''s son," Beta Sam said behind me. I turned and pointed at the boy. The Beta nodded. "Not biological," he added in mind link.


    I gave the boy one nce before strolling away from him. "That kid will have anger issues," I told Sam.


    I had those symptoms as a kid, and it took a lot of maturity to dilute them. My father


    pushing his opinions and fear in me caused them.


    Sam threw a lotion at me. I caught it before it fell and perused itsbels.


    "It will lighten the scar, and if you rub it regrly, it will be gone. I know you are


    visiting ck Rose, so I wanted you to look your best."


    "Things you did for my dad, right?" I smiled. "My dad used to tell me how d he was


    that you had beauty products in case he injured."


    Sam chuckled, shaking his head. "He never said he was grateful. I''m impressed to know he was."


    My smile faded. My father had really treated Sam wrongly. "He was really thankful of you."


    Sam shrugged, looking away. "Nice to know."


    There was silence afterwards. I raised the lotion, nodding then, gesturing that I''d be leaving. He nodded, waving goodbye.


    We said no other words, and I walked out of the house. I saw the boy again, stabbing at the cake again. I sighed before moving out.

 Stone Cold

    Chapter Ny - Stone Cold


    Jaden''s POV


    Watching my matey there, motionless and injured was a different kind of pain. My wolf was eager to run out and find the Lycan, but I couldn''t leave her side. I bet he has an excuse now to shred the Lycan to pieces.


    Someone barged into the room, and I quickly took my hands off Rihanna''s. It was her Delta, Cami. She arrived so quickly. Her eyes went to her Alpha and then to me, who was standing beside her closely.


    "I just checked her temperature; she''s warm now," I gave an excuse.


    Cami stepped towards her, breathing heavily. "Beta Ray said she was left at the mercy of the Lycan. Earlier, she left with Chris and Edwin."


    Chris and Edwin? Edwin like the Delta of ck Hills? What were they after?


    "Before I left, Beta Ray was yelling at Edwin for leaving with Chris and leaving his sister.


    I don''t know if that''s what they really did," she sobbed.


    Her fists clenched, but I released, realizing that it was a reaction from my wolf. I wasn''t sure if that was what happened.


    "You know it''s very possible that they left her there to die, right? Chris always hated her, even as Your Silver," my wolf argued.


    Still, I was sure, and shouldn''t incite negative thoughts about the Alpha King.


    "And you think he wouldn''t want to?" my wolf charged.


    I shut my eyes tightly, trying to get him out of my head. It was not like that. If he kills Rihanna, he''d gain nothing but satisfying his ego.


    "And you think he wouldn''t want to?" my wolf asked again.


    I ignored him, wrapping my hands around Cami. "It''s alright, your Alpha will be okay. Maybe it was a misunderstanding."


    She sniffed. "I doubt it was. First, they came and used a warrior of ours of being behind Sasha''s disappearance. Then this."


    She touched Rihanna''s head then turned to me. "You said she is warm, but her head is stone cold. What''s happening to her?"


    I rushed to check; it was. Was she dying? I squeezed her hand but felt no warmth in them.


    "She''s awake!" Cami shrieked, going backward. "I feel her in my mind link."


    How''d she be in her mind link when she was unconscious? Another perk of a Silver Wolf?


    Cami frowned, "What?"


    Where theymunicating?


    "That jerk!" she turned to me angrily. I went back, wondering what had been said to her.


    "Was she speaking to you? What did she say?"


    "That Chris tricked her into meeting the Lycan as exchange for the Blue Bloom Princess. He''d try to deny it now as she lived."


    My eyebrows arched as the words made meaning to me. My mate was sent as bait?


    "He came to her for help then sacrificed her. What a King!" the Delta yelled, running out of the room.


    My wolf started an uproar ofughter. I couldn''t ce why. I inched closer to Rihanna. "Can you hear me? Did Chris really do that?"


    There was no movement in her body. Was she paralyzed? She hadn''t woken or moved for long.


    Using my wolf''s vision, my eyes scanned her body. I dreaded doing it since, in case I''d see a broken bone that''d break my heart.


    But she would be healed by now. There was nothing broken, so she must have lost blood.


    "Rihanna, are you in there?" my mind wondered far and wide on what made her able to use her mind link but couldn''t move her body.


    There was a message on my mind link. "Alpha, the Alpha King and Ray are here. They want to see Rihanna," Jake reported.


    My fists clenched, this time by my will. What was he seeing her for after attempting to kill her!


    "Whatever excuse you can give, give. I don''t want him seeing my mate!" I replied, shutting my mind link immediately.


    I paced around until the door opened, and Jake rushed in. "Jaden, you can''t stop them from seeing her. Chris is with her brother."


    "And he doesn''t know Chris was the one who caused his sister to be like this?!" I barked.


    My brother sighed. "Wasn''t it a Lycan..."


    "Well, Chris set her up. I am not letting them in. She hasn''t even moved or anything. No one ising here." I was resolute.


    Jake knew that and shook his head. "I can''t tell them that verbally."


    "Say whatever then. I won''t even host him."


    My brother frowned. "No, you would. Or you''d just be exposing that she''s your mate,


    or else why would be so emotional."


    My wolf scoffed. "I still wonder why we hide that she''s our mate." I ignored him again. Rihanna wanted it that way; I should respect that.


    I sighed. "Fine, give whatever excuse, I''d meet you in a minute."


    He nodded, leaving the room.


    My eyes shifted to Rihanna. I squeezed her hand gently, hoping she''d react, but still nothing. She was cold but not dead, I felt that.


    "Don''t worry, I''d be back," I promised before leaving the room. I wiped the worried expression off my face and reced it with a brighter one.


    But my eyes dimmed on Chris on my seat, at the dining table. Was there a reason for him to be on the biggest seat?


    On his left was Ray and the supposedly Edwin, Delta of a ck Hills. I specially had a bone to pick with him.


    As I got closer, a scar on Chris'' face became pronounced. And it was recent. "What happened to you, Alpha King? ident while teaching the warriors?" I acted like I wasn''t aware he left with Rihanna.


    He stood up from the seat. "Actually, it was an uncanny encounter with the Lycan. How''s Your Silver?" he shook my hands.


    Why did he still address her as ''Your Silver''?


    Either he was quite obedient about her request to never call her ''Rihanna'', or he hadn''t gotten over her being his dread.


    "As Jake said," I answered, taking a seat beside Ray who was oddly quiet.


    My brother looked nkly. "Um... I had said you''d report to them when you meet them."


    "Really?" I asked him in mind link.


    He shrugged. "Yeah," he smirked, walking off.


    I turned to the visitors. "She is asleep. And would be better. No visitors are needed


    until she awakes. Meanwhile, how had that happened?"


    "We weren''t there. And believe me, it could have been avoided," Edwin replied.


    I faced him, but from the corner of my eyes, I noticed Ray''s fist clenched. Perhaps I shouldn''t dig more into what he meant.


    "Well, since the Lycan is the sole cause of her predicament. Why not we go look for it?" I suggested.


    Chris shook his head. "He should be badly injured now. I don''t think we should search for him now..."


    "If he''s injured, that''s better leverage against him. He attacked an Alpha and Alpha King. Who next? We should do something," I remarked.


    Ray shifted ufortably on his seat. "My warriors can''t help here. How do you suggest we go about it?"


    "We don''t need warriors. Alpha King and I can go, alone," I increased tone at thest


    part.


    That was actually suggested by my wolf, and I doubt he had good intentions. But I wouldn''t stop him.

 Wont End Well

    Chapter Ny-One - Won''t End Well


    Jaden''s POV


    "Whatever you are thinking, you better stop," someone said, behind me.


    It was the voice of my Beta, Ralph. He strolled in front of me with folded arms.


    "Whatever you are thinking, stop," he repeated.


    He had that psychic look. Could he really see my wolf''s desire to hurt Chris? That was


    risky.


    Could Chris see it too? I nced at him, and he was confused by Ralph''s words. I exhaled.


    "Is that suggestion dangerous?" I queried my Beta, acting oblivious.


    He squinted his eyes at me. "You know what is."


    Yes, my wolf.


    I nodded. "The Lycan, I get it."


    Ralph rolled his eyes, seating down. "Alpha King, we should desist from chasing the Lycan for now. Where he''d hide will be hard to find."


    Chris didn''t seem to have a problem with it; he never wanted to battle the Lycan. "Sure, let''s drop that."


    My eyes were on Chris but went away when he met my gaze. My wolf should stop sending those res; it was too susceptible.


    "And Alpha Jaden, thank you for taking care of my sister when I brought her here impromptu," Ray smiled at me.


    More than he knew, it was my pleasure that he felt rxed enough to drop his sister with me.


    "You are weed," I responded.


    Chris cleared his throat, taking steps back. "I will be heading back. ck Hills is empty now. Ray, you should do the same."


    I left my seat, hoping to walk them to the door. Edwin, dyed before walking out. His eyes were on the door of the room Rihanna was.


    The room was close, but where she was exactly, was farther inside. Had he heard a sound from there?


    I waited until he had passed before continuing with them.


    On opening the door, we saw Cami outside, a carriage with the ck Hills logo was broken on one wheel.


    Their rider was on the ground, badly beaten. That was Cami''s doing; she left the wall she was leaning on and faced Chris.


    "You came to know if she was dead, right!" She shouted. Ray ran down to help the rider, but Cami paid him no attention.


    Was she yelling at Chris? I glimpsed at him, and he had a done look, like he was used to all the disrespect.


    "If this is about your Alpha, then believe me, we didn''t leave her there to die. I was badly injured, so I couldn''t help," he exined.


    Was the scar on his face the injury? I began second-guessing myself.


    "As she said, you''d deny it! You nned it with the Lycan, she was bait to get the Blue Bloom Princess!" Cami retorted.


    Ray, who was helping the rider to a safer ce, dropped the man, facing Chris. "What?"


    Edwin came forward. "That''s not true! Rihanna must have misunderstood..."


    "How did she tell you that?" Chris asked, his eyebrows knotted together in a frown.


    Cami advanced towards him. "Through mind link. Her body is immobilized, but her soul burns for revenge."


    I was there; Rihanna must have told her Delta because she wanted revenge. But Cami can''t go against Chris.


    And did Rihanna want a direct charge at Chris?


    "I forgive you destroying my carriage and disrespecting me. You''re being emotional. But that should end now!" Chris ordered.


    I wished Cami will listen. Stepping down, I gestured to her not to react further, but she was adamant.


    "You''re a jerk! Are you so scared of my Alpha that you n with a Lycan to kill her? Why not dare do it yourself..."


    "You keep talking!" Edwin yelled at her. "Don''t you see his face! He was taken by surprise by the Lycan while Your Alpha was ying hero!"


    She barked back. "You, shut the hell up when I speak!"


    "Why! We''re both Deltas. If you don''t want me disrespecting your Alpha, don''t disrespect my Alpha!" Edwin argued.


    This was getting interesting, as much as I didn''t like it. My wolf came closer to enjoy the scene.


    "Cami! Edwin! Please stop," I raised my voice since Chris wouldn''t speak again. "Rihanna needs rest; your shouts would wake her up..."


    "Then she should wake and return with her Delta. What happened was no one''s fault.


    She should''ve retreated. We had a n," Edwin said.


    He was bing infuriating. Chris''s silence too. Ray not interfering was


    understandable as the victim was his sister and offender, his Alpha.


    "Why not wait until Rihanna awakes?" I suggested. Then she''d defend herself.


    Cami nodded, and I never felt so d she was agreeing.


    "Until then, Chris stays at Silver Pack to answer to my Alpha when she awakes." Wait, she was joking right?


    Chris finally reacted with a chuckle.


    I agreed, that was humorous. "Cami, don''t do this."


    I pleaded, but she boldly walked up to him. "You areing with me."


    "Take me with you then," he smirked.


    She lifted her hand to hold him, but I held it. "Cami, you know this won''t end well."


    "My Alpha is paralyzed, and he walks scot-free when he caused it? I don''t care if it ends well," she shoved my arms away.


    Rihanna wasn''t paralyzed yet.


    She pulled Chris by the arm, but he sent her flying back, with a punch. Ray attempted helping her, but held himself.


    I panicked, as she grunted in pain. "Chris, please, don''t engage her..."


    "Don''t engage me, either, Alpha Jaden," Chris interrupted, going down to meet her.


    My mind link was tugged on at that point. I released it. "Ralph, Cami is fighting with Chris, and I don''t know..." I trailed off.


    "He won''t hurt her," Ralph replied, confidently.


    What made him think so? Chris wouldn''t care about her. And he just hit her again. Now, his ws popped out.


    "You don''t think the scar on my face is proof. I''d give you one to contend with," he told her, raising his hands to her.


    Cami smirked. "If you are so powerful, why ask for my Alpha''s help to meet a Lycan?¡±


    It will be in her best interest if she stopped talking.


    As Chris''s hand came down, a figure zapped past me, Edwin, and towards Chris.


    I blinked severally, before gawking at the scene in front of me.


    It was Rihanna, holding up Chris''s hands from touching Cami. How did she get up?


    "If you don''t put it down, I''d break it!" She barked. Chris''s eyes were still on her Delta.


    Rihanna''s eyes shone, a surprising color, burning red. She bent his hands down, much to Chris''s amazement.


    He pushed her back, but Ray reacted before I could. "Chris, hold it there."


    Rihanna smirked. "No, he should try to finish what the Lycan started. I''d handle youter."


    Wait, was she confirming what Cami said?


    "I didn''t n for the Lycan to kill you! Stop being childish!" Chris yelled.


    "Alright, we''d see who''s childish when next we meet," she nodded at her words.


    She pulled Camill


    a up, and in a second, they both sped away, disappearing into the forest.

 Scram

    Chapter Ny-Two - Scram


    Rihanna''s POV


    It sucked. It really sucked that I had to go through paralysis and excruciating


    immobility to unlock Alpha mode. My body hadn''t recovered fully, so I couldn''t run for long. Lana helped me control my speed, and I halted miles from ck Rose.


    Cami fell back, resting on a tree. I tried remembering everything I heard from her argument with Chris. "Girl, fighting Chris alone is risky."


    "You told me to," she replied, with a groan. He must have hurt her insides.


    I defended. "Not literally." I did tell her he nned it, but not for her to react.


    "C''mon, let''s walk. I''m not recovered yet," I began walking back.


    Still resting on the tree, she slid down to the ground. Her hands were on her stomach, and her face was squeezed in pain. "I can''t. Go ahead."


    Was she joking? How badly was she hit? She hissed in pain, clutching tightly to her sides. I stooped to her.


    Using wolf vision, I checked if there were broken bones, and sure as hell, there were. Why did Chris fight her that hard? He really didn''t waste time to hit someone. "Cami, could you shift to your wolf form? Maybe she could carry you to the pack?" I asked.


    She shook her head, clenching her jaw. Her legs wobbled when she tried standing.


    I didn''t like that I just got my ass delivered to me a few hours ago, and Chris just ass the same to my Delta.


    "Well, you are an Alpha now. His punishment is sneaking upon him," Lana whispered, creepily.


    I nodded at her words, as I helped Cami get on my shoulders. With slow steps, I began heading towards my pack.


    "Alpha, do you know where the Lycan is? Alpha Jaden suggested to find him with Chris. You two can still go," Cami told.


    I had heard him, and a part of me couldn''t get over the murderous intent in his voice.


    A smile also came to my face when I recounted how he stayed by my side since I was admitted to his pack.


    At a point, I couldn''t hear Jaden''s words but was consoled by his presence.


    And when my brother stopped by and activated the mate bond in me, I wanted Jaden closer, but he left to host them.


    Cami hissed again then shifted on my back.


    I adjusted her on my shoulders. "Don''t worry, that Alpha King will get it. We''d meet that Lycan again, Jaden, Chris, and I."


    "What? You can''t hurt Chris in front of Jaden," Cami noted.


    Maybe. Maybe not. But Jaden had a dark part; perhaps it was his wolf. And even if Chris doesn''t end up dead, he''d be in bad shape.


    "I''d get around him, don''t worry." At worse, I''d use my mate card. He wouldn''t report against his mate, would he?


    I increased my speed when I noticed myself gaining more energy.


    It was reckless of me to use my energy just as Lana I got it, but we were able to get closer to my pack, and I mind linked warriors for help.


    They cameter than I expected.


    "Alpha, you are back!" it was Jean; she rushed to my arms and enveloped me tightly in a hug. The other warriors just smiled, watching me.


    "I never died; I was just unconscious," I smiled, resting Cami on a warrior''s shoulder. "Please, take her in," she nodded and hurried out.


    "What happened to her?" it was Dara; she held a whip, and a scowl was on her face.


    I remembered I had unfinished business with her, rting to Sasha''s horsetail, but I brushed it off first. "Chris hit her. Details willeter."


    "He hit her? Why''s he bullying us?" Jean moaned. "Even his warriors are being bullies."


    "Don''t sweat it. If that lead warrior starts again, I''d put her in ce again," Dara huffed.


    Chris''s warriors were bullying them? I hurried to the border, and my jaw dropped when I saw ck Hills warriors protecting it.


    "Why are they here?"


    Jean immediately answered like it''d been on the tip of her tongue. "Chris made his


    warriors stay here while you were away."


    Her eyebrows cocked. "But Beatrice is around."


    "And I am too. He just wants to annoy us. Just go in and rest. I''d chase them as you''re


    back,¡± Dara huffed, marching to the warriors.


    I stared at her leave, nkly. Jean stomped along with Dara, shaking her head disagreeably as she left.


    Chris was really something. Did he want to take over my pack? That''s why he wanted to kill me off? His evil ns were bing more obvious.


    The ck Hills warrior Dara met resisted her, and Jean stepped forward. "You don''t want to see her mad. Get the hell out of our pack!"


    The warrior sneered, folding his arm. "We takemand only from our lead Warrior."


    "Your Alpha said you''d scram when our Alpha returns, why aren''t you scramming?" Dara questioned.


    The warrior tantly ignored her, assuming his position in front of my border.


    Dara wasted no time in kicking him to the ground. I said nothing.


    Chris bullied their Delta; he should be prepared to see his warriors return to him blue and ck.


    "Who do you think you are, brat!" Dara pped the young man on the ground.


    Jean picked up mud from the ground and dumped it on his face. "Take that! You are too pale anyway!"


    That made me chuckle, and I halted them. Dara kept screaming, and I had to drag her up from the poor warrior''s body.


    The warrior ran back, rubbing the mud off his face. "Your Silver is back?"


    "Yes, I am," I raised my head. "Now, scram!"


    He stood to his feet, bowed and began leaving. Dara called him back. "I thought you said you only listened to your lead warrior, huh?"


    "I do. But your Alpha is higher than her. You aren''t!" the young man scoffed then he ran off.


    Dara''s eyes widened, and she tried running after him, but I pulled her back. "Stop already!"


    We both returned to the courtroom. A pile of mud was kept on one of the stairs. I gazed at it, questioningly.


    Jean chuckled. ¡°Oh, that was what my friends and I used to chase ck Hills warriors that tried buying bread from your mom''s bakery."


    "Why not?" I looked confused.


    Jean frowned. "Beta Beatrice said she doesn''t owe them food. They shouldn''t buy either!"


    Oh Moon goddess, they had been acting petty since I left, hadn''t they?


    "Who was it! Point that bastard!" someone yelled behind me.


    Dara turned, then her face contorted to a scowl. I did the same and saw Cara, ck


    Hills lead warrior and Ray''s mate.


    The warrior that had been beaten by Dara was with her. She frowned. "Dara, why did you dare hit a warrior of ck Hills?"


    Dara smirked. "Tsk, cause their lead Warrior wouldn''t do shit?"


    Cara red at her, and


    only an annoying smirk rested on Dara''s face. This would be fun.

 She Did It

    Chapter Ny-Three She Did It


    Rihanna''s POV


    Cara red at her, and only an annoying smirk rested on Dara''s face. This would be fun.


    Jean jumped before Dara. "Leave us, Cara. Our Alpha is back; your services are no longer needed."


    "They never were," Dara came in front of Jean, pushing her back. "My warriors and I were more than capable to defend our pack."


    "If you were, my Alpha wouldn''t have bothered sending me, now would he?" Cara smirked.


    She shouldn''t underestimate my warriors orpare them to hers. These girls had been rogues, so had good survival skills.


    "I wouldn''t darepare myself with you," Dara snickered.


    Cara didn''t know if it was apliment or a mock. "You better not!"


    "Yeah," Dara shrugged. "After all, it''s not like you are good at protecting your borders. Anyone could sneak into ck Hills if they liked."


    Jean snapped her head at Dara. Wasn''t she spilling tea about the secret hidden paths we used to enter ck Hills?


    "What do you mean?" Cara frowned. "No one dares enter ck Hills when they liked! My warriors are all over the borders."


    "Funny! Very funny!! How did we infiltrate it on the day Silver Pack was born?" Dara questioned.


    Jean exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Why are you asking her that?"


    I didn''t care. There were more than one way to get into ck Hills. Cara couldn''t possibly cover all. And we weren''t the only ones who used it.


    "You used a secret path, didn''t you? And you mock me with it? I can''t believe the disrespect."


    "You better do!" Dara huffed.


    I continued climbing up to get to the door; this wasn''t as entertaining as I thought it''d be.


    But Cara''s annoying voice stopped me. "Rihanna, do you support this?"


    Did I support what? Using the hidden path? "Support what exactly?"


    "Dara hitting my warrior?" she replied.


    Why was she reporting to me? They were both lead warriors and should settle by talk or fight. It wasn''t my business.


    I didn''t even care that she was Ray''s mate. "Just leave with your team, Cara. I''m injured and should be resting," I replied nonchntly.


    She nodded, advancing towards the stairs I stood on. "So it''s true, you are the reason your warriors are so insolent!"


    "You mean confident!" Dara snapped. "Stop with the big words and try to make me pay. Or simply get out of our pack grounds!"


    Jean nodded in support, pointing at the exit, but Cara still stood there. What else did she want?


    "Watch your tongue, Dara. Instructions from my Alpha said I''d leave as your Alpha had returned," Cara said.


    "Good, hurry with it!" Dara snapped her fingers.


    "But I expect an apology! You beat up a ck Hills warrior and disrespected a Royal Lead Warrior!" Cara enumerated. "Apologize!"


    Was she seriously adding ''royal'' to her title?


    Deltas and Betas at ck Hills added ''royal'' to their titles to differentiate them from other Deltas and Betas, but not lead warriors as well.


    "Maybe we should add ''silver'' to all our leaders'' titles at this point," Lana sighed. I kinda agreed.


    Dara snickered, taking steps down. "As I said, make me pay. Make me apologize." Jean folded her arms, being in full support.


    The ck Hills warrior, that was beaten up, held onto his lead warrior as she stepped towards Dara. "Beta Ray wouldn''t like this."


    "Yeah, he wouldn''t," I chirped in. "So better walk away with your warriors before I take you out myself."


    She rolled her eyes, retreating with the warrior. "Fine, I''d report this directly to my Alpha."


    I''d very much like that.


    She bounced out with the warrior, and soon I heard the other ck Hills warriors following suit.


    "I was really excited about her daring me. It would have been Ray separating us," Dara hissed, then hopped up the stairs.


    I followed, feeling dizzy since the sun was high, and I had been standing under it. Jean ran ahead towards the room of Cami.


    I cleared my throat, stopping Dara. We were alone now at the hallway.


    "Dara, you may have reasons, but are you behind Sasha''s disappearance?" I asked, halting her steps.


    Her curious face diluted to a nk one. She looked down. "Chris had used me."


    "Dara, don''t do this with me. That horsetail, I have seen you with it, after we visited ck Hills. Just tell me..."


    "Fine, I did it!" She shouted.


    I nodded, appreciating the honesty. I shouldn''t care, but I asked anyway. "Why?" Dara faced the wall, backing me. "She shouldn''t have been the Luna. You should." "Excuse me?" my fists clenched. She did it for me? I didn''t want that anymore and made it clear countless times.


    If Chris discovers this reason, he''d feel like I sent her.


    "But I know you aren''t interested in being Luna. So, Chris should be alone. Nothing good should get to him," Dara remarked.


    A smirk crawled to my lips. Chris really had bad-wishers. "You aren''t the Moon goddess? Why make such judgment?"


    "Chris reced you with a cheap girl. You haven''t even gotten a new mate yet, so he can''t have anything!" she barked.


    I gulped down saliva, reacting to herst sentence. The moon goddess gave me a mate, but it didn''t mean Chris could get one.


    He rejected his first, and it was hard for Alphas to get a second one.


    "Dara, I didn''t need you ying ''moon goddess'' with Chris or trying to defend me.


    Now, you''ve put yourself in Chris''s suspicions," I told her.


    She turned around to meet my gaze, her head hung guiltily. "I have no regrets, but I still don''t want him to know."


    "Yes, he would require you to be punished by him for touching the royal Luna," I mocked the ''royal'' attached to the ''Luna''.


    "Anyway, where did you keep her?"


    Dara became mute, looking down.


    I raised her head up. "You didn''t kill her, did you?" that will be mean and too much.


    "I couldn''t," her shoulders fell.


    I smiled, d that my little Delta still had a heart.


    "But I will after she delivers. I just can''t because it''d be killing two people. But when she delivers, I will kill her!" Dara pronounced.


    "Deliver?" I raised a brow. The word made more sense to me, and I repeated, with a higher tone. "Deliver?"


    Dara nodded. "Sasha is a few months pregnant. Chris will be a father soon. He doesn''t deserve it, right?"


    My head felt beclouded. Chris had Sasha pregnant? I didn''t think he tolerated her that much to actually impregnate her?


    "No wonder Chris is anxious to get her back. She is pregnant with his child," I wondered out loud.


    Dara nodded. "But he won''t be getting her..."


    "He would," I interrupted with a re. "How can you keep a pregnantdy caged? She


    needs all the care she can get."


    "She''s Sasha!"


    "But pregnant!" I yelled. "And we''d act like we found her somewhere and return her.


    Did you show her your face?"


    Dara shook her head. "No. She wasn''t worth it."


    I exhaled. That was go


    od. Now, I just need to find a way to send the bitch back to her husband.

 Still Useful

    Chapter Ny-Four - Still Useful


    Chris''s POV


    Your Silver was quick to judge. She''s impulsive, excessive, any adjective to imply impatient.


    Like three years ago, I was torn about rejecting my mate even while the words left my mouth.


    And probably, I''d have taken them back before the day ended, and we''d be together now. But she was quick to fake her death and leave.


    I ept that the events of three years were my fault, and mother''s, but things could have ended differently if she wasn''t so impulsive!


    But they happened, and even if I''d like to say I recovered, I never did fully. My wolf neither. And it looked like we''d never be forgiven.


    However, Your Silver never changed from being so impulsive and quick to conclude.


    Concluding I nned with Logan, who harmed my Beta and warriors, kidnapped a princess, and asked for my life, to kill her was insane.


    Belittling me before my subjects was offending, and making me look like a lying and ego-driven wolf was painful.


    Also, her rage was great enough to help her break Alpha rank, and I''m still the bad person.


    The door of my courtroom swung open, without any knock. My thoughts crashed because of the disruption, making my expression frustrated.


    I had been waiting for Ray, but it was my father that walked in.


    I masked the frustrated expression with a rxed one. "Father, how''ve you been doing?"


    He slowed down, looking at me from afar. He opened his hands. "How would a mateless Alpha be doing?"


    I shrugged; I was also a mateless Alpha, but I''d ignore that to not invalidate his feelings. "How?"


    "Wolfully!" he howled inughter.


    My eyebrows raised questionably before I got the pun. "Oh, woefully. Nice." I rolled my eyes.


    He hastened his steps and jumped into the Luna''s chair. "This had been empty for a while. Should Ie here?"


    I frowned, looking away. What was heing to my Luna''s seat for?


    A sigh left my lips as I wondered if he''s losing a part of his sanity since his mate was discovered to be a fraud.


    He peered into my eyes intently, and I realized I didn''t answer him. "I''m good. Filling that seat up is the least of my worries."


    "It should be!" he asserted. "Where''s your Luna, and mother of your child? And I need grandkids to divide my attention."


    Were we having this topic? Vanessa''s another child he had that could give him grandkids he desired. But since she sided with our mother over the mate swap, their rtionship had been sour.


    "I will find Sasha soon. I have a clue, and when everything settles, I will ask about it again..."


    My father immediately snapped. "When what settles? Is there trouble brewing?"


    I shook my head. "Forget it. You wouldn''t want to know..."


    "I would," he chirped in again. "Anything to ponder on rather than thinking. Not currently an Alpha shouldn''t mean I''d be at the sidelines."


    I rubbed my temples but smiled. "Yes, but it means you''ve had your share of worrying about the pack, so let your son worry over it..."


    He still had words to say. "Oh no, what about Rihanna? She let her father stay with her, and he''d run her pack sometimes..."


    "I highly doubt that," I interrupted; he''d be doing so for long. "Your Beta and his wife assumed a normal life at her pack. She rules her own pack."


    My father nodded, looking impressed. Suddenly, he didn''t have words to say where he should be reacting.


    "And it isn''t really a good thing as she needs guidance sometimes," I added.


    "Please," my father dismissed, "As long as she protects her pack, then how she protects them doesn''t matter. Her duty is to her people."


    That wasn''t what he taught me growing up. I shifted, facing him directly. If that was his new conception, he better exin.


    "I don''t agree. And yes, that''s exactly what she''s doing. Impulsive, ready to fight, has a million reasons for her actions," I almost shouted.


    "Giving vibes of the former ck Rose Alpha," my father continued. "I heard the current Alpha is close to Rihanna; he''d see his mother in her."


    I was quiet for a while before I turned away from my dad. "Where''s the former Alpha now? When I visited, there was no sign of her?"


    My father beganughing, leaving me confused. "You expect her toe out to greet you? She''s so proud, she''d never do that."


    I stared at my father nkly; again, he seemed to encourage these wolfesses being too much.


    "Also, she might have crossed the seven seas to get a ''retirement vacation''. Her mother did the same when she stepped down," my father added.


    That sounded fancy. "And her son didn''t need his mom with him, so there, I am good."


    I patted my dad, leaving my throne.


    He hurriedly assumed the position, touching the cushion tenderly. He''d really needpany before he lost his headpletely.


    "But if you''d give me advice, how do you handle a troublesome but useful ally?" I asked.


    He looked up, higher than me, then grinned. "Well, y their game. Make them close..."


    "And then what?" I queried.


    "Do it. And that''s it." He pped. "If they are really useful then risk it all to be in their best books, or at least good books."


    So I was supposed to y along with Your Silver? I wasn''t expecting that answer, but it seemed viable. I needed her to stop the Lycan.


    "Is this ck Rose? It''d work. They aren''t so troublesome but surely useful," my dad grinned, leaving the throne. "And you lose nothing."


    Yeah, nothing but my dignity! Which I supposed will be dispensable to my father as ''an Alpha''s first duty is to his Pack''.


    The good side will be that ck Rose and I have less problems since their Alpha and I connected.


    But to avoid issues, I''d be using this strategy on them as well. "Thanks, dad."


    "Yeah, I''m still useful," he nodded proudly.


    He always will be. Afterwards, he left me to the emptiness of the courtroom. I felt the void he felt, but I couldn''t do anything about it.


    Using my mind link, I searched for Ray, since I was in the mood to get advice, I should get some from him on how to appease his sister.


    "Yes, Ray, where are you? We need to see now, please," I said when I finally found him, nearby.


    He sniffed, "Sure, I was making rounds around the pack. The weather is chilly even for a wolf."


    Weather abnormalities had been usual around ck Hills, making the pack think it''s a sign of wrath from the Moon goddess.


    "Yeah, hurry," I responded dismissively. "I need to speak to you about your sister, I noticed this."


    "Is this about her mate? You noticed?" Ray asked with a little snicker.


    I froze, staring into space. I noticed nothing. Did his sister get her mate


    already? The supposed recement of my throne? Who was it?!

 Who Is It?

    Chapter Ny-Five - Who Is It?


    Chris''s POV


    Did Your Silver get her mate already? The supposed recement on my throne?


    Who was it?! I couldn''t let this happen? Was I about to be reced?


    Ray switched off his mind link before I could ask him who the lucky man was. He ended with "Okay."


    I was restless but stayed calm as I knew he was already heading here.


    "But what would I even do when I know her mate?" I wondered out loud. Was it to go on with my mother''s n?


    ck Hills had been a kingdom pack since my grandfather, why should that change now? But it was a prophecy, could I stop it?


    "Am I to let it y on?" I wondered out loud again.


    My wolf, Zeke, came closer to the surface as I sat on the throne. "What should we do?" I asked him.


    "y on, maybe. We defiled the moon goddess before. If this new Alpha King was worthy of the position, then we''d go along with it," Zeke noted.


    Was that how''d it be? I did get a chance, but does that mean I''d lose out? For that one mistake?


    I left my seat; a stubborn part of me didn''t want it ending like this even if Zeke was right.


    We had annoyed the Moon goddess before, and this should be a way to restore myself before her.


    "ck Hills won''t be destroyed, just that they will be a new Alpha King. Don''t worry about it," my wolf added.


    I heaved a sigh of relief, but another question popped up. What if he had no pack, does it mean he''d take over mine?


    What was taking Ray so long? I needed answers and more advice before I''d make a mistake.


    Just then, the door opened, and I ran towards it. But it was only my sister, Vanessa. I groaned anger. "What do you want, and where''s Ray!"


    She kept on marching towards me, with disdain on her face. "I don''t know where Ray is. But I do want to know where Sasha is."


    I cooled my temper, gazing at her carefully. "I haven''t resolved the horsetail issue yet."


    "Yeah, it''s easier to save a princess from a Lycan and get an ugly scar than it was to find your pregnant Luna!" She fumed.


    I looked down at my hands, forcing out aughter. "Don''t start with me, please. I will get back to it."


    She huffed, brushing past me towards the Luna seat. I turned and watched her mount herself on top of it. I bet a lot of people wanted that seat.


    "I don''t know why you haven''t dragged the perpetrator here yet, but it better not be because you are tolerating Rihanna!"


    What kind of usation was that?


    "Oh, was it because you have your eyes on the Blue Bloom Princess?" she added. So she was just specting nonsense?


    "Tell me, are those the reasons you are forgetting Sasha?" she asked, pping the arm cushion on the throne.


    "That''s enough, Vanessa! I am not forgetting her! For one, she has my child in her womb," I reminded.


    She tilted her head. "Then be more concerned. There''s a thing called miscarriage, and it happens when a pregnantdy is poorly taken care of."


    Was she threatening me? I exhaled, epting my fate. "Yes, I''d be sending letters right now, after you get out, to Rihanna to investigate."


    "You better!" she rose from the Luna''s throne and strolled off through the inner door.


    I sat back, where she left, thinking of how all the females around me indirectly bullied by freewill to think.


    My thoughts were converging and giving me a safe space, but that was when Ray bounced inside.


    There was never a safe space for an Alpha King. "Finally, you are here."


    I left the seat. "So what were you talking about? Your sister had a mate?"


    The excitement I had about it died already.


    "Yeah, I noticed during theirst interaction when we had a meal at his pack. She''s my


    twin, and in a way, I notice her scent on someone," Ray continued.


    Why''s no image popping in my head on who this person was? The way Ray spoke about him, he must have assumed I knew who he meant.


    "Do you care to tell me who this is?"


    He frowned, "Don''t you have a clue? You never suspected? Well, I think they are a good match if she epts him."


    Wait, she hadn''t epted this person? Her ego was huge, why dy epting her mate?


    Could that be my fault in any way? Hadn''t she fully healed from her first rejection?


    If that was the case, I was a bit d I wasn''t the only one stuck on that. "Ray, who is her mate?" perhaps being direct will save me the tension.


    Ray raised an eyebrow and thrust his chin upwards, "You really didn''t know? It''s Alpha Jaden of ck Rose!"


    He sat on his chair beside me. "I''m stunned you didn''t notice. Even Jake was nicer when you visited, as he knew your ex is his bro''s now."


    Both my wolf and I were not expecting that answer. Rihanna got gifted an Alpha of ck Rose? How lucky could that bitch be!


    Ray chatted about more things, but my mind wasn''t on them. Why didn''t I see thising? My heart boiled but was still at peace.


    ck Rose would be a Pack-Kingdom? That was huge, and honestly befitting. They had been once before.


    And Jaden knew all the while, even the role of the Silver wolf''s mate in the prophecy but said nothing? He was either loyal or quite stuck up.


    "The moon goddess is both a jerk and a master nner," I seethed, trying to contain


    my anger.


    Ray turned to me, cautiously. "Why?"


    I red at him. Wasn''t he aware of what this meant? "I''m surprised by the news. And


    you had said, ''if she epts him''. What''s that about?"


    "Well, my sister, being the broken silver wolf, would feel careful and too valuable to be mated to amon Alpha," Ray shrugged.


    "What''smon about the ck Rose Alpha?" I smirked.


    "Well, ask her not me," he chuckled. "And it''s what I think. Maybe she just doesn''t want to be tied to the mate bond."


    Agreeing, I sighed heavily. "That could be it."


    "After all, a wise man once told her that the mate bond makes one think they are in love," he nced at me.


    I was very aware those were my words.


    ck Rose Alpha being the new Alpha would haunt me for days. This was a twist I wasn''t looking forward to.


    "You know of the prophecy, right?"


    Ray nodded. "And believe me, I''m not so excited about it?"


    Why wouldn''t he? It was his sister about to make history. He should be supportive.


    "I kinda like being the Royal Beta," he grinned.


    That was his problem? I rolled my eyes.


    I was losing the King title that w


    e had for years. I couldn''t help but feel like a disappointment!

 Wolf Trouble

    Chapter Ny-Six - Wolf Trouble


    Jaden''s POV


    That scene reyed in my head many times. Maybe it was my wolf''s obsession with it, or because it was iconic, like a resurrection from the dead.


    Rihanna, in her Alpha Fury, challenging Chris.


    Chris really was patient, I think. He was in many ways Alpha King material. I couldn''t believe I was next to that throne.


    My wolf sneered at me. "Your mothers had been Alpha Queens at their times, and you are scared of having the title again?" my wolf sneered.


    I didn''t need his opinion in this matter. I folded the scroll that I just received from ck Hills. It was about finding Sasha.


    And Chris was specific about suspecting a Silver Wolf warrior. Their Alpha would surely not let him touch that warrior.


    If she could snap at him because he hurt her Delta, then she was just as protective with her warriors.


    Rihanna''s scene reyed in my mind again, so I shut my eyes for a while before opening them again.


    "You can''t stop thinking of your mate, Jaden. Stop trying to," My wolf mocked.


    He was truly the devil amongst us. "How about you charge your sexual desire away from our mate and channel it on finding the Lycan?"


    "Sexual desire? On our mate?" he queried.


    "I''m not dumb. You have a twisted desire towards power. Turn that desire to rage and find the Lycan!" I ordered.


    He scoffed. "Don''t give me orders. I made you who you are."


    "I made me what I am!" I retorted, shutting off our connection, but it was opened again. "And whatever," then he shut down.


    He was truly annoying. Sometimes I wanted to protect Rihanna from him, but other times I basked in his twisted thoughts.


    I wondered why the moon goddess gave me such a wolf. He was surely a rebellious one, so she threw him down to poor me.


    There was a knock on my opened door. "Alpha, the lead hunter is here." It was Ralph. "Leave him at the courtroom, I''ming there."


    "Sure, but I don''t get why you need hunters to find Sasha when you can send warriors. I mean, this is a Luna Queen," Ralph frowned.


    The thing was, if Rihanna''s warrior was being suspected by Chris, then that warrior was surely responsible.


    If the offender was already known, there was no need to stress my warriors over it.


    My hunters could search to show we cared, but that''s all. It was easier changing hunters'' minds than it was with warriors.


    But I didn''t bother exining this to Ralph. He was already annoyed at my deep involvement with things rted to Rihanna.


    "Don''t worry, I want Chris''s respect towards my hunters, like he has for my warriors. Also, the Lycan is out there. The warriors are on it."


    I rapped quickly and rushed out of my room to the courtroom.


    As I entered, I saw the lead hunter, shirtless, admiring his abs through a shiny shield kept beside my throne.


    "You got back your sanity, right?" I asked, leaning on the door.


    He turned, covering his chest with the shirt in his hands. "Not at all, Alpha. I mean, yes, yes, I''m good."


    He met my unsure gaze and hurriedly put on his shirt. "I''m good and very d that it''s confirmed that Your Silver was actually a girl."


    "Lady. She''s not a ''girl," I corrected.


    "Oh no, Alpha. She''s a girl, one that''s lucky to have a silver wolf. That''s her whole existence," the lead hunter scoffed.


    He must not like her. And was very vocal about it; he had his opinions anyway, but I mustn''t agree with them.


    I sent him a fake smile. "Last I remember, that girl broke Beta and Alpha rank while you were struggling with her drug in your head."


    That was forced out by my wolf; hurting people''s pride was what he does. "Not that it''s your fault, but you know..." I added.


    The lead hunter looked down, rubbing his head. "Yeah, she''s an impressive girl anyway."


    I pped for him as he understood. "Good, now go do something impressive for you


    and your team, search for the Luna Queen of ck Hills."


    He bowed, ran to the door, but on getting to the door he turned back to me. "At the


    job, I could meet this girl. What should I say when I do?"


    "Bow and greet then move along. She''s an Alpha and our ally. Be in your best manners."


    Perhaps he wasn''t expecting the response, as his forehead creased, but he bowed again, nevertheless, and walked out.


    "Scum!" My wolf cursed as I attempted to close the half-opened door the lead hunter left open.


    I assumed he referred to me until I realized it was the hunter. "That''s your lead hunter." "Doesn''t make him less of scum," My wolf said.


    "No, what made him a scum is because he doesn''t like your mate, which is totally okay cos she hasn''t been nice to him," I mmed the door shut, feeling strange annoyance.


    My wolf repeated again, fueling the annoyance. "Well, that makes him a scum, doesn''t


    it?"


    "Just stop!" I barked. "And stop transferring passive aggression to me. I have other things at my table."


    My wolf chuckled thenid back. I exhaled, shutting my eyes and hoping they''d pop me into a world of peace.


    I opened them to the same courtroom and even took notice of new piles of scrolls and reports I hadn''t noticed while talking with the hunter.


    "I can''t do this," I sighed.


    Remembering it will all double as Alpha King, more like quadruple as I''d have four packs under me, I repeated again. "I can''t do this."


    I reopened the door I just closed then walked out of it. "I''d just run for a bit and see if


    this silly wolf will chill." I doubted he would.


    The guards greeted, but I only nodded. Any word leaving me would be a shout.


    The border warriors, on seeing me, had given themselves eye contact but didn''t approach me. I began running when I was away from them.


    My wolf fought to take control, but I withheld him. He should know how wanting freedom but not having it felt like.


    He struggled, I felt it, furs trying to rise from my skin, but I stood my ground, holding onto a tree to suppress the urge.


    Why was he so persistent? Why didn''t he take no for an answer?


    I was under a starless night, surrounded by tall trees, and that''s when he forced a howl


    out of me.


    The force sent me to the earth, and I rolled down to the low ground. Having an inner fight with my wolf. And it wasn''t the first time it happened.


    "You''re the scum. You know that, right?" I groaned, feeling bruised at my back by the


    fall.


    "Or I''m just stronger than you," he huffed proudly.


    Yeah, or the moon goddess had


    given me a bloodthirsty, crazily strong, and very proud wolf.

 The Boy

    Chapter Ny-Seven - The Boy


    Jaden''s POV


    Stars came out, under me as Iid there, passed out, at the mercy of rogues and animals, tired out by my own wolf.


    A groan left my lips as I pushed myself up. The bruises were gone, but there was still slight pain.


    I forced myself to leap to my feet. There was no energy I felt for miles away, just a subtle one. Probably from a low-ranked wolf.


    I exhaled, tracking it. "One reason a lower-rank wolf will have a subtle energy is if it was dying."


    Or it was a child. I sighed, staring down at the small pup I met just by taking a few steps. What''s he doing far away from wherever he was from?


    "Mister?" he called me with a pouty face. "Where am I?"


    My hands went to my hips. "Around ck Rose," I looked around. "...I think. Who are you? What pack are you from?"


    He looked down, mumbling some words.


    I pointed ahead. "If you had kepting, you''d have met some scary warriors that could shoot you down before knowing you are a kid."


    His eyes dimmed. "Because I''m a rogue, right?"


    I nodded. At least, he knew what that meant. I trieding closer to him, but he backed away.


    "Fine, what''s your name? Again, what pack are you from? And why did you leave?" my hands dropped from my hips.


    "My mom calls me Hunter because I was hunting when she found me. I''m from Silver Pack, and I don''t know why I''m here," he muttered.


    Silver Pack? How did hee all the way from there? Was I close to Silver Pack?


    He took a step back when I walked towards him again; I paused. "Care to add what you''re doing here?"


    "I think I... I shifted. But I''m eight, so I''m not sure. Am I supposed to?" he rubbed his neck.


    I smiled, stooping low to the ground. "No, you''re not supposed to, but if you did, it meant you''ll grow to be a special wolf. That''s all."


    His face brightened up. "I thought I was weird. Everyone thinks I''m weird. My Alpha hates me. If I''m weird, she''d throw me out."


    The amount of excitement he showed for not being weird made me believe he was truly disliked by people around him.


    But wasn''t Rihanna the Alpha he was speaking of? My head tilted. "I know your Alpha, she doesn''t hate you..."


    "You know her? She hates me. Even my mom told me I worry her, and I''ve seen what she does when someone worries her."


    "What?" I asked, humored and curious.


    He slid a finger past his neck. "Kill them. I found a dead horse in her stables once, and she said it was because it worried her."


    That sounded familiar. Perhaps the possessed horse. I chuckled, shaking my head. The young man was either amusing or truly scared.


    "Will you pass the night at my pack, ck Rose? I''d take you to your Alpha tomorrow and make her apologize to you."


    His eyes widened, and he waved his hands. "Don''t tell her that I said she hates me. She''d hate me more."


    I gestured for him toe closer. "Nah, don''t worry, c''mon." He stared at me before taking careful steps towards me.


    We walked back, chatting about how first shifts were scary. He exined that he was taking his newly acquired wolf on a run when he got lost.


    Sounded a lot like my own story, where my wolf had taken full control without me conscious.


    The border warriors had stunned looks seeing me returning with a child in the middle of the night.


    "He got lost. Any wolf thates to ask of him, if they get his pack and name right, then let them in, okay?" I passed instructions.


    The border warriors nodded, still staring at the boy. We left them, climbing the stairs to the building.


    The boy, Hunter, looked around, probablyparing the size of our main building to that of Silver Pack.


    Ours was five times grander and because it was over a century old. The adornments were still intact because they were built well.


    He left me and began running up the stairs, passing the confused guards and running into the courtroom.


    "He''s a lost boy I found in the forest," I felt the need to exin to the guards as well. Closing the door behind me, I found Hunter on my throne, smiling and snuggling inside. Not like it was the only attractive thing there.


    "Who seats here?" he chirped. "It''s so soft."


    "The Alpha of my pack seats there. Come, let''s get you a room to stay in. Do you have bedtime? It''ste already?"


    He jumped down from the throne, hopping to me. "Does the Alpha have kids? Can I make friends before I leave? I have no friends."


    I stared at his face, the pouty expression returning. Kids, ''my Alpha'' didn''t have one. He didn''t even have a Luna.


    Hunter might have read my own expression as he looked down sadly, but his eyes lit up again when he saw the monumental shield behind me.


    The same one that the lead hunter used to check his abs. "One of our Alphas used it to fight a war that saved ck Rose from very."


    He touched the edge of the shield. "It looks sharp. The edge can cut through a person


    if the right force is used." Heughed.


    Why was that funny? I pulled him to me. "C''mon, let''s find a room for you..."


    The door flung opened, and someone ran in. I sighed, turning. It was Jake. He paused,


    seeing the boy, but ran to me nevertheless.


    "You just walked through the border, right?" he held my arm.


    I nodded, holding onto him; he looked like he''d fall. "What happened?!"


    "The border warriors, all that were there just now. They''ve been killed. Their blood spilled everywhere," Jake shrieked.


    Hunter snapped his head at Jake. My hands fell fro


    m him. They were dead? We just passed by there now.

 Breathe

    Chapter Ny-Eight - Breathe


    Jaden''s POV


    Hunter snapped his head at Jake. My hands fell from him. The border warriors were dead? We just passed by there now.


    What caused it? I attempted to run back and check, maybe chase whatever did that, but Hunter held my arm.


    "Don''t go, that wolf is really scary. Don''t go!"


    What was he saying?


    Jake pulled him away from me. "Who are you? He''s an Alpha and has a duty to his people! Jaden, let''s go check it."


    My brother trieding with me, but I held him back, still gazing at Hunter.


    The little boy''s jaw fell. "You are an Alpha? Well, that scary wolf chased my wolf from Silver Pack to here, he could kill you!" he began crying.


    "You were chased by a scary wolf?" I asked; he hadn''t told me that part. He said he got lost!


    "Yes, I shifted and found myself outside my pack but not far away, but then he began chasing me, and I ran here," Hunter sobbed.


    Why didn''t he hint at this when we talked? I could''ve handled it before now. And a scary wolf that killed my warriors but not a kid?


    It was bing obvious that this wolf wanted me to meet the kid. He was a distraction, and my border warriors paid for it.


    I stormed out, ignoring Hunter''s pleas. Jake was behind me. Why didn''t this wolf dare attack Hunter and I while we were outside?


    My wolf came to the surface with low growls. "This design is very Lycan," and I had to agree.


    Jake stopped behind me, turning away when his eyesnded on the bodies of the border warriors. Other warriors tried to pick their pieces.


    I just locked eyes with these men a minute ago.


    My heart was beating rapidly in my chest. I couldn''t sense any energy. The Lycan must have been so quick and disappeared.


    Jake held onto my arm firmly. "That Lycan would die in this manner. He doesn''t deserve to see tomorrow''s sunset."


    Was he insinuating we go after the Lycan now? I wiped a tear that strayed down without my knowledge.


    My wolf was burning with rage, and that was all I could do. Indeed, he was the stronger version. Not that crying is weak.


    "Silver Pack. The Lycan will do the same thing to them!" I pronounced, backing away from Jake.


    He looked at me questioningly before realizing. "Go then. Get him before he does. You and Rihanna should kill him!" he barked.


    Hunter ran out at that point, rushing towards me. "Let me go with you." He was already heading to the forest.


    I wasn''t interested in a distraction or some pup to slow me down. I forced a smile at my brother, for encouragement, and ran off.


    I was stunned to see a dark brown pup already running ahead. How quick was Hunter to shift? There was no sound of howls or groans.


    Trying to get to him, I shifted and took off in blinding speed. I surpassed him, but


    feeling no energy around, I knew nothing would hurt him.


    And I could be a source of training to help him gather speed.


    Nearby Silver Pack, I inclined my ears to hear for screams or fight sounds, but only chattering.


    I was panting, losing breath from running miles within seven minutes. I shifted beside a tree, wore shorts, before getting close.


    "Dara!" I called, then breathed in and out.


    She turned to me, and her jaw dropped. Was it by my presence? "Bro, looking good. Who did youe to meet, eh?"


    She raised her brows in a teasing manner. I was confused. Was there no havoc happening here?


    "I came to see your Alpha, where''s she?" I answered Dara''s question, but my legs failed me as I copsed midway.


    It was then I realized why she was teasing me. The SHORTS, though slightly above the knees, were tight, especially around the groin.


    Dara''s teasing expression changed to worry, and she snapped her fingers, ordering warriors to call her Alpha.


    "What happened? You sound like you''re dying."


    Maybe I was. My insides were copsing. "The Lycan... He wiped out my entire border warriors. I wondered if you all... are safe?"


    She had been nodding every time I made a pause to breathe. "Oh, he did that? Nothing super unusual happened here."


    "Except that Beatrice''s son is missing!" it was Rihanna. My wolf felt at peace seeing her, and she lookedpletely recovered.


    Dara backed off, and Rihanna held out a hand for me to get up with. "And you? How are you?"


    It was the first time she bothered to ask. Even if I wasn''t fully in the mood.


    "I''m good. And don''t worry, I found Hunter. He was the one who told me about the Lycan." I nodded at my words.


    Rihanna looked at Dara and then back at me. "His name is Hunter? Weird."


    Wait, she didn''t know her Beta''s child''s name?


    "And how did he get to ck Rose now? Beatrice just announced him missing a few minutes ago,¡± Rihanna pointed behind her.


    "He was chased by the Lycan when he... shifted." I noticed their strange expressions.


    "Yes, the Lycan brought the boy to distract me actually. I''m d he didn''te here." I rested on a tree again.


    Dara shook her head. "I''m really sorry. That Lycan openly dered war on you."


    And he''d get it... after I catch my breath.


    "Where''s the Hunter? Beatrice is going crazy over him while he was used to cause the death of many!" Rihanna huffed.


    Just then, soft paw steps came to us. My eyes shot open; I wasn''t expecting him yet. He looked so exhausted and naked.


    He must have shifted halfway.


    Hunter fell before Rihanna and I. "You left me," he muttered, looking dead.


    I smiled; he was really a special wolf to arrive at this time. Dara rushed and covered him with her jacket against the cold.


    But I noticed Rihanna wasn''t smiling. "You shifted, and the first thing you think of


    doing is run to the forest? Now, warriors died!"


    Hunter had a proud smile when he reached me, but it faded into oblivion as Rihanna towered over him, yelling.


    She may really not like him.


    I forced myself from the tree, staying by Hunter. "He shifted and got lost. And he''s


    going to be a special wolf. You should treat him better, Rih."


    She rolled her eyes, still ring at the boy, but it softened. "It''s kinda cool he shifted at


    eight. He outdid me; I shifted at nine," she smiled.


    Hunter smiled back, looking down at his toes shyly. "Well, run in now. Before your mother goes crazy!" Rihanna added. He ran in.


    Rihanna''s smile fell. "But if Logan can attack your warriors, it means that he''s healed already? Howe?"


    I shrugged. She hadn''t filled me in on her fight with him. And she was healed, so couldn''t he?


    "Wait, what if this is another distraction? What if Logan is attacking your pack now?" Rihanna''s eyes widened.


    My heart stopped beating. I turned towards my pack. My brother! Ralph! My uncles! The pack!!


    "Rihanna, please don''t follow!" I shouted as she made to follow back wi


    th me.


    I had hardly caught my breath. This Lycan was really shit.

 Manipulated

    Chapter Ny-Nine - Manipted


    Rihanna''s POV


    I stood there, stuck to the ground until Jaden was out of sight. What if Logan had really attacked again? Would he be safe as he looked very tired?


    And Hunter had been used to distract him the first time and the second? My head couldn''t wrap around it. How did he lead the boy to Jaden? Hunter had never been to ck Rose, unless he got lost or was chased by the Lycan.


    So Logan used Jaden''s empathy on him and killed his warriors. He had a chance to sneak into ck Rose and hide there, but he didn''t.


    Meaning he only wanted to stir trouble. Dara was right; he was dering war. But was it only with ck Rose?


    I''d understand if he didn''te here, but would he go to other packs?


    Now, he had Jaden burning with the same rage I had; he should be ready for his double kill.


    I turned, heading to rest, but a part of me wanted to stay in case Logan dropped by. I couldn''t bear losing my warriors. Or Dara, who stayed here.


    "Alpha, you once said that we shouldn''t worry about the Lycan because he was still healing. How is he able to attack...?" Dara sighed.


    I wasn''t sure as well. He had healed faster than I expected, and that''s more scary than impressive.


    "He must have improved after our fight, just like I did," I replied, hating the words leaving me.


    If I was able to break Alpha mode, then he must have upgraded massively. Which wasn''t a loss to me, but meant that he''d oppress lesser wolves.


    "What doesn''t kill you makes you stronger," I smirked. "This is a perfect example." Dara exhaled shakily, then tugged on her lower lip. I patted her shoulders.


    "Don''t worry, I got stronger too. If for anything, Logan will also torment Chris so... let''s watch."


    The mighty Alpha King could ask me for help again. All this would work to my good. I faced Dara. "I''d be inside. Stay here, alert me if you see anything suspicious, okay?" Sluggishly, I strolled back to my building, a part of me still worrying about Jaden. I knew he could handle it, perhaps more than I could.


    But I''d prefer if Logan stopped making trouble then disappearing. He shouldn''t be a coward and dare all the Alphas to a fight.


    That way, we can end him at once.


    "That Lycan is smarter than we deemed him," My wolfmented. "He has been winning every fight he had. He knows his cards."


    I frowned; what did she mean by he had been winning?


    Even if I didn''t get to win, but he surely had his ass given to himst time we fought.


    "He knew you couldn''t kill him, so had the fight. He hoped to kill you, but even if he didn''t, he''d live and upgrade," Lana exined.


    It made sense. I had been a tool he manipted to increase his ranks, that was if there''s anything higher than an Alpha Lycan.


    "If he dared all the Alphas to a fight, and they don''t kill him, he would only end up stronger," She noted. "Like he did with you."


    I tried to defend. "But I gained too. I increased ranks..."


    "You couldn''t kill him when he hadn''t upgraded, how are sure you can now?" Lana interrupted.


    Was she doubting me? Or herself? We''vee so far on our own. Why would a lone Lycan wolf make us doubt our powers!


    I walked into the building and hurried to my room. Then fell on my big bed, facing upwards.


    "Look Lana, I''ve faith, you''ve strength. I believe I can kill him, so you just manifest killing him. We''d train, we can do this," I assured her.


    There was no spark in her after my words; her fire was dying. For once, I saw her not wanting trouble, which was new.


    "I don''t know, Rih. ck Rose warriors are skilled, yet Logan wiped them out without a sound. He got faster too. We need real training."


    Whenever she said ''real training'', she meant wild. Losing her to hunting wolfs, not training with her warriors.


    That also meant back to the rogue life, and even if it was profitable to be wild, I was an Alpha now and couldn''t start causing trouble.


    "Let''s find Mi Vida''s group and use them to train, or go after Red Moon," Lanaid suggestions.


    I canceled out thest one; that pack was out of my jurisdiction for now. Till they do anything pissing.


    "Or find someone we could go hard on but won''t mind?" I added, among the suggestions.


    She thought on who that''d be then snickered. "You''re suggesting a training with Jaden? I thought you said it''s my way of getting our skin to touch?"


    "It was. But now, there''s value in it," I retorted, feeling my cheeks heat up. Why should


    I feel shy to touch skin with my own mate?


    "Because you never epted him as our mate," Lana answered for me. I rolled my


    eyes at her words, rolling on my stomach.


    My mind link got tugged on as I got up. It was by Beatrice. Perhaps she just remembered to tell me her son was back and had shifted.


    "Yeah girl.... What? Now?" I leapt from my bed.


    "Yes, Blue Bloom has been attacked by Logan. Chris wants us there," she reported.


    My wolf whimpered, hiding inside me. That wasn''t a good sign. I needed her now if we are doing this.


    I''ve been waiting for Chris to call on me, and he did, though not how I wanted.


    "Beatrice, I doubt that we need to go there. They aren''t even our allies," I countered her report.


    She blew raspberries. "I can''t believe you are saying that, Alpha. By the treaty, we are all under Chris. This is his orders!"


    Orders to go to Blue Bloom because they were attacked by a Lycan? That sounded like a job the Alpha King should do.


    Beatrice added. "If we dy, innocent wolves will die. Forget about your hatred for Blue Bloom and let''s go...."


    "What if Loganes here when we''re there? What happens to our pack?" I asked back, shutting my mind link to think this through.


    Logan visited ck Rose recently; if he was already at Blue Bloom then it meant he didn''t return to ck Rose as I thought.


    And after Blue Bloom, he''d go for Blue Fire. That''s where we should head to first.


    I sprinted out of the room, then reopened my mind link. "Fine, let''s stop the Lycan. But at Blue Fire."


    Beatrice was stunned. "Why? That''s not where..."


    "The Lycan would be there, so we should. And send a letter to Jaden; he should meet


    us since he had a bone to pick with Logan!" I barked.


    Beatrice sighed. "Fine, I hope you know what you are doing. We''re leaving with ten warriors, me and you. Good?"


    "More than enough," I smirked.

 Havoc

    Chapter Hundred - Havoc


    Rihanna''s POV


    Cami was left in charge. I felt scared to leave all of them there and head to help those packs that didn''t care about me.


    But so that Beatrice wouldn''t me me for any future problems with Chris, I had to go.


    A warrior, around the border, sent the mind link that Jaden''s letter had been sent. That gave some peace to me, confidence to Lana.


    "Our mate woulde and save us this time around, if things go south," She boasted.


    I wasn''t all for being the damsel in distress, but it wasforting to know.


    My warriors and I shifted and started a run towards Blue Fire.


    "Alpha, Blue Bloom is before Blue Fire, right? Why don''t we stop by first?" Beatrice asked.


    Didn''t she agree to let me take the reins? I was positive Logan wouldn''t wait for us at a pack.


    Like he did with ck Rose, he''d move quickly. But I agreed with her, "Fine, go with the warriors to check on them, I''d go ahead to Blue Fire."


    She sighed, increasing her pace. She must have mind linked them to follow her as they stayed behind her in line.


    I stayed on the other side. At an intersection, we''d separate.


    Them leaving me was good also as I didn''t want to lose any warrior. If they weren''t with me, then no losses.


    Close to the intersection, I heard Logan''s howl, at a far distance and around Blue Fire. Beatrice didn''t react, so she didn''t hear it.


    The Lycan was obviously at Blue Fire. I had to protect my girls. "Go to Blue Bloom, If you don''t see the Lycan, wait there. I''d check at Blue Fire."


    "What if he''s at Blue Fire as you spected?" she asked back, slowing down.


    I replied, then increased my pace. "If he is, Jaden''s on his way, and the Blue Fire Alpha can help. So bye."


    At the intersection, we divided.


    I could feel the Lycan''s tremendous energy as we came closer.


    A wolf ran out of the Blue Fire pack; he fell back on seeing a Silver wolf.


    "The attack is already happening!" I gritted my teeth, jumping past a burning wolf. What was Logan doing? Creating random havocs.


    Even a statue in the middle of Blue Fire was fallen. Was the damage greater if they were small and helpless?


    Of course, Blue Fire was a small, weak pack, unlike ck Rose, so he kept his madness at the border only.


    I ran around looking for the Lycan, but only his destruction was found. I knew he wasn''t yet gone but couldn''t be found.


    A growl emanated from my surroundings.


    It took me a while to realize it was from me, from Lana, being frustrated at Logan''s absence.


    A figure of a wolf sped past us. With the dark fur and scent, I knew it was Logan''s. Disgusting, but I was getting familiar with his scents, after our long minutes fight.


    A grin was on my face as I turned to meet his red eyes. Mine assumed the same color.


    He was in his Lycan form, and blood dripped from his ws. He looked more beastly and slightly bigger.


    "What are you doing here, Silver Wolf? This is really a bad time for you to be here. I''m almost at the peak of my blood thirst," his eyes med.


    Why was it a bad time? Didn''t he always want my blood? Coward!


    Sparing him no reaction, I charged at him, with my barrier active. It always took him by surprise, and he went backwards.


    His ws were out, and he tried to tear down the invisible barrier to get to me.


    From anyone''s perspective, it''d look like he was fighting the air in front of me.


    But mine, he was trying to break my barrier. I didn''t need it to protect me but disable him. He had certainly grown stronger than that reaction.


    Timing when he''d make another swing at my barrier, I released the barrier, sending his swing to the air.


    With the force he used, he became unbnced.


    I made a jump, using my head to his jaw as I was below him. My ws swiped at his stomach in the same speed, taking a chunk of fur and flesh.


    I ran from under him after that, and he fell face down. His sharp cry went to the skies, scaring the birds.


    Lanaughed manically. That was a power-down move she just taught herself at the moment.


    She jumped on him, not expecting him to swing her off. There was a wall behind us, but Logan''s ws came again.


    It was sheer luck I dodged it.


    Logan had a huge injury and wasn''t even trying toy low and heal? Indeed, he was a beast!


    "You came to fight for Blue Fire? I thought you stick your head out for no one, Silver Wolf!" he grunted, with a small snicker.


    "I don''t, but if it''s a chance to beat you, I''d take it any day!" She replied to herself. I was loving the confidence.


    Logan suddenly howled inughter. "Did you hear what I did at Blue Bloom? You werete, and I killed that stupid little princess!"


    My blood ran cold as he spoke. Did he? He killed the princess?


    Her image came to my face, her small stature and white skin. My eyes immediately clouded.


    "Perhaps her brother would bleed out as well; you better run and check on him," Logan added, with a painful grunt.


    Oh no! If he was trying to get me to leave him, Never! Beatrice and the warriors will save the Alpha.


    Where was Jaden when I needed him? We should end this deranged Lycan here and now!


    Using the trees as support, I ran to Logan.


    Then made a back flip and used my hind leg toes to stab on the arm he used to block his face.


    The consequence was being flung off into an abandoned house. He was bigger than me, standing straight, so that''d be my weakness.


    Either way, he had a hole in his arm.


    I had studied that Logan didn''t heal fast, so the key was to not give a chance to heal and create injuries. At least, till Jaden fancieding.


    "You started this war, you know, Silver Wolf. All I needed was your blood to survive!" Logan barked, pointing at me.


    Lana scoffed audibly, limping out of the abandoned house.


    His eyes narrowed at her. "You don''t think so? All these innocent people dying


    because you were unkind. That princess''s blood is on you!"


    How could he say that? How was any of that my fault!


    He seemed to notice my wolf''s reaction to his words as he added again. "You killed


    that princess, Silver Wolf!"


    Lana, already overwhelmed by emotions, charged at him. I couldn''t brace her.


    But it was a wrong move as Logan prenned a boulder that''d be used to knock us


    down.


    Keeping a hind leg firmly behind him, he kicked Lana away with the other, and shended with her back on the boulder.


    Then there was a howl, this time not mine. Or Logan''s.


    My body felt paralyzed, like the first time. And Logan began leaving.


    Not again! Not a second time!


    The howl came from Jaden; he waste, and I was definitely not happy to see him.


    Author''s note: Celebrating 100 chapters with my beloved readers!! Pleasement your favorite character and why. It makes my day. Stay safe.

 Inner Desires

    Chapter Hundred-One - Inner Desires


    Chris''s POV


    Call me a bad Alpha King, but I was my mother''s son before I took that shitty title, a title I''d be losing soon anyway.


    I helped the Red Moon warriors gather their wounded warriors. Logan had visited them as well; he was being a wildfire.


    Reminded me of Your Silver, only that there was no purpose in his fight. Your Silver had fans, the ves she saved.


    But Logan destroyed everything, and for what reason? Surely not worth the lives of the wolves.


    "I hope Your Silver is doing well at Blue Bloom. And Jaden at Blue Fire. We being at Red Moon, when they are no longer part of us, is wrong!"


    My wolf, Zeke, had to rub it in.


    "My mother stays here. This is her pack. I was just worried. Aren''t you?" I asked him.


    He didn''t reply, but I still felt his disagreement.


    Maybe I was a bad Alpha King, but I had other wolves who could handle it. Red Moon had no one to help or encourage them.


    The Red Moon Alpha approached me, having his wounded lead warrior on his shoulders.


    He slowed down, making eye contact with me, but then increased his pace.


    "I didn''t believe when I was told you are here," He grinned.


    The lead warrior on his shoulders looked up at me; I ignored him. He was my mother''s younger brother and fully involved in the mate swap.


    "Yes, I came because these wolves are innocent. And they were once my subjects," I said with a nod. "I''d best be on my way now."


    I made to leave, but the lead warrior spoke, making me halt.


    "You came to know how your mother is doing, right? You don''t have to act like you aren''t her son..."


    "Maybe I am. But is she my mother?" I retorted.


    My uncle left his Alpha''s shoulders, struggling to stand on his own. "What kind of question is that? Because she isn''t your father''s real Luna?"


    That was not even close to the reason. I was her son nevertheless, whether I liked it or not.


    But did she see herself as my mother?


    She lied to me and Vanessa. She knew what the sorcery practice would do to her children''s reputation yet ventured into it.


    She ced us in the middle of hatred and self-doubt, and forever scarred my father, a man she imed to love, emotionally.


    She destroyed my life with my first mate and convinced Vanessa not to chase after the ck Rose Delta.


    She wasn''t a good mother and only cared about being the ck Hills'' Luna.


    So my question stood. I was her son, but did she ever consider herself as my mother? She rarely acted like it.


    But pouring out my feelings and how hurt I was would make me look weak; I was supposed to be the Mighty Alpha King with no worries.


    There was no one to share my pain with and receive no judgment. No one saw my weakness or epted them.


    Weird enough, the only one who knew I had a weakness was Your Silver, one person I hurt a lot.


    And seeing the weakness, she used it to mock me instead. I''d always be the viin, alone and hated.


    I snapped from my thoughts and faked a smile at my uncle. "I don''t have to answer you. Since you look safe, I''d be leaving now."


    I made to leave again, but my arm was held. My fist clenched, and whoever held it let it


    go.


    When I turned, I saw the Red Moon''s Alpha; he bowed. "Thank you for stopping by and helping us. And personally, I apologize for everything."


    The mate swap deal happened before he was born, so I''d never me him. I nodded. "It''s alright. Take care of your pack." I finally left.


    Standing outside their border, Iid my eyes on the ruins on the ground. Blood stter and weapons were scattered everywhere.


    Logan would never be spared again if he was seen; this wasn''t the case of imprisonment but death.


    I almost left for ck Hills before I remembered I hadn''te alone. Edwin was at neighboringnds, searching for his sister.


    As Red Moon was closer to Silver Pack, he checked if they kept his sister around.


    It''d be bad for Your Silver if he found Sasha around her pack, though it wouldn''t be concrete proof that she had her.


    My wolf came to the surface, probably for another scolding. I braced myself internally for it.


    Even my own wolf wasn''t on my side, who else will be? "You can start guilt-tripping me now," I reminded since he was quiet.


    He sighed. "I don''t enjoy guilt-tripping you, but I just don''t get your emotions." Nobody could.


    "At least, I''m your wolf, so I should know. You make me feel like you don''t want to be an Alpha King, but you do," He continued.


    Did he filter that out from my deeper inner desires? I tried to block him out, but he fought for a connection.


    "Did I just make sense? Are you trying to deny it? Don''t you want to be the Alpha King? Do you feel you''d prefer a quieter life?" he bombarded me with questions.


    I blocked him off there, feeling ashamed of my inner desires being revealed.


    He was my wolf, but I should have room for my own ponders. Being an Alpha King was


    an honor and a privilege at a point.


    I was grateful. Losing it, like I was about to, felt very painful.


    But did I enjoy being a King? I don''t know.


    Edwin tugged on my mind link, and I exhaled, expecting any bad news. "Did you find her?"


    His breathing hitched, then he sniffed. Was he in tears? "Edwin, where are you?" I tried


    to search for his energy around me.


    Did Logan catch up with him? How far was he?


    "I found a girl, a dead girl here. I know my heart won''t take this," He sobbed, then


    choked.


    My legs were frozen. He found a girl? That was what made him in tears? He was hard


    to reach. What was about the girl?


    I wondered if I''m to go back to Red Moon and ask them to find Edwin.


    They knew this ce better than I did. "Edwin, where are you?"


    "I... I''m not sure... but I can find my way back, don''t worry. I''ming to you now. Should I bring her?" He sniffed.


    He seemed to be getting better. Who was this girl, and how could she provoke an em


    otion in Edwin?


    "Bring her then." I''d know when he''de.

 Dead girl

    Chapter Hundred-Two - Dead Girl


    Chris''s POV


    A dead girl in the middle of the forest.


    It might not be Logan; as purposeless as he seemed, killing a ''girl'' like that would be useless.


    I''ve never seen Edwin cry before, so this ''girl'' was of interest to me. Wait, was she his mate?


    "If he did, will he be in tears?" Zeke sighed at my thoughts.


    Then I remembered that she was ''dead girl''. Did he find his mate then realize she was dead?


    My wolf went aback. "That''s true. That''s enough to make his heart not take it."


    Meanwhile, I found Edwin''s energy getting closer and ran towards him.


    There was no other energy with him, so he was reallying with a dead girl.


    I saw him, a girl in his arms, or should I say corpse, rotting corpse.


    The body had been dead for long, then how''d he know it was his mate? Unless that''s not why he was broken.


    "Okay, who is she, Edwin?" I was tired of specting.


    He sighed, rubbing his red eyes. "She''s the servant that Sasha goes around with. If she''s here and dead, then my sister..."


    He trailed off, gulping down saliva. Everything finally made sense. My wolf sighed in relief.


    She wasn''t his mate but the servant Vanessa said got missing along with Sasha.


    I patted his shoulders to console him. "Your sister will be okay. Don''t worry. The girl seemed to have died from... I''m not sure."


    If she was around Silver Pack, then was Sasha brought around here? It''d add up with the residue found on the horsetail.


    Your Silver needed to answer this. And now that someone was dead, the culprit would die!


    I watched Edwin bury the servant, and we headed back to ck Hills, hoping no more reports waited.


    My heart also prayed Your Silver and Jaden were sessful. It''d be like a couple reunion when they''d meet at Blue Bloom and Blue Fire.


    I wasn''t sure if I felt jealous, but the thought irked me. Edwin was walking with sloppy shoulders, so I pped his arm.


    He held it, shooting daggers at me from his eyes. "What was that for?"


    "A warning that you''re not allowed to infect me with negativity; there''s a lot going


    around. Can''t someone be happy around here?" I responded.


    He sighed. "Should we be heading to ck Hills? We made sure if Logan stopped by, Ray is there to handle him. Let''s find Sasha. Okay?"


    If Logan meets Your Silver and Jaden, he''d note to ck Hills because he wouldn''t be able to.


    And if he dide to ck Hills, I''d like to be the one to meet him. I certainly can''t bear him hurting Ray again, or the warriors.


    But for now, I had to deal with my Delta. "Edwin, where''d we find Sasha? We just saw a dead servant, but it''s no guarantee she''s around."


    Dara was a lead warrior; if she wanted to hide a Luna Queen, she''d do it well.


    That servant''s corpse being in the open was a slipup because she cared less.


    Also, she might not have caused it. The servant was new to this environment, so might have died from hunger after getting lost.


    But Edwin needed an answer, or he''d sulk all the way to ck Hills. "Where should we drop by to search then?"


    His face lit up, and he turned back to the miles we''ve covered. "My wolf had picked up energy east of that wing. Let''s check it."


    Of course, let''s go see who the random energy, in the midst of an abandoned forest where a Lycan recently raided, was. Very safe.


    He began strolling back with determined steps.


    I breathed in and out, then followed.


    We got close to the energy, and I swore that it grew stronger the more we came closer.


    Edwin became less enthusiastic about it, sensing it''d be dangerous. "Alpha, you take the lead."


    He literally pushed me before him; wasn''t he the one wanting to check? We heard silent grunts from a distance.


    Like unsteady breaths and struggling coughs. Whoever this wolf was, it injured at the throat or stomach or both.


    "Stay here." I mind linked Edwin.


    Seeing I was mind linking when we were near, he understood that he wasn''t to make a sound. He rested on a tree, heaving silently.


    I crawled slowly towards a mud mount. Peeking from above it, my eyesnded on a


    beast,ying back. His chest going up and down.


    My head went down quickly, then a smirk crawled to my face.


    Logan! Injured and vulnerable.


    "Edwin, don''t make a sound. You just found Logan for me." I told him.


    I saw him snap his head in my direction, with widened eyes. "Logan?" he mind linked. "What the frack! Should you take him on?"


    I wasn''t sure. It had been finalized that taking Logan down needed more than one Alpha wolf.


    "Stay there. Whatever Your Silver or Jaden did to him, he hasn''t recovered from it. Either I add to it, or end him," I replied, feeling confident.


    My ws crept from their ce as I advanced towards Logan. His breathing hitched, showing he was aware of my presence.


    He struggled to get up.


    "Just stay down, Logan," I said, as I sped and hit him on the stomach. He groaned, falling back to the ground.


    He had his skin broken in many ces, w marks on his stomach, and a fracture on his head. My wolf''s vision saw that.


    I stooped low at him, my ws tracing his chin.


    In one zap, they ran through his face, modeling the scar he caused on me. He howled


    in pain. An injury caused by an Alpha wolf rarely faded.


    He tried to rise, but my leg on him stopped him. He was weak and had used his


    strength. I chuckled. "You are about to die now."


    He began muttering. "If you kill me, you''d never know what happens to your Silver Wolf."


    My hands froze. What did he mean? Did he have her? I scoffed. "You''re bluffing, aren''t you?" I held his head tightly.


    "Where you trying to make a good bluff before you died?" my ws dug deep into his chest.


    His jaw was clenched, and his teeth gritted. My ws were halfway inside him when I heard a scream that distracted me. It was from Edwin.


    Logan, using all his might, pushed me away with his leg. But my ws drew a mark on his chest as my ws forcefully left his head.


    "Edwin!" I tried to contact him.


    Logan disappeared before I rose up. Edwin! I ran to him; he was on the ground,


    panting. "I swear, I swear, I saw a demon now!"


    I looked around, but my eyes caught nothing scary, only dead. Was he s


    erious right now? It was only a dead squirrel between his legs!

 Guilt

    Chapter Hundred-Three - Guilt


    Jaden''s POV


    I understood my father when he said having a mate who was an Alpha was the hardest thing for any wolf.


    Aside from the benefits, like honor and pride she had, the realization that she had to be at the forefront in all battles, without you, was killing.


    Then you''d have to watch her, after she returned sessful with an injured side.


    Or nurse her, after she returned unsessfully, with a broken morale.


    A thousand thoughts came to mind as I gazed down at Rihanna, sleeping even in the morning. Yester night was hectic for her.


    I couldn''t bear to leave. At the same time, I med myself for arrivingte to the call.


    I nned to stop at her pack to inform her Logan didn''t drop by again, thereby dying on Chris''s orders to go to Blue Fire Pack.


    I was also not aware she was given orders to go to Blue Bloom, but she had to be at Blue Fire as Logan was already there.


    When we met her, my wolf was torn between chasing Logan or sending her for treatment.


    I had to let the Lycan go to save her; I hoped she''d not be offended by that.


    Beatrice walked into the room and froze on seeing me.


    "Alpha Jaden, you stayed the night? Here?" she raised a brow.


    "Yes," I admitted. "I had felt guilty for arrivingte. How''re the warriors? And the Blue Bloom Alpha?"


    She shrugged. "Alive but he wished he wasn''t. His sister didn''t make it."


    Of course, she wouldn''t; her throat was slit, her head was almost off her neck. Logan killed her gruesomely.


    My stomach churned as I remembered the sight. Logan must have entered a rank that made his wolf have blood thirst.


    But I didn''t understand how.


    At first, he imed to only need help for some fake illness weeks back, now he was causing chaos with all the packs?


    This was more than getting the Silver Wolf''s attention. He didn''t want her to help him but he wanted to kill her.


    And unless he was deranged, there''s no other exnation I can think of. He increased rank to a beast form, meaning he had no good intentions.


    "And Blue Fire? I heard your Alpha arrived before he made much damage," I asked Beatrice before she walked out of the room.


    She frowned for a while, I knew it wasn''t to me; she looked up again. "Yes, she was right about the Lycan heading there; I didn''t listen."


    She sighed. "But she stopped the tragedy from happening. And thank you too, you stopped whatever tragedy that''d have happened to her."


    Did I? I gazed at my mate again. Maybe I only stopped death, but not the pain she was in. I nodded to Beatrice, and she left.


    I stepped closer to Rihanna, and scanned her with my wolf''s vision to be sure her injuries were healed. They were.


    A sigh of relief left my lips, and I left the room as well. A part of me felt I was annoying her with my presence.


    The look she gave me when I had arrived, literally spelled, "Bastard, you werete, and all these wolves had to die." It was haunting.


    I heard some steps downstairs that made me slow down how fast I walked down the stairs.


    "My sister is here? Then what was that Lycan talking about?" it was Ray''s voice.


    I leaned on the wall, trying to get more information. Did he meet the Lycan?


    "Alpha Rihanna was brought back to Silver Pack by Alpha Jaden, he was the one sent to Blue Fire," Beatrice exined.


    Ray scoffed. "Then the Lycan was bluffing? He deserved what my Alpha did to him. Too bad he got away. We met him around Red Moon."


    "You met him? Then why did he get away?" Beatrice raised her voice.


    ¡°Don''t mind Edwin, he imed he saw a demon. A small demon. I can''t with that guy. Anyway, I''d go see my sister," Ray advanced up the stairs.


    He met me, and he patted my shoulders before moving up again, saying no word to


    me.


    That was new. Not even a "thank you" likest time. I mean, I''d don''t need it; she''s my mate. But he didn''t know that, so didn''t need to be entitled.


    Beatrice punched on the wall, and I ran down to meet her. "Easy girl, the wall did nothing to you, Logan did."


    She exhaled, folding her arms. "Well, till I get him, the walls will be receiving my punches! That Lycan even used my son!"


    I went back before she''d use her hands on me while in her motherly rage.


    The boy, Hunter, ran towards Beatrice, and she only patted his head before storming


    off.


    "Hey, Hunter!" I called him.


    He turned, and his face lit up; he ran to me excited. "Alpha! You won''t believe what happened to me!"


    If it wasn''t scarier than what happened to me yesterday, then I''d believe it. "Tell me." I caught him before he fell down.


    Up close, he looked more tired, and his eyelids were saggy. He panted heavily even if the run was not long.


    "I shifted again. And I saw myself in a forest, then at a burning ce, then in my


    mother''s door by morning. I was supposed to be in bed!"


    Well, that was scary. "Um, your wolf sure likes venturing about."


    "But is it fair if he doesn''t let me enjoy with him? I really haven''t been to those ces


    and I don''t know where they are now!"


    He sounded annoyed; I would be too. Such cases aremon, but I had never experienced it. Why would a wolf act without his human?


    "Do you believe me? I told Aunty Dara, and she said I was only dreaming. But I feel tired, so I really did it. And I saw everything!" he added.


    He sure looked tired. And since I saw him nearby ck Rose without knowing how he


    got there, what he experienced must be true.


    This wasn''t my problem at hand, but it was intriguing, and I wanted to help the little


    man.


    "Can you talk your wolf? Like the little voice in your head?" I asked him.


    We should start by asking the wolf why he didn''t want to share his memories.


    "My wolf is dumb!" Hunter deadpanned.


    It made meugh. "I doubt that, maybe you''d never tried."


    Hunter looked down worriedly. "It''s either that or he''s fifty because that''s what he


    sounds like. An old man speaking to me, is what I hear."


    My smile fell down. There was no way an eight-year-old''s wolf was fifty or had a voice


    of a fifty?


    This was bing disturbing.


    What if what he was hearing was a mind link?


    But there was no fifty-year-old man around him to mind link, so who was this?

 Burning Place

    Chapter Hundred-Four - Burning ce


    Jaden''s POV


    Hunter patted my face, snapping me from my thoughts. I let go of him, and he stood on his own.


    He still looked tired. "You don''t believe me, right?"


    "I did. Maybe that fifty-year-old man is mind linking to you. Do you know anyone?" I inquired.


    "I know what it is. Mom said soon she''d connect me to our pack''s mind link. I''d also talk to our Alpha," He whispered thest part excitedly.


    I smiled, but it was fake. If he wasn''t yet connected to the pack''s mind link, then whose voice was he hearing in his head?


    Why was his wolf acting selfishly, and he couldn''t clearly remember what?


    "At the burning house I saw, there were screams; the fire burnt brick and mud. It was ugly," He frowned.


    Mud and brick? The only ce that had such abination was Red Moon. Did he go to Red Moon? I had to ask Ray about this.


    I carried him with me to climb the stairs; he rested on my shoulders as I did, and I patted him.


    I wasn''t sure how Beatrice found him; he said he was hunting, so could have been an orphan fending for himself.


    But he was a smart kid, and I felt proud of him.


    "Don''t feel sad that your mom can''t listen to you; the scary wolf, that chased you, has been causing problems for us all."


    "Did he hurt my mommy?" he rose from my shoulder with a frown.


    I smiled, shaking my head. "He hasn''t, and hopefully, he''d never. Your Alpha, me, and other Alphas will handle him, don''t worry."


    He nodded, then rested back on my shoulders. I got to the door and was about knocking when I heard voices inside. Was Rihanna awake?


    "No! I didn''t say that!" I heard her scream. She seemed stunned but not scared.


    Rayughed. "I''m sure I''m right. Jaden is your mate, and he even saved you from Logan now."


    Oh Moon goddess! Did Ray know already?


    Rihanna tsked. "Did he? It looked like he just arrived when Logan was leaving."


    My heart sank. So she did me me for it? I deserved it anyway.


    Ray asked again. "So he''s not your mate? Ah. That would have been really good if he was."


    "Wouldn''t it!" Rihanna replied sarcastically.


    My heart sank deeper. Did she have to deny it if he figured it out? Or was she just mad at me for arrivingte?


    I wanted to barge in on them, but there was no need. I turned back with Hunter to wait for Ray downstairs.


    Hunter raised his head, looking quizzical, and I walked away faster before he''d speak and alert them someone was outside the door.


    "Aren''t we going in?" he muttered.


    My lips were too heavy to reply. Did Rihanna indirectly reject me, or was I thinking too much?


    "Okay," Hunter replied himself.


    We got down the stairs, and I sat down waiting for Ray; I held the boy closer to me forfort, and he wrapped his arm around me.


    "Don''t worry, when Ray gets down, I''d ask him about the burning ce," I finally told him when I felt better.


    Hunter patted me without saying anything. He was more understanding than he looked.


    I wondered if I should ask about his first parents, but that could be too painful, and we hadn''t known each other for long.


    Ray beganing down, and I stood up from the stairs to give space.


    "Hey, um... thanks for being in time to save my sister, again," He thanked.


    I nodded, and not wanting to dy on it, I asked. "I overheard you telling Beatrice that


    Chris saw the Lycan at Red Moon? Why was Chris there?"


    It came out wrong. I shouldn''t care, but I hoped Ray wouldn''t feel weird about it.


    "He was alerted that Logan attacked there. Their building was literally on fire, and Chris''s mom is from there, so he ran to help," Ray shrugged.


    Very understandable. And Red Moon should be attacked; after all, they held Logan for long, even if he said it was by will he was captured.


    "Oh, now I know where to look for him if I needed to, thanks," I responded, patting Hunter who was almost sleeping on me.


    Ray smiled. "That''s why you asked? Are you trying to go on a revenge mission for Rihanna?"


    Was he still insinuating that we were mates? Or, he was insinuating that I was interested in her. Since his sister didn''t want that, I''d deny as well.


    "Not at all. Didn''t Logan kill my warriors? And aren''t you aware he killed the Princess of Blue Bloom?" I scowled on remembering it.


    Ray''s smile fell. "He did? Damn, I didn''t get to settle with that princess. I never got to apologize. This will haunt me."


    Should that be his point? The point should be she was killed whether or not he ended well with her.


    I exhaled, taking steps away from him, back upstairs. I''d just ask how Rihanna she was doing then leave to check on Red Moon.


    "Oh well, now try to be nicer to everyone you meet so their demise wouldn''t haunt you," I said, then hurried upstairs.


    I heard him mumble. "Yeah, I should treat Edwin better. Since he''s seeing demons, it could be they''re after his life or something."


    Those words made me smile.


    I knocked on the room Rihanna was in. Hunter raised his head up, interested in


    whatever we were about saying.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t tell her about your wolf moving around," I told him. "Promise?" he pleaded.


    "Sure. But I will if I needed her help to get your answers," I added. He nodded in approval.


    We got in, and Rihanna looked up at me with a frown; it faded seeing Hunter on me. "You two look like father and son. What''s up?"


    Hunter giggled, resting on me again.


    "I''m sorry," She added, getting up. What was she apologizing about? Wasn''t that my


    cue?


    "I know you heard Ray and I. I caught your scent. I denied being mates cause he told Chris, and Chris didn''t react well to it," She continued.


    I stared at her for a while before looking down. Chris reacting badly wouldn''t change the fact, but I understood.


    "It''s alright. I didn''t mind," I lied.


    She smirked. "You did. I''d feel bad if you didn''t."


    She pped Hunter''s butt and chuckled. "You are kinda making me jealous clinging on


    him like that," She went downstairs.


    Hunter didn''t understand and frowned at his offended butt. "What did I do?"


    I smiled, rubbing his hair. He shouldn''t worry; my mate was just being jealous. "Don''t mind it."

 The Plan

    Chapter Hundred-Five - The n


    Rihanna''s POV


    There were so many deaths. I hardened my heart to it; I didn''t want Lana getting emotional and acting rash again.


    I stopped Beatrice from giving me the details of Logan''s attacks; she should bear the pain of the knowledge alone.


    "Where''s Dara and Cami? We need to speak so we''d be able way to break this Lycan before he attacked again."


    Beatrice spaced out then looked up at me. "They are on their way."


    I walked towards the center table and plopped down. She sat besides me.


    "When Ray stopped by, he said Chris met Logan, and he made him badly injured, so he wouldn''t being out soon," she informed.


    At that point, Dara walked in on us. "Don''t hope on it, Bea. Our Alpha rough handled himst time, yet he healed within days."


    I turned to her. "Yes, but I wasn''t an Alpha then. This time, his wounds won''t heal fast. And with Chris''s injuries, he''d have permanent scars."


    Cami walked on us as well; I noticed her arm that was still broken. She hadn''t fully recovered from Chris''s bullying that day.


    I looked away. Chris was able to get to Logan, but Jaden didn''t. Logan might have felt he escaped Jaden but met Chris. His luck is bad.


    "Don''tpare my mate to that jerk!" Lana scolded. I smirked.


    She was trying hard to make me not be offended at Jaden for arrivingte, though I understood he was an Alpha and can''t always have time.


    "Also, you haven''t epted his mate bond, so he can''t feel when you are in danger. Meaning, he''s not entitled to helping you," Lana added.


    She would always say that. Mating with him was thest thing on my mind.


    That''d only happen when I''m sure I''m in love with him, not because I needed him to save my ass when I feel distressed.


    "Lana, just let me breathe, okay?" I blocked her so she''d rest. It was almost feeling like she was pouring her emotional frustration on me.


    Beatrice, Cami, and Dara were arguing about a strategy when I joined them. "What was that?"


    Dara faced me, annoyance written on her face. "Beatrice thinks we should join forces with Red Moon and ck Rose since they are close."


    My forehead creased. What should we do that?


    "She meant look out for each other. If we had easiermunication, then a pack would''ve alerted the other before Logan attacked all," Cami exined then got up and stayed by the window. With her bird caller, she summoned two of our fastest pigeons.


    "We can send each to ck Rose and Red Moon; it will be a way tomunicate with each other when we need help," She raised the birds.


    Their n was good and quite considerate, but teamwork, with anyone who weren''t my warriors, had always been a problem for me.


    Dara still didn''t agree. "Okay, let''s not be forgetting that Red Moon is a jerk pack and not even under Chris so...."


    "Chris still went there," Beatrice interrupted.


    Dara raised a brow. "He still goes there?"


    Beatrice smirked. "How else do you think he saw the Lycan? The Lycan must have attacked Red Moon, and Chris went there for his mom."


    That''d be true.


    Chris hated Red Moon for the mate swap, but apart from hurting his trust and reputation, it didn''t change the fact the Luna was his mother.


    Cami sat down, the birds still in her hands. "So Red Moon is basically still an ally. And since Logan had hurt them, they shared our rage."


    "Fine, since we all wanna do this, I don''t want to look like the bad person," Dara finalized.


    I wasn''t very excited about it either, but Beatrice seemed resolute to catch this Lycan, so I''d let it. I gazed at the birds with Cami and said.


    "Send them. Attach letters to warn Red Moon not to bewitch my birds and cooperate, or they''d meet something scarier than a Lycan."


    Cami jumped up excitedly and ran off. Let''s hope this worked. If any pack around us sensed Logan, they''d inform us.


    Jaden and I will arrive there before he leaves and put an end to him.


    "It sounded too easy, right?" I asked Lana.


    She huffed. "Do you want my suggestion now?"


    I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I''d want your suggestion on anything apart from our mate."


    There was silence from her end before she exhaled. It was like she was creating a climax.


    "Logan might fall for the trap or escape it by creating a diversion. Maybe attack Blue Bloom first then leave it for ck Rose," She replied.


    He wasn''t that fast. And Blue Bloom and ck Rose were like North and South.


    "I was just stating an example," Lana sighed. "To be exact, Logan can hurt Red Moon,


    wait for us to answer their call, then return to our pack."


    That narrowed it down better. Red Moon was closer to us, and if the Lycan used strategy and a shorter route, he can easily divert.


    "Well, since that''s a probability, before I leave, I''d make sure my pack, and Jaden''s, had people that can hold him off for a while."


    Lana shrugged. "You better."


    I met Beatrice''s intent gaze on me, how long had she been staring? "I was speaking with my wolf if you want to know."


    She shook her head. "I know, but I''m debating whether I should tell you this or not."


    I sat closer to her, resting on her chair. "I''m all ears, and I wouldn''t judge you."


    She exhaled. "It''s about Hunter. His shifting is too early for me."


    Oh, mom issues? I smirked. "I shifted at nine."


    "You were a Silver Wolf. Your metabolism will be different. He''s just an ordinary wolf, isn''t he?"


    I left her side, thinking about it. Yeah, Ray had shifted when he was eleven.


    I knew I was seconds older, but I still wondered why he shifted two yearster. Iter understood it was because I was a silver wolf.


    "That makes sense. Jaden did say he''s a special wolf, just we don''t know how special," I smiled,forting her.


    She exhaled deeply, still having more thoughts in her head. "When I found him, he was hunting for food. Food to give his dead mother."


    Dead mother? I snapped my head at Beatrice.


    She looked sad. "His mother was killed by rogues and bled internally, but she told her son she was sleeping before she died."


    My heart became suddenly heavy.


    "Hunter thought she slept because she''s hungry, so went hunting so she''d eat when she woke up. But she never did," Beatrice''s voice was shaky.


    "His dad?" I asked, hoping for a hopeful story.


    "Died long ago, ording to Hunter, along with his siblings. I think they were ves


    cos he says he never lived in a pack house," Beatrice sniffed.


    Guilt filled my heart for all the way I''ve treated the little guy; he deserved to be special after all.

 Seriously!

    Chapter Hundred-Six - Seriously?


    Rihanna''s POV


    All the birds had been sent. I left Beatrice''s side to look for Hunter, but he had been put to sleep by Jaden before he left.


    Their bond was quite quick. How did he not find Hunter''s chattering annoying?


    "You know he has a younger brother, so he may be used to it already." Lana chuckled.


    Please, I have a younger brother, but we stopped being childish when we shifted because that made us full wolves, and expectations arose.


    "Alpha!" Dara rushed to me, holding a report.


    Her face said it all. The report was a bad one. Seeing she was more scared than annoyed, then it wasn''t Logan.


    I leaned on the wall of Beatrice''s room, adjacent to Hunter''s. "What now?"


    "Chris is asking about the horsetail. He wants to know how the investigation is going." Dara mumbled quickly.


    I snatched the report and scrutinized it. Was Chris really worrying about this girl while all the chaos was happening?


    "We should get over this. Have you prepared Sasha for returning?" I enquired from my lead warrior.


    Dara nodded readily. "Not really. And I didn''t see her servant after she escaped that night."


    I snapped my head at her. How did her servant disappear beyond sight in an hour? "Is the girl from around here?"


    Dara shrugged. "She acts like she''s from Red Moon, so maybe she was trying to get home."


    I hoped she did, and better shut her mouth about everything. "She didn''t see you, right!"


    Dara shook her head. "I literally wore a mask whenever I met them; the girl escaping was just a slipup. Well, she''s lucky."


    I rolled my eyes at Dara. "You are lucky! Don''t try this again, kidnapping a Royal Luna!"


    She sulked, looking down. Was about to say something, but I raised my hands, not wanting to hear it.


    Sasha should be the least of my worries now, but here she was being the top.


    I pulled my lead warrior with me as we left to go clean up her mess. "Come, let''s go release Sasha to her husband before hees here again."


    We walked sneakily past the border before any inquisitive warrior followed us. The path to where Dara hid Sasha had a stream.


    Very hard to catch her scent here, and stepping on rocks would hide our footsteps. My lead warrior was really showing off her skills in espionage.


    We arrived at a shabby but medium-sized apartment. I nearly walked up to it before Dara pulled me away.


    "Sasha lives there; be careful, or she''d see you."


    Lives there? "Didn''t you KIDNAP her?"


    "I did, but since I wasn''t killing her yet, I made herfortable to roam about. She


    seemed to like the environment if you ask me." Dara replied.


    I was speechless. "So the servant was to take care of her?"


    Dara nodded. "Yeah, I nned everything out."


    She sure did. Then why would the servant try to escape without her Luna? Unfaithful thing.


    Dara handed me clothes to cover my face and a literal bodysuit to hide my body shape. When we walked out, she gave me hunter''s boots.


    I sighed. "To hide my height?" She nodded.


    She strolled towards the house, and I followed.


    She got in first and began acting the drama I earlier scripted for her. "The danger has been averted, Luna. Come now, you can go home."


    Using my wolf''s vision, I could overlook the walls, and I saw Sasha standing in front of her, with a protruding stomach.


    She looked funny but kinda cute. Her body showed she was eating well. Dara basically took her out for a vacation.


    "Go where?" Sasha sounded unwilling.


    Dara cleared her throat before reciting. "Back to your husband. Your stay here has psed."


    Her dramatic voice made me chuckle; I watched Sasha''s reaction. Her face had a frown, then realization, then annoyance.


    "Isn''t this supposed to be a kidnap? Aren''t you supposed to kill me?" she asked bitterly.


    Should she? Damn, what was wrong with this girl? Dara stayed mute, then mind-linked to me. "This girl is tempting me."


    "Resist it, dear. Just drag her out if she acts stubborn; we don''t have all day." I said.


    Dara sighed, repeating again. "Luna Sasha, it''s spread overnds that you are missing.


    It wasn''t my intention to ''kidnap'' you. Please return."


    Sasha scoffed, then slowly sat back on the ground, where she was knotting. "I kinda like it here, not gonna lie."


    Was she really serious?


    I gestured to Dara to pull her out, but Dara gestured back that she''s pregnant, andplications could happen.


    "But your stay has psed. You must return to your husband before he burns the forests and dries the seas to find you." Dara repeated.


    Sasha ogled at Dara thenughed; she struggled to get up again. "My husband, Alpha King Chris, barely cares about me."


    She had the same mocking emphasis I used to have on ''Alpha King''. I never knew we both could ever match energy.


    And Chris never cared for her? Maybe it was his baby that he cared for.


    "Luna, I assure you that you''ve misunderstood the great King; he loved you and would do anything for you." Dara responded.


    I''m sure she gagged after that, but as her face was covered, Sasha would never know.


    "And who are you? You kept me here, and you used to treat me badly before, why do you care now?"


    Dara was mute then cleared her throat again. "I only acted that way because... I misunderstood the Luna''s kind heart."


    There, that made me gag.


    Sasha looked unconvinced; she rested on the wall, looking frustrated. "I don''t want to return. I''m happier here."


    Meaning she wasn''t happy there? I''m not surprised. I mind-linked Dara. "Tell her there''s a problem at the pack, and her husband needs her."


    Dara ryed my words to her, and she didn''t look slightly fazed. "Must I return? I know


    my servant left, but can''t I get another?"


    Dara dropped the act right there and yelled. "Return to your husband, woman! Your stay here has psed!


    I couldn''t help butugh loudly, showing myself behind the wall. Sasha stepped back, stunned.


    Dara looked disappointed in herself for losing her temper and the act, but I wouldn''t me her.


    Muffling my voice to sound masculine, I said. "You are tiring my little messenger, Luna. Just return to your husband."


    "No!" Sasha went back and grabbed a stick.


    "Do you want to deny Chris his child? Do you want to stay here alone? If you don''t return with us, we''d never visit again!" I barked angrily.


    She brought down the stick in defeat. Dara rushed to her and held her arms behind


    her, not forcefully. "Come with me, Luna."


    I nodded at her, giving her the signal to make her unconscious.


    Hitting the back of her neck, Sasha fainted but was caught by Dara. "Now, let''s go


    deliver the bitch!"

 Lessened Rank

    Chapter Hundred-Seven - Lessened Rank.


    Chris''s POV


    Where the hell was Sasha! It was bing the major problem in my life, even more troubling than Logan.


    She should be almost four months along now. Was she going to deliver wherever she was? Was she really dead?


    Couldn''t the moon goddess be merciful to my child at least? And Sasha wasn''t to me for all my errors in the past.


    I''ve been paying for them; even my throne was about to be taken from me. Why me!


    The ss cup in my hands shattered to pieces, making me realize I was clenching my fingers around it.


    I threw it down and kicked it away. Everything was frustrating me.


    The door to the courtroom was knocked on, and at the same time, a guard poked their head in. "Alpha King, Beta Ray is here. You said to ask if...."


    "Yes, yes, let him in." I replied hastily. The guard retracted his head, and the door was opened widely.


    Ray strolled in, holding two oranges. He threw one to me from a distance. I caught it on impulse. "Howdy!" he asked.


    What''s with him? The orange looked sumptuous, so I dug my teeth in. "Your report doesn''t seem like bad news." I said.


    Earlier, I told him about Logan saying he had his sister, so he left for Silver Pack to check.


    Ray nodded. "Yeah, she''s at her pack and feeling better. I even got other news." He plopped onto my Luna''s chair.


    I didn''t mind; it''s been empty for a while. I faced him, crossing my legs and feeling better to have someone to talk to. "What?"


    "Jaden and my sister aren''t actually mates!" he started excitedly.


    I was nk first, then my joy grew, before it dawned on me that the problem wasn''t averted by Jaden not being her mate.


    The Silver Wolf was still fated to have a mate who''d be the new Alpha King, just it wasn''t Jaden, which wasn''t good.


    Like he was a better candidate, after me. Who else did the moon goddess have in mind?


    Since I wasn''t excited, Ray nudged me and added. "But I feel he''s interested in her, romantically."


    The corners of my lips rose up, and I lifted my head. "Don''t me him. Who wouldn''t?"


    My eyes widened as the words sessfully flew out of my mouth. I turned to Ray, and he hid his smug grin. "I know, right.¡± He nodded.


    "I didn''t mean it that way. I meant, Jaden has every right to be attracted to her. She''s strong, beautiful, and has a silver wolf." I defended.


    Again, everything didn''te out right. Ray nodded again, chewing on his orange. I wasn''t appreciating his silence.


    I cleared my throat. "Anyway, he shouldn''t bother telling her his feelings because, as per the prophecy, she has to wait for her mate."


    Ray nodded yet again, throwing the remaining orange in his hands into his mouth. He nced at mine, then smiled.


    I handed them to him. "So there''s nothing new happening there? Your sister is surely boiling to look for Logan."


    "Not really, she''d be more strategic now." Ray noted. ¡°Direct attacks have proven futile."


    I scoffed. Finally. She had learned how not to be impulsive and try thinking first. I loved it for her.


    "Whatever she''d n, I hope she''d let us know. We''re in this together; Logan is a threat to the whole Kingdom." I reminded him.


    "Yeah, and to think he was once an Alpha of his own pack. I can''t believe he killed them all. He''s really crazy." Ray shook his head.


    I spaced off, trying to remember everything Logan ever said about his family. He mentioned his pack wanting to live like Werewolves.


    That meant he was an Alpha to a pack of Lycans.


    And since he was a Lycan Alpha King, then he had killed Lycan Alphas. He should be really powerful then.


    But, so far, with all the near-death battles he had engaged in, he didn''t seem as powerful.


    I remembered seeing his eyes glow yellow while in my prison, but he increased ranks


    fast.


    It''s easy to gain ranks if you''ve had them before, but what had made him lose them?


    Could he have lost his touch due to years of inactivity?


    "Is there a way for an Alpha to lose his ranks?" I asked Ray.


    His mouth was still moving after swallowing my orange in one go; he shrugged.


    "Maybe a transfer of energy. I heard you could lose ranks."


    Yes, but not many wolves would do such. And Logan was selfish; he''d never transfer his energy to anyone.


    "Anything else? It''s rted to Logan. He wasn''t actively an Alpha King for a while, but his rank wasn''t supposed to reduce like that."


    Ray had a focused gaze on the door, then cocked his head. "You''re right. He isn''t as powerful as I expected."


    "Definitely!" I agreed. "Something caused it." And whatever it was, I''d like it to happen again.


    My Beta thought hard, then folded his legs on the Luna chair. "Another thing that reduces the ranks of Alphas is childbirth."


    What? My brows raised.


    Ray waved his hands, dismissing his earlier words. "No, no, I mean child... um... having a child. Yes."


    It still didn''t make sense. I tried helping him. "You mean the stress of having a child?"


    That was more of the female''s issue than the males. Logan was a male.


    "No, having a child, especially the child who''d be Alpha, it could take a toll on the father as the sperm donor."


    My mouth shaped in an ''oh'' form; I nodded.


    Ray continued. "That child drains power from their Alpha father, as they''d be the next Alpha."


    I was mute for a while. I''ve heard a simr thing from my father when he said he


    birthed me. Now, I understood; he meant the Alpha in me.


    I heaved a sigh. Perhaps after Logan became Alpha King, he had sons who should have


    been Alphas. And it lessened his strength.


    "Since Logan killed everyone in his pack, I bet he killed his sons who''d have been Alphas too." I sighed.


    That felt good in a way.


    Thest thing I needed were vengeful young Lycans joining their father to torment me.


    "You know Alphas can be female too, so maybe sons and daughters. And if they''re daughters, you''d never know if they had kids."


    Ray wasn''t helping with his spections.


    I frowned at him. And hearing about ''having kids'' caused a kind of depression in me.


    The door of the courtroom opened again, and I raised my head slowly.


    A frown was on my face as I knew it could be my guard, and he hadn''t knocked.


    "You had reced me with your Beta already? I''m not surprised!" a fatdy hissed,


    leaning on the door. Who was that now?


    Ray jumped from the Luna throne. "Sasha? You came back!"


    I stared at Ray then at thedy. That was Sasha?

 Heretics

    Chapter Hundred-Eight - Heretics.


    Chris''s POV


    This wasn''t my first time seeing a pregnantdy, but I had never known a pregnantdy before and after the pregnancy.


    When my mother was pregnant with Vanessa, I was still young, so I don''t have a good mental picture.


    Ray pulled me from the throne and towards Sasha. "The Luna you had been crying for every night is back!"


    My hands went to my hips, utterly perplexed by what was before me. How did she just arrive?


    "Are you okay?" I asked.


    She eye-rolled. "Do you mean okay in the head or okay health-wise?"


    I was about to retort, "Both!" but I knew I should treat her better since we''d be sharing a child soon.


    "Health-wise. Where have you been? And you''re pregnant?" I tried acting surprised.


    Ray gasped, like he hadn''t seen it. "I thought you gained weight in the wrong ces. You are really pregnant!"


    Sasha smirked, advancing towards us. "I heard you nearly burned the trees and dried the seas looking for me, and I wondered why."


    Who the frack made that lie up? I tilted my head, looking concerned. "Where exactly had you been?"


    "Not your business, but I was kidnapped, my servant ran away from me, then I was saved by the Delta of ck Rose." She enumerated.


    Ray, hearing ''Delta of ck Rose'', ran out to see Jonah. How did Jonah find her? And her servant ran away? Wasn''t she killed?


    "The most important thing is I''m alive, and I really hope to be in peace and deliver this child in peace." Sasha flipped her hair.


    Why was she putting on an attitude? Was she going to stress me like all the females I knew?


    Then she better return to wherever she had been and bring my child to me when she had delivered.


    What Ray said about Alphas being weakened by their child who''d be Alpha, I didn''t notice that in me.


    Did it mean this child wasn''t to be the Alpha, or the change wasn''t noticeable? I pushed that aside and helped Sasha to her throne.


    My heart felt d she was back, but that was a pain in the butt returned, even worse as she''d be having pregnancy mood swings and cravings.


    The half-opened door of the courtroom flung wider, and Ray came in, walking hand in hand with Jonah. "Look who''s here?!" he cheered.


    I already knew the young man was around; Sasha literally said so. I only nodded at him.


    The way Ray acted so jolly with anyone from ck Rose confused me; he barely knew them. And I wasn''t being jealous.


    "Alpha King." Jonah bowed on getting close to me. "Luna Queen." He bowed to Sasha as well.


    "Thank you for returning her, but can you exin how you found her?" I enquired.


    Ray rushed to get his chair for Jonah to sit on. Was the young man staying long?


    He smiled, sat down, and thanked Ray before replying to my question. "I found her at the border of Red Moon."


    Sasha scoffed. ¡°That''s where I was dropped by some heretics iming to protect me from evil."


    "Did you see these heretics?" I asked Jonah. How was this not done by Your Silver and Dara?


    "No, but some hermits lived around Rose Valley. They were peaceful, so we let them be. They are just attracted to nature, the roses." He exined.


    This was bewildering.


    "They kidnapped me because they knew I was unhappy here. Honestly, I liked where I was." Sasha scoffed for the hundredth time.


    Should she express her dislike in front of Delta Jonah? I showed him a fake smile but scolded her in mind link. She scoffed loudly again.


    Jonah left the seat. "Well, since all is done here, I''d be returning to my pack. Stay well, Luna, Alpha King, and Ray."


    I nodded at him. Ray held his hand again, "Let''s go." Did he have to do that?


    Sasha cleared her throat, making them both halt. "Are you trying to run away from Vanessa seeing you here?"


    I turned to him. But before I''d say a word, he sped off like the wind, past the door.


    Ray beganughing. "Okay, he surely has improved his speed."


    I left my seat, wondering if I''d chase, but it was useless. Vanessa wasn''t doing anything about it.


    Ray left Sasha and me shortly to inform Edwin, Vanessa, and the rest of the pack of Sasha''s return.


    I felt stunned that Silver Pack wasn''t involved in Sasha''s disappearance. But how had the ''heretics'' entered our pce?


    "Sasha, when did you go missing?" I asked her.


    She nced at me condescendingly. "Why? You didn''t know when I got missing..." "Could you just tell me!!" I shouted.


    She froze, then looked away. "When else? The day Rihanna raided here. I was being massaged by my servant when someone knocked us out."


    Then if it were heretics? How could they get in? And knock her out? If they wanted to ''protect her from evil,'' why knock her out?


    Also, they faked her disappearance, acting like she traveled with her carriage. And the horsetail at her mother''s home?


    I had lots of questions, and Jonah wasn''t here to answer. And that''s if he would know.


    These heretics had a purpose, but they may have given it upter. And I want to know why.


    "One of them said there''s a problem here, and you needed me. What problem was it? Jonah looked careful whileing." Sasha spoke again.


    These heretics knew what was happening? I thought hermits didn''t bother with the news of the outside world?


    These weren''t making sense. And hermits were also seen as rogues.


    "Sasha, there are lots of problems going on. And your servant who ran off, she was found dead by Edwin around Red Moon." I informed her.


    She snapped her head at me, then brought it back in front of her. "I told her not to run, but she was sure she could escape."


    "It''s good you didn''t leave with her. You would have put yourself and the baby in danger."


    I had reason to believe it was Logan who killed the maid then. After all, Edwin and I saw that it was his zone afterward.


    "I didn''t want to leave the ce the heretics kept me. There were flowers and streams.


    It was peaceful." She said dreamily.


    That surely sounded like a hermit abode. Where these really hermits? "Whatever, you''re here." I noticed her frown.


    "And you should be a Luna Queen to the people, as lots of changes happened." I added.


    She asked. "Will you tell me what changed?"


    "First, my mother is no longer here. Long story. And there''s a Lycan on a rampage, killing wolves."


    Thest line surprised her more than the first line. "Lycan?"


    I nodded, about to say more when the door of my courtroom flung open. "Who was it


    again?"


    Vanessa and Edwin rushed in, running to Sasha.


    A sigh escaped my lips, knowing my courtroom would be turning into a hug and cry


    event soon.

 Investigation

    Chapter One Hundred-Nine - Investigation


    Jaden''s POV


    My wolf and I hadn''t settled on whether we should be around Red Moon. We weren''t allies. I could be spotted as a trespasser if found. However, we were working together, ording to Rih''s n, to alert each other about Logan. The least they could do was ignore me if I strayed too close to them.


    I really needed to solve Hunter''s riddles. I felt greatlypelled to. As we passed by some trees, Zeke came closer to the surface.


    "Do you sense something?" I asked.


    He said nothing and retreated. I bent to check. It seemed something was buried underneath. I searched and found a rotting squirrel. Someone had killed it and buried it. Why not eat it? I covered it back and looked at the tree marks. They were unclear w marks that belonged to a wolf. From that tree, I looked ahead and could clearly see Red Moon. Their walls were worn out but still stood strong. From there, I''d be able to see if they were on fire.


    And with the dead squirrel, I wondered if this was where Hunter had stayed. Any closer would have attracted Red Moon''s border warriors.


    "Ray said Edwin saw a small demon around Red Moon when Chris was with the Lycan. Could it be Hunter he saw?" my wolf asked.


    He had been calm since I scolded him for rough handling the warriors during training. Now he was speaking to me like we were good?


    "If you would want me to keep my opinions to myself, I would," he said.


    I crouched by the tree, looking for anything else. The squirrel, I noticed, had been killed by biting; it wasn''t intended to be eaten.


    "If you would apologize and show remorse whenever you overreact, I would like that too," I said to my wolf.


    Looking above and ahead, there was a mud mound. I went towards it and looked down. There was a bloodstain on the ground. Some rocks around it had w marks and paw prints of blood. Could this have been where Chris saw the Lycan after his battle with Rihanna? It was really close to Red Moon. And that tree with w marks¡ª could it be Logan who killed the squirrel and made the marks on the tree?


    "Listen, whether you''re mad at me or not, Edwin would have stayed at a distance, like the tree, while Chris handled the Lycan," my wolf started.


    I felt like blocking his connection, but I needed a second party''s deduction as my investigation skills were not the greatest. He continued, "Also, the marks on the trees are too low to be by Logan, and why kill a squirrel?"


    I checked the height of the marks. Yes, they were too low to be done by Logan, even if he was wounded.


    "It makes sense if it was Hunter. His wolf is unstable and could kill anything he saw," my wolf added.


    "And you think he''s also the small demon Edwin saw? How couldn''t Edwin recognize a wolf when he saw one?" I asked.


    "Edwin might not have been expecting to see a wolf that small, a pup. And it was dark, so he might not have seen clearly. Hunter is also quite fast," he replied.


    That was a fact. When I saw Hunter''s wolf on the day we met, it was dark brown. I picked up the brown because we were under the moon. If Edwin had seen Hunter''s wolf here, where the moon''s light was covered by trees, it''d look darker and like a ck figure moving around.


    "Usually, pups shift into wolves with bright colors that darken as they grow. Hunter''s wolf is one of a kind," I noted.


    Surprisingly, my wolf agreed. "He is special."


    He thought so too? That was new.


    "Well, I hope he doesn''t get proud and be rude to his warriors and trouble Hunter as well. I know wolves like that," I sighed disappointedly.


    My wolf was very sure I was talking about him. "Fine, I''m sorry! You can ry my apologies to your weak warriors!"


    A smirk came to my face. "Apology epted."


    I turned to check the mud mound again and then the tree. Hunter scared Edwin at this tree, just as Logan had almost killed Chris at the mud mound. Hunter had been earlier scared by Logan, which made him run to my pack on the day we met. If he had noticed Logan''s wolf around, he should have strayed away instead ofing close and causing a scene.


    "But then, Hunter said he doesn''t know what made hime close," I sighed.


    Lots of things needed exnation, but I was d I had something to tell Hunter. His wolf had been to all the ces he saw. It wasn''t a dream. I''d leave out the part about Edwin distracting Chris to lose Logan, so he wouldn''t feel bad.


    With that information achieved, I ran down towards Silver Pack. My wolf had gone silent, and I didn''t bother him. An energy was rushing towards me, but I recognized it. I smiled. He was back already.


    "Alpha, you''re close?" It was my Delta, Jonah. Rihanna had called him to do something urgent for her. Since it was private, I didn''t ask.


    "Yeah, heading to Silver Pack. I have a message to deliver." He was close, so we could mind-link.


    I felt him closer. "I''ming with you. In case anyone had tried following me to ck Rose, they won''t see me there."


    Was he hiding from someone again? Why were all his trips to ck Hills followed by a run? "Is it rted to Princess Vanessa?"


    "You know it," he tsked.


    He sped toward me, almost knocking into a tree. His speed had increased, but he was


    yet to control it. He smiled, moving away from the tree.


    "The message you''re delivering is good news, right?"


    "Yes, to a boy I met there. He shifted at eight. Impressive, right?" We moved along.


    Jonah didn''t react. "Well, I don''t know. I shifted at twelve, and my mom had told me some pups shifted earlier, so eight could be a thing."


    That was just his mom being a critic, like I''ve known her to be. Pups shifting at eight was new but not bad.


    "This boy has a crazy wolf as well. His wolf acts without him and goes to ces he doesn''t know."


    "Didn''t that happen to Jake when he was younger, or was it you? I think it happens to wolves sometimes," Jonah replied.


    "By the way, we''ll see this pup''s Alpha when we get there. Aren''t we supposed to get flowers or something?" Jonah asked.


    I paused. "What custom was that?" I frowned.


    "Um... that''s how you visit a youngdy. Well, you wouldn''t know, but yeah, that''s


    how." And he ran out to look for flowers.


    I could hear my wolf''s snicker inside me, vibrating in my head. "Stupid wolf!" I cursed.


    He replied, "Jealous human!"

 Weird Kid

    Chapter One Hundred and Ten - Weird Kid.


    Jaden''s POV


    I stood at a distance, watching Rihanna''s reaction to the flowers Jonah had presented to her.


    She was stunned at first but then took them and hit Jonah on the head. I felt d seeing that, but my happiness was short-lived.


    "Why go through the trouble? But thanks, I appreciate the gesture!" She gave him a small hug.


    She liked it?!


    Jonah rolled his eyes, rubbing his head. "If you like it, then why did you hit me?"


    "Well, the flowers are still useless to me. Should I cook them or what?" Rihanna smirked.


    They walked inside her courtroom together, and for a moment, I felt forgotten. Well, I shouldn''t be surprised-they were close.


    She and Jonah had shared a secret for a while, and he was the first ck Rose member not to treat her like a rogue. Jake and Ralph were the opposites.


    I strolled around, searching for Beatrice''s apartment to meet with Hunter. I noticed that the Silver Pack houses had unique designs. All the houses looked identical, with only color differences, as if they wanted everything to be simr to show equality within the pack.


    Some pups ran past me toward a bakery in the middle of the pack. An elderlydy received them with hugs. I wondered if they were all hers.


    Then I saw Hunter tagging behind the kids with grumpy steps. He paused when the olddy sat the kids down and gave them cake. I wondered why he looked sad, seeing the others eating without him. He could just walk over and join them. And why didn''t they notice he wasn''t with them?


    Then the olddy began counting the kids. She turned and saw Hunter standing there. "I won''t give you cake if you don''t want it. How about cooked corn?" she asked loudly.


    Hunter smiled broadly, nodding. "Okay!!" He ran into her arms and then rushed to a seat.


    I smiled. Was he scared of cake? He sat away from the other kids, waiting patiently for his corn. What kid would prefer corn to cake? Hunter!


    The olddy noticed me watching and smiled. I moved closer and bowed. "I''m Jaden, a friend of Hunter. I''d like to speak with him for a while if that''s okay with you."


    Thedy nced at Hunter, who gave her an approving nod. "Sure, sit with him. Do you want cake as well? It''s free."


    I shook my head and sat beside the excited little boy. "I have mostly good news for you. Did you enjoy your sleep?"


    "Yup! And I had a dream! I was with my mom on a big boat, traveling through the seven seas! Very exciting!" he yelped loudly.


    The other kids gave him weird looks, as if he were speaking anothernguage. I frowned at them, and they looked away.


    I didn''t like that Hunter, as bubbly as he was, was seen as the weird kid who sat alone. I had lived that life growing up, and it wasn''t fun.


    "Do you have friends here?"


    He looked at the other kids in a rather demeaning way. "No! They don''t even want to be friends with me, so I stopped trying."


    His voice was so loud that they could hear him, but he didn''t care.


    The olddy reacted to it. "Maybe it''s because you''re close to the Alpha. My daughter doesn''t have any good history with other kids."


    Her daughter? Rihanna? Was she Beta Sam''s wife?


    I searched her face for a resemnce but only saw a subtle simrity with Ray, none with Rihanna.


    "Or me! She pped my buttst time when I thought we were friends," Hunter turned to me. "You saw it, right?"


    A smile came to my face. He had totally misunderstood that situation. "I did. Anyway, Hunter, I confirmed the ces you saw."


    He bent his head down, then whispered, "They weren''t dreams? They were real?"


    I understood that he didn''t want anyone to hear us, so I whispered back, "Yeah, and they were all beside Red Moon. Your wolf traveled far."


    "And I can''t even go there on my own." He sighed. "This stubborn wolf of mine. Was there anything that could have attracted him there?"


    I shook my head. None that I could think of.


    Unless his wolf had heard the struggling sounds from Chris and Logan and had gone to look.


    I smirked that could have been what happened.


    The little wolf had been curious and had unknowingly distracted Edwin, earning the title ''small demon.'' Then he had run off upon seeing Logan.


    I patted the confused boy. "I don''t think your wolf will act so recklessly again. Just try tomunicate better with him, okay?"


    He smiled, then nodded. The olddy brought him a te of cooked corn. The other kids looked at him jealously, but he didn''t care.


    "Want some?" he asked me. I shook my head and stood up. I had other ces to be. "Take care."


    I strolled back toward Rihanna''s courtroom, feeling aplished. My wolf had still been quiet, but I cared less about that now.


    "Alpha, are you done with the boy?" It was Jonah, and he was struggling.


    I wanted to hurry, but I remembered he was around Silver Pack, so he wasn''t in harm''s way. "Yes. Are you okay?"


    "You have a duel now, and you have to beat Rihanna for me regain my honor." He groaned.


    I was confused. A duel? With my mate? To regain his honor? "Why?"


    "I lost a duel with her!" he replied.


    The urge tough was strong. He had dueled with thedy he had brought flowers for? What a gentleman!


    "How did you think you''d duel with an Alpha and win? What were you looking for exactly?" I asked him, slowing my steps.


    "She asked me to!" he retorted painfully.


    That made sense-Jonah wasn''t that reckless. "Why did you agree then?" I asked again, enjoying his pain.


    "She said she was looking for a worthy partner to train with. She mocked my pride, so I agreed. Pleasee..." Jonah groaned again.


    Rihanna was really something. "I''ll be there soon, Jonah, to give you your pride back." I chuckled. "Do stay away from her till then."


    "I can''t even move. Her wolf broke something in me," he replied.


    Her wolf? She had been training with her wolf? My wolf became alert, growing excited.


    Fighting with a silver wolf had been marked off his list since he had found out that thest silver wolf was his mate.


    Was fate bringing another opportunity again? I wasn''t sure I liked it.


    My wolf''s excitement began turning into a twisted desire.


    "Remember, she''s your mate," I warned him. He usually forgot those things when he was in charge.

 Petty

    Chapter Hundred and Eleven - Petty


    Rihanna''s POV


    Lana was crazy. I tried to calm her down.


    Cami stomped into the room where I was changing, holding a towel and wearing a frown. I slowly took the towel from her with a grin.


    "I''m sorry, okay? It''s my wolf. She has been waiting for someone to snap a neck, and Jonah seemed avable," I tried to defend myself.


    She shook her head. "Last I remember, you taunted him about being scared of you, and that pushed him to agree to the duel."


    I nodded, looking down. I had been testing my luck.


    "As a Delta, I know that fighting an Alpha takes a significant toll on the Delta," Cami added.


    Realizing where she wasing from, I felt more remorseful. It was annoying beingpared to Chris.


    My case was just needing someone to train with and not holding back. Sadly, I''ve realized a Delta wasn''t the one.


    "And that Alpha is also a Silver Wolf. I really hope you didn''t break anything of his," Cami sighed, walking away.


    My wolf was silent. "Don''t me yourself. We did have fun," I smirked, wiping my sweaty face with the towel Cami brought.


    I went back to the training ground, and Jonah was already clothed. He was checking his sides and hissing with each touch.


    "I hope I didn''t break anything," I muttered. Jaden wouldn''t like that. No Alpha would. Jonah turned to soak his towel in water again, met my gaze, and sighed. "Happy now?"


    I shook my head, rushing towards him. "Not at all. My wolf vented on you. I didn''t y fair."


    He looked relieved hearing that. "While I was trying to go easy on you," he tsked.


    I made a hidden eye roll. Yeah, right.


    "Need help?" I offered, since it was hard for him to press his back with the cold towel.


    His back was red and could swell if not pressed down. He tossed the wet towel to me and began taking off his shirt.


    My eyes widened. Excuse me, sir?


    Would I stay close to him, pressing his back? Lana began chuckling. What''s funny about this?


    "Ugh, do you have to take your shirt off?" I groaned, feeling ufortable getting so close to him.


    "Return the towel, and I''ll do it myself," he gestured.


    I hissed. Was this my punishment for beating his ass?


    "Let me do it," Cami said, walking into the training ground. I felt so relieved and tossed the towel to her.


    Jonah frowned. "Be gentle then."


    "Did you think I would be?" I smirked, leaning against the wall.


    Cami was a better choice since she was gentle and often yed the role of the pack''s nurse.


    Just then, a warrior rushed in, panting. "Delta! Beta Beatrice needs you now! A warrior got injured while training."


    Cami had been pressing the towel on Jonah''s back, but she handed it to me and ran off.


    And we were back to square one.


    Sluggishly, I crawled to where Jonah was and sat beside him. "As I said, I''m not gentle."


    I pressed the towel harshly on him, but he only bit his lips in a rather seductive way.


    As I turned to soak the towel in the bowl again, I noticed Jaden standing at the door, his eyes fixed on me.


    Lana froze. I blinked rapidly before smiling. "You wouldn''t believe what I did to your Delta!" I smirked, wringing the towel.


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    Jonah turned and nearly fell back upon seeing his Alpha. I didn''t know why he grabbed his shirt, but I was d he was putting it back on.


    "Our mate just caught us touching the body of a shirtless man!" Lana screamed.


    I rolled my eyes. "And so? It''s his Delta, isn''t it?"


    Jaden smirked, shifting his gaze to Jonah. "Did you break something? I heard you two dueled."


    Jonah mumbled his words. "I''m not sure."


    "That''s nice then," I said, dropping the towel on Jonah and getting up. "We dueled, but I guess I shouldn''t have."


    I advanced towards Jaden. "What have you been doing?"


    His gaze lingered on Jonah, darkening, but he looked away, faking a smile. "I met your mom."


    My mom?


    His eyes darted to Jonah, who was leaving, then back to me. "What have you been doing?"


    "You already know-dueling."


    "You weren''t dueling when I met you," he stared into my eyes.


    I looked away. "I felt I hurt him, so I was making it up to him." Did I even need to exin?


    "Yes!" Lana replied.


    Jaden made a thoughtful "hmm" sound.


    Lana spoke again. "I think he''s still mad at us."


    He''d be petty to be. I wasn''t his girlfriend or anything. And I didn''t do anything with


    his Delta.


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    "About what?" he raised a brow.


    He just said he met my mom. I shook my head. "Forget it. I''ll go rest now." I tried moving away, but he held my arm and pulled me back.


    "What?"


    He still had an unreadable expression. "Nothing." He released me.


    His behavior was sending Lana crazy. "He''s mad. Just apologize!" But for what exactly?


    "Let''s duel," he pronounced.


    Both of us? "Why?"


    "My Delta said you hurt his pride by winning, and I''d like to avenge him," he stated.


    Was "avenge" the right word?


    "Yes, I''d win. I''m an Alpha and a Silver Wolf." Saying those words again reminded me that I shouldn''t have asked for a duel with Jonah.


    "Win against me then," Jaden responded, unbuttoning his shirt.


    He was serious. "I don''t want to." I couldn''t help but feel he was venting on me.


    His lips curled up into a mischievous grin. "Because you feel you won''t win?"


    Oh no, he didn''t.


    "Because I don''t want to tend to your injuries like I did with your Delta."


    His eyes sparkled, and I was sure it wasn''t from anger but something twisted... I don''t


    know.


    "We won''t go easy on him," Lana came to the surface.


    I nodded. Hell, we wouldn''t.

 A Duel?

    Chapter Hundred and Twelve - A Duel?


    Rihanna''s POV


    Lana was in control now. I made sure all my warriors were away from the training ground. I also made sure Jonah wasn''t close.


    This was what Lana had wanted for a while to be the wild silver wolf again. Jaden was making amendable proposition.


    "His wolf shouldn''t be underestimated. I had felt that wolf having raw emotions, especially sadism and desire," Lana sighed.


    Why was she intimidated? Her strong point was hate. She didn''t need to hate Jaden, but she could just hate the feeling of losing to him.


    "I''m just saying that Jaden''s wolf isn''t ordinary. He maniptes emotions and can transfer aggression and fear."


    How did she know that? "Wolves can do that?"


    "Some wolves. Jaden''s can."


    Well, that wasn''t veryforting.


    I''d have to be wary of him transferring emotions to me. It would be unfair to do so, but I didn''t n to y fair either.


    Strutting out of the changing room, I made small snarls to alert my presence.


    I sighted his wolf-tall and slightly bigger than mine staring intensely at the burning incense sticks.


    That was the first thing he did before a duel? I knew this guy was weird.


    Seeing that he wasn''t focused and that it was a chance to y unfair, I took it and sprinted towards him. With my head, I made my signature head-butt.


    He staggered, ring at my wolf with betrayal in his eyes.


    "Don''t look at me with those sad eyes, honey! You''re the one being dumb!" Lana smirked.


    This was actually her idea. Her first meeting with her mate, the wolf, and she chose violence.


    No one was calling stats for us, so we shouldn''t care about mannerisms or techniques. Just win.


    In other words, the other wolf should be tired, breathless, and then call quits.


    He made no move, so I charged at him again. He dodged it. I immediately made another attempt at head-butting, but he missed it again.


    Was he only dodging? Was he following a defense technique?


    Lana pulled out her ws and made a swipe, but he pulled her paw down, hitting her in the side. She gritted her teeth.


    At least that was an attack.


    Her hind legs went up, hitting him in the gut. She wasn''t sorry, and he didn''t look hurt.


    She tried again, seeing he was still open, but his ws dug into her legs and threw them down.


    Another defense mechanism, but it had cost her a minor injury. He was a fast wolf. Low growls left her as she tried to retaliate, but his speed in dodging beat her. It felt like he was trying to tire her out.


    "I trained in the wild! I have tons of energy on reserve!" she hissed, getting his hint. Also, he''d easily manipte her emotions when she was tired. That was his wolf''s specialty.


    Well, hers was initiating barriers, but it would be futile unless he charged at her first. "Then we''d provoke him to attack," she said to me. She was in charge, so I gave the go-ahead.


    Jaden''s wolf slowed down. Then she swiped at his neck, and it caught him, taking him down, but his head-butt sent her backward.


    It had a lot of energy, and Lana slid back, feeling her insides hurting. So far, only two real hits. He was going easy on her, and she''d make use of it.


    She paused, ring at him.


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    He was jerking his head as blood streamed down his neck. It wasn''t fatal but painful. What did he expect between two Alpha duels anyway?


    When his wolf snapped his head up, his eyes were red. He was mad, and Lana saw that sadism in his eyes.


    "Is this good?" I asked.


    "Perfect!" she screamed excitedly, anticipating his attack.


    I didn''t know if she realized that Jaden''s wolf, filled with sadism and anger, would make him break thews of a duel. Not that we hadws.


    "He wouldn''t go overboard. I''m his mate!" Lana sounded confident. For her sake, and mine, may she be right.


    Jaden''s wolf ws struck out to their full length and wed at the marble floor. His eyes hadn''t left my silver wolf.


    She growled tauntingly to fuel his annoyance, and he charged at her.


    Lana had a choice to activate her barrier, which was the whole reason she wanted him


    to charge at her at first, but instead, she engaged him.


    His charges were faster and more brutal, and he hit her sides with more intent.


    Making a backflip, she kicked his snout, and her toe ws grazed his gut. An intimidating growl left him as he charged at her again.


    "Lana, he''s really angry! I don''t think Jaden is controlling him anymore!" I expressed my concerns to my wolf.


    She didn''t reply this time, so I bet she agreed.


    A quick head-butt went to her stomach as she had lifted herself to initiate the barrier. She fell back, hitting the wall. That was a fatal blow.


    Lana had difficulty standing. She red at him. "Are you in there, Jaden? Your wolf is crazy!"


    "He''s not in there! You angered an Alpha wolf-now deal with it!" I shouted back at her. Things were getting really messy.


    The wolf threw the shield collections on the shelf straight at Lana, burying her. She pushed from under them with a growl.


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    I tried mind-linking Beatrice to make Jonahe get his Alpha, but they were far


    away.


    "Lana, move!" I warned my wolf, but Jaden''s ws had pped into her face, creating


    a four-scarred fingerprint.


    I pushed for control, but she didn''t let me. Her mate had gone overboard with whatever we were doing.


    Couldn''t he sense this? Or was this venting?


    "Lana, call it off!"


    "How do you expect we do that?¡± she mumbled under her breath as she rose up again.


    Calling quits was not an option, so she kept fighting.


    "And I haven''t used my barrier yet!" she smirked.


    That annoyed Jaden''s wolf as he snarled at her, charging at her for another head-butt.


    "You know what to do, girl!"


    "Hell yeah." She took one hind leg back and the other before her.


    No matter how much force he used, he wouldn''t break her barrier.


    His eyes became normal just before he made contact with the barrier. The effect


    remained and was more than she expected.


    He whimpered, flying almost a foot backward and hitting himself on the wall.


    Lana and I gasped in sync. Was he supposed to fly like that? No wolf she had done that


    to had gone that far. Unless Logan.


    "Maybe the stronger the wolf, the greater the effect of the barrier?" I wondered.


    She nodded, limping toward him. "He''s unconscious. And I feel like before he met the barrier, Jaden came back."


    I had noticed that too.

 Freedom

    Chapter Hundred and Thirteen - Freedom.


    Chris''s POV


    I wasn''t ashamed of myself-maybe I should have been. Since my Luna returned, I had been getting a constant share of sex from her, making up for lost time and knowing her pregnancy would soon be a limitation. To be fair, I had been treating her better.


    My groin still throbbed from our recent escapade. Rolling onto my back, I left the bed. "Ray? Edwin?" I searched for them through the mind link.


    Neither of them was close. I heard the courtroom door open, signaling someone''s entrance. Sasha rolled onto her back, her pointed nipples visible and inviting. But I left the room.


    "Who''s there at this hour?" I could tell it was already close to midnight.


    mming the door open, I met my father''s gaze. He was sitting on the Alpha King''s throne. I rubbed my temples. "It''s you."


    "Yeah, I actually wanted toe earlier to see Sasha, but I bet you''ve tired her out already."


    My eyebrows raised. He could tell we had been...?


    "Yeah, she''s tired," I agreed, walking towards him and taking a seat in the Luna''s chair. "I''ve been thinking a lot."


    "Share!" my father ordered, startling me.


    Of course, I wanted to, or I wouldn''t have mentioned it. I smiled, crossing my legs.


    "The new Alpha King." I never knew I''d use a mocking tone for ''Alpha King,'' considering it had been a title in my family for so long. "...hasn''t been seen. The prophecy said the Silver Wolf and her mate would handle the evil, which is obviously Logan.?


    My father''s eyes were closed, and he only nodded at intervals, making an ''hmm'' sound.


    "Well, it would have been the Silver Wolf and me, but now, it''s an unknown man and the Silver Wolf. A man who hasn''t even shown up yet," Iined.


    The evil was already here, so it would be best if he showed up as well. But he seemed like a coward.


    "Or, he has arrived, but Rihanna didn''t care to tell you," my father spected.


    Could that be true? Ray was the one who discovered it, and he said his sister told him otherwise. "Ray would tell me if she knew."


    "She wouldn''t tell Ray," my fatherughed. "Ray is your Beta. Do you think she''d trust him not to tell you? She knows that in ck Hills, the Alpha is god."


    Which was true. In ck Hills, nothing was kept from the Alpha. Official wolves were only answerable to him.


    "Your Silver grew up here, so she would know these rules. Meaning she wouldn''t give her brother full trust, as he''d always be answerable to you."


    So did she lie to Ray? Who was the man? Ray had spected before... he did suspect Alpha Jaden.


    I scoffed. "I don''t know. Ray had a spection, but she debunked it."


    "Ray should hold onto that spection. If his sister has a mate bond with a wolf, he''d feel connected to the wolf too. They''re twins," my father said.


    Then Jaden being Your Silver''s new mate had great chances of being real. And I wasn''t scared anymore.


    I had a soning, an heir. ck Hills would be ruled by him, whether it was a pack- kingdom or not. Maybe someday, he''d regain the kingdom.


    That was my only constion-my son.


    "Well, let''s hope the new Alpha King does a good job of keeping peace here. I''m tired, honestly," I admitted with a sigh.


    My father sighed as well, staring into space. "It might look like a demotion, but if you take it in good faith, you''d see actual freedom in it."


    Exactly that. Zeke might not understand, but to me, there was freedom in not being Alpha King.


    Those responsibilities should fall on Jaden''s broad shoulders.


    My mind link was being stretched just as I nearly fell asleep in the Luna''s chair.


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    It was Ray. Only he gave me headaches when trying to break through my mind link. That showed how powerful he could be.


    "Yes?" I released the link after struggling.


    He was panting, and I rolled my eyes. A man like him, panting in the middle of the night¡ªno doubt from ''working out'' with Cara.


    "Alpha, you have to see this! Come to the training ground! I think it''s Logan!" he shouted.


    What the hell? At midnight?


    I jumped from my seat, hurrying out. My father leapt from his seat and followed.


    "An attack?"


    I nodded. "Ray, is anyone hurt?"


    "Three dead. Two missing. Cara and another warrior," he seethed, still panting heavily.


    Cara-his mate? He must be going crazy now.


    "Ray, calm down. Do you know where they went?"


    His breathing was irregr. Was he running? "I''m tracking them as we speak, but he


    left a message for you at the training ground."


    He was tracking them...? He was running.


    "No, Ray, retreat now! How can you chase after him alone?"


    "Didn''t you hear me? He''s with my mate!" he insisted.


    I pleaded, quickening my pace. "I heard you clearly, but that''s still reckless. I''ll chase


    them with you don''t go alone!"


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    "No! What if he does the same thing he did to the princess of Blue Bloom? How would I live with that?" he huffed. "I''m going now!"


    And of course, he shut the mind link. Normally, it was hard to follow his scent, much less in the cool of the night and when he was far ahead.


    "Dad, Ray ran after the Lycan! Logan has his mate and a warrior. Ray can''t handle Logan alone." I knew too well how this would end.


    "Go with him!" my father pushed me forward.


    "There''s a message at the training ground waiting for me..."


    "I''ll check and mind link you with the details. Be cautious. Bring them all back. Go!" my


    father patted my arm, and I sped off immediately.


    Ray wouldn''t have gone far if he could still connect with me through the mind link. Thankfully, his scent was still active. He had just passed.


    I also sensed my Delta. "Edwin, are you around here? Logan ising!"


    "Yes, I saw him already, and he has hostages. Ray is chasing after him," he replied.


    I caught sight of him and paused to catch my breath. "Return to the pack and keep everyone calm. I''ll return with Ray and the hostages!"


    Edwin ran back to the pack while I kept my chase, trying to hold onto Ray''s scent. It led farther away.


    Then my dad broke into my mind link. "The Lycan''s crazy. He''s asking that you exchange yourself for the hostages, or he''ll kill them like he didst time."


    Last time? Like the Princess of Blue Bloom? I remember he had asked me to exchange myself for the princess.


    Instead, Edwin and I took her away and risked Your Silver. But then, he said it was Your Silver he actually needed? Confused Lycan!


    However, he had returned and killed the princess, so I shouldn''t take his threat lightly. "Thanks, Dad. He''s not getting any of us!" I replied before shutting off my mind link.

 Save The Hostages

    Chapter Hundred and Fourteen - Save the Hostages


    Chris''s POV


    Drama was everywhere. I had been trailing Ray while he was chasing Logan, but he lost him. I didn''t me him; he was emotionally involved and felt more fear than he could control. It was the same way I had felt after my first mate died. It was worse since I also felt I had caused it.


    Ray punched the trees angrily, releasing more curse words than I had heard him say in my entire life. I dragged him into a hug. It wasn''t a consoling hug-he wasn''t losing his mate. It was more of a ''stop being a drama queen and chill'' kind of hug.


    As he stopped screaming, I could hear the environment more clearly. We were surrounded by trees, mountains, and a vast sea-quite new. Since we were near the sea, we were at the north of ck Hills, the opposite direction of Red Moon and where I had seen Logan before. He had shifted dens.


    I wondered what he had in store for choosing this destination. Maybe he was fleeing to anothernd soon. I hoped so.


    There was a shrill scream of torment! Ray''s head left my shoulder, his eyes turning bloodshot. Even I recognized it-that was his mate!


    "Hell no!" I didn''t wait for him to react before sprinting toward the direction it came from.


    We arrived at an empty space below a mountain. There was no way the sound hade from down there. Where were they?


    "This ce echoes. We are around mountains! They could be anywhere!" Ray raved.


    He was acting up again and kicked a rock that flew down the mountain. I stayed quiet, trying to catch where Logan was. I had just gotten back my partner, and so far, it had been fun. I wouldn''t want Ray losing his, especially if she was a fated mate.


    "There! Over there!" I pointed, running toward a small cave opening. Ray followed.


    I slowed down, looking inside the cave, but Ray stormed in. An arrow shot at him, piercing through his arm.


    "Ray!" I dragged him out of the cave as more arrows came, shooting left and right inside. This was a Red Moon battle formation-I recognized it. When Red Moon had been attacked by Logan, they reported their weapon store being burnt so severely that nothing could be scavenged. It seemed to me that Logan had stolen it first and then burnt it to make it look like it had disappeared.


    "Logan! These cheap tricks you''re using I bet you haven''t fully healed, so you want to weaken us, right?" I yelled into the cave.


    It echoed, ensuring my message reached that smug Lycan.


    Carefully, I drew the arrow from Ray''s arm. It wasn''t spiked with drugs or silver, thankfully.


    "Look, Ray, be calm, okay? I''m not letting Cara get hurt. And like Edwin did to your sister, when you get Cara, leave me behind with Logan."


    He smirked. "I''m not Edwin."


    That was sweet, but I hoped he''d leave. I''d try to handle myself. "C''mon!" I pulled him up.


    His arm would heal before we reached Cara. He was more careful entering the cave this time. No other traps-for now.


    Our steps were light and noiseless as we ventured deeper into the cave. The cave got darker and darker as the moonlight stayed behind us. We were wolves with night vision, but my vision was already tired from sleeping and all the ''working out'' I had been doing.


    My ears first picked up the whirring sound of a flying knife before I dodged it alongside Ray. We stayed down in case more wereing. Keeping our heads low, we hurried behind a big boulder adjacent to an opening in the cave.


    A figure¡ªLogan¡ªand two people were at that end. I could feel the warrior''s and Cara''s energy; they were still very much alive. I heaved a sigh of relief, and Ray looked visibly d.


    "Ray, he needs me. You saw the letter, so let hime get me. You send them out!" He nodded. That was the n.


    Even if, as he said, he''d stille back for me, it should be after he had taken his mate and the warriors far away.


    I stepped into view, keeping my hands behind me, though my ws were out. "Logan! We meet again." I faked a smile.


    He growled lowly, dropping the knife he had in his hands. "Yes, we do! And I need to hear your screams to repay what you did to me."


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    He bent his face to the light, and I saw the scar I had given him thest time we met¡ª it turned out artistically well.


    "I think it looks great. Remember mine?"


    When he had poured silver on my face, it had scarred, but Beta Sam''s lotion had lightened it. "I had help to hide it, or I''d be looking as hideous as you."


    Ray asked through the mind link, "Are you conversing with him? My mate and the warrior are in pain."


    "I''m aware, but I won''t just charge at him. He has to make the first move," I replied.


    I brought my hands forward, revealing my elongated ws. "So, want my ws to bless your face again?"


    That was enough to send him over the edge as he charged at me.


    My eyes nced down at the knife on the ground, and I stepped back. His ws swiped at me, but I used my legs to kick them away. He was in human form, as I was, so he was easier to deal with.


    "You''ll die!" He threw a huge rock at me, but I jumped onto the wall of the cave for support, then came down again, just in time to dodge a blow.


    "Get them out now!" I mind-linked Ray when the coast was clear. He sneakily crawled to where the hostages were.


    "Logan, I''m still stunned at how you became my enemy!" I taunted, dodging another blow from him. "Was it because I kept you in prison?"


    He head-butted in my direction, but I dodged, sending him crashing into the cave wall.


    Everywhere was dark, making it easy to maneuver. Also, I suspected the scar I had given him affected his eyes.


    "I wonder. It couldn''t be, right? After all, you''re a crazy wolf with no family. You should


    be d you had somewhere to stay," I continued.


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    His breathing became uneven he was tiring out.


    "You think you held me there against my will? I wanted to be there!"


    Wait, what? I turned to him but was met with his huge fist. My head cked out for


    two seconds, and I literally saw stars.


    "Chris!" It was Ray.


    I opened my eyes but saw nothing. I did hear the sound of metal scratching the ground. Ray had sent something to me.


    I reached for it¡ªit was the knife Logan had dropped. "Leave with the hostages!" I screamed.


    Logan growled, moving toward Ray. I used my hearing since my eyes were failing me.


    He wasn''t facing my direction, so I drove the knife through his neck, pushing it in.


    A growl so frightening that it stalled me erupted from Logan.


    He grabbed me and threw me all the way to the entrance of the cave. I still couldn''t


    see.


    I heard his footsteps-slow, he was still hurt.


    "C''mon!" It was Ray.


    He held my arm, and I think it was Cara who held the other. The other warrior was with


    us, though I felt he was behind Ray.


    I felt us moving, running. Finally, it was over.

 Lacking

    Chapter Hundred and Fifteen - Lacking


    Jaden''s POV


    The sunlight pierced into my eyes, driving out the sleep in them. I was in ck Rose. The scent of morning roses made me aware.


    But was I supposed to be here? Myst memories were of being at Silver Pack with Rih. We were dueling. I couldn''t remember what she did that had annoyed me.


    I jumped from my bed. Why couldn''t I remember anything? That meant my wolf had been in control.


    "What did you do?" I asked him sternly. "How did it go?"


    "I certainly didn''t win the duel," he muttered.


    He didn''t? That was kind of embarrassing. After all his desire to battle a Silver Wolf, he hadn''t won?


    "To be fair, she was my mate, so I went easy on her, I think," he defended.


    I chuckled, walking to clean up. Then I paused. "Wait, you think? You don''t know if you went easy on her?"


    "I don''t, okay? All I know is that Jonah brought you back here, and a nurse came to check on you." He sounded frustrated.


    A nurse checked me? How badly had I been beaten that a nurse had to examine me? I searched him for answers, but he didn''t know either.


    Why couldn''t he remember? And why couldn''t I? What exactly had we done?


    A few hours ago, I had helped a young boy solve a problem with his wolf keeping memories from him. Now, my own wolf didn''t even have memories.


    "It''s not that bad. Just ask Jonah," he sighed, his frustration and disgust unexinable.


    Did I have a choice but to ask Jonah? I mmed the door, stepping into the washroom.


    I walked out minutester with a towel around my waist and another on my neck. I sighed. The fact that I still couldn''t recall anything that had happened at Silver Pack, even after my medicinal hot bath, weighed heavily on me.


    My wolf didn''t think he had gone easy on our mate and was filled with frustration and disgust. Didn''t that mean he had messed up?


    "Jonah! Where''s Jonah?" I called out.


    "Training the wolves!"


    I stepped back, startled by the voice behind me. I gasped when I saw my younger brother, Jake.


    "What... how long have you been here?"


    "My stealth has gotten better. I got in while you were showering and have been here since you sighed ten times already. So, what''s wrong?" he grinned.


    I threw the towel from my neck onto his face and walked towards my wardrobe, changing into my clothes.


    "Don''t want to talk about it? I''ll keep bugging you," Jake sighed, resting on my bed.


    My eyes shut tightly, suppressing the anger my wolf was sending me. It wouldn''t be ideal to vent on my inquisitive brother.


    "Get Jonah to wait for me at the courtroom. Send the guards away; I need to speak to him privately..."


    "It''s about your pretty mate, right?" he smirked. "Jonah said you two dueled, but you ended up unconscious. He also said she''s mad at you."


    My hands froze. Rihanna was mad at me?


    "Jonah didn''t tell me whether you lost the duel or not, but he did seem disappointed. I''m not sure if it''s in you or Rihanna," he added.


    I clenched my fists. "Whatever. Did Jonah say why she was mad?"


    "I''ll ask him if you want. But why duel with wolves when you know your wolf gets cranky? You even hurt your own warriors," Jake scolded.


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    Honestly, I had been paranoid, slightly jealous, and interested in dueling with a Silver Wolf. I hadn''t cared about ''restoring Jonah''s dignity.''


    "She dueled with Jonah. I took it as sport. From what I remembered, she seemed to be enjoying it," I answered, avoiding his gaze.


    Jake left my bed and strolled toward the door. He paused just outside, then spun to face me.


    "If she enjoyed it, she wouldn''t be mad and refuse to treat you. You were unconscious, but she forced Jonah to take you away."


    That was right. My wolf had confirmed that Jonah had taken me all the way here for medical attention.


    I sighed, plopping down on a nearby couch. "I don''t remember anything, Jake... I don''t know what my wolf did."


    "Ask him."


    "He doesn''t remember either!" I retorted.


    I felt a pang of frustration hit my wolf as I yelled those words. Jake was silent for a while.


    "That''s why you need Jonah," he nodded. "Well, it''ll be embarrassing for him to know his Alpha iscking. Don''t ask. I will."


    I looked up at my brother. I wascking? Not knowing my wolf''s memories?


    True, it wascking not to. An act onlymon with young, recently shifted wolves, yet here was my Alpha wolf,cking!


    "Do that for me," I faked a smile. "Thank you."


    Jake exhaled, then walked out of my room.


    My head fell back against the headrest. This wolf would be the doom of me. Stubborn and nowcking.


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    "Yes, I must," I replied. "At least you have guilt now. Maybe because it''s your mate, but when it''s my warriors, you don''t care."


    He whimpered, retreating into his shell of frustration and self-disgust.


    I was absorbing too much of it, so I left the room, looking for something distracting.


    "Ralph, where are you?"


    My Beta was close. "On my way to you. Good morning. Hope you had a good sleep?"


    I smiled, feeling better already. "Yeah. You?"


    "Well, kind of did. You know I''m married now."


    I nearly chuckled.


    "But ck Hills didn''t, sadly. The Alpha King least of all. And they need our help,"


    Ralph added.


    ck Hills had no sleep? As well as Chris? Was this Logan again?


    "Logan attacked and took hostages," I met Ralph at the courtroom. "Chris saved them but lost his eyes."


    "He''s blind?" I blurted.


    Ralph nodded, then looked down. "In the letter, Ray reported he can''t see. Logan''s


    badly hurt again, and all hostages were saved."


    I turned the letter upside down and downside up. This was filled with bad news, apart from the hostages being saved.


    "Chris is a really good King to lose his eyes to save his warriors. I admire that," I whispered.

 Remedy

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen - Remedy


    Jaden''s POV


    My mother had always been a wolfess who wanted all the good things the world could offer. The world had also been at her beck and call since she was the next Alpha. She was loved and admired but not free.


    Well, no Alpha was.


    It became worse for her after she gave birth to me and then married my father monthster. I never knew why they didn''t do it before; perhaps the dy was her attempt to hold on to her freedom. But she lost all ess to it after bing Alpha. Duty was all that remained for her.


    Now that she was retired and fulfilling her dreams, I couldn''t call her back to duty. That would be cruel.


    "Alpha!" Ralph banged the table, snapping me from my thoughts.


    I pouted slightly. "I don''t want to bother my mom. Should shee back now?"


    Ralph shrugged. "It''s been a long time since we''ve seen her. Yeah, she should. It''s been a year already. Doesn''t she miss her kids?"


    My mother wasn''t like that; she knew we weren''t babies. I smiled, remembering thest words she said to me as she sailed off on her traveling ship.


    "Take care of my four babies. I made sure thest one''s hibernating. If any of the babies bother you, hibernate them. Be happy."


    I shook my head. The four babies were Jake and my three uncles, her younger brothers. Since I was her eldest, that made me the newest head of the family.


    As a kid, I wondered if my father, the st baby," had actually been locked in hibernation by my mother. As an adult, I wasn''t so sure he hadn''t been.


    "Ralph, hell hath no fury like a woman''s wrath. My mother would be mad if we brought her back over a blind issue." I grinned, imagining it.


    "Of the Alpha King," Ralph reminded me.


    I rolled my eyes. "You know she never really epted Chris as the Alpha King."


    My mother would be thest to care.


    "Well, tell her about the Lycan. He''s bing a big problem. Isn''t she worried about her pack?" Ralphmented, looking away.


    Why should she be? Wasn''t I the Alpha?


    "She left it in my care and trusts me to protect it. Sorry, Ralph, but we can''t bring her back." I finalized, meeting his gaze.


    He red, blinked, then nced away. "Well, then, it''s left to us to find what medicine she used to cure herself."


    Find it? "Wait, must we be the ones to find the cure? Chris isn''t only our Alpha King!" Ralph mmed the table. "Didn''t you read the letter?" He pointed at it.


    I took a glimpse and then looked away.


    "Ray was informed by Alpha Wayne that your mother had suffered from this. So Ray asked for the remedy. He asked directly!" Ralph hollered.


    Now, this was a problem. And it shouldn''t be I had enough already.


    "Look, Ralph, as I said, I don''t know what it is... and I have a lot on my te," I said in a low tone.


    He blew raspberries, kicking the air as he paced. "You keep forgetting that we were asked to bring a solution. Should we leave Chris blind?"


    Certainly not. The only one who''d enjoy it would be Rihanna. And as much as I wanted her happiness now, this wasn''t it.


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    "Ask the librarians to search for my mother''s old journal. She experienced this while fighting a..." I trailed off.


    My mother had experienced this while fighting a "lonerge beast." Those were the words she used in her journal. Was that a Lycan?


    "I doubt what she was fighting is important to the remedy," Ralph huffed, walking toward the library.


    I frowned, eyeing him. He was too haughty and always eager to help ck Hills. I didn''t know what was wrong with Betas.


    From where Ralph walked out, my brother walked in, wearing a smug grin. Frustration beset me again as he didn''t shift his gaze from mine until he sat down beside me.


    "You''re in trouble." His eyes shifted to yellowish-orange, sparking a reaction from my wolf, who felt threatened.


    Against my will, my eyes turned red, but I shook it off. What was with my wolf? Was he nning to attack my brother?


    "Did you justmunicate with my wolf?" I asked Jake, realizing what he did.


    He smirked proudly. "Yeah, you aren''t the one in trouble since you weren''t in control. He is. And he had to know."


    I felt relieved knowing I wasn''t the only one scolding this spirit inside me. "So what did he do?" I asked the formidable question.


    "Jonah said Rih was in her wolf form and spoke through Beatrice. She limped." Jake raised a brow.


    That meant my wolf had broken her leg.


    "She was tired, bleeding from her legs. She was far from you, and it looked like her barrier was what weakened you," Jake snickered.


    Was that a good thing? It meant she had defended herself against me. That my wolf had been attacking her.


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    "I know it was a duel, but it looked fatal, even from Jonah''s point of view," Jake shrugged. "I guess that''s why he was disappointed in you."


    That''s it! I''m screwed!


    "And before you think you''re screwed, know that this was your wolf''s mistake, not yours," my brother added.


    Asforting as it seemed, I wasn''t at all moved by it. My wolf wasn''t the one she''d see, but me. And I wasn''t going to tell her that I wasn''t in control-that my twisted wolf was!


    I jumped from my seat. "Jake, you''ve had girlfriends before. How do I apologize to her?"


    "And please don''t rmend flowers," I warned as he pointed toward Rose Valley.


    He put his hands down. "I think flowers are a good way to start. Maybe then, get her a... do you know what she likes?"


    I knew little about her likes. She didn''t wear jewelry-few female warriors did. And she


    didn''t dress aesthetically. She was really simple.


    "No idea. Think of something...mon?"


    Jake shrieked. "You want somethingmon for an Alpha she-wolf?"


    We stayed quiet for a while.


    "Hey, I found the address!" Ralph stormed into the room. "We have to travel, and it''ll


    take at least two days. C''mon!"


    I nced at Jake tiredly. He shrugged. "I''ll keep thinking till you return."


    Sigh. This week wasn''t my week at all.

 Visit To Heal

    Chapter Hundred and Seventeen - Visit to Heal.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Beatrice had read Ray''s letter sixty-two times since morning to provoke a reaction from me. The only reaction I could give wasughter, which might not sit well with her, as the letter was a pitiful one. Or was it?


    Chris had gone blind saving hostages. Ray had specifically added in my letter that it was a warrior and his mate, Cara. I cared little about her. But Chris would have protected Ray from harm, as my brother would have chased after Logan to save his mate. I was grateful for that.


    "ck Rose has been directed to find a remedy so he''d recover," Dara grunted, sick of how many times Beatrice had read the letter.


    Beatrice red at her but dropped the letter, facing me. "We didn''t have any specific instructions, but we are supposed to visit."


    Visit? And why? I bet my expression did the asking as she replied.


    "You''re under him! Blue Fire recovers from the attack. Blue Bloom mourns their


    princess. ck Rose was sent to find a remedy..."


    "And we are here doing nothing," Darapleted her words.


    Beatrice nodded firmly.


    Who said we were doing nothing? We were here making sure what happened to Blue Fire and Blue Bloom wouldn''t happen to us.


    "I don''t think I should leave. ck Rose Alpha and Beta aren''t around. What if Logan strikes?"


    Beatrice shook her head. "The Delta is there. Jake is there, and they have more than capable elders!"


    That reminded me that I hadn''t appointed elders yet to my pack. Not that I needed them. ck Hills never needed theirs.


    "Alpha, there''s no excuse. Our visit would take off the bad blood we have. There''s no need for bad blood when we should be uniting!" she added.


    My Beta had a way of heavily convincing me. I couldn''t refuse. I rested on the seat, watching Dara. "You aren''t saying anything."


    "Would it matter? I bet Beatrice has packed her things, awaiting your permission," she grumbled.


    Beatrice rolled her eyes, holding the letter again. "If you want, I''d stay behind. Go with Dara."


    Dara snapped her head at her. "Is it because of what I said? I have no intentions of seeing Chris."


    And Sasha was there. What if she recognized Dara''s voice?


    "Let her stay. She needs to be with the warriors in case of any attack."


    Beatrice scoffed, folding her arms. "ck Rose can leave their pack without an Alpha or Beta, but we can''t. Since you''re going, I''m staying."


    I agreed. "I''d go with Cami." Her arm was healed now, and she didn''t hold grudges for long. She wouldn''t be infuriated to meet Chris.


    Since it was settled, Beatrice bounced off, looking aplished. What was with Betas and their weird loyalty?


    Dara fell to the table, faking a cry. "I admired her persistence before, but no, it''s annoying."


    A chuckle left my lips as I left my seat. If I was leaving for a while, I should make a short run around and enjoy my pack.


    "Why do you sound like we''d be at ck Hills for more than an hour?" my wolf asked sternly.


    I chuckled again. "Whenever Alpha Wayne got badly injured and Alphas visited, they stayed for a day or two. It was respect to the King."


    She loudly scoffed, probably wondering why I''d ever do that.


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    Beatrice was a reason, but again, I missed ck Hills. Not much, but I did. It wouldn''t hurt to move around the walls of the ck Hills pce one time. This time around, without fear of being yelled at if found by Alpha Wayne.


    I''d probably get an apology from him, or I wouldn''t need it. "I''ll be reshaping those bad memories I had. Like healing myself."


    Lana didn''t understand and disconnected from me. Maybe ck Hills was a ce she didn''t want to spend an hour in. But it was my birthce, and I did have a few special spots. It wouldn''t hurt to revisit.


    I hastened my steps towards the stable when I saw my Delta there.


    "Cami, did Beatrice tell you?" I asked her as she pulled horses out from the stable.


    She smiled. "Yeah, I''m preparing the horses."


    Wait, were we leaving now?


    "How long are we staying?" she asked.


    I took out two fingers but said, "Three days."


    She raised a brow but shrugged it off. "I''ll get things for three days then."


    What was I doing?


    I smiled, taking off my jacket to have my run before she''d be done. "Tell me when you''re done."


    Before she replied, I started shifting.


    Lana wasn''t in the best mood, but a run around always helped her. She took off the moment her fur moved with the wind. We covered miles within seconds.


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    Her heart was boiling mad at ck Hills and ck Rose too, after Jaden''s crazy wolf.


    So we didn''t run west or north where they were.


    Red Moon was at the east, so we headed there. Logan''sst location was at that point, before the attack with Chris, which seemed indefinite.


    "I feel an energy close here!" Lana said, then increased her speed.


    Whether it was rogues or travelers, they didn''t dare get too close for my warriors not


    to notice. This distance was quite close to me.


    The energy kept growing stronger, more intimidating. Lana''s speed decreased. This felt like Logan.


    "Why would he be around here? At the Boots and Rivers market especially?" I wondered.


    Staying high at the hill, I sighted Logan, talking with an old seller at the market. He was being low-key with all those masks.


    I shifted to human form and wore my clothes. Quickly, I slid down the hill to meet with


    him.


    My ws shot out as I advanced him. The ce was crowded, so he''d barely hear me.


    My hands went to his spine, and I dug in slightly, then kept my other hand on his neck. "Follow me slowly."


    The old seller looked at us carefully before taking away her goods from Logan.


    He, gently taking steps backward, followed me out of the market into the forest. I scanned him, and he had a hole on his neck.


    Perfect time to unalive him.


    He tried moving, and my ws dug deeper into his spine. He stayed calm. I did the same. Then we got to the forest.


    "Kill me now!" he ordered with a strained voice.


    Honestly, I didn''t have the strength to, but he shouldn''t know that.

 No Strength

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen - No Strength


    Rihanna''s POV


    Honestly, I didn''t have the strength to kill Logan, but he shouldn''t know that.


    Jaden''s wolf had tired me out, my sides still hurt like hell, and the run I had just taken wearied me. Logan wouldn''t let me kill him without a fight, and it was the fight I didn''t have the strength for.


    I let go of him. "Props to whoever did that to your neck. Chris?"


    He turned to me and rolled his eyes. "Yes."


    Looking at him now, calm, not bloodthirsty, and in human form, he had the same gentleness as when I first met him. His hair was arranged, his green eyes looked quite attractive, and it was like whatever demon had possessed him wasn''t in control.


    "I could kill you," I said when I realized I had stared too long.


    He smirked. "Same. But we both don''t have the strength to."


    He knew I couldn''t kill him? "I will next time we meet!" I blurted out, annoyed at my own weakness.


    "Same again. And I''m d you understand that you''re not invincible, just really powerful."


    I frowned, trying to get off that topic. "What did youe to buy? Don''t trouble these people."


    He took out a drug. "I bought too many of these painkillers. Have some." He threw them at me.


    I caught them¡ªabout three bottles. I stared at them, then at him, before shoving them into my pocket. "You made Chris blind?"


    His eyes widened. "It worked? Oh, Boots and Rivers Market really hasn''t lost its touch on making good charms."


    Was it a charm? No wonder it had sounded funny to me. I had heard of it before. But now that I knew, did I have to buy Chris a cure for it?


    "Darn it," I whispered.


    Logan chuckled. "I heard some rumors at the Boots and Rivers Market. It''s quitemon knowledge that you hate Chris, your Alpha King."


    I barked, "He isn''t my Alpha King!"


    "Hmm, so it''s true. News has it that your Delta dared to attack him at ck Rose. The guts you trained those women with." He pped.


    I shook off the underhanded praise. This wasn''t what I should be using my time for.


    "I don''t care if you deem me impressive..."


    "I shouldn''t, but it''s hard to ignore," Logan tsked. "Honestly, I thought of befriending you at first because you shared a hate for him."


    He had thought of befriending me? That''s why he had acted nice, wasn''t it?


    "Jaden was right, you didn''t want healing," I rubbed my temples. "You wanted to use my hate for Chris? Did you think I was that gullible?"


    "Oh please, you were," he waved his hands. "If not for Jaden, you''d have fallen for all my ns."


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    The urge to punch his guts was great within me. "You wanted to manipte me. To kill Chris?"


    "Maybe. Only you had pure hate for him. You used every chance you got to disobey and insult him. But Jaden saved you," he sighed bitterly.


    My chest heaved up and down gently, but I felt heavy. This Lucan had tried manipting me with my hate for Chris. To be honest, it could''ve worked.


    "I bet then that Chris didn''t actually set me up with you that day. You faked it!" I recalled the day he kidnapped the Blue Bloom Princess.


    He nodded. "When I heard your Delta attacked him because of it, I was impressed.


    Your King is quite tolerable. I''d have killed that girl."


    He took steps back as my fists clenched. "You have low energy within you. Don''t push me to kill you," he warned.


    But I clearly saw fear in his eyes.


    "I will be the one doing the killing..." I swore.


    Acting like I was about to attack, he lunged forward, trying to counterattack, but he met my barrier, which sent him flying.


    Lana grinned proudly for sessfullying up with another skill move.


    "...but not yet. You''re right, I shouldn''t push myself and should be patient," I continued.


    He spat out blood, his ws shot out, but he didn''t get up. I knew he still had energy, but he wanted me to get close first so he could attack. I didn''t fall for it. The barrier creation would take a toll on me in a few minutes.


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    "If we meet again, it will likely be your death." I sped off after that to get the cure for Chris.


    Logan''s words haunted me as I ran back from the market to my pack. Chris hadn''t been innocent, but he had surely been med for things he hadn''t done. And about Chris being tolerable-yes, he wasn''t naturally violent like his father. As a young teen, I had found that attractive, but now, it was just one of the few good things in him.


    And Jaden might have a crazy wolf and be weird, but he had in-depth knowledge of things. Maybe, as a new Alpha, I had a lot to learn after all. No bastard was manipting me with my emotions ever again.


    When I got to the border, I began walking to save the little energy I''d need to ride the horse. I went directly to the stables to see Cami.


    "Oh, you''re back? Beatrice thought you ran off to avoid going to ck Hills," sheughed.


    I smiled. "Why would I do that? Anyway, package this. I bought something for Chris, so I''d like to make it a big deal. Package it well."


    Cami gave me a side-eye before taking the cure. She ced it in a fancy box, then mounted the horse. "Let''s go! Everything''s packed!"


    I jumped on the horse and nodded. We rode for minutes. I slept in thirty-second intervals while riding. Thankfully, I didn''t fall.


    Cami came into my mind link. "We are at the borders, but we didn''t write to say we wereing."


    That shouldn''t be a problem. I was an Alpha.


    "We are here to see Chris," I told the warriors. They looked at me, confused.


    "You know me. Stop acting dumb. Call your Beta then. I am here to see Chris since he can''t see me," I said thest line lowly.


    Cami caught it andughed, but the warriors frowned. "We know you, Alpha Your Silver. We only wonder why you''re here."


    "What gives you the right! If I''m here to kill your Alpha, don''t you think he can defend himself? Or, yes, he''s blind," I taunted again.

 Poison?

    Chapter Hundred and Neen - Poison?


    Rihanna''s POV


    The gate at the ck Hills border opened. Their lead warrior, Cara, and Delta Edwin walked out.


    "And why not?" It was Cara.


    "Why is returning not an option? Do my warriors insult you? Well, they learn from yours!" she mocked.


    I cocked my head. "Oh, I wasn''t aware your warriors were learning from mine. Well, they forgot a lesson mine got-don''t mess with me."


    That was the first lesson of each ss. How had they missed it?


    "Please, didn''t your Delta mess with my Alpha? That insult spread like wildfire," Edwin retorted.


    Yeah, I had heard.


    Even Logan knew. I rolled my eyes and nced at Cami. She had a proud grin.


    I jumped down from my horse. My Delta did the same. "Are you guys not letting us in, or should we let ourselves in?"


    Cara advanced toward me, but Cami blocked her. Edwin stepped in front of Cami too.


    "So are we finally having a Deltas'' duel? Last time, your lead warrior shied away from a duel with my lead warrior," I pped.


    Edwin spun around with a tired expression. "Just let them in. If they cause trouble, I''ll handle it." He walked away.


    "And their Delta just shied away," Cami smirked.


    I nodded, taking my horse inside and mocking, "You''d handle it? Handle who exactly?"


    Edwin said nothing, walking toward the pce. A warrior rushed forward and took horses to the stable.


    I ran after Edwin, trying to provoke a reaction from him. When I wasn''t at full strength, my annoying tendencies usually increased.


    "Nothing''s wrong with troublemaking for a while. You are home," Lana chirped in.


    I nodded, nudging Edwin as I passed him. He held my arm, and I shoved it off.


    "What? I came to see Chris. Isn''t he in there?"


    Edwin replied, "Well, you don''t just barge in! I have to inform him of your presence first!"


    "Since we are here, we can just inform him ourselves and save you the stress," Cami said, faking empathy.


    "Rihanna, don''t push it," Cara uttered while going up the stairs.


    I immediately pulled her arm back, my ws digging into her skin as I whispered in her ear, "Don''t dare call me by my name, Cara, okay?"


    Edwin wanted to help her, but Cami pushed him back. Cara winced in pain and struggled to break free, but her power couldn''t stop mine. She nodded slowly until I let go.


    I rubbed the bloodstain on my ws onto her body and advanced up the stairs. "Good."


    As I flung the door open, my eyes first met Ray''s dark gaze on me. He didn''t need to talk for me to know why he was mad.


    "I know your mate is dear to youpared to me or Mother, but I''m not you! I don''t hold her valuable if she has no respect!" I warned.


    I brushed past him as his eyes stayed on his mate''s injured arm. Cami smirked, walking with me.


    I faked a smile, seeing Chris holding a ss of wine. "I believe you feel energies since you can''t see. You can''t be fully blind."


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    He sighed, putting the ss down. "Are you here to mock me?"


    "No, actually. I came to help. And..." I stretched out my hand. Cami gave me the cure I had bought.


    "From Boots and Rivers. This cure will heal you in a day since your blindness is recent." I ced it on his table.


    Ray took the drug from the table, inspecting it. He looked at me carefully, but I didn''t meet his gaze.


    "This isn''t poison?" he asked through the mind link.


    "If you think it''s poison, don''t feed him," I spoke out loud, frowning at him.


    He frowned back, then dropped it. "Edwin, please take this to the physician."


    Cami grunted, looking offended. "So you think she''d spend money on killing him this openly? You think it''s poison?"


    My heart actually broke hearing my brother doubt me, but then, he was a ck Hills Beta and had to serve his Alpha. "Let him, Cami."


    Edwin took the cure and was about to leave when Chris called him back. "I''ll take it."


    I stared at his blind eyes. Why was he trusting me when my own brother couldn''t?


    "Your Silver hates me but isn''t stupid. If she kills me, that''ll be one less Alpha to kill Logan. I bet she hates Logan more than she hates me."


    A smirk came to my face. "Don''t be so sure. But if I were to kill you, poison would be too painless."


    Chris smirked, taking the drug and drinking it. "A day, right? Hopefully, Alpha Jaden wille back to see a miracle."


    Edwin and Cara started to walk out. For a minute, Chris showed no signs of dying.


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    I exhaled, feeling tired. "And Chris, we''ll stay for a while. Tell your wife to prepare some rooms."


    "Don''t speak of my sister in such a manner!" Edwin ordered.


    I turned to re at him. "What? Isn''t she Chris''s wife? Or should I not call her that?"


    Ray gestured for him to let it go. He heaved a sigh, then leftpletely with Cara. "Why?" Chris asked.


    "Don''t ask why. I was born here..."


    "But you can''t just return when you like. You became a rogue," Chris interrupted.


    Ray brought a seat for Cami, but I kicked it away. "We''re not staying to talk! I need a room because I''ll be resting at ck Hills!"


    I faced the Alpha King. "And why? I was born here, and as one of your Alphas, you should be more than happy to host me!"


    Chris left his throne, pping his hands. "That''s a good answer. I don''t know why you''re yelling."


    "Well then." A rxed smile graced my face. "See that I''m hosted well. See to it." Chris grinned. "I can almost see."


    My brows raised as I peered into his green eyes.


    They were clearing. The bastard would be able to see soon. That was fast. "Lucky," I muttered.

 They Hate You

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty - They Hate You.


    Chris''s POV


    So this was the point of view of a blind man? It sucked. I felt for energy around me and had to touch everything.


    I felt really d that the covering on my eyes was wearing off. It was weird that it was thanks to Your Silver.


    Her visit and the gift of the cure were strange.


    What was stranger was that it happened on the fourth anniversary of Sasha and me.


    On such anniversaries, I thought about how much of a bad decision Sasha was. This one was different because she was pregnant. But Your Silvering to me with kindness was hard to ignore.


    "Don''t even think about treating Sasha wrong because of your ex-mate! Sasha holds our child!" My wolf scolded.


    The fact that he waspletely over his former mate since Sasha became pregnant was funny.


    I put myself to sleep after much thinking and rolling about on the bed. Tomorrow would be a good day. I''d be able to see again.


    ~~


    The next day, as my eyes opened, I saw colors and figures.


    I had never felt so happy in a long time. Leaping from my bed, Inded on the ground with vigor.


    "Easy with the jumps before you fall on me," Sasha sighed, sitting up with a grumpy look.


    After she got pregnant, she spared no time in looking presentable. Maybe she couldn''t.


    "I can see," I said matter-of-factly.


    Her eyes erged for a bit before they dted again. "Good for you." She fell back on the bed.


    "All thanks to Your Silver," I added, wanting to see an effect.


    She rose back again with speed, then goggled at me with a scowl.


    "She came yesterday. I didn''t want to bother you to make a room for her, so I asked a maid..."


    "Why would I ever be the one to prepare a room for her? She isn''t an esteemed guest!" Sasha halted my speech.


    Calmly, I responded, "She is. She''s an Alpha under my pack and brought a cure that healed my eyes."


    She gawked at me, speechless.


    She left the bed, stepped slowly towards me, then waved her hands before my eyes. I blinked.


    "Did you think I''m lying?"


    "Well, you would just to make her look good," she sighed. "So she likes you enough to help you. Where''d she get it from?"


    "I never asked. And honestly, I don''t care. It worked, and I''m grateful. At least, she felt like one enemy off my list." I chuckled.


    My Luna shrugged,ying back on the bed, holding her stomach. "Did she ask for anything in return?"


    She didn''t yet, so I shook my head, going to clean up. "You can stay here and rest. I''ll host her and her Delta, who came."


    Sasha became rmed. "The Delta who attacked you?"


    "Chill, woman," I smiled. "They aren''t here for a fight. And this is my pack. They''d be stupid to."


    She looked down, then fell on her back. "I really would like to give that Rihanna a piece of my mind, but I''ll just sit here."


    Better for her. What''d she say that''d ever faze her? She was more sessful than she


    was.


    In minutes, I was done and left the room. No one was in the courtroom, and there were few reports.


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    I tried to mind-link my Beta or Delta, but they weren''t close.


    Cara was close, but I remembered the contention with Your Silver and decided to leave her out of it.


    Right now, I needed someone to be with me while I spoke with Your Silver.


    If Your Silver and I were seen alone, it''d look like I was trying to hit on her the very next day after my anniversary.


    "No one will see it that way. You are her Alpha King and can meet and talk with her. You are the one thinking twistedly," my wolf scoffed.


    Maybe, but I still needed someone to be with us.


    As I turned the corner into the garden, I noticed Cami, the Silver Pack Delta, plucking medicinal herbs.


    She wasn''t with her Alpha? Was Your Silver strolling the streets of ck Hills like a free girl?


    "Oh Ray, are you with your sister?" I hurried back to the courtroom where I sensed he


    was.


    "Yes, we are waiting at the courtroom now," he replied.


    I sighed in relief. It''d have been tragic for her to move around. Many people here didn''t like her.


    She wore a floral dress. That was the first time I had seen her in one since three years ago. Her hair was down, and she looked more feminine.


    But her face had a scornful expression. "I didn''t think I''d have to ask your permission to move around."


    I made myselffortable on my throne. "It''s not that. You are the Silver Wolf who tormented me. My pack hates you."


    Her eyes became heavy upon hearing that. Why?


    Did she think that because she became an Alpha, even by wrong means, her sins were forgiven?


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience¡ªall for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Mischievousness then appeared in her eyes. "Well, they never liked me. It won''t stop me from going around. They should stop me if they dare."


    With that, she spun around, strolling off. I bet the first person she expected to stop her was me. "Keep an eye on her, Ray."


    Her twin brother closed his eyes tightly before following her. If she could tire him, then she was indeed trouble.


    I watched them leave. I felt Cami''s energy leave the garden and follow her Alpha.


    When they were far gone, I looked down, embracing the silence.


    It didn''tst long as my father walked in.


    As he stomped toward me, my brain went over the many reasons he might be mad at


    me.


    Perhaps epting Your Silver to stay here on the day of my anniversary.


    Keeping an ex close when you had a wife was always frowned upon. "Hello, Father!"


    He waved the greeting away but not angrily. He held forward the bottle the cure hade in.


    "Yes, as you can see, I have my sight now. Your Silver brought a cure for me," I exined.


    He nodded. "This looks familiar. I told Ray to ask ck Rose for the cure their former


    Alpha used."


    "This exact drug was used by Jaden''s mother to heal. And now that I see it, I


    remember what caused it on her," my father continued.


    "What? What was she fighting?" I got curious.


    "I believe a Lycan. She had a personal vendetta with him and didn''t want anyone


    Lycan? Hair grew on my skin. "Was it Logan?"


    No one told me fighting Lycans didn''t start now.

 Marriage

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-One - Marriage.


    Chris''s POV


    My father didn''t confirm. He wasn''t quite sure.


    But the chances of Logan being the Lycan the ck Rose Alpha once fought were real.


    She had always taken wars on her own, and that''s why she never seeded, like how Your Silver had been. But she knew better now.


    If the ck Rose Alpha had been more open, maybe Logan would never have existed. What did he want then? What did he want now?


    No one was yet aware. He hated me, feared the Silver Wolf, and raided all packs. But why?


    It was more than just the derangement of seeing us unhappy. There was another satisfaction he needed.


    My father cleared his throat, alerting me to his presence. "I didn''t speak of the Lycan to make you worry. Just to alert you."


    "I am worrying already. If this Lycan was Logan, then Logan has a big issue with us. But why is he not facing ck Rose?"


    If he had a problem with their former Alpha, why wasn''t he challenging them much? He had barely raided there. Not that I wanted him to.


    "I doubt Jaden was aware of his mother fighting a Lycan before."


    My father shook his head. "You were a baby then. Jaden must have been a little boy."


    I frowned. Why had I been a baby while Logan was a little boy? "How old is Jaden?"


    My father faced me. "Why does that matter? I''m not sure, but I knew he was a boy as I had visited."


    "He''s twenty-four! A year older than you, while Jake is a year younger than you. I did some research once." It was Vanessa walking in.


    My father sighed in sync. She paused. "What? My presence is not needed?"


    "You should be with your mate, Vanessa. I don''t know why you remain here," I confessed.


    She clenched her fists. "I''m useless because I''m not with my mate? And Rih? She isn''t with hers."


    My father jumped in. "Do you know if she has one? You do. Go start a family or friendship at least. It''s like you forgot him."


    My sister folded her arms, looking down. Her head shot up again. "Fine, I''ll go see him. Whatever embarrassment I suffer, it''s on you two."


    She came forward with a scroll and dropped it on me, then sat on a staircase by my side. "It came from Blue Bloom."


    I hurriedly opened it. Had they been attacked again? My eyes scanned the letter in a hurry.


    "The Alpha of Blue Bloom is inviting me to his marriage? That''s... fast,¡± I said.


    My father grabbed the letter from me and read through. "He finally found his mate?"


    I nodded. It seemed so. He was eighteen a year ago and elected Alpha but without a mate.


    Was his mate only showing up after his sister''s death? Was this a reward for losing his sister?


    The Moon Goddess was quite shitty.


    "I should go and share in the good thing happening to him," I said again.


    My father dropped the letter on me, getting up from the Luna seat he was on. "Yes,


    and let''s hope Logan doesn''t destroy it."


    My breathing hitched at that. We still didn''t know where Logan was.


    What if he barged into this asion?


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    My father strolled off after that. "Wishing the best. And Vanessa, really go see your mate. Maybe your marriage will be next."


    My sister rolled her eyes, getting up from where she sat. "Since I''m useless here, I better go get married, right?" Then she walked off.


    She was a funny character. Like she couldn''t still be useful while married.


    I reread the letter on my thighs again. It seemed the Alpha found his mate after Logan''s attack.


    Perhaps his mate was a girl from Blue Fire who visited Blue Bloom to help them rebuild after Logan''s attack. It''d be a sweet love story.


    I dropped the letter, and it fell to the ground. I might never experience the spark of being with a mate.


    Before depressed feelings could becloud me, I rushed out of the courtroom. I had heard sounds from outside earlier.


    "Who''s there?" I asked, seeing no one.


    Someone hissed painfully, and the smell of blood hit my nose. I ran to the back and


    saw Your Silver looking down at her injured leg.


    She snapped her head up when she noticed me. "What?"


    "What?" I asked back. "How did you get injured?"


    She kept her hands on her hips. "I don''t believe it''s your business, is it?"


    Wearing a flowing gown with her hair down, she didn''t look as intimidating as she used to.


    I jumped down, shaking my head. "It isn''t, but I want to know. You''re in my pack, after


    all."


    She looked down at her leg, and I noticed a small pout on her lips. "I''m not telling."


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Don''t tell me you were thrown stones while strolling around the pack," I chuckled. "Then you''d have heard that you lost a pack member," she smirked.


    My smile fell. Why would she dare?


    "If you want to know, I climbed a hill I used to be at when I was younger. I forgot how


    high it was and fell," she pointed ahead.


    I followed her eyeline. It was above the pce and beside the ballroom.


    She usually stood there, behind the tree. It was a usual spot whenever there was an asion.


    I also remembered meeting her there on Vanessa''s birthday. I canceled those thoughts.


    "You didn''t forget how high it was; it just grew higher over time. It''s been three years."


    She looked relieved knowing that and shrugged. "Yeah, maybe."


    "Do you need medication for-?"


    "It will heal," she asserted. "Don''t try helping me. We are not friends." She slid down


    and stayed on the ground.


    I exhaled loudly. "Very well. But know that you''ll be following me to Blue Bloom tomorrow."


    "Why?"


    "I was invited to the Alpha''s marriage. He finally found his mate," I pronounced.


    She raised a brow. "And you want me toe with you? Don''t you have a wife? Why


    me?"


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 Rude Old Man

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Two - Rude Old Man.


    Jaden''s POV


    It seemed my mother''s journal was written when she was sleepy, or the farm had been cleared.


    Ralph sighed tiredly, pacing around. "The address led us to a building. It was supposed to be a farm!" he grunted.


    I shared his frustration, but I couldn''t help but think he somehow med me for it. Perhaps because I wanted to be the one to direct us.


    I shoved the journal in his face. "If you see any other direction in the book, do tell me."


    He took the journal with a small smile and felt around it. "This book is almost fifty years old."


    Was that what he should be checking?


    I cleared my throat, and he opened the pages, squinting his eyes to see the tiny letters. "The farm should be right here, though."


    I snatched the book from him. "Exactly! And since it isn''t, there are chances it was cleared by the owner of that house."


    He looked up at the building, and his eyes erged. "Yes, yes, they may have cleared the farm to build a house."


    My shoulders fell. It took him that long to figure it out? Sometimes he was more theory and no practical. "Let''s go say hi."


    He held me back from moving. "Why should we say hi? We should ask about the cure! It''s the second day already, and Chris is still blind..."


    "I mean we should go talk to them. ''Say hi'' was figurative, Ralph!" I screamed in his face.


    He let go of me. "Oh."


    I couldn''t help but think he acted oblivious just to piss me off.


    "Let''s go say hi, then." He trotted towards the house. I sighed, then followed.


    We knocked on the door. I looked around and found the house quite deserted, as


    there were no other houses for miles.


    "Who the hell now!" a gruff voice screamed.


    Ralph frowned at the impoliteness. "Well, why don''t youe check and learn some manners while at it!"


    That''d take a while. I smiled at my own joke.


    The door finally opened, and a middle-aged man peeked out. He adjusted the sses on his nose and sighed. "What bills haven''t I paid?"


    "We aren''t here to reprimand you for any bill. We are here to ask about the farm here. Where is it?" Ralph asked.


    I blocked him, pushing him back. What did he mean by ''where is it''? It was obviously cleared out.


    "What my friend meant is the farm, before the house, the nts grown. Is there a way we can get it?" I grinned.


    "Well, my rtives took the seeds of the nt and went downtown. They sell the extract at Boots and Rivers market now." He shrugged.


    Ralph looked down, realizing we were closer to the cure than we thought, but had to travel for it.


    "Why do you ask?" the man asked.


    "A friend of mine got blind in a fight, so we were asked to look for a solution," I replied. "Thank..."


    "Was he fighting a Lycan? Do those beasts still exist? Hmmm. Joanna wasn''t worth the hype after all."


    I zoned out for a while. The fact he interrupted me, with his annoying gruff voice, was infuriating as it was.


    Then he was calling my mother by his first name and insinuating she was underrated! My mother, in her journal, had referred to him as a friend. She''d be so disappointed to hear how he valued her in front of strangers.


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    "Joanna? Like my Alpha Joanna?" Ralph frowned. He turned to me. "Did you hear him?"


    I did, but it was best to let it go. We got our answer.


    "Your Alpha?¡± the man chuckled. "That olddy was still an Alpha. What about her sons? She can''t trust men to lead her pack? Pity."


    My fists clenched by my sides. I turned and stomped out. Ralph stayed back, ring at him.


    "You''re a pathetic old man, abandoned by his kin, but still badmouths a sessful woman."


    That was deep.


    "Ralph!" I hollered. "Don''t do that, let''s go!"


    The old man went back, holding onto the door. "Ralph? You are Ralph under Alpha Joanna? Isn''t that her Beta in training?"


    I pulled Ralph with me, but the man pulled him back. "I need to talk with him. I have a message he needs to deliver to Joanna''s son."


    "Actually, I am very sure he doesn''t care about your message," I responded.


    "He should. It''s about the whereabouts of his father and the Lycan his mother fought."


    What rted my father to the Lycan? Did my mother hibernate my father because of the Lycan?


    "The Lycan that made her blind?" I asked.


    "Yes, Logan Paul! An Alpha Lycan King. Your mother killed all his sons! You really need to talk to her son. That Lycan wille back!"


    Logan Paul? My hands on Ralph loosened, and the old man, still pulling Ralph, fell with him.


    As I spected, the Lycan was actually Logan. And my mother killed his sons? News around said he killed his family.


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    This old man might have been my mother''s friend back in the day, but his memory might be worse than his manners now.


    I groaned, dragging Ralph off the old man. "We will be leaving now. Thank you, sir. Goodbye."


    Was Logan back for revenge? He didn''t have a motive for his attack all the while. Could it really be revenge?


    "If it was, then he should be raiding our pack, but so far, he only hits the weaker packs harder. Like a coward troublemaker," my wolf noted.


    I had to agree. If Logan had a bone to pick with my mother, he shoulde to her


    pack.


    And my mother wouldn''t kill innocent sons because their father was a bastard, unless they deserved it. But I still doubted she did.


    It wasn''t in her journal.


    "And now I remember, I haven''t started my own journal," I smiled.


    It was a tradition within ck Rose Alphas to know the adventures of the past Alphas.


    Ralph dusted his clothes and hair. "I haven''t met a crazier, ill-mannered, and lonelier man in my whole life."


    I admitted with a nod.


    "What do you think? Logan was here for revenge?" my Beta asked me.


    "I don''t think so. He barely attacks us."


    "So he''s delusional, depressed, and seeking attention?" Ralph enumerated.


    "More like seeking death, but yeah," I tsked.


    Ralph sighed, taking the journal and flipping through it. "I still think your mother


    should return, at least to finish this fight with Logan."


    "She doesn''t need to." She had her son to do it. And this was basically Rihanna''s destiny now.


    When I thought of it, Rihanna acted a lot like my mom. I smiled. Those two deserved the world.

 Shes Happy

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Three - She''s happy.


    Jaden''s POV


    We spent three hours on the boat getting back. I would never retake that journey.


    Ralph was on my shoulders as we came down. He became seasick by the second trip. "Come on, we still need to buy the cure at Boots and Rivers market," I told him. He staggered and rested on a tree. "Go! I''deter!" he yelled angrily.


    I broke intoughter as I walked away from him, heading towards the market. Having no idea what the cure looked like, I asked the older women around. To show appreciation, I bought whatever they sold; it was mainly food items. Many didn''t know it, except a youngdy. She sold charms, so knew the cure shop. "You mean you have a charm that causes blindness?" my brows raised.


    She sneered. "Yeah?"


    Was that healthy? But then the market was home to anyone, no matter what they sold. "Have you gotten a customer that resembles, let''s say, a Lycan?" I whispered. She rolled her eyes. "How''d I know?"


    With her energy, which wasfortably at Omega level, if she wasn''t trained, she''d not be able to see energy.


    "Well, because of your charms, I need a cure for a friend of mine." I frowned at her.


    She didn''t look guilty. "You aren''t the only one. Even Rihanna of Silver Pack buys cure. I give that family a sale, so they love me."


    It was true that selling charms would give the family who sold the cure more sales. It''s like a business circle.


    "Wait, Rihanna of Silver Pack? Their Alpha? She bought a cure from this market?" I enquired.


    "Yes, she caused a scene by kidnapping a man, hiding behind masks. Maybe he''s a ver. She hates ve masters." Thedy sighed.


    Rihanna did nothing with ve masters now. "Could you give more info on the build of the man? Where''s he from? Red Moon?"


    That was the closest pack here.


    "I don''t know." Thedy sounded irritated. "I haven''t seen him around, and I''m sure he''s not from Red Moon. I''m from Red Moon."


    She''s from Red Moon and did charms? Was she rted to the witches there?


    I shifted from her stall. "Sorry to bother you then. Thank you."


    I ran back to pick Ralph from the tree he was almost sleeping on. Why had Rihanna bought a cure? Did she get blind too?


    "Come on, Ralph!" I struggled to get him up. "There''s something I need to check."


    He stood upright, then turned to the boats. "I''d never use a boat again. I''d rather teach the horses to swim."


    I nodded at his words. "Or swim yourself. Let''s go!" I pulled him with me.


    A smalldy was at a stall where the cure was supposed to be sold. "Hello."


    Her eyes lit up, she ran to me. "Hello, handsome sir. What can I do for you?" she giggled.


    Ralph looked up, ncing at me then her, to be sure who she was referring to as handsome.


    "Um... thank you," I hesitated. "Tell me, did a strange-looking man, in masks, get taken away by Rihanna of Silver Pack?"


    The girl blinked before smiling. "You seem to know already with all those details."


    I smiled back. "Not really, someone told me."


    "What''s this about Rihanna? Isn''t it the cure we came for?" Ralph asked in our mind link.


    "It''s rted. It''s said she bought the cure, and I wondered why," I replied him, still in our mind link.


    The girl picked a bottle and raised it up. "This was what she bought when she came back. It cancels a charm for blindness."


    I took it, inspecting it. It looked like something that could be poisoned, but I didn''t think it was.


    "And I heard that the strange man bought painkillers when she left with him into the forest, no one knows why," the girl added.


    "Painkillers? That''d be Logan. He was seriously injured by Chrisst time," Ralph reminded me.


    "And afterwards Rihanna bought a cure for blindness? Did he make her blind too?" I asked myself. "If she was, she wouldn''te to buy."


    I faked a smile at the littledy and bought the cure. "Thank you. You should be careful with your customers, many bad people are around."


    She bowed. "Thank you, kind sir. I will."


    If she was really a rtive to that old man, then she had a different gene, because she reflected nothing like him.


    Ralph and I bowed as we walked away.


    "I assumed you''d speed off to check on your mate?" he asked me.


    I faced him. "I want to, but I don''t know if you''re feeling better already."


    He gestured for me to leave. "I''m good...."


    I didn''t await his other words before speeding off. If Logan really got my mate and Chris blind, he''d be really sorry.


    "Beatrice." I slowed down, feeling her energy nearby. She must be on her way to the market.


    We met at an intersection the trees made.


    She looked surprised seeing me. "You... you left with your Beta..."


    "Yeah, we are back. How''s Rihanna?" I asked immediately.


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    She raised a brow, folding her arms. "How should she be?"


    I shook my head, rephrasing my words. "I mean, at the market, they''re rumors she met Logan, how''s she?"


    "She did? I didn''t know." Beatrice''s arms fell.


    How could she not know? "They also said she bought a cure for blindness. Was she blind?"


    ¡°Oh, no. She bought it for Alpha King Chris, not herself. She traveled to ck Hills to deliver it." She breathed out in relief.


    I tilted my head. Rihanna bought a cure for Chris and went through the trouble to deliver it?


    "Oh." I looked down.


    "Is she back? When''d she be back?" I hadn''t apologized for misbehaving during the


    duel.


    It haunted me all through the boat ride; perhaps that''s why my body didn''t suffer seasickness.


    "Well, yesterday, she wrote back that she arrived safely, will stay for three days, and won a reward from Chris," Beatrice shrugged.


    My shoulders slumped. She sounded happy to be there. "Wow. Three days?"


    Three days was a vacation. And she won a reward from Chris? Good for her.


    "Yeah, I mean, for someone I forced to visit, she seemed to like it there. ck Hills was her home anyway," Beatrice added.


    "And at ck Rose, the warriors weed her with harpoons always," my wolf continued.


    "It was idental. Is that why you are always harsh to my warriors during training?" I asked him. He said nothing, so I believed it was.


    "Thanks for filling me in. I assumed Logan had caused damage when I was away," I muttered.


    "No, we''re cool." Beatrice waved, strolling off.


    I watched her leave. My Beta was getting closer to me. If Rihanna sent Chris the cure,


    then our journey was useless.


    I wondered how Ralph would react to that.

 Argued

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Four - Argued.


    Rihanna''s POV


    My leg was healed now. I stared at the hill which was my daily spot before. All the memories I had gotten there reyed in my head.


    I smiled at them all.


    Someone was grunting, climbing up the hill.


    I gazed down and saw Ray. He still hadn''t gotten the stamina to climb up here without struggle.


    "Are you still tailing me? I''m not outside ck Hills at the moment. Go run an errand for your Alpha," I taunted.


    He finally reached the top of the hill and fell on his back, panting. "How do you do this? Climbing isn''t my thing at all."


    "I was always built different," I drawled, climbing the tree and tilting my head.


    He got up from the ground and frowned. "I''m not here for a climbing contest. I''m here to..."


    "Talk," I interrupted. "It''s always some lousy talk you want. What''s it about now? Chris? Cara?"


    The frown on him deepened when I mentioned Cara. I didn''t even want to venture into


    it.


    So it wouldn''t lead to talks about my own mate.


    "Just talk, like two siblings, you know."


    "Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes. He couldn''t even trust his own siblingst time?


    "We have differences, disagreements. We are from different packs, ranks, and support and hate different people," he started.


    It sounded boring, like the long sermon our father usually gave after he scolded us.


    "But we are still blood rted. You shouldn''t transfer your ill feelings towards me. Or my mate."


    So it finally boiled down to Cara? "Hold it there! You have no right to call my t¨¦elings ''ill''. What happened to ''we have our differences''?"


    "What I mean is..."


    "I really don''t care about Cara. You saw me try to reach out, but she pped my arm!" I yelled.


    "Not literally, but yeah, she wasn''t epting," Raymond nodded. "But you terming her an enemy because of that..."


    "She isn''t my friend either, Ray! I can''t believe we''re doing this! I don''t care about her. She''s the most precious in your life, I dly step down."


    I attempted to jump down the tree I was on, but my brother stepped forward.


    He paused, then smirked. "Step down? Cara as my mate didn''t make you less of my sister."


    "Yeah, not epting her did. And you shouldn''t care, I haven''t forgiven our parents either. I have issues. The ill feelings," I scoffed, jumping down.


    He blocked me. "Really?"


    "Really!" I shoved him. "I don''t make a good sister-inw anyway. I''d be worse to the bitch."


    I searched for my Delta in my mind link. It was lunch already, and I promised her we''d eat homemade food, so we better go rally for it.


    Walking into the courtroom, I noticed it was empty, not like I expected Cami inside. I turned to leave, but the inner door opened.


    I froze, backing who''de out. I knew that door was connected to the Alpha''s bedroom.


    "What did you want?"


    My shoulders slumped. I had really not put chatting with her on my list when visiting.


    "You''ve grown bigger," I said, in respect to her stomach gettingrger from when Ist saw her.


    "Yes, I''m pregnant," Sasha rolled her eyes. "You didn''t answer me though..."


    "I am not obligated to answer you. But if you''d help, my Delta and I need some


    homemade food. Your stomach would let you cook, right?"


    She wore a scowl on her face. "You expect me to cook for you?"


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    "I don''t think you would though, in your condition," I faked a concerned expression.


    Her expression changed to annoyance. "Condition? I''m not sick, I''m just pregnant!"


    "Oh, so you can cook for us then?" I raised my brows.


    She looked for words to say before sighing, then nodding at whatever thoughts she was having. "You are trying to rile me up, right?"


    "Am I? I just need homemade food. Since you are this way, I''d ask the kitchen directly,"


    I made a small bow, then walked out.


    Lanaughed viciously that we ''riled'' her up.


    "Rihanna!" she called back.


    I halted my steps. "Yes, Sasha?"


    "It''s Luna to you," she smirked.


    I faced her, her hands were on her hips. "Yes, Luna? What?"


    Her smile fell off.


    Did she think I couldn''t call her Luna? Did she think I was still affected by that title?


    I had gotten more respectful and feared names. Your Silver. Alpha. Silver Wolf from prophecy.


    Who cared about Luna for ck Hills? Only her.


    "Aren''t you the Luna? Or you don''t think you deserve it? I agree, but hold onto it, because no one I know wants it."


    She stepped closer to me. "You finally got bold enough to speak like this. You improved."


    "And you declined. You lost the chance to be a good warrior to be a Luna, a monumental toy," I shook my head.


    "Who said that? I made decisions in the pack," she challenged.


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    "I haven''t heard of any decision you made. And I strolled about today, no one talks about you."


    She looked down, my words getting to her.


    "They may talk about how ridiculously funny you are in your new shape, if you came out more," I added.


    "You''d get this shape someday!" she retorted.


    Was that her best?


    I wasn''t great with kids, but it''d be a waste of beauty and courage if I don''t reproduce.


    "And I''d be gracefully with it, and not slouch!"


    She straightened her back, eyeing me up and down. "Enjoy your Alpha position, someday you''d find yourself back to square one."


    My hands raised to hit her, but then I felt energying towards me. I brought my hand down.


    She had taken steps back, while using her head to block my hit. She wasn''t worth it.


    "I''d leave you to keep declining. The only one I wish well in your life, it''s your child," I turned to meet Chris'' gaze. "Only your child."


    He exhaled, ncing at Sasha to be sure she was okay. "I knew you two meeting would turn to a fight."


    "We didn''t. I don''t have such time to waste," I replied, with a fake smile. "Where''s Cami?"


    "At the garden again," Chris responded, going to his wife. "And lunch will be delivered to your rooms."


    Sasha frowned hearing him.


    "Finally. You''re being a good host," I bowed slightly at Chris before moving out.


    If Sasha felt like arguing, she should do it with her husband.

 Rogue Attack

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Five - Rogue Attack.


    Rihanna''s POV


    This was all on Sasha.


    After my talk with her, I left for the garden and found Cami busy, then strolled into the forest.


    Now, I was fighting off rogues who''d been tailing ck Hills. It shouldn''t have been my business, but now it was because I strayed too far.


    They were attacking because they heard Chris was blind; news got to them slowly.


    I jumped high andnded on one, digging my ws into his head. More wereing; I could feel them.


    If I ran back towards the border, I''d only end up killing Chris''s border warriors. These rogues were on warrior ranks as well.


    But if I didn''t go back, I''d tire myself out. Jaden''s wolf effect hadn''tpletely worn off.


    The rogues ran forward with their ws shot out to strike, then stayed in a formation, waiting for my attack.


    I wished we all could just stand there, each waiting for the other''s first attack, while I regained strength.


    It immediately came to my mind to interact with them to waste time. "I wonder why you fight me; I''m sure I''m not your enemy."


    The rogues looked at each other. I couldn''t tell their facial expressions as they had masks on.


    One, perhaps the leader,ughed heartily as he walked out of the formation. "You?" he pointed his ws at me. "You''re Your Silver."


    Ah, news spread about me, eh?


    "Yeah, once a rogue like you," I smiled.


    "No, you weren''t a rogue. You were a terror. You didn''t make friends with other rogues and tried to lord over us. And you killed Mi Vida!" he yelled.


    The rest growled angrily on hearing Mi Vida. I growled as well. I hated that girl. Were these the other rogues from her group? Good.


    I found strength and flexed my ws, indicating that the chat was over.


    It seemed ck Hills wasn''t the target for now.


    The leader lunged at me, but my barrier pushed him back.


    I tore the face of the next rogue that followed behind him and threw him at the others, breaking their formation.


    Three came at me, swiping their ws at my face and throwing kicks. I dodged the ones I could and sent some hits.


    They were at least fourteen of them, all attacking me, and only retreated once to take a breath, then a next batch would busy me.


    I couldn''t take a breath. I released my barrier to give me time, but they didn''t have much effect on them like it did on higher-ranked wolves.


    My ws dug into one of their necks, and the rest stopped, retreating. Was he important to them?


    I didn''t hurry to kill him and pulled him to me.


    "You all''s favorite? Well, go back, or I''ll take his life!" I yelled.


    They went back, and the leader came forward, worry in his eyes. "Bring him back safely, and we''d leave you alone."


    Yeah, I wasn''t foolish.


    My ws dug deeper into his neck, and he screamed. The rogues went further back.


    "You want to wipe out Mi Vida''s bloodline, don''t you!" the leader yelled at me.


    Mi Vida''s bloodline? Was the rogue I captured her brother? I stared into his fearful eyes.


    He did look like Mi Vida''s preteen brother. How did he grow this big?


    "Why bring him out for raids? Are you stupid?" I asked, sighing, then threw the boy against a tree.


    He fell, passing out immediately. I didn''t have the heart to kill the boy, yet.


    I had gotten some time to recharge, and when the rogues attacked again, I made sure to make clear cuts on them.


    Then I received a sh on my back; my breathing hitched for a moment.


    I immediately broke through the sudden pain and grabbed the nearest rogue, not the one who shed me.


    My ws went to the rogue''s eyes, popping them like balls, and throwing his disabled self back at his group members.


    I staggered, falling back against a tree. Warm blood streamed down my back. It was frightening.


    "Don''t kill her, Logan said he''d want her!" the leader screamed at a rogue who inched towards me.


    Logan wanted me?


    Why didn''t I realize that this was all Logan after all! He had always worked with Mi Vida''s group.


    Was this a distraction of some sort?


    Jaden was away, and I was here; was he trying to distract ck Hills so he''d get away with an attack?


    My legs felt weak. I pushed away the burdening thoughts and stooped, to change into my wolf. "You better kill me, I''m not going to Logan."


    The rogues reformed the formation.


    My wolf was about to push forward when an intimidating growl paused her. She rejoiced.


    "Who''s that?" I asked, but then one of the rogues was tossed into the sky.


    A wolf, as ck as night, flew into the sky with the rogue andnded on him, squashing him.


    The blood from the broken head spread on my face. The rogues faced the wolf. "Why didn''t I notice that Jaden''s wolf is this dark?" I muttered, falling to the ground. The open sh wound behind me was making it hard for me to restfortably against a tree. The rogues began retreating.


    Jaden''s didn''t let them. Another blood, from a broken head, sshed on my face.


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    I dragged Mi Vida''s unconscious brother from Jaden''s way. He would be my hostage. Three of the rogues escaped.


    The one who''d shed me got his eyes popped from his head, under the paw of Jaden''s wolf.


    I held onto Mi Vida''s brother to alert Jaden''s wolf that I didn''t want him killed.


    Jaden''s wolf, after killing, sat on its hind legs, staring at me like a guilty dog.


    "Oh yes, you hurt me in thest duel," I said usatorily. "Up till now, my sides still hurt."


    Should I have added that part? Did it insinuate I was weak? I heard his wolf whimper.


    I cleared my throat. "Well, I understand if you have anger issues. Just, you know, remember I''m your mate."


    He nodded. Was I talking to Jaden or his wolf?


    "But you saved me now, so I''m d," I added.


    My feet found strength, and I left the ground. This journey to ck Hills would have to


    I had reminisced on my old memories, but I had also argued with Edwin, Raymond,


    and Sasha. It wasn''t part of my n.


    Vanessa had been respectfully avoiding me; I appreciated it.


    Now, I''d leave. ck Hills was no longer my home; Silver Pack was.


    I kept Mi Vida''s brother on Jaden''s wolf. "Return him to my pack, please. I''de with


    Cami."


    He hesitated before turning to leave. I made sure he was gone before I backed him.


    My back was shed; I did


    n''t want him worrying when he''d see it. It''s weird I''m being conscious.

 My Reward

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Six - My reward.


    Rihanna''s POV


    There wasmotion inside the courtroom. I was being escorted by ck Hills warriors.


    One of them had given me his jacket to cover my scarred back, as I came to report to Chris.


    I flung the door open and gazed at Vanessa, Sasha, and Chris. Had they been arguing?


    I bet it was Sasha that dragged Vanessa into it. Like always. "I''m sorry to intrude." I wasn''t.


    Chris''s eyes went around my body, taking note of the bruises. He left his throne. "You were attacked outside the border?"


    He had also noticed the warrior that returned with me was a border warrior.


    I nodded. "It was some rogues sent by Logan to raid ck Hills."


    As I pronounced those words, Vanessa''s eyes became bloodshot. "How dare those wolves?"


    "They heard the ck Hills Alpha got blind, so became confident. They were... a lot." I nodded at my words.


    I winced when I made a step; I stayed in ce. "So I''m here to say I''m returning. I have to be at my pack in case he decides to attack..."


    "You are injured and can barely walk! How''d you leave or defend any pack!" Chris barked.


    Sasha nced at him with pursed lips; she dragged her eyes to me. "You should stay and heal first before..."


    "I''m leaving. I''m with my Delta." I''d already mind linked Cami to meet me at the courtroom. "But thanks for the concern and hosting."


    Vanessa marched to me; she attempted to take the jacket off, but I held her arm. "Don''t. I''d be on my way now." My eyes shone bright red.


    She ran back, feeling threatened. But I did that, trying to get power from my Alpha went farter, macre sitps:


    I turned around, smiling at the warrior. "I''d be taking this jacket."


    He bowed. "It will be an honor. Thank you."


    "And I guess I owe you a second reward," Chris said, pausing me from taking a step.


    A smile graced my face on realizing what I wanted my first reward to be. "Yeah, and for my first one, singlehandedly kill all the rogues."


    I turned to him. "They are the Mi Vida sect. If you ask around, you''d know where they base."


    Chris lowered his eyebrows, with a cocked head.


    His sister and Luna frowned at me, then snapped their heads at him, hoping he''d reject it.


    "I did say I''d do anything as long as it won''t kill me," he reminded, looking me over.


    I smirked. "Fighting some rogues won''t kill you. And if you strategize, you''d kill them faster."


    "You''re crazy! You want him to suffer like you!" Vanessa screamed.


    "It''d be good training for him. And didn''t the rogues try to attack your pack? He would have still killed them!" I shouted back.


    Sasha wanted to butt in, but Chris held her back. "Fine," he agreed. "It''s training, and they tried attacking my pack and hurt my Alpha. I ept."


    Sasha''s hands clenched beside her; she looked up at me in a disdainful manner.


    Cami showed up at the door; she bowed to all avable. "I''ve prepared the horses for leaving. And I packed our lunch."


    I chuckled. "You got your priorities right, girl." I made a small bow to the royalties in the building before leaving.


    The warrior, who gave me his jacket, helped me to my horse. He was quite the gentleman.


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    And I hadn''t noticed him at the border when we came in. "Thank you, what''s your name?"


    "Fredrick," he smiled. "My father was a former lead warrior; I visited your home as a kid."


    He recited those words like he had been waiting for me to ask him all the while.


    I got it; he was Cara''s younger brother.


    Maintaining my smile, I nodded. "Thank you, Frederick. And good bye." I started riding.


    My smile fell as I passed the border, but I didn''t hold a grudge against the young man.


    At least, he made a good first impression.


    "I''m sorry I wasn''t with you," Cami muttered.


    "No, I''m d you weren''t. We would have died together. Or you alone, then I''d be


    sent to Logan." I shivered at those words.


    "I didn''t think rogues were that powerful."


    "They were more than a dozen. And most were already in warrior ranks. That''s a


    battle-ready rank, so they were hard to defeat," I exined.


    She sighed, looking at the skies. "I should take Dara more seriously then."


    Iughed. "Hell, you should."


    Three times I nearly fell off my horse while riding back to my pack. My injuries weren''t healing fast, and I was still bleeding.


    I heard sounds, then someone pulled me down the horse, into two strong arms. My body was weak, and I was barely conscious.


    "I''d go get medications," I heard Cami say, then she jumped down her horse. Were we at Silver Pack already? It sounded like it. My face was caressed. I wanted to push whoever it was away.


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    "Did those warriors do this?" it was Jaden. I rxed; he was looking at my shed back.


    "Don''t worry, you killed the perpetrator. He was yourst kill," I mumbled.


    He covered my back and rested me on his chest.


    Was that allowed? In my pack? Anyone could see us? But I didn''t have the strength to stop it.


    "Were you happy at ck Hills? Did you feel weed?" he whispered in my ears.


    It was quite ticklish, but I shoved the thoughts and nodded. "It was good. I got Chris


    to..." a painful shiver ran through my spine.


    He patted my head, then adjusted me on his chest. "Sorry."


    I continued. "I got Chris to go challenge the rogues that you saw. The group is called


    Mi Vida. Named after the leader''s daughter actually."


    Her father was really obsessed with her.


    There was no reply from Jaden. What I said didn''t really need a reply.


    "I''d have done that for you. Why ask Chris?" he finally replied.


    Did he misunderstand me, or was I the one?


    "He owed me a reward. And I wanted him to get hurt a bit. Also, they were after his


    pack, I just happened to meet them first," I exined.


    He held onto my hands, ying with my fingers. "You''d have thought of something meaner. Chris is an Alpha King and will y with the rogues."


    "You overestimate him too much," I tsked. "And if you give me meaner suggestions, I''d use it."


    He chuckled. "No, I don''t hate Chris. I just don''t like the idea of him avenging you. I''d do it, okay?"


    Was I supposed to agree? I could protect and avenge myself, but I replied, "Um...


    Sure."

 Dont Hate Her

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Seven - Don''t hate her.


    Chris''s POV


    After Your Silver left, I left the courtroom through the other door and sped to ck Hills market.


    It was just my attempt to avoid a repeat of an argument with Sasha and Vanessa.


    They were back to their old habit of coaxing me into making decisions that''d favor and punish whom they''d like.


    It was usually the maids, and I thought Vanessa had outgrown that and be more mature.


    Her best friend''s return brought everything back.


    I took off my royal garments and turned them inside out.


    It was a darker shade of brown inside, so I wore it on top, to assume a less


    recognizable appearance.


    Not many wolves in ck Hills knew what I looked like. I could easily walk around and get some well-deserved peace.


    "Till someone recognizes and throws stones at you," Zeke scoffed.


    What had I done to him? Or to the wolves who''d throw stones at me? "If you have nothing good to say, be silent."


    "I will be, when you think properly on your own. Instead of looking for peace, try going after the rogues you so foolishly epted to kill."


    "Did you expect me to back out from Your Silver''s offer? She fairly won that reward, aren''t you d she brought the cure?" I asked at once.


    "Did your brain ever work out why she''s trying to gain your favor?" He enquired with a mocking tone.


    "It didn''t look that way to me," I replied. "Rather, it seemed she''s trying to look past her hate for me and work for a greater good."


    I added, in case he wasn''t catching up. "Logan''s death is that greatest good."


    "Your death would be good to her as well. She led you to kill rogues which were sent by Logan, she wants you to die," he kept on ranting.


    It was funny how Your Silver''s actions worried him now. He must have gotten deep into Sasha.


    As for the rogues being sent by Logan, that was a way of killing them and weakening us. It was his game.


    "I''d have still gone after the rogues, as she said, they wereing for my pack," I said out loud.


    "Stop assuming. She''s no longer your mate, but don''t hate her for the hate she shows us. She deserved to hate us." I closed the connection.


    I breathed in and out, basking in my peace before my mind link got tugged on. Had I been discovered in the market?


    But it was from a warrior. "Alpha, we sighted the rogues that attacked Alpha Your Silver trying to get back their dead. Should we let them?"


    I hurried towards the border. "Don''t interrupt them, I''d take it from there."


    This was easy, I''d just need to follow them to their base and finish them off.


    "Prepare grenades I''d use. And a poisoned gas as well, keep a mask handy," I listed.


    I made small strides around the pack, watching the pups y and the women gossip about things. It''s always their habit.


    "Alpha, they are ready," the warrior replied. "But the rogues are barely done."


    I sped to the border and waited for each of the rogues to carry at least one body on them.


    Were they taking it one at a time? If they lived far, that''d take very long. Unless they stayed close to us.


    The items were handed to me in a soft cloth bag, and I wore it across my shoulders. "Fredrick!" I mind linked the closest warrior. "I''d be leaving to fulfill Your Silver''s reward. Keep Ray informed, only after I''m gone."


    My Beta sometimes had an obsessive tendency whenever I''m heading into danger alone.


    "I''m d you are aware that you''re heading into danger," my wolf started again.


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    I fueled his anger. "Yes, I am."


    "Then why go ahead with it? She just wants us dead! Don''t be stupid!"


    "It''s stupid, but I''d do it," I smirked, following the rogues.


    While I was blind, I didn''t train my warriors. Killing these rogues, who meant my pack harm, would be good training indeed.


    I crawled towards a rogue that strayed far from the rest and covered his mouth. My ws shot out, and I ced them on his neck.


    His partners kept walking, not noticing his absence. We were beside a hill, so I threw down the dead body he had on his back.


    My ws were still on his neck when I asked. "Where''s your hideout?"


    It would be faster killing them then rushing to their hideout instead of waiting for them to arrive there.


    "Let me live, please," he mumbled.


    "Sure, sure," I lied. "Just tell me where the rest of you are. With the Lycan?" I hoped


    not.


    "At the cave by the seaside, north of ck Hills," he hurriedly revealed.


    My eyes widened. The same ce I had gotten blind? That wasn''t good.


    "Thank you." I flipped him back and over the hills. Wrong move, as he screamed while falling, alerting the rest who turned.


    "Whatever!" I shrugged.


    I''d just kill them and clear the forest by dropping them at the bottom of the hill. I knew where their base was now.


    After being done with them, I took a golden relic from one of the corpses. It looked expensive and quite mythical.


    What were the origins of these rogues? They stayed by the sea, so were they travelers or prisoners from anothernd?


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    They siding with Logan might be ast resort. They had no one else on their side, so decided to fight with Logan?


    To gain what though? Logan''s fight was baseless, unless he had promised them some unknown riches. Worthless promises.


    I arrived at the cave. My first move was throwing a stone inside to trigger the arrow formation, which began shooting.


    I stood aside till it was done, then hurried in. My wolf felt for Logan''s energy, but he wasn''t close. "You are lucky," I smiled.


    Majority of the wolves I felt were recently warrior-ranked wolves. Not enough to cause such damage to Your Silver.


    Perhaps she was previously injured, or as she became Alpha recently, she hadn''t stabilized.


    "Well then, she''d be grateful that I epted to avenge her," I smirked.


    My wolf raked. "No! You epted a reward to kill yourself! You aren''t doing her a


    favor, or maybe you are, by killing yourself!"


    I didn''t have his time. I blocked the connection again and stomped to the middle of


    the cave.


    Around thirty wolves were at the middle, which was bigger than I remembered.


    An olderdy was in their midst, probably the leader. She, with hesitant steps, marched towards me.


    "Where''s my son? What did you do with my son?"


    Her son? I bet he was amongst the numerous corpses lying outside my border or down the hill.


    With one move, I dug my ws into her throat and pulled out her gullet. She fell down, lifeless. The rogues gasped, moving back.


    "I''m actually here to kill all of you, soe along, the faster the better," I gestured.


    One of them stepped forward, and I nodded.

 What He Seeks

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Eight - What he seeks.


    Chris''s POV


    Leave the best for thest, they say.


    Thest three rogues were hectic. Either about breaking Delta rank or heavily skilled warriors.


    I caught one''s leg and dragged my ws down to his ankle. He fell to the ground, then pulled himself away from me.


    The other two tackled, head-butted, and gut-punched, but I dodged it all.


    I kicked the other, and he fell on his partner. I was losing strength, but I braced myself for another fight.


    They were getting up.


    "You should leave. I feel strong energy, Logan!" my wolf warned.


    I looked down at my hands, wondering what to do when I realized I hadn''t used the grenades.


    The poisonous gas was a huge fail, nearly killed me. I picked two of the grenades and ran to the door.


    As the two rogues chased me, I threw them at them and watched them blow up. Horrifying.


    Some grunts came from inside the cave, while Logan''s energy grew stronger. Was I to run or finish my mission?


    "Run!" my wolf barked.


    I blocked him out. I wasn''t going to run because of Logan and risk another attack on my pack.


    I walked back inside the cave, holding a sword of a dead rogue. Thest rogue, who was already disabled, had an easier death.


    I shed his head in one go, sending him to the Moon goddess quickly.


    My wolf warned me of Logan''s energy getting closer, but I rested on the cave wall, awaiting him. "We needed to talk."


    In my hands were two grenades. He showed up, dressed in a white tunic. He snarled seeing me. "I knew it would be you. I smelled you from far off."


    "Same with me. And I brought gifts," I smirked, then flung the grenades in his direction.


    His eyes widened, and he was fast to miss them, but notpletely. The explosion made him hit his head on a nearby rock. He bled slowly.


    But a smile crept to his face. "You weakened me so I wouldn''t fight you. I guess I''m going to just chat with you also, then leave."


    Also? "Sadly, it seems so. But you''d die when we meet again," I promised.


    "Hmm. Same thing Rihanna said," heughed. "You two would have been a really good pair."


    I frowned. Did he meet Your Silver recently?


    "I''ve been staying at Boots and Rivers market, and have been getting good gossip. Your Silver was your mate!" he dered.


    I didn''t think that market would tolerate vices like gossiping. What did I expect? It was filled with females.


    "Emphasis on ''was''. And that''s not your business. Tell me, what''s your reason for all these attacks?" I changed the topic.


    "I want to. Don''t you see?" he paced around. "I do as I please, I''m a lonely Alpha Lycan King with nothing to do..."


    "Stop those lies! You''re being strategic, wasting your strength, making alliances, all because you want to? Nonsense!" I roared.


    I needed the answers, and I needed them now.


    His forehead creased, his eyes darkened on me. "Then why, Chris? Why do you think I do all these?"


    I had given it lots of thought. But the only thing I coulde up with was revenge. I didn''t know to whom or why.


    "Revenge," I deadpanned.


    There was a change in his facial expressions. He looked away, his fists clenching. "Revenge?"


    Was I wrong? "Is it more than that? It''s surely not expanding your kingdom. You have no family. So perhaps revenge."


    "To whom then?" he asked for me to answer.


    He was who should answer.


    "You have a past with the ck Rose Alpha..."


    "Oh, forget that, my past with her has nothing to do with these. I settled her, or she''d


    never let me go. I am here for something more," he chuckled.


    He held no grudge with ck Rose and settled with their Alpha? That woman never spoke of that. Now he needed something more?


    I decided to ask, hoping he''d answer. "What''s that more?"


    His hands sped together. "Power!"


    Power? Who was he kidding? "As I said, you have no kingdom to expand. No children to inherit anything, so why?"


    "Power for myself! Immortality for myself!! Complete dominance for myself!!!"


    The way he said it, like a maniac at the brink of total madness, I had to believe it; those were his reasons. His selfish reasons.


    "Immortality is impossible," I countered. "You may never find what you seek."


    And how would killing wolves and raiding packs give immortality?


    He red at me, marching to harm me, but I threw another grenade at him. He dodged it but fell against a tree.


    The explosion gave him almost the same effect as a silver wolf''s barrier.


    "And you can''t getplete dominance. You''ll never be able to have everyone under your feet!"


    "And who said I want them under my feet!" he barked. "I don''t want to lord over you all!"


    Didn''t he just sayplete dominance? Or wasn''t it in the way I imagined?


    "I want all you werewolves dead! No single one to walk the earth! Complete


    dominance is when you all are dead. And I was close... very close."


    He''s insane. All werewolves dead had been his n?


    It made sense. He hated werewolves and killed his pack when they wanted to live like


    that.


    "If I had gotten Rihanna''s trust, I''d use her to kill you. Jaden, I''ve a way around him, his


    wolf was psycho. Then I''d be very close..." he chortled.


    Rihanna was to be used against me? My wolf made a confirming grunt.


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    Perhaps, Logan would have used her hatred for me to kill me.


    "You didn''t seed, you''d never," I pointed at him. "Now, we are against you together, and we''d get you..."


    "Not if I get you first," he tilted his head. "If I get your little silver wolf, then I''d be a step closer. I''d have my power."


    "No matter how much you torture her, she''d never yield and let you use her to kill other werewolves," I was sure of that.


    "Who said anything about torturing her? No, I need her at full strength. I need her energy!" he broke into a guffaw ofughter.


    A silver wolf''s energy? He could take it?


    "I found charms, even better than the blindness charm I did on you, at Boots and


    Rivers market. I can take her energy for myself," he bragged.


    "No way." There was no such thing.


    "Indeed," he smirked. "Silver wolves were more in touch with energy than other wolves, so easy."


    "I''m d I waited till she''s Alpha. When she''d attack again, I''d grab it, so better keep


    her away."


    My fists clenched. If we kept Rihanna from him, how would we challenge Logan?


    She was literally the Silver Wolf meant to defeat him. Or was this another way to keep


    us scared of releasing her, then he''d defeat us?


    I had to ept, she was a good plus to the fight.


    "I know one thing, the Moon goddess will never let you wipe all her children away. Not


    in thisnd or the others," I took out another grenade.


    He went backwards and barked. "You''d see! And to hell with the Moon goddess!"


    I grabbed all the grenades; this will be big, as I have to use his distraction to leave. "We''d see!"


    They all flew at him as I sped off.


    Explosions were behind me. I hoped he didn''t survive, but somehow I knew he did.


    Knowing his intentions didn''t bring peace to me. He''s still a delusional Lycan, only more dangerous than I thought.

 Doesnt Like You

    Chapter Hundred and Twenty-Nine - Doesn''t like you.


    Jaden''s POV


    It''s been three days and no attack from Logan.


    The Blue Bloom Alpha was married, Chris''s sight had been restored, and Rihanna was fully healed from herst fight.


    Good news were everywhere and should put wolves at peace, but a new found discovery gloomed down the joy that should be felt.


    Ever since I read Chris''s letter to all packs about Logan''s actual intentions, I lost my appetite.


    We were talking about an extinction of wolves.


    That was what Logan had in mind for us.


    And he wanted to use the protector to do that.


    ording to Red Moon, there was a way to achieve that.


    I wondered why the Silver Wolf''s energy couldn''t give her immortality but would give a Lycan when he stole it.


    It was the transfer of energy Logan suggested to Rihanna earlier. Acting like he needed energy to heal himself all along when it was to kill us.


    Rihanna confirmed that he confessed to never being sick but to use her to kill Chris. But it was obviously more than Chris, but all the wolves.


    I wondered how she was faring. She was the literal savior of the wolves in the prophecy, not the cause of their doom.


    Now, we the Alphas, had to protect her and make sure she never fell into Logan''s sight.


    Then, who''d fulfill the prophecy if she''s in hiding? So many questions!


    "Don''t forget that the prophecy also spoke of the Silver Wolf''s mate, so we had a role to y," my wolf remarked.


    "Which was?" I enquired, low-key d he was talking after being shocked by Chris'' letter.


    "Perhaps to singly kill Logan. Chris and Rihanna had personal fights with him. Last time we did, Rihanna made us let him go," my wolf responded.


    That was a fact, but I didn''t know how to go about it. He avoided me like a gue.


    I didn''t even get why; he should owe my mother a grudge.


    Even my uncles showed fear and caution when they sensed himing.


    But when he came, he only made one cowardly attack and was never seen again.


    I was d, but still felt bothered by the silence. Was he brewing something worse for us, or was that only what he was giving, silence?


    "My uncles seemed to know a bit about him. If he and my mother had a confrontation in the old days, they should know about it."


    "You aren''t going to meet those men, are you?" my wolf became annoyed. I had a good level of detest for them too, but I needed answers.


    I left my bed, wearing only trousers. It''s evening, so all warriors would be at their posts, female and male.


    The door of the courtroom, which was linked to my bedroom, closed suddenly. It echoed loudly.


    I sighed, brushing my hand through my hair from the recent frustrations. When I turned, my breathing hitched before releasing.


    My hands were still on my hair before I dropped them and used them to cover my bare chest.


    "Princess Vanessa," I made a small bow.


    Her eyes trailed down my torso in an impolite manner, she met my gaze and smiled. "Hi there."


    My lips curled into a frown. Did she have to stare so brazenly? "Yes, do sit," I gestured as she sat on the visitor''s lounge.


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    My mind link immediately went searching for Jonah. Where was he when his mate was breaking into my courtroom!


    "Logan is still out there, why did youe all the way here?" I tried to engage her while searching for her mate.


    "Oh, never mind. My brother said he sent Logan really fatal grenades before leaving. They either killed him or badly injured him," she boasted.


    Was that why there was no sign of Logan? That was impressive. I nodded. "Your brother was really risking it all for his people."


    "Yes, he tried. And I''m here also, risking it all because my letter was left not replied," she raised a brow.


    She wrote a letter?


    "The letter wasn''t addressed to me, was it?" I got worried because for thest few days, I''ve not checked the reports and letters on my table.


    She shook her head, and I felt relieved.


    I couldn''t get Jonah, and when I felt I did for a split second, he blocked the connection. How dare he? He must be aware she was here then.


    "It was to my mate, Jonah," she forced a smile. "Maybe, it didn''t get to him, right?"


    I watched her eyes moisten a bit; she looked down. "Maybe, I''d been quite bratty when asking him to take off the ne that day."


    "Ne?" my brows raised.


    "On the day I figured we''re mates, he had worn a ne that''d counter it. I''d been loud about it. Maybe that''s why he hates me," she sniffed.


    My heart ached for her; she felt she was going to be rejected, but I knew it wasn''t like that.


    Jonah had yboy tendencies, and being loyal, especially to someone he deemed bratty, would be hard for him.


    He once said he didn''t want a mate, unless it was someone who pulled his attention well. Vanessa wasn''t one.


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    And the only wolfesses I had seen him going all in for was his mother, mine, and now Rihanna.


    Vanessa wasn''t like either of them, and Jonah couldn''t get either of them; they were all older than him and not his mates.


    "Princess, I''m really sorry you feel that way, but I know Jonah and..."


    "No, don''t say he doesn''t hate me. I know he does," she interfered.


    I shook my head. "I wasn''t about to say he doesn''t hate you..."


    She snapped her head at me. "He does, right?"


    "He doesn''t hate you, but he doesn''t like you either." I saw her eyes dte.


    I added. "Honestly, you aren''t his type. And he heard about howckadaisical and wicked you are to maids and non royalties," I confessed.


    Her fingers sped between each other, like she was holding herself from crying.


    I didn''t want a Princess crying here, so I stopped, searching for Jonah again. I felt Ralph close and called on him immediately.


    "But either way, Princess. Try to talk to him, there''s a reason you are his mate. I hope you two find it," I added, leaving the courtroom.


    "Oh, and my Beta would host you while you are here," I said before passing through the door.


    A breath of fresh air swam over me as I left that awkward ce.


    Borrowing a shirt from warriors, in case I met another wolfess, I rushed to my uncles'' mansion.


    Let''s get to the bottom of Logan; surely there was something he wasn''t telling us.

 To Transfer Energy

    Chapter Hundred and Thirty - To Transfer Energy


    Jaden''s POV


    "Come in!" my eldest uncle yelled from inside.


    I pushed the door, but it didn''t budge. I knocked again. Was this a joke or what?


    I heard a chuckle from inside. "Be a man, Jaden. Push the door in!" That was from the youngest.


    What games were they ying with me now? "This is urgent. Could you let me in, or I''ll leave!"


    "The door is right there. We aren''t holding it back. Push in and let yourself in!" the eldest said again.


    I stepped back, preparing to kick the door open, but my wolf stopped me.


    "There''s an energy behind the door."


    Confirming that there was indeed a force, I held myself back. "But my uncle said they weren''t pushing it back," I groaned.


    "They may not be. Where''s your middle uncle?"


    My eyes widened. That one hadn''t spoken to me yet even if he rarely did.


    "What would be holding the door, then, if it isn''t them?" I sighed internally.


    My mind drifted to a ''prank'' they had yed on me as a child, which made my father bruise me.


    The oldest and youngest had ced their sleeping brother''s bed behind my room''s door. My middle uncle always fell into such a deep sleep that not even the world burning to ashes could wake him.


    Being a young wolf who used strength for everything, I had pushed the door too hard -sending my uncle and his bed tumbling down the stairs.


    He had woken up angrily, and even though he knew his brothers had moved his bed, he still made my father punish me for it. That middle uncle was always the hot- tempered and cold one, so they used him to punish me because I feared him.


    But not anymore.


    If this was a repeat of the prank, then I didn''t have their time. Also, I wasn''t a child anymore no one would be punishing me.


    "Simeon! Get up!" I called through the mind link. There was no immediate response. "Simeon! I said, get up!"


    I shouldn''t have been calling him by his first name, but that was the only thing that could snap him from sleep-hearing the name he hated so much.


    "The hell..." I heard my eldest uncle mutter, probably seeing his brother stirring awake.


    "Jaden?" my middle uncle asked through the link. "Are you the one calling me by ''Simeon''?"


    He sounded offended, but I couldn''t care less.


    "Get out from the door now!" I ordered, knocking again. "Let me in."


    "How did you ? Oh, this was a bad time to rey this prank," the youngest sighed.


    The door finally opened, and I stepped inside, spotting the bed and my middle uncle sleepily sprawled on it.


    He wasn''t even reprimanding me for using his first name. I was d he wasn''t.


    "If I felt like ying around, I''d do it with the pups in my pack-not my overgrown uncles," I seethed, pointing at the bed.


    They must have felt my energy approaching and decided to mess with me.


    The youngest rolled his eyes, biting his lower lip. "So, why did youe here anyway?"


    I made myselffortable on a seat without their permission. "The Lycan. You must have heard of his intentions."


    "Yeah, he''s after a pretty silver wolf girl who became an Alpha. He wants to use her to be immortal..." The youngestughed.


    The eldest smiled. "He''s crazy."


    "It''s been confirmed that it could work," I stated tly.


    "Yeah, maybe but this girl is a Silver Wolf, right? And an Alpha? It''d be a heck of a job to take her energy," the youngest remarked.


    It should be.


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    "Well, if he kidnaps her, it wouldn''t be so hard." And Logan had already hurt Rih to the point where she was weak-he could easily kidnap her.


    "The girl has to be confined for hours. The transfer of energy takes a long time, and the Lycan has to be at his lowest too," the eldest uncle noted.


    "At his lowest?" I asked.


    "Yes. Transferring energy usually happens from a strong wolf to a weak wolf-not between two strong ones," the youngest confirmed.


    So that was why the Lycan pretended to be sick. He was acting like a weak wolf so Rih would transfer her energy to him.


    It all made sense.


    This had been his agenda all along. He had invested a lot of nning and strategy into this.


    Was there something else we were missing? He had wished for all werewolves to die¡ª was there a way he hoped to achieve this?


    "This Lycan wants to wipe out the werewolf race. But we''re everywhere around the world-it''s impossible," I said, awaiting their reaction.


    "Well, if he''s hoping for immortality, then he has all the time in the world to do that," my eldest uncle said, staring into space.


    I wasn''t hoping for that answer. Logan really was delusional-risking his life to wipe out the werewolf race.


    Did he have a reason for wanting all this? Or was it just hatred? It was exhausting.


    "If he gets his hands on the Silver Wolf, he''ll be really powerful," my youngest uncle shook his head. I saw worry in his eyes.


    He was always carefree, so seeing him worried was new. "He''s almost invincible as a Lycan and an Alpha-if he gets her energy, he could easily kill Alphas."


    The pressure kept mounting solutions weren''t forting.


    "I guess we have to protect the Silver Wolf from him then," I said.


    We fell into silence after that.


    A small groan behind me made me turn. It was my middle uncle. He groaned again, rising from the bed. "You three are noisy."


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    How were we noisy? For almost a minute, we had said nothing. I rose to leave. "Continue your sleep then."


    I almost touched the door knob when he said, "You forget that the Lycan has to be at his weakest to collect the energy."


    My legs stayed rooted to the ground, but I forced myself to move and exhaled. "Yes, your brother said that."


    "So, you don''t have to worry much about the Lycan," he added, leaving the bed and joining his brothers.


    I gawked at the three of them. The oldest and youngest looked puzzled.


    "How?" I inquired.


    The middle uncle stretched his neck before answering. "The Lycan will be at his


    weakest before the Silver Wolf''s energy can get into him, right?"


    I nodded. "Your brother said that."


    "Good. That means he''d tire himself out, right?"


    My head tilted slightly-I was beginning to understand the picture he was painting.


    "Yes, he''d probably exhaust himself fighting the Silver Wolf," I agreed. "Exactly¡ªand that''s where the mate of the Silver Wolf from the prophecyes in," my middle uncle smirked.


    My wolf stirred,ing closer to the surface.


    "The mate of the Silver Wolf would be there to kill the Lycan while he''s weak-before


    his mate''s energy gets absorbed by the beast."


    I lowered my gaze, then lifted it again. "That sounds like a n-only if the Lycan is weak enough to be killed."


    "A mate of a Silver Wolf wouldn''t be a wuss, so he''d be able to kill the Lycan when it''s weak," the eldest chided.


    "Yeah, he may even be an Alpha or something. He''s not like you-shying away from bullies," the youngestughed.


    Funny and ironic. My wolf smirked. I gave them a small bow.


    "Thank you for the insights," I said, leaving their presence.

 Using Fear

    Chapter Hundred and Thirty-One - Using Fear


    Rihanna''s POV


    This Logan was making me lose my mind.


    Lounging at Beatrice, I hit her down. I stretched out my hand to help her up, and she leapt to her feet. This training was helping me vent my anger.


    I kicked Beatrice again, and she fell but rolled before my heel could squash her down there. And I was venting on Beatrice. Poor girl.


    My eyes shone red, and Lana took over, about to initiate a barrier to counter Beatrice''s iing kick, but I stopped my wolf. Let ite.


    My Beta expected me to dodge, but I took the kick, staggering back.


    "Oh my goodness, sorry! You should have- I''m so sorry," she apologized, checking


    on me.


    I smiled amidst the pain. "It''s cool. I wanted it. The pain is a distraction from my thoughts."


    She ced her hands on her waist, and I knew she was about to go full mother mode.


    "And the training, right? You''d rather vent on me than the warriors."


    "Come on, you know it''s better I do. They won''t understand me like you do." I plopped down on a seat, sighing. "Logan is draining me."


    "Yeah, draining your willpower like he hoped to drain your energy. Don''t let him win," she said, sitting down beside me.


    Why did it feel like he had already won? Who was there to challenge him?


    Stupidly, I had made Chris fight all the rogues, leaving him weak. Jaden wasn''t Logan''s target, and I couldn''t be close to him for fear of being kidnapped.


    If he attacked any smaller pack, there was no one but Jaden to defend it.


    What did this Lycan hope to achieve when every living wolf on Earth was destroyed?


    That was impossible but having immortality by your side changes some narratives. That''s if he''d ever get it.


    "I need to get in on this fight. I can''t just sit back, scared of Logan. Things aren''t done that way," I mumbled audibly to Beatrice.


    "I actually agree. I can''t help but think that he uses fear to intimidate people," Beatrice said, nodding.


    I sat up straight, something she said striking a chord. Logan could really be lying-or


    at least, he wasn''t as truthful as he should be.


    There was a way to take my energy from me, but it surely wasn''t as easy as just kidnapping me and using some charms.


    He had to lose something, or else there should be lots of immortal wolves among us by now.


    "This could really just be his strategy of fear," Beatrice repeated, trying to convince herself.


    I nodded. "Yeah, I know wolves who can make others feel certain emotions."


    Jaden was anger, Logan was fear, and Chris''s could be hate or maybe my hate for him was just natural.


    Logan telling Chris those things that day could have been a way of talking us into stalling and being scared.


    Just like how he scared Hunter to ck Rose and used him to distract Jaden-we couldn''t let him use that same fear on us.


    "You know what? I''ll have a meeting with the able Alphas. We should show Logan we aren''t scared of him by attacking first!" I dered.


    Beatrice hesitated before shaking her head. "I don''t think that''s right. He''ll be protected."


    I asserted quickly, "I made Chris kill all his henchmen rogues-he has no one but himself now." Perhaps that was a good idea after all.


    Beatrice still looked hesitant, but she shrugged. I smirked, then burst intoughter as I ran out of the courtroom.


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    I''d have a surprise for Logan the next time we met.


    He dared to threaten me? Then I''d give him a piece of his own medicine charmed trouble.


    He wasn''t the only one who knew how to make good use of charms, and with Red Moon, we could conjure something against him.


    "Hey, Dara! Where are you off to?" I frowned, seeing her sneaking out of the pack.


    She tossed something behind her. "Nothing serious. I''m just strolling," she chuckled nervously.


    "Did you kidnap another Luna and hide her somewhere?" I joked-though I was somewhat serious.


    I grabbed her arm and pulled it forward, revealing a sk of food. Was she sending it to someone?


    My eyes widened. "You have a mate already?" My shoulders rose in excitement. Finally, one of them got a mate!


    I always thought because they had once been rogues, they''d never get mates-but the Moon Goddess had finally been merciful.


    She yanked her arm from my grasp. "What? Eww!"


    My shoulders slumped. I had waited long enough. Why hadn''t any of them found a mate?


    "And what''s ''eww'' about having a mate?" I asked, folding my arms.


    She frowned. "Your mate will want you to be his ve, that''s what!"


    "Then hope the Moon Goddess gives you one who''ll treat you as his equal-at least in some things. So, where''s the food going?"


    She sighed. "Don''t tell Beatrice."


    My ears perked up immediately. What was she hiding from the all-knowing mom? "Okay..."


    "It''s Hunter. He told me earlier that his wolf moves to ces he doesn''t know. He''s been doing it for a while, but I hadn''t believed him before."


    My eyebrows rose. Hunter was sleepwalking? That should be normal, though. "Is he troubled about it?"


    "Yeah. Right now, he''s hiding somewhere because he''s scared he''d hurt his mom as his wolf keeps moving around," Dara snickered.


    "Wait-like his wolf moves around and shuts him out?" I asked, noticing how she kept saying his wolf and not Hunter.


    Dara nodded. "It''s hard to believe since he should be in control-but I saw his wolf, and it was aggressive toward me until Hunter took over."


    That was new. I didn''t think I had ever heard of that.


    "Jaden helped him discover that the ces his wolf went weren''t dreams but real. One time, he found himself at Red Moon," Dara tsked.


    As far as Red Moon? But how did his wolf know the ce when his human self had never been there before?


    And Jaden helped him? I had noticed them being close, but I didn''t think it was because of this. Why didn''t Jaden tell me, at least?


    Dara began leaving. "I don''t know how to help, so until Jadenes around, I''ll just feed him until he feels like returning to the pack."


    I nodded, giving her space to leave. Beatrice would freak out if she heard about this-


    and since there was no solution yet, it would only bother her.


    "Well, one problem at a time," I exhaled, heading toward the Boots and Rivers market. After getting a charm to punish Logan, I could ask Hunter about his issue.


    I''d fight these demons one at a time.


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 Thorned Roses

    Chapter Hundred and Thirty-Two - Thorned Roses


    Rihanna''s POV


    The energy that came with being free had been starved from my veins for almost a week since Chris''s letter circted.


    A good thing had happened, though-for one, the Blue Bloom Alpha got married and actually invited me with an honorary introduction. I was d to be at the wedding since I doubted I''d be at another. My brother was already married.


    However, I felt stiff and conscious there because of the direct threat over my life and Silver energy. Even Lana felt drained. But now, I was free again. And soon, Logan would be the one suffocating.


    I was strolling happily along the forest when a distinct growl resonated around me. I halted, then tried following it. It wasn''t intimidating like the ones I knew, but a great energy came from it.


    My breathing hitched when I saw the bare back of a male in human form.


    What were all those muscles for? My cheeks reddened a bit until I caught the scent of the wolf.


    "Beta Ralph! I should kill you foring close to my boundary!" I scolded, walking toward him.


    His legs were bare, and he seemed injured. I looked closer and saw he had dipped his legs in a nearby river, which had silver particles floating in it.


    "Oh, sorry about that. The river is connected to the Boots and Rivers market, so it''s silver-infested," a snicker left my lips.


    He red at me, and I tilted my head. "What injured you, though?"


    "Roses'' thorns. I tried picking some wild ones, but they were filled with thorns," he muttered, putting on his shirt.


    He must have entered the little farm that had wild roses around us because he had scratch marks on his back too.


    "Doesn''t ck Rose have a literal rose valley? Whye here to pick some?" I inquired.


    He nced at me, then at the water. "I traveled, as you know, with your mate, Jaden."


    He knew Jaden was my mate? My eyes widened, but I quickly masked my surprise.


    "But then, my mate was mad at me for leaving on short notice. So, my punishment was getting her roses that aren''t from Rose Valley!"


    He sounded so pissed! I chuckled to fuel his anger, and he snapped his head toward


    me.


    "Of course, you females are all evil!"


    He wore his shoes and began stomping toward Boots and Rivers market. "I''ll just buy from the market and go home. I''m done with this."


    Imagine fighting anyone who touched your roses only to be prohibited from touching them to pay your debt-because of your mate.


    The mate bond really made him do crazy things. Or was it love? Or was it his petty mate? Either way, to each their own.


    "Why are you following me?" he paused, noticing I was still walking behind him.


    "I''m heading to that market too," I answered.


    "You should be careful about Logan, and Jaden had something to tell you about him," he said, continuing to walk.


    I shrugged. "Logan should try. I can''t back away from what I started because of fear of losing my energy. I also doubt he can just take it."


    Ralph''s lips curled up. "Yeah, that. Jaden was going to tell you about that."


    So Logan couldn''t just take my energy after all?


    "Why not tell me?"


    "He''ll do the telling. It could also be bonding time for you two because, honestly, I don''t think you''re ready to be mates."


    I frowned. "It''s not the time. Who chases after a mate when we should be chasing after a Lycan?"


    "Princess Vanessa of ck Hills. She''s at my pack right now, trying to meet with Jonah, who isn''t interested," Ralph cackled.


    Poor girl.


    "Good for her."


    I increased my pace, sliding down the hill that would lead me to the market. "The flower direction is that way," I pointed.


    He turned there but froze. "Can I ask what you want to get? You seem like you don''t want me to know."


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    "Exactly!" I huffed. It was my own little surprise for Logan.


    I took a few steps forward, but he followed.


    "What?"


    "Jaden was worried you''d be troubled. He said when you are, you make hasty decisions. I want to be sure this isn''t one of them," he noted.


    Jaden knew me that well? And how close was Ralph to Jaden to speak about his mate like that? Maybe I should be closer to Beatrice, right?


    "I''m actually going to pick a charm. One I heard infects the blood," I hurried after him.


    We walked side by side through the stalls while my eyes searched for charm stalls. I knew there weren''t many.


    Ralph stopped in front of a small old shop. "Wait, I want to drop by here!"


    I gazed at him, then at the shop. It was a palm reader''s-one I had once met as a rogue.


    "To tell your future?" I asked. Maybe I needed it too.


    "Not really. She already did and said I''d die soon. I''m going to show her I''m still alive,"


    he knocked on the shop.


    My heart sank. Did she really say that?


    That olddy once told me my parents would return to me and apologize. I had rejected it, but it came true.


    Thedy''s voice invited us in. With a smug grin, Ralph barged inside. "Remember me?"


    "We don''t have time for this, Ralph," I pulled him away from thedy''s shop, not


    wanting another prophecy to be said about him.


    "Who are you?" the olddy asked as we left.


    "The man you said would die!" Ralph yelled.


    "If I said you will, you will," thedy mumbled.


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    With our wolf hearing, Ralph and I caught her words.


    My fists clenched. Did she have nothing else to say? She should try shutting up, then.


    "Ah, ignore her. Jaden was right-I shouldn''t believe in such nonsense!" Ralph pulled my hands off him and turned away. "I''ll go get the flower."


    "I''ll go get the charm!" I replied, waving goodbye as I might not see him again when I was done.


    I red at the old woman''s store before moving on. My eyes resumed their search for charm stalls until I spotted one.


    Judging by her attire, she was from Red Moon.


    "A charm that infects the blood, please," I said, bringing out a pair of golden boots. I


    never had money, so I traded with my gold properties.


    Her eyes sparkled as she saw the boots, and she began searching her table.


    "Rihanna of Silver Pack, you usually buy cures why charms..."


    "None of your business," I hushed her. "And it''s Alpha Rihanna to you."


    I noticed her eyes roll but ignored it. I was her customer, not her friend.


    "Here. Apply directly on an open injury, or mix it in water or wine and let the victim drink," she held up a powdered substance.


    I took it and stuffed it into my bag.


    "You''re from Red Moon, aren''t you? Why don''t your people use these charms to fight Logan?"


    She smirked. "They''re somehow rted to sorcery, so our Alpha doesn''t want them at all. His father would."


    The new Alpha was trying his best to stay in the good books. It wasmendable. Maybe when there was a new Alpha King, Red Moon could join the kingdom again. "Thank you!" I left her stall and sped off, hoping to catch Ralph, but I couldn''t feel his energy anymore.


    I breathed in and out, d that, at least, I had something that would soon rot Logan from the inside out!

 Hilarious

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Three - Hrious


    Chris''s POV


    Logan''s silence was deafening. What was he waiting for before striking?


    Since he revealed his intentions, he should act ordingly, but he had been quiet. It


    was scary.


    "Why not ept that the grenades killed him?" my wolf asked.


    I ignored him, still picking at the food on my te. There was no way that could kill him.


    I badly regretted not turning back to know what happened. He''d be hurt but not dead.


    Surely, Logan would need medicine for his wounds, and with his rogues killed, he''d have to go himself.


    I made sure the warriors stationed around would alert me when he did, but no one saw him.


    Instead, they spoke of a little demon, like Edwin. Crazy lot. Was it fear making them hallucinate?


    I dropped the spoon on the te and sat back. "Someone should take this away!" I ordered.


    The watery soup was making my thoughts swirl around-I needed some steadiness. I looked up to meet Sasha''s gaze.


    She darted her eyes to the maid leaving with my food, then brought her eyes back to me. "I made the food. Why don''t you want to eat?"


    I shook my head. "I hold nothing against you or the food-just that my mind won''t let me feed my stomach."


    She made a small smile, then sipped on her soup hungrily. There were two empty tes beside her.


    She ate a lot now-perhaps her time was getting close? I didn''t know much about pregnancy.


    I left the table, taking small steps towards the door. "Oh, and if you look for me, I may Jera?tray Sraparitheantiratutter cartooom, Ray!?"


    She raised her head from her food and nodded. "Sure."


    A breath of fresh air blew over me as I stood outside. I raised my head, heaving a sigh of relief, then reached out for Ray''s mind link.


    "Alpha, I''m with the warriors. The first batch at the cave just returned for their break. Do you need me now?" he asked when we linked.


    "What?" I raised a brow. "Why are you there with them?"


    "Well, my mate is busy with a situation involving the border warriors, so I came here," he replied.


    "I mean, why did they need someone with them?" I hurried to the gate. "If those warriors sensed Logan, they were to report to me!"


    My Beta chuckled. What was funny?


    Those warriors ignored my direct orders and asked him to be with them? What if he got hurt?


    "Yeah, but the small demon. They did tell you about it, didn''t they?" Ray asked, still chuckling.


    Seriously? They dragged my Beta to that ce of danger because of a mysterious small demon? Was he supposed to babysit them?


    "By their ranks, they should be ever battle-ready, not babysat. Ray, return now!" I was pissed.


    "We''re already at the border. The second batch is here, and I''d like to stay with them. They were really stunned by it."


    "Ray..." I trailed off. This was infuriating.


    "I''ll meet you there, then." I could already see the gate, and I watched as he and the warriors walked in. They were below twenty-still babies.


    "What kind of demon did you see?" I barked when I stood in front of them. They looked down.


    Cara left the border warriors and rushed to me. "Alpha, did they do something?"


    "I know it''s your job to answer for them, but you weren''t the oneining about a small demon, so move aside," I gestured.


    Ray pulled her away, smirking. "Let them answer-I find their story hrious too."


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    One of the warriors looked at their Lead Warrior, then at me. "Alpha, it wasn''t made up."


    "Describe what you saw!"


    "First, we noticed an energying toward us. One that could have been Logan-but


    it didn''t stay for more than five seconds before it disappeared."


    They didn''t say that in the report!


    No matter how briefly the energy appeared, if they sensed Logan, they should have spoken. "Then?"


    "Then, when one of us tried to check it out, a small creature ran from under us-right under us. It was hairy and fast," he wailed.


    The other one was sniffing, breathing heavily. I could tell they weren''t lying, and it began to worry me.


    "But demons don''t live in this realm," Ray said.


    They turned to him. "We told Delta Edwin when he came to check on us, and he said


    he saw it too. He thinks it''s the Lycan demon!"


    I rolled my eyes. Now it was a Lycan demon? These guys were hrious.


    "Okay, okay. Since you all experienced it, then it''s not hallucination!" I agreed.


    "But the Lycan can''t be small and run under you guys without you knowing, sensing


    his energy or dying," Ray stressed thest part.


    His mate nudged him, and I smiled. "Your Beta is right. If any of you met Logan, you''d be dead."


    "Then we met his demon!" the warrior asserted.


    I exhaled. Shouldn''t that be worse than Logan himself?


    "You were kept far from his cave just around to alert me if he showed up. If you see


    this ''demon'' again, tell me I''lle to cast and bind."


    I patted the other warrior. "Go on now. Go rest."


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    The two of them walked away with slouched shoulders. I stared at them worriedly.


    The one who cried without talking was actually a distant rtive of Ray''s. Perhaps that was why Ray decided to stay with them.


    He always cried when faced with challenges bigger than him andughed loudly when excited. He rarely lied too.


    If he was crying speechlessly, then he might have actually met a demon-which was still funny.


    "Did you need me for something, though?" Ray asked, holding onto his mate. Did he need her for something?


    I furrowed my brows. "Cara, give him to me for a bit-you have him all night."


    She released him, her cheeks reddening. "Sure, Alpha." She walked away.


    "You didn''t have to put it like that," Ray whined, hitting me.


    I smirked, d he was annoyed.


    Wiping the smirk off, I asked, "But do you think Lycan has an alibi he''s using? A fast, small wolf helping him?"


    "Where would he find a small, fast wolf to help him? That would be a pup-but no pup can shift," Ray said, then paused.


    I paused with him. "What? Do you think it''s a dwarf wolf?" I didn''t know if those were


    real.


    "No-but some pups could shift. My sister shifted at nine."


    I cocked my head. She did? That was quick.


    "Well, she wasn''t an ordinary wolf. All the warriors said about this one was that it was


    fast. Any wolf can be fast," Ray shrugged.


    "Hmm... yeah. Maybe we should wait until it attacks again. Then we catch it and force


    it to shift. It might surprise us."


    That was all to do-wait and catch it.


    Moon Goddess help it if it actually worked for Logan-it wouldn''t see the light of the


    next day.

 Old Hag Said

    Chapter Hundred and Thirty-Five - Old Hag Said


    Jaden''s POV


    After understanding Logan''s trickery from my uncles, I tried to visit Rihanna immediately.


    I didn''t want her worrying about useless things and tricks. But when I returned to the courtroom, Ralph was waiting to leave.


    His mate had punished him for leaving on short notice, so I had to stay with the guest, Princess Vanessa, against my will.


    I hoped Ralph would return on time, but when he did, he had a gloomy countenance and only wanted to be with his mate.


    It took Jake to get the words out of him.


    He had met the palm reader who once said he''d die, and she had reconfirmed that he''d still die soon.


    With Logan''s impending attack, he became anxious, assuming it would be Logan who would kill him.


    "Well, he''s wrong! Logan can''t kill my Beta!" my wolf barked inside me.


    Ralph''s countenance affected me greatly. It was now Jake''s burden to host Vanessa. "How could he believe a palm reader who knew nothing about him!" I felt annoyed. He was psychic most times and could see past these lies. Why was he believing it? Was it true? Did he feel it was?


    "And now you are believing it?" my wolf barked.


    I brushed off those awful thoughts from my head. I also needed to be with my mate, but she wasn''t as close to reach as Ralph''s.


    My eyes became red as I tried to suppress my anger and frustration into my wolf-he was the one who knew how to use it, not me.


    "Jaden!" Jake yelled, barging into my room.


    Seeing my eyes an unusual shade, he was careful to approach me. "Jaden, calm down. Ralph is okay. His mate put him to sleep."


    It didn''t change his fears. Whatever it was that made him scared could still happen. "Stop believing it!" I yelled at myself.


    Jake stepped back. "What now? Look, Jaden, calm down. You know your wolf can be sensitive!"


    "He already is, Jake! How dare an old hag burden my Beta with whispers of death? He isn''t even half fifty!" I retorted, scaring my brother.


    "Calm down!" Jake pointed below me, but I didn''t care to know what he was referring to.


    "No, ck Rose has been too lenient with thesemon wolves if they dare think of us as stepping stones!" My wolf was taking over.


    My brother threw something at me, but weirdly, I didn''t feel it. "Jaden!" he yelled again.


    "Bring that woman to me and let Ralph cast his frustration on her. She''ll be the first to die before he "


    I was pushed down onto the bed, and my brother was over me, tightening me in a


    hug. "Jaden, your ws are out! Your wolf is acting up!"


    I became conscious and retracted my ws. "Sorry." I exhaled.


    My wolf needed to stop raising my aggression over slight matters.


    "You call an old hag threatening your Beta a small matter?" he asked.


    "Well, you''re being overly dramatic about it," I cautioned.


    Jake stayed over me in a hug for minutes, long enough that I thought he was asleep.


    "This kid." I turned over, and he fell onto the bed.


    He was really asleep. So much for being my emotional support.


    But when I left the bed, he jumped up again and yelled, "Jaden, wait!"


    I paused.


    "Where are you going?"


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    "I''m not going to kill the old woman," I replied so he''d be at peace.


    I walked out of my room, and he followed me.


    "And Vanessa?" I inquired. "Don''t tell me you left her walking around my courtroom."


    At that moment, I felt for the princess-she was probably wandering around.


    My brother was nodding off while following me with small steps. I didn''t know what he


    had been using his nights for, but he needed to rest.


    Turning back to my room, I held his hand. "You need to rest."


    He held my arm. "Will you host Vanessa and not go after the old woman?"


    I smiled. "Yes." I opened the door. "Promise."


    He fell onto the bed before I turned away, exhaling and preparing myself to meet the princess.


    My mind link was tugged, and Jonah connected. "Finally, selfish Delta, you''ve connected!" I scolded him.


    "It''s only because Dara had an urgent message for you from the Alpha herself, or I wouldn''t have bothered," he mumbled.


    He cared more about Rih''s message than his own mate. His priorities were right-but not fair.


    "Come to the courtroom then," I smirked, wanting to lure him into seeing his mate at least.


    I disconnected before he could protest. Maybe if he saw her and felt the bond, he''d soften toward her and let them have a talk. They could click.


    As I strolled into the courtroom, I stered a smile on my face. "We meet again, princess. I hope you''re enjoying ck Rose."


    She left her seat and bowed. "Sure, I am. Thank you for the hospitality."


    Her bowing caught me off guard. I widened the fake smile on my face. "Yes, and that-


    well, that''s the bow of the ck Rose warriors."


    Something my brother made up to make them unique-like a rose on the uniform wasn''t enough.


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    "Yeah, Jake taught me. I could be your Delta''s wife someday, so I should get used to


    it."


    She sounded far more confident than usual.


    The door of the courtroom opened, and my Delta walked in. I saw the princess''s eyes light up when she saw her mate.


    I longed for such a reaction from Rihanna. I checked Jonah a stone-cold look graced his face.


    "Oh, c''mon. She''s been here since morning. Can you at least talk to her?" I asked him through the mind link.


    "Alpha, I''m here to deliver a letter from Rihanna," he said instead, marching to me. Vanessa''s face twisted. "Rihanna? Are you two close? That sounded informal." "That sounded nosey," Jonah retorted.


    I hid my chuckle and nudged Jonah. "Actually, princess, since the Silver Pack and ck Rose Pack are allies, we are quite close."


    She zed her eyes over Jonah, who didn''t spare her a nce. "Rihanna easily mistakes kindness for love-be careful with her."


    Jonah and I both snapped our heads at her at the same time. She didn''t notice.


    "If you get too close to her, she''ll assume you like her. That''s how she was with my brother-but he rejected her." Sheughed.


    They were literally mates! She was influenced by the mate pull.


    Why was Vanessa making it sound like she was some lovesick girl? That meant she supported her brother rejecting Rih, right?


    "That rejection made her stronger-powerful and more. I wonder what one would do


    to you," Jonah spat out.


    Oh no, he didn''t. Was he going to reject her?


    This princess overdid herself this time.

 Mates Quarrel

    Chapter Hundred and Thirty-Six - Mates'' Quarrel


    Jaden''s POV


    "That rejection made her stronger, powerful, and more. I wonder what one would do to you," Jonah spat out.


    Oh no, he didn''t. Was he going to reject her? This princess overdid herself this time.


    Princess Vanessa snapped her head at him, tears forming in her eyes. "What did you say?"


    He stepped closer to her. "I said..."


    I knew a rejection wasing, and I didn''t want that. Chris would be highly offended, and Jonah might regret itter.


    "Jonah! Easy!" I called him back.


    "Princess, it would benefit you to shut up and watch your words!" the words left my lips.


    She was stunned by me as well and took a step backward, her head bent down. "I''m..."


    Yeah, she should apologize.


    "...disappointed."


    What now? I let go of Jonah, who I was holding. She was disappointed in who or what?


    "Is he defending Rihanna or what?" she barked. "Are you threatening to reject me because of what I said about Rihanna?"


    Why was she raising her voice when she was wrong? I remembered my little brother asleep and frowned. "You should mind your tone!"


    "No, you should mind your tone!" she ranted back. "For all I care, I''m the princess!"


    "When you are at ck Rose, you''re not!" Jonah barked back.


    Now I was stunned by Vanessa. She really had no manners.


    Should I back away and let the mates fight? It was the closest to an interaction they''d had. Or should I stay to prevent a rejection?


    "Oh, then who''s the beloveddy around here? Rihanna?" Vanessa''s eyes were brimming with tears.


    Why was she bringing up Rihanna? Because of a letter I didn''t even know the contents of yet?


    Jonah scoffed, running his hands through his hair. "You have no right to be jealous when you''re nothing to me."


    That was harsh.


    "Oh, nothing? Well, even if you don''t ept that I''m your mate or princess, I''m still your Alpha King''s sister!" Vanessa yelled.


    That wasn''t a viable reason.


    "Please, it''s not like Chris will be Alpha King for long."


    I turned to Jonah. Did he say that out loud? But he actually only said it through the mind link. I exhaled.


    "Well, I''m disappointed you hold the title as you embarrass it with your low strength, bad morals, and shabby look. I expected more!" he huffed.


    That was hard.


    "Low strength? I could be the strongest female royalty you''ve ever seen! And ha, there are none other!" she chuckled hysterically.


    Was she aware she contradicted herself? Being the only royalty meant she''d be the strongest by default, not by effort.


    "I can bring one hunter-my girlfriend, actually-who can whoop your ass in seconds. Should we try?" Jonahughed back.


    The princess was quiet. I was too, for a while. The hunter Jonah had been flirting with became his girlfriend?


    That was the first time he was actually dating one of them. He might be serious with her, which wasn''t good in this scenario.


    "Scared of the duel?" Jonah scoffed. "Of course, you are just a princess. What rank do you hold, huh?"


    I came between both of them, breathing in and out. They shouldn''t be like this. I


    wondered how strong the mate pull was on them.


    "Jonah, please leave. We''ll talkter," I said.


    The princess plopped down on a chair. "You have a girlfriend?"


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    He ignored her, walking away.


    Her eyes followed him, then darkened before she looked down again. "No wonder you ignore the mate pull-someone else has your heart."


    Was that a thing? If the other party was in love with another wolf, wouldn''t they feel the mate pull?


    My mind went to Rihanna, who couldn''t feel our mate pull, but my wolf reminded me it was because of her twin. I exhaled.


    "Princess, really, Rihanna and Jonah are just friends. And you heard he has a girlfriend. I really wish you were more "


    "Yes, I was more. He said that," she interrupted.


    "I mean, I really wish you were more polite with him. Jonah likes feisty girls, but not


    rude ones. No one likes rude ones," I continued.


    "You call me rude?" Her eyes were bloodshot.


    I stooped to her. "Yes, I did, because you are."


    She huffed loudly. "Your Delta doesn''t even deserve to be my mate. I deserve a right match!"


    "Unless you want a live-in mate who will be a ve to your beck and call and never scold you when you''re wrong, yeah, my Delta isn''t the right match."


    She was calm, silently exhaling her annoyance without meeting my gaze.


    I left her side and rxed on my throne, rubbing my temples, the letter Rihanna gave me in my hands. "Now, let''s get into this."


    My wolf came to the surface, interested in whatever made our mate write to us herself.


    "How are you? Did she really ask us that?" my wolf smiled.


    My eyes were stuck on her first sentence. What a way to open. I read the rest, and my countenance slowly changed.


    I turned the folded part of the letter and saw there was more on that page.


    She could have written with a scroll instead of paper. This was really long.


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    But I didn''t want anyone else to read it to me. It was her first letter to me yet very long, like itpensated for all the times she never wrote to me.


    The letter was basically a n to ambush Logan, even if we didn''t kill him. She had a surprise that she could use to slowly damage him.


    Her wanting to meet and fight this Lycan after he dered his thirst for her energy- the courage was something I just needed.


    She added something else to her letter.


    "I don''t think Logan can take my energy. If he could, he should have done it when I was weak and he was still standing."


    That was it. She had to be strong or at least not weak-while he''d be the weak one.


    Transfer of energy was always to save a weak wolf, not empower a strong wolf. It would take time for Logan to aplish it.


    "I believe Logan was only putting fear in us to buy time to heal. He won''t get that


    time."


    I smiled, reading thest sentence of her letter. She sounded so powerful-like an Alpha Queen.


    I really wanted her to be. She had received a lot of demeaning from royalties. I red


    at Vanessa, still seated in front of me.


    Looking back at Rihanna''s letter, I noticed another folded page.


    I opened it, expecting a sweet note again.


    "Oh, and Hunter''s wolf acted out again. He said you know about it."


    My expression changed. The boy hadn''t been able to connect with his wolf already? It


    had been up to a week since he shifted.


    "It went all the way to ck Hills and bothered the warriors in charge of watching for Logan. I don''t know what to make of this."


    I closed the letter and frowned. Why was it always going far away to ces his human didn''t know?


    And why was it always around Logan? Was he attracted to him?


    There''s a saying that young wolves are attracted to power, but it shouldn''t be like this.


    It should be figurative. Or wasn''t it?


    "This is why the Moon Goddess should let wolves shift when they''re older. We are now babysitting a boy and a wolf," I sighed.


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 Weak Wolf

    Chapter Hundred and Thirty-Seven - Weak Wolf


    Rihanna''s POV


    Dara just reported sending all the letters to the Alphas of our kingdom.


    It was my first handwritten letter to them they better appreciate my effort and time.


    I added a little bit to Jaden''s, like a "how are you?" and a report on Hunter, but I hoped he saw the letter as the matter of urgency it was.


    Cami marched into the courtroom and bowed. "The boy, brother of Mi Vida, is feeling better now. He''s outside. Should hee in?"


    I nodded, quite ufortable with her being formal, but it was how she should act when there was a visitor around.


    The boy crawled into the room, looking left and right. His eyes darkened when theynded on me, and he balled his fists.


    "Your whole family is dead!" I announced, leaving my throne. "It''s my pleasure to tell you."


    Cami bowed again and walked out of the courtroom, closing the door behind her.


    The boy''s fists unclenched, and he gawked at me in disbelief. "My mother?" he mouthed.


    "Yes, dead." I smirked. "Normally, I''d feel guilty for making you an orphan, but your mother made lots of pups orphans. Would have made more."


    My ears picked up his rapid breathing and the sound of his ws emerging from under his skin.


    Since my fight with those rogues, I believed Lana had improved and so had I. More perks came to light.


    "How dare you hurt my family and keep me prisoner?" he fumed.


    "I could keep you dead if you want. Only, I feel you''re still innocent and will be useful if groomed properly." I walked toward him.


    He was flexing his hands, preparing to strike me. "I will not be under the pack of the murderer of my family," he seethed.


    "Please, who needs you in my pack? You can be useful in many ways-messenger, spy, anything that doesn''t leave you dead." I sighed.


    His face reddened at my derogatory words, and he swiped across my face with his ws.


    I dodged it with a grin, and he swiped again almost immediately with the other hand.


    I would say he was trained by warriors with his level of precision, but it would always becking when with me.


    As he charged at me again, I initiated my barrier, and he bounced, hitting himself on the wall.


    His eyes rolled back, then became normal again. Was he passing out with just that? He was truly a weak wolf.


    "You can''t even fight and defend your family. What good can you do for me?" I mocked.


    He rose to his feet again, looking downcast.


    "And now, I''m not bullying you. Your father did that to me a lot, and I hated it. I''m only telling you the truth¡ª"


    "The wolf that killed my father," he interrupted my speech. Wouldn''t that be Jaden?


    The boy looked into my eyes. "If you help me kill the wolf that killed my father, I''ll serve you and be forever grateful to you."


    There were two seconds of silence between us before I broke into a guffaw ofughter. My response shattered the boy''s hope.


    I should kill Jaden for him? "Who do you think you are that I''d go against the Alpha of ck Rose for you?"


    He hung his head down and sniffed. "Please..."


    "Stop! Don''t even beg me because it''s out of the question!" I shouted.


    "He is your enemy. Why aren''t you fighting against him?" he sniffed loudly.


    My enemy? Maybe he didn''t see who saved me the day he and his group attacked, but Jaden had never been my enemy.


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    As a rogue, his pack was one ce I didn''t want to openly offend because they had ignored me and Jake was Ray''s friend.


    Matters were even better now that he was my mate.


    ¡°Look, I''m not fighting any Alpha because of a wolf that can''t measure up to a warrior for me. Train yourself and go try." I jeered.


    What a nuisance! He was totally of no use to me.


    "ck Rose was a pack who didn''t ept us when we were unfortunate. They killed my father, and now, I''m all alone," he broke down in tears.


    Should I be moved by this? He didn''t need support when he felt alone I didn''t.


    "He isn''t you! You had me! I doubt his wolf can run a mile without dying," Lanamented.


    Was she feeling pity for him? "What am I to do with him then? I wanted to give him a better life outside of the rogue nonsense, but I don''t know."


    "Ask him where he''s from. All rogues have a story. If his father needed eptance from ck Rose, then there''s a story!" my wolf replied.


    And who cared about the story? Not me. But Lana was adamant.


    As the boy stooped to the ground, crying in all his helplessness, I stayed beside him.


    "Can you tell me why your father wanted ck Rose''s eptance?" I grumbled.


    Wiping his wet face, he sniffed and swallowed down saliva. "My father had Lycan blood. He felt that ck Rose''s Alpha would ept him."


    I shifted away from the boy. His father had Lycan blood? Didn''t that mean he had it too?


    "Your father was Lycan?" Were these things everywhere?


    To think I''d been challenging Lycans ever since I was a rogue.


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    "No, he had it in him but wasn''t full Lycan. You know, like a hybrid of werewolf and Lycan. It was his grandmother who was Lycan."


    I hadn''t thought of female Lycans. They must be the most sought after to be killed since they bear these terrors.


    And a werewolf-Lycan hybrid was still a wolf-but probably the most confused of all wolves.


    "Your father''s Lycan must have been waiting to be awakened," I said.


    The boy nodded. "But he was killed before that."


    Kudos to Jaden for saving us from one more Lycan-Mi Vida''s father was already an asshole.


    "But why did your father think ck Rose would ept him into their pack?" I asked, wondering.


    "Because his mother helped before. My mother used to say that the current ck Rose Alpha''s mother made friends with some Lycans."


    She did? What exactly was she thinking?


    "So, my father assumed her son understood. Sadly, he only saw him as a threat. We had nowhere else to go," he sighed.


    It felt quite unfortunate but whatever. "And your grandmother? Hope she''s dead?"


    "Yes. Killed by her brother," he answered.


    "Oh, okay," I nodded. Family issues were normal everywhere.


    "Now, I''m no longer surprised you guys made friends with Logan since he and your


    dad had Lycan in them," I snickered.


    And if Mi Vida''s father was still alive, I bet he''d have joined Logan to annoy us.


    The boy cleared his throat, leaving his stooping position. "Actually... Logan is our dad."


    My mind didn''t catch him at first-but I slowly did.


    What now? I moved away from the boy.

 Lycan In Them

    Chapter Hundred and Thirty-Eight - Lycan in Them


    Rihanna''s POV


    The boy cleared his throat, leaving his stooping position. "Actually, Logan is our dad."


    My mind didn''t catch on at first, but I slowly processed his words. What now? I moved away from the boy.


    Was this a joke? Logan wasn''t his father.


    "What do you mean?" I had to ask.


    "My grandmother was killed by her brother. That was Logan. We went back to him since he''s thest family we had," the boy exined.


    Okay, that wasn''t good news. My heart didn''t pound any slower. So, they were rted to Logan?


    And his nephew was basically standing right in front of me? What if I killed him now to spare myself any future issues? Would that be reckless?


    I grew a great amount of hate for the boy at that moment. "Do you know what telling me all this would do to you?"


    "I''m being open to you because I have no choice. Logan doesn''t care about me, so it''s not like you can leverage that information," he admitted.


    True. He was truly alone, no matter what.


    "So that''s why you followed him," I scoffed. "Your warrior-your sister''s mate, exactly -said Logan had promised you power."


    His expression softened when I mentioned his sister. "For warriors who aren''t family, the coboration with Logan will give them power."


    Stupid. It wouldn''t have produced anything.


    Logan wanted all werewolves dead, and they were werewolves. Everything had been a lie, and they died for nothing.


    Who knew why he even killed his sister? It could have been for one twisted reason or another.


    "Don''t me the ck Rose Alpha for your father''s death. me your grandmother who birthed him. Was her mate a werewolf?"


    "Yes."


    The answer stunned me.


    I looked up, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Moon Goddess. What was she thinking, mating a Lycan and a werewolf?


    "Whatever." I hid my shock. "You aren''t as strong as a Lycan or hold any wolf rank. You should do something about it."


    He made a small bow. "Since it seems you are epting my pathetic ass into your pack, I''ll do my best."


    I smirked. "You better."


    As he left, I had conflicting thoughts on whether to tell the other Alphas that he was rted to Logan or leave it be.


    Either way, it meant he had a Lycan inside of him. It would be weaker than it was in his father, but it was still there. Could it cause future problems?


    "Lycans weren''t born evil, you know? They''re just usually evil," Lana informed.


    "Oh please, all the wolves rted to anything Lycan I know have been nothing but trouble," I retorted, still watching the boy leave.


    But this boy could be killed if I said anything. And he had lost so much already.


    "And was his sister, Mi Vida, a Lycan''s firstborn but still weak? Lycans aren''t born evil or strong. They grow into it," Lana added.


    I nodded, consoling myself with that thought. This boy might find something useful to do with his life.


    I didn''t even think battle was for him. He might make a better spy. "Okay. That was by the way."


    I shuffled through the reports and letters I needed to check on my table. They were usually few since Beatrice handled the majority.


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    One of them¡ªa freshly delivered letter-caught my attention. I knew it was freshly brought in as it hadn''t umted dust like the others.


    My mind link got tugged on as I picked it up to read. "Yes, Beatrice?"


    "So, what do we do with Mi Destino?" she asked.


    My brows raised, both at the first thing I saw on the letter and my mind wondering who the hell Mi Destino was.


    "Mi Destino? Mi Vida''s brother?" I enquired from Beatrice. Where did they get such names from?


    "Yes. What category should we put him under?"


    "Well, I have no ns of building his strength, so let''s see if we could build his smarts. Hmm?" I replied to Beatrice.


    A part of me wondered if I should be open and make Beatrice understand he had Lycan blood.


    But I didn''t know how she''d react, especially since a Lycan had messed around with her son.


    "Okay then." She didn''t probe further and cut the connection.


    I left my seat, pacing around while holding up the letter in my hands. Who could have


    sent me this trashy thing with spelling errors?


    "Let my father go or face the wrath of Fuerza!"


    I could ignore the weird name I saw, but I had to ponder who this Fuerza was.


    And his father? Who the heck was he?


    If I should write back, I didn''t even know where to address the letter. I brought the paper to my nostrils and breathed it in.


    There was a stench of animal waste and dust, like it hadn''t been used for long despite its clean appearance.


    "Dara, these letters were dropped by messengers, right? Was there one you couldn''t recognize?" I immediately mind-linked her.


    "Um... I don''t know these messengers, so I don''t recognize all of them," she replied immediately.


    "No, like..." I rephrased. "All messengers wear uniforms that rte them to a pack. Was there a messenger that looked suspicious?"


    There was a ten-second silence from her side. "Not sure. I don''t really take notice of them."


    I sighed, folding the letter and tossing it away.


    "The only thing I noticed was the ck Hills messenger changed," Dara added.


    I tilted my head. "They changed?"


    From all my years there, they had always been a group that groomed messengers-a group of girls only. That was the only time ck Hills valued their females.


    "Yeah, I don''t think it''s anything important, though. It was usually a female, but today, it was a male. That''s all," Dara chuckled.


    Wait, that was wrong. For years, the messengers had always been female. Sometimes, they acted like spies.


    A male finally joining would either bemendable or derogatory, as all males in ck Hills aspired to be warriors.


    "Did he wear the uniform? I''m asking because I saw a strange letter here, and so far, there''s no actual letter from ck Hills themselves."


    I felt Dara be tense as she hummed. "I really didn''t take note. He was a cute one, but I didn''t notice his outfit."


    "It''s alright then. Thank you, and please be careful," I said, switching off the mind link. Whoever this Fuerza was, he should meet me face to face so I''d know what he''s talking about.


    And he had a wrath to show me? The impudence! May it not be another Logan.

 Dead Messenger

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Nine - Dead Messenger


    Chris''s POV


    What was before me wasn''t caused by Logan.


    I was sure.


    Blood was sttered everywhere, and her legs were hung on trees. The other half of her bodyy by the roadside.


    This was too much effort to kill one female messenger of my pack. Logan would only need to knock her out.


    Her uniform had been stolen too. What would Logan need that for? He couldn''t have done this.


    "Then who?" my wolf, Zeke, asked.


    I had no answer to that. My arms rested on my hips as the warriors, Edwin, and I studied the scene. The body was fresh-it had to be recent.


    Whatever did this was in wolf form.


    "Could this be a new threat?" Edwin exhaled, facing me. His arms were wrapped around him.


    It had to be. Perhaps a rogue I had missed whilepleting Your Silver''s reward was now taking revenge.


    If that was true, this messenger''s death was my fault. I was to me for the innocent girl''s death.


    "A letter sent to Silver Pack is missing from her bag. She didn''t get to deliver the rest," a warrior ran to report.


    Silver Pack? I didn''t send a letter to Silver Pack.


    "Oh, I did," Edwin signified. "I remembered how we used Silver Pack''s lead warrior of being Sasha''s kidnapper, so I wrote to apologize."


    I nodded, looking away from the mess. That meant whoever did this was targeting the letter sent to Silver Pack-but why?


    "Why would they steal your apology letter?" I asked aloud.


    "Maybe as an invitation to get into Silver Pack," Edwin hurriedly replied.


    I snapped my head at him. "Is that so?" But it made sense.


    With our uniform and a letter bearing the ck Hills seal, a Silver Pack warrior would easily ept whatever he brought.


    "That also means his target is Silver Pack, not us. That''sforting," Edwin sighed.


    What a Royal Delta! If Silver Pack was the target, was it really a good thing?


    Your Silver''s protection was important. Even if this wasn''t Logan, it was critical that the Silver Wolf remained safe.


    "Warriors, stay back. This new threat should be watched. It''s more gruesome than Logan, so at least ten of you should remain," I ordered.


    They saluted and began dispersing themselves.


    I remembered Your Silver''s letter that I had read before leaving. She wanted to work together and ambush Logan-this was the perfect time.


    My sister was still at ck Hills, and I didn''t know if she was safe returning on her own.


    I also really hoped she was making progress with her mate.


    "Edwin, you''ll follow me to ck Hills. I need to bring my sister home and have a talk with Alpha Jaden about Rihanna''s n."


    My Delta frowned, ogling at me. He pointed at the messenger''s body. "We don''t know what did this. I''d say the small demon, but he''s..."


    "A child!" I finished. "Stop being scared of these things when you''re a Delta, for goodness'' sake."


    He pouted, folding his arms stubbornly. "Well, Vanessa can stay there. It''s not like she does anything for us back at ck Hills."


    What? How dare he-he was right, though.


    I sighed. "Wouldn''t you want your Alpha to be happy, knowing all his family members were safe with him?"


    He dropped his arms, looking down.


    "Also, I said I wanted to talk to Alpha Jaden. I have things to ask." One of them being whether Your Silver was truly his mate or not.


    A warrior ran to us with another finding. "We saw a male''s clothes a few miles away. It could be the man who killed the messenger."


    He changed into the messenger''s uniform and ditched his clothes? I bet he nned to keep infiltrating Silver Pack.


    Was he delivering a message?


    "Thank you. You and the rest should be careful. Your Delta and I are stopping by ck Rose," I said.


    Edwin huffed, brushing his hair back.


    The warrior returned and ryed the information to his colleagues. I held onto Edwin, then sped off.


    As I raced toward ck Rose, I had to stop. The scent of a new rogue wolf lingered in the forest-like it was still lurking around.


    Edwin was about to scold me for speeding off with him, but he held back, sensing the eerie energy around us.


    "Who are you? And what are you doing in my kingdom?" I raised my voice.


    Edwin slowly moved behind me. Silence followed. I focused on the energy, and it led me to a dark area within a group of trees.


    "I know you''re in there! Come out now before I find you!" I shouted again, feeling his presence.


    At best, he was Beta rank or a higher Delta rank. My ws extended from my fingers.


    "Do you really want him to find you?" Edwin asked with a tsk.


    I steadily inched toward where he hid. His aura was heavy-like a Lycan''s.


    My feet froze when I realized the truth. He was a Lycan.


    "Why did you stop, Alpha King?" a small voice asked. I took a step back.


    "What''s wrong?" Edwin asked, shifting into a stance to attack.


    "It''s a Lycan," I told him through the mind link. "Brace yourself-he has very dark energy about him."


    My Delta and I stared at the dark area within the trees, waiting for the Lycan to reveal himself.


    I couldn''t even wrap my head around how another Lycan existed. "Show yourself!"


    A light sigh left his lips, and then his eyes glowed from the darkness. They were light orange.


    He sped toward us, stepping into the moonlight. His grey eyes locked onto mine soulless and unyielding.


    He had long blonde hair that looked almost like a wig-only because it was so thick. He was beautiful and young.


    "You''re a Lycan. What do you want here?" I tried not to raise my voice since he didn''t look dangerous.


    "Well, um, nothing much," he shrugged. "I like being in dark ces, and this was the darkest I could find," he casually replied.


    I nced at the spot he pointed to-there was no light at all. "Who are you? What are you doing?"


    "The name''s Liam. I was just chilling," he raised a brow, his tone too casual.


    Edwin nced at me, then back at him. "Did you kill a girl recently...?"


    "That wasn''t me. That was Pedro," he quickly replied. "He''s a Lycan."


    The boy looked physically harmless-though his energy and aura said otherwise. "There''s another Lycan?" I asked. Just how many of these things were around here?

 Liam

    Chapter Hundred and Forty - Liam.


    Chris''s POV


    Logan might be getting the army he was hoping for. That''s if I can''t help it. And I believe I could.


    I had to ditch ns to visit ck Rose and go to Silver Pack instead. I knew what was killing now, so Vanessa could wait there.


    And whatever that other Lycan wanted, it was surely rted to Silver Pack.


    "Liam, right?" I asked the young man.


    He nodded, munching on some wild fruits he''d picked around. "That''s my name."


    "Why were you ''chilling'' here? This is around ck Rose, and they''re hostile to rogues."


    The fruit in his mouth fell off.


    "You didn''t know? You''re lucky you didn''t get close, or you''d have been killed." Edwin grinned.


    "I didn''t know I was close to ck Rose. I''ve always wanted to see their Alpha. I heard he''s the hottest Alpha in all the kingdom."


    Liam gushed before rushing towards the ck Rose Alpha.


    Edwin cocked his head, his grin falling. "The kid wanted to be at ck Rose?"


    "Jaden is the hottest Alpha?" I didn''t know why that part stuck. I turned to the boy running off. "Hey, wait!"


    Edwin and I sped to block him. Maybe I shouldn''t see him as a young man but a kid, like Edwin said. He should still be a teenager.


    "If youe close, you''ll be killed!" I warned.


    "Not when I''m with the Alpha King, eh?" He smiled broadly and wanted to keep walking.


    Edwin pulled him back. "We are no longer dropping by there. We need to know why Pedro was killing and why he went to Silver Pack."


    The boy''s f¨¢ce squeezed.


    I wasn''t sure if it was because we didn''t want him seeing Jaden or because we were leading him to Silver Pack.


    "I don''t really like their Alpha. But if you want, we can drop by there. There''s a cutie I''d like to check out."


    He walked towards Silver Pack.


    A cutie? This kid.


    Edwin held me back, staring as the boy left. "When I stood close to him, I sensed the scent of silver. That''s peculiar around Silver Pack."


    What''s he getting at? "Maybe he stopped by."


    "Close enough to the borders? Or else how did he get the scent on him? And he said he wanted to see a cutie there?" Edwin noted suspiciously.


    I blinked. If he was seeing someone, it meant he had been into Silver Pack before. I doubted he''d be able to enter being a Lycan.


    My eyes squinted at him, and I scanned the clothes on his body. "Aren''t those the messenger''s clothes? The jacket, at least."


    Edwin went back, realizing this.


    Okay, this was messed up!


    Liam turned, seeing we weren''t following him. "Um...ing? Or you guys rather not meet that Alpha? I understand, she''s not fun."


    I could hear Edwin''s heartbeat. If this kid had the messenger''s clothes, then wasn''t he the one who killed her?


    Liam folded his arms, gazing at us. He followed Edwin''s eyes on him and looked down at his clothes.


    I hoped he had an exnation for it.


    Maybe Pedro dropped it on the road and Liam picked it up, or maybe Pedro got it for him.


    Liam had a dangerous aura, but he was pretty carefree and wouldn''t be so free with us if he killed one of our own.


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    "Liam, who gave you those clothes?" I asked.


    He looked up at me, with a nk expression. "Pedro found them for me."


    My breathing normalized. So this Pedro was the one doing these tragedies.


    Liam turned away. "C''mon, let''s go to ck Rose! Alpha Jaden is also said to be the


    nicest Alpha, no offense to you, Chris, in the kingdom."


    Who was giving this boy his information?


    "Alpha wait, I don''t still trust this guy. Who''s the Pedro he keeps talking about?" Edwin held me back.


    Liam stopped again, ring at us. "What now?"


    I advanced toward him carefully. "Who''s Pedro to you? And where''s he now?"


    An innocent grin came upon Liam''s lips. "I won''t be seeing Alpha Jaden today or the


    pretty girl from Silver Pack, with you two at least."


    "That''s not an answer!" Edwin shouted. "Where is Pedro? And who''s he to you?" Liam exhaled. "He''s here."


    What? The boy disappeared, like the wind.


    We looked around us.


    Suddenly, Edwin groaned in pain, falling to the ground. I turned to him, and he had a w mark drawn on his thighs.


    "Liam!" I yelled just as the kid appeared behind me, wanting to attack, but I held his arm and threw him back.


    He sped off again, like he actually disappeared.


    "And Pedro?" We heard Liam''s voice amongst the wind in the cold night.


    I lifted Edwin to my shoulder, his legs badly injured by that impromptu attack.


    "Pedro is my wolf actually. He''s quite different from me, isn''t he?" Liam snickered.


    I could feel his energy. It was back to that hurdle of trees, and his eyes were glowing.


    That was his wolf, Pedro. He had the dark energy I sensed.


    Liam was dangerous, I should have known. He''s a Lycan after all.


    I sped off with Edwin before he''d lose a lot of blood. This was my fault again. I fell for


    the innocence of a teenage boy.


    I didn''t feel Liam chase after me. Why was he here? What did he need?


    Well, one thing was sure: he wasn''t on my side.


    I wondered if he actually liked Jaden. And since he didn''t like Your Silver, then she was


    still in danger.


    I alerted the warriors to retreat as I came closer to my border. Liam could easily deceive


    them, and they couldn''t handle a Lycan with a Delta rank.


    Cara was at the border with Ray, who quickly took Edwin from me.


    "Take care of him, please. I need to go back." I told Ray, dropping Edwin on him.


    I needed to bring Liam back or kill him. We should only be dealing with one Lycan.


    "Alpha, Alpha. The Luna!" someone screamed.


    I stopped myself from running out and turned. "What!"


    "The Luna needs you. She fell down the stairs!"


    What was this? Down the stairs! How did she get there? Wasn''t she supposed to be on


    bed?


    Ray pulled me back. "The Luna is pregnant, go check her now!"


    Curse these distractions! I stared at the maid calling me, and she was covered in... blood!


    Without thinking, I dashed into the pce, heading for my bedroom. "Sasha! Sasha!!"


    I heard a whimper, then cries. "My baby!"


    She was lying on the floor, blood seeping from under her. No, no, it didn''t happen again.

 Accomplice

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-One - Aplice?


    Jaden''s POV


    Ralph was sleeping on my right side on the Beta''s seat, while Jonah had fallen asleep on the stairs. These men were technically my brothers, but I could be so ashamed of them sometimes.


    Jake crept into the courtroom, closing the door gently behind him. He strolled toward me with his hand at his back.


    "So, I made sure all the warriors, who weren''t on duty, are asleep. The border warriors are doubled, and the princess is asleep," my brother reported.


    I smiled broadly, nodding. "Thank you. And I made sure my two right-hand men slept instead of arguing about Jonah epting Vanessa."


    Jake shook his head, sitting on a step beside Jonah. "This kid was stubborn, very stubborn."


    I knew that much. Like, Vanessa wasn''t that bad.


    A sigh left my lips as I soaked into my chair, once again enjoying the peace I felt. I nced at Ralph, and small bags were under his eyes.


    "He even began having eye bags thinking of his death," I mumbled to myself.


    "Huh?" Jake raised his head.


    I shook my head. "Nothing."


    Jake rested back beside Jonah again.


    The silence stretched for over twenty minutes when my wolf crept to the surface.


    "Sorry to interrupt the peace we''re both enjoying..."


    I smirked. "Yeah, so what now?"


    "Hunter. The little wolf. I can''t help but feel his attraction to Logan is suspicious. I feel only his wolf can answer why."


    We couldn''t ask the wolf. "And why do you think his attraction to Logan is


    ''suspicious''? Pups are just attracted to power, right?"


    I was brushing off the suggestion as I didn''t want to start thinking again. I liked this state of silence and peace around me and in my head.


    "Not like that. They look up to that power, not stalk it around or help it distract other wolves that hunt it. It''s like an aplice," my wolf said.


    I stood up from my seat, initially hoping to escape my wolf''s questioning but realized he was inside me. I fell back on my seat again. "So if the little pup, who should know nothing about Logan, is the aplice of Logan... how did that happen?"


    "As I said, the boy''s wolf should answer that."


    "And as you know, we can''t ask the boy''s wolf."


    I groaned and then added, "Hunter can''t even speak to his own wolf, so how''d we talk to the wolf?"


    "Then we ask Logan, directly. Don''t you worry that if Logan actually has a way of using the boy, Rihanna could be in danger?" my wolfmented.


    I rose from my seat again, worrying about that. But was I supposed to suspect an eight-year-old?


    Indeed, I had tried to make his wolf connect with him and not be controlled by whatever, but it had been to no avail.


    "You have a point. But I''m really not in the mood to leave for Silver Pack tonight. Last time, I went outte at night, I met..."


    "You met Hunter! Now leave and check if there''s any wolf you''d meet." My wolf chuckled, leaving the surface.


    A loud sigh left my lips. I turned to see Jake, Ralph, and Jonah still asleep. I left them.


    My warriors were puzzled to see me going out thiste at night. I was puzzled that my wolf actually convinced me to do this.


    With my head raised, signifying I wasn''t answerable to them, I passed by the gate but was called back.


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    "Alpha!"


    I halted, then spun around to meet Ralph''s older brother. I had forgotten he had returned with his men to our gate. Whenever Ralph felt threatened by anything, he always called his big brother for help.


    "Oh, hello. How are you?" I asked dismissively.


    He jumped down from the height he was on. "It''s quitete. Where are you off to?"


    Did he have to ask? I looked down. "Just a stroll, actually. And get to wherever I can," I said, moving backward.


    He kept taking steps forward, toward me. "Alpha, it''s quitete, don''t you think?"


    "Don''t worry about..." I trailed off, sensing an energy around my pack. It was a strong


    one.


    "Stand back!" I pushed Ralph''s brother back as something came flying toward him.


    He made a backflip, dodging the tree branch that had been thrown. The warriors stood in defense.


    I stood before them. "Who''s that? You''re intruding on ck Rose border!"


    I felt the need to talk to this person because, while the energy seemed dangerous,


    their actions didn''t feel very threatening, but childish.


    But then the energy was well-ranked, and his wolf had a darkness to it.


    "Just trying to get your attention, Alpha Jaden! Big fan here!" a small voice screamed back in response from afar.


    The border warriors brought down their weapons, looking confused. I turned to Ralph''s brother, and he had an amused look.


    "And no, I didn''t cross the border yet!" the small voice shouted again. "But can I?"


    The border warriors returned to their posts.


    Was this a kid who got lost again while being chased by Logan, or was this just an annoying ass?


    Thest time I tried to help, my warriors were killed, and it turned out to be a distraction.


    "Show yourself!" I ordered.


    "Okay!¡± the small voice screamed again, and a gust of wind sped past me and past my


    warriors.


    Someone groaned in pain, and my ws extended. "How dare you attack..."


    But when I looked, there was a blonde teenage boy whose ws were buried in a warrior''s arm.


    "I''m so sorry, Pedro can be a jerk sometimes." He took his ws out, and the warrior groaned again. "But I''m nice, and my name is Liam."


    I pushed him away from the warriors, keeping them behind me. This boy was a Lycan! I sensed it. "What do you want, Liam?"


    "You!" he replied quickly, but then he looked down and shook his head. "Your attention, actually."


    I nced at the warrior that had been injured, ring at the boy. Ralph''s brother''s expression was nk.


    "Go on, you have my attention, so use it while you do." I gestured.


    "Sure." Liam smiled, but it soon fell. "Wait, it''ste at night, and you''re not in night clothes! Are you going out? On duty? Let me stay with you!"


    He was screaming all the time, like a girl. It didn''t help matters that he looked like one with his long hair and sparkling eyes.


    I found myself smiling at this stranger, who was a Lycan and just hurt my warrior. "I was moving out, actually. It''s better you follow."


    It was easier to host him outside my pack where my warriors wouldn''t e hurt. If he


    became dangerous, I''d easily subdue him. He might not be, but with such dark energy, I''d have to be careful.


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 Looking For Father

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Two - Looking for Father


    Jaden''s POV


    Liam might not be dangerous, but with such a dark energy, I had to be careful with him.


    He nodded, strolling off. "Alright then, I''ll follow you. And get snacks for our little outing. I eat a lot!"


    I gawked at him, speechless. He was really casual. I nodded at a warrior, and he ran to the pack''s kitchen to get some snacks.


    "I may be back by morning, alone. Jake should handle everything and still keep your brother from pack work, okay?" I told Ralph''s brother.


    He nodded, probably reying the words I said in his head. He made one quick nce at Liam before climbing back to his posts.


    "Alpha Jaden! Let''s go! And where were you even going?!" Liam yelled from afar.


    I grunted. Why was he giving me Jake''s energy? I didn''t want another younger brother in my life.


    "What exactly do you want from me, Liam?!" I yelled back.


    He stood akimbo, with a frowning face. "I''m looking for my father, and I have an idea where he could be!"


    I rolled my eyes before his words settled in. He was looking for his father?


    And he was a Lycan... so his father would be a Lycan as well? Logan? None of my warriors had heard him, so I ignored it.


    The warrior returned with a food pack. "Stay safe, Alpha." I smiled at him, taking the pack.


    Liam''s frowning face loosened when he saw the food pack. "Now you''re talking!"


    He stood by my side, looking at everything we passed.


    It would take hours to get to Silver Pack at our pace, but I wasn''t interested in getting there with him.


    "Who is your father?" I decided to inquire.


    Liam sighed. "I never got to know, actually. My mom only told me he stays past the seven seas."


    He wasn''t from here. That was interesting.


    "What Kingdom are you from? And who''s your mother?" I asked simultaneously.


    He gave me a pouty expression. "Hey! Stop with the questions! I''m not bad! Pedro is the bad one! I''m just a free-living guy!"


    The way he shouted every sentence stunned me, scared the birds in the trees away. I''d soon have a headache.


    "Who''s Pedro?" I continued to ask.


    "My wolf. My Lycan wolf. You know I''m Lycan, right? It seems to be a bad thing around here."


    "It is." I agreed.


    He looked sad, dropping the shortcake he had in his hands. "Well, in Sun Burn Kingdom, Lycans live side by side with werewolves. And we are few."


    That would be a dream around here, a dream lots of people had lost hope in its reality.


    Sun Burn Kingdom was where my mother had been for vacation. I smiled thinking about it.


    Liam noticed and smiled as well. "See, Lycans and wolves can live normally together. My aunt was mated to a werewolf too."


    I exhaled, giving him a chance as he wasn''t from around here, so he might not have bad intentions for me.


    "So tell me what you know about your father?"


    "My mother said he''s crazy, a Lycan King and a bad father. The first andst I can confirm, but the middle, that''s a lie, right?" he frowned.


    That was Logan for sure. He may not have had a pronounced Lycan Kingdom, but he surely had the strength at some point.


    "It is true. Your father is my greatest enemy, Liam. The greatest enemy of this Kingdom even."


    He froze, looking straight ahead.


    I stood beside him with a serious face. "Lycans are generally the enemy of this


    kingdom, so hope that our Alpha King doesn''t find you."


    "Oh, we''ve met alright," he muttered.


    He had? "How''d it go?" How was he still alive then? Didn''t Chris sense he was a Lycan?


    "You know how my wolf, Pedro, attacked your warrior? Yeah, my wolf can be sick sometimes. He''s just so angry and sick!" Liamined.


    That sounded a lot like a wolf I knew, and had. My wolf grunted disapprovingly. "So what did Pedro do to the Alpha King?"


    "Well, I heard that my father was imprisoned at Silver Pack, so I wanted to threaten the Alpha to release him, so..."


    He noticed my change in expression and halted his narration, asking, "What did I say?"


    "You wanted to threaten their Alpha? You might never see your father if you do," I warned.


    The pouty expression returned to his face. "Well, it seems my father isn''t there. And, I don''t want to anymore. I have my reasons." He smiled.


    That was one Lycan backing away from potential danger. First time.


    "Liam, I don''t think you understand, but your father, Logan, is actually a big enemy to


    us, much so that we''d kill him whenever we see him."


    He grew sober and managed to nod. "My mother told me it wasn''t worth it, but I wanted to know."


    I felt bad for him. Growing up with a not-very-supportive father myself, I understood how it felt to want a father''s love and support.


    However, Logan wasn''t that kind of father.


    "It didn''t quite cut out, did it? You have to go back now. It''s not safe for another Lycan to be around," I said.


    "Yeah, no lie. And Pedro had killed someone. A girl from ck Hills. Chris should want me dead by now." He palmed his head.


    I stared at him. His wolf was really wild! Or was he pushing everything to his wolf?


    "Wait, does your wolf act without your permission? Or do you know what he''s doing?" Could this be simr to Hunter''s case?


    "I do know. He gets angry, and instead of managing the rage, I let him pour it out."


    Okay, that was different from Hunter''s. And still his fault for not managing it.


    "Well, Liam, as I said, you should leave. I''m heading to Silver Pack to talk on how to kill your father, literally."


    His steps slowed down.


    "I''m really sorry. Also, Chris would be hunting you soon. You won''t stand a chance," I added.


    He stretched forth his hand to me.


    I smiled, taking it and shaking it. "May we meet under better conditions someday."


    I dropped his hand, but it was still outstretched. Did he want another shake?


    "The food pack, please," he remarked.


    I blinked, then handed it over to him with furrowed brows. "I hope you are going home?"


    "I didn''t onlye for my dad, though. I came to explore, see you, and you know, flirt around."


    I tsked. "How old are you?"


    "Neen. And it''s a big deal actually." He folded his arms so his arm muscles became pronounced.


    I shook my head. "I''d have to leave now. I''m not telling you to help us kill your dad, but don''t stop us. It will be best if you leave."


    He was rooted to the ground as I left.


    When I was miles ahead, I turned and saw him seated on a rock, eating the snacks, and screaming while talking to himself.


    Couldn''t he stop screaming? The young man had a dangerous aura but might not be all bad.


    Though he was surely more bite than bark, his bark was still he loud.

 Planning

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Three - nning


    Jaden''s POV


    After a few minutes, I arrived at Silver Pack. I made sure Liam didn''t follow me, even though he must have known about this ce already.


    The question of whether Hunter had anything to do with Logan bothered me.


    Not because it was harmful to my mate, but also because it was harmful to the boy. He might not even know what was happening to him.


    At the border, I met Dara and over five warriors. Why were they tightening the border? "Did you receive the threatening message too?" she ran to me when she spotted me. "What threatening message?" Had Logan shown up again?


    "Oh, umm... our Alpha got a letter from someone named Fuerza, saying to release their father. Bad spellings and all."


    Fuerza? If it was to release their father, then it had to be Liam. I smiled.


    "Not to worry, it''s really nothing serious. Is she inside?" I was referring to Rihanna.


    Dara nodded firmly. "She''s in a bad mood since Logan hasn''t shown up yet, but sure, go see her."


    That sounded like I shouldn''t, but if Logan wasn''t showing up, we''d have to look for him. We couldn''t keep wasting time.


    I strolled in, brushing my hair back as I became conscious of my appearance.


    "No, no, let hime. I''ll kill him!" I heard Rihanna shout.


    Was it about Liam''s letter? Poor kid.


    She smiled when she saw me. "Oh, Alpha Jaden, you stopped by? Wee."


    Beatrice had a small injury on her head. She looked down and gave me a slight bow. "Did something happen? You said you were going to kill someone?" I asked.


    "Oh yes. A boy I saved from thatst rogue attack. What''s his stupid name again?" she snapped her fingers, prancing around.


    I made myselffortable on a seat without permission. She must be really annoyed, but she looked cute with her downturned lips.


    "Ah! Mi Destino! He ran away after setting my Beta up. I''d kill him if he returns!" she scoffed.


    Beatrice sighed. "Anyway, I''ll go check on Hunter. He caught a fever. I don''t know if it''s to celebrate a week of shifting." She chuckled.


    As she walked away, I sat up, waiting for her to be out of earshot before I spoke about her son.


    When I looked at Rihanna, I found her gaze on me. I looked away. "What?"


    "Well, you wanted to say something. Are you waiting for Beatrice to be gone?"


    "Yeah, it''s about Hunter."


    "Why can''t she hear it?"


    "She''d be worried." I shifted closer to her. "I think Logan is controlling Hunter''s wolf."


    Her eyebrows pulled together in a scowl. "He was? How?"


    "Well, the wolf was always around Logan. And all the distractions he caused were to Logan''s favor." I exined, hoping it made sense.


    Rihanna''s eyes widened. She looked outside the door then inched closer to me.


    Her scent flooded my nostrils, and I backed away, feeling giddy with tingles sparking all over.


    I bet she didn''t notice, as she came closer again, wanting to whisper. "Beatrice shouldn''t know. We''ll go with Hunter and monitor him."


    I nodded, shifting back so I''d befortable.


    She mistook my withdrawal for disagreement and further asked, "Or else, how do you think we should go about this? He''s just a boy."


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    That was my point exactly, he was just a boy! Logan was really bad if he was manipting him in any way.


    "I agree, but we can confront Logan without taking Hunter with us. Let''s just keep him where Logan wouldn''t be able to use him." I suggested.


    She sprang up from her seat and opened a drawer. "I''ll tell Jean to let Hunter sleep with other warriors tonight."


    As I stood up, I noticed a letter, squeezed and dirty on the floor. Perhaps it was Liam''s letter.


    "And Rihanna, that threatening message earlier. It was a... let''s say, prank, from a kid I know. Don''t worry about it."


    She snapped her head to me. "Prank? I had security tightened because of it. Which kid?"


    I didn''t want her knowing the details, so I smiled it off. "Don''t worry. It won''t happen again."


    She sighed in relief then took out a bottle from the drawer. "This wille in handy!"


    It must be the surprise Ralph told me he saw my mate buy when he went to the Boots and Rivers market. "I hope we find Logan."


    "I have a clue on where to get him. He can''t keep changing hideouts all the time, so he''s reshuffling them." Rihanna exined.


    Reshuffling? How many hideouts did he have to reshuffle? One at Red Moon had been deserted. The one beside ck Hills was where thest fight happened. Where else? "Somewhere between ck Hills and Blue Fire!" Rihanna announced.


    What? Such a ce existed?


    Blue Fire was around a volcano. No one lived between the hills or the volcano. There was no way to stay alive there.


    "It isn''t much, but yeah, that''s where a homeless wolf, looking for a strong and less conspicuous ce, will stay."


    Perhaps. "Let''s go then! Lead the way, Alpha!"


    She chortled softly, and it was beautiful. "Okay."


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    My contact with Liam was making me scream every word, but if it produced such a reaction from my mate, then I didn''t mind.


    "Cami, I''m off! Wish me luck!" she told her Delta, then made a peace sign. Cami did the same.


    But I didn''t even tell my brother, Beta, or Delta where I was off to now before leaving. Even Ralph''s brother wasn''t aware.


    Rihanna and I left Silver Pack and started a trail to Blue Fire.


    "Should we let the Alpha know we are stopping by? And invite him to help?" I asked


    her.


    "No. I said the ce is between Blue Fire and ck Hills, an abandoned part, not


    within his pack. Also, the less, the merrier." she smirked.


    She must be really looking forward to killing Logan. It waste, and I didn''t feel up for


    it.


    But I forced myself to because I needed to survive that night and protect my mate.


    "Let''s speed this up, shall we?" I dashed ahead, creating a gap between us.


    She ran as well but didn''t add much speed, while monitoring her environment.


    We both didn''t know where we were heading, but I knew it had to be around a volcano.


    I slowed down, waiting for her. "Is that how much you can run? I expected more from ''Your Silver."" I teased her.


    She was in a serious mood and didn''t catch the tease. "I''m checking for the volcano!"


    "Yeah, right." I quipped. "So much for ''Your Silver'' being as fast as the wind. The rumors were overrated."


    She must have caught that I was trying to annoy her, as her lips curled into a smirk. "They weren''t."


    She sped past me. Iughed, seeing I got to her.


    But before she left, I couldn''t help but notice her eyes glow a certain color, for a second, silver.


    Was that normal for her kind?

 Asking Logan

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Four - Asking Logan


    Rihanna''s POV


    I arrived at the volcano before Jaden, my heart pounding heavily in my chest. That was


    a new record-reaching such a distance within ten seconds. I had felt weird before I started the run, but I felt better now.


    "Rihanna?" Jaden''s voice came from behind me as he caught up. I smiled, folding my arms, but I noticed the worried look in his eyes.


    "Are you okay?" he asked.


    I nodded with a shrug. "Why? My speed seemed too unreal for you?"


    He smiled, shaking his head while ncing around. "Be careful-Logan should be around."


    I rolled my eyes. Was it my first time meeting Logan? Why did he think I couldn''t handle myself?


    "You be careful," I shot back, marching forward and trying to sense Logan''s energy. "Okay then, we should both be careful," he corrected, following me.


    We both halted when Logan''s energy hit us. He was approaching-fast. Even if he hadn''t been home, he must have sensed our presence ande running back. His hideout wasn''t exactly near the volcano, but the scattered molten rocks made it a good hiding ce.


    "I figured you hadn''t gotten a proper fight with Logan, so you do the torturing while I do the asking," I offered Jaden.


    He quickly epted.


    Logan appeared before us, seemingly caught halfway through transforming into his Lycan form. His shorts strained against his hairy legs, and hisrge arms had ripped through parts of his shirt. Was he changing back to human, or was that his new form?


    "You can maintain your physique halfway now? I guess that''s an improvement," Jaden strolled toward him.


    I turned my attention from Jaden to Logan. Maintain physique? So that was it-he could reduce his size?


    "You twoing to find me... I can smell trouble," the Lycan seethed.


    "I smell death¡ªyour death," I replied. "But first, I have some questions before that happens."


    Logan''s gaze shifted from Jaden to me. "If it''s about Mi Destino, I can assure you he didn''t run to me. He went to his aunt''s ce at Blue Bloom."


    Mi Destino? Oh, that little scoundrel. I''d deal with himter. "Not him. Hunter-my Beta''s son. How do you connect with him?"


    Logan''s expression twisted into confusion before he grinned. "Connect with him? You sound almost sure that I do. I don''t even know the kid, so no I have no idea what you mean."


    A huff left Jaden''s lips. "Then how do you know it''s a kid if you don''t know him? Stop the nonsense. Is it a charm you''re using, or what?"


    Logan''s grin faded, and his brows furrowed. "The charms at Boots and Rivers Market can''t be that effective."


    If it wasn''t a charm, then what was he using?


    "Then how do you control the child?" Jaden demanded. "It will be in your best interest


    if I don''t beat the answer out of you."


    I smiled. Low-key, I wanted him to.


    Logan''s eyes dimmed as he focused on Jaden. He didn''t even bother defending himself in case of an attack.


    "I don''t have time for this, actually. I noticed another Lycan visited recently and had been looking for me," Logan remarked.


    Another Lycan? Visited?


    "Don''t worry. I told him you''d be killed soon, so he was on his way home," Jaden said, stepping closer.


    Wait-he knew there was another Lycan here? What was that about? The Lycan''s face twisted in anger, and his ws elongated.


    "Logan, you asked for this," I stated, rushing toward him while initiating my barrier.


    He had been focused on Jaden, so he didn''t anticipate my attack. The impact sent him backward, and his eyes glowed.


    "Wasn''t I supposed to do the torturing?" Jaden asked, sounding unbothered.


    "Well, skip to the killing!" I gestured toward Logan, who was lunging at us.


    Jaden pushed me behind him, and we both dodged Logan''s strike.


    I swiftly pulled a small bottle from my waist bag but hesitated. "He needs an open injury first."


    My wolf growled inside me, and I froze. Our mate is injured. Wait-what? That was wrong.


    I jumped in front of Jaden and initiated my barrier, sending Logan flying back again. "What happened?"


    "Well, he obviously ranked up after his fight with Chris," Jaden hissed.


    Ranked up? What other rank was he going to?


    Logan charged again, but I grabbed Jaden and sped away.


    "We need to give him an injury. I have something that can only kill him once he''s wounded," I exined.


    Logan''s intimidating growl sent a shiver through me, momentarily paralyzing me. Jaden yanked me aside just as a boulder crashed where I had stood.


    "Were you enthralled by that?" he asked, shaking me back to consciousness. I was conscious the growl just got to me every time.


    I pulled Jaden with me. "C''mon!"


    His injury would take a while to heal, but it wasn''t delicate.


    Just as Logan leaped high to pounce on me, Jaden swiped his underside with his ws, sending him crashing to the ground.


    Logan rolled away before my heel could strike his face, but Jaden chased after him.


    We hadn''t even gotten the answer about Hunter, but Logan clearly wasn''t ready to talk he must have had a good reason.


    He had an injury now, so my charm should work. I turned to see Jaden shifting into his wolf form. His clothesy on the ground-intact, so he could wear them againter.


    For him to unleash his wolf meant Logan was proving to be a challenge. Jaden''s wolf kicked Logan with his hind legs,unching him into the air.


    I hurriedly activated my barrier, and when Logan fell, he bounced up again before crashing into a molten rock.


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    The sickening crack of his spine echoed around us.


    I rushed to Jaden''s panting wolf, its tongue hanging out in exhaustion.


    Reaching for my boot, I pulled out a small sachet of silver particles.


    Logan tried crawling away, but I poured the particles around him in a circle enough


    to burn him deeply if he crossed it. Thest handful, I spread over his face.


    He groaned, trying to rise but falling back again.


    Kudos to both Jaden and my barrier for this. "So now, let''s talk again-before your death, eh?"


    "I will tell you nothing!" he snarled. "And I''m sure you''d prefer it that way."


    Why would I? "Logan, don''t you see? You''re dying today! I will fulfill my promise-so start talking!"


    He rolled his eyes and looked away.


    A threatening growl from behind me made him flinch.


    It was Jaden''s wolf.


    I was stunned to hear Logan let out a small whimper as the wolf approached.


    Jaden''s wolf extended its ws, flexing them in front of the weakened Lycan.


    "It''s best you start talking or he''ll start shredding," I warned, acting as the wolf''s mouthpiece.


    A wrinkle formed on Logan''s forehead before his lips twisted into a grin. "That kid-


    Hunter? It was reallyme of his mother to name him that."


    That was how he wanted to start? Hunter''s mother was dead.


    "Did you know Hunter''s mother?" I demanded.


    The woman had died, leaving Hunter an orphan. Could Logan have had something to


    do with it?

 No Way

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Five - No Way!


    Rihanna''s POV


    "That kid''s name, Hunter-it was reallyme of his mother." Logan cackled.


    That was how he was starting? Were we joking with him? Hunter''s mother was dead. "Did you know Hunter''s mother?"


    Thedy died, and then Hunter became an orphan. Could Logan have had something to do with it?


    The Lycan closed his eyes for a second, then exhaled, opening them. "I did. I''m able to control her son because we have a strong connection."


    Jaden''s wolf turned to me, and I looked at him. What was this Lycan chatting on about?


    "Should I ask you all the time? What connection is it! That''s the first bloody question I asked!" My veins were bulging from my head.


    Suddenly, Logan beganughing. "Rihanna, really, are you always this ill-tempered and impatient? Can''t you see I''m trying to heal?"


    So that was what he was doing?


    Stalling so he''d heal.


    Jaden''s wolf made the first move by jumping on him, pressing his neck.


    I wanted to warn him to be careful so we could get our answer, but at this rate, he could kill him.


    After all, if he''s dead, Hunter would also be safe.


    Logan took the risk of grabbing a handful of silver from the ground and spraying it on Jaden. My mate dodged it before itnded on him.


    The Lycan gasped, catching his breath.


    I smirked. "Next time, he won''t let go. Speak!"


    Logan cleared his throat, sitting up.


    The tension was growing on me. and then he,velled. "Hunter is mv son! Okay?!"


    My ears, which were perked up to hear him, fell down. What? There was no way a Lycan was that little boy''s father!


    "Stop the rubbish!" I yelled, and Jaden growled at him. I bet he couldn''t believe it either.


    "My Beta said the boy''s father died, with his siblings!" I barked. "So how are you his father?"


    "Yes, that father died, but I''m his biological father," Logan sighed, trying to stretch himself but falling back.


    I took steps away from him, still not believing a word he had said. "Then how does that create a connection with him?"


    "As his biological father, I created a mind link with his wolf. He does my bidding," he replied.


    "Hunter is a good kid, so I made his wolf not let him in on our ns." He chuckled maniacally.


    He could do that to his own son? I clenched my fists. There was no way he was the father! He was only bluffing!


    "How do you control his wolf?" I queried.


    "I am his father and Lycan King. He''s a little Lycan-he has no choice," Logan


    shrugged. "I told you, you wouldn''t like the answer."


    I didn''t believe the answer. "You lied!"


    Logan shook his head, ncing at Jaden''s wolf.


    The wolf was staring into space, like he wasmunicating with his own wolf.


    I searched for Lana. "It can''t be true."


    "It could. Hunter''s wolf is young, and his energy can''t be read, but we knew he was special. Maybe this was why after all," she responded.


    Jaden''s wolf ran back, grabbed his clothes from the ground, and went behind a rock to change.


    My heart was broken. There was a smug grin on Logan''s face, and it pissed the hell out of me.


    "How dare you!" I barked. My ws left their ces, and I scratched his face, bruising him.


    He grabbed my arms, his ws digging into them. But I pulled them out and punched his head, still with my ws.


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    My arms bled, but I didn''t mind. I was consoled by the four-lined scar on his head.


    "Rihanna!" Jaden dragged me away from him and held my bleeding arms. "There''s no way Hunter is his child! He can''t be a father to such an innocent boy!" I shouted.


    Logan began a creepyughter, and I wanted to charge at him again, but Jaden''s grip on me was strong.


    "He can! Logan seems to have innocent-looking kids. He wasn''t a good father to any of them," Jaden said, ring at Logan.


    Those words made Logan feel guilt. I noticed his eyes soften on Jaden, then they cked out.


    Jaden was right¡ªif Hunter was his child, why did he let his son suffer such pain?


    "And if Hunter had a father, how did you meet his mother?" I asked.


    Logan said casually, "Raped her to give myself a child."


    He did what?


    I wanted to fling myself at him again, but Jaden beat me to it, strangling his neck. "You raped another wolf''s mate!"


    "Believe me, that was myst time," Logan mumbled. Jaden let go of his neck. I frowned.


    Why did he? Let us kill the Lycan now that we knew the reason-if he was dead, then there''s no connection with Hunter.


    "Now, do you have the heart to kill me, knowing that I''m your Beta''s son''s biological father?" the Lycan guffawed. "I bet not."


    "Your bet is wrong," Jaden interjected. "If she doesn''t kill you, I will."


    "Yes, you would. Like your mother did, you won''t hesitate to kill a Lycan!" Logan mocked.


    Jaden''s mother killed a Lycan? True legend! But hadn''t it been said before that she befriended Lycans?


    "It wasn''t in my mother''s journal. She didn''t kill your sons. Stop lying!" Jaden fired. The Lycans were Logan''s sons?


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    "I wouldn''t call them sons. They betrayed me and annoyed your mother, so I''m d she killed them. I have no grudge against you," he replied.


    Jaden rubbed his temples. "You don''t care for your own children. What kind of father are you?"


    "I''m happy to know my children are in different kingdoms and packs," he bragged.


    "And some of them would never know the jerk they have as a father. I don''t know if that''s sad or a good thing," Jaden seethed.


    Logan frowned, sitting up. "Do you know how many wolfesses have been gifted with my seed?"


    Gifted? Was he romanticizing rape?!


    "Let''s kill him. We are done here!" I yelled, taking out the bottle of charm.


    The Lycan''s eyes lit up seeing it. Not in a scared way-but an excited way. He shouldn''t be excited.


    "Do you know there''s no known cure for that?" he gushed. "And it''s really fatal!"


    I knew¡ªor I wouldn''t have bought it. "Yes, and it''s going to be your end!" I opened the bottle.


    Logan pursed his lips. "You think?"


    What?


    He raised the silver particles from the ground into the air and threw some on Jaden as


    a distraction.


    He snatched the bottle from me, but then I initiated my barrier, making him bounce


    back.


    Timely, as he fell back, his hands swung the bottle on Jaden, then it smashed on a rock.


    Jaden had an open wound on his shoulder, caused by Logan, and the bottle spilled on


    him.


    "What is that?" Jaden slowly wiped off the liquid from his body.


    My eyes expanded when I saw it seep into my mate''s body.


    What have I done?!

 Hes Dying

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Six - He''s Dying


    Rihanna''s POV


    My head snapped toward Logan. "What did you do, you bastard?!"


    The wretched Lycan smirked. "Just so you know, it wouldn''t have worked on me. It only works on werewolves."


    My fists clenched. Of course, Boots and Rivers Market wouldn''t have something for Lycans they aren''t an everyday threat.


    "I only made the charm useful. So, Jaden is the one dying today!" Logan snickered.


    Jaden pulled me back as I tried to charge at the Lycan. "I''m not dying. Don''t mind him."


    He didn''t get it. His blood would slowly and painfully rot inside his body-from the inside out. It was a gradual process.


    This Lycan had tricked me by acting immobile when he had the strength to y such pranks.


    I shoved Jaden aside. "Let''s end him before he causes more trouble"


    "I''d advise you to go for help before the rotting starts," Logan interrupted, making me halt my steps.


    Jaden sighed. "Forget that."


    "If you keep exerting your energy, the rotting will begin faster. Your energy is the only thing slowing it down," Logan said again.


    Was he saying this because he wanted his death postponed?


    Jaden tried to walk toward him, but I pulled him back. "Let''s go and save you."


    He shook his head. "Let''s kill him first-"


    "You''ll die!" My voice cracked.


    I shut my eyes to control my emotions. I couldn''t be the reason my mate died-I just couldn''t.


    When I opened my eyes, Jaden was staring into them. From his expression, I knew they were already moistened. I looked away.


    "We found a solution for Hunter. I''ll connect him to my pack''s mind link-Logan can''t use him. Return and save yourself," I pleaded.


    His hands squeezed mine in aforting manner. I exhaled. "I''ll handle Logan. Go."


    He hesitated before speeding off. I wanted to run after him-to tell him not to use his speed since it would drain his energy-but he was already gone.


    I faced Logan as he started humming.


    "There''s something between you two. Please, tell me he''s not your new mate," he frowned.


    Why did he care? I flexed my ws, indicating I''d be using them soon.


    "You''ll pay for what you did!"


    "But he''s not dead... yet," he teased.


    I faked a smile. "Funny, isn''t it?"


    Logan leapt to his feet. "Yes, it''s funny."


    With my barrier initiated, I ran toward him with a swinging punch.


    The pressure of the barrier kept preventing him froming close to me, pressing him against the rock.


    My punchnded on him, and he staggered back. A trickle of blood left his nose. "Bitch!"


    "I am."


    I threw my hands at him, but he dodged and elbowed my side. I didn''t back down-I kept throwing punches and swipes at him.


    We went on for minutes-hitting him and getting hit back. My energy was draining.


    I had already gotten lots of cuts and wounds. Logan had really leveled up.


    My barrier pushed Logan away from me to give me some time, but he charged again this time holding a red charm.


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    "I think he wants to drain our energy now that we''re weak! He''s quite weak as well. We need to leave, Rihanna!" Lana warned.


    I couldn''t leave!


    I promised Logan death thest time we met, and now, he was more than deserving of


    it.


    I dodged the blow he sent toward me, but I didn''t see the second oneing- straight to my stomach.


    The force threw me against a rock, and it cracked-along with one of my bones. "Rihanna! Leave!" Lana screamed inside me.


    Was she scared for me? Or for her energy that would be stolen out of me?!


    "Is that even a question? You act like you''d be alive when the energy is stolen! You


    can''t fight if it is-leave and fight another day!" she cried.


    Logan massaged the charm, strutting toward me with a high head despite the bruises, scars, and blood on him. "And now, for my prize!"


    Iy on the ground, catching my breath. If I left now, I still wouldn''t reach my pack before fainting. He''d still have me.


    "You were an easy catch, Rihanna! Sending your mate who could''ve protected you- away was really reckless!"


    Wait-so he made me send Jaden away? What he said about the energy was a lie?


    My eyebrows furrowed, and my fists clenched. This Lycan had used my emotions against me!


    He ced the charm on my head, but I shook it off. He held my head still and ced it again.


    When it bnced, I used my energy to create another barrier that took him by surprise, throwing him back.


    I caught the charm before it fell from my head and stomped on it, destroying it. "It''s gone!"


    "I have plenty!" he groaned, getting up.


    "Rihanna! Run! Your energy is low!" my wolf warned again.


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    I heeded her warning-throwing a rock at Logan to keep him down-then dashing off at top speed.


    It wasn''t surprising that he chased after me. He knew my energy was weak and that I wouldn''t reach my pack-but I could prove him wrong.


    "You can''t! It''s too far!" Lana screamed in my head. Her voice was filled with pain and annoyance at my disobedience.


    "Rihanna!" I heard Logan''s growl as we crossed the hills leading to my forest.


    It was a narrow path, and his growl nearly halted me. I forced my body to keep moving even though he was a breath away.


    Suddenly, a fast figure ran behind me and pushed Logan back. They both tumbled down the hill.


    I increased my speed but slowed down when I thought that might have been Jaden. Was he all right?


    My strength wasn''t enough to slow down properly, so I fell-losing the energy I needed to keep running.


    "Rih, hold me!" I heard Jaden shout.


    He came from behind me. Wasn''t he the one who pushed Logan back?


    "Someone helped me!" I muttered, pointing to the hill where the figure and Logan had


    fallen.


    "Yes, that''s Liam-a friend. Come on, he''ll be okay," Jaden said, carrying me on his


    back.


    How would this Liam be okay if he had fallen down a hill with someone like Logan? But


    just then, the figure sped past me again.


    He stopped beside Jaden. I couldn''t see him clearly-my vision was blurring.


    "Why are you carrying her? Is she the Alpha of Silver Pack?" the figure asked.


    It was a teenage boy.


    "Yes," Jaden replied.


    "Oh. I hate her," the boy deadpanned-making me ck out with a frown on my face.

 Regretting

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Seven - Regretting


    Chris''s POV


    I barely sleptst night.


    Sasha had gotten miscarriages more times than I could count. I really hoped this wasn''t one.


    I had ced so much hope on my unborn child that it would kill me if he didn''t survive his mother''s carelessness.


    Why would she try to beat up a maid while she was pregnant? She didn''t have the strength she used to!


    And what had the maid done? She made her bathing water room temperature instead of boiling hot like she wanted.


    Wasn''t that considerate of the maid? But my Luna termed it disobedience. What was wrong with her?


    She was lucky she identally fell down the stairs while chasing the maid and not through a window-that could have killed her... and my son!


    I pushed thoughts of my Luna aside and worried about her brother. Edwin was already feeling better but still boiling to kill that kid.


    Looks could really be deceiving. What exactly did that boy want from our part of the world?


    I could tell he wasn''t from around here his ent gave it away.


    His ent subtly resembled Logan''s, and it worried me because they were both Lycans.


    Could he be a Lycan from Logan''s pack? If so, he meant harm.


    The emptiness of my courtroom wasn''t giving me thefort I wanted-only unsettling peace.


    "Ray, is there any news on Logan?"


    I sensed he was nearby, and he replied, "No. The warriors are still there. They don''t even think he stays there anymore no single sign of him."


    I exhaled. Where could this Lycan be?


    How were we supposed to go ahead with Your Silver''s n if we didn''t know where Logan was?


    Jumping from my throne, I nodded at the idea that just crept in. Why not visit her since I needed answers?


    This time, we could both go after Logan ourselves. She''d be a goodplement to


    me.


    "A goodplement to you?"


    "Not in the way your twisted mind is thinking," I retorted at Zeke, my wolf.


    He was always thinking far ahead in these things-basically, he misunderstood anything I said about Your Silver.


    "You shouldn''t have made her Alpha. Now, there''s a reason for her to be close to you when you should be healing," he said again.


    Healing? From what exactly?


    "It''s been three years since we rejected each other. Don''t forget she epted the rejection she didn''t want me either," I reminded him.


    It kinda hurt thinking about it.


    "You know she was only being strong and prideful like she always is. And you never healed-you only regretted. You''re still regretting."


    And so what if I regretted and was still regretting? It wouldn''t change anything. She wasn''t mine and could never be. I should mourn what I lost.


    "I know I can never get a second chance. Is it a crime to wish for things you lost?" I asked.


    "Yes-wish for things, but not things you lost by yourself," Zeke finalized. "Move on." Easy for him to say. He wasn''t the one dealing with his silly recement Luna.


    I swung the door open and squinted my eyes as the bright rays of the sun pierced into them.


    Was I supposed to walk under this sun to get to Silver Pack? Alone? I closed the door.


    As I did, a guard came running a letter in his hands. He bowed and stretched the letter toward me.


    "Alpha, the letter camest night, but I stayed away because you were worrying about the Luna," he exined.


    I took it and read the contents. My face changed to different expressions within that half-minute.


    Bringing down the letter, I stared into space for a second, wondering what the hell was wrong.


    "What the hell is wrong with Alpha Jaden and Alpha Your Silver? Why go attack Logan alone?"


    The guard looked down, as though I was scolding him.


    My eyes zed over the letter again, and then I pped it against the guard''s chest, walking away. ¡°Now she''s injured, and he''s poisoned!"


    I yelled at the air again, "Why didn''t they n it with all the Alphas like her letter


    said?"


    Was there anything else she wanted from Logan other than him dead? Wasn''t it an ambush she wanted? Two Alphas weren''t a match for Logan.


    I snapped my head toward the guard and pointed. "And give that letter to Ray as well.


    He should know what his sister is up to."


    He nodded and bowed, walking away.


    "Also, tell him not toe to Silver Pack. I''m heading there," I added before moving


    on.


    I wasn''t even sure how I''d help when I got there, but I needed to be there first. I hoped Your Silver was okay-and Jaden.


    How did he get poisoned? He was an Alpha wolf-all poison should be able to be forced out by his energy.


    I reached the forest where ck Rose and Silver Pack were located. They were far apart at the beginning and end of the forest.


    I tried to feel for Liam''s energy, hoping it''d still be around ck Rose, but it wasn''t. Annoyed, I ran off to Silver Pack.


    "Why was it Jaden that Your Silver visited Logan with? They''re that close, aren''t they?" I wondered within myself.


    My wolf came to the surface, hoping to judge me with those words.


    "And if they are? They''re two single adult wolves who could have a love life. It shouldn''t be your business."


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    He always misunderstood everything I said.


    "Well, that love life would be my business. Not only as their Alpha King-but because


    it meant Jaden would be the new Alpha King after me."


    That somehow shut my wolf up.


    I arrived at the Silver Pack border. The security had tightened as though they were still anticipating Logan.


    "Alpha King!" The warriors saluted and then bowed.


    That was new. Did their Alpha tell them to be nicer to me after visiting my pack? I liked


    the change.


    I hurried to the main house but spotted Jaden at a tent nearby with Silver Pack''s Delta, Cami.


    If Rihanna was injured, she''d probably be passed out and asleep. Jaden would be the one to tell me what happened.


    I hoped to sneak up on them, but a warrior passed me and saluted, "Alpha King!" with


    a bow.


    The two turned toward me.


    I sighed, nodding at the warriors that passed.


    "Are you alright?" I asked Jaden.


    Cami made a small bow and walked away.


    I sat where she had been, inspecting the injury on Jaden''s shoulder.


    It wasn''t healing-even though it looked minor-and there was a darker shade to the


    blood inside it.


    "Is this a medicine?" I asked again, then realized he hadn''t answered the first time.


    "Jaden, are you alright?" I shifted closer.


    He gazed at me with a tired expression and then sighed.

 Craving Reactions

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Eight - Craving Reactions


    Chris''s POV


    "Jaden, are you alright?" I shifted closer.


    He gazed at me with a tired expression, then sighed. His head slowly shook in the negative.


    "Do you feel tired? What happened?" I used a tender tone and skipped my forehand n of scolding him.


    He sighed again, then ced his injured arm on the table. "Rihanna had a charm- more like poison-she wanted to use on Logan."


    "Why''d your Silver want to use a charm on him? Could she wield charms?" Had she been taking lessons from Red Moon?


    Jaden gazed at me, clearly annoyed. "Could you call her ''Rihanna'' with me? Please?" I''d like to. "Sure. So, how''d she wield it?"


    "I think it''s supposed to work when ites in contact with blood. There''s no special way to wield it. But Logan set me up for it instead."


    The low enthusiasm in his voice he sounded pained by what had happened to him. Or maybe something else worried him.


    "How''s Rihanna?" I asked, wanting to be sure.


    He sighed again, confirming my suspicion that she was what actually worried him¡ªnot his condition. "I wasn''t there for her. She cked out."


    There for her? That sounded passionate.


    I nodded, thinking of ways to make him reveal if he and Rihanna were really a thing. "Should that be your problem now? His blood is infected, and that''s all you can think of?" Zeke yelled.


    "I''m sorry you had to leave your pack this early, though," Jaden added, forcing a small smile.


    I smiled back. "I received news that Rihanna was injured, so I had to rush here."


    His forehead creased slightly, but the small smile remained. "Sure."


    Craving a more defined reaction, I added, "Her safety is really important to me."


    He nced at me, his expression carrying a hint of disdain. "It''s important to all of us."


    My tongue stuck out a bit as I looked at him. "Yeah, she''s the only Silver Wolf our kingdom''s got the only chance against Logan."


    He didn''t seem to agree as he looked away.


    "I''d protect her because we''re friends. Being the only Silver Wolf shouldn''t be the reason you protect her. You should know there''s more to her."


    I bet that was the more he saw.


    I stood up from the seat we shared. "Of course, I know that. There''s a whole deal to her. Very much."


    "I''m d you ept that," Jaden exhaled. "And if she meets Logan again, protect her." Why was he sounding like he wouldn''t be there when she did?


    "Yeah, I will. I do have a soft spot for the Silver Wolf." I watched his reaction closely.


    His arm stiffened, and he slowly turned to me with a darkened re. "But you shouldn''t be having a soft spot for her when you have a wife."


    I shook my head, finally getting the reaction I wanted-direct opposition.


    I waved my arms. "Don''t misunderstand me. I mean as her Alpha King, that''s all."


    He looked from me to his shoulder. "Worry about me too. I haven''t the faintest clue what to do about this."


    "Yeah, a cure would surely be at Boots and Rivers market." Those people sold anything.


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    "I don''t know about this. Logan said there was no cure. He even added it wouldn''t have worked on him since it didn''t work on Lycans."


    Now that''s crazy-but again, he might be bluffing.


    "Don''t take his word for it. But if there''s really no cure, would you cut the arm so it wouldn''t spread?"


    I bit my lip as the words left my mouth. That was not an option-I shook the thought from my head. "No, don''t do that. There has to be a way."


    Even if my brain couldn''t crack something up yet, I knew it wouldn''t end this way.


    I might not be entirely sure, but Jaden could be Rihanna''s mate and if he were, then he was destined to be the Alpha King.


    This little setback couldn''t stop it. If Logan managed to, then my kingdom would be doomed.


    "How''s Logan?" I delved into another topic that worried me.


    Jaden replied, "He''s below the volcano between your pack and Blue Fire pack. He''s unconscious down there."


    So that''s where Logan had been?


    Protected by the volcano and in the opposite direction of where my warriors and Ray had been looking.


    "If so, then you and Rihanna did a good job of weakening him. Maybe I should try finishing him off?" I suggested, rising to leave.


    "No!" Jaden held me back. "Logan leveled up somehow. I couldn''t help, and Rihanna tried taking him on alone. She didn''t seed."


    But the Lycan was below the volcano-at the mercy of the Moon Goddess if she decided to make it erupt.


    "Didn''t she seed if the Lycan is unconscious?" I frowned.


    Or was he calling it a failure because she ended up injured?


    "We had help," Jaden exined. "A Lycan named Liam saved me and helped beat Logan. He said he''d met you."


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    My eyes widened as I rose to my feet. "Where''s that Liam? That boy is a Lycan!" Slowly, I processed Jaden''s words. He had a confused expression, so I sat down again.


    If Liam had saved him and beaten Logan, then he wasn''t on Logan''s side. "Calm down. He''s an active kid-don''t engage him. Also, I really don''t know where he is," Jaden responded.


    I tempered down, feeling for the energy of the scoundrel. "That boy has great dark energy."


    Even if I didn''t kill him, he had to pay for hurting my Delta-but he was nowhere around.


    Jaden confirmed, "Yes, it bothered me at first. But like he said, his wolf, Pedro, was the crazy part. I understood him too well."


    Since Jaden wasn''t worried about another Lycan in our kingdom, I decided to brush it


    off.


    If Liam had gotten to see Jaden-the one he''d been gushing about-then he must have gone back to wherever he came from.


    "Alright then. Take care of yourself and the Silver Wolf. I''ll go around and ask Red Moon if there''s a cure for this," I said, lifting myself from the seat.


    His eyes lit up, and he left his seat, suddenly energized. "This hadn''t crossed my mind.


    Red Moon makes charms, so they''d know."


    I nodded, even if I''d never want to use Red Moon''s charms and sorcery to solve any issue rted to me.


    "Thank you!" Jaden added.


    It pleased my heart that he was finally seeing hope in his situation. I patted his arm with a smile.


    "Sure. And please no other reckless meeting with Logan. Let''s meet him together and end it."


    The ck Rose Alpha nodded, and I sped off.

 Demanding Dads

    Chapter Hundred and Forty-Nine - Demanding Dads


    Jaden''s POV


    It was already afternoon.


    Ralph had just finished venting at me for leaving without anyone knowing where I had gone, then sustaining an injury-a poisoned injury.


    And the part where he asked if I was going to "die his death" stabbed a nail into my heart.


    He wasn''t dying, or else whatever hurt him would experience worse than death.


    I was d he was the one who had received the message that was sent to ck Rose


    and not my brother, Jake. He would have been more dramatic.


    "Is she awake now?" I asked Dara, who walked in with a handful of letters.


    She shrugged. "Ask Nurse Cami, but she hasn''t left my Alpha''s room."


    She dropped the letters on a table. "Chances are that my Alpha is still asleep. Wait a little bit for her." Dara winked.


    She was always insinuating something was going on between Rihanna and me. Something should be, but it wasn''t.


    My eyes went to the letters she had delivered.


    I remembered Liam saying the cutie he wanted to see at Silver Pack epted letters for the Alpha.


    "Dara, is there a warrior in charge of receiving these letters?"


    She halted her steps. "Those? No, I do it myself that way, I know when a spy is around. Why?"


    I shook my head. "Nothing."


    "Oh, is it about the weird letter my Alpha got? All I know is some cute little guy came delivering it. He wasn''t familiar, though."


    She thought he was cute too? That was suspicious. I smiled. "Don''t worry. I told your Alpha it was a prank."


    Her eyebrows furrowed. "Prank? Did our pack look like a yground? Or did my face look ready to joke?"


    "Well, he wasn''t just "


    "I''d give him a good beating if hees close to my border again! Damn prank!" she cursed, stomping off.


    For her sake, she shouldn''t try giving him a beating-so as not to trigger his wild wolf.


    A long sigh left my lips as I sank into the couch. My Beta returned to me with happy steps. "Jaden, guess what I found out?"


    Whenever he called me Jaden with that tone, I knew he had found something silly. "What?"


    "Do you know Beatrice is actually from Red Moon?" he said with wide eyes.


    I didn''t know. I sat up straight. "Really?" Why did Rihanna hate Red Moon so much if her Beta was from there?


    "Her brother led his hunters to attack our former Delta that year. Rihanna saved them," Ralph continued.


    The former Delta was nearly killed three years ago by some hunters, and when the warriors ran after them, a silver wolf had saved them.


    So this was the full story? "Go on!"


    "But Red Moon abandoned the hunters after they failed the mission, making Beatrice''s brothermit suicide," Ralph added with a mood drop.


    My face twisted, not expecting the twist. "That''s tough. Red Moon was really a scum pack back then."


    I believed their Alpha would do better now. "Who told you this?" It wouldn''t be Beatrice.


    "Hunter! You said he reminded you of yourself as a kid, but I think not. He''s chatty and fun-you weren''t those as a kid," my Beta scoffed.


    I rolled my eyes.


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    "Well, you had a very demanding father. Hunter doesn''t have any. Ahh, sometimes fathers can be too much, right?" Ralph sighed.


    Hunter had a father-not an ideal one anyway. "My father was demanding, not very demanding. I take it all as grooming to be an Alpha."


    "Or just hate because your mother loved you more," Ralph joked. "My dad told me once your dad hurt you, your mom locked him up."


    I smiled. She was Alpha anyway. "Not how I remember it," I denied, even if I knew it was true.


    "Maybe you don''t. I never saw it either. My dad did have many stories like that, though," Ralph sighed again. "I hope to be a dad someday."


    My smile fell off my face. Of course, he''d be a father someday. "Could you spare yourself the unnecessary worry? You''re still young."


    A sorry smile was on his face, and he said nothing. The door to Rihanna''s room opened.


    "I''ll let you two be," he hurriedly said and left.


    Rihanna walked through the door and saw him. She must have noticed his saddened


    expression as she stared at him for a long time.


    "Feeling better?" I asked to get her attention.


    Still looking at Ralph, she walked toward me.


    When she finally turned, she kept her hands on her waist. "Did you say anything to upset him?"


    Why would she think that? What could I say?


    "And I should be asking you if you feel better. And have you been saving energy?" she inquired.


    I wore a done look. Here I had been, waiting for her, while she had been worrying about me. It was quite consoling.


    "I''m good. Chris dropped by and saw my injury. He suggested getting help from Red Moon," I reported.


    "Could they help? This was from them, and it had no cure. I kinda had a clue it had no cure, so I bought it-that way, Logan can''t get help."


    My countenance dropped. "Well, how did it y out for you?"


    She frowned. "You know I didn''t tell Logan to spill it on you, right?"


    My brows pulled together, and my jaw clenched. "Then am I really dying?"


    "No!" she insisted. "I''ve been talking with Lana, and since the Lycan energy is the only thing that could resist¨D"


    She trailed off, seeing I wasn''t listening. "What?"


    "Who''s Lana?" I tilted my head.


    She brushed it off. "My wolf. Sorry."


    A smile crept to my face. Her wolf was named Lana? The silver wolf. It was a really pretty name for a wild terror.


    "And what''s your wolf''s name while we are on the topic? Bet it''s a warrior name of some sort," Rihanna chuckled.


    I nked off to connect with him, but he wasn''t responding. "Can you keep a secret?" I inched closer to my mate.


    "I guess," she raised a brow.


    "My wolf never told me his name. I actually have no idea what he''s called," I confessed.


    She didn''t look shocked, like my mother had been when I told her. "Wow. Is he cold to you?"


    "No, he actually talks. A lot," I grinned. "But that part-no. I wonder if he even knows." My wolf stirred up in me but mellowed down.


    "Maybe the moon goddess threw him to you when he wasn''t ready," Rih joked. "He could''ve been an unruly beast to her there."


    I had thought something simr too. It might be closer to the truth. My wolf was an unruly beast.

 Not His Fault

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty - Not His Fault


    Jaden''s POV


    Something simr had crossed my mind as well. It might be true. The wolf I had was unruly.


    Iughed at Rihanna''s joke and sat back. "Well, I doubt knowing his name will change how crazy he acts. So, about the Lycan energy?"


    She had pinched lips as she began exining.


    "Yeah, you have to get ess to a Lycan''s energy somehow and let it heal you. It''d be temporary but enough to remove the poison."


    Was that possible? "Getting a Lycan''s energy and using it to heal me?"


    She confirmed. "Yeah. Like Logan wanted to use my Silver energy."


    So, we were doing what Logan wanted to do to her? Wasn''t that supposed to be wrong?


    I understood that since Lycans were immune to the poison, we had to try using a Lycan''s energy to save me, but it wasn''t as easy as it seemed.


    "Then on which Lycan?" I questioned.


    "Can''t your friend Liam help?" She called his name with some disdain.


    "I don''t know how to find him, and I doubt he''d want to give me his energy. We are friends but not that close," I said.


    She frowned. "It''s about your life here. We can''t find another Lycan, so why can''t he help?"


    "As I said, I don''t know him much. You don''t expect him to give his energy to a stranger!" I raised my voice.


    She was quiet, then made an ''hmm'' sound.


    "What?"


    "Nothing. I just said hmm," she shrugged.


    "That ''hmm'' has a lot of words to it," I knew. "Are you meaning we should use Hunter?""


    Her eyes widened. "But I didn''t say it."


    "Your ''hmm'' was quite clear, Rih," I scowled. "We can''t use Hunter. He''s just a kid."


    And for crying out loud, she was his Alpha, meaning she owed him protection.


    "He''s also a Lycan. If we take his energy for a while, he''s still young and can regrow it. That''s if we really need him having it."


    "No, Rihanna, don''t see the boy differently because he''s a Lycan," I pleaded.


    "How can I not? Lycans have done nothing but cause trouble for me, and this one was rted to my most hated Lycan."


    "So, you hate him because he''s Logan''s son?" I snapped. "The other Lycan who helped you was a son of Logan as well. They aren''t all bad!"


    She hesitated before speaking. "That Liam too? He is?"


    I rubbed my temples. I wasn''t supposed to tell, but I just did. "He is from another kingdom and was looking for his dad. He''s not bad at all."


    She looked down, hopefully to rethink her decision. "Lana once said Lycans weren''t born evil but grew into it."


    I exhaled, d that she was understanding me.


    "But Hunter being Logan''s son would always be a shock to me. I don''t know how to tell Beatrice."


    Then she shouldn''t. Hunter didn''t know, and neither should Beatrice, or it could cause some conflicts in the future. "Don''t tell for now till he''s older."


    I began to see why Hunter always acted differently from other pups; his wolf was Lycan.


    I looked at my injury. The blood shade was darkening, and it still wasn''t healing. "There''d surely be another way to help me."


    "Using Hunter''s energy was all I could think of," Rihanna said.


    My head couldn''t bring up any more ideas either. She gasped, leaving her seat.


    "To think we went through the trouble of talking with Logan instead of just killing him


    to help Hunter, but now, he turned out to be his son!"


    Did she regret helping a pup from her pack?


    "I don''t regret helping Hunter. You shouldn''t either. This injury isn''t Hunter''s fault," I


    said.


    She huffed. "Yeah, it''s his father''s, and Hunter is his son. A chip off the old block. He even helped his father distract you that day, didn''t he?"


    That wasn''t intentional, and she knew it. "Logan had been using his son. Hunter was a victim of Logan''s malpractices. Nothing else."


    "Yeah, but he was his son, and that is surely a leverage on us. Think of how the boy had been spying in my pack."


    "Spying? You don''t even know if that happened. If it did, it''s still not Hunter''s fault!" I yelled.


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    She took a step back, and I regretted it. I sighed, rubbing my face.


    "Why are you siding with him though?" she asked in a low tone. "Sure, you like him,


    and he''s my Beta''s son, but you''re ignoring the big picture."


    I swallowed the words I wanted to say to prevent an overreaction or possible misunderstanding.


    She, of all people, should know how it felt when your uniqueness was overlooked by others.


    "As long as Hunter is a good kid, you shouldn''t treat him any less than you treat other pups," I managed to say.


    She cocked her head. "If he joins his father?"


    Would she kill him? "He won''t. Connect him to your pack mind link as you said, and Logan can''t connect with him."


    "Okay," she breathed in and out.


    "And if he acts roguish, bring him to me. I''d talk to him. He may have done it because he''s a kid who wants his father''s approval." I had been the same.


    "That will be if he knows Logan is his father."


    "Another reason to make sure he doesn''t."


    Rihanna plopped down on her chair. "Thinking and nning are not my thing. I prefer action. I won''t be the same with that kid, I know."


    That was sad. Hunter was still Hunter to me.


    If anything, being Logan''s son was a plus to him. He wouldn''t be a pushover as he''d


    be strong. "Try to ept him, for Beatrice''s sake."


    She made another ''hmm'' to that, and it was firm and determined, so I knew she''d try her best.

 Logans Mate

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-One - Logan''s Mate


    Jaden''s POV


    Ralph always wanted me to answer to him, share my thoughts with him, and still take whatever advice he gave me.


    And honestly, I didn''t have a problem with it. It was always nice to have someone who wanted to know what went on in your mind.


    As I grew up and kept most of my thoughts to myself, having been surrounded by stern uncles, it was freeing to be expressive. However, Ralph would never share. He could at times, but at the end of the day, he was only answerable to himself.


    "He should go wherever, as long as he returns safely and lets me scold him for ''running off without telling me where he''s off to,"" I scoffed.


    I was close to my border, and just as I came out from the tree path toward the path to my pack, a figure sped toward me, stopping behind me.


    "Ralph?" I turned.


    "Who the frack is that?" It was Liam. He was still around? I hid him from the path to my pack so no one would sense him. "Shouldn''t you be home?"


    Heughed nervously. "I know I didn''t add that I ran away from him to see my father, but yeah, I did, so I can''t just waltz back home."


    "Till you see him?"


    "No, I did see him. But till I''m ready to be locked up for months and never see this part of the world again," Liam rapped, sighing afterward.


    He was a daredevil, traveling all by himself. He''s an adult, but I''d still be worried for him.


    "Why didn''t you just tell your mom you needed to see your dad? She''d have understood."


    He cackled. "You''d think so. I don''t even know why they broke up, but something big happened. I guess I know why now."


    "What?" I got inquisitive.


    "Well, whatever is greater than love in this world? Power! My dad wanted power, so he left his mate and son to create his own pack!"


    There was so much bitterness in his tone. And his mother was Logan''s mate? Why on earth did he leave his mate for power?


    And then let my mother kill his new sons? He was crazy and not ready to be a father. Truly, Chris was right-he was power-hungry. I should keep him away from my mate. My eyes went to my injured shoulder, and I wondered how long I''d stay alive. "Your dad poisoned me. I have a few days to live now."


    Liam, who hadn''t been concentrating, snapped his head at me. "A few days to live? You?"


    Why did it sound like he didn''t believe me?


    I wanted to take off my shirt so he''d see it, but he stopped me. "I can smell the blood and poison. We Lycans have a good sense of smell."


    "So why didn''t you believe I''m dying?"


    "Cause you''re not!" he interjected humorously. "The poison kills within hours, and you''ve had it for a day. Your body is slowly dispensing it, that''s all."


    Could that be true? I looked at the injury, and with my wolf vision, I saw that a small part of the tissue was growing back. But only a small part.


    Cami stopped the bleeding, but the poison kept on spreading-way faster than the tissue was healing. I had good chances of dying.


    "Well, whatever happens, I''d like to do the best I can before then."


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    "Yeah, yeah. But guess what?" Liam grinned.


    It reminded me of Ralph''s earlier ''guess what,'' which opened me to knowing Beatrice was from Red Moon.


    "What? I''m bad at guessing."


    "I heard from some wolves that my bad father, Logan, actually had sons from other women!"


    He was excited about that? "I''m pretty sure it should be ''raped'' other women to get sons."


    His facial expression changed to disgust. "What? Why''d anyone do that?"


    "I shouldn''t tell you, but a son of your father was born from rape. Anyway, like their father, most of his sons turned bad and were killed."


    Liam''s shoulders dropped lower and lower as I spoke each sentence. "I didn''t know."


    Of course, he was the most normal of all the sons, to some extent, judging as he had his biological mother and she was actually mated to his father, not raped.


    "Really, just forget everything about Logan and live your life. He''s not worth having memories with."


    Liam nodded. "I learned that the hard way. After I pushed him down the hill, he tried to kill me, but I didn''t want to fight him, so I ran back."


    I remembered I didn''t get to thank him for saving Rihanna when my arm didn''t let me run faster. "Sure. And thank you for helping."


    "Certainly didn''t do it for that Alpha. I did it for your sake. I don''t like Silver Wolves. Either they are proud or mysterious. Worse are both!"


    I have heard that Lycans and Silver Wolves didn''t mix. The Silver Wolf''s barrier does a great deal to them. "Don''t worry. Rihanna is better."


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    He rolled his eyes, then looked at my pack. "I don''t think you want them sensing me."


    "They''d be rmed after I just got hurt by one of your kind. Also, my younger brother is quite possessive." I snickered.


    Liam''s eyebrows furrowed. "Well, lucky him. I grew up alone, so I yed with natural wolves. They were the only ones who got my rage."


    It may look like I''m lucky but... maybe I saw. "Your rage?" I asked him.


    "Yeah, I was hot-tempered growing up. My mom made me realize the rage was my wolf''s and said I should let him vent instead of caging it."


    Was that what I should do with mine instead of fighting with him all the time?


    "When your wolf vents, he kills others, right?"


    Liam nodded. "Lots of times, so I do it when there''s someone to kill. Most times, it doesn''t go as nned, and I''m locked up. It''s cool though."


    By saying ''it''s cool though,'' I could tell his type of lock-up was more like being grounded, with normal love and care from his family.


    Mine, whenever my mom wasn''t around, was locked in a dark room or tied in a forest.


    Till my wolf stopped being rash, I had to suffer that. I had no help in fighting my demons.


    "Okay, Liam. How about you return to your little motel? I need to rest."


    He ran off but came back again. ¡°Sure, bro. And yes, I''m anointing you my big brother." He sped off again.


    I stared at the ce he left before a smile crept to my lips. "This kid is really another Jake."


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 Flirting

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Two - Flirting.


    Rihanna''s POV


    After a day''s rest, my heavy head felt lighter, but my heart was still heavy.


    Logan was a problem again and kept creating more for me. He had leveled up, and since I was yet to, it was high time I searched for help professionally. Lycan hunters weren''t here as months back, there was no whisper of a Lycan being around us. We didn''t have a surrounding kingdom or pack we could ask either except if we crossed the seven seas.


    And hearing that Lycans were at other kingdoms made me wonder how they were living normally with other wolves.


    A sigh left my lips. "Something has to be done about Logan, and fast. The hit Liam gave him would soon wear off, and he''d want revenge."


    The door to my courtroom opened, and Dara crawled inside. I wasn''t on the big chair in the middle but just sitting on a staircase, so she didn''t see me. She steadily crept to the table of letters and began searching for one. I watched her, leaving the staircase to get closer.


    "Yes, here it is." She grabbed an oddly pink letter and began opening it. "That douchebag really addressed it to me!"


    Her hand clenched around the sword on her waist, so I rushed to her. "Who''s about to die?"


    She was startled but then stretched the letter to me. "Jaden had told you about a prank someone made, right? The boy came again."


    My face squeezed. That Lycan was ying around my borders? Well, I''d cut him ck for saving my ass.


    "He said he doesn''t like me, so what''s he doing here?" I took the letter to read.


    "Well, he didn''te for you. I told a warrior to be in charge, and the second she was, he gave her a letter. For me! How dare he!" Dara screamed.


    My eyebrows kept rising to their limit while I read the letter. "If I didn''t know better, I''d say he''s trying to flirt with you."


    In reality, there was no way he was flirting because they barely knew each other, and flirting with a stranger was inappropriate. Or did he think she was that cheap?


    Dara shook her head. "He actually is. And his head will go for that!"


    She tried to stomp off, but I held her back. I wouldn''t tell her that the guy was a Lycan, but I''d surely not let her go try him.


    "Ignore him. Tell the warriors to ignore him if hees around. He''s a friend to Jaden and is new around here. Let him live," I pleaded.


    My fingers enclosed around the letter and folded it into a ball. "Don''t worry."


    With steady steps, I returned to the staircase where I''d been, thinking about my next ns. I plopped down heavily on the hard marble, and my butt hurt for a minute. Dara had noticed my demotivated movements.


    "Is this about Logan? Well, you weren''t able to get him this time, but there''d always be another. Each time, you''d get stronger and-"


    "So would he. He is getting stronger too, Dara, and I can''t level up that much," I interrupted.


    She blinked, then exasperated. "You are the one meant to destroy him-you''d figure it out."


    I hoped I would. The prophecy didn''t say how long it''d take because I was pretty sure it''d take a while to get my head wrapped around this.


    "Well, till I get an idea on ending Logan without hurting anyone else, let me overthink in peace." I held my chin with my propped hands.


    My lead warrior gazed at me for a while. "Alright, let me give you something tough about."


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    Dara sat down beside me, facing me. She pulled my chin to face her as well.


    "I just got information from ck Hills that was hidden, but our spy finally caught it," she started.


    "I thought you removed the spy from ck Hills? You nted another one?" I grinned. Dara nodded. "Yeah, we can''t have no eyes and ears in that pack. Anyway, guess which pregnantdy fell down the stairs?"


    I smirked. I didn''t know many pregnantdies, so it had to be Sasha. My smirk fell. She fell down the stairs? Wasn''t she still pregnant?


    "Um... that''s dangerous, isn''t it? How badly did she fall? A fall or a slip?" I asked worriedly.


    How could that girl be so careless even as a soon-to-be mother? Things weren''t just about her anymore but her baby too!


    "She was trying to beat up a maid when she was identally pushed by the maid down the stairs," Dara chuckled.


    If it was only Sasha, then it''d be funny to me. That girl always tried to bully people she assumed were lower than her.


    "I''m d that maid stood up for herself. There are chances that wasn''t an ident," Dara added. "Sasha had really met her match."


    "How is she, though? I don''t care, just want to know." I was concerned for the child.


    "She bled from her insides. Guess something was wrecked up in there." Dara chuckled again.


    My eyes widened in horror. Sasha bleeding should mean something dangerous. "How is that funny? Is her baby okay?"


    My lead warrior stopped chuckling after I raised my voice. She shook her head in the negative. "Nothing happened to the baby."


    I gasped in relief. When she had shaken her head, it made me assume something did happen.


    "Well, that soon-to-be mother has to be careful. The baby is already unlucky to have her as a mom she should be a little responsible too."


    As I said those words, I expected Dara to agree with me, but she stared at me nkly.


    "What? You don''t think the child''s unlucky? Was that too harsh?" I hadn''t given it much thought.


    "Not that. The child would be disappointed to see his mom, but I''m stunned that you care about the child," my lead warrior replied.


    I folded my arms on my chest. "Why shouldn''t I? He''s my ''Alpha King''s'' son." There was a little mock emphasis on ''Alpha King.''


    Also, the boy had done nothing to me, yet. His parents may not be my favorite people, but I was tied to them.


    "Well, Sasha didn''t rece you, but her new son could affect the prophecy. I feel Chris secretly wants his son to snatch the kingdom."


    What was she getting at now?


    "You know Chris should have been your mate, and the Alpha King, but he made a mistake. I bet he has been regretting it."


    As he should! But I was beyond him now.


    I scratched my head briefly and pursed my lips. "Dara, where are you going with all of


    this?"

 Meet Duchess Vivian

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Three - Meet Duchess Vivian


    Rihanna''s POV


    I scratched my head briefly and pursed my lips. "Dara, where are you going with all of this?"


    She paused, thinking for a while, then shrugged. "Nowhere, actually. I just think Chris shouldn''t try anything silly since he can''t change prophecy."


    "I bet he knows that much. He changed his fate by his own foolishness, and that might be the best thing that ever happened to me."


    Dara peered into my eyes cautiously, and I had to ask, "What?!"


    "Do you really have no feelings for him? Like, are they all gone? I thought you''d be happy if Sasha lost her baby or "


    She trailed off, seeing the repulsive expression on my face. What made her think I still liked Chris? Because I let him visit here?


    I didn''t even like him before. It was just a silly crush that, as he said, was due to the mate bond, not because he deserved it. And whatever made her think I''d want the death of a baby just because his father was once my mate?


    "Dara, I assumed we had this conversation once. I feel nothing for Chris. We both moved on. His son, I wish him the best," I reminded her.


    She looked down, nodding. "I''m sorry I brought it up again. I just don''t understand love, or like, or crush. Feelings, to be honest."


    I nodded understandingly. "Neither do I. I hoped you girls would understand it when you find your mates so I can learn from you."


    It was a joke, but I meant it.


    She snapped her head at me. "Learn from us? Why? Do you have a mate you want to reach?"


    My eyes darted to her and then to the ground. "Why do you think such random things?"


    Her gaze was still locked on my face. "Who is it? Surely the moon goddess won''t be mean enough to leave you mateless after all these years."


    "Forget it, okay? Having a mate is the least of my problems now. When you see the guy, you''ll know, okay?" I concluded.


    She still had a cautious look locked on me as she stood up from the staircase we sat on. "Okay!"


    When she was gone, I threw myself back into my overthinking. "Lana, what do you think can kill a Lycan, apart from a Silver Wolf?"


    I was sorry to involve her in my overthinking, but we shared a body, so we should share the problems.


    "One other thing I know," she said, "you are not going to like it either, so work on being the only option."


    I had no choice here. I couldn''t be the only option. "What is that other option?"


    She cleared her throat and spoke softly. "Another Lycan."


    My anticipation, which had grown really high, fell t. "Another Lycan is the other option?"


    "Yes, Lycans kill Lycans. And a werewolf can too, but if we are talking about Logan, then


    a really strong werewolf," Lana asserted.


    What other strong werewolf was there to dare him? "Alphas and Alpha Kings have dared him but didn''t seed."


    "So send his kind after him; it''d be a fair battle."


    Send his kind? "Like I know where to get them."


    My mind went to Liam, but I brushed it off immediately. He was just a kid-Logan''s


    kid. I couldn''t send him to end his own father. There could be a curse that he''d inherit by obeying me, if he even would.


    "I didn''t even want to work with Lycans."


    "You asked for more options, and I delivered. The choice is yours," my wolf seethed, growing annoyed.


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    "Where would I find a willing Lycan to help if we should venture into that?" I asked again.


    "Across the seven seas. Duchess Vivian could help," she replied.


    My ears perked up on hearing my favorite adult when I was younger, Duchess Vivian. She was actually from a kingdom beyond the seven seas and visited Alpha King Wayne as an ambassador of her kingdom to ours. She stopped visiting when she found her mate and had to start a family.


    I remembered her short blonde hair with her blue eyes. She was really pretty and nice too. Also, she hated bullies, like Vanessa.


    "I will cross the seas to get another Lycan toe fight the one we have here," I summarized Lana''s whole advice.


    "It''s stupid," I deadpanned. "What if they join forces with Logan?"


    "You know not all Lycans want the extinction of the werewolf race, right?" Lana scolded.


    Maybe, but Logan was an Alpha King. He could have a way of convincing them. "Just because Logan made you see all Lycans as bad and detest them doesn''t make you any better than Logan, who hates all werewolves!"


    There was a minute of silence around my surroundings as Lana yelled those words.


    "Just like Silver Wolves were once hated and killed, you are sending the same hate to Lycans. It''s childish, Rih!" she added with a scoff.


    I felt guilt, immensely. I was no better than all those mean people who made me hate myself.


    "I guess I''ll take the advice of traveling past the seven seas and looking for help, whether it be a Lycan or a stronger Silver Wolf."


    My wolf didn''t reply. I sighed, feeling better about getting a solution and learning something valuable.


    I left my sulking position and marched outside, only to get hit by the sun''s rays. I''d be leaving my pack soon for the Sun Burn Kingdom. My heart was excited about seeing Duchess Vivian. I hoped she''d still remember me.


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    Three pups ran to me, holding certificates. Iughed, seeing them cheering themselves for officially being part of the pack. Hunter was one of them, and the three kids had just been connected to the pack''s mind link by Beatrice.


    "Well, congrattions, you three!"


    "Thank you, Alpha!" they chorused.


    Two of the three ran off, except Hunter, who wanted to say something to me. "Alpha?"


    he whispered, even though the other two were far gone.


    "Yeah?"


    "My wolf''s name is Carlos," he said with a smile. "He is nice and has a tiny voice."


    He giggled. "I thought he had a deep voice before, but his voice is so tiny!"


    I smiled. That tiny wolf could be easily tricked! I purged out my resentment and exhaled. "That''s really cool. You''ll start training soon."


    He nodded, then saluted. "And when I grow up, I''ll be a lead warrior like Aunty Dara!"


    The confidence! I poked his puffed-out chest. "What about a Beta like your mother?"


    He looked down. "That''s hard. My mom is really strong. I don''t know if I''d be that strong."


    The kid had no clue. And I bet it would be really exciting having a half-Lycan Beta in my pack.


    "You will be. I know it. I look forward to having you as my Beta when you''re older."


    His eyes beamed with pride, and he made a firm nod. "I''ll do it, Alpha!" he dered before running off.


    That was the kind of confidence I wished Alpha Wayne had in me. So, I''d be that Alpha.

 Id Rest

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Four - I''d Rest.


    Chris''s POV


    Maybe I could have resisted staying a day in Red Moon, but I didn''t. Not when my mom offered me homemade meals.


    Sasha''s cooking was good, but I''d always tasted better.


    And my father might not have wanted anything to do with my mother, but she was still my mother. Not that I wanted him to know I visited her anyway.


    My uncle returned to me with the findings I had asked for. I stretched myself out on the couch so he''d have nowhere to sit. I only needed him to report and leave, not strike up a conversation.


    "So? Any solution for Jaden''s injury? I have to leave now," I said.


    The fact that I wasfortably stretched on a couch while iming I wanted to leave was ironic. He raised his brows humorously and sighed.


    "It specifically doesn''t have a cure. If ites in contact with blood, only a Lycan''s energy can dispel it," he said.


    A Lycan''s energy? Maybe that was why it didn''t work on them.


    "So Jaden dies?" I frowned. "Why make a charm with no cure? And now it''ll kill an Alpha."


    This would make the kingdom detest Red Moon and its sorcery users again. I was disappointed.


    "But Jaden doesn''t have to die. He should get a Lycan''s energy. Maybe imprison Logan and suck his," my uncle quickly suggested.


    I knew he was deeply rooted with sorcerers, so he wanted their best interests protected. And his idea wasn''t exciting because catching Logan was a task. No one wanted to leave Logan alive if they had the chance to kill him.


    Keeping him to take his energy for Jaden would require great nning to execute.


    "You think it''s as easy as saying it!" I raised my voice. "In that despicable market, anything that doesn''t have a cure shouldn''t be sold there."


    My umrr¨¦bbaf¨ª?rurerierter, Juctilessanir, roothing:


    "And the strength of a Lycan would be inside Jaden, as well as the energy. What if his body can''t take it?" I asked.


    My uncle hummed before replying. "It was just my humble suggestion. I know nothing about the aftermath."


    Then it was too risky to think of trying, though it''d be cool if Jaden had the strength of a Lycan. He''d be the Alpha King soon anyway.


    My wolf came to the surface, and I knew I''d said something that deserved scolding. I looked up at my uncle and responded lowly.


    "I may not be Red Moon''s Alpha King, but don''t forsake my words. No charm without


    a cure should be sold in that market. Understood?"


    He nodded, then forced a smile. "We hope the kingdom forgives us and that we get back under your rulership someday."


    That day might nevere, as my father would resent me. But if I wasn''t the Alpha King and Jaden wanted to ept them, he could.


    My wolf scoffed. What did I say?


    "Very well then. I''ll take my leave now." I rolled off the couch. "Take care of my mother." I briskly walked past him.


    He didn''t give me a reply, and I honestly didn''t need one. I knew my wolf was on the brink of scolding me for something.


    "So, you aren''t worried about not being the Alpha King?" he asked.


    I replied simply, "Yes."


    "Imagine that! Don''t you want to fight for it?"


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    Was this wolf bipr? Last I remembered, he wanted me to ept our fate. "Just shut up!"


    I had gone through a lot trying to ept my fate myself. I didn''t need anyone trying


    to talk me out of my own decision, not even my wolf.


    "Fine. If you want to back out, let it be because it''s a prophecy and not because you''re a coward," my wolf continued.


    Coward? What was I scared of? Being Alpha King? Partially, yes, but I had been already for three years. They weren''t my best three years, but it was fine. If it was Jaden''s destiny now, I''d simply pass it.


    "I want to live long enough to see my son grow and have kids," I told him.


    I was already drained within three years. How could I keep up forever?


    "And maybe, without having the pressure of the kingdom on my neck, I could rest and prevent myself from making more mistakes."


    Not to mention that with less power came fewer responsibilities. And hopefully, I''d help my son make his own decisions and face the consequences of bad ones as well. In all, I''d be at peace.


    My wolf had few words to say after that.


    I increased my walking pace and soon advanced to short jogs before I began running. I made sure no letter whatsoever was sent back to ck Hills so they had no clue where I was.


    My father wouldn''t worry, and Sasha shouldn''t. Vanessa wasn''t in ck Hills, so there was no one I owed my presence to at the pack all the time. After all, all thends were my kingdom for the time being. I should walk around while I could.


    Within twelve minutes, I was at ck Hills'' border. I spotted the lead warrior, Cara, yelling at her warriors. Something had happened.


    I used steady, cautious steps to advance toward her and hear what was being said.


    "...and it''s thest time! Thest time you try to act on your own orders and get anyone hurt, understood?!" she barked.


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    I red at the warrior in question. He was a newbie-an arrogant-looking newbie. But what had Cara sent the warriors for? Since it seemed outside the pack, then it had to be something serious.


    "Either way, find anything?" Cara asked.


    "Nothing. We didn''t find the man or our Alpha," the warrior replied, still looking down. Their Alpha? Me? "Why would you be looking for me?" I asked both of them through the mind link.


    They snapped their heads in my direction.


    Cara exhaled and gestured for the warrior to leave, which he hurriedly did. "Alpha, Ray went with some warriors to look for you."


    What was happening? "Why? Was I a child?"


    Cara replied, "Well, normally, we wouldn''t, but he got worried. Someone had been dered missing, and there''s still no report on him."


    Yes, the warrior had said they didn''t see a man or me. "Who went missing?"


    "Beta Ralph of ck Rose. Alpha Jaden worriedly sent a report to you about it," Cara exined.


    My eyes widened. "They sent a report?"


    Cara pouted a little, nodding. "And since they rarely do, Ray wanted to know what the problem was, so he opened it."


    "And Jaden was asking for help to find his Beta?" I found it unbelievable.


    Cara nodded. "He did."


    Oh, Moon Goddess, then he was really desperate. Where had the Beta gone?

 Taken

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Five - Taken?


    Chris''s POV


    Oh Moon Goddess, then Jaden was really desperate. Where had the Beta gone to then?


    "Can I see the letter, please? And what made you guys search for me exactly?" I asked, moving inside the gate.


    Cara sighed. "The letter is at the courtroom. Alpha Jaden said in his letter that he worried it was Logan."


    I paused my steps and stared into space. That would be a serious problem if it was true.


    "So, Ray got worried while wondering if you met the same fate," Cara added.


    My eyes dimmed. "He worried, so he decides to leave to look for me, then do what? Meet the same fate as well?"


    Cara smirked. "I told him not to, but he doesn''t listen to me sometimes."


    I shook my head, rushing to my courtroom. "Inform me when the Beta is found. I don''t feel like looking for Ray, so till he returns."


    She saluted, then returned to the border.


    The door to the courtroom flung open before I moved it. "Alpha? You''re back!" It was Edwin.


    I smiled. "Yes, where''s ck Rose''s letter?"


    He was with it, so he handed it over. "ck Rose remembered that we are their allies today."


    It was funny but not funny. I could imagine his frustration at not knowing where his Beta was. And with his injured shoulder, he''d need to conserve his energy at times.


    "The letter isn''t detailed. Like, whenst did he see Ralph? What did Ralph say before he left?" I sighed, throwing down the letter.


    No matter how much Alpha Jaden wanted to open up for help, he still kept himself half-closed. And I understood and respected that.


    "Bottom line is, Beta Ralph is missing. His mate alerted Alpha Jaden that he didn''te home, and now Alpha Jaden suspects Logan," Edwin summarized in case I didn''t get it.


    "I got it!" I rolled my eyes, turning my back on him. My hands rubbed my chin as I entered thinking mode.


    "Logan kidnapping wasn''t his style." Unless he wanted someone else like he did with the Blue Bloom Princess. He''s yet to say who he wants. I hope he reaches out and says it. Let him not change his style. Let him not harm the Beta also.


    Ray appeared at the border and spoke with his mate. He looked ahead, locked eyes with me, and then walked toward me.


    "Edwin, stay in charge here. I want to go down to where Logan is and check if he still lies there!" I ordered.


    "What if he''s active?"


    "I''d survive. I''ll go with Ray."


    "He should survive too," Edwin frowned.


    Did he think I''d let him die? Why''d I let my own Beta die while looking for another''s Beta?


    "I didn''t know you cared about him," I smirked.


    Edwin pursed his lips, then strolled off before Ray got to me.


    Ray''s eyes followed him as he left. "Is he still sulking for what I did that I don''t remember?"


    "Forget him." I pulled Ray to me. "And you, don''t go out to dangerous ces in the name of looking for me."


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    He blinked twice, then raised his brows.


    I noticed I pulled him too close, so I pushed him back. "You get the message. Now, I want us to drop by the volcano at Blue Fire... "


    "That would be active in a few days," Ray interrupted.


    Even better. "It would kill Logan, as that''s where he fell unconscious, if he''s still there."


    "I believe you know Jaden''s Beta is missing. I''m not very close to the guy, but he''s smart and very important to Jake and Jaden."


    Seeing how Jaden quickly asked for help, he really should. "Let''s go, Ray! Keep your ears and eyes open. I don''t want to lose my own Beta."


    Ray chuckled and ran down the stairs. "You won''t. And is my sister okay there?"


    I didn''t even see her, but I smirked. "She''s okay." After all, she had her mate beside her.


    Cara, seeing Ray and I strolling out of the pack, ced an annoyed expression on her face. But she didn''t voice it out and only bowed as I passed her. "I hope you return safely."


    I didn''t know who she was referring to, but I replied, "Thank you, and be careful yourself."


    The path to the volcano was uncanny, as neither of us had been there. Ray only knew it was near Blue Fire. I knew that, but I didn''t know how near.


    We reached a ce where we could see the volcano top. There was a hill beside it, and down below were rocks of moltenva. A part of the hill was too thin to cross, and I didn''t want to push my luck.


    I gazed down carefully, and my eyes erged. "Down there, Ray! Logan!"


    My Beta rushed to the edge and looked down. "The Lycan is still unconscious?"


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    Why was that a question? He obviously was. Maybe dead down there. I stared at his body, and it was dirty and rocky, not to add a boulder was ced on him-maybe from contact with a bigger rock when falling down.


    "Wow. Who did this again? My sister?" Ray beamed proudly.


    I hated to burst his bubble. "No, the other Lycan I told you hurt Edwin. Jaden said he helped. He and your sister were too tired to do this."


    Ray made an "hmm" sound, then moved away from the edge. "If Logan is down there like that, then he wasn''t the one who took Ralph."


    "That is if Ralph was taken," I added.


    "That is if Ralph was taken," Ray repeated. "Maybe he strolled off for a bit."


    I snapped my fingers. "I haven''t told you, but Jaden actually got his blood poisoned by


    Logan. Maybe his Beta went to look for a cure."


    Ray shook his head. "He would tell Jaden then. Jaden sounded like it was a disappearance."


    "Would he know? Maybe his Beta wanted to surprise him or didn''t think he''d agree. I mean, if not that, what else would take away a Beta?"


    Ray sighed. "I am running out of ideas as well. Ultimately, let''s just hope he''s alive, and fine, and actually left to find a cure for his Alpha."


    "And would return," I added to the list.


    My Beta agreed. "Yeah, and since Logan is down there, should we explore thoughts on him being dead?"


    I peeked down at the bodyid helplessly there. Logan was a mastermind in these games. Looking weak while being strong was a game he had yed time without number. I wouldn''t be falling for it.


    "No, let''s not lose our guard. He''d still recover! Write back to Jaden, tell him Logan is


    still down the hill. Ralph might return soon!" I ordered.


    My Beta and I returned back to our pack.

 Worried

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Six - Worried


    Jaden''s POV


    What was Ralph doing to me? To his mate? To everyone at ck Rose? Why did he disappear like that?


    Jake rushed into my room to inform me the letter to ck Hills had been sent.


    "You mean the letter you falsified under my name? How would they help if Ralph is missing?" I sighed.


    They were all the way at ck Hills, and my Beta went missing around Silver Pack. What could they do to help?


    Jake shrugged, wearing the pouty expression he had had since Ralph''s mate reported to us. She had looked more angry than worried.


    I tried to stay calm since Ralph had told a Silver Pack warrior what to say to me. My only hesitation was that he didn''t say where or how long he''d be gone.


    "Jake, sit!" I told my brother. He had been pacing around but was now kicking things.


    "Do you think it''s Logan?" he asked for the hundredth time.


    Logan had no business with my Beta; he had with me. And he had never openly attacked us, unless he nned to now.


    "Then he''d have written to us to tell us. Don''t worry, Ralph wille back," I said. And receive a hell of a scolding.


    Jake groaned loudly, spreading his legs away from him, his whole weight on the chair, which was about to snap as it was made from twine. He was infuriating me, so I left my bed, getting dressed.


    He stood up from the chair. "Are you going to look for him? Should Ie with you?" I gave no reply and walked out of the room. He knew better than to tag along.


    I searched for Jonah on the mind link before remembering I had forced him to take Vanessa on a walk around Rose Valley. It was in a bid to not let her see the tension around the pce over Ralph''s disappearance.


    Jonah willingly agreed because he wanted to calm himself while protecting the dignity of our pack. But Jake had ruined that by asking ck Hills for help, not that asking for help was wrong.


    "Where are you off to?" my wolf asked me as I took strong steps out of the courtroom and outside the main house.


    "Don''t ask," I said lowly. "For I don''t know."


    I wasn''t just worrying but in turmoil.


    One of Ralph''sst words to me that day was his desire to be a dad, and he''d have to be that dad. Nothing was stopping it. He was an introvert and stayed at home a lot. And he''d never just stroll out without telling anyone, especially not as Logan was around.


    But I didn''t want to overthink.


    Just as I headed to the border, a guard came running towards me with a letter. I slowed down.


    A frown came to my face when I thought of the possibility that it was a reply from ck Hills. What would they say?


    "This is from Silver Pack, Alpha." The guard bowed, handing the letter to me.


    My frown faded, and I hurriedly opened the letter to read its contents. But it was just Dara saying Ralph didn''t return to Silver Pack after that day. I had asked her to keep watch.


    I resisted the urge to shred the letter as it wasn''t what I wanted. "Thank you," I told the guard.


    He could already sense my frustration, so he backed away.


    I folded the letter into my pocket and continued towards the border. Ralph''s brother was no longer stationed there. He and his team had been on break since Ralph''s disappearance. I hoped they returned with him.


    "Where are you going to again?" my wolf repeated when I crossed the border with nowhere in mind.


    "I can''t stand Jake being like that. And I just want to clear my head, okay?" I huffed.


    To manage my strength, I didn''t use my energy to speed to anywhere. I just made fast walks around the forest, taking in the peace.


    "It''s not really ideal walking around with that injured arm. What if you meet a rogue or something?" my wolf spoke again.


    "Then I kill it. Actually, right now, I want to vent on something," I confessed.


    My wolf scoffed. "I''m not transferring aggression to you now. This is all you."


    "I am aware!" I yelled. "Let me be."


    At that point, I paused as an idea came to mind. "Ralph knew about my injury. Could he have gone looking for a solution?" I asked.


    My wolf questioned, "Where would that be? There''s no solution apart from a Lycan''s energy."


    "Yes, but Ralph didn''t know that," I snapped my fingers. "He might have gone to, perhaps, Boots and Rivers market, looking for a cure."


    "You know he''d have returned by now if he went to that market," my wolf added again.


    He wasn''t helping me be hopeful. "Well, I''d ask if he dropped by, then know if he went further, like to the rude old man''s ce."


    Not everything made sense, but at least I had a direction to go. Without thinking, I used my energy and sped off. I''d probably slow down the healing process by a good amount, but it wasn''t healing anyway.


    After a while, I was at the market. It was bustling and bubbling like usual. The stall I was looking for came into sight, and I smiled.


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    "Hello," I beamed at the smalldy. She was the one I bought the cure from earlier.


    She rushed to me, ignoring a customer she was with, her cheeks reddened. "Oh, hello, handsome sir. How have you been doing?"


    Thankfully, another seller with her spoke with the customer, or I''d have felt guilty. "Thank you, I''m quite fine. I''m looking for my friend."


    "Friend? Oh, the one you came with the other day?" Her eyes expanded. They had a bit of fear in them.


    I nodded. "Yeah, he''s missing, and I thought maybe he had stopped by here."


    She nced to her right and left, then shook her head. "I have no idea. All I know is he might not be the only one missing."


    What did she mean? I looked around the stalls in the market, and despite how filled everywhere was, some stalls had actually not opened.


    "Some sellers got missing?" I asked.


    The girl nodded. "I''m not in a sellers'' group, but my father is." She pointed at a man talking to the customer. "He said some sellers were missing."


    If that was true, then Ralph could be missing along with them. "But you don''t know if my friend came here?"


    "No, I would have remembered. I have a good memory," she grinned, patting her head.


    She made me smile, even if I was worried at heart. "Any whisper on who is taking them?"


    "Well, recently there was a ship from Sun Burn Kingdom that dropped a young prince here."


    Sun Burn Kingdom? Young prince?


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 Protect My Family

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Seven - Protect My Family.


    Jaden''s POV


    "Well, recently there was a ship from Sun Burn Kingdom that dropped a young prince here," the girl said.


    Sun Burn Kingdom? Young prince?


    "He''d been to the market many times and didn''t trouble anyone. But they think he''s guilty since the disappearances only started when he came."


    A prince from Sun Burn Kingdom? Liam would surely know about the man, except I didn''t know how to find Liam.


    "Thank you." I took out some money and handed it to her. "Do you have pain-relieving drugs?"


    She ran inside the stall to get them. I nced around the market; the emptiness was bing more noticeable.


    What would this prince want with market sellers and my Beta? That''s if it was this prince doing this. I had reasons to believe it was Logan.


    No Sun Burn prince would openly dere war against us with this nonsense! And traveling past the seven seas just to kidnap people? Stupid.


    The smalldy came back, holding up two bottles. She stared at one carefully before handing it to me. "It''s more efficient, though bitter."


    I didn''t mind. "Thank you. And be careful, you and your father, so that you won''t be taken as well, okay?"


    She looked down, nodding. "Thank you for the kind thoughts. I appreciate it."


    When the transaction was done, I briskly walked away. Now I had a new mission- finding this Sun Burn prince.


    I didn''t suspect him, but he''d know something, hopefully. I began returning to my pack so I could alert the rest.


    My energy needed to be conserved, so I wouldn''t be actively participating in this mission.


    I had reached the middle of the forest, half a mile from my pack, when I noticed I was being followed.


    "It''s a rogue. See? I knew you''d meet someone," my wolf taunted.


    I wasn''t in a very shitty mood now, but I could easily take on the rogue. It was only one, anyway.


    "I doubt this rogue wants to attack. He should know he doesn''t stand a chance." I turned to the energy.


    The person ran from the shrubs to hide behind a tree. His energy wasn''t even in warrior rank.


    "What do you want? I know you''re there, soe out!" I yelled, keeping my hands on my waist.


    He tried to run to another hiding spot but tripped, exposing himself. He was a young boy.


    "You''re a rogue. What are you doing around here all by yourself?" I asked thed.


    He grunted, getting up. "I actually came here to kill you, but I don''t think I can go along with it."


    That was hrious. "Believe in yourself, though. You might be able to hurt me."


    He scoffed, standing with his hands akimbo. "There''s trouble in thend. I bet you are aware."


    Of course, I was. "Who are you to tell me? You''re a rogue. You should easily skip packs..."


    "Even if I travel to another kingdom, Logan''s n to exterminate all werewolves will get to me."


    I hissed. "So rogues want to join forces with packs to invalidate him?"


    "I''m not so interested in joining forces since I am all alone, and Logan made sure all my family members were killed by Chris," he sighed.


    His family was killed by Chris? Then they were the rogue family that attacked my mate. Chris had wiped them all out.


    "Hmm, then you''re the Mi Destino that Rihanna saved, aren''t you? She said she''d kill you for hurting her Beta," I told him.


    He shook his head. "If she sees me..."


    "I could send her to you. But I''m not in the mood." I turned away. "Get out of my forest before my warriors get you..."


    "You are looking for your Beta, aren''t you?" he interrupted.


    My fists clenched, and I turned back to the boy. "It must be news that he''s missing. Don''t joke with me about it."


    "Well, right now, I''m not in the mood for jokes either. Liam said you''d understand, but


    I doubt you would. He needs help too."


    On hearing Liam, I got anxious. "Where is he? What do you mean he needs help?"


    "He got injured while having a showdown with my father''s uncle, Logan. I think you''re aware," Mi Destino raised a brow.


    His father''s uncle was Logan? How was Logan having more family members?


    "Liam didn''t tell me he had a showdown with Logan," I frowned.


    Was it hitting Logan down that day? It didn''t take a toll on him the next day when I saw him.


    He didn''t look like he was suffering. Maybe it happened afterward? "Where is he, then?"


    "I don''t know if I can trust you. Liam seems cool with you, but I''m not. You killed my father!" the boy barked.


    What gave him the guts! I sped to him, holding him by the neck. He wasn''t expecting the attack.


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    "I killed your father and can kill you now. Don''t y with me," I seethed.


    He struggled, pulling my hands away. "I''d rather die than expose my cousin''s address.


    If you kill me, you''d never know about your Beta."


    How dare he threaten me? I tightened my grip around his neck. I didn''t need him.


    "How about if you don''t tell me where Liam is, I''ll kill you, and you''ll die useless with no effect on the world?" I smirked.


    He was running out of breath but wasn''t conceding. "I would''ve been dead since. I don''t mind as long as I protect myst family."


    He was tiring.


    A figure sped past me, wrapping a snake around my arm that held Mi Destino. I


    dropped the boy, pulling the snake from my arm before it bit me.


    "Don''t kill him, that''s my younger brother!" It was Liam who screamed.


    I didn''t stomp on the snake and swerved my head to him. "A snake is your younger brother?"


    He cleared his throat. "Got a problem? As long as it''s a living thing, we''re family," he mused poetically, walking to Mi Destino. "I meant this guy, though."


    So they were really rted? All this was making my head spin. I brushed it off and focused on the matter at hand.


    "There''s a young prince people suspect is kidnapping people. My Beta was taken as well."


    Liam stood still, gazing at me. "Kidnapping people? Why''d the prince kidnap people?"


    "I don''t know. But do you know him?" I asked.


    Liam folded his arms. "I am him! And why''d I kidnap sellers and a ck Rose Beta?!"

 Traveling

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Eight - Travelling


    Rihanna''s POV


    My bags were set to go on this impossible mission. I was leaving with no one by my side.


    I was excited but worried, in case trouble struck and I wouldn''t be around. But so far, Logan had not done anything worth being rmed about. I made sure by checking the letters again.


    As I walked out of the main house, Beatrice was standing outside with Hunter by her side. I winked at the boy, and he smiled.


    "So, I''m off! Take care of my future Beta and the pack!" I grinned at Beatrice.


    She took a step to the side, nodding. "I believe you know what you''re doing." She rubbed Hunter''s head and added, "We''ll be fine. I''ll be looking forward to seeing you back with a Lycan to kick Logan''s butt for good."


    I saluted, walking off. I went into Hunter''s mind link. "You''ll be president of the newly shifted pups! Make sure nothing goes wrong, okay?"


    "Yes, Alpha!" he replied in the mind link with a giggle. "Nothing will go wrong."


    When I was far away from them, I increased my pace, then broke into a run.


    Since my fight with Logan, there had been no noticeable improvement in me except my endurance had gotten better, and I healed faster. With my current skills, I couldn''t take on Logan, even with all the help in the kingdom.


    Help was also limited as the Blue Bloom Alpha was on honeymoon and wouldn''t be joining us, while Jaden needed to conserve his energy. Going to Sun Burn Kingdom to find a Lycan seemed to be myst option. "I hope this also counts as fulfilling the prophecy."


    Lana chuckled at my assumption.


    I arrived at the Boots and Rivers market, which had a seaport. I had never strayed so far to actually see that part of the market before.


    The ship was still at the port. I paid the fee, having actual coins to pay, and boarded. My mind drifted to buying gifts I''d send to the Duchess, but I brushed it off. I had some handmade stuff she could have.


    The ship set sail after ten minutes of boredom. I was d it was mostly elite wolves who boarded with me. Maybe because the fee was quite high. The majority of the wolves were also tourists and had purchased items from Boots and Rivers market.


    I recognized one horsetail that nearly caused a problem between Chris and me, now with a youngdy. She seemed to be from beyond Sun Burn Kingdom as she had a lot of luggage with her.


    "Alpha Rihanna?" someone said behind me.


    I faced the person, and it was a teenage girl. She had a small, round face and cute brown eyes. But I wasn''t really interested in having a chat buddy.


    "Oh, hello."


    "I''m Dory. My father and I are travelling to see my uncle," she said, like I asked.


    The more I stared at her, the more she looked familiar. If she looked familiar, then maybe we had acquainted once. I should be nice.


    "Oh, cool." Was I supposed to tell her where I was going as well? "I''m off to Sun Burn Kingdom for very serious business."


    "I know," she smiled. "Maybe something about this Logan we hear of, right? It''s be public news that he''s dangerous."


    I felt bad that the whole kingdom was catching up on Logan being a threat. He should


    have been annihted the moment we noticed. That slip-up was on my side.


    "Yeah, it''s Logan. Don''t worry, everything will be okay. Just be safe, you and your family."


    She giggled, grabbing an apple from her basket and stretching it to me.


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    "That''s what a handsome fellow I saw told me as well. To keep safe."


    I took the apple and scrutinized it. It was fresh, like it was recently picked from a farm. When I looked at the girl again, she was chatting with an older man. I recognized the man from the stall where I bought the blindness cure for Chris.


    Then I recognized the girl. I smiled; no wonder she knew who I was. I bit into the apple.


    We were on the sea for almost thirty minutes before it was announced that we were close. So much for "beyond the seven seas." I thought it''d take a week or so.


    "I''m quite disappointed as well," Lana sighed as we prepared our things to leave.


    The little girl, Dory, had earlier dropped with her father. The thirty minutes had been exhausting.


    I jumped down, with my luggage strapped behind me, and took in the beauty of the ce.


    "Too much gold. Too much," I thought to myself. The architecture just had to rub it in everyone''s face that they burned like the sun.


    "Eh! Not as badass as burning like silver," Lana huffed proudly.


    I smirked, marching forward toward their main market. A lot of things were in gold or yellow. I felt the pack members would feel drowsy from seeing the color everywhere. "Or feel happy always, as yellow makes people happy," Lana added.


    So that was the idea of their Alpha? Nice one.


    A shady-looking woman was staring at me as I walked past her shop. I stopped in front


    of her and smiled. "You are a Lycan."


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    Her eyes changed to a shade of brown. She was of warrior rank. She must have sensed my silver wolf energy. Our kinds didn''t mix.


    "Do you want to buy anything exactly or just gawk at me?" she snapped.


    "Definitely not buying anything from you with that attitude," I replied. "But I have to ask, do you guys have Lycan hunters here?"


    It was a very insensitive question to ask her, but I did. Her face squeezed. "Get out! I don''t know."


    I shrugged, grasping my luggage tighter. "If I don''t see, I''ll just find a fellow silver wolf


    to rid me of my Lycan problem."


    She looked sad while I walked away.


    "Bullying someone in her own kingdom. You always look for trouble, Rih!" my wolf scolded.


    "Please, it''s not like she''d do anything."


    I walked deeper into the market, seeing small animals and different fruit species. It wasn''t as rowdy as Boots and Rivers market, but it surely wasn''t as big either.


    After seeing nowhere that had a "Lycan Hunter" banner, I stood in the middle of the road, tiredly. I needed a tour guide.


    My wolf asked, "Why not go to the pce? You''ll be treated fancily and meet the Alpha King. They''d also tell us about the Lycan hunters."


    My main objective was Duchess Vivian, and if I couldn''t find her, there was no need for


    any royalties. Being hosted in a royal pce could be boring; myst experience taught me. I clenched my hands around my bag strap.


    "We came for a Lycan hunter, Lana. This isn''t a fancy trip, please," I said. She was disappointed and stayed quiet.

 Insensitive

    Chapter Hundred and Fifty-Nine - Insensitive.


    Rihanna''s POV


    It was either the gold and yellow everywhere making my eyes spin or the whole market looked the same. I bet I had circled one ce twelve times!


    Taking a new route, which was quite lonely, I burst out at a knife shop. Basically, anything weapon-rted was sold here. The ck market? Could I find a Lycan hunter here?


    "A silver wolf?" a man gasped, catching my attention. I turned to him with a smile, but it faded as I realized he was also a Lycan. Lycans easily noticed Silver Wolves.


    "Are there more Silver Wolves around here?" He sounded like I was a rare thing to see. "Are you looking for a mentor?" he asked, shing his palms.


    Isn''t it obvious that I''m an Alpha? Why''d I need that? "Not really. I am looking for Lycan hunters. Maybe the Silver Wolf could know?"


    The man frowned, but it soon faded. Heughed heartily. "You have a rogue Lycan at your home? Then you''re in luck! I''m a Lycan Hunter myself."


    He was? I knew Lycans could be Lycan Hunters as well, but I was still stunned. I was in luck! Finally, after an hour of walking around!


    But Lana prevented me from going to him. "He''s a really strong Lycan, Rihanna."


    And so? "Isn''t that what we want? He can beat Logan then."


    "Yeah, and you," she replied.


    "Come on, Silver Wolf. I''ll show you around, and then we''ll talk about my price," the man said, leaving his shop.


    I exhaled through my mouth. "I''ll be careful, Lana. I''m only doing this to end Logan, not myself."


    I followed the Lycan. To be honest, I kept on sensing more Lycan energy the deeper I ventured into that part of the market.


    "Do they sell Lycan energy?" I asked. "I don''t think they sell it in bottles, do they?" I joked.


    He looked at me with an offended expression. "How''d you expect to get a Lycan''s energy?"


    Did he misunderstand me? I decided to be open. "Actually, my mate got poisoned, and that''s the only cure. I wondered if somehow, I could get it."


    His expression didn''t soften but just faded to nk. "Getting energy from a creature is hard work. I would know."


    He would know? Does he take energy from wolves? Maybe the Lycans he killed? That''d be cool since he''s the good guy.


    "Is that a no? I understand. We''ll explore other options," I said, looking down.


    I observed the ground and noticed the muddy path. My head raised, and I realized the path he was taking me down led to a river.


    "What is this ce?" I clenched my fists. "You said you were going to take me around Sun Burn Kingdom."


    "And you said you wanted a Lycan Hunter for a rogue Lycan in your home," he responded.


    Yes. Was that where I''d get it? And wasn''t he a Lycan Hunter?


    I stopped following him and dropped my bag. "Are you kidding now? Where are we going?"


    He stopped too, facing me. A mischievous grin was on his face. "It''s where are you going?"


    As he said that, the door of the building I hadn''t realized we were in closed. We were


    in the backyard of a house.


    I sighed. "I followed you. So tell me, what''s this?"


    I already knew something shady was about to happen.


    "Then run the hell away!" Lana interjected.


    I don''t know why running away had be her motto, but I was stubborn. I wanted to know what this Lycan was cooking up.


    "You see, Lycan Hunters suffer a lot of hate amongst fellow Lycans," he started. "I hated that job and would never do it."


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    Wait, didn''t he say he was a Lycan Hunter? I scoffed, realizing I was double-crossed.


    "Since I need one to kill a Lycan and you aren''t helping, let me go so I can look for help!" I yelled.


    Slowly, his head turned to me. "You won''t."


    How dare he? "I will. I never wanted to assume all Lycans are messed up, but all the ones I meet truly are."


    He hissed, grabbing a hammer and throwing it in my direction. It didn''t reach me.


    "My father was killed by Lycan Hunters!" he shouted. "He was brutally killed by those fools!"


    "Do I look like I care? He must have been a jerk for someone to want to end him!" I retorted.


    His eyes erged at my disy of insensitivity. "You are really heartless to say that! I grew up without a dad and..."


    He chuckled silently. "And your kids will grow up without a mom as well."


    A done look graced my face.


    "I have no kids. I''m not married. It''s not even been a year since I met my mate. Anyway, if you''re nning on killing me, you''ll fail. And die."


    Killing a citizen on his ownnd could attract punishment, but I''d report this as self- defense.


    "Again, remember that this Lycan is strong enough to kill Logan," Lana whispered.


    Even better. "Meaning if I can kill him, I have a good chance of ending Logan." "That... that wasn''t the n!" Lana stammered.


    "Oh please. I wish I could get his energy to Jaden somehow. n changed, and it''s not my fault."


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    The Lycan left the table of weapons and growled at me. "You little Silver Wolf. I''ll end you today!"


    Couldn''t he skip all the threats and start punching? He charged at me with a headbutt.


    I went closer to the building, keeping my hands ready to punch, but when he got close,


    I moved.


    He mmed his head on the wall but retrieved it quickly. "You''re fast!"


    "And you have a pretty strong head!" I returned thepliment.


    He threw his fists at me, but I caught one, twisting it behind him. His elbows hit my sides, and I wed at his.


    We backed away from each other, grunting and holding our sides. His dripped with blood.


    Before he could recover, I grabbed a sword from the table and tried stabbing him, but he held onto the de.


    I tried to push it in, but his hands were firm despite bleeding. He smirked, raising his head. "You''re not very strong, though."


    My eyes dimmed. I retracted the sword speedily and ran past him, making a deep cut on his arm.


    "But I''m fast!" I stated.


    He held his arm, then pulled out a stone from his pocket. "You are an admirable Silver


    Wolf."


    I stepped back, realizing what he held in his hands. No, this couldn''t be happening again.


    A charm that helped Lycans take energy from Silver Wolves. The same type Logan had.


    It seemed it was sold in many ces and owned by most Lycans. This man had been


    lying.


    He was going to drain my Silver Wolf energy! That was his n all along!


    "So this is what you wanted me for!" I raked.


    The charm seemed to have a weakening effect on me as I dropped the sword to the


    floor.

 Lycan Slayer

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty - Lycan yer


    Rihanna''s POV


    The charm seemed to have a weakening effect on me as I dropped the sword on the floor.


    "Rihanna, this isn''t good!" Lana yelled.


    Like I couldn''t see it. I was losing the will to fight back. "You are despicable! What do you want my energy for?"


    "What else? Long life. And power."


    Was he Logan''s son too, or what? "Truly, Lycans are evil at heart! It just takes the right amount of pressure to bring it out!"


    He frowned, standing upright. Slowly, hair began growing from his skin, and his head got bigger. "It takes the right amount of pain too!"


    His voice shifted to growls at the end.


    Pain? If the death of his father was what made him a jerk, then it wasn''t usible.


    Pain could break you, but it could also make you-positively. He didn''t heal from the pain; he sucked it into himself.


    "You don''t need to be sucking my power but sucking out the pain inside of you," I moaned, holding my chest, which was hurting.


    He held the charm closer to me. "What do you know about pain?! You were probably pampered your whole life for being a silver wolf."


    The irony. And I would have been used my whole life if they had known I was a silver wolf.


    "You were a kid and may not have understood what crime your fathermitted that made them kill him," I spoke softly.


    He lowered his hands and looked at his palms. "All I know and care about is that he was taken from me, and I was left alone at eight."


    Like Hunter? I couldn''t believe I''d feel sympathy for him. "That''s hard, but I don''t see how taking my energy helps you."


    His lips curled as he stared into my eyes.


    "With power, I''d finally get wealth, respect, and happiness. I''d need long life to enjoy all of it."


    He kept the charm in his pockets without thinking. "So it''s expedient I get it."


    The charm was out of the way, and I felt energy surge into me again. My fists clenched, but I restrained myself from using it.


    I spoke. "Power won''t make you happy. Eternal life means living while everyone you know dies..."


    "We werewolves don''t die easily, even in old age, so I''d have quite a life with any wolf before they die," he interrupted. "I''ve thought it all out."


    If that''s so. I smirked. "I know you have."


    As he stood tall before me, I gathered strength and kicked his legs. He tripped and fell to the ground,nding on his side.


    I picked up the sword and, without hesitation, slipped it into his thigh.


    "Argh!!!" he shouted in pain.


    He hit his hands on the floor multiple times, like he was surrendering, but that wasn''t an option.


    "You are a danger to my species. You won''t be surviving!" I spat out.


    He raised his head to me and clenched his jaw. "You little...!" He pointed at me, but I shed off his finger.


    It fell to the ground, and another writhing shout left the Lycan. "My finger! Why... Why?! Argh!!"


    Thankfully, we were in a closed building, where he hoped my own screams wouldn''t be heard.


    I pulled out the sword from his leg and dug it into the other. The Lycan''s screams were bing entertaining.


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    My ws elongated, and a swell of relief washed over me. I ced them on the Lycan''s head. "This is a mark I give to Lycans I hate."


    In one zap, I drove my ws from one side of his face to another. Blood sshed on me. His left eye was busted as well.


    I saw a grown male crying, and I smirked. "For your pitiful story, I''ll make you die quickly. Go and meet your father, whom you so loved!"


    I drew out the sword from him to end him once and for all. He raised his hand to plead. His lips were broken, making it hard to speak.


    "You... You are an Alpha wolf, aren''t you?" he gulped down saliva with every word. "Yes, I am."


    "Why did you need a Lycan hunter then?" he sniffed.


    I looked up. Indeed, why did I need it? Because Lana was scared, and I was doubting myself.


    And because Logan made me so scared. I forgot that it was his way of maniption.


    "I don''t need it anymore now. I''ll handle it my own way. I''m a prophecy for a reason," I said.


    His eyes struggled to stay on me. "You... You are... about to enter your Silver rank."


    My Silver rank? "What the hell is that?"


    "You might need a Silver Wolf mentor after all." He forced a smirk, showing his bloody teeth.


    I rolled my eyes, raising the sword. "And you need to die already."


    His eyes widened as the sword cut through his neck, separating his head from his


    body.


    That was the only way I''d be sure that he was dead.


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    I tossed the sword into the air and caught it with my other hand. "A Lycan yer you


    are."


    It was surelying back with me.


    I hurried to the stream and washed off my face and body, removing the blood.


    I washed off the sword as well.


    As I returned to the body, I noticed his eyes were still wide open. I closed them. "Next time you''re in pain, heal yourself."


    What he said about entering a Silver rank still bothered and excited me. Was that another perk of a silver wolf waiting to unlock?


    "Oh, and Lana, we surely got faster!" I screeched internally. "Our moves today were only because we got faster after the deal with Logan."


    And I had thought we hadn''t improved.


    She was quiet.


    "Lana, we got faster!" I repeated.


    "I had been pushing you to escape your destiny all the time. To run away. And it''s


    really because I''m scared," she confessed.


    There was no time for emotional derations. I smiled. "It''s cool, girl. Logan is a maniptor. I hold nothing against you."


    I picked my luggage and strapped it on. I walked out of the building.


    "Should we enjoy this ce? Or go home with our Lycan yer and y that Lycan?" I asked my wolf with confidence.


    Sheughed at the sword''s new name and shrugged. "Logan might not have any dirty game up. Let''s go and look for the Duchess."


    On reminding me about Duchess Vivian, I agreed to stay in Sun Burn Kingdom while really hoping Logan didn''t have a dirty game up.

 His Change

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-One - His Change


    Chris''s POV


    Logan had a dirty game nned, and he wanted everyone to y along.


    He had already forced Jaden into it by holding his Beta hostage.


    He dragged Red Moon into it by kidnapping three of their pack members who sold charms.


    I wondered who he was targeting next.


    Perhaps my sister should be at my pack to prevent me from overthinking.


    Ray rushed into the stable, looking pissed.


    "What now?" I jumped down from my horse.


    "I just heard that Rihanna took a pleasure trip to Sun Burn Kingdom," he grunted. "What if Logan attacks her pack?"


    I blinked furiously before sighing. She could be reckless, but I doubted it was just a fun trip.


    Sun Burn Kingdom was our international ally, and she knew that. She might have gone looking for a favor against Logan.


    Though it would be better if her Alpha King had some clue. Or her mate, at least.


    Jaden had already informed all the packs to be extremely cautious and guard their borders fiercely. Logan could strike from anywhere.


    "I''m d I didn''t send the letter to Jaden telling him Logan was still unconscious," my Beta said.


    I turned to him and nodded. That Lycan had once again been shady, but thankfully, Ray hadn''t let us spread the news.


    Logan was really growing powerful if he could sense us from far away and prepare that prank.


    "I also wonder and fear what charm he wants those poor sellers to make for him," I voiced my thoughts out loud.


    Ray climbed his horse and led it out of the stable. "Maybe something that would weaken Alpha wolves. Or worse."


    "Where are you off to?" I asked, watching him ride out hurriedly.


    "To stay with our warriors! Logan shouldn''t have anything on us! You should go and get Vanessa back too!" he replied, leaving.


    He must have read my mind. I climbed my horse again and followed him.


    "Raymond, wait up!"


    Together, we raced past the border, despite the disapproving res from Cara.


    Soon, Ray swerved toward the warriors while I kept going ahead. I rubbed my horse''s neck as I noticed him slowing down.


    There was no reason for him to slow down-except for the shrill cries of birds. What was that even about?


    "C''mon!" I urged him, and he picked up speed again. We were getting closer to ck Rose''s forest.


    But at the entrance, my horse stopped abruptly, almost throwing me off. I leaped to the ground and grabbed his reins.


    "What''s wrong with you?"


    He was restless and wanted to leave the ce. But for some reason, I couldn''t sense the danger he felt.


    I took out my whip and shed it in front of him, making him aware that if he didn''t behave, I would use it. He calmed down eventually.


    I didn''t bother riding him and instead walked into the forest.


    The air around me was eerie, as if there was a presence lurking within the woods. Not a dark one, so it wouldn''t be Liam.


    It also didn''t feel like Logan''s-unless I wasn''t sure.


    A small animal scurried under my legs.


    It made my horse neigh loudly, and I crouched down. I red at him.


    "Could you stop being dramatic?"


    He was Vanessa''s horse, and since I was here to pick her up, I had brought him. But he seemed to have the same dramatic energy as his owner.


    We got around ck Rose''s border.


    I knew their warriors were rough with rogues, so I thought of a way to alert them without getting too close.


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    I tried tying the horse to a tree, but he shrieked and began galloping in circles.


    What in the hell was this?


    I had never wanted so badly to be able tomunicate with horses.


    An intimidating energy filled the air around me.


    The horse lowered itself, lying on the ground in submission.


    Was it this presence that had been troubling him?


    I gazed at the figure approaching, readying myself for an attack.


    "Horses. I hate them."


    The person had Jaden''s voice, but not his aura.


    "Alpha Chris, were you just passing by oring to see me?"


    It was actually Jaden when he came fully into view. He wore a ck sleeveless jacket with suede ck trousers.


    His hair had grown longer and covered part of his eyes. It was... quite hot, though.


    Hadn''t it been only three days since Ist saw him?


    "Um...ing to see you," I replied carefully.


    He tilted his head and nodded. "Wee, then."


    As he passed the horse, it neighed softly, as if greeting him, but Jaden ignored it.


    "I''ll keep the horse at the stables. It will be okay."


    I found myself nodding and following him obediently. The horse was also obedient. Was it Jaden''s energy that had consumed the forest, making it feel gloomy and unsettling the animals?


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    "Jaden, are you doing okay?" I asked.


    We had just turned onto the path leading to the border gate. He shrugged. "I''m doing


    as fine as I can be. Why?"


    "I know you''re worried about Ralph, but you seem to be... I''m not sure." It was


    strange.


    The border warriors lowered their weapons and bowed as we walked through the gate.


    Jaden closed his visible eye and exhaled.


    "I wasn''t able to conserve my energy, and my wolf is acting crazy."


    How was that an answer to my question?


    "Maybe I''ll get myself back when Ralph and the rest are safe. For now, I''m not sure either."


    When he shed me his usual smile, I smiled back.


    As long as he could still force a smile, he would be okay when things returned to


    normal.


    Another reason he might be growing gloomier was that his mate wasn''t around to cheer him up. I wondered how they were managing.


    "You know Rihanna left for Sun Burn Kingdom on a trip, right?" I asked.


    He looked down and nodded. "I hope she returns with something worthwhile. We


    need to face Logan knowing we have the upper hand."


    Yeah. And without a Silver Wolf to at least defend us with her barrier, we could end up


    only riling Logan up and getting innocents killed.


    "I don''t know what Sun Burn Kingdom can offer us against Logan, but we should


    hope," I said.


    He led me past the courtroom and toward a training ground. I paused.


    What was he doing?


    With his energy giving off that gloomy aura, I wasn''t sure about dueling with him.


    "Oh, we aren''t dueling. I just want to get some gifts Jake dropped off for you to give to


    Ray," he said without turning to me.


    I heaved a sigh of relief before following him obediently. His energy was really intimidating.


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 An Ally

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Two - An Ally


    Chris''s POV


    I stared at the exquisite swords and armor suits that Jake had prepared for Ray-for his


    birthday.


    My Beta would be a year older soon, and I didn''t even have a clue. I was an embarrassment.


    Jaden took out yet another sword but ced it back again. He ran his hands through his hair, looking confused.


    "Well, I think that''s all. Jake said the red is for Ray. The pink is for Rihanna. I don''t know why he thinks she''d like pink."


    I nodded, wrapping the pile of gifts in a cloth and tying it closed.


    "Ray will get them. But where''s Jake? Ray might throw a party, so he should gift these himself."


    Jaden closed the cardboard box where he picked the swords from. He stayed there for a while before replying to me. "Jake left to search for Ralph."


    Search for him? "Don''t we already know where Ralph is? With Logan?"


    He faced me. "True, but we aren''tpletely sure he''s with Logan. Also, if there are any clues he left before being abducted, we''d find them."


    If they weren''t sure about where to head, why did he call for an attack on Logan? We could dy confronting the Lycan if there wasn''t any need to. Red Moon''s pack members wouldn''t be killed quickly since Logan needed them.


    "It was Jake who opted to go. I''m sure Logan has Ralph, and I''ll meet him soon," Jaden added, then walked out of the training ground.


    Maybe I should change the subject because whenever we spoke about Ralph and Logan, his gloomy energy engulfed the surroundings.


    I didn''t know his wolf could dispense emotions like this. I didn''t know any werewolf could.


    The energy was eerie but not dark. Intimidating but not dangerous. Was his Alpha King aura emerging?


    "By the way, did Jonah and Vanessa get together?" I changed the subject.


    His eyes widened. "In what way do you mean?" He had a smirk on his face.


    I was d I improved his mood. "I mean, did they resolve their differences? Is a wedding uing, you know?"


    The smirk was still on his face when he looked away, staring into space. "They should take it slow. Vanessa isn''t ready to be a wife yet."


    Did he mean that in a bad way or just in a ''she''s not ready yet'' way? "Oh, but that should be their decision, shouldn''t it?"


    "If it was based on Jonah''s decision, he''d rather reject her," Jaden confessed.


    My forehead creased. He shouldn''t dare. Then he''d end up alone for the rest of his life?


    "He has someone he loves. A hunter who lost her mate a year ago. But I prevented him from rejecting Vanessa. They could still work out."


    They better work out.


    After all the mess with Logan was over, I wanted my sister married and happy. Also, Sasha back to her normal shape, with my son in my arms.


    "But no worries. Right now, Jonah left to bring back my mother. She needs to be here at times like this. He''ll be back," Jaden added.


    He should really be back. My father couldn''t suffer a heartbreak, his son live without a mate, and then his daughter be rejected by hers.


    "Very few people can ignore the mate bond. I''m sure Jonah wille aroundter on," I said.


    Jaden chuckled but didn''t reply.


    I had lunch while Jaden stayed outside, looking at the skies. I wasn''t sure why he didn''t join me.


    Maybe because the maids shivered when he got close to them. They were in the omega rank, so his energy frightened them.


    "Are you waiting for someone in particr?" I called his attention when he tried leaving.


    "Yes, for Liam. He was the one I was waiting for in the forest before you arrived," he responded.


    That Lycan boy? "How does he help with Logan anyway? I don''t trust these Lycans..." "But you trust Sun Burn Kingdom, right?" Jaden interrupted.


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    I snapped my head at him and frowned. "They''re our allies. What does that have to do with the boy?"


    "His mother is a royal princess under their Lycan jurisdiction. So treat him as a guest from the Kingdom. Liam is Logan''s enemy too."


    My jaw fell open. I didn''t know Sun Burn Kingdom had epted a Lycan jurisdiction.


    Perhaps I was wrong about Lycans. Surely, one Lycan had shown them that not all of his species were power-hungry.


    "I wasn''t aware. So Liam knows about Logan''s evil doings?" I looked at my te.


    Jaden confirmed. "Yes, Logan hurt him when he tried to save the Red Moon''s members."


    The boy had even defended them? My thoughts on him were wrong. Though he still had that energy that screamed danger.


    Jaden continued, "Now, he''s looking for the hideout. Once he tells me where, I''ll leave."


    I asserted, "We-you mean we''ll leave. I came here to pick up Vanessa, but if Logan is


    still out there, she''s not safe yet."


    "Why do you think she wouldn''t be safe here?"


    I smiled coyly. "A brother''s worry."


    I finished my te of food in a hurry and joined Jaden outside, awaiting the boy.


    I was careful not to speak about Ralph and more about random things that made Jadenugh.


    A dangerous energy came close. Liam.


    "He''s here," I told Jaden.


    His smile faded. "And hopefully with news."


    Another energy followed Liam. They both sped toward us and halted, after passing by


    a step.


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    "Oh no! Alpha Chris!" Liam went back.


    I scoffed. "I''m not going to kill you. Tell me, did you find where Logan is hiding?"


    The boy with him nodded. "A pack house that belonged to a tribe. They were destroyed by Red Moon. It''s beside Blue Fire."


    Jaden turned to me, and I faced him as well.


    "If Logan was beside Blue Fire all this while, why didn''t Blue Fire alert us?" "Possibly due to fear or they didn''t know. The pack house is hidden," the boy replied. Liam groaned, holding onto his stomach. "I''m quite hungry now. You two should go along. I felt energy there, so I''m sure there are survivors."


    Jaden exhaled, gesturing for the boy to leave.


    Wait, why should he leave? If he was a good Lycan and was helping, shouldn''t he lend


    a hand?


    "Don''t expect Liam and Mi Destino to join in killing Logan. It''s too much to ask," Jaden said, marching off.


    How was it too much? I nced at the boys chatting and walking away.


    I didn''t understand, but as long as they were on our side, it was enough.


    I stretched an arm to Jaden. "Let me take you there. You should reserve your energy."


    "Thank you." He held onto me, and I sped off.


    I had been to that part of Blue Fire once, so I knew to stop below the volcano.


    Jaden stood still, sensing for the Lycan''s powerful energy, but he didn''t find any. "Wherever Logan is, it''s protected by silver. I can''t reach it," he sighed.


    I tried to sense him, but Jaden was right.


    This was a job for a Silver Wolf-only that ours went on a fun trip beyond the seven


    seas.

 Reinforcement

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Three - Reinforcement


    Jaden''s POV


    Rihanna would have easily sensed past this, and I bet Logan knew she wasn''t around.


    Why had she gone out without telling me?


    "Since when were you entitled to know about her movements?" my wolf asked me.


    I frowned. It wasn''t about me but the kingdom she was meant to protect. "Just stop!" I told him.


    He had been very irritable since he heard Logan had Ralph-so irritable that our environment suffered as he emitted a gloomy aura.


    Chris strolled towards the biggest molten rock and struck it. "Maybe if we''re noisy, we can get Logan toe to us instead," he joked.


    I appreciated his little jokes that helped keep my mood in check, but they no longer worked.


    I steadied myself again and tried to reach past the silver, no matter how energy- draining it was.


    A sudden surge of energy hit me, giving me strength, and I lost concentration. What''s that?


    Looking around, there was no one but Chris, and he wasn''t looking at me. But when I met his gaze, he looked like he had experienced something.


    "Did you feel it too?" I asked.


    He confirmed with a nod. "A sudden rush of weakness. Could it be what Logan is making?"


    Sudden rush of weakness? It was the opposite for me. I clenched my fists. "Whatever he''s making, he won''t finish."


    But that would only be an empty threat if I couldn''t locate the pack house due to the silver around it.


    I was losing hope. What use was knowing where the hostages were if we couldn''t reach them?


    Just then, I felt the energy of some wolves approaching. It was a Delta and a Warrior rank.


    Chris noticed and stared in their direction. "Are you expecting reinforcements of some sort?"


    I shook my head. But all reinforcements were wee. I sensed Dara''s energy and smiled.


    "It''s Silver Pack!" I dered, excited. "I forgot I sent a letter to them earlier. They must have heard from Liam to meet us here."


    Dara dashed toward me and pped my arm before turning to Chris. I frowned, rubbing my injured arm.


    "Who would have thought the Alpha King woulde down to this ce? Aren''t you scared or something?" she taunted Chris.


    "I thought we were good?" Chris raised a brow.


    "Nope, we''re not, but I have a duty to my Alpha, and I know this ce better than anyone," she remarked confidently.


    Cami appearedter, holding a medical kit. "Oh, Alpha Chris and Alpha Jaden. I''m here by orders of my Beta-for the hostages only."


    Did she have to exin? I was just d she came.


    "In other words, she won''t be active in the fight," Dara smirked, then snapped her fingers. "So, boys, follow me."


    "Boys?" Chris frowned.


    "Follow you?" I asked.


    Cami chuckled. "Don''t mind her. Liam, the annoying messenger boy, told her the address, and it''s actually where she grew up."


    I looked around the environment. Dara grew up below a volcano beside Blue Fire? "That''s before Red Moon killed our people and turned us into ves. We believed in Silver Wolves, so the homes were made with it," Dara exined.


    "No wonder you were the first warrior to be resistant to silver. That''s why our Alpha made you the lead warrior," Cami noted.


    Dara flipped her hair and marched deeper into thend. "Let''s go! I can sense the hostages are alive at least three of them."


    She could sense them? Of course, she was resistant to silver. But only three hostages were alive? Logan had four hostages.


    Chris followed behind her while Cami stayed back, sitting on a rock. "Take care, Alpha Jaden."


    I smiled at her before running to catch up with Dara and Chris. The ce grew hotter as we ventured deeper.


    A small pack house came into view, surrounded by molten rocks that resembled trees.


    Dara frowned, seeing the ce. "It looks worse than I remember."


    I sensed Logan''s energy inside the pack house and was sure he sensed ours.


    "Three hostages are inside. Dara, lead them out to Cami."


    She bowed and ran off.


    Chris turned to me. "I''ll try to bring down the Lycan. You should be careful with your energy!"


    I nodded, and we began walking toward the house.


    The door suddenly burst open. An eight-foot Lycan stomped out, snarling loudly when he spotted us.


    I knew this wasn''t his full height, but it was already demoralizing. We''d be doing more jumping than scratching.


    "We caught you at your little hideout! Your prank the other day was solid," Chris seethed.


    What prank? I noticed Logan had a cut on his thigh and wondered if it was from Ralph or Liam.


    The Lycan taunted, "The four of you came to be part of my little experiment, didn''t you?"


    Experiment? I tried to connect with Ralph''s mind link inside the house but couldn''t. He wasn''t even close to me.


    "Where''s Ralph?" I barked at Logan.


    His lips curled up. "That''s the main rat of my experiment, so I had to keep him secluded."


    My Beta was his rat? My wolf raged.


    "You deserve to be thrown inside a volcano!" I spat.


    Heughed heartily. "Oh, that''s a good one!"


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    The earth below us suddenly began rumbling. Was it the volcano?


    "Ray said the volcano would be active-maybe today. We should hurry and leave," Chris noted.


    I wasn''t leaving without Ralph. I hoped he knew that.


    To reserve my energy, I backed away while Chris charged at Logan, engaging him in an arm wrestle.


    Dara crept behind the pack house. I knew she''d need help to sessfully get all the hostages out.


    Just then, Chris grunted as he sustained an injury. So fast? Logan had gotten stronger.


    My eyes flickered to Chris, and I became torn between helping Dara or him.


    Using a bit of my energy, I flung a boulder at the Lycan. He dodged it but fell.


    Dara broke into the house but ran out again when snakes attacked her. The Lycan had trapped the ce.


    Logan let out an intimidating growl, temporarily freezing Chris, but he broke free and dodged the Lycan''s attack.


    Why is it that the Lycan''s growl affects Chris and Rihanna but does nothing to me? "Jaden, look out!" It was Dara.


    She pushed me out of the way as Logan hurled a boulder at me.


    She fell to the ground, unconscious and bleeding from her head as the rock shattered. "Dara!" I called for her, but she had passed out.


    Saving my energy for my injury won''t happen today, or everyone around me will die.


    My eyes glowed red.


    It was now or never.

 Shock Waves

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Four - Shock Waves


    Jaden''s POV


    Either I had gotten stronger, or my wolf was pumping a ridiculous amount of energy into me, and I''d soon run out of it.


    I punched Logan''s side, and his ws on my arm loosened.


    With a heavy groan, I headbutted him, and he staggered back.


    It bought me time to pull Chris up. He wiped off the blood on his lips, still holding onto his side.


    He had taken a hit for the hostages, and it would soon take a toll on him. "Cami could take you and the hostages back to Silver Pack."


    He frowned, shoving my arms away. "How''d I leave only you here with him? Let''s end it now."


    But he might not survive if he kept taking hits. He had already taken two for me. "It''s my duty to protect you, Chris..."


    "And I, to you," he retorted. "Stay behind me and reserve your energy!" he ordered, charging at Logan.


    I nced at the injury on my shoulder and the new ones on my arms. They didn''t matter to me anymore.


    Finding Ralph and getting Chris out of here mattered more. I tried to sense my Beta again, but he was still out of my reach.


    He might be unconscious, so I''d have to get Logan to tell me.


    "Argh!" Chris growled in pain, and the stench of blood hit my nose.


    "No!" I yelled and flew at Logan, tackling him to the ground.


    He hadn''t expected the swift attack, so I used it to my advantage, tearing and scratching his chest.


    But he recovered quickly and threw me away from him. My leg hit a tree, sending shock waves down my spine.


    I looked up at Chris. He was breathing slowly. His neck had been brutally mutted, but he''d live if he got help within ten minutes.


    Logan was marching toward him. "If I kill your Alpha King, your kingdom will surrender, right?"


    I struggled to get off the ground. I pped it in anger. "Let him be and face me! And where''s my Beta?"


    Logan turned to me with his bloodied face. "Somewhere safe, don''t worry. You won''t be having him back."


    I scowled, frustrated at my weakness. I couldn''t even shift.


    Before Logan could pick up Chris, someone jumped in front of me. I blinked furiously, trying to make out the figure''s physique.


    The next thing I saw was Logan flying miles away from Chris andnding on his back.


    A sensation flooded my body. The failure and downcast feeling I''d been experiencing slowly seeped away. That''s when I realized-my mate was here.


    I let my body fall. My wolf also came close to the surface.


    "Logan!" I heard Rihanna yell. "You''ve been causing trouble again!"


    Could she just kill him instead of scolding him?


    I sensed a familiar energy rush to Chris and then to me. "Alpha, are you alright?"


    He helped me sit up and rubbed my face. "Can you see me? It''s me!"


    It was Jonah.


    What was he doing here? Had he brought my mother, or had he not gone at all?


    I was about to ask when he took a pain-relieving pill and forced it into my mouth. He rushed to Chris and did the same.


    I heard Logan writhe in pain, but I couldn''t see what Rihanna was doing to him. I did hear sword shing.


    "I found her at Sun Burn Prince Kingdom and told her Logan took Ralph, so she returned with me," Jonah reported, helping me stand.


    I forced myself back to the ground. "Take Chris and leave. I''ll stay with Rihanna. Also, I haven''t found Ralph yet."


    He stared at me and my injuries cautiously, unwilling to leave. "But can you walk?"


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    My body would let me walk with the newfound hope I had, so I nodded. "Yes, I can walk. Go!"


    He dropped me and helped Chris up. The Alpha King had lost a lot of strength and blood-he needed care before me. Jonah sped off with him.


    I exhaled deeply, readying myself to stand on my own. The shock waves were still going on, and it felt like my body was shifting and changing.


    I couldn''t shift, and my wolf was distant again.


    Thest time I felt this way was during my first shift, except the shock waves had happened after I''d shifted.


    I couldn''t ce my body''s reaction.


    "You can''t kill me today!" Logan said.


    My mate was supporting herself with her sword, her face scarred by Logan.


    I pushed myself up and sped to her using my energy.


    "I''m good, Alpha." She took my hand away from her face and stood straight.


    She raised her sword. "This sword just killed a Lycan at Sun Burn Kingdom. No matter


    how long it takes, it will kill you too!"


    Logan snarled, taking steps back and holding his bleeding neck.


    He threw a rock at us, and Rihanna dodged it with me.


    The Lycan sped off after the distraction.


    I tried to run after him, but Rihanna pulled me back.


    "Let''s find Ralph. I sensed him on the other side of the volcano." She let go of me and


    began running back.


    My body couldn''t support itself, and I crouched down.


    Where was my wolf when I needed him?


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    Were we letting Logan go again?


    He''d survive to fight us again and perhaps stronger. I couldn''t bear to fight him again.


    She said she sensed Ralph on the other side of the volcano, but why couldn''t I? Even if


    he was unconscious, I should''ve been able to tell where he was.


    "Jaden!" Rihanna shouted from the other side.


    I snapped my head up, leaving my crouching position. "Are you alright?" I asked.


    My body wasn''t cooperating with me.


    While I took a step at a time to get to Rihanna, she returned to me and then sped me to the other side.


    I sighed once I bnced on one leg, then looked up.


    My eyes bulged out of my skin, and veins flooded my neck.


    Rihanna sniffed, falling to the ground. "No, no, it can''t be. It just can''t be."


    "Ralph?" I called, but he wasn''t saying anything. Did he want me scolding him again?


    I ran to him and dragged him off the stake he was tied to.


    His body was cold, and I still couldn''t connect to his mind link.


    "Ralph, I''m calling you!" I yelled, refusing to ept the realization before me.


    A darkness was forming in my heart, and I wouldn''t even fight it.


    The shock waves in my body moved with agility, but I didn''t feel the mounting pain¡ª


    only anger.


    "Ralph, answer me!" I shook his body, but it was only... lifeless.


    Logan killed him?


    Logan had killed my Beta?

 Shifted

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Five - Shifted


    Jaden''s POV


    Ralph always yed pranks on me-smart pranks-along with Jake. Was this one of them?


    "Ralph, talk!" I shook his body vigorously.


    He said nothing, did nothing, felt nothing. His body was only... lifeless.


    Logan killed him. Logan had killed my Beta!


    My eyes stung, but I fought back the tears. Behind me, I could hear the soft sobs of my mate. It broke my heart. I winced in pain, my jaw clenching as I tried to fight everything in.


    "Ralph is dead," I said, slowly epting it. "My brother is dead."


    What would I tell Jake and Jonah? The pack? His wife? How would I heal from this? "Jaden..." Rihanna touched my shoulder.


    I moved her hand away, cing Ralph back on the seat where he had been tied, under the volcano.


    From what Chris had said earlier, the volcano was about to erupt. If Logan had tied him here, was it so he''d be consumed by theva? That was unfair and gruesome.


    "...I''m very sorry," Rihanna said softly.


    I was very sorry too. "Take him back, please."


    My body felt hotter than my surroundings. The suede trousers I wore felt itchy against my skin, and I wanted to rip them off.


    "Please, Rih. Take him back home," I said again.


    She gave me a puzzled look as I turned away from her. "Are you going after Logan? You don''t know where he is. He''ll harm you!"


    I shook my head. "I won''t go after him."


    My wolf was mourning, and I needed to vent. Also, something amazing or critical- was happening to me.


    "Jaden,e back, please," Rihanna pleaded as I walked away.


    "Just take Ralph back," I said in a low tone.


    Away from my mate, I broke down-mentally, physically, and emotionally. The tears flowed freely. I wondered... why Ralph?


    Why did Logan want him? To show me he could hurt me? Was that all he had been nning all this time instead of attacking my pack?


    My legs grew hairier, and my body temperature skyrocketed. My wolf was fighting for dominance in my own body. I didn''t know what he wanted to do-chase after Logan or just vent.


    But I caged him back, just as I tried to hold back all the emotions I felt.


    An energy wasing closer, and I wiped the wet tears from my eyes. Rihanna passed me, carrying Ralph. I was d she didn''t stop to talk. I couldn''t form words now.


    I sat there, on a rock, staring into space.


    A lifetime passed.


    "Jaden!" Someone called behind me. A female voice. She was running toward me, closing the distance.


    She wasn''t using energy, so I knew it wasn''t Dara. I groaned when I sensed who it was.


    I was seated on a wet rock, wanting to be left alone. The caller was Beatrice of Silver Pack.


    The fact that she was a Beta made my heart sink. Again and again, I was reminded that I had none.


    She caught up to me. "Did my Alpha meet you and the rest?"


    I said nothing.


    "Are you okay?" she asked, standing behind me.


    I sniffed, wiping my face with my hands.


    She gasped. "Did something happen to you?"


    Her question should have been Did something happen to my Beta?


    I stood up but didn''t face her.


    "No matter what, make sure you protect yourself while protecting your Alpha, Beatrice," I said. "Don''t die while protecting her."


    These were words I wished I had told Ralph.


    "Um... okay,¡± Beatrice stuttered.


    "Because if you die, your Alpha will me herself for your death," I concluded.


    I wiped my face with my hands before turning to the Beta. She looked confused, and why shouldn''t she? I was confused as well.


    "Rihanna will return to your pack soon. I asked her for a favor, so she''ll drop by ck Rose."


    She nodded, taking a step back. "And Logan? Ralph? Was it settled?"


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    Was she asking if I had found Ralph?


    "Yes, I found him."


    She sighed in relief, smiling. "That''s a win, then. Maybe Logan escaped, but with all of you, he''ll be counting hisst days on Earth."


    Or maybe it was me.


    At that moment, the wound on my shoulder burned. I clutched it. "Excuse me, Beatrice."


    I sped away from her, not wanting to continue saying things she didn''t understand.


    I tore the jacket off my body and copsed to the ground, but the wound kept burning. Like it was healing rapidly.


    A dark liquid slowly oozed out of my shoulder-dark like the poison that had fallen on


    me.


    Was that it? Was iting out?


    My energy was expelling the poison?


    But how?


    All day, I had only lost energy, not gained it. "What is this?" I demanded from my wolf.


    He exhaled but didn''t reply.


    Iy on the ground, trying to let the poison flow out faster, but when I did, I felt energized. And angry.


    And it was more than just my pain causing the anger-it was my wolf''s. He was transferring it to me again.


    The shockwaves zapped through my body at incredible speed.


    Hair sprouted from my skin-gray, the same color as my wolf''s fur. Was I shifting? But


    why wasn''t I bending or kneeling?


    I felt my bones stretch, and I gritted my teeth in pain.


    But it wasn''t as painful as losing Ralph. And whatever this was, it would pass.


    But the bones kept stretching.


    "What''s happening to me?!" I yelled at my wolf.


    But he remained silent, just as he had all day.


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    My head expanded, then my legs and arms. Was I unlocking a new rank?


    What was it?


    I forced myself off the ground and stood.


    My body size increased I grew bigger while standing. I hadn''t crouched yet.


    Was this real?


    Am I still a wolf?


    "Hello, Jaden."


    It was my wolf. Finally, he was speaking. Even if it was with a different tone.


    "My name is Leon."


    Was he finally telling me his name? Leon?


    A loud growl erupted from my insides, shaking the surroundings.


    I was twice my normal size and staring up at the sky.


    I had shifted. But into what?


    "I thought you didn''t know your name," I said to my wolf, breathing heavily.


    "Now I do," he replied, his tone calm and confident.


    What kind of psycho was he? Suddenly remembering his name after years?


    "Then what did you do to me?" I barked. "And what the hell did I just turn into?"


    "You unlocked a rank for your species," he cheered. "You tapped into your anger and


    did it."


    "And became what?" I snapped.


    He snickered before replying.


    "A Lycan."


    \---


    Author''s Note: Hello readers! Who saw thising? Everyone? No one? Only me?


    Okay.

 He Cant Die

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Six - He Can''t Die.


    Rihanna''s POV


    I couldn''t wait to see Jake''s or Jonah''s reaction.


    The moment I dropped Ralph''s corpse in the courtroom, I left.


    It was too much to bear. And it was my fault.


    If I had been around when Chris and Jaden nned to confront Logan, I might have been able to find Ralph before he died.


    "Rih, it''s not your fault. Logan killed him before you sensed him. You only saw, with my vision, that he was there," Lana reminded me.


    Even still, something could have been done to prevent it. Now, ck Rose had lost a Beta. Would Jaden ever forgive me?


    I ran back to where Jaden had been seated, but there was no sign of him. Instead, Beatrice was seated there.


    She had a confused expression as she looked up at me. "Is everything alright? I saw Alpha Jaden, and he said things I didn''t understand..."


    "Beatrice." I hushed her. "Beta Ralph is dead. He was killed by Logan."


    Her confused expression slowly fell into an annoyed one. She leaned back with a clenched jaw. "Logan killed a ck Rose Beta?"


    Did it sound impossible?


    Maybe because she wasn''t actively involved in the fights with Logan, or she would know he could.


    "He kidnapped him and killed him while making some crazy charm with Red Moon hostages," I sighed. "This is a dark day."


    It was a dark day for all of us.


    The whole Kingdom. Logan had nearly killed an Alpha King and an Alpha, and he had killed a Beta.


    If I hadn''te, he would have caught up with my Delta and Lead Warrior.


    Destroying leaders by hierarchy.


    I remembered something and began running back to my pack.


    "If it''s Dara, she''ll be okay," Beatrice assured me.


    I slowed down and turned to her. "It''s Chris. I know Dara will be okay, but what about Chris? He''s the Alpha King, and if he dies..."


    She nodded,pleting my thought. "That would mean Logan won. He could rule us by default."


    I nodded back. I could never let that happen. Logan would never kill the current Alpha King.


    The warriors had worried expressions as I ran in. I met Jean at the staircase, and she jumped to her feet. "Alpha, you''re back."


    "Where''s Chris? How is he?"


    She looked down, and I feared the worst. "He''s critical. Cami said he''s drained of energy."


    Beatrice barged into the room, and I followed her cautiously. My Delta hadid Chris on a table, bandages all over him.


    "I don''t know if he''ll survive," she said without turning. She made him drink a drug, then sighed.


    "He should remember that the battle isn''t over and fight this. I don''t know how else to help.¡± She flung her hands in the air.


    Chris could fight it. He wasn''t rough, but he knew when to be resilient.


    "In cases like this, the presence of loved ones, like a mate, helps wolves fight through," Beatrice muttered.


    Mate? Chris had no mate.


    I was an ex-mate. Could that work? "No, Rih, don''t spark any dead bond," my wolf warned.


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    Then should he die? I rushed to him and held his hand. It was cold. "Is he in aa?"


    Cami shrugged. "Something like that. He is past being unconscious. He''s dying." Lana suggested, "Remind him of Vanessa, his unborn son. If he dies now, he''ll be leaving them in a world Logan rules."


    My Delta took steps away from him, then cast him onest look. "Let him be, Alpha. If he lives or dies, it''s in the Moon Goddess'' hands."


    "And the Moon Goddess isn''t about to take him!" I yelled at her. "She already has Ralph."


    Her eyes widened, and she ced her hand over her mouth, then snapped her head to Beatrice, who nodded sadly.


    I shook Chris. "Hey, if you die, Vanessa will be shredded by Logan and her parts scattered into the sea!"


    With my wolf''s vision, I scanned his body and saw a spark of lifeing in.


    I continued. "And Sasha is due soon. You''d never see your son. He''d never shift


    because Logan will kill him. Are you really doing this?"


    Maybe shouting wasn''t helping anything.


    Cami gazed at me with lidded eyes, like she was sure he would die.


    "There''s no way to snap him out of this?" I questioned for the hundredth time.


    "None that I know of," she said in a low tone.


    Did this mean we would be losing two leaders of our kingdom? This was a big win for Logan. A double guilt for me.


    My ws began to extend as my hand still held onto Chris. "You better wake up, or I''ll fasten your death."


    Beatrice tried to hold me, but my barrier pushed her back. She pounded on it. "Do you want to be the reason he dies?"


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    I chuckled manically. "Which is better? Dying by a Lycan or by a Silver Wolf?"


    My Beta frowned deeply. "Come on, Alpha! That''s crazy. He might still survive."


    "Then he should wake up now." I frowned too. "Wake up, now!" I told Chris.


    My eyes shifted to a certain color. It didn''t feel like I was in Alpha mode but something


    else.


    Something I had felt on that day I raced with Logan.


    "Chris?" I called for thest time. "You asked for this." My ws dug into his wrist-not


    too deep and I pulled them out.


    I was trying to provoke his healing senses.


    They weren''t being active, or he would be better by now. Maybe the injuries were too severe, and they were giving up.


    I dug my ws into his wrist again, deeper this time, and I felt his hand move from the pain. My eyes lit up, and I withdrew my ws.


    He began healing slowly. Did this mean he would survive? His neck injury was rtivelyrger than the holes I had made on his wrist.


    "He''s healing. This should be a good sign," I told Cami, taking down my barrier so she coulde close and see.


    She hurried to him and checked his pulse. She gave a small smile. "His energy is rebuilding as well. What did you do?"


    I smirked, showing the almost-healed holes on his wrists. "And who said that violence doesn''t solve matters sometimes?"


    I walked away when Cami reconfirmed he would live. His senses were up and running again.


    Beatrice left to see Dara.


    A sigh escaped my lips when I reached my room and fell on my bed, the events of today ying in my head.


    I wasn''t able to find Duchess Vivian before I met Jonah at a motel where Jaden''s mother was allegedly staying.


    Everything had been a failure today-the only win being that I had resuscitated Chris and gotten back safely.

 Wheres He?

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Seven - Where''s He?


    Rihanna''s POV


    A new day always came with new hope.


    But not this day.


    My eyes were heavy from crying, and there was a weight in my heart and on my shoulders.


    Where were we to start? I felt so disoriented.


    Maybe it was harder on me since it was my mate''s Beta who was killed, but it meant Logan would destroy werewolves with or without my energy.


    All the same, I had to leave my bed and go to my people. I was the Alpha and their hope.


    I styled my hair in a way that hid part of my eyes where dark circles remained.


    Walking to the courtroom, I could hear Chris''s voice. I hastened my steps.


    "You''re awake!" I said, slightly excited.


    He was without his shirt and hurriedly covered his body. "Yes, and turn around, please."


    I smirked. He was one male I knew who never liked anyone seeing him without a shirt, ever since he was a teenager.


    I turned, exhaling. "It took a while to bring you back. Were you chatting with the Moon Goddess?"


    He grunted. "I didn''t have the time. You can turn now."


    I strolled to my seat at the end of the room and crossed my legs when I sat down. "ck Hills know you''re here, so stay until you can walk."


    He folded his legs on the table, testing its sturdiness. "So I slept on this hard thing. I miss my bed."


    I rolled my eyes. My Beta walked in just as the nurses who had given Chris some drugs walked out.


    "Alpha Chris, you survived!" she cheered, patting his back softly.


    Chris grinned broadly. "With the way you two sound, I think I gave you a shock."


    Shock? That was an understatement.


    Imagine if he had died and Logan had another attack? Jaden was psychologically not ready, and I couldn''t take him alone yet.


    And the guilt I''d have felt for touring Sun Burn Kingdom while the Alphas of my kingdom served theirnds?


    His resuscitation saved me from all that. But he didn''t have to know.


    "It didn''t shock me. I don''t care if you die," I said. "But we need the extra hand, though."


    He should have known I was joking, but he frowned. "Nice to know. But tell me you killed Logan."


    A frown came to my own face at the mention of that beast''s name. "I didn''t. And now,


    I don''t think I should be the one. Jaden will be doing it."


    The Lycan owed him more than he owed me.


    Chris sat upright and spoke in an authoritative tone. "No. Jaden has to preserve his energy. He shouldn''t engage in anything that would stress him."


    "Then he''ll use his energy, avenge his pack, then absorb Logan''s Lycan energy," I tilted my head. "Either way, Logan is his."


    Chris peered into my eyes like he was searching for something. "Is there a reason why he should have him? Rted to the prophecy?"


    Was he indirectly asking if Jaden was the destined Silver Wolf''s mate who''d fight by my side? He must have suspected.


    "It''s not that. Logan owes Alpha Jaden a great deal. It''d be unfair to take his chance to avenge his pack," Beatrice chirped in.


    "What happened?" Chris asked.


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    "Ralph is dead!" I dered. "Logan killed him, tied him to a stake, and waited for the volcano to erupt, but we found his body."


    Chris froze for a second, his head slowly turning to me. "Does Jaden know?" He sounded scared of my reply, so I said nothing-only nodded.


    He attempted to move, but he fell, as his blood hadn''t fully circted yet.


    I sped forward and caught him in time, not wanting him to return to a state that would put me in turmoil.


    I mmed him back onto the table, irritated by our closeness. "Sit still before you die


    as well. We just got you back from the dead."


    He breathed in and out, his eyes glued to the floor. "This will be too hard on Jaden."


    It was hard on everybody. Ralph had found his mate less than a year ago. I wondered if he was a dad.


    Chris''s loud sigh snapped me from my thoughts, and I gazed up at him.


    "Logan will be dying painfully this time." He looked at me. "Have you seen Jaden? He could do something stupid."


    I nced at Beatrice, who shook her head. "We haven''t gotten a letter from Jake yet that Jaden returned. He didn''t return yesterday."


    He wouldn''t have gone to look for Logan. We didn''t know where Logan had headed. "Jake will write back soon. Jaden will be fine."


    "Losing someone does a lot to a person. He needs someone around who won''t me him," Chris advised.


    "Who would me him?" I clenched my fists. "He tried to find Ralph. How is he to me?"


    Chris exined, "He''ll feel he didn''t do enough. You know, he tried to limit his use of energy because of his arm."


    How dare he think that? He did enough!


    Should he have killed himself, and Ralph still wouldn''t have been found? Now, he''d have a chance to avenge him.


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    "I''ll try to look for him." I began stomping out of the room. "Chris, stay here, and I''ll send you "


    "Send me back now. I have to make it known formally that Ralph is dead and pin it on Logan. Also, condolences need to be sent," he said.


    I ced my hands on my hips, lips pursed. How was I supposed to send him back? "Did youe with a horse?"


    He nodded, then sighed. "It''s at ck Rose, and I don''t want to go there now." Me


    too.


    I mind-linked Beatrice and requested, "Please arrange afortable carriage that I will


    escort to take him back safely to ck Hills."


    "I''m on it," she bowed and left.


    Chris raised a brow at her actions. "Is she taking me back? Fine. Go and look for


    Jaden."


    I took a step closer to him. "I''m taking you back. Jaden can wait. I think he needs time alone."


    There was silence between us for half a minute.


    He broke it by asking, "I''m asking only because I''ve been reading the prophecy back


    to back, and one part of it has yet to happen."


    My lips pressed together, and my forehead furrowed as I wondered where he was


    getting at. Everything in the prophecy would be fulfilled.


    "Have you gotten a mate yet? Is there a Silver Wolf mate who is supposed to help you


    defeat this evil?" he probed, with a lopsided grin.


    So he finally asked. "Yes. Jaden."


    I knew he already had suspicions. "Any other questions? You should try walking


    because I''m not going to carry you to the carriage."


    He smirked, then broke intoughter. "Ray was right, then. And you two make a good


    pair."


    That wasn''t the reaction I expected from him, which was why I had hidden it all along. "Thank... you?"


    "Hmm. His gentlenessplements your crazy, impatient side," he added.


    Was that a backhandedpliment? I pped my hands. "The carriage is here, let''s go!" And I strolled off, a smile creeping onto my lips.

 Push No Blame

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Eight - Push no me.


    Chris''s POV


    When his sister finally left ck Hills, that was when my Beta, Ray, remembered that I was his Alpha and I got injured.


    I raised my brow. "Oh, you remember I exist?"


    He looked down. "Oh sorry. But my sister said she didn''t get treatment. Is she really okay..."


    "If she didn''t get treatment, then maybe she didn''t need it!" I widened my eyes.


    Did he see any injuries on her? Didn''t he see all the bandages on me? Who needed attention and treatment between us?


    Ray snickered, rubbing his hands. "Are you jealous that I asked about my sister''s health?"


    Was ''jealous'' the right word to use? I waved off his question dismissively and exhaled.


    "I want to write a letter but my body is bumped up after the ride home. Please, help me do it."


    Ray rallied round, grabbing the scrolls and ink. "What''s it about? My sister didn''t tell anything."


    Why didn''t she? Was I the one to break such sad news? "Ralph was found, but dead." The scrolls and ink in Ray''s hand dropped. The cup where the ink was in poured its contents. He rushed to stand it up.


    "Ralph died?" His lips quivered slightly.


    I didn''t want to repeat it, so I nodded. "Yes."


    His countenance changed, and his eyes tarried on the ink that was spilled. "Logan killed him?"


    Again, I nodded. "Yes."


    His breathing increased. "And Jake? Jaden?"


    "I didn''t see them before I left. Your sister had returned Ralph''s body to ck Rose." I replied.


    I felt the need to apologize to Ray that I couldn''t protect his friend, but I withheld myself.


    If I started the guilt-tripping, my wolf would never let me go.


    "You do know you''re partially at fault," Zeke started.


    I knew he would, so I retorted. "No! I did what I could. Remember that I wasn''t aware Logan was still below the volcano."


    "Then why didn''t you finish off the Lycan? Why didn''t you do that so Jaden would feel better about his Beta''s death?" He asked back.


    "I would if I could, but I couldn''t! And don''t expect me to act more than I could!" I yelled.


    My hand mmed on my throne, which I was seated on, and Ray looked at me. Zeke''s voice slowly faded to oblivion.


    "Alpha, don''t me yourself. For you to return to us, in this situation, it means Logan will someday atone for his sins." Ray consoled.


    I forced a smile, my chest heaving heavily as I imagined that Lycan being put to death and thends safe again.


    My brain filtered in something, and I let Ray be aware. "Jaden is actually your sister''s mate."


    He didn''t look stunned, just d. There was pure excitement in his eyes, and it felt new to me.


    "Did you think it''d be impossible to have a mate after her rejection?" I read his mind.


    Heughed, rubbing his face. "In a way, yeah. Now, I''m sure that she had been given a second chance."


    And I could never have that. I was stuck with what I had. But no moreining.


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    "It''s sad that they both had to go through some amount of pain," Ray added. "Even if in Jaden''s part, he has people to support him."


    And his part would be avenged. Ray''s sister didn''t get to avenge what I did to her.


    Or was it those habitual torments she gave me as Your Silver? Were those her venting?


    The inner door on the courtroom opened, and my pregnant Luna strolled out of it. "So you''re back." She referred to me.


    I smiled and made an ''hmm'' sound. "Tragedies happened, and we lost Logan."


    "Vanessa?" she plopped down on her Luna chair. "Is sheing back soon?"


    Not soon. She should remain at ck Rose and be afort for Jonah; it could help them bond.


    "We have more important things in hand than that, Luna. And it''s not like Vanessa is needed here urgently." Ray murmured.


    Sasha scoffed, rubbing her stomach. "Maybe not to you two, but I need someone to talk to."


    "If you are nicer to your maids or show Cara more respect, you''d easily getpany," I told her softly.


    Ray agreed with many nods at the Cara part. "Well, I''d take my leave. And the letter should announce Ralph''s death, right?"


    Sasha squeezed my hand. "Ralph? Who''s he again? He sounds like an important person in my memory."


    "ck Rose''s Beta. He was killed yesterday by Logan." I faced Ray. "Yes, that, and they should be safe. All Alphas will join thest fight."


    Or at least, what I hoped was thest fight.


    Ray saluted then turned to leave. He stepped on the ink he spilled and winced, maybe being reminded why he spilled it.


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    "Someone will clean it up, don''t worry." I told him, and he walked away.


    My Luna squeezed my hand again. I faced her. "What is it?"


    "Did Logan almost kill you too? I think you have difficulty in breathing."


    I smiled. "So you had some skill to notice?" Since she knew, I hoped she''d cut me some ck and worry me less.


    "Well, yes, I was almost killed by Logan, if not for Rihanna arriving." I exhaled.


    She took her hands off mine. "That girl again! Why wasn''t she there when the fight started?"


    I couldn''t ce what came out from the silver wolf''s visit to Sun Burn Kingdom, but it was her personal matter. "It''s personal."


    "Yeah right. Did she say that? All these would have been prevented if she was around." Sasha hissed. "She could be useless sometimes..."


    "Didn''t I say she saved my life, even Jaden''s? What mattered is she arrived on time. Ralph might have been killed a lot longer." I queried.


    She stayed quiet, looking down at her palms.


    "And she''s not useless in any way. Isn''t she what the prophecy said would save us?"


    Sasha nodded. "She is, ording to the prophecy. And I didn''t know you''d be so defensive of her."


    I wasn''t being defensive. "I''m just not interested in pushing me to anyone except Logan.?


    She sighed, with an eye roll. "Let all these be resolved. I want to be back to my carefree life again."


    Was she being caged here? Or did she need to be dramatic? "Yes, everything should be resolved."

 Hes Missing

    Chapter Hundred and Sixty-Nine - He''s Missing.


    Chris''s POV


    By evening, I tried to walk with my legs.


    A gloomy aura surrounded my pce, and I wondered if it was because Ralph had died.


    Or was Jaden''s aura spreading to this part?


    "Impossible," Zeke sneered. "You act like you can''t smell the fear of the people."


    So it was their fear that darkened the skies? They had every right to be afraid.


    Ray had announced the death of the ck Rose Beta as I ordered, and everyone sympathized with them.


    Zeke scoffed. "Do you think ck Rose needs the sympathy? They want Logan''s head! And until it''s given, the skies will never be bright again!"


    "Why are you cursing ournd?" I yelled.


    My wolf never had anything positive to say about a situation. Always negative!


    "Logan killed a Beta," he said, like I didn''t know.


    "The kingdom didn''t know how powerful Logan was before, as you hid all sacrifices you made so they wouldn''t panic, but they know it all now."


    Did he mean announcing Ralph''s death was a wrong idea? But it''d be unfair not to. He was a leader in the kingdom.


    "Moon Goddess, help me." My wolf sighed. "I don''t mean you shouldn''t have


    announced it, but you should also start to do something about it."


    "Like go after Logan?" I asked, trying to get his point.


    "Like go after Logan," he repeated, confirming my spections.


    I think he wanted me dead, and him too inside of me. Or would he live elsewhere when


    I die so he didn''t mind?


    "I tried, and Logan was too strong for me. All I have to do is get better and fight side by side with the other Alphas," I remarked.


    I can''t do it alone. And there''s no shame in that.


    Someone wasing toward me, and I blocked the connection I had with Zeke. "Who''s there?"


    The person tarried outside the door before exhaling loudly. I knew who it was and called. "Edwin? Do you need something?"


    I opened the door for him when he didn''te in after half a minute. "What is wrong?"


    His lidded eyes zed over me. "I don''t know what''s wrong with our kingdom. Maybe it''s actually cursed."


    Was this his reaction to Ralph''s death? I patted his shoulder and brought him closer to me. "Our kingdom is not cursed, just Logan."


    He exhaled again before releasing himself from me. "A letter just got here from ck Rose."


    How were they handling everything?


    "First, they''re thankful for the condolences, and second, that it wasn''t received by Alpha Jaden." Edwin frowned. "But the letter was from him."


    "The letter was from Jaden?"


    "Yes, or maybe just the royal signature. Maybe it was falsified?" Edwin stared at his palm.


    Why would the condolences not be epted by Jaden but it was Jaden who the letter was from?


    "Possibly by Jake. He''s the only one who''d dare falsify his brother''s letters. Did he say why his Alpha didn''t receive the condolences?" I asked.


    Was he in such bad shape that he couldn''t perform basic Alpha duties? I wouldn''t fault him.


    "He hadn''t returned since yesterday. They worry that he chased Logan. He''s missing." Edwin''s forehead creased.


    Missing? Why did that sound so familiar to Ralph''s case! Jaden wouldn''t be stupid enough to chase after Logan alone and be badly injured.


    "No sign of him around his pack or around the ce we fought?" He may have passed out from tiredness or worse.


    Edwin shook his head. "Nothing. They have searched surrounding packs and even implored Silver Pack to search for them."


    It would be really hard if this pack lost a Beta and an Alpha within a day.


    Why didn''t Jaden return to his pack tofort his people? They should be his support. He can''t mourn alone.


    "What am I to do now? I can''t run much." I heaved a sigh, then leaned on the wall.


    Edwin forced a smile. "I know, so I told Beta Ray first. He left already to represent you in the search."


    What? Ray wasn''t here?


    I''ve been trying to connect to his mind link for thest twenty minutes!


    "You didn''t think to tell me first before letting Ray go?" I raised my brows with disdain.


    Edwin looked down and apologized. "Sorry, Alpha. Ray said you''d stubbornly want to go yourself. Also, he misses being active in battle."


    Active in battle? Was he envisioning any battle? "Am I to risk my own Beta dying now?"


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    "It''s not like that, Alpha." Edwin frowned. "Ray is a Beta Royal. He has a duty to the kingdom, not just to you or the pack."


    That was true. I turned away from him. "I''d be going on full rest now. You should any local issues."


    hand


    He made an ''hmm'' sound and clicked his tongue. "Jaden shouldn''t set the kingdom to another mode of grief."


    I trust he wasn''t that impulsive. He might have taken some time off.


    "Any more news about ck Rose should be reported to me first before any action is


    carried out, please!" I emphasized the ''please.''


    Being Beta Royal meant Ray sought the peace of the kingdom first and not only his pack.


    But the burden of the kingdom was too much to bear, I''d know.


    I enquired, "Silver Pack is searching for Jaden too, right? Is their Alpha among the search?"


    My Delta hummed then replied. "She should. The letter didn''t say. But it''s better if she


    goes with them as Logan is still out there, just in case."


    That wasn''t even my point. Jaden was her mate, so wherever he was, she''d easily find him. And be afort to him.


    "Alright then, you can go now." I faced him.


    He bowed and was walking away.


    "If you are less busy, you can go to your sister and talk. She said something about being alone, and you have no mate to chat with."


    My Delta''s face squeezed in annoyance. "Did you have to add that I had no mate?"


    I smirked. His mother found his matete, and so did his dad, even if she wasn''t his real mate. Now, their kids were taking centuries to see their mates. "Don''t let that bother you. You''re still young. Go on now."


    He had a pout on his face as he folded his hands and stomped off.

 Howd It Happen?

    Chapter One Hundred and Seventy - How''d It Happen?


    Jaden''s POV


    A monster. That was what I had unlocked.


    And part of me felt that I hadn''t just unlocked it, but that it had always been a dormant being inside me all along.


    How had I unraveled the mysteries behind this new rank? This cursed rank. A Lycan rank.


    Had this ever happened before? I wasn''t aware.


    I''d lose a lot. Yes, I''d lose a huge amount.


    But then, I had already lost a lot, so if this was the blessing of the Moon Goddess to me, then I should ept it with open arms.


    "So, Leon, what did you say I''d do to shift back?" I asked my wolf as I couldn''t get myself to my normal human size.


    I had to sleep in a cave like an animal because I couldn''t be seen in Lycan form around my pack until I had exined everything.


    "It''s an ''inhale and exhale'' exercise. Try it." He repeated for the hundredth time.


    It wasn''t working. "Anything else?"


    My eyes went down to the ground, strong at the muddy, sticky soil. "I really want to leave here for thefort of my bed! And right now!"


    "If you didn''t notice, we both shifted to Lycan yesterday, so I also have no clue!" he yelled back.


    We both became Lycans? But he acted like he knew. He had an attitude when we shifted.


    Not to mention that he suddenly knew his name.


    Sensing my thoughts, he scoffed. "Wait, were you thinking I turned you Lycan? Like I snapped my paws and decided you''d be Lycan?"


    Well, yes. I replied in a small voice. "You didn''t freak out when changes happened, so I assumed you knew about it."


    "Not as much as you think." He sniffed.


    So he was as clueless as I was? "What do you know, please? Anything to help me out here?"


    He sighed deeply. "I''ve felt different from other wolves. And I rarely connect with them."


    I knew all that. He had social issues. "So?"


    "The feeling was more defined as I grew up, but you didn''t agree with it, so I suppressed it."


    "And what was it?" I braced myself for a reply.


    "Dominance. I had a domineering aura." He remarked. "Not ideal for you as an Alpha, since you should lead, not just dominate."


    Of course, it wasn''t ideal. That''s a jerk attitude.


    He was also an Alpha wolf, so why''d he want to ''dominate''? And who?


    "Jaden, you wanted to make a good Alpha and prove your father and uncles wrong." He added.


    My countenance changed, and I nodded. "Yes, and being a dominant Alpha wouldn''t have helped."


    "I knew that." He agreed. "I knew if I pushed my crazy side, along with my need to dominate, you''d lose that chance. So I suppressed it."


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    Why did I feel guilty that he had to go through that for me? And why was he like that? How did it bring us here now?


    "So you somehow released yourself, and now we became Lycan?" I inquired. "Maybe." He shrugged. "The pain we had experienced yesterday brought it all back, and I guess that''s what happened."


    I blinked numerous times after he was done. "So pain and anger, which are major things you''re gued with, made me Lycan?"


    Much sense was made, but not much was understood. His pain and anger made me Lycan? "I thought you had to be born Lycan?"


    "Some werewolves be Lycan by merit or hard work. It''s not always from birth." He said.


    My mouth shaped in an ''oh''. But I didn''t think I''d be like those wolves.


    If these were all true, then it was truly a gift from the Moon Goddess.


    A gift to help me whoop Logan''s ass. "Only I need to know how to control it first."


    I cut off the mind link between Leon and me. I''d need to get used to his name as I was already used to addressing him without an identity.


    After much inhaling and exhaling, along with mindful effort to shift back, I began noticing a change in my size.


    Slowly, I returned to my normal size. But with my clothes erged.


    The innerwear I had was dropping from my waist, only my trousers held on because


    they were stic and had stretched when I grew bigger.


    "I''m still not presentable to go home. Maybe I should shift to my wolf form and enter?" I housed the thought before shaking it off.


    "It''s better actually." Leon connected back and said. "And you should hurry back now before my mate worries."


    His mate? "Leon and Lana is a pretty name for a pair, don''t you think?" He grinned.


    A done look graced my face, and I stared into space. "I think you should stop talking."


    I took off my suede trousers and tied them to my legs. I shifted into my gray wolf and exercised a bit.


    A sudden shockwave went over me, and it was like my spine became flexible, and I could stand.


    "Can''t I be in wolf formfortably anymore?"


    Leon chuckled. "Because you''re Lycan. Do you see Logan in his wolf form all the time? He rarely is."


    He pointed out, and I wondered why. "Lycan form lets you and your wolf be more in sync than when you''re in wolf form."


    "In this form, the full wolf form, I take the lead more." He concluded. "So which is better?"


    Lycan form felt easier and freer, but I can''t be seen that way. "Whatever." I rolled my


    eyes. "And why do you know a lot about Lycans?"


    I took careful steps while strolling back home.


    Not to reserve my energy, my injury was gone now as I had Lycan energy, and that was


    the problem.


    I needed to mask off the Lycan energy so normal wolves wouldn''t sense it?


    Only Alphas, Betas, or Deltas would, and I''d exin to them why. Being a Lycan like Logan would be frowned upon and seen wrongly.


    I did nothing to be a Lycan, so this wasn''t by my will but the Moon Goddess''s.


    I''d try to use the Lycan strength and energy but not the physique so I wouldn''t scare anyone.


    This was a blessing, not a curse.

 Running

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-One - Running.


    Jaden''s POV


    Some wolves wereing toward me. Not from my pack, but from Silver Pack.


    My sense of smell heightened. They were still miles off, but I could smell them by their distinct reek of silver.


    Silver repelled me, not as much as it used to before, like how it repelled Lycans. Logan hated it. I basically had all his weaknesses now.


    The scent of my mate hit my nose, and I stood still. I had forgotten about her for a while.


    How would she react to me being a Lycan? Silver wolves and Lycans were very different -enemies.


    Would she hate me?


    She hadn''t epted our mate bond yet, so I didn''t want anything to drive her away. "She can read my energy." I gasped.


    She was a powerful wolf, so realizing my Lycan energy wouldn''t be hard for her. What would I do now?


    Her warriors were far from where I was, while she was closer. I swerved in the direction of her warriors. They couldn''t read my energy.


    I broke into a run, wanting to be away from her as quickly as possible. Perhaps I''d say I was mourning and stay indoors?


    "For how long would you do that?" Leon chuckled. Why did he think it was funny?


    "Until I find a way to break it to her that I became a Lycan somehow. I didn''t understand all the gibberish you exined!" I barked.


    I kept running. Her warriors slowed down, perhaps sensing my powerful energy.


    She was far from me now, very far. Since I couldn''t sense her, then she couldn''t sense me.


    I got to where her warriors were and slowed down. They bowed, realizing it was me.


    "Our Alpha sent us to search for you. ck Rose warriors are that direction." One of them reported, then pointed south of where I was.


    That was where Rihanna was. Was she searching for me with my warriors? Then I shouldn''t go there.


    I nodded, then trotted ahead, straight to ck Rose. The warriors didn''t expect my reaction, but they ran back to their Alpha.


    I caught the scent of Liam and Mi Destino as I got closer. I wondered if Liam would sense the change in me.


    Mi Destino''s Lycan energy was one-third of him, so it wasn''t active.


    Liam''s energy reached further as I came closer to my pack. He was already leaving, perhaps to search for me.


    It was better. I''d break this news to himter.


    My border warriors recognized me and bowed. One blew a horn. Was it to announce my arrival?


    I sped to the main house as fast as the wind before the pack could gather around.


    I caught the scent of everyone inside-only a handful: Jake and Jonah. I couldn''t face them yet, not in wolf form.


    It was hard to pass through the door in my form, so I shifted back to human and ran to my room.


    I banged the door in annoyance and fell on my bed, butt naked. A soft sigh left my lips.


    There was no time to sleep or rest, so I quickly changed into proper clothes. My pack needed me.


    Jake and Jonah were the first ones I saw at the courtroom. They stared at me in surprise, then anger.


    "Did you chase after Logan?"


    "Something happened to me. I''ll tell youter."


    They nced at each other questioningly.


    "Tell us now." They said in unison.


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    Didn''t I have to give a speech to the pack first or something?


    "It can wait, really." And I hadn''t yet figured out how I''d break it to them.


    Jake shook his head. "I addressed the pack for you. Rihanna gave information on how


    Ralph died, but we don''t mind hearing from you..."


    "Your energy is weird. What''s it about?" Jonah asked, pointing at me.


    Jake red at him for interrupting, then nodded. "I know you''ve always had a weird energy, but this one is really weird."


    Weird? They called it weird? That''s not good.


    "Okay, first, I''d like to ask if Mom or Dad are Lycan in any way?" I asked Jake.


    He folded his arms. Jonah''s eyes widened, and he hurriedly closed the door behind us.


    "Mom is a werewolf and was a Lycan Hunter in her prime. Our father is a Delta werewolf before he became Alpha consort. So?" he asked.


    I nodded. Of course, I was born here and not adopted. It wasn''t possible I had Lycan parents, but I needed to be sure.


    Then this was really a gift from the Moon goddess. Though I was still not sure how I merited it.


    I broke the news. "I became Lycan, somehow."


    "Logan kind of Lycan?" Jonah immediately asked.


    My hands, which I had used to gesture, came down, quite disappointed by how quickly


    he took the news. "Is there any other type of Lycan?"


    Jake''s mouth was still open. He exhaled through them. "Like Lycan Lycan, Jaden?"


    Could he be less dramatic? "Yes, Jake."


    Jonah pped his hands together and rubbed his temples. "And how did that even happen?"


    "Is it a rank you broke that felt like being a Lycan, or...?" Jake peered into my eyes.


    Could it be a rank I broke that felt like a Lycan? But Leon was clear when he said I became a Lycan.


    But then, he didn''t know as much. Or did he?


    "I think I became a Lycan. I shifted to one at least. But hey, it''s not bad. As long as I can control it, I''d be good." I grinned.


    "Control it! Do you know any Lycan who has self-control?!!" Jake screamed!


    Jonah punched his stomach on reflex, and he shut up, holding onto it. I was d. I would''ve done it myself if he didn''t shut up.


    "Sorry." Jonah backed off. "But please stop the screaming. We need to think of a solution before someone else finds out."


    "Solution?" I frowned. "I don''t think there''s a solution to being Lycan."


    Was there a solution to being an Alpha, Beta, Delta? What nonsense was he spitting


    out?


    "Red Moon could have. And they dropped a letter recently. We send one back, talking about it." Jake suggested.


    I shook my head. "No, let''s..."


    Jonah interrupted. "No, no one should know. Alpha, can you de-shift? Is that even a thing?"


    Did it sound like a thing to him?!


    "No." I replied. "But then, we could..."


    "Oh, oh, why don''t we just ask Rihanna if she can kill the Lycan part of you somehow?"


    Jake suggested again.


    My fists clenched.


    Jonah was about to counter with something when I mmed the wall, creating a huge


    crack in it. They snapped their heads at me in unison.


    "I''m keeping the Lycan!" I yelled.


    Jonah sighed.


    Jake gasped.


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 Being Open

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-Two - Being Open.


    Jaden''s POV


    My fists clenched.


    Jonah was about to counter with something when I mmed the wall, creating a huge


    crack in it. They snapped their heads at me in unison.


    "I''m keeping the Lycan!" I yelled.


    Jonah sighed. Jake gasped.


    "What if this is a blessing? I did nothing to be a Lycan, yet here I am," I continued.


    "Whether you like it or not, there''s nothing like de-shifting." I faced Jonah. "So I''m keeping the Lycan."


    My brother shook his head. "You aren''t keeping it. You''re an Alpha of ck Rose. We''ve lost a Beta, we can''t lose an Alpha as well."


    What was he saying? Losing an Alpha? How was this losing? And why was he bringing Ralph into this?


    My fists became tighter. "What if this is a gift from the Moon Goddess, to avenge Ralph with?"


    "The ''what ifs'' are the problem, Alpha," Jonah said. "What if you can''t control it?'' is the biggest what if."


    I didn''t think there was any rank that was difficult to control. And yes, I saw the gift as a rank.


    "I''d never go berserk in my Lycan form. After all, I''m still me and it''s still my wolf," I assured.


    He was still unsure, so I added, "This is like a new rank. A Beta doesn''t go berserk after he obtains an Alpha rank, does he?"


    Jake turned to Jonah and then back to me. "So what should we do? ept it and tell the rest of the kingdom?"


    I didn''t know about that yet, but if my own family epted it, then I didn''t really care


    As long as I didn''t hurt them, they had no reason to call me a threat. "You two should ept it first."


    They were the only ones in the pack with the rank to read wolf energy. "Leave the rest." Jonah kept his hands on his waist, his expression disappointed, and it hurt me. I didn''t turn myself into this.


    "My injury healed when I became Lycan. You two know I needed Lycan energy to heal, so I think this is the Moon Goddess''s gift to me."


    When I said that, Jonah''s hands fell from his waist. Jake rushed to me and ripped the sleeve on the shoulder.


    "Hey!" I shoved him away, stunned at his wild reaction. "You could have told me to take the shirt off instead!"


    "It''s healed. It''s really healed," Jake gushed, ignoring me. "This is a miracle from the gift."


    Oh, he was epting it now?


    I nced at Jonah, and he looked genuinely impressed. "This is awesome, really. That''s one less thing to worry about," he said.


    Seeing their readiness to cooperate, I repeated, "I''m keeping the Lycan. There may be so much we could achieve with it."


    "You need to know how to control it," Jake voiced his concern again.


    I confirmed, "Yes, I can. You should mean to ask if I can maneuver it because I''m not sure how to shift and ''de-shift.""


    My brother looked assured, he nudged Jonah, who smiled. I smiled, seeing them hopeful.


    I added, "And for self-controlled Lycans, there are tons. Our ally kingdom, Sun Burn Kingdom, has a jurisdiction for Lycans."


    Their smiling faces faded.


    "Yes, they have Lycans living amongst them. Even Lycan royalties. And has their Kingdom been torn apart? No," I folded my arms.


    Here, we had a bad start with Lycans, that''s all.


    "Like giving them a jurisdiction is a little too much? Why did they do that?" Jonah asked.


    "They earned it,¡± I said. "They helped the Kingdom in theirst war. They are good Lycans in this world, really. Good, natural-born Lycans."


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    "Hm. And Liam, who I told you helped us that time, is a Lycan. And funnily enough,


    he''s Logan''s son. His mother and Logan had a past together."


    Jonah''s forehead creased. He didn''t know who Liam was, but the part about being Logan''s son surely pissed him off.


    "I''m trying to be open with you two from now on," I said. "So keep this between us." He and Jake exhaled, taking it all in.


    Jake snapped his fingers. "While we are in the mood of being open with each other, tell Jonah that Rihanna is your mate."


    My eyes widened. This boy!


    Did I say anything about being that open? That wasn''t just my secret but Rihanna''s as well!


    My Delta turned to me with a squeezed face.


    I sighed. "Like he said. Also, I didn''t think anyone should know as she didn''t want it known."


    Jonah raised a brow. "You didn''t think anyone should know, but you told Jake?"


    "Hey, hey, I''m his brother!" Jake defended.


    "And I''m his Delta!" Jonah retorted.


    Jake folded his arms. "You aren''t entitled to his secrets still."


    "And you can''t even shut your mouth when he tells you," Jonah replied.


    They began bickering, and I quietly drifted away toward the letters on my table. That wouldst for a while.


    As I saw the letters on the table, I remembered Jake had said something about Red Moon sending a letter. I noticed theirs and picked it up.


    "Oh please, I wanted him telling you so you wouldn''t get obsessed with her or something, not because you needed to know," Jake shouted back.


    My head snapped at Jonah as he retorted back at Jake, not even trying to counter Jake''s ims. I looked away from him.


    Jonah was humorous and a yboy. I shouldn''t be surprised Rihanna could tame that part of him. She had a natural sexual appeal.


    "Why was I thinking that?" I asked myself.


    "Yes, why were you? Concentrate on Red Moon''s letter," Leon scolded from nowhere.


    I opened it and nced through. It was mainly condolences and thanks for saving the hostages.


    My eyes skipped to thest part, where the main issue happened to be.


    Logan had actually finished creating the charms he wanted with the Red Moon


    hostages, and that was what he used to subdue Ralph!


    It had some faults, so he made the hostages do it again, and that''s when we came in.


    "A charm that drained energy from werewolves and gives it to Lycans," I read.


    What was this? Could that be what hit Chris and me below the volcano, but I felt strong while he felt weak? I was almost Lycan then.


    "Logan must have been thinking he was the only Lycan around," I gritted my teeth.


    And he had really used my Beta as a rat! My fists clenched tightly.


    "Jake! Jonah!" I barked at the two before they started throwing hands. "And here''s another perk of being a Lycan." I threw the letter at them.


    Jonah caught it, and he and Jake read it.


    "So in such a case, you''d be the only one strong enough to kill Logan?" Jonah tilted


    his head.


    It seemed like it. "Either way, I''m thest hope."


    This new gift would surely be handy.

 Wild Wolf

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-Three - Wild Wolf.


    Rihanna''s POV


    I returned to my pack.


    That mate of mine was a hassle.


    If he knew I was looking for him, why didn''t he show himself to me before running off?


    Dara was running to me as I walked into the main house. "Alpha! A letter from Red Moon!"


    I sped to her to reduce her distance; she still needed to rest, as that hit she took was hard.


    "Before you ask, yes, we found Jaden. He''s at ck Rose now," I told her, opening the letter.


    I saw that it had already been opened, so I read its contents. "This is just thanks for saving..."


    My mouth fell open when I looked down and read the lines. It wasn''t just thanks and condolences for losing a Beta from an ally pack.


    "Alpha, do you see what Logan had been nning? I can''t believe it!" Dara yelled.


    He really wanted to destroy all werewolves! A charm that could drain energy from us to him?


    He killed Ralph with it? That''s gruesome. He must have had no strength to fight back. What kind of state of helplessness was that!


    I gritted my teeth angrily. "Prepare someone to send this letter to ck Hills and other packs."


    Red Moon might have told us since we were working together to protect each other from Logan, but ck Hills and the rest needed to know too.


    Dara saluted and ran back to the main house. I followed her with clenched fists.


    No wonder Logan left without trying to put up a fight. He was still strong, but he was eager to leave as he knew he had a faster way of hurting us.


    As I entered the door, I punched the wall angrily, and it made a crack in it.


    I held my arm, which was red, breathing heavily. My fists clenched, and I punched it again.


    "He wants to drain my energy without direct contact! Who taught him how to get smarter!"


    As I yelled, I felt a slight headache, but that''d be the least of my worries now. I needed to vent, but only newly shifted pups were training.


    Beatrice should have been the one training them, so there was no one to train with.


    Thinking of newly shifted pups, I remembered Hunter was having his first duel today, and he invited me to watch.


    My breathing normalized, my head was in a bun, but I poured it down. I wasn''t sure how it''d help.


    When I closed the door of the main house, I felt three wolves running toward me. Then their screams came seconds after. "Alpha! Alpha!!"


    What happened now? "What is it?" I broke into their mind links and asked.


    They stopped running toward me and reported in unison. "Hunter''s wolf has gone wild in the training ground!"


    My eyes erged. His wolf went wild again? Of course, he''s Lycan and needed special training.


    "Everyone should back away from him! Now! Don''t try to tranquilize him!" I ordered as I ran to the scene.


    I connected to Beatrice, but she wasn''t around at that point. Jean was the one I met trying to calm down a wild wolf.


    The other scared pups were behind her while she was gesturing to Hunter to calm down.


    "Carlos!" I barked, walking in front of Jean and the pups. That should be Hunter''s wolf''s name.


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    But then, pups were generally inexperienced, hence fearless. He lunged at me, perceiving I was a threat.


    I sighed and initiated my barrier. He was a powerful wolf, even in that small body, so he bounced back quite harshly.


    He grew limp and rested there. The other pups gasped admirably, seeing he flew meters away when I didn''t touch him.


    "Jean, don''t tell Beatrice this. Don''t make her worry," I told her in the mind link.


    If his mother knew, it would draw her closer to realizing that he was a Lycan. Then questions of how would arise.


    Also, won''t his Lycan energy be easy to sense when he grows up?


    "But Alpha," Jean started. "If he goes wild on her? She should know he''s capable of being..."


    "Being what!" I interrupted her. "He''s just a pup who had issues with Logan before. His wolf is scared!" I barked.


    I mellowed down, not wanting to transfer anger. "In short, only Beatrice or I are allowed to train him from now on."


    "Alpha, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to counter..."


    "Don''t apologize, Jean! Just obey! Don''t train the boy!" I barked simultaneously.


    She looked down, and the pups wondered why. "Yes, Alpha," she replied in the mind


    link.


    It was also for her own protection. I didn''t know how much strength Hunter had. He


    was fast, Jaden confirmed it, so he must be stealthy too.


    For him to be deemed fit by Logan to be an aplice, he must have had exceptional strength for his age.


    Either way, his father was literally the Lycan Alpha King, so it''s no surprise.


    A better idea came to my head.


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    After all, he said that if Hunter misbehaved, we should send him to him. "Jean, I''m not mad at you. I''m just saying," I told her again, with a softer tone.


    She rose her head and looked in my eyes. "I understand, Alpha. I won''t train him."


    As I left, I picked up the little wolf whimpering on the ground. He sighed, seeing I was the one who took him, so he behaved.


    "Please prepare a horse, clothes for Hunter, and some food," I told the warriors that had informed me of the incident.


    They nodded and ran off. The other pups went back to their formation, looking quite shaken.


    "This won''t help Hunter make friends," I said to myself as I walked to the main house and inside the courtroom.


    I dropped the wolf there, and he stood straight on his hind legs, getting hisposure.


    "Carlos, I hope Hunter is aware of the damage you''re doing to his reputation?" I asked


    him.


    He huffed and plopped back on the ground. He should remain there until the horse, food, and clothes were ready.


    "You''ll meet ck Rose in times of mourning. And do you think Jaden wants a student as he thinks of avenging Ralph?" Lana asked.


    Did she really think I''d just go all the way there just for Hunter? "I''d speak on how we werewolves would avert Logan''s new n, of course!"


    "Hey, hey, don''t you yell at me! I''m not Logan!"


    "Whatever!" I yelled again. "I yell at everything and anyone when I''m angry!"


    Lana scoffed. "You mean helpless. You are helpless now."


    I frowned. Why was my own wolf mocking my situation?


    "Well,


    I''m not! I have a n," she added, and my eyes lit up. "What n?"

 Half Brothers

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-Four - Half Brothers


    Rihanna''s POV


    Hunter held my body tightly as I picked up speed again. I smiled internally, then slowed down, and he loosened up.


    It was just me tormenting the poor child.


    He had earlier said it was his first time on a horse and wanted it to be memorable.


    Well, it would be so memorable that it could be hisst time ever wanting to be atop a horse.


    "We are almost there, endure the difort, okay?" I said, turning to pat his head.


    He made small noises, but I felt his head nod.


    We arrived at the ck Rose border, or at least close to it.


    "We are here, Hunter."


    Just then, I felt an energy speed toward me. A Lycan energy. I jumped down from my horse.


    I pulled out the sword I brought with me from Sun Burn Kingdom-the Lycan yer.


    I had stance. But it couldn''t be Logan daring toe around the ck Rose pack after killing their Beta. But I wasn''t taking chances.


    Seeing the Lycan wasn''t making himself known, I flung my sword at a shrub and ran toward it.


    Someone groaned in pain, and as I ran there, I initiated my barrier, pushing whoever it was back.


    I found my sword on a root and grabbed it, then immediately pointed it at the intruder.


    Ll¨¢rm?"


    "Okay, I like you now." He grunted, holding his arm that my sword had pierced.


    He liked me? I didn''t need his ''like''.


    I pointed the sword at his neck. "Why are you here? Don''t you know how things are at ck Rose? How dare a Lycan show his face here!"


    He tried to remove the sword from his face, but I kept it in ce. "Answer me! Are you working with Logan? You are his son, after all."


    His eyes darkened on me, and he pped the sword away. I backflipped and caught it before it went too far, then pointed it at him again.


    "Were you annoyed by that? Good."


    He rose up from the ground, still holding his arm. "I hate when people here term my value by my father''s deeds."


    I dropped my sword.


    "At Sun Burn, not all thought I''d be as great as my mom. But here, you all are sure I''m


    as bad as my dad. He didn''t even raise me!" he yelled.


    I rted to that too, though in quite different ways. My father was a Beta, but not all thought I could be.


    "So why are you here?"


    "I heard Ralph died. I never got to see him, but he was Jaden''s Beta, so surely important to him," he replied.


    "And you thought to see him while you are a Lycan?" I snickered.


    "Jaden never treated me like ''a Lycan''. And just ''cause all the Lycans you met wanted


    you dead doesn''t mean we are all like that." The boy told me.


    I began strolling off back to the horse, not paying heed to him.


    Hunter was trying to climb down when I caught him just in time before he fell. "This one is..."


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! My eyes widened as I realized something. I snapped my head at Liam walking out with


    me.


    Hunter was Logan''s son, and so was Liam. They were half-brothers. But he shouldn''t know.


    Liam stooped to him. "The boy''s a Lycan." He closed his mouth. "Did you know already?"


    I nodded. "Yeah, he has a wild wolf, so I brought him for Jaden to train. They both understand each other really well..."


    "Let me train him!" Liam raised his hand. "He''d be like my little brother."


    He literally was. "No, I''m sorry, but he''s of my pack, you aren''t. And what qualifications do you have to train him?"


    "I am the young prince of Sun Burn Kingdom, under Lycan jurisdiction!" Liam bragged. Say what now? I shook my head again.


    Someone was walking toward us, and my heart skipped a beat, realizing it was Jaden.


    I wasn''t sure why my heart skipped, if it was a sudden fear I sensed,


    Or the realization that would tell Liam that Hunter was his brother, but why would I be scared of that?


    "Jaden!" Hunter left me and ran to hug him.


    I turned to Jaden, but he immediately missed my gaze. What was that?


    "Hey, Liam. I wasing to look for you. We needed to talk about something urgent," he spoke to Liam, ignoring me?


    "Hunter''s wolf went wild, again." I pped his arm slightly, then came in front of him.


    He looked at my direction but not at me. "That''s bad." He gazed at the boy who looked guilty. "But we know it''s not Logan, so just train him."


    Liam''s ears perked up. "Logan? What did my dad do to the boy?"


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    I shook my head at Jaden as he smiled, realizing their connection.


    "Logan turned me into a bad wolf!" Hunter exined himself.


    I rushed to close his mouth and pulled him away from Jaden. "Look, I''m really not in


    the mood today, so Liam, could youe back..."


    Jaden covered Hunter''s ears and muttered, "Hunter is a son of Logan. The one I told you your dad raped his mother."


    He released his hands from Hunter''s ears. "That''s why he''s a good boy." He said and rubbed his head.


    Hunter gazed at me perplexed but grinned at the heartypliment. I wanted to facepalm in disappointment.


    Liam blinked and then maintained steady eye contact with the boy. "So, he''s my..." Jaden covered Hunter''s ears again. "Yes, your brother. But he shouldn''t know all this until he''s older. Psychological defects are plenty."


    "Psychological defects? ''Cause he''s Logan''s son or what?" Liam was growing annoyed. "Because his mother had him through rape and then was killed by Logan. His mother, her mate, and his other brothers!" I yelled.


    Both Liam and Jaden paused, stunned. He took his hands from Hunter''s ears, and they watched the boy in pity.


    "If you are sad because my wolf acted out again, I promise it won''t happen again." Hunter mumbled at Jaden.


    Liam sighed, then ruffled Hunter''s hair. "So, Alpha, I''d be visiting your pack more often than I intended to. Please tell Dara to let me in."


    No matter how I didn''t want it, I knew I couldn''t stop it. No thanks to Jaden.


    "And am I the only one noticing?" Liam turned to Jaden. "There''s another Lycan amongst us."


    I closed Hunter''s ears so he wouldn''t catch that, but then I processed it in my head and frowned. "Wait, what do you mean?"


    "I was actually scared to break it to you, but I''ve epted it for the better if I am. It


    was a gift from the moon goddess, after all," Jaden said.


    What were he and Liam yapping about? "Which other Lycan?"


    I snt my hands ready to throw hands. Any other Lycan wasn''t wee here.

 Joking?

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-Five - Joking?


    Rihanna''s POV


    What were he and Liam yapping about? "Which other Lycan?"


    I sent my hands, ready to throw hands. Any other Lycan wasn''t wee here.


    "Me." He deadpanned. "I realized I was Lycan yesterday. Like, I just unlocked the rank."


    My hands fell down. He was the Lycan?


    "Congrattions! My worst Lycan, after my father, had unlocked Lycan rank too. He was a crazy guy." Liam chuckled.


    Jaden sighed. "That''s not helping."


    "What you''re saying isn''t making sense either. You are Lycan?" My eyes widened. How did he be Lycan?


    "After Ralph''s death, I was venting, then poof, shifted to Lycan." He said casually.


    I hit his arm slightly. With the way he sounded, he must be joking. "This is a joke, right?"


    My hand was still on his arm I hit. He held onto it and shook his head. "No, I''m dead serious."


    I pulled my hand away from him. He was dead serious? "Are you kidding me now?" Liam backed away. "Why do I sense a couple fight starting? Is she... Are you guys...?" "Liam, get out!" I faced him. "And how''d you sense my own mate was a Lycan when I can''t even sense it?"


    I exhaled, finally reading the energy. "You are a Lycan." I remarked with every disdain I could muster. How the hell had that happened?


    Liam sped off, with Hunter. I wanted to chase after him but ignored it. As long as he didn''t tell the boy they were rted, I was good.


    I faced Jaden again, who wasn''t meeting my gaze. He hadn''t met my gaze when we first met either. Could he be really serious?


    "First. I want to s?v I''m really sorry for,vour loss. I hope Ralph is at a better, ce." I started.


    Maybe he was going crazy because of Ralph''s death, right? My wolf came to the surface.


    "I don''t know if this is a way to punish us, but it''s quite obvious our mate turned Lycan.¡±


    Jaden looked down, nodding. "ck Rose and I ept your condolences, Rih. I also hope you ept what I became. It''s not my doing."


    Well, yeah, the moon goddess! And she''s quite shitty for pairing a Silver Wolf and a Lycan.


    "What would our pups be?" I mouthed.


    I noticed the corner of Jaden''s lips curl up. I rolled my eyes. "I was thinking within myself."


    "I''m d to know you''d want to have pups with me. You seem to hate pups." He smiled.


    I exhaled loudly. "So you mean you just, poof, became a Lycan?" He didn''t have any shitty backstory to it?


    "The backstory was, by my wolf, he always felt a dormant Lycan in him, but pain and anger he faced for Ralph''s death brought it out."


    Not much of that made sense, but I found myself nodding to it. "Ralph''s death did this."


    "The pain I felt." He corrected.


    I did know pain turned people into different things, only I wasn''t aware Lycan was one


    of them. "How many people do you n to tell?"


    He should know he''d be seen as the same with Logan, especially after Logan''sst attack.


    They''d think it psychologically made him like Logan somehow.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for the


    He took out a letter, Red Moon''s letter, and showed it to me.


    "I don''t care how wolves see me, I''m just d I can counter Lycan''s ns."


    Logan''s n of draining energy from werewolves to Lycans? "If you''re Lycan, it shouldn''t work on you, right?" I snapped my fingers.


    He did the same. "That''s the catch. I think the moon goddess knew this would happen, so she gifted me this."


    She wasn''t that timely, but okay. "My wolf told me that my barrier could prevent the energy drain wave from hitting me if I''m close to it."


    What she didn''t add was how draining it would be to fight Logan while keeping the barrier on.


    Everything would be at least a meter away from me. "I haven''t tried it yet, but it''s my best shot."


    "Fair enough, and you''d be far away from Logan so his growls wouldn''t get to you too."


    What growls? I bet my face asked, so he replied.


    "Whenever Logan growled, it had an effect on you. Your body would pause for a second, his energy trying to subdue you." Jaden exined.


    Embarrassing to admit, but yes, I''d been victim to that a lot. "It didn''t happen to you?"


    "Perhaps as we are both Lycans, it didn''t. It also did nothing to Liam as he had saved you that day." Jaden responded.


    Okay, then, that put me at a disadvantage because I''d still hear Logan''s growl whether or not my barrier was on.


    He shouldn''t know that still. "Yeah, that''s done. And do you have someone to take over Ralph''s duties for now?"


    I bit my tongue as those words came out.


    They may have sounded like he reced the guy already.


    "After Jonah''s duel with you, he improved. He didn''t break a rank but improved, he''s


    handling Ralph''s duties now." Jaden said, then sniffed.


    Since he said handling, then it may have been something discussed already.


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    "I''d keep my pack ready as well. And I wouldn''t be going anywhere till when you want an attack." I said.


    "Good, we both can take on Logan alone, like in the prophecy." He replied, taking steps back.


    He never spoke much of prophecies, at least not with me. "Yeah, that iplete prophecy."


    It''s funny how the prophecy didn''t refer to us as husband and wife but just Silver Wolf and mate.


    "Can I ask? I''ve wanted to ask." I smiled. "Did you have a mate before, but she died? I heard the rumor at Boots and Rivers market once."


    He made a little pout. "I never had a mate."


    That was depressing, and given his kind of person, he may have had no romantic partner all through his life.


    I cleared my throat. "That''s unfair. You had to wait six years of your life waiting for a mate, and then she''s me."


    "What''s wrong with you?" he quickly asked, with a frown.


    Maybe if he didn''t notice, a lot of things were wrong with me. "For one, I''m not really ready for love shenanigans or epting the mate bond."


    "And did I force you?" he asked again.


    I paused. He didn''t. But I felt... guilty. "Well, I had been, let me say, broken before, so I''m basically someone''s toxic ex..."


    He interjected again. "I doubt Chris sees you as a toxic ex. He knows he''s the toxic one


    to reject you for no reason."


    There was someone who saw it like that? It made me feel better but didn''t show.


    I didn''t want the discussion to dive into a romantic one, so I grabbed my horse. "Is there a way to get Liam for me? I need Hunter back."


    He smirked, understanding I didn''t want to talk too deeply. I was d he respected


    that.


    "Sure, give me a second." He sped off, jolting the horse and me. That was damn fast.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Bolt

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-Seven - Bolt.


    Chris''s POV


    The horses weren''t riding as fast as I wanted. Or maybe I wanted them to fly.


    I used horses as my legs just got better, and I couldn''t risk them running, or they''d break down before we reached ck Rose.


    There was tension in the forest, and there was that eerie feeling again. Edwin and I were closer to ck Rose.


    I''d understand why Jaden''s aura would be gloomy now, and I hated to bother him with news on Ray, but I couldn''t do it alone.


    Also, Raymond was his mate''s brother.


    "Edwin, go to Silver Pack!" I ordered. "For Red Moon to know Logan took my Beta, then Ray was taken around their pack!"


    Your Silver needed to know her brother was taken. My Delta nodded, swerving to the right.


    My eyes tarried on him, and I contemted following him. What if I lose him as well? What if Logan was around the forests? "Edwin? Wait!" I called him back.


    I couldn''t let him go alone.


    "Come with me, we''d go together!" I yelled, and he swerved back!


    I felt the energy of the ck Rose warriors. They''d be stationed in front of the border and ready to strike whatever came their way.


    I let out a growl that alerted my presence. I signaled to Edwin to watch my horse.


    My legs could run, so I jumped down and tried to keep pace with the horse. I bolted past their border and into the main house.


    Luckily, Jake wasing out of the house, so I sped in, pulling him inside with me and shutting the door.


    "Jaden, my Delta ising in! Order your warriors to stand down!" I shouted as I got in.


    The ck Rose Alpha sprang from his seat and stared at me in surprise before spacing out to mind link his warriors.


    "They''ve seen him! They''d let him in," he replied.


    He was looking better than I thought and had the eerie energy on a different level, but I didn''t bother to read it.


    I was conserving my energy now till my legs were fully better. Jake shoved my arm off him and exhaled.


    "Did you have to pull me like that? Like a dog!"


    "I''m sorry." I had enjoyed doing it, but that''s not the point. I felt Edwin''s energye past the border. He''d stay here till they''re ready.


    "I''d leave here soon. Logan is currently around Red Moon. And he''s with Ray. Come with Edwin when you''re ready," I turned.


    "Wait! Raymond?" Jake asked. "Logan took him? How had that happened?"


    I narrated. "He left to look for your brother when we got news Jaden went missing. He didn''t return, then Red Moon sent a message."


    Jaden looked down, feeling guilty. "I had stayed away for a while because of..."


    "Don''t exin yourself, Jaden. I understand, just help me find him. Our kingdom can''t lose a Beta again to that beast," my fist clenched.


    He nodded. "I understand. My brother woulde with Jonah and Edwin. I''d leave with you."


    "Fine, let''s drop by Silver Pack. Jake meet us around Red Moon. Ande with no warriors. We can handle him," I said.


    Edwin just opened the door, and I used the opportunity to speed out. Jaden followed. "Edwin,e with Jake and Jonah to Red Moon. Be safe," I told him through our mind link.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! He replied. "Yes, Alpha."


    Our connection broke at that point, as I was too far from him. Jaden and I kept racing till we were around Silver Pack.


    I slowed down, and my legs wobbled. My hands went to a tree for support. "My legs aren''t fully healed, go on without me."


    Jaden stopped a few steps from me. I looked at him, and he didn''t seem breathless or tired.


    He looked at my legs, with wolf''s vision. I knew as his eyes shed red. "They are healed, just not strong enough yet."


    "Yeah, so go on."


    "No, that''s thest thing we need to do. One person can''t handle Logan alone, so let''s go together from now on," he said.


    I doubted that we''d meet Logan here, but I got his point. I held onto him, "Then do


    me a favor, take me there."


    He smirked. "With pleasure."


    He held onto me and sped towards the pack.


    Silver Pack warriors weren''t as alert as ck Rose and could wait to see who wasing before attacking.


    I was surprised to be at Silver Pack within ten seconds. How did Jaden get that fast?


    I was more surprised when he didn''t need to tell the warriors he was the one, but they just knew.


    Did it have to do with him being their Alpha''s mate? Or maybe he visited a lot?


    "Why do you care? Concentrate on finding Ray!" my wolf scolded, bringing me from my thoughts to reality.


    "Alpha Chris! Alpha Jaden! Did you get the news?" it was Beatrice running to meet us.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for the


    She had a bag strapped on her shoulder and a medical kit. Some snacks seemed to be in the bag as well.


    News? What news? One I already knew?


    Dara, who weed us in, looked confused. "Is it what our Alpha zoomed out to do? She didn''t tell me?"


    Their Alpha wasn''t here? Then she knew.


    "Red Moon sent us information that Beta Ray had been kidnapped by Logan. Our Alpha left to Red Moon," Beatrice exined.


    Jaden''s fist clenched. "She didn''t feel the need to tell anyone? How could she go alone?"


    "I was preparing a messenger to leave to tell you now," Beatrice stomped out. "We should meet her. Logan isn''t alone."


    Logan wasn''t alone?


    "Few hours ago, a spy at Boots and Rivers market alerted us that some Lycans from Sun Burn Kingdom came here," Beatrice added.


    "To do what?" Jaden asked.


    "Our Alpha had killed a Lycan who tried taking her energy. These other Lycans are his friends. They are working with Logan now," she replied.


    My head was almost spinning. "More Lycans? Do you know how many are there?"


    "The spy from the market said she counted five. I guess Logan''s energy drain from Lycans to Werewolves would be beneficial."


    "He shouldn''tugh too much," Jaden scoffed.


    Beatrice smiled. ¡°Yes, Alpha Jaden. My Alpha told me of your unlocked rank. I guess it''s beneficial to have a Lycan amongst us."


    My legs stiffened a bit. A Lycan amongst us? Jaden? He was now Lycan? I stayed quiet. "Let''s pick up speed," Jaden said and held onto me again. I shivered; he was Lycan! When did that happen? We sped to Red Moon.

 More Lycan

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-Eight - More Lycans.


    Jaden''s POV


    We arrived at the spot where Logan was expected to be. I let go of Chris and noticed how he breathed in relief.


    He had heard when Beatrice spoke on me being Lycan. I''d have preferred if he''d figured it out himself.


    "I sense my Alpha, south!" Beatrice pointed and attempted running off, but I blocked her.


    "We should work together now. Alpha Chris, Beatrice, and I will look for Rihanna," I said.


    Chris frowned. "And I?"


    "Why not stay here till your legs get better. Wait for the rest too, someone needs to direct them," I replied. "Direct them to where we are."


    He nodded, gesturing for us to leave. "Fine. I didn''t think I''d be fighting Logan again after escaping death."


    Neither did I. I hoped thest fight was thest we''d ever have with him.


    But after he killed my Beta, I don''t want it to be. I''d like to whoop his ass so bad that he feels every tinge of pain my pack felt.


    "Don''t worry, Alpha Chris. You''d get your Beta back," I said.


    I didn''t wait for his reaction before bolting off.


    Ray was Jake''s friend and my mate''s brother, so I wasn''t just saving him for Chris.


    Beatrice followed behind me. She was fast and soon overtook me. "Rihanna is that way!"


    We arrived above a hill and found two Lycans. One had the Lycan yer on his head, and the other was breathing slowly.


    Rihanna was sitting on his chest and speaking softly. I felt ufortable seeing my mate in that position. "Are you alright?"


    She grunted, then pped the Lycan she was sitting on. She rose from him and red at Beatrice, "Treat him. Treat that one!"


    Why should we treat him? I tried sensing for Logan or Ray, but they weren''t close.


    "He''s the only one that knows where Logan and my brother are. He can''t die," she mouthed.


    This was bad. I didn''t want her having these Lycans in her prison; they could break out and cause havoc in her pack.


    "Rihanna, where did Logan go?" I asked her.


    Her eyes were red. Had she been crying?


    She nced at me, then back at Beatrice, trying to stop the Lycan from bleeding. "If I knew, I wouldn''t be saving him."


    Good point. I forgot.


    Then did wee all the way for nothing? Instead of trying to save him, why not search around for Ray?


    I really didn''t want it to end like Ralph. It would be another hit to the hole in my heart. Beatrice left the Lycan and wiped his blood off her hands, disdain etched on her face. "His wounds are healing. He keeps saying ''to thend of gold.'' I don''t know what it means.."


    "That''s the promise Logan gave them. Only this time, he might actually do it. They are from his pack," Rihanna said.


    He''d do it? And how were these Lycans from Logan''s pack? Aren''t they from Sun Burn Kingdom?


    "Wait, is Logan''s pack at Sun Burn Kingdom?"


    Rihanna turned to me. "It seems like. Liam''s mother is from there, and if she and Logan were mates, then yes, Logan might be from there."


    I should have asked Liam this. His father was an Lycan Alpha under Sun Burn Kingdom, or the jurisdiction was created after he went mad?


    "Maybe the Kingdom created a jurisdiction to control Logan''s pack members after he killed some," I thought out loud.


    Rihanna tilted her head. "We always thought he killed all his pack, but it seemed that''s false. He still had pack members that are loyal."


    "You mean deranged!" Beatrice cursed. "Why''d they want the extinction of werewolves when a werewolf kingdom housed them?"


    "They are ungrateful!" Rihanna spat out and went back to the Lycan.


    Using my wolf''s vision, I scanned the Lycan and saw he was growing his energy back. He would be a threat soon.


    "Hurry and ask him, Rih. We still need to search for Ray," I told her, staying beside the Lycan.


    His eyes went to me and erged. "You."


    He must have sensed I was Lycan. "Yes, me. I''d kill you if you don''t speak. Where''s Logan and the wolf he''s with?"


    The Lycan''s eyes dimmed on me, he darted them at Rihanna and Beatrice, then back at me. "You should be with us."


    In the side of deranged Lycans? I''d pass. Not all should be deranged. "Don''t waste my time."


    He breathed in and out. "Even if I tell you, you can''t beat him. He''s changing, changing to what you can''t defeat!"


    He was unlocking ranks as well? "Where?"


    "At the cave besides ck Hills. He told my brother and I to meet him there."


    I nced at the other Lycan with the sword on his head. They two did look alike.


    Rihanna backed away from him, and Beatrice followed her. I bet they expected me to kill him.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "You have served your purpose," I leered, my wsing out.


    "Yes, I don''t mind you killing me, little one. Your mother had killed my father as well," he sneered.


    Little one? That sounded endearing? Did he know me? I narrowed my eyes at him.


    His father was Logan''s son, so was he Logan''s grandson? "And I, her son, will be killing


    you, history would always repeat!"


    "This isn''t history! It''s your ignorance and denial!" he snapped immediately.


    I was dumbstruck. Denial? Ignorance?


    "Well, it''d soon catch up with you. Now you''re Lycan, the uncontroble rage will


    catch up with you," he cackled like a mad man.


    What was he saying? How did he know I had uncontroble rage? I was transfixed at a point before I felt energying to me.


    I didn''t care to enquire what he meant and shed off his throat. I dragged out the gullet and watched him bleed to death.


    My brother sped to me, stopping just before the body. "Chris told me there were more Lycans!"


    "Yes, five. Rihanna killed these two. Come, he said Logan and Ray are at the cave besides ck Hills. Rihanna knows where that is."


    "I do as well," It was Chris. "That was Logan''sst hideout before he moved to Blue Fire. I guess he''s running out of ces."


    He surely was. This Kingdom wasn''t his yground. He better believe it. I noticed


    Edwin wasn''t with them. "Where''s Edwin?"


    "We couldn''t leave the pack empty, so I decided he should stay," Jake replied.


    Chris sped off, Jonah and Jake followed him.


    I stared at the dead Lycan for a while. How did he know about my rage?


    Wasn''t it something all Lycans experience, or there was a reason I had it? And how''d he know that reason?

 Little One

    Chapter Hundred and Seventy-Nine - Little one.


    Jaden''s POV


    I met the rest circled around a hill; they were watching out for Logan.


    From the distance, I could feel Ray''s energy. He was there, and alive! My brother ran to me, studying my expression. "Why did you dy?"


    I noticed my mate watch me, out of concern, but she diverted her gaze.


    "I''m fine, just making sure that Lycan was dead. Don''t worry," I said loud enough for her to hear.


    "And Rihanna?" I called.


    When she turned, I threw her sword to her. "You left that lying around. With its name, even I will be scared."


    She smirked. "Just don''t be a psychopathic serial killer, and we''d be fine."


    I faked a smile as I wasn''t sure what I could be.


    My wolf''s rage had subsided since we got this new rank, like the rankplimented him. But the words of the Lycan, it got to me.


    "But it shouldn''t. Don''t hold yourself back, all here know you''re Lycan, so loose yourself and defend your friends and family," my wolf stated.


    I made a firm nod to his statement. Me being Lycan wasn''t a secret, they knew, so I was free.


    "Just in case he starts his draining energy, I''d advise all to stay behind Rihanna. Her barrier can shield its wave," I informed the rest.


    Chris patted her shoulder. "Finally, your barrier being of best use. Come on, he''sing out."


    We followed Chris as he advanced towards the cave with Beatrice and Rihanna. My brother and Delta stayed behind, awaiting mymand.


    "Jake, stay close to Beatrice, Jonah be by Chris, his legs are still recovering!" I ordered. "And Rihanna?" Jonah asked.


    My forehead creased. Why does he care? "Concentrate on Chris. She can take care of herself, and I''d watch my mate myself."


    I noticed his small smile, deliberately pissing me off. "Sure, Alpha," he replied and tagged along Chris. Jake chuckled before following Beatrice.


    I didn''t want to follow them yet. Logan being in there while we are out didn''t look right.


    He should know he''d be trapped, hence easier to kill. That wasn''t very smart, and Logan was.


    As Beatrice and Chris jumped down to the surface of thend, they crouched in pain.


    I tried to rush to them, but felt Rihanna''s barrier energy present immediately.


    She protected the two while Jake and Jonah stayed back, out of thend.


    "Alpha Jaden, the energy drain wave is active."


    I nodded to Rihanna.


    My brother and Delta returned to me, and I kept them behind me.


    They shouldn''t get tond, or Rihanna would have to expand her barrier. It would drain her.


    Logan began walking out the cave, perhaps assuming his wave had weakened us. "Feeling pumped up, boys?" he said.


    As he said that, the shrubs besides Rihanna began shaking, and three huge Lycans came out of it. They had been hiding there all the while.


    Rihanna pulled Beatrice behind her, but even still, none would dare attack her as her barrier was active.


    So these Lycans were the ones Logan hoped to feed our energy.


    "We felt nothing. Are you sure it works?" one of them spoke.


    Chris chuckled at their stupidity.


    Logan''s expression changed. "It works. I tried it before and even amplified it to not be one way."


    Jake''s and Jonah''s fists clenched. "This Logan talks too much!" Jake seethed.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Logan heard him and looked up at us. I grinned, jumping down from the hill.


    I felt no energy because there was no werewolf on thend, I liked it that way.


    I expected the Lycans to try attacking me, but they stepped back instead. "Logan, today, we''ve outsmarted you."


    The Lycans snarled in unison. "Logan, is he the little one? He''s quite rude."


    Little one? Why did they refer to me as that?


    "He wouldn''t be so little when he''d give you a scar on that ugly face of yours!" Jake yelled, getting down to thend.


    I felt his energy seep into me, but my wolf rejected it. But the other Lycans would get


    it. "Jake, stay back. Your energy is leaving you."


    My younger brother returned to the hill.


    Logan cocked his head. "And yours doesn''t leave you? Don''t tell me, you became


    Lycan.¡±


    "He told you, you''ve been outsmarted. And just so you know, his injury is cured as well," my mate bragged.


    Logan beamed proudly. "I''m proud of you. You finally tapped into your inner Lycan." Why was it that when he said it, it felt like a bad thing? "Yeah, and I''m going to use this gift from the moon goddess to whoop your ass."


    "Gift?" he snapped. "From who?"


    The other Lycans began growling when I mentioned the moon goddess.


    "The goddess gave one of us a gift to avenge the one you killed. Your death is nearer than you think," Chris shouted.


    Hearing him supportive of me being Lycan made me d. I stood more confidently.


    Logan broke intoughter and waved his hand dismissively. "Don''t mind me, you guys are just too funny. You weren''t gifted anything!"


    My eyes dimmed on him.


    "Being Lycan has always been your heritage. The only thing you can change is what you do with it!" One of the Lycans barked.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Well, kicking your ass is surely one of them!" Rihanna yelled back, advancing.


    I felt the energy from her barrier close to me and shifted towards Logan. He went back.


    "You can''t avoid what would be your fate though. Your rage and aura will surely get the better of you," Logan mocked.


    It was like a curse being sent to me. One that resonated with what the Lycan I had killed said.


    "Jaden, don''t mind him, he''s just messing with your head. You''re not him!" Jake shouted to me.


    I exhaled, nodding. "Manipting the mind. Logan''s specialty."


    "Maybe he''s stalling," Chris smirked, his ws leaving their ce. "Let''s finish him already."


    Surely. I felt for the energy of the drain wave and sped to it, then smashed the charm on the ground. "That''s gone, you''re next!"


    "Well, if there''s a Lycan amongst you, I don''t think I still need it. It''s useless," Logan sighed.


    Rihanna removed her barrier. They all spread out, circling the ce so Logan and the rest wouldn''t escape.


    Jake and Justin stood by who I had assigned them to be with.


    Logan had a small pout, before it turned to a grin. "Boys, kill them. Leave those two only."


    He pointed at Rihanna and Jake.


    The Lycans pointed at me. "He''d die?"


    "He has chosen death already, but I don''t think you can kill him," Logan tsked.


    "The truth is, none of you are killing anyone today," I assured. "You''d be the ones dying."


    "Oh yeah?" Logan raised a brow.


    The three Lycans began growing, taller and bigger. Their arms and legs bing sturdier. The auras became intimidating.


    "Think again, Jaden," Logan smiled, seeing my horrified expression.

 A Win

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty - A win.


    Rihanna''s POV


    As long as my brother was still alive, that was enough motivation to go on.


    A boulder was thrown at Beatrice, and I rushed to her, initiating my barrier and watching it break in the air.


    I didn''t know my barrier could be physical energy to protect me. I found more uses for


    it.


    "Since I wouldn''t be killed, tag around me while fighting, okay?" I told my Beta in our mind link.


    She nodded but chased after the Lycan who threw a boulder at her. She could be stubborn.


    Jonah was engaging the Lycan, so I didn''t mind. I turned to the one that just injured Jake.


    Jaden wasn''t concentrating and had been inside the cave with Logan. I hoped he''s safe.


    If he was fighting hard to protect my brother, then I should protect his.


    I charged at the Lycan, with my barrier active. It hit him on a tree, and I sprang into the air andnded on his huge chest.


    My ws made a swipe on his chest before he shoved me off his body. Inded smoothly and dragged Jake away from him.


    "Thank you," he mouthed, looking at his arm, scarred. I wondered if he''d been that injured.


    "It will heal soon," I consoled.


    I ran past the Lycan Chris was with, my barrier active, and he staggered to a fall. Chris gave him a punch that rendered him immobile.


    His head was sliced off him, and it rolled to me. I stared at my sword in Chris''s hand.


    He could be scary. I pulled it from him. "Good job, but get your own weapon."


    "That sword is bulky," he teased. "Use your ws, silver wolf." He walked away from


    me.


    I gave him a disdained look.


    There was a cry of pain in the air, and I saw Jake piercing the eyes of the Lycan who injured him.


    The Lycan slowly reduced in size, like a ball when it deted. "Argghh!" his screams were agonizing.


    His partner with Jonah and Beatrice, seeing his friends had been subdued, fell to the ground. We outnumbered them.


    Jake stepped away from the Lycan as he fell to his knees, holding his eyes. "Give me that," he referred to my sword.


    I threw it at him, and he caught it with one hand.


    The Lycan, surrounded by Beatrice and Jonah, yelled at Jake. "Please, don''t kill! He''s my son!"


    Jake smirked. "Ralph was someone''s son!"


    The pathetic Lycan looked up, hoping to catch onest glimpse of the sun with his eyes, but he saw nothing.


    His head disconnected from his body as Jake dropped the knife on his neck.


    Thest Lycan cried in agony, and it must be the most pleasing thing I''ve ever heard.


    Beatrice pped his face, making him shut up. "Logan has even messed with my son before. How dare youin!"


    "Let him mourn, Beatrice. It''s the least a father can do," Chris told her, stooping to the Lycan.


    The Lycan met his gaze. "I assure you, you''d never be a father."


    Chris''s facial expression changed, and his ws zapped through the Lycan''s face. "Don''t you darey a curse on me!"


    I left them with the Lycan and strolled into the cave. My eyes widened when I saw the other side was open.


    Neither Logan nor Jaden were in.


    My brother wasid on the ground, passed out.


    "Beatrice! Come here!" I called her because she had the medical kit and supplies.


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    His eyes opened, and they lit up seeing me, but they closed again due to tiredness. "Where''s Jaden?" Jake enquired behind me.


    As he should be able to see, his brother wasn''t here. "Perhaps Logan tried escaping, and he chased after him."


    Chris came to where Ray was. "Ray? Is he alive?" he touched his forehead. "He''s hot."


    I looked ahead at where Logan and Jaden left from. "Jonah, return with Jake so he''d get treated. Chris, please leave with my brother."


    Beatrice looked at me. "You aren''t going alone to look for Jaden, are you?" "Return with the Lycan to our pack! If we can''t find Jaden, we''d torture him till he tells!"


    But I doubt Logan went to another hideout. He was running out of ces to hide at. "Beatrice might need help sending the Lycan to Silver Pack though," Jonah said. My Beta frowned at him. "Then you want to help me? Aren''t you a Delta?" Chris chuckled, carrying Ray on his back.


    Jonah folded his arms. "I didn''t mean it that way, I wanted to give a helping hand."


    "Fine! Beatrice, take it to ck Rose. Jake and Jonah will help you. It''s better at ck Rose. I trust their torture techniques," I finalized.


    I could torture it to death if he makes things hard for me. Beatrice nodded; she and Jonah ran out before it''d escape.


    Jake slowly walked out with them.


    "Alpha, be careful," my Beta told me through our mind link.


    "You too!" I replied.


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    I watched Chris walk away with Ray. He spoke to him like he was still conscious so he''d not fall too deeply.


    A huge sigh of relief left my lips. This didn''t end like Ralph''s case.


    I felt that Ralph''s spirit was watching over us.


    I looked up at the moon goddess, feeling more gratefulness to her than I had ever felt


    my whole life. "This was a win, Lana."


    My wolf came to the surface. "Yeah, it truly was. And those Lycans were good bonus


    points."


    Iughed at how she called the beasts bonuses. They really were.


    They had given Jake, Jonah, and Beatrice first-hand experience with their kind.


    I stretched my body before starting a long walk down the path Jaden and Logan went


    down.


    My heart was really hoping to see a dead body of Logan with Jaden towered over him.


    That would mean the oppression and sleepless nights Logan caused in thend would be over.


    It meant little pups in my pack could have forest trips and training like I wanted, without being scared of a Lycan gulping them up.


    They''d be total peace in thend.


    I felt my mate''s energy and sadly, Logan''s was still active. As I climbed the hill where I sensed them, my limbs grew weak.


    "Rihanna, your barrier!" my mate shouted, but it was toote. My energy was already seeping out of me, and there''s none to use to initiate it.


    I held onto my hips, resting on a rock. "So you had more of that charm, sneaky beast."


    He looked like he had been waiting for my arrival. He guffawed loudly.


    The position I wanted to see Logan at was where my mate was at - below, with Logan towering over him.


    Things got bad again, really quickly.

 Reason

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-One - Reason.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Logan was atop Jaden, with his ws close to his face, ready to strike if Jaden made a


    move.


    No matter what he does, that beast shouldn''t dare spoil Jaden''s face, or I''d really snap.


    "The thing is, I''d always hesitate before killing you," he sighed. "I really hate it."


    What did he mean? He didn''t want to kill Jaden?


    "That''s why I brought these Lycans to help, but you faced me instead," he added with a bitterugh. "But you had to chase me down, right?"


    "And why wouldn''t I chase you down? You had killed my Beta! My pack demands your blood!" Jaden barked.


    Logan rolled his eyes, tracing his ws softly on Jaden''s skin. "Sometimes you had the recklessness of your mother."


    Jaden''s fists clenched. "I don''t care what you say to me, but don''t dare insult my mother."


    I agreed. That wolfess was an icon! He should watch his mouth. My knees fell to the ground. "I wonder why exactly you want werewolves dead."


    He was deranged! That was sure.


    But why''s he deranged? Why did he leave his mate and son? And he had more sons as well.


    Why did he leave all that? "You might never know," he said with a soft tone.


    So there was another reason? Other than the quest for immortality and sheer hatred for us?


    "Whatever it is, I''m sure that it''s stupid. Let me go now, and your death would be easier," Jaden seethed.


    "Hmm. You are chatty, your mother wasn''t. You know, I was really impressed when she killed my sons. Like they were Lycans, but she wasn''t."


    What rubbish was he on about now?


    "She wasn''t a Silver Wolf or anything. Just an Alpha wolf. And she beheaded three Lycans, full of strength," Logan exhaled, remembering it.


    "I bet you haven''t seen your boys, their heads are rolled off as well," I snarled.


    The Lycan''s eyes narrowed at me, but he had a smile. "Yes, you have the energy of his mother, but the reason she killed my boys is..."


    "They dared her!" Jaden yelled, he attempted getting up from the ground, but Logan mmed him down.


    He kept on ranting! "Your sons dared a ck Rose Alpha and met their death. Do you me her? She has to defend her pack."


    "I don''t me her," Logan''s eyebrows were raised. "Didn''t I say before that I was d she did? They even defiled me."


    "Then what''s your deal?" I barked.


    He should let us go already and get a fair fight instead of being sneaky and chatty.


    It was infuriating knowing my energy was slowly going into him.


    "My sons didn''t just dare her, but they tried to take something from her, a thing she couldn''t give them," Logan said.


    What would an Alpha wolf have that a Lycan would want? Her pack? Her power? ves for them to control? "She must have her reasons."


    "She does. My sons wanted her little one," he turned to Jaden. "You, little one."


    Jaden''s eyes erged, he stopped struggling under Logan''s hold. Why did they want him?


    Logan said. "Of course, it''s almost impossible to get a child from the mother, so she said no. They put a fight, she killed them...."


    "What did they want me for?" Jaden asked.


    "Hmm, that question should be answered by your mother. It''s an interesting question," the Lycan smiled.


    "Why did they want you so much that they died? Well, you were a prince, so that''s a jackpot."


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    I frowned. Logan''s sons wanted Jaden just because he was a prince? No, there was


    more.


    "I will ask my mother, but you''d be in the past by then," Jaden said, and his ws loosened from Logan''s hold and pped his face.


    The Lycan gritted his teeth before punching his face. Jaden spat out blood.


    Logan''s lips curled, and his ws stabbed to Jaden''s side. My mate growled in pain.


    I struggled to get up, but my legs felt like jelly. The energy drain had been going on. "I can''t feel my legs," I whispered.


    Jaden turned to me and mouthed. "Focus on your barrier, ignore the legs..." Logan covered his mouth with his hand and tried choking him. "Shut up, little one." No, he wasn''t. He wasn''t going to kill my mate. I wouldn''t let him.


    Holding my knees as support, I forced myself to stand. My eyes caught sight of the charmying beside me. So it had been there all along?


    I fell on it, and it broke. Strength began toe into me again. The Lycan became distracted and swiftly left Jaden''s body.


    I tried to charge at him, but my legs were still stiff. My mate was breathing heavily. "Ask your mother, little one. You''d be surprised by her answer, if she tells you. Then we''d meet again," the Lycan grinned.


    I held onto the injury on my mate, trying to stop it from bleeding. Logan sped off, not killing us. "Why didn''t he finish us off?"


    "He wants me to know the reason first, maybe he thinks it''d stop me from killing him," Jaden mouthed, getting up.


    And me? The Lycan left me as well. But then he earlier told the Lycans not to kill me. He may have a worse n for me. My energy.


    They returned when I broke the charm, so the energy drain was quite biased to silver wolves.


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    I smiled, thinking of that.


    "The rest are gone. Ray is safe," I reported.


    He stood to his feet. His sides had healed rather quickly even if they weren''t deep to start with.


    Logan had really been careful.


    "What about my brothers?" he cleaned the blood on his mouth.


    His brothers would surely include Jonah and Jake. I nodded. "They took a Lycan home.


    You can torture him as you like."


    Jaden sat down on a rock and pulled me in between his thighs. "Why do you think Logan kept me? He never wanted to keep me."


    I brushed his hair from his face, checking if the Lycan had bruised him, but there was


    none.


    He smiled, seeing me concerned, so I looked away. "I don''t know. He said you should ask your mother. Is she around yet?"


    "I''d have to go get her myself. She needs to be home now, for Ralph''s burial," he said.


    I nodded, removing myself from him.


    He held my face. "Go home now, I''d be okay."


    I frowned. "Wait, are you going now to get your mother? You''re injured!"


    "Where?" he smirked.


    I peeked at his sides, and they were totally gone. The Lycan rank really had some perks.


    I nodded again, leaving him. "When you hear the reason, no matter what it is, let me know."


    He made a small bow before bolting off.

 His Mate

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Two - His Mate.


    Chris''s POV


    This was a solid win. Logan lost this time.


    My Luna was still sure that her dream had good chances of happening.


    I almost wondered if she actually wanted it to.


    Ray was recuperating, but he might not be active as Beta for a while. The hit he got was much and needed valuable rest.


    I needed the valuable rest, as well.


    But I was stationed at the border, just watching out, in case Logan dropped by.


    My heart broke to a million pieces when Your Silver wrote to me that Logan hadn''t been killed and had ambushed her.


    The beast had even given Jaden a quiz that made him want to bring his mother. I wondered what it was, but she didn''t give full detail.


    What if that Logan was stalling? Or he needed Jaden''s mother to return so he''d kill her?


    Either way, I didn''t think engaging Logan was right. However, Jaden had his reason for wanting to engage him.


    Maybe he suspected himself, or he wondered the same things. I sighed. Logan was something.


    The warriors parading in front of me began slowing down, and I gestured for them to rest.


    A new set began parading around the border.


    I sighed again; today was going slowly.


    Edwin strolled to me, hands behind, with red cheeks. My lidded eyes zed over him before returning to the warriors in front of me.


    "I''ve been noticing you wanted to tell me something since yesterday," I started as he sat beside me.


    He stared at nothing in front of him. Whenever he did that, he had either made a


    mistake or was faced with a situation he couldn''t fathom.


    "What is it? And please, let it be good news."


    Edwin turned to me, then blurted. "I found my mate yesterday."


    I nced at him, then sat up straight. "You did?"


    When did he get the chance to? He didn''t go anywhere special yesterday. I tilted my head. "Why were you hesitant to tell me?"


    He blinked, then looked down. "Because when she figured I was her mate, she... looked away."


    Oh no, not again.


    I wrapped my hand around him. "You know you''re a good looking young man, so her reason wouldn''t be you not being attractive."


    He had a small smile but still looked worried. "I don''t know."


    He didn''t know what? Did he feel they wouldn''t work out as well? Why were people I care about being disadvantaged in terms of mates?


    "What pack is she from?" I asked, even if I knew it''d be from ck Rose, as that was where he had stayed.


    "Silver Pack. She''s a warrior, second to Dara, I guess," he muttered.


    Silver Pack? How did he get there?


    "Why were you there?"


    He replied. "I went there with Jake and Jonah; they thought you guys would stop by there first."


    We had.


    "Then Jake remembered his pack was empty with no one to defend. I felt down as she looked away, so I decided to stay back,¡± he continued.


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    A warrior from Silver Pack? Possibly a former ve. The moon goddess was tricky.


    "She would be quite difficult. They are loyal to their Alpha and may not want to leave the pack."


    I figured I wasn''t helping as he pressed his hands together, breathing heavily.


    "But, my rtionship with their Alpha and Dara is better now. I can ask Beatrice too.


    You can be with your mate," I swiftly added.


    At least, even if I don''t get to have a second mate, let all around me be happy. It''d be more than enough.


    "Thank you," he whispered.


    It must''ve given him a scare. I patted his back. "Don''t worry, if you want, we''d go see her."


    I didn''t mean it; my legs were still healing, and I''d like to rest. But he jumped at the


    opportunity. "Okay, I''d prepare. What should I prepare?"


    I shook my head.


    "Nothing? I should get nothing?" he cocked his eyebrows.


    I sighed. "I mean, do you really want to see her now? Like right now?"


    Chasing a mate shouldn''t be the reason to go to Silver Pack with everything happening now.


    "But you just said we could," he looked displeased. Damn, he must hate me now.


    I flung my hand in the air, regretting the words I would say. "Fine, let''s go. Buy a hair pin, not too extravagant though. And tell no one."


    He flew off before hearing thest part, but I doubt he''d go about talking about it.


    When he returned, he was with our horses. My eyes rolled as I climbed atop it. Hopefully, no drama happened today. I''d really appreciate it if the day just went by smoothly.


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    "So tell me, when do you want the wedding to be? A wedding would be a good way to celebrate after Ralph''s death," I said.


    His cheeks reddened, and he smirked. "If that''s happening, let it be after Logan''s death. It would make it a worthy celebration."


    He was right. Smaller packs would be scared to their bones to try attending while Logan was running free. "That will be arranged then."


    "You have no idea what this girl''s name is?" I asked him when we crossed the border.


    His horse started galloping. "No idea, Alpha. I don''t think I''ve seen her there before, but she''s really close to Dara."


    They were few warriors I''ve seen Dara with. Even then, I never knew their names.


    "We''d know when we get there. And Your Silver should know that Ray was recuperating."


    The horses grew faster and faster, and soon we were speeding in the forests, breaking


    twigs and causing the small animals in the forest to flee.


    I felt a familiar energy running with us, closely. I smiled. "Liam! What are you doing here?"


    Edwin''s lips curled in disgust. "Him again?"


    "Oh hello, Delta of ck Hills!" Liam appeared closer with a big grin. "I''m on my way


    to Silver Pack, they''ve really pretty warriors. And you?"


    Edwin''s hold on his horse reins tightened as Liam called all the warriors pretty.


    "Oh, do you know all their names?" I asked.


    He chuckled. "They are more than a hundred. How could I? I only know Jean and


    Dara."


    I had met Jean. Cara onceined about her and how she was stubborn. I wondered if that was Edwin''s mate.


    The path to Silver Pack became close, and Liam slowed down. "I don''t usually get in, just stay at the border and bother Dara."


    Why didn''t he? I shrugged. "Fine, thanks for the helpst time. Edwin forgives you forst time."


    He nced at my Delta, who gave him a side eye. "Oh, I hope he does," he backed


    away.


    We arrived at Silver Pack''s border.

 Red Head

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Three - Red head.


    Chris''s POV


    We arrived at Silver Pack''s border.


    Edwin jumped down from his horse, but he became sad after looking around.


    "She must have gone back in," he muttered, pulling his horse inside.


    Dara gasped, seeing us walk to her border. "Did Logan attack somewhere?"


    I quickly shook my head and gestured. "We are good. We came to see your Alpha to tell her Ray is getting better."


    Her facial expression changed, and she nodded, "Wee then. We needed some good news around here."


    The whole Kingdom does.


    A warrior came to take our horses to the royal stable, and Edwin''s eyes followed her.


    I assumed she''d be the one, but he looked away afterwards. "The girl is gone."


    He shouldn''t be sad. She might have gone in temporarily. I held onto him and pulled him towards the main house.


    Cami was the one who opened the door for us. "Oh Alpha Chris, you are here."


    I smiled. "Yes, nothing happened. My Delta and I came to speak to your Alpha about..."


    "There she is," Edwin told me through our mind link.


    I followed his eye line, and in the room we were in, there was a girl fondling with the Lycan yer.


    She had dark eyes, and they were on Edwin. She was blonde and pretty but scary, like all Silver Pack warriors could be.


    Cami turned to her and then at me. "Oh, that''s Greta. Don''t mind her, she''s always serious."


    Edwin looked down. That was quite the opposite of him. He had time for jokes. Pr opposites.


    "Oh, I haven''t met her before. Hello, Greta," I greeted in my Delta''s stead.


    The girl left the seat of their Alpha she was on, and bowed, then turned away, walking through another door.


    "She''s leaving?" Edwin sighed.


    Cami replied innocently. "Yeah, she''s going to Sun Burn Kingdom to send an


    apology letter for our Alpha concerning the dead Lycans."


    I nodded understandably. It was right to exin, so it wouldn''t cause a problem in the future.


    My Delta''s shoulders slumped as Cami walked away, promising to get her Alpha.


    "Greta isn''t interested in being my mate."


    He shouldn''t lose hope yet.


    "She''s pretty though. You two will birth blonde headed pups," I teased him.


    He didn''t smile and propped his head with his hand, sitting on a couch. Just then, Your Silver walked in on us.


    "Chris, did something happen to Ray? Did Logan attack again? Why are you guys here?"


    Why was everyone asking that! Couldn''t they expect nothing to happen?


    "Nothing happened. We came to say that..." I trailed off when Greta returned to the


    room.


    Edwin sat straight, looking at her.


    "Say that..?" Rihanna raised a brow, taking the scroll that Greta brought for her.


    "That Raymond is feeling better, you shouldn''t worry," I finished.


    She tilted her head slightly but shrugged. "Thank you then. Is that all?"


    I red at the girl as she tried walking away again. "Wouldn''t you at least say hi?"


    She paused her steps, turning to me. "Me?"


    She had a small voice for her cold aura.


    Rihanna waved her hand to my face. "Are you talking to her or me? What''d you want with her?"


    "It''s not right to be that rude," Edwin muttered, having a straight face. I agreed. The least she could say was a greeting. It''s not like she didn''t sense he was her mate.


    "Do you have aw that prevents warriors from leaving ever?" I asked Your Silver.


    Her eyes darted from Greta to me. "Why should they leave? We started as a rogue group and got here so far."


    So was this a ''till death do us part'' pack?


    "If they meet their mates?" My Delta asked.


    Your Silver caught on what''s going on. She turned to Greta, who had a nk expression.


    "Greta recently had a heartbreak from a Red Moon spy. It''splicated, and she''s trying to hone her skills now," Your Silver replied.


    What''s that a no? It sounded like a no.


    "But if she and her mate epts their mate bond, he''s free to join her here..."


    "Join her here?" I snapped.


    Your Silver smiled. "Or she could join him there. It depends on them, but now, with the battle on, let Greta stay here and train."


    Edwin looked down, nodding.


    "Well, Greta, say something," Your Silver nudged the girl.


    She made a little pout that threw off the scary mask she had. "I don''t like blondes."


    My eyes widened. What did she mean? She''s a blonde. "Why is that?" her Alpha asked.


    "They are egotistical and pretentious. Call me stereotypical, but I don''t care," she deadpanned.


    Perhaps the Red Moon spy who broke her heart was a blonde, or else I don''t understand what she was on about.


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    Your Silver beganughing, and strange enough, Edwin chuckled too.


    "Well, blondes aren''t my type either. But look where we are. I''d prefer a redhead," he


    said.


    If he was going along with it, then good. His mate had a weird sense of humor.


    Greta smirked a little. "Guess you got lucky."


    Edwin stopped chuckling and looked confused.


    Your Silver exined. "Greta is a natural redhead. She has a mission at Sun Burn


    Kingdom, so she wore a blonde wig to blend in."


    Okay, that was tragic. Edwin rolled his eyes.


    Greta bowed then left. "We''d talkter."


    Her Alpha nodded at her as she sped off. "She is a strong warrior. She and Jean are top warriors, second only to Dara."


    Edwin had a proud grin.


    Since that was resolved, I delved into another topic that had gotten me thinking. "So the quiz Logan gave Jaden, what was it about?"


    Your Silver adjusted herself on her seat and sighed. "Jaden''s mother had killed three Lycans before; they were all sons of Logan."


    I had heard this before.


    My Delta asked. "Does he want a rematch?"


    "I don''t think so. He was pleased with it," she replied. "He said they got what they deserved as they tried to take Jaden from his mother."


    Logan''s sons wanted Jaden? What did they need him for? "Did Logan say why?"


    "He told Jaden to ask his mother and that the answer was an interesting one," she smirked.


    I bet it wasn''t a good answer then.


    First, he was impressed Jaden broke Lycan rank, then called it a heritage.


    Either thepliment was backhanded, or there''s more, more that could really break


    Jaden.

 The Princess

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Four - The princess.


    Jaden''s POV


    Sun Burn Kingdom could blind a wolf if they stared too much because of how much gold.


    The ce had really changed.


    I paused when I felt my legs on something. My eyes went down, and I saw a doll. Two small eyes were on me.


    I smiled, picking it up and handing it to the little girl. "Here, I''m sorry."


    She snatched the doll from me with a huff, then ran to a youngdy that red at me as well.


    Perhaps the pack members of the Sun Burn Kingdom weren''t friendly to visitors.


    I''d just mind my business and look for Sunny Day Motel; hopefully, my mother would be there.


    As I took a step forward, I felt an energy charge at me. It was a Lycan. I swerved to the right, and the man fell on his face.


    People began looking at us while I had no clue who the man was and why he charged


    at me.


    "Hey! Who gave you that! Did you kidnap the prince?" the Lycan yelled, pointing at my hand.


    My eyes widened as I sighted the hand band on it. I ced my arm behind me. That was given to me by Liam, as a constion gift.


    Since he ran away from home, he''s still missing.


    "I didn''t. Can''t I own one like this?" I asked.


    He yelled back. "No! That was made by our princess herself. There''s no identical one!" Why did Liam give me something that special to him? I took it out and tossed it to the man. "You can take it back."


    "Where did you get it?" a female''s voice asked.


    I turned and met the eyes of a green-eyeddy. She had long blonde hair in a ponytail.


    With her royal regal, I could guess she was the Lycan princess, Liam''s mother. This was shit.


    "How did you get ess to it?" she rephrased.


    More people had gathered around us as the princess was around. I sighed deeply.


    "A friend of mine, Liam, he gave it to me when my brother died," I exined.


    Her eyes lowered on hearing of my brother''s death and understanding why her son had gifted me. "You can keep it then. But where''s he?"


    "I have no idea." It wasn''t a lie; I didn''t know where his motel was at. "Hees and goes."


    The Lycan looked at the princess and then me. "Where are you from? Where did you see him?"


    Should I expose Liam like this? I nced at the crowd. The princess didn''t seem so interested in that answer; perhaps she knew.


    "At a pack, beyond the seven seas." It was a vague response. I began leaving. "I''m sorry to bother you, so I''d leave now."


    Another Lycan stepped before me, blocking me.


    The princess signaled the crowd to disperse. What was she nning now?


    "You didn''t ask me how I knew him, which means you know who I am, don''t you?" she said, taking steps to me.


    I rolled my eyes. Time wasn''t on my side to chat like this. "Yes, you''re his mother, and he had run away from you to find his father."


    As I turned to meet her gaze, I noticed she looked stunned and fearful.


    The other Lycans looked stunned as well and gave her questioning looks. "The King?" Logan was their King. Didn''t they know he was alive, or did she hide it after he ran mad?


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    "Well, that was what he said, but I doubt he found him," I quickly added to protect her.


    A Lycan pointed at me. "Don''t y with us. Since you know she''s the princess, tell where the prince is!"


    His tone was irritating and aggravated my wolf. "I said, I don''t know!" I barked, and my eyes changed to red.


    The Lycans stepped back while some held onto their swords. I looked down, scolding my wolf.


    Starting a fight in thisnd wasn''t advisable.


    "I''m sorry," I told the princess. "But let me go. I''m looking for my mother now, and we''d leave yournd if you feel ufortable."


    She took careful steps towards me. "You are an Alpha and a Lycan. What pack are you from?"


    I shut my eyes closed tightly. That was thest thing I wanted to unveil.


    "Forget that, just know that Liam is safe and made friends. He''d return when he wants


    to."


    None of the Lycans reacted and backed away when I tried walking off.


    "You are ck Rose Alpha," the princess said.


    I snapped my head at her. How did she know?


    "My son has been meaning to see you. And no wonder he gifted you that hand band,"


    she stared at it. "Fine, I know where your mother is."


    Was she supposed to be with her? "Where?"


    "You''d have to forgive me, she had been in my prison more than once. She has a


    temper but now understand it''s because she''s an Alpha."


    My fists clenched. "Where?" I repeated.


    "Take him please. She''s currently confined in a room. Honestly, she liked it and says it''s better than paying for a motel," the princess smiled.


    An exasperated sigh left my lips as I strolled off with the warrior. The princess stayed back, staring at me till I was out of sight.


    Her pce was ssy and probably the only building with more blue than gold and yellow.


    Inside, I was taken to a cell. It was neat and furnished. I peeked in and sighted ady, lying on the bed and throwing grapes into her mouth.


    I tried to break into her mind link. "You were busy embarrassing your pack, weren''t


    you?"


    Thedy sprang from the bed and snapped her head at the door.


    It was really my mom. I smiled then waved.


    The warrior, confirming she was the one I was here to see, began opening the cell.


    My mother ran to the gate and held it back. "Wait, I want to stay here longer." What was wrong with her?


    "Jaden, I need to see the prince of this kingdom. He''s a Lycan, and I have to. Just wait a little bit," she exined through our mind link.


    Wouldn''t the prince be Liam, who was at ck Rose? "He''s at ck Rose right now. His name is Liam. Why?"


    Her eyes erged, she met the warrior''s gaze and smirked. "Alright then. Let''s go!"


    She kicked the gate with her legs, and it broke, sending the warriors flying to the wall.


    So she could have broken out since, but stayed because of Liam? Was he the reason she caused trouble? "Mother, what are you up to now?"


    She ced her finger on her mouth. "Shut up and follow your Alpha. I''d exin on the way."


    I gulped down saliva and sighed. That''s right, My ''Alpha'' was back. I rolled my eyes.

 I Dont Want

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Five - I don''t want.


    Jaden''s POV


    This was bad. I was very lucky that I found my mother before Liam returned.


    She still looked unsure even when I told her that Liam wasn''t dangerous.


    It turned out the reason she wanted to meet the boy was to kill him. She said he was the son of a terrible Lycan that once gued her life.


    The sons of Logan had tried taking a precious thing from her, so she killed them.


    She wanted to kill Liam before he rose to the asion, but he wasn''t around.


    So her trip to Sun Burn Kingdom was a mission. She never gave herself a break, did she?


    Knowing what Logan''s sons wanted was me, didn''t make sense. And why was she still trying to protect any of his sons from getting me now?


    I could handle myself, and Liam was just a kid.


    "I met that terrible Lycan who gued your life,¡± I announced to her.


    Her nose wrinkled, and her jaw clenched. "What did the bastard want!!"


    We wereing back on a boat, and she was being loud. I held her hand and soothed


    it.


    "He wanted a lot. He took a lot of things too. He killed Ralph, my Beta."


    She took her hand off mine and turned towards the pack. "How dare he? I''d take off his head by myself. And I''d make his son eat it!"


    "Mom, his son, Liam, had helped me. He was the one who saved my mate and I. He also helped find Ralph, but it was toote," I exined.


    She turned to me with a smirk. What was she smirking about? "You have a mate already?"


    I face palmed. Goodness, she had strange mood swings. I sighed, nodding. "Yes, and we are all trying to battle with this Lycan, Logan."


    On her face was a horrid expression. "My poor Ralph. Killed by that terrible creature."


    I sat back, feeling emotionally down about it. The onlyfort was I could save Raymond from having the same fate.


    My mother exhaled, resting on the boat. "So tell me, did you need mommy''s help to kill the Lycan, or your wedding ising?"


    "None actually. I wanted you to be there for Ralph''s burial and something else."


    Her mood dropped when I said ''Ralph''s burial,'' so she red when I added ''something else''.


    "What else? Did you have a wedding without telling me!"


    I nced around the boat and smiled at those who stared. "Stop yelling, Mom."


    Her head snapped at the men staring, and they looked away scared. "They should stop staring."


    I sighed. "My mate is an Alpha, so she''s actively involved in the battle. No time for a wedding."


    "An Alpha? Wow! That''s huge!"


    I smiled. "And she''s a Silver Wolf. Many have said she has your energy. I think you''d like her."


    My mother''s smile reduced. "A Silver Wolf? Aren''t those rare? That prophecy."


    "Yeah. Actually, your son might be that new Alpha King. Crazy, right?" I grinned. Her smilepletely faded.


    Didn''t she not want that? It was stressful, but I could manage. It wasn''t in my power to change.


    "It must have been hard for our pack to ept you being a Lycan. How will the whole Kingdom ept you?" she muttered.


    How did she know I was Lycan? And why did she think the pack should have known?


    "I haven''t told them I am Lycan yet. I shifted recently. Did you know I''d shift?" I asked. She looked away. "Yeah, you always had it."


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    Like what Logan said. "Like a heritage?"


    "Call it whatever, but you''re not like those crazy Lycans. You are special. You are my son."


    My forehead smoothened, I nodded. "Thank you, Mom. We can stop at Silver Pack to see my mate, that''s if you want."


    She waved her hand dismissively. "I''d head home first and wash up. She should see


    me."


    I chuckled. "Okay, fine."


    My back rxed on the boat as it took a turn.


    Asking my mother why Logan''s sons wanted me would happenter. I felt it wasn''t important.


    "Do you want to tell me something?" she searched my eyes. "That Lycan, did he tell you something else?"


    Was there anything I should know? The only thing he said was the question in my head.


    "He said there''s a reason his sons wanted me. And since you want to kill them, is it important?"


    She began sweating immediately.


    My forehead creased. "Is there?"


    She chuckled nervously. "He told you his sons had wanted you?"


    "Yes, and he refused to tell me why. He said I should ask you," I replied.


    Her eyes erged, and she folded her arms. "Why is he doing that? He''s provoking


    me."


    I was confused. Whatever the answer will be, it wouldn''t be good. And it may be hard


    to get the answer from my mother.


    "If I don''t need to know, then don''t tell me.."


    "He''d tell you, and I can''t bear it either. Does he want me killing myself?" she mumbled.


    Her breathing became irregr, and I felt she was about breaking down.


    "Kill yourself?" Why would she do that? "Look, you don''t need to tell me. The Lycan always tries to cause conflict. I''d ignore him, okay?"


    She said nothing, and that was when the boat stopped at the port.


    I helped carry her luggage out. "Mom, I don''t even want to know now."


    My mother was still quiet. I handed her a small bag, and she held onto it and began


    walking off.


    Leon came to the surface and groaned. "We still need to know what exactly this is. Logan would tell us, and if we are not ready, it''d..."


    "I don''t want to know. My mother spoke of killing herself, didn''t you hear?" I retorted.


    If it was so serious that she''d rather die than let anyone know, then I shouldn''t know as well.


    "Your mother has lots of secrets. Like where''s your father? This time, it involves you, know at least," he said again.


    My eyes went up to my mother''s strolling through the market. Her mood was better, and I didn''t want to ruin it again.


    "Do you want something in the market?" I asked, since we were at Boots and Rivers.


    She shook her head and replied through our mind link. "I''m good, just thinking how to tell you this."


    Tell what? The secret? "I don''t need to know."


    "The Lycan will tell you if I don''t. I''d rather tell you," she responded.


    It was feeling really serious. "I have problems already. I need to adjust to this new rank. You really don''t need to tell me."


    She stopped walking and waited for me to catch up. "I will tell you. Your Lycan isn''t a rank."


    Then what was it? A curse?


    "You were born Lycan," she continued.


    My feet froze at the spot. Born Lycan? But my father and mother weren''t Lycan, so how''d I be?


    Was I adopted? Did she get me somewhere? "What do you mean, Mom? That''s not possible."

 Not Possible

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Six - Not possible.


    Jaden''s POV


    My mother stopped walking and waited for me to catch up. "Your Lycan isn''t a rank." Then what was it? A curse? Did the moon goddess curse me for not protecting Ralph? "You were born Lycan," my mom continued.


    My feet froze on the spot. Born Lycan? Like I was a natural Lycan? Why was I only shifting now?


    And how could that be? My father and mother weren''t Lycan. Was I adopted?


    Did she get me somewhere? "What do you mean, Mom? That''s not possible."


    A lump began growing in my throat. "It''s not possible," I repeated.


    She turned to me, and her eyes were filled with tears. "I said those words repeatedly that night. It''s not possible, it couldn''t be possible."


    She wiped a tear. "But after a while I brushed it off. I can''t believe I''m speaking of it again."


    What night?! Could she be in?!


    A part of me still didn''t want to know. It was going to change everything about me.


    I was a natural Lycan? It wasn''t a gift?


    I couldn''t believe it. I''d never believe it.


    "Let''s go home, Jaden. I''m getting hungry." She grabbed her luggage from me and stomped off.


    My legs found strength, and I followed behind her. Her words kept on haunting me.


    At times, she''d slow down for me to catch up but said nothing when I did. I hastened my steps so she wouldn''t wait.


    After almost an hour, we got to the border. I mind linked the warriors that we wereing.


    "You mean the Alpha? Your mother is here!" the warriors asked excitedly.


    I smiled, replying. "Yes, she''s back!"


    I took her luggage from her as I knew she''d be choked in hugs soon.


    "Your brother should be asleep, right? This is almost midnight," she thought aloud.


    I nearlyughed; she had no clue Jake broke his ''bed time'' years ago. All the warriors were down from the wall and bowed in unison.


    "Oh my!" my mother yelped, running to hug each one and calling them by their names.


    I was stunned she could remember. I honestly didn''t know all. But then, she would have been present at their birth and naming ceremony.


    I continued to the main house and noticed the lights were still on. "Jonah?"


    My Delta turned to me, looking scared. "You are back?" He frowned. "Why did you run off?"


    I forgot that I didn''t tell them where I left to. Thankfully, I returned the same day.


    "I believe you all found Ray. Then the mission was a tad bit sessful," I said.


    "Yeah, a tad bit because Logan''s still alive and running out there. That Lycan gets too lucky," he remarked. "And you, don''t run off again."


    I nodded. "I had left to bring my mother. She''s here now." I hoped he''d forgive me.


    His eyes widened, and he sped outside the building, without saying anything.


    I smiled and continued to my mother''s room, but he returned and sped to Jake''s


    room.


    Someone screamed, then two figures sped past me. Jake and Jonah. They nearly tripped me.


    I shook my head, opening my mother''s room. It had been unlocked as we expected her soon.


    When her luggage was kept properly, I fell on the bed, rethinking everything.


    Being a natural Lycan wasn''t much of an issue. But then it meant I wasn''t who I thought I was.


    I wasn''t my mother and father''s son. I wasn''t Jake''s biological brother.


    What even gave me the right to be an Alpha of ck Rose? I wasn''t their Alpha''s son! "Your mother never said that," Leon said.


    I stood from the bed. "She didn''t need to say much. If I was a natural Lycan then..."


    "She emphasized that you were her son many times. What if you are a half breed?" he suggested.


    Half breed? Shouldn''t that be worst?


    But it could exin why I shiftedte. I had to tap into it first. But then, it may not be that.


    A figure sped into the room and closed the door.


    My mother exhaled, looking horrified. "I can''t believe how Jake had grown! Even Jonah!"


    Was she running away from them? Those crazy kids. "Ralph grew up well too. We all did."


    She smiled, sitting on the bed. "I bet you did all you could to save him, don''t me yourself."


    "While mourning him, that was when I shifted to a Lycan. I thought it was a gift to avenge him," I made a small smile.


    Those emotions I felt then wereing back to me in the worst ways possible.


    It was like I was about losing more. My identity. My family. My pack. And maybe, my


    mate.


    My mother ran her hands through my hair, and it soothed me. "Don''t think too much on it."


    She said. "It''s still a gift. You''re a gift. Only that the way the gift came was quite... traumatizing."


    "Mother, I want to kill Logan. He thinks whatever you''re going to tell me might stop that. Will it?" I asked her.


    She smirked, leaving the bed and pacing around. "It wouldn''t. When I tell you, you''d know it''s not only Ralph you are avenging."


    Did Logan kill someone else? Maybe my real parents? My breathing hitched, but I nodded.


    "Okay, so what is it? Start with why Logan''s sons wanted me." That was the main question.


    As you reach the final pages, remember that novi L5s is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    She exhaled. "Well, they wanted what they thought belonged with them. But I refused."


    Was she still speaking in parables? They thought I belonged with them? Because I was Lycan? "Were they taking all Lycans?"


    She shook her head. "Only sons of Logan." There was silence between us, then she looked me in the eye. "You''re a son of Logan."


    That was the worst way possible to put it, the worst thing possible to tell me. "But I''m not!"


    I left the bed. I''d rather be anything else than that.


    "Believe me, you aren''t. Only biological, but nothing else," my mother fell on her bed. What was she saying? Was she serious? How could she be serious? "Are you serious?" "Why on earth will I joke with that?" she was losing her temper. "You are Logan''s son!" At this point, it was like she wanted to force it on me. Logan''s son? Logan killed Ralph. So my father killed Ralph? "You''re joking."


    She broke down in tears. "It''s not possible, right?" She knew it wasn''t. "I''m so sorry."


    Was this what Logan wanted me to know? Did he think he''d avoid dying by me knowing?


    He was bloody wrong! "Then, my mother?"


    She snapped her head at me. "I am your mother, Jaden. And you are my son."


    My brows raised. "Biological?"


    "Yes! I birthed you. Don''t overthink that."


    How couldn''t I overthink it?


    She was my biological mother, and Logan my biological father? Why wasn''t that adding up?


    Author''s note: Why''d you think it''s not adding up? And what do you think will be Logan''s fate?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Likes Her

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Seven - Likes her.


    Rihanna''s POV


    A new day woulde....


    ....with its own problems.


    Greta was held back the other night by the Lycan princess, Liam''s mother.


    The princess had said she''d only ept the apologies if her son returned home. What kind of crap was that?


    I wasn''t even aware that Liam ran away from home! Should that now be my problem?


    And what made her think he was in my pack or around it? She shouldn''t make mee over.


    "These Lycans just keep acting stupid all the time. Soon Lycan would be synonymous with stupid and beastly," I murmured.


    Lana huffed. "Our mate is now a Lycan, so watch your mouth."


    "Please, he''s not a natural Lycan, so I can cut him ck, but the rest are just something else."


    Lana huffed again. "Let''s look for Liam, bundle him back to his pack, retrieve Greta, and learn a weakness or two about Lycans there."


    Did she insinuate going to Sun Burn Kingdom?


    I''m sure someone would burn if I go there. "Maybe I should avoid making a presence."


    We are allies to that kingdom, so I should write a letter to them. Or should I use Chris?


    Also, it was his Delta''s mate who got taken.


    "Dara,e in!" I reacted to the knock on my door. "Yes, hurry ande in."


    She ran to me, keeping her hands behind her. "Is something wrong?"


    "Well, you have heard about Greta''s situation. Do you know where I can find Liam?" I asked.


    She folded her arms. "You want to send him back, don''t you? He has freedom of movement, you know."


    And did I look like I freaking cared? She should be telling that to his mother who was trying to rile me up.


    "And so should Greta, but she''s locked up in a foreign ce. That''s not fair," I frowned. Dara nodded. "Inasmuch as I agree, and won''t mind annoying Liam being sent back to his pack, I still think it''s wrong to kidnap him and..."


    "Return him home, yeah," I agreed with a sigh.


    Then what course of action should I take? I should really not bounce there.


    A warrior ran into the courtroom. "Dara, that Liam is outside again."


    I sprang from my seat and sped to the border. He must have heard of what his mother


    did.


    The moment he sighted me, he went back. "Alpha Rihanna, oh hello."


    Hecked his usual agile spirit and spoke word for word without rapping it.


    I frowned. "You must have heard. Get to your mother and tell her to release my warrior."


    He looked down. "I am sorry about that. I am already on my way to resolve that issue now."


    Good. He should be gone already. "Safe travels."


    But he stood there, peeking behind me.


    I nearly hit his head, but he dodged it quickly. "Why are you still here? Shouldn''t you be..."


    "Just wait a little," he pleaded. "Isn''t Dara staying at the border today?"


    I turned behind me; she was. Maybe she didn''t want to see him. "Why do you ask?"


    He took steps back, swallowing saliva. "Nothing. I just wanted to say bye to her."


    They weren''t that close? Looking at his face, I reasoned it could be important to him, so I mind linked Dara. "Where are you?"


    "Oh, at the kitchen. I went for a short snack. Something wrong?" she said while munching.


    I nced at Liam, walking away slowly while taking glimpses at the border.


    Was he hoping she would show up? "Come to the border for a while, I''m checking something."


    There should be no way Liam was being emotional down because he didn''t see Dara. Wasn''t he flirting with her before? I didn''t quite understand emotions. "Hurry, Dara." Liam kept walking till his eyes lit up, and he ran back. Dara was at the border, looking confused.


    "Hey, Dara!" he waved, smiling.


    Okay, his expression was cute. Was there a thing going on that I had been missing? Dara cocked her head. "You heard what your mother did to my warrior, didn''t you?" He nodded. "Yeah, she can be embarrassing."


    "Tell her things aren''t done that way, please. And we are allies, she should respect us," my lead warrior enumerated.


    Liam pursed his lips, agreeing with constant nods. "You know, I could forget what you just said. Why not follow me back and tell her?"


    Was he trying to get her to follow him? That was smooth, but no. Edwin just came and was about taking a warrior from me as a mate. Would he too?


    Where they mates? But of course, they''d know.


    "Do you hear this crazy guy? Follow him all the way? Across seven seas?" Dara mind linked me.


    The seven seas weren''t a big deal, and in all honesty, it would be an adventure for her. And Greta would be d someone came.


    Liam saw her nk face and sighed. "Or maybe not. But I''d surelye back, so hope on it."


    My lead warrior shrugged. "As long as Greta is here, I don''t have right to control where you go."


    As you reach the final pages, remember that novi L5s is your destination for theplete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!


    The blonde boy began running. "Whatever you say! Await my return!"


    Dara and the other warriors rolled their eyes as he disappeared. My lead warrior ran back inside, possibly to the kitchen again.


    With the way she wasn''t being sweet with him, I didn''t think she liked him. Maybe it''s a one-sided crush from Liam. Poor boy.


    A messenger came with a letter while I still stood out there. It was from ck Rose.


    "The Alpha''s mother had returned. Your presence is needed. By the Alpha Queen."


    I dropped the letter on my thigh. Was this written by Jaden or Jaden''s mother? Either ways, it seemed I was being summoned there.


    "Jaden must have gotten his answer," I remembered. I mind linked Dara and told her where I was off to.


    I reread the short letter before shredding it to pieces. The wind took it away.


    As the wind blew faster, I began running, hoping to merge with it somehow.


    My leg touched the ground, but I didn''t feel it. I was aware I grew faster, but now, I couldn''t feel the ground I stepped on.


    I went on and on, trying to ce each leg before the other. My wolf was forcing herself out, but I knew I didn''t get clothes to change to.


    I slowed down when the wind subsided. Thosest minutes were the most refreshing.


    The border to ck Rose was close, but I felt an energy waiting outside it.


    When I got closer, I peeked and saw ady in a ck long dress and long dark hair. I hadn''t seen her before. Was she Jaden''s mother?


    "Rihanna. I heard that''s what you''re called," she said, sensing me.


    I pushed my hair back and came forward. "Yeah, I am. Are you the former ck Rose Alpha?"


    She met my gaze and smiled. "Why didn''t Jaden speak about how pretty you are?" My cheeks reddened. She looked elderly, so she must be his mother. "Oh, thank you."

 Drama

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Eight - Drama.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Jaden''s energy wasn''t around us. Was I exclusively meeting his mother?


    This felt weird. She''s basically my mother-inw.


    She made me follow her in a carriage, saying she was taking me to her favorite ce.


    The ce was outside the pack and not even Rose Valley, as I thought.


    She must have been the one who wrote to me.


    I wondered what she wanted to say to me when it''s our first time meeting each other. Was it about the answer Jaden wanted?


    "Could you stop assuming and ask her?" my wolf groaned. "This silence is deafening."


    I stole nces at the former Alpha.


    She looked powerful, though with a rxed face. Her eyes were dark, and her aura wasn''t inviting.


    "I don''t even know what I could ask her. Jaden should have been here..."


    "Do you love my son?" she broke the silence.


    I forced a smile. What was with that question? Her son and I hadn''t even known


    ourselves for a year. "I''m yet to know him properly."


    "And this war has been distracting, hasn''t it?" she turned to me.


    I nodded, d she was helping me with excuses. "It has been indeed."


    The carriage stopped, and she jumped down. I did the same. We were at a small cave which had small rocks and arge one, like a dining table.


    "When I was younger, I stayed here a lot. Like my safe haven," she walked around the ce.


    In the middle of a forest was where she found a safe haven? I could never.


    What if a rogue crossed her path? Or she was ambushed by a rival pack?


    This was outside her pack, and her warriors would find herte. But I chuckled. "Yeah, cool."


    She walked around the ce, touching the dining tables made of stone. "I had carved them by myself. Out of boredom, of course."


    I was standing at a point since we arrived; I inched towards a chair and plopped down. "You did a good job." Where was she getting at?


    "I want to speak to you about something," she finally dered. "And I wanted to tell you alone."


    I smiled broadly. "Sure. I''m all ears."


    She didn''t want Jaden to hear what she''d tell me, or she didn''t want Jaden seeing my reaction?


    Either ways, I prepared myself for whatever that''d be. She rested on a chair and red at me.


    I moved back. What happened now?


    She asked. "My son is an offspring of Logan, that Lycan. Did you have no clue?"


    My smile slowly faded. Her son was an offspring of Logan? "You mean Jaden?" Maybe she meant Jake, which would also be disastrous.


    "Your mate, Jaden. You''re a gift from the moon goddess, a Silver Wolf, yet you didn''t perceive it?" she raised a brow.


    I frowned deeply. Was I supposed to know such a thing? Why would it evene to my mind!


    My head shook gently; there was no way she was serious. My Jaden was a son of that beast?


    "Maybe you aren''t a powerful Silver Wolf," the Alpha tsked, with a hint of disdain.


    My fist clenched, and I swear I could hit her. Did she know how my life had been? "I had no clue about that! And how was I to?"


    She scoffed. "You are a Silver Wolf..."


    "Doesn''t make me all powerful. And how could your child be an offspring of a Lycan beast? Is he Lycan?" I yelled at her.


    She stood akimbo. "What do you think? If his father is Logan, then can he be a full werewolf?"


    She must be joking; she had to be joking. Maybe she wanted to see my reaction or know how my temper was. Well, it wasn''t good.


    "This better be a joke, and I''d say it''s insensitive because that Lycan has killed a princess of this Kingdom, a Beta, and lots of others," I remarked.


    She sighed heavily, running her hands through her hair while keeping her re on me.


    "I am serious. Why''d I joke about this?"


    "I don''t know!" I barked. I left the seat and walked around. Logan being Jaden''s father didn''t make sense.


    "Then how''d you find him? You saw him with his dead mother and picked him?" I cocked my head.


    That was Hunter''s story, was it Jaden''s too?


    "I am his mother! I birthed Jaden!" She yelled, pointing at herself.


    She was growing frustrated, and beads of sweat filled her head. I calmed down.


    If Jaden was Logan''s son and she''s his mother, then she and Logan were more than friends back then. They were lovers.


    I mmed my hand on the table. "Logan wasn''t your mate. Why have anything to do with him?"


    Thedy diverted her eyes from mine. Grasses on the ground became interesting suddenly.


    My eyes went to the skies, to the moon goddess. She must be kidding me right now? Giving me a mate who was Lycan and son of a beast? The person would also be Alpha King?


    And kill his own father, the evil? What kind of drama was this? What was she thinking? The fact that a prophecy was given for this made sense now. It was aplicated situation, and the prophecy was a kind of exnation.


    "I didn''t mean to have Jaden with Logan. It had just happened..." the Alpha sighed.


    My eyes went to her. Of course, she''d say that!


    She would be smooching her lover, and suddenly they''d have sex, then say ''it just happened''. That was how many single mothers happened as well.


    "When we met, the Lycan hadn''t found his mate. He was still young then, and so was I," she continued.


    My expression changed. "Oh. And you didn''t have a mate too?"


    She shook her head. "No, but Logan does now, a Lycan princess. He found her after we met."


    I exhaled. He must have broken her heart or something. "I''m sorry about that..."


    "What are you sorry for?" her eyes widened.


    "That he left you? It must have been hard to train a child without his father," I said.


    She smirked. "I am an Alpha. I didn''t need him. I''m d he found her and left me. He


    had a son with her and let my son be. I was very happy."


    Wait, what? "You didn''t want Jaden to know his father?"


    "Never," she seethed. "Logan was a beast then too. He only wanted a son from me because I was an Alpha, that was his only goal."


    Weren''t they lovers?


    "I never loved him. He... I should have killed him then, but I couldn''t," she sobbed.


    I was confused now. How did they have Jaden?

 He Deserves Death

    Chapter Hundred and Eighty-Nine - He deserves death.


    Rihanna''s POV


    I let the Alpha cry till she stopped.


    My questions were adding up. But one thing was sure, she wanted Logan dead like we all did.


    Where was Jaden right now? I wondered how he was doing, knowing he''s the son of that beast!


    A part of me didn''t care; how could he be? The blood of that animal ran through his veins.


    But then, he wasn''t the one who created himself. My wolf, Lana, had been quiet since the surprise.


    "I don''t have all day," I whispered, leaving the seat I was on and stretching my body. The Alpha rose up, looking me dead in the eye. Her eyes were red, and I wondered if she wanted to kill me. "I will tell you how it happened."


    She took steps close to me, and I took some back. What did she want to do?


    "I learnt this at Sun Burn Kingdom from a shaman," she said, her eyes glowing now.


    A shaman? So what she learnt was some kind of sorcery? "What does it have to do with me?"


    "To share my memories with you, sit." She tapped a chair. Share memories? Huh? "This could drain you, but tap into your Alpha energy to see my memories. I can''t... I can''t tell you verbally how it all happened," she sniffed.


    A part of me felt sad for her. My eyes changed to red, and I nodded. "I''m ready."


    She held my head, bringing her face to hers. As our foreheads touched, she shared her memories, the memories of how it all happened.


    Like in a vision, I saw a dark-haired youngdy sitting at a desk, a candlestick beside her.


    Her hair was tied in one, preventing it from obstructing her view from the book on her desk. She was in a transparent night dress.


    While engrossed in her book, a shadow of a wolf came on the walls. Her eyes darted to the wall and back to the book; her lips spread to a smile.


    "Did your Alpha send you to kill me?" she scoffed proudly, assuming it was an assassin.


    She turned, expecting to see a scared warrior wolf, who realized that he was before an Alpha.


    But to her own surprise, the wolf stood upright, on his hind legs, reaching an eight- foot height above her. It was a Lycan Wolf.


    She gasped, holding onto her table for support, but then her Alpha blood boiled inside her, and her ws shot out. She had to kill it.


    She charged at it to strike its stomach, but it dodged effortlessly. It was faster than she was. It was no ordinary wolf.


    She hesitated and was struck down in one blow; she felt all energy surge out of her.


    She sprang to her feet again, but her chair was broken into her back, sending her down again.


    Her clothes were ripped off her body, and confusion befell her.


    Why was her assassin stripping her? Why was he more powerful than she was?


    She snatched her cloth back to her body but was flung to a wall, rendering her immobile.


    Her body arched as if tons of stones fell on her. Sheid there bare, her dress taken from her.


    "What do you want, bastard!" she seethed, with a low voice. She raised her head to it.


    Its bloodshot eyes peered into hers, sending fear to her strong heart.


    As a response, it shifted to human form. It was a man, a man she''d never seen, a handsome man.


    They were very few Lycan Wolves. What did this one want with her? He pounced on her before she could rise from the state he kept her in.


    Her eyes trembled, realizing what was about to happen. No strange man could defile her.


    Never.


    She wed at his neck with her both hands, trying her best to immobilize him and stop him from deflowering her.


    Her attempts were futile. A blow was sent to her face. She cked out but felt him prating her, stealing a piece of her life.


    She ached all over, her thighs especially.


    She wished for death at that point. A strange Lycan Wolf defiled an Alpha Queen. What would be of her?


    Thinking of that, herst spring of strength made her topple him over, away from her. She shrieked and cried as red liquid seeped from under her.


    She red at the bastard, but there was no evil in his eyes. Rather, there was pity.


    She struggled to move towards him and take his life, but her body didn''t move. She howled in pain, falling back to the ground.


    He should just kill her, but he didn''t grant the wish; he left through the window. Sheid there, motionless, weak, defiled.


    Her brothers ran to her room minutester on hearing her howl. She saw the pity in their eyes, like the one in the Lycan wolf''s.


    She, Alpha Joanna, was now an object of pity after being defiled by a strange man.


    I tore her head away from hers, disconnecting myself from the memories. I felt not only memories but emotions too.


    The realest was her urge to die. The Alpha fought back her tears; her eyes glistening with it.


    "So that Lycan, who defiled you, is Logan, the father of my mate?" I asked.


    She nodded. "My son was the only good thing that came out from the evil of that night."


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    Tears streamed down her eyes.


    So it was rape.


    Logan raped a ck Rose Alpha to bear him a son. Then after finding his mate, he left


    her.


    But his sons might have known and decided to take Jaden from her, hence she killed them.


    No wonder Logan didn''t care that Alpha Joanna killed his sons. He had wanted Jaden


    to stay with her and a powerful Alpha.


    He thought Jaden would side with him to destroy werewolves; well, he was wrong.


    I wiped the Alpha''s tears. "That Lycan had raped a poordy too. She bore him a son,


    then he killed her, her husband, and her other children."


    Alpha Joanna''s chest heaved, and she sighed, trying to bring out words without breaking down. "He deserves nothing but death."


    "And he''d get it!" I promised. "Does your son, Jaden, know about this?"


    "I couldn''t." She tightened her lips. "He has a clue as I said I never dated Logan, but I


    couldn''t tell him. He might demean himself."


    The faster he epted it, the better.


    He was just as unfortunate as his mother was. But he was also her hope.


    "He told me his father and uncles never loved him. But he never knew why," Imented.


    The Alpha replied. "My brothers wanted me to abort the child. I didn''t want to. My mate never epted him either till I bore him a son, Jake."


    "But I''m grateful he never told Jake or Jaden and let them grow up together as


    brothers. Jake had no idea Jaden is a half brother," she added.


    "He shouldn''t." I wasn''t having him demean my mate. "Everyone thinks Jaden


    unlocked a rank to be Lycan. It should remain that way."


    "And if Logan exposes it to others?" she asked.


    "He wouldn''t have a chance to," I said.


    ording to the prophecy, only the silver wolf and her mate needed to face the evil,


    that''s all.

 Disgrace

    Chapter Hundred and Ny - Disgrace.


    Jaden''s POV


    The bar was getting empty. It was gettingte.


    I looked outside, and the clouds were gathering. It was almost raining. But I couldn''t go home.


    Everything about me wasn''t a lie, but they weren''t like I thought.


    My mother and Logan had a past together; I didn''t want to know how. But she regretted it.


    Did I need to let anyone know? Perhaps it wasn''t necessary for them to know. But as I knew, it made me feel small, so small.


    Before I left the pack, my mother had said she''d break this news to my mate. I couldn''t fight it.


    Rihanna needed to know, maybe Jake, Jonah, and Chris too. Logan would speak of it next time we met, and it''d be wrong to hear it then.


    The bartender came to me as the only customer. I gulped down the alcohol, which felt like water.


    These things didn''t work on Alpha wolves, so it was a waste of time. I sighed, dropping the ss cup.


    "Do you want a stronger one?" the bartender asked with a smile. "You look really wasted."


    "Won''t a stronger one make me look even more wasted?" I hissed, walking out on him.


    His payment was already on the table, so I left before I made a disgrace of myself. Not like I wasn''t a disgrace already.


    As I strolled around Boots and Rivers market, my eyes caught some feminine ornaments I''d like to get for my mother.


    But remembering her reminded me of her horrid words to mest night. Logan was my father.


    I preferred my mother''s mate and Jake''s dad, who treated me badly, to be my father than a beast who harmed the ones I loved.


    No matter what, Jake''s father had still trained me and my wolf. He was strict and mean, but I had gotten used to it.


    My uncles made my life miserable, but they still fed me and protected me from rogues one time I got lost in the forest.


    It may all have been out of duty to my mother, but they yed it right.


    Logan, on the other hand, had always known I was his son, yet put me in hectic situations.


    Hurt my mate countlessly, raided packs I allied with, struck fear in my Kingdom, and killed Ralph.


    How could I be the offspring of such a beast!


    Was it too much to ask to have a loving father? Then I''d rather stick with the one I grew with.


    I wiped off the tear that rolled down while I was battling with my thoughts.


    I went to the shop I''d been beside and bought as many ornaments that caught my fancy.


    The seller was pleased and wrapped them in a silky bag that she gifted me. Her kind gesture made me smile.


    As I walked away, I sensed a familiar energying around me. My smile faded.


    I didn''t want anyone I knewing around me in this state I was in. I was a disgrace


    now.


    "Why do you still have shame if you''re a disgrace?" Leon asked me.


    He had been silent since morning.


    I cornered, avoiding the familiar energy.


    The strength to engage Leon wasn''t there, but I replied. "I should still have shame or no?"


    "You should, but do you know why you do? You aren''t a disgrace if you do," he said.


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    "If you are trying to make me feel better, forget it. My father is Logan. Imagine that..."


    "And your mother is Alpha Joanna of ck Rose," he shut me up. "She kept on reminding you that, but you only think of your father."


    My fists clenched on the bag I was holding. Did it matter who my mother was?


    No one would judge me for being her son, but they surely would for being Logan''s


    son.


    "I hate myself for being his son too..." I said aloud. No one was around me.


    "I hate that it was my father that caused chaos in thisnd. I hate that.." the remaining words got stuck in my throat.


    I swallowed them down.


    The energy cornered to where I stood, and a frown came to my face. Was this person tracking me? I turned to face them when they were closer.


    My heart sank seeing Jake and Hunter. They were thest people I was expecting to meet.


    Basically, they were my brothers; one shared my mother, and the other my... father. "We didn''t expect to see you here," Jake chuckled. "I escaped with Hunter since you aren''t around for his training, but you caught us."


    Hunter ran to me and hugged me. He tended to do that a lot, and now I wondered if he could feel our connection. "Did youe to buy my sword?"


    I forced a smile on my face. "No, I remembered one I used as a kid. You can use that for now till I get you a new one, a very special one."


    "It''s alright, if it''s good, I don''t mind a new one," he smiled. "I''d fight knowing an Alpha used it."


    Jakeughed. "The kid was a joy." He pulled him back to himself. "Why''re you here though?"


    I could never tell him. The bag I held got shaken by Hunter. "He came shopping for my Alpha."


    My head snapped at him. He knew Rihanna was my mate? But I rxed. There was no need to hide it anyway.


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    I''d actually like everyone to know, so she''d have no reason to leave me.


    "You know your Alpha is his mate?" Jake asked.


    Hunterughed. "Yes, Liam told me when they had a couple quarrel."


    Jake''s mouth fell, but he beganughing too. "Okay, Jaden, soon the whole Kingdom


    would know you and Rih''s little secret."


    I couldn''tugh with them.


    The bag I held had an inner bag inside, so I divided the ornaments in two. "Give one to mother and to your Alpha."


    Hunter gasped as I handed one to him. "A gift? Thank you!"


    Why was he thanking me? It wasn''t to him. His words made me smile. I turned away from them.


    "Jake, you can train Hunter a bit. I''d stay here for a while, please?" I pleaded with my brother.


    He gave me careful looks. "I may not be psychic like Ralph, but I know something bothers you."


    He mentioning Ralph dampened my spirits.


    "Juste home early, so we''d have lunch with Mom. She wasn''t d you weren''t around for breakfast." He held onto Hunter. "Bye then."


    I watched them leave. Hunter kept on looking at me till I was out of sight. I heaved a sigh, both of relief and stress.


    No one should know what''s on in my head.


    A typical Ralph would''ve read me, but not to the extent of knowing Logan was my


    father.


    I missed him and his temper, I missed all of it.

 Get The Answer

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-One - Get the answer.


    Jaden''s POV


    I wondered what my future held.


    In the prophecy, I was called the silver wolf''s mate, not husband.


    What if we didn''t work out after killing Logan?


    My wolf came to the surface to scold me for that thought, but I blocked our connection.


    I needed answers, not motivation.


    "That palm reader that foresaw Ralph''s death!" I remembered. I had a score to settle with her, but I''d like to know my future as well.


    I needed more answers that wouldn''t break me, hopefully, though I doubt anything else can.


    My memory had identified the small house where the palm reader stayed. I knocked on it.


    "Yes,e in, Alpha," she replied.


    She was a ranked wolf to know I was an Alpha. I hesitated before walking in.


    The room was dimly lit; I sat down on the chair before the table and cleared my throat. "You seem to know who I am."


    "Yes, but you don''t know who you are." Her voice came from the darkness. I couldn''t see her.


    What did she mean by I didn''t know who I was? "I know, only that I wonder who''d I beter."


    "Your future had already been prophesied, why do you still seek answers?" she asked. Prophesied?


    Well, the prophecy talked more about the evil than of me. "Do you mean my future is to be the silver wolf''s mate and kill the evil, that''s all?"


    The olddy became visible to me. Her gray long hair looked haggard, and birds could make a nest there. I looked away from her dark eyes.


    "If that''s what the prophecy says, then it''s true."


    I smiled at her words. "Oh okay."


    That was a very uneventful future, but at least it had no more drama, and I get to kill Logan and be with Rihanna.


    Thedy smirked, resting back. "But is it what the prophecy really said?"


    I frowned. "Isn''t it?"


    "I ask you," she remarked.


    The prophecy was confusing, thest bit of it where it asked ''or must it end this way?''.


    It sounded like something could have averted all these wars in the first ce. "Can you exin? I have no clue what it meant."


    "The battle you fight, do you know why?" she asked. "The enemy you fight, what is his goal? Is there a force that drives him to do it?"


    Apart from madness, another force that drove Logan to do these was the desire to be immortal and the extinction of all werewolves.


    But if I was to look at it critically, Logan wasn''t stupid. He showed it times without number.


    Even making me know I was his son as his endgame, to stop me from killing him.


    Why''d he then want to kill every werewolf that walked the earth? Immortality can''t aid him.


    What drove him to such bloodthirst? What did werewolves ever do to him? They killed his sons? But he said he didn''t mind.


    So what exactly was his anger?


    "Maybe when I find that answer, it will lead me to how this battle could''ve been averted."


    Perhaps if Logan gets what he wanted, he''d not cause all this pain in thend.


    "I think I need to see this enemy and ask him. Right now, I have no idea," I told thedy.


    She grinned broadly. "Do that then, but remember who you are. You are all the good things your parents are, not their bad."


    It warmed my heart. I nodded, rising from the seat. "Thank you. And Ralph, a man..."


    "He may be dead, but a lot will be done in his name," thedy replied before I finished.


    A lot will be done in his name? By who? I made a small bow, taking out some gold coins and dropping them on her table.


    I walked out.


    "How do you n to find Logan?" Leon asked.


    No idea, but he''d make himself avable to me soon, I knew it. He sent me on a quest, so he''d like to know what I thought.


    "No matter what his answer is, he''ll still die by my hands. Whether the battle should''ve been avoided or not, it wasn''t," I muttered.


    Within minutes, it''d get to afternoon, and I''d need to be home for lunch. I sped off towards ck Rose.


    Many thoughts went through my mind, but I squeezed them at the back of my head.


    I was my mother''s son, so I could be the Alpha of ck Rose. I may have been an ident, but my mother doesn''t regret me.


    I arrived at ck Rose and mind linked the warriors. "Is Alpha Rihanna still around?"


    "Oh, she never came, Alpha. Are you expecting her?" he enquired.


    She never came in? My mother said she''d write to her. Then where did they go? "Forget it. And my mother?"


    "She hasn''t returned yet. She left with a carriage, so we assume she''s going far," he replied.


    My mother must have taken Rihanna away from the pack so no one would overhear them. I sighed, walking into the border.


    "Jake and Jonah are the only ones around, right?" I asked the warrior again, physically. He nodded. "Yes. Jake returned with a little boy. Delta Jonah didn''t go anywhere today."


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    I nodded, walking away from him and to the main house. My Delta energy was inside, and he was pacing around.


    "Jonah, what''s wrong? Why are you pacing about?" I asked him through our mind link.


    He flung the door open, smiling on seeing me. "Jake is training a child now, so I can''t


    tell him, but there''s good news. A sadly good one."


    I closed the door behind me, then sighted Ralph''s mate seated on a couch, looking down.


    Since Ralph''s death, I hadn''t had the courage to meet her. Before his death, I had only spoken to her once. Her name came to my mind.


    "Rita? It''s nice seeing you here," I spoke softly.


    She rose to her feet and bowed. "Alpha Jaden, you never visited," she said usatorily.


    She was quite in. I chuckled softly. "I couldn''t," I said, honestly. "And I''m very sorry."


    Her hand was on her stomach as she spoke. She looked at it and rubbed it. "I''m pregnant."


    My shoulders fell. She was? Jonah came to my side. "A few weeks. Ralph wasn''t aware."


    Rita tightened her lips. "I was waiting for the right time to tell him. Maybe after Logan


    was gone and all, but... I didn''t get the chance."


    I blinked furiously, my eyes stinging, and tears fighting to leave my eyes. I looked away from her. "Ralph wanted to be a father too."


    Ourst conversation came to my mind. Why was that ourst conversation? Why wasn''t it something hearty or funny?


    I breathed in and out, stretching my lips to a smile. This should be what the palm reader meant.


    Ralph was dead, but a lot will be done in his name. "That child would do great things, I know it."


    Rita smiled, nodding. "Yes, and thank you."


    Jonah advanced to her. "He or she will be our future Beta. Take care of you two,


    please."


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 A New Rank

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Two - A new rank.


    Chris''s POV


    Sasha was closer to delivery. The physician said she had about three weeks or a month to deliver.


    My prayer to the moon goddess was that it would be a safe delivery and Logan would be gone before then.


    I wanted to celebrate something in my life. She should be nice to me this once.


    Also, if Sasha gave birth, she''d be less irritable and easier to handle. She''d also be a better person, hopefully, as she''d be a mother.


    I was seated outside after having my fill of yells and arguments. Vanessa was having hers now.


    A maid served me a cold ss of juice, and I smiled. The day was going quite well.


    Till a guard ran into the courtroom as the maid walked out. "Alpha, Beta Ray wants to see you."


    "Let him in then." I frowned. Did they need to ask me? But I remembered I had ordered them to not let any visitor see me. "Please, permit him."


    The guard nodded and walked off.


    I adjusted myself on my throne, preparing for whatever news I''d be getting now.


    Since Ray safely returned from Logan''s, he hadn''t been strong enough to engage in a conversation with anybody.


    At least that was what Cara had been saying. Probably, she didn''t want us bothering him till he was fully better.


    The door of the courtroom opened, and Ray walked in. A smile came to my face.


    My Beta changed his hairstyle. His hair was in a wolf cut, and the back was longer than usual.


    He resembled Rihanna better. "Raymond, how were you feeling now?"


    "Wronged," he replied.


    My smile erged. Everyone t¨¦lt wronged. Logan was still out there.


    "Feel grateful too. Jake, Jonah, Beatrice, Jaden, your sister, and I were what it took to defeat those Lycans and save you," I said.


    "That is wrong too. Why was Logan still alive? Why was he growing more powerful? He should''ve been eliminated the moment he came?"


    Did he forget it was his sister that saved Logan in a bid to disobey me?


    But his point was still valid. We should''ve found any way possible to eliminate Logan before he became so big a threat.


    "Your sister made the mistake, but it had opened our eyes to lots of things. Lycans tend to be deranged," I snickered.


    "Not tend. Are," Ray scoffed. "Lycans are deranged."


    "I wouldn''t say so. Lycan is a rank, at least, for some Werewolves. Recently Alpha Jaden broke that rank. He''s not deranged," I said.


    My Beta folded his arms, taking in all I said. "How did that happen? Lycans are just another species to werewolves, not a rank."


    He should argue that with the moon goddess, but that''s what I knew. "Anyway, Jaden is our only hope to defeat Logan''s energy drain."


    Raymond nodded, "Yeah," he fell on his seat and crossed his legs. "It had been on my mind since. Logan also unlocked a new rank."


    My forehead creased. That Lycan was still growing stronger? "At this point, he''d need an army of warriors to kill him."


    Ray smirked. "Probably. I don''t know what the rank is, but when he spoke of it with the other Lycans, they were impressed."


    "Moon goddess!" I interjected, rubbing my head.


    "I know, right? It''s surely something dangerous," Ray added. "I hope my sister can still kill him."


    She had to. Whatever Logan would be, she should always be stronger because she''s an incarnate to the moon goddess.


    "He even said he''d avoid shifting so he wouldn''t kill Rihanna as he still needs her energy," My Betamented.


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    If that''s true, then we should go back to our initial n to keep the Silver Wolf from him?


    Then who''d kill the Lycan? Maybe Jaden, he was Lycan too. And was a future Alpha King.


    In actuality, he had the same rank with Logan. A Lycan Alpha King. Just not in simr contexts.


    Ray and I stayed quiet, ranting in our thoughts.


    Someone tugged on my mind link. It was my father, he must have been around the courtroom.


    "Chris, Alpha Joanna has returned. She recently wrote to me, asking of my well-being. Write back to her for me," he instructed.


    "Sure, father," I replied, and he walked away.


    I smiled. My father was doing anything to not be back to the position of Alpha King.


    It was very stressful, and he knew.


    If the former Alpha was back, Jaden must have gotten his answer. I awaited what it would be.


    Another energy came close to the door. It was Edwin. I remembered the incident with his mate and immediately told Ray.


    "While you were being tormented by Logan, Edwin found his mate, a warrior at Silver pack."


    "What? Really?" Ray''s eyes widened.


    We were chatting through mind link, so when Edwin walked in, he didn''t notice. He had a sulky expression and looked hesitant.


    "Yeah, and as he looks now, that was how he looked when she didn''t want to speak with him," I chuckled.


    My Beta shook his head, "I missed it."


    Edwin came before me, the letter in his hand became visible. "You are needed in Blue


    Bloom."


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    My humored expression faded. I was needed there? Something broke out. "Logan?" I snatched the letter from him.


    "To save time in reading it, Logan attacked and is on the verge of destroying them. They need your help," Edwin exined.


    Ray rose to his feet, but I raised my hand, "You aren''ting. Write to Jaden and Rihanna, they should meet me at Blue Bloom."


    He argued. "But Chris..."


    "Ray, stay back and rest. They are no Lycans now, so they three can handle Logan," Edwin remarked.


    My Beta returned to his seat with a scowl. I nodded at Edwin and bolted out of the


    ce.


    Logan had appeared again before Jaden told his answer. That Lycan was very unconventional.


    As I got closer to the border, Cara jumped to stop me. "Alpha, a report just came from Blue Bloom..."


    "I am aware. Move!"


    She stayed there, spreading her hands. "Luna Sasha had instructed us to not let you


    leave."


    "What do you mean...?" I trailed off when the warriors around surrounded the border. They were serious.


    When I told Sasha to befriend Cara, I didn''t mean make her more loyal to her than to


    me.


    "Wolves are dying, and you are..."


    She cut me off. "A warrior had left to alert Alpha Jaden and Alpha Rihanna, they should handle it. Your safety is my priority, Alpha!"


    My hands went to my hips. What was this now? I couldn''t beat up my warriors to leave. Should I go back?

 A Fast Wolf

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Three - A fast wolf.


    Chris''s POV


    My hands went to my hips. I couldn''t start beating up my warriors to leave. Should I go back?


    An idea came to my mind. To speed past Cara.


    She would get injured but would heal before I returned, also Ray wouldn''t me me.


    "Get out of there!" someone yelled.


    I hoped it would be Ray, but it was a female.


    I turned to see Vanessa. "Cara, get out or I''d break you!" she yelled.


    Cara stood her ground, and her warriors tightened around the pathway.


    "I''m sorry princess, the Queen says..."


    "You better listen to me, or even the Queen won''t save you!" Vanessa picked up a rod and advanced to Cara.


    Of course, the warriors backed away as they couldn''t hurt a princess. Vanessa threw the rod at their lead warrior.


    The moment Cara dodged it, I used the avenue to speed off.


    "Cara, I''d be back, don''t worry!" I told the lead warrior. "Your Queen might not know I left."


    She didn''t have time to reply as Vanessa threw a punch at her and warned. "Next time, don''t wait till I act before you obey!"


    I kinda wanted to know what happened next, but I increased my pace and headed to Blue Bloom.


    Logan was losing his brain even more.


    Even if Blue Bloom Alpha and Blue Fire Alpha tried to hold him off, they could only do so for so long. They weren''t battle-active Alphas.


    When I finally reached Blue Bloom, it was unusually quiet. Nothing was burning or wolves screaming yet.


    The Alpha was at the border. He ran to me. "Alpha Chris, you came faster than I expected."


    And he should be grateful. My eyes scanned the ce again. "There''s nothing happening here."


    He looked down. "Yes, there isn''t."


    What? But his letter...


    "Logan didn''t attack the pack. He hade in as a potato supplier then kidnapped my Beta, mate, and five others in the barn."


    That was still bad. "But why didn''t you say that? Your letter said he was destroying the pack."


    "I didn''t want you suspecting that maybe Logan was trying to get your attention," he replied.


    In other words, he didn''t want me being careful and hesitant. I sighed. He had lost his sister, he would be scared to lose his mate.


    "What are we to do then? Walk in and confront him? Or did he ask for something?" I enquired of the Alpha.


    He shook his head. "He said nothing so far, just kept them there, and everyone was subdued by a charm he kept close."


    The energy drain charm? If he had it active, then even I couldn''t go close. Someone had to get Jaden and Rihanna, they were the only chance.


    "I have warriors that are weakened by it and can''t move, I can''t go close either. I''ve saved four who were farther, but that''s all," the Alpha added.


    I nodded, rushing to the barn. I stood far off and sighted three wolves sprawled on the ground.


    That was a tormenting way to die, Logan was feasting on their energy.


    "Lucius, right?" I asked the Alpha.


    He raised a brow. "You remembered my name?"


    "I am your Alpha King, you know. You''re known to be a fast wolf, aren''t you?"


    Lucius creased his forehead. "Yes, but no matter how fast I am, if I get around that charm, I feel weak, so it''s useless."


    That was a fact, but the wave would have a system to it. If two or more wolves were around it, it''d drain our energy slowly.


    "Alpha Rihanna and Alpha Jaden will be here soon," I assured. "But for now, we need to have few casualties."


    I stooped to the ground, checking the linear path between the charm and the victims. "The n is, both of us will speed there at the same time. I''d go first and take the first hit of the wave. Save as many wolves as you can," I stated.


    Lucius gazed at the path with determined eyes. His head nodded firmly. ¡°Okay, let''s do this."


    I sighed, stretched my neck and arms, ready to make the run. My eyes shed red as I tapped some energy from my wolf.


    "I''d go first. Remember, get as many as you can. We can always try it a second time," I repeated.


    He confirmed with a thumbs up and marched to where I was. I sensed for Logan''s energy, and he was inside the barn.


    But then, I realized that there were seven active energies, and thest one was dying. Logan had hurt someone.


    My arms were shaking. What did that Lycan mean? The energy was also a powerful


    one.


    I remembered Lucius saying his mate and Beta were taken. His mate might not be a ranked wolf, so that could be his Beta.


    "Logan is still hunting for Betas," I muttered to myself. He took Ralph, attempted Ray, now he went for this young one.


    I was vexed. "Lucius, let''s go!" that Lycan was taking no one else.


    We both sped to the warriors. My legs felt weak when I got close, but I stood my ground.


    Lucius, behind me, pulled a warrior away. I could sense the Beta inside losing his life but could note close to help.


    When my knees failed me, I noticed Lucius pull me from around the charm.


    "Why did you take me out? I said to concentrate on your warriors," I frowned.


    He had a confused expression, and he pointed at the three warriors,id on the ground. "I took them, but still felt strong, so I pulled you out too."


    What? Did the energy drain have no effect on him? "Did you use your energy to run?"


    "Not really, just my natural wolf speed," he said, checking on his warriors.


    That could be why. If he wasn''t dispensing his energy, then the energy drain wave wouldn''t affect him. This could be a hack I''d use.


    Alpha Lucius grew up within the forest, so his running would be good, and his body stealthy.


    "You are a really fast wolf then. What I heard were true," I smiled at him.


    He smiled back and made a bow. "Thank you for helping me. Since Logan hasn''t made


    a move, I think he''s waiting for someone."


    It seemed so. Perhaps Rihanna.


    Meaning he could be shifting to his dangerous form soon. "I''d advise to keep your pack away from here. It''d be a battleground soon."


    Alpha Lucius nodded before leaving.

 Evil Is Evil

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Four - Evil is evil.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Today was a shocker, but I masked it off.


    I had to protect my mate''s interest.


    As I walked into the pack, the warriors bowed to me, asking. "Alpha Jaden had been expecting you, are you only arriving now?"


    I nodded. "Yes, I''d see him now. Thank you."


    My wolf sensed Hunter''s presence in the pack. "Who could''ve known that Hunter, Liam, Jaden, even Mi Destino are rted."


    My eyes narrowed at empty space. I wouldn''t have known. And the fact I should have bothered me.


    "Lana, I know that silver wolves are closely rted to the Moon goddess, but are we spiritual in some way?" Or else what did everyone mean?


    Should I be able to see the future and the past or something? Should I cast silver balls from my eyes? What did they expect from me?


    "Maybe as we were never trained properly, and silver wolves are very rare, we have no one to teach us," Lana whimpered.


    Life wasn''t fair. So much was expected from us, but no one passed the knowledge down. Even for a ''moon goddess incarnate'', life''s unfair.


    "Yeah, maybe," I agreed with Lana.


    As I got to the door, I sighted Hunter walking to me. He was looking tired and slightly panting.


    His training seemed to be going well, and now, I didn''t feel like I was burdening Jaden as they were brothers.


    Jake came out from where Hunter walked out from. "C''mon Hunter! You look so tired when it''s just a warm up!" he teased.


    Hunter pouted, folding his arms. "I''m not tired!"


    I smiled. "You look tired though. Raise your shoulders so he wouldn''t think you''re tired."


    As Hunter heard my voice in his mind link, he snapped his head left and right.


    He grinned on seeing me and raised his shoulders up. "I''m not tired!" he told Jake again.


    The door I was in front of opened. My smile widened seeing my mate. "Hey, your warrior said you were looking for me."


    He blinked before looking down, biting on his lips. "Oh, I wasn''t actually, but... yeah."


    I shrugged, brushing past him and getting in. I knew he''d feel awkward, knowing I knew his secret, but I''ve absorbed everything in.


    "We need to find Logan. Like that guy, I hate him more than I hate Chris," I seethed. "Chris? Alpha Chris?" Hunter asked, entering the courtroom. "Why do you hate him..." "Long story, Hunter!" I interrupted. "But don''t worry, soon you''d hear something really bad..."


    "Please, Rihanna," Jaden stopped me. "Let''s wish good for each other. A lot of bad had happened already."


    Hunter agreed with a nod. "Wish good things. Forgive others. No one ispletely evil."


    Yeah, right. If that''s what Jake was teaching him, then he might need a new teacher.


    I plopped down on a seat.


    "You are right, Hunter. Not everyone is evil, they may have a story that made them that way," Jaden agreed with the boy.


    "The story wouldn''t be worth as much as the damages the evil person did. That still makes the person evil," I argued.


    "But the person''s story should still be heard," Jaden added.


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    I frowned, waving my hand in dismissal. "To hell with the story. What you be is the main thing, not how you be it."


    Hunter nced at Jaden and then at me. "Another couple fight ising," he sighed.


    Couple fight? He knew we were a couple? Who told him we were a couple?


    Just then Jake walked in. "Jaden? Rihanna? A warrior from ck Hills came in. Blue Bloom is being raided by Logan."


    I jumped from my seat. Jaden turned to Jake.


    Hunter ran to me, blocking my way. "Alpha Jaden said I should give you these." He stretched out a silk bag that had ornaments.


    Jaden looked away from me and marched to his brother. "Logan at Blue Bloom now? Did Chris go there alone?" they went outside.


    "Thank you. Hunter stay here. When the Alpha Queen of ck Rosees, tell her your name and keep herpany, okay?" I smiled.


    He nodded, "Okay. I''d keep this for you." He referred to the silk bag of ornaments.


    I sped out of the courtroom and sighted Jaden instructing his warriors. "Be alert, all of you!"


    The words of Alpha Joanna came to my mind again, and I left Jaden, dashing off to Blue Bloom.


    Logan was up again with his antics. Attacking the weak because he feels they''re nothing.


    "Rihanna, you have to stay behind me when we arrive. The energy drain wave could be active," Jaden yelled as we ran.


    That''s a probability, but the moment I get close, I''d do myself a favor and activate my barrier. "Watch out for yourself, Alpha. I''m good."


    I noticed he smirked before moving ahead.


    We arrived at Blue Bloom and met the Alpha directing his pack away from the forest. I sensed Chris around and ran to him.


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    "Wow, you guys came quickly!" he hollered, helping a little pup climb on the carriage that was taking them away.


    "Blue Bloom doesn''t look under attack," Jaden said, looking around. "But Logan is here."


    "d you sensed it. He has hostages. Eight, but one is dying or dead. A Blue Bloom Beta," Chris narrated.


    It was like a stab to my heart. Logan killed another Beta? It must have pained him to lose my brother, so someone had to pay.


    "Also Ray said Logan had shifted to something dangerous. I don''t know, but if we are to attack him, we should be ready for anything."


    Jaden clenched his fists, moving closer to the barn where Logan was at.


    "Alpha Chris, stay back please. Jaden and I will handle this," I said to Chris.


    He frowned. "Why? If Logan is now something dangerous, we should all tackle him..."


    "Logan wants me, so he''d be careful with me. And you are our King, he wins by default


    if he gets you. You are the prize," I pointed out to him.


    He touched himself. "I''m the prize?" he looked down, understanding what I was saying.


    "So go now! Help Blue Bloom stay far away," I added, moving away.


    The actual reason I wanted him out was in case Logan ranted about being Jaden''s father, he wouldn''t be close to hear it.


    "Fine then. You two should go fulfill your prophecy!" he cheered, before running off.


    Jaden turned to me, with a shocked expression. "He knew we were mates?"


    I shrugged. "You can sleep well now. C''mon!"


    I activated my barrier, it was now or never.

 Adapting

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Five - Adapting.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Logan''s energy left the barn, I became rmed.


    I read that there were still eight wolves inside, thest one''s life hanging on a thread.


    "Jaden, we need to save the Blue Bloom Beta before he dies," I reminded.


    A wave hit my barrier as I got closer.


    "Rih, the energy drain is active," Jaden told me.


    I was ahead of him as my barrier was already active. He found the charm and smashed it on a rock, breaking it to pieces.


    I advanced to the barn and kicked it open. Since Logan wasn''t around, they were safe.


    I released my barrier and stretched my hand to the only female in the group. "I am Alpha Rihanna, I believe you''re the Luna?"


    She had a scared expression on her face, and her hands shivered. Logan wasn''t around, so why was she scared?


    Jaden carried the Beta and rushed out. He was safe, and it made me feel better.


    The Luna took my stretched-out hand and stood from where she sat.


    The moment she did, I felt an insurmountable amount of weakness befall me. I lost my bnce and fell down.


    She ran out of the barn with her warriors. As they left their crouching position, I realized that they had been sitting on the charms.


    A good number was inside the barn. I heard the barn door get closed, and Logan''s energy came around again.


    "Rihanna!" I heard my mate shout.


    I couldn''t move myself.


    I looked up at the charm far away from me. I wanted more than anything to smash it on the head of that Luna.


    How dare she trick us? We came to save her.


    "What did you do... Argghh!" I heard Jaden growl in pain. What were they doing to him? Why was Blue Bloom going against us?


    "Jaden! We meet again!" I heard Logan''s voice. "You must know why I''m happy to see you."


    The Lycan was visible at the window of the barn I was inside. I took the Lycan yer and flung it at the nearest charm.


    It broke to pieces, and I felt a tad bit relieved. I crawled away. The farther I was, the better I felt.


    Inside me, a surge of energy was growing, but I suppressed it. There was no need dispensing energy for that Lycan to take.


    "You are a beast!" Jaden yelled in pain.


    I didn''t know why till I caught the distinct smell of silver. Had Blue Bloom used silver on him?


    Their energies were not near, meaning they left him there. I''d surely settle my score with them.


    Logan was still visible to me. I retrieved my Lycan yer and flung it at him, through the window.


    I was surprised when it caught him on the neck.


    The door of the barn was broken into by Jaden. He growled angrily. He couldn''t see.


    The silver was poured on his face. I rushed to him, strangely finding strength. "Jaden, Jaden, are you okay? Can you see?"


    I rubbed out the silver on his face, since I was immune to it. He couldn''t even touch it. My hand felt his tears, and I looked down. "I''m sorry. That Luna ambushed us." "She was scared," he muttered. "Don''t me her, she was scared of losing her pack."


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    He reached for a charm and broke it. "And you? Are you alright?"


    It wasn''t the time to ask. I felt better with one less charm out of the way. "Concentrate on healing yourself, I''d be back."


    With silver still in my hand, I walked out of the barn. I let loose the surge of energy that was growing in me, and it washed through my body.


    "Logan, return my sword!" I barked.


    He had taken it out of him and was ring at it. "You silver wolf. That was a clean shot though."


    I smirked. "Thank you. There''s more toe."


    He held onto my sword and made an attack stance. "Bring it on, little one!"


    My ws shot out, smeared with the silver. I wasn''t his little one! He had no little one!


    He wasn''t worthy of fathering any wolf, and I didn''t even wish my enemy to be his son.


    I charged at him with full speed. He swiped the sword at my face, but I bent down and grabbed his body. In one movement, I toppled him down.


    My ws scratched through his arm as I took my sword from him. He was injured, and


    it had silver, equaling slow healing for him.


    I pointed my sword at him. "You got slow, or I had gotten faster."


    He rose up quickly with disbelief in his eyes. "I can always weaken you." He brought out a charm.


    I initiated my barrier immediately, and using my sword, I hit the charm down. But it was more than one, and the one that fell didn''t break.


    My barrier was active, so I was safe, but if any wolf came close, they''d be weakened.


    Logan and I engaged in a sword versus ws fight. His ws were finger long and resembled that of bears. He had really unlocked some rank.


    The rank however increased his strength, but his speed didn''t improve, or perhaps it was because he was an old wolf now.


    "Die!" I yelled, releasing my barrier, and stabbing my sword through his chest.


    With my barrier down, he kicked me hardly, and I staggered, letting go of the sword and falling on a broken table.


    I shouted in anguish. My back suffered greatly.


    He smirked, walking to me with a sword in his heart. My energy began leaving me again.


    I tapped into the energy surging inside me. My eyes shifted to a different color for a second, an unusual energy pumped inside of me.


    My barrier was activated again, and it took Logan by surprise. He bounced off and was thrown off.


    I rose to my feet, slowly moving to him.


    "There''s a limit to the shit I can take Logan! One thing about me is, I adapt really well,"


    I boasted.


    He inched away from me, looking me in the eye. "Honestly, I''m d you have broken your Silver rank, it will be more power to take from you."


    He was still ranting about taking energy from me? This Lycan never learnt.


    Jaden came out from the barn after getting his sight back. Silver injuries healed really slowly with Lycans.


    Seeing I was distracted with my mate, Logan took the sword from his body and threw at me.


    I caught the sword before it got to me and made a backflip, avoiding another kick he sent to me.


    Logan stood strong, like he was never injured.


    Jaden stayed besides me, fuming. "Logan, your little trick was good, I''d give it to you."


    The Lycan flexed his ws, smirking. It was time for round two.

 Hesitant

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Six - Hesitant.


    Jaden''s POV


    It must have been Rihanna''s shout of pain that attracted Chris toe close to where we were.


    I noticed him, but before I could warn him, he tripped over a charmying about.


    Direct contact with the object made him lose his bnce. Energy had been taken from his legs.


    "Argh! I can''t move!" he screamed.


    It temporarily paralyzed him? I had spections of that happening. "Chris, hold on!"


    But Logan came before me and sent a punch my way. I dodged it by bending, but my mate caught his hand and twisted it.


    I escaped to Chris.


    Rihanna dragged Logan''s hand behind him, but he hit her with his head, and she let go of him.


    Her legs went to his head, but he blocked it and pped her upper thighs.


    She backed away, holding her legs and wearing a scowl. That was a vition on her mate!


    A sexual harassment, if I should say!


    I left Chris and charged back to him. With my sides, I pushed him towards a boulder, and he broke into it. "Don''t you dare touch her!"


    A guffaw ofughter erupted from him. He recovered from the hit before Rihanna got close enough to end him.


    "Jaden, save Chris!" my mate reminded me.


    I went towards him, but a boulder got thrown, discing me and Chris. He narrowly dodged it by rolling.


    "Jaden, focus! I''m getting better," he said to me.


    But I knew he didn''t mean it. I rejected his energy seeping into me, but surely Logan was enjoying it. And it would help him heal taster.


    "Let''s focus on killing Logan. That will save Christer!" I told Rihanna.


    She nced at him, feeling sorry. I looked away from her. Didn''t she say she hated him? Why was she feeling sorry now?


    Logan charged at her, but she didn''t move. He was thrown back by her unseen barrier,


    and she smirked, facing him. "Gets you all the time."


    I avoided her as I knew the barrier had a strong effect on me as well.


    As we battled Logan, he easilynded more hits on me than he did Rihanna.


    However, he quickly recovered from her hits than he did with my hits.


    We were a pair of faster and stronger.


    The Lycan threw a boulder at me, and Rihanna stayed close to me, activating her barrier.


    The boulder was destroyed in the air.


    I caught a glimpse of the Blue Bloom Alpha pulling Chris from above the charm.


    I was stunned seeing it had no effect on him, but I also noticed he didn''t use his energy whileing close to the charm.


    While waiting for the residue from the boulder to clear om the air, a huge figure came into contact with Rihanna''s barrier.


    Like it charged at it and wasn''t thrown away.


    It was a Lycan. Logan. But it didn''t look like him.


    He had shifted to a beastly form. His eye balls were all red, and he stood at least nine feet.


    His fur had grown darker, and his face beastly! Like a demon. He could scare a grown


    man.


    Rihanna moved back, feeling her barrier get subdued. "He''s breaking into my barrier," she whimpered.


    I held onto her, not wanting to see her scared. But I knew if I let Logan break her barrier once, he''d do it again.


    So I wasn''t giving him the experience.


    Shifting to my Lycan form was hard, and I hadn''t tried it since I shifted the first time, but right now, I had to protect my mate.


    "Rihanna, release your barrier when I say so. Then go as far as possible! I''d handle this," I assured, feeling scared within myself.


    She gazed at me, with much hope that it scared me to disappoint her. "Okay, I''d back you up."


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    When she stepped away, I spoke to my wolf. "It''s now or never, Leon. Force that Lycan out!"


    He responded with a roar, and I felt my body erge. A sense of power and rage washed over me as I shifted.


    Of course, rage and twisted desire were things my wolf constituted. "Leon, don''t hold back now! Be angry, protect our mate!"


    Rihanna backed away as her barrier began failing. I knew as the beast came closer to us, and his growl sounded more victorious.


    "Rihanna, back off!" Leon told his mate as he took control for a second. She moved back, the barrier falling.


    I sent a punch at the beast and nudged his side hardly. He went back, growling to intimidate me.


    Honestly, I was stunned, but a desire to see him growl in pain became more prevalent.


    My ws grew more pronounced as I charged at him again. He was taller than me, and that was a disadvantage.


    He kneed my stomach and elbowed my back.


    I resisted crying out in agony, and I stabbed my ws deeply into his sides and dragged them down to his hips.


    I was released from his grip, and I let go of him. We staggered away from each other.


    I heard an angry shout and saw Rihanna charge at him with her sword.


    In one swipe, she shed her sword through his neck, giving a distinct cut on his neck.


    That was a fatal area, and my heart jumped. I became scared of my reaction.


    My heart didn''t jump for happiness but for fear.


    Was I scared of him dying because he was my father? My fists clenched andnded them on him, he fell down on his back.


    Why did I have such reaction? Was this a father-son bond? But he''s a beast and deserved death.


    Still, I held Rihanna from going to him. "Please, wait!" my eyes were on him.


    I hated myself for feeling hesitant. It''s not like he was an ideal father. I remembered something.


    "We should ask why he did everything. Killed, raped, wanted werewolves'' extinction," I


    said.


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    She raised her brows with tilted head. "Don''t we already know why?"


    I shook my head. "I met a palm reader who told me that Logan never actually told us


    why."


    Rihanna stared at him. He was immobile, staying still. But I could sense he wasn''t dead. Instead, he was recharging.


    Suddenly, he made a swift movement on my mate. Kicking her legs and sending her falling.


    Shended on her neck.


    I heard the sound of something of hers break.


    Then his huge body crashed on me.


    My breathing hitched seeing my matey there, not moving.


    She was speaking just a second ago.


    Panic flooded my thoughts.


    Logan had been holding out on us.


    And I unknowingly aided him by being hesitant.


    His hands went to my neck, trying to choke me with his ws. My wolf felt my mate,


    Rihanna, disconnect from us.


    For a moment, I couldn''t feel my mate.


    Did she... die?


    The world at that point moved in slow motion.


    I saw her sword get picked up and then a shout before it stuck inside of Logan, on top


    of me.


    The Lycan jumped up and charged at the wolf.


    My neck bled, but I rushed to my mate whose eyes were opened, but I didn''t see life in


    them.


    "Rihanna?" I called softly. She said nothing.


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 Awakened

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Seven - Awakened.


    Jaden''s POV


    My heart was growing cold. I touched Rihanna''s face, but I didn''t feel the sparks I usually do.


    What was happening? I slowly turned to Chris, who was challenging Logan.


    He had good sword art and was mad at Logan. He must have seen what he did to Rihanna.


    I wanted to fight for my mate alongside him, but my body felt involuntary.


    I lost all drive to do anything.


    If this was how it''d end, then I could end as well. My father killed my Beta and my mate.


    Was there any use living like this?


    But at that moment, she moved.


    I was sure it wasn''t my eyes deceiving me. "Rihanna?" I called again.


    Using my wolf vision, I scanned her body and found that she was healing. I wanted to hug her in happiness.


    "Argghh!" Chris screamed, and the Lycan yer fell before me. I snapped my head at him, and he was at the mercy of Logan.


    "No!" I ran towards them, but dust from the earth was thrown at me, and when they settled, there was no Chris and no Logan.


    "No! No!" I kept on yelling.


    Logan wasn''t going to go far with him. He''d kill him, and that would be a loss. If our Alpha King dies, then we lost.


    "We''d chase after him." A voice mumbled behind me. It was Rihanna''s.


    I went to her side again. "Do you feel better?"


    Her eyes were closed, but she nodded. "So much better. We will chase after Logan and end him, don''t hold me back again."


    She had noticed my hesitation? I was ashamed.


    "But we should ask though. I always wondered too. Why did he want werewolves extinct?" Rihanna sighed.


    Her eyes were still closed, and I wondered if she couldn''t see. My hands went towards her eyes.


    Before I could touch them, her eyelids opened. "Don''t touch it. You''d burn."


    Hell I would. I moved back.


    Her eyes were burning with silvery mes, and red veins stretched from her eyes to her


    ears.


    Like power was emanating from them.


    Was that her Silver rank Logan talked about?


    Had she been awakened?


    As she stood, I went back again. I felt her silver wolf''s aura, and it threatened the Lycan in me.


    "Let''s chase Logan." she repeated again.


    I gave a firm nod, sensing his energy to know where he was heading to.


    "He''s going to Blue Fire!" Rihanna dered, running off. Her abilities had heightened.


    I followed her, still worried about her exerting much energy since she died few seconds ago.


    But her aura was fierce, and she could be huffy if I voiced my worry over her instead of concentrating on finding Chris.


    The surrounding of that part of Blue Fire wasn''t leveled. The volcano had erupted few days back, and driedva was everywhere.


    Still Rihanna pointed behind a rock, "Logan is there! But he''s alone! He doesn''t have Chris with him!"


    That was bad, right? He had hidden him, hoping to kill him after he was done with us.


    "You two are an annoying pair!" Logan barked, walking from behind the rock. The Lycan yer was in his hands and had blood on it. Was that his, or he already killed Chris with it?


    "Your Alpha King is in a bad state. My charms surround round about him," He snickered.


    Even if they did, there was no Lycan to take the energy, so Chris will only be weakened, his energy will still be safe. That''s if he was alive.


    My mate advanced towards Logan, with her barrier active. I felt it and stayed away from her. We marched to Logan together.


    "You are the annoying one, Logan! Why even? Why bustling your old butt, causing havoc? It costs you a lot, but you do it, why?" She asked.


    Logan held the sword, readying to attack. "What do you know? Immortality isn''t a good enough reason?"


    "We are not stupid!" I shouted at him. "You will kill your sons for immortality? You will lose your mate and pack for immortality?"


    If he should yell a ''yes'' now, I wouldn''t be surprised, just disappointed.


    But he lowered his sword. "And you, you would kill your father?"


    "I don''t care as long as I protect the people I love. And you are just a father, not a parent," I replied sternly.


    Rihanna chuckled, folding her arms. "You don''t even have anyone who''d want to spend eternity with you. What do you need immortality for?"


    Our words got to him somehow. He looked at his hands, and they slightly shook in regret.


    Why exactly did he do all these for?


    He raised the sword and pointed it at Rihanna. I came in front of her immediately.


    "I want to destroy werewolves from the face of the earth to show how it feels like!" he boiled. "To show you how it feels like to have nothing!"


    To show her? What did she do?


    "Show me?" Rihanna left my back. "What did I ever do to you? And don''t start the crap about being sick!"


    Loganughed boisterously, nging the sword on the moltenva. "If only I was sick with an illness that''d leave soon. But I was cursed!"


    Cursed?


    "It still doesn''t answer my question! How does that have to do with me?" Rihanna asked again.


    "Because you cursed me!" he ranted. "You and your mother goddess!"


    Did he mean the moon goddess cursed him? Rihanna pointed at herself in denial.


    "You cursed me and didn''t even spare my generation!" he yelled again. "You cursed them as well! Now, I can never have a family!"


    As he said thest words, he flung the sword at Rihanna. She stood there, and the sword dropped, after hitting her barrier.


    She turned to me, quizzically. "I never cursed him, but the moon goddess must have. You are part of his generation."


    I had understood that part.


    So his anger all these while towards Werewolves were because we were creatures of the moon goddess. Like her little family.


    He rather spends all eternity killing everyst one of us. I smirked, keeping my hands on my waist. "Logan, I actually believe you!"


    "You don''t need to. It doesn''t change anything!" he exhaled, wiping the sweat from his head. "Only when I kill werewolves, would I be..."


    "Why were you cursed, Logan? The moon goddess wouldn''t have cursed you if you did nothing. And what is the curse?" Rihanna asked.


    He was unwilling to say. The ws on his fingers elongated. "I am not obligated to answer you!"


    "Then maybe you actually deserve that curse!" Rihanna taunted with a head tilt.


    Logan growled displeased at her. "You should repeat that after your head is off your neck!"


    He charged at her. Rihanna ran to him also.


    I was torn. If his curse affected his generation, me and my generation as well, why doesn''t he open up about it?


    He growled in pain as Rihanna''s ws drew maps on his body before her barrier sent him flying to a moltenva.


    His body was etched on it before he dropped on his face. I shook my head, walking to him.


    He had to exin everything.


    Maybe it will answer the question of thest prophecy ''or must it end this way?''.

 His Son

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Eight - His son.


    Chris''s POV


    How was I still alive?


    Logan had stabbed my stomach with his sword-like ws, and I fell on the ground on my back.


    I couldn''t move after that and only heard Jaden''s shouts. I wasn''t sure if he was yelling for me or his mate, whom Logan had tackled.


    My wolf healing must have really improved due to all those fights I had been having with Logan.


    The injuries on my sides burned, but I felt the soothing relief washing over me as they healed.


    Energy drain waves were around me, but I didn''t worry as no Lycan was close either.


    My mind reyed seeing Rihanna fall with her neck. There was no way she could have died despite that being a fatal position.


    And Jaden was weakened to a fault, and I knew Logan would use that avenue to kill him.


    My legs were losing their sensory nerves as my energy left my body. I groaned, trying to move them.


    Before I went to challenge Logan, I told Lucius to watch me, so it was just a matter of time before he found me here.


    I rolled to my back, basking under the hot sun. Where Logan kept me was quite open but hidden inside some rocks that walled over me.


    Just then I heard footstepsing towards me. But it wasn''t Lucius.


    I rolled to my sides and was preparing myself to rise for a fight, but I exhaled in relief seeing Liam.


    "You again? How did you find me?"


    He jumped inside the walled area, breaking a charm under his feet. "I was looking for my father, then noticed energy seeping into me."


    I sat up with less charms around me. Liam didn''t have the excited expressions he usually wore.


    He kicked away other charms, then held out his hand to me. I took it, and he pulled me up.


    "Where''s Jaden? And Logan?" he asked.


    Why was he looking for Jaden? He was busy. And he was looking for his father? "Who is your father? Is he around here?"


    "I shouldn''t bring you into my family''s matters, so I wouldn''t answer that," he said simply. "I''d take you to Silver Pack now."


    A frown rested on my face. If his father was around my kingdom, didn''t I have a right to know?


    And wouldn''t he need help to find him? Or he only wanted Jaden''s help?


    I scoffed. "Very well. Do as you please."


    My heart jumped when he carried me in one swoop and sped towards the forests.


    I enjoyed the feeling of not exerting my strength, but when I tried to put my feet down, he slowed down, getting to Silver Pack already.


    "We''re here! Stay back, I''d handle this." He sped off again. He''d handle what exactly?


    I stared at where he ran to, but surprisingly saw himing back again.


    "I''ve no clue where to find them, and I don''t know this kingdom well."


    Find who? Jaden? "Jaden and Rihanna will be confronting Logan now. Don''t go close."


    He gazed at something behind me, then back at me. "Do you know where that is?" Wasn''t he listening to me? I said not to go close. Why''d he want to know where it was?


    I turned to the figure walking to us. It was a warrior from Silver Pack.


    "Alpha Chris." She bowed. "My lead warrior said I should ask if there''s trouble again?"


    I nced at Liam, who was looking downwards. "There''s no trouble. Don''t worry."


    The warrior smiled broadly and faced Liam. "She said I should extend her gratitude to you for helping Gretae back."


    Liam didn''t look up, but rather turned the other way. "Yes, yes."


    After the warrior left, I shook my head. "Liam? What do you want with Jaden now? He can''t help you find your father as he''s..."


    "Logan is under a curse. He can''t help his anger towards your kind," he faced me.


    Where was this craping from? Logan under a curse?


    "And as a son of Logan, that curse has to be removed unless it will affect my generation," he said firmly.


    He was Logan''s son? Wait, so Logan was the father he was looking for? But Jaden said he had helped beat up Logan.


    Was he going against his father?


    Well, this was one Lycan that wasn''t deranged even if rted to Logan, who was the embodiment of deranged.


    "Also, I used to think I''d die single, but since I wouldn''t..." he nced at something behind me.


    My head turned back and noticed it was Dara. I faced him again with a smirk.


    "...since I wouldn''t, I''d like to make sure my future generations aren''t under that curse as well," Liam continued.


    That was huge. Logan was under a curse that made him hurt werewolves? Does this mean he''s innocent in some way?


    "I don''t care if Logan dies for his sins, but he should die curse free, for my sake, and my brothers'' sake," Liam added.


    I nodded, as long as Logan got to die, whatever curse he was entangled with could be removed. Even if I didn''t know how it will be.


    "For the sake of you and Dara''s generation, right?" I taunted.


    He shrugged. "And more honestly, I''m not Logan''s only son."


    Well, he''s probably the only one I knew.


    "I don''t think Dara knows you''re her mate. Or she could havee here herself," I


    said.


    He nodded. "I didn''t know as well. My mother had strapped me with a ne that bounced off mate bond."


    I frowned. It must have been the same thing that Jonah used on Vanessa that year. Poor Dara.


    And from our distance, she wouldn''t be able to sense the mate bond.


    But then, Dara was prejudicial towards Lycans. It''d take a lot to actually get her epting the mate bond.


    "Either ways, I learnt about the curse my father was entangled with. Can you tell me where they are? Please?" he pleaded.


    I replied. "I am not sure where he is, but check at Blue Fire, around the volcano. That had been one of his hideouts."


    Liam snapped his fingers, remembering the ce. "Thank you. Stay safe, Alpha!"


    I watched him speed off towards Blue Fire.


    My chest heaved up and down, feeling some overwhelming peace that today would be


    a joyous day.


    I turned back and walked to Silver Pack. I will be waiting there till the good news came.

 Tell The Curse

    Chapter Hundred and Ny-Nine - Tell the curse.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Awakening. It felt good.


    Lana had a distinct echo to her voice.


    And it was like she and I were both fighting Logan at the same time. I didn''t need to shift to wolf form to have her in control.


    Logan dodged Jaden''s blow and dashed to me. My right leg was before me and left leg behind.


    I awaited his contact. When he crashed on me, I went back but keeping my bnce, holding his punch in ce.


    My left leg came forward, sweeping Logan off his feet, and my arms, used to block his punch, grabbed his neck and I tumbled him over.


    He grunted, having his back to the ground the fourth time in a row.


    The Lycan yer came sliding into his heart, by Jaden. He stabbed it deeply that it broke through the molten floor and was hooked there.


    A p, with my wed fingers, went through his face, reminding him not to try anything stupid.


    Jaden smirked. "Now, we''ve your undivided attention, do you care to exin your curse?"


    Blood trailed down the corner of Logan''s lips, he gurgled out his words. "And if I don''t? You and your generation will be cursed."


    What? Does he mean he wants his generation to be cursed? This Lycan was truly deranged!


    Jaden pulled him up, sending the sword deeper into him. "Don''t y games with me! It''s already a curse to be your son. Don''t add more curses!"


    Loganughed manically. "I''m saying nothing! What will you do? Kill me? Then fine." He was truly heartless.


    I stooped down to him. "Hunter is also your generation. Liam too. Why are you punishing their offspring?"


    His eyes had dted when I mentioned Liam. "I don''t care about Hunter. I only needed


    a young stupid pup who I''d manipte."


    My fists clenched. So raping that innocentdy was just for fun? To aid his n?


    Just like he raped Alpha Joanna?


    "Liam is my true son, from my mate!" Logan yelled. "And he''s full Lycan so a victim like me."


    Jaden rolled his eyes. "You aren''t a victim, Logan! There''s a reason the prophecy called you an evil. Don''t y with words."


    The Lycan grunted, trying to get up, but his body fell back. He was healing really slowly, so might actually die for real this time.


    The thought made me d, but I was still worried because he hadn''t told us everything.


    "And Jaden, what I did with your mother was because I thought she''d birth a strongpetent heir. You are strong but notpetent..."


    "ording to your standards!" I barked at Logan. "And don''t you dare mention his mother with those filthy lips of yours!"


    I backed away from him, feeling some sense of defeat. If we let him die then, Jaden and I''s pups will be transferred a curse we don''t know about.


    "Just let him die," Jaden muttered. "Forget the curse."


    I shook my head. "We can''t. Think of the others involved. Liam and Hunter and maybe more."


    Loganughed. "Your mother made sure she killed all my sons. I bet she left to Sun Burn to kill Liam as well."


    My brows raised, but Jaden didn''t look surprised, so perhaps it was true. Alpha Joanna did what every mother would do, protect their child.


    "And I have no regrets dying, knowing I gave you a curse, Rihanna," Logan snarled. "After all, you had cursed me."


    For the hundredth time, I wasn''t the moon goddess.


    And if I wanted to punish Logan, a straight death would be the answer, not his generation.


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    That was mean. Then she paired me with one of the generations? What was she thinking?


    "Or maybe all this would have been avoided," I reckoned.


    Jaden turned to me. "What?"


    "Maybe, Logan wouldn''t have gotten a curse that made him hate Werewolves if... if something had happened. Thest prophecy," I said.


    His eyes widened, and he stared down at the Lycan. "Well, if we don''t even know the curse, how''d we know the rest?"


    My eyes dimmed down. Good point.


    And Logan was slowly drifting to thend beyond, a smug grin was on his face, watching us down there.


    "The Moon goddess cost me my happiness. Her silver wolf would never be happy as well," he muttered bitterly.


    Jaden sighed, moving backwards. He kicked a small rock as he left. This didn''t feel like a victory when it should.


    "Rihanna!" I heard my name from in front of me. "Is he dead yet?" it was Liam who called.


    He ran to Logan and drove the sword out of his body. Logan attempted getting up, but


    he punched him down. "Good, he''s not!"


    For a moment there, I thought Liam was trying to save his father.


    "Before he dies, he needs to be released from his curse. It''s expedient that he''s freed," he said.


    Jaden returned. "Liam? What are you doing here..."


    "He knows about Logan''s curse," I told him.


    He snapped his head at Liam, with a careful look. "Will you be telling us?"


    That was a good question. Did he have a grudge against the moon goddess as well?


    Liam folded his arms. "Of course, I will! If not, you, me, Hunter, and all our pups will get


    a curse that we did nothing to earn."


    I nodded at his support, before realizing... he knew Jaden was Logan''s son?


    My eyes went to the boy, as he tried to make sure Logan was conscious.


    I nudged Jaden. "Did you ever tell him that you''re Logan''s son?"


    "I wouldn''t," he replied. "But I''m not stunned as I always questioned his friendliness


    with me. Now, I know why."


    If Liam knew they were rted, why not tell? Unless he also knew how his father had


    him.


    It would have been quite derogatory to hear that kind of story from a ''younger brother''.


    "How exactly would his curse get removed from him and his generation?" I asked


    Liam.


    Becausest I know, Logan said it was the moon goddess who cursed him.


    Were we going to plead to her to remove the curse or what?


    Liam frowned at me. "You are a silver wolf, aren''t you?"


    I frowned as well. Why did that sound familiar?


    "She wasn''t the one who cursed Logan," Jaden reminded. "It doesn''t concern her."


    Thank you. I folded my arms.


    "Well, she''s your mate, right? It''s her generation as well. She''s the incarnate of the moon goddess so should handle this," the boy said again.


    Now how was that supposed to work? I didn''t know how to mune'' with the moon goddess!


    Hell, I wished I did!


    There are lots of times I wanted to yell at her!


    But now, I really should be able to. Or else, killing Logan would be a worthless victory.

 The Story

    Chapter Two Hundred - The story.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Liam helped Logan sit up against a rock. The Lycan was healing, but we still had time to get an answer, then kill him for good.


    I still wasn''t sure how to remove the curse. Jaden noticed my hesitation.


    Liam was trying to wipe off the blood on Logan when Jaden held him.


    "Wait, Liam." Jaden held his hand and pulled him up. "Before trying to get Logan to be alive, what''s the curse?"


    True. I needed to know what the curse was before muning'' with the moon goddess.


    Liam pulled his hand away from Jaden''s, with a pout. "Well, this could be hard to hear."


    I bet it wasn''t. Jaden had already heard the meanest of things this week.


    He had a straight face, ring at Liam. "What?"


    "My mother said while Logan was Alpha King, he used to kidnap young female Lycans and use them for sex ves," Liam started.


    My body became cold. So his animalistic behaviors didn''t start now?


    "My mother added that then, her father hid her from him so she wouldn''t be a victim. That''s why she never knew they were mates," Liam added.


    It must have been such a shame when she knew they were mates. The poor woman. "Some Lycans tried revolting, but Logan killed them," Liam shook his head. "Even his sister, the grandmother of Mi Destino."


    My jaw dropped. No wonder Mi Destino''s father ran away from home. This will be some story.


    "Just get to the curse, Liam," Jaden said impatiently.


    I held his arm. "Wait, let him finish. We need to also know if Logan''s deserving of the curse or not."


    Liam sighed. "It wouldn''t have been a curse if he just stopped. It was said that a young virgin he d¨¦tiled was a silver wolf.""


    My fist clenched. Did Lycans have silver species as well?


    "Worst is, she''s not Lycan. She was a young omega, a silver wolf. He thought she was fancy, so kidnapped her and used her," Liam added.


    "The girlmuned with the moon goddess before she died. Her dying words were curses to Logan."


    Jaden nced at Logan, who was looking straight at nothing. "You deserve your curse. No wonder you use Rihanna of doing it."


    It was a silver wolf like me who had cursed him. But now, I was the one to remove it.


    "Well, the silver wolf asked the goddess to make him mad with uncontroble rage and blood thirst," Liam continued.


    What? My hands went to my hips. "Wasn''t that detrimental?" Like he''d kill everyone else.


    "Yes," Liam chuckled. "But she hoped he''d use it to kill his Beta, Delta and the warriors who support him. It worked as he killed them."


    No wonder it was said Logan killed his pack.


    "But the curse was also temporary, if he had stopped his ways. He didn''t and it became permanent," Liam sighed.


    "He kept on raping and killing Lycans even werewolves. And he was still Alpha King because no one could defile him."


    That would be when he raped Alpha Joanna. He was strong, and she couldn''t fight back. He was already a beast.


    "Why did hee here? Why didn''t he keep wrecking havoc there only?" Jaden frowned.


    "When he found his mate, he nearly killed her," Liam shook his head "That''s when he knew he''s doomed. The curse pushed him to kill his mate."


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    Logan on the ground, clenched his fists like he remembered the pain he felt.


    I felt a thin thread of pity for him, being forced to kill your own mate was hard.


    "Why shouldn''t he kill his mate? After all, he killed the mates of others," Jaden scoffed.


    Liam frowned but continued. "Anyway, he left my mother in charge. She couldn''t handle all the Lycans so submitted under Sun Burn Kingdom."


    Luckily, they acknowledged them and gave them a jurisdiction. I sped my hands, feeling tensed again.


    "Honestly, I don''t feel like getting him out of the curse. How quickly will it affect your generation?" I smirked.


    Jaden and Liam sighed in sync. What? Was it affecting them already?


    "My wolf has uncontroble rage and has killed rogues on rampage. As you know, Hunter''s wolf isn''t normal either," Liam listed.


    I nced at Jaden, his eyes hadn''t left Logan since. I also knew his wolf had anger problems and he had hurt me once.


    Truly the curse had already gotten to them.


    Liam remarked. "The more we grow, the more it waxes stronger. Soon, you wouldn''t be able to control Hunter, and I may need to stay in a cage."


    I couldn''t let that happen. My mate, and future Beta were involved. Not to forget my future pups.


    Still, I had no clue on how to remove a curse from a Lycan that deserved it.


    "You could have avoided all these had it been you stopped," Jaden mumbled to Logan. "That was thest prophecy."


    And Logan had failed that prophecy.


    Jaden pointed at him. "You caused what happened to you. The Moon goddess didn''t curse you, you cursed yourself!!"


    Logan growled lowly, his ws flexing. "I will kill all the moon goddess''s children, and she''d know what it feels like to have no one."


    "You had everyone, Logan," I said. "You just valued your twisted desires over it so you were cursed to keep on having twisted desires."


    Liam jumped in front of me. "Huh? Why does it seem like you are cursing him more? I don''t have twisted desires."


    "I do," Jaden shrugged.


    I smiled. "And if I''m cursing him, it''s for only him. Right now, I need to find a way to remove the curse.''


    "I have no idea. But we have to hurry, he has stopped healing," Liam reminded.


    I took steps back, pondering on what should be done. "Lana, help here?"


    "Please, I don''t know how an omega silver wolf couldmune with the moon goddess, but we can''t? It sounds so impossible," She groaned.


    I groaned loudly. There was no one who came in mind that I can go for help. My eyes went down.


    "Logan, do you know how to lift your curse?" I asked him. His son, stooped down. "Do you?"


    Jaden rolled his eyes and walked away.


    Logan''s eyes followed him, his lips downturned sadly. "Why is it now I''m dying, I feel so much regret."


    "Because your life was lonely and wicked. Even your sons hate you," I told.


    He exhaled, closing his eyes, "I wanted your energy for more than being immortal, Rihanna."


    My head tilted. Was he saying he needed my energy to remove his curse?


    That was sounding sketchy again.

 Admit It

    Chapter Two Hundred and One - Admit it.


    Jaden''s POV


    Logan exhaled, closing his eyes, "I wanted your energy for more than being immortal, Rihanna."


    Did he mean he needed her energy to remove his curse? He was being sketchy again.


    The Lycan nced at Liam. "Deep down, I''d like the curse gone so I''d return to my family."


    Liam blinked, looking down.


    "I believe the silver wolf energy can remove my curse, somehow," Logan added.


    My face contorted to a scowl. "So she should let you absorb her energy?"


    Rihanna looked up at me with a small pout. I knew she was unwilling, I was unwilling


    too.


    "Not necessarily," Liam said. "Maybe she could use it to free him."


    "Don''t forget I still don''t know how," Rihanna cocked her head, but it slowly straightened.


    "Yes, Red Moon! They''d know! If they can swap mates, they can speak to the moon goddess!" She yelped.


    But her excitement died down. "I don''t think I need them using sorcery on me though."


    Liam''s hopeful expression faded. "So we are doomed? Great."


    He was making it look like it was my mate''s fault. It was his father''s fault for being such a wicked soul.


    "Rihanna, if you really want to do this, then I think you already have what it takes," I told my mate. She had a quizzical look.


    I wasn''t sure if that''s a motivation but..."Few minutes ago, you tapped into your silver wolf''s energy, maybe do the same. Let it... burn?"


    Both she and Liam stared at me like I was insane. I wasn''t... yet. But if Logan dies without freeing my generation and I, then I would be.


    Rihanna rose to her feet with determination. "Let it burn! Okay!"


    It worried me that was the only part she got, but all good. I pulled Liam from her as I


    knew her ''burning'' could also harm us.


    "What will she do?" Liam asked me.


    I smirked. "Not sure, but let her."


    Her fists clenched as she made low growls. Her ws also slid out of her fingers.


    Liam held my arm tightly. "She might kill him."


    Then we felt it, her barrier energy active. We took steps away from her.


    Was she releasing all her abilities to contact the goddess? We should really appreciate the effort.


    Suddenly, something sparked in her and she screamed. Her eyes changed to silvery me.


    I tried to get close, but her barrier bounced me back. She was there, with only Logan, and he was still conscious.


    Liam went back with me and helped me up. "She might have connected." I hoped so.


    Her ws slowly went to Logan''s face, and she pulled him up to her. "You admit your wrongs?"


    That wasn''t Rihanna speaking. There was an echo to it. It gave me chills.


    Liam inched closer. "Logan should say yes. If he had admitted his mistakes years back, then it wouldn''t get to this."


    We both waited patiently for Logan''s reply.


    Then he nodded. "Let my sons go, goddess. Put your wrath only on me."


    A smile crawled to my face. That was the most selfless thing Logan had even done.


    Rihanna held his face up, looking at her. She seemed she was peering into his eyes.


    Her aura made him wince, and he began writhing in pain. Slowly, we noticed Logan''s eyes change.


    They went from red, orange, yellow to brown. His eyes burned, and a silver glow came to it.


    Did she transfer energy?


    It stopped, and Logan fell back. Rihanna crashed on the ground too.


    Her barrier fell off, and Liam ran to Logan while I ran to my mate. "Rihanna? Did it work?"


    What did she do? Did she seed?


    Leon whispered to me. "She must have. Right now, I feel less angry." That was new, I felt it too.


    I nced at Liam, and he looked worried about Logan. The Lycan looked wasted. Using my wolf vision to scan him, I saw his energy was drained. All his ranks, taken. The moon goddess left him at hunter level.


    "Kill Logan," Rihanna mumbled.


    I gazed at her. Was there need for it? He was already dying. She sat up straight, ring at him.


    "No matter what, he should pay for his sins. He raided packs, caused unrest, killed Blue Bloom princess and Ralph. Kill him," She repeated.


    My eyes glowered at the Lycan. He had killed Ralph. But I was hesitant again.


    I hated myself for that. "I can''t, Rihanna. Just let him die..."


    "I''d do it then," She remarked, and before I''d react, her ws shed through his neck.


    His head bent down, and his half-opened eyes closed shut for good.


    Liam gasped but stayed back, nodding. "He deserved it." He gulped down saliva.


    "For all our fallenrades," Rihanna said with a broken voice. "For all those Logan raped and killed," she added. "He''s dead."


    A shiver ran down my spine. He was dead. My biological father was dead. But he deserved it.


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    Rihanna''s eyes changed to silvery mes again, but it didn''t exude a dangerous aura. "He''s really dead. Liam, if you want, bury him in yournd."


    The boy nodded again, repeatedly. "Thank you. I thought you''d like to burn his body and keep under the river," He chuckled bitterly.


    "I would like to," Rihanna deadpanned.


    Liam''s smile faded, and he shook his head. "Then, please don''t. At least, let my mother see him again. Let''s bury him in hisnd."


    I held onto my mate as she almost copsed again. "Go on, Liam. Take care."


    Rihanna wrapped her hand around me, and I carried her. "Drop byter to take the other Lycan in my prison."


    I didn''t feel like killing him, knowing he was rted to me. He should just stay away from me.


    Liam pursed his lips. "Oh, I stopped by your pack while looking for you, and Jake said your mother had killed him. For all her pain."


    My eyes widened.


    Rihannaughed. "I love that woman!"


    Liam carried his father''s corpse and ran off, towards Boots and Rivers market, heading


    to the sea.


    It wouldn''t take time for news to spread on the death of Logan. We fulfilled the


    project, the silver wolf and her mate.


    I nced at my mate, and she was sleeping off on me. I smiled, admiring how beautiful


    she looked.


    "Could you get her to a bed first?" Leon sighed.


    "Do you still have your twisted desires?"


    "No!"


    "Then let me admire my mate in peace," I retorted, before speeding off to Silver Pack.

 Two Kings

    Chapter Two Hundred and Two - Two Kings.


    Jaden''s POV


    Rihanna was in bed. I nted a kiss on her cheek before leaving the room.


    As I opened the doors, I saw Beatrice and Dara, hands crossed, staring at me. Did they see that?


    "Only if you tell me you guys are dating, will I not whoop your ass!" Dara pointed at


    me.


    They definitely saw that.


    "Even better, they are mates!" Chris said, walking to us. I smiled and brushed past Dara.


    Beatrice''s jaw dropped. "She didn''t tell us! Why didn''t she tell us! We should know these things!!"


    Dara''s fists clenched. "How dare she..." she stomped to the room, but I jumped to stop her.


    Chrisughed, handing Beatrice a letter. "I drafted this now. Jaden, take the wheel, it''s all yours."


    What was all mine? I sessfully pushed Dara back and breathed a sigh of victory.


    Beatrice opened the letter and read its contents. "Wow. I will wait till my Alpha gets up before reacting to this."


    I took the letter from her and viewed it.


    What? Chris was releasing them from being in servitude to him? Relinquishing his King title?


    "Did Logan hit you hardly in the head?" it left my lips. Chris frowned.


    Dara chuckled, and I shook my head. "No, I mean... why are you doing this?"


    He replied. "ording to the prophecy, you are the new Alpha King..."


    "Why are you in a hurry to give it to me then?" I folded my arms in refusal.


    "Why does it seem you don''t want it?" he asked, with a head tilt. Could he see through


    me?


    I kinda didn''t want it. Imagine being the one every pack calls when there''s danger.


    "It''s your destiny as the silver wolf''s mate. And honestly, I don''t mind passing the burden," Chris exined.


    The burden? I was right. It was indeed a burden.


    Dara pulled Beatrice away from us, with low snickers. I watched them leave with low spirits.


    "I also want a quiet life," I muttered.


    "Same,¡± he concurred. "But you''ve Jake and your mom to help. My father isn''t interested in being King again. So I''m all I have."


    A smile came to my face. Truly, my mother and Jake could stand as Alpha when I''m away. But it still felt wrong to take the title all for myself.


    I snapped my fingers. "How about we do this? You keep the title with you still. We be allies," I suggested.


    He cocked his head with crossed fingers. "Why don''t I get it? I still get to be King?"


    "Of your own kingdom. With no pack under you, save you the ''burden''. ck Rose Kingdom and ck Hills Kingdom will be allies," I said again.


    That would also mean one less pack to be under me and stress me. ck Hills was very big, so it would be a great relief.


    The Alpha sighed, looking down. "You don''t have to be this nice though. I had made up my mind to let you be the King."


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    "And I have made mine as well. This is better, that way you don''t have to ''lose'' anything, and I still get to be Alpha King," I shrugged.


    Even if he was set to lose his King title before, but the fact he was a great help in fulfilling the prophecy, he needed a ''thank you'' gift.


    "Thank you," he said to me.


    "Thank you for epting," I replied. "I wille to you for tips too. I still think it''s a hard feat."


    Chris ced his hand on my shoulders. "It is, but then you have a silver wolf as Luna. That''s a good support."


    That would be when she decides to be my Luna. She was still an Alpha of her pack, so we hadn''t gotten there yet.


    "If you want, I''d arrange a carriage from ck Rose to send you back to your ce."


    "Yes, I need to head back and share this news. When I left, there was a fight starting," he smirked, walking away.


    I wanted to enquire more but brushed it off.


    "Ah, yes, Liam. He must''ve met you guys. He spoke on a curse Logan has and being Logan''s son. Should I know about it?" Chris asked.


    I blinked, twice, then forced a smile. "You can certainly live without knowing about it. A very long story it is."


    Chris nodded understandably. "Very well. That boy has secrets I don''t have time to uncover. Did you know he was mated to Dara?"


    My eyes erged but slowly dted. I suspected that they could be mates. "I give them my blessings," I said humorously.


    "Will your mate do as well?" he raised a brow.


    And why wouldn''t she? She wasn''t romantic, but she wouldn''t stop her warriors from chasing after love. "I believe she will."


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    "Good," he huffed loudly. "Because another warrior of hers was mated to my Delta. And I don''t want hesitations at all."


    Wow. Silver Pack wolfesses were being the most sought after in the Kingdom and abroad. It''s funny how much Rihanna achieved.


    "These girls warriors would have been ves if Rihanna didn''t save them. And then, she was termed a terror."


    Chris stopped walking and nced at me. Did he disagree? "She was a terror," he said.


    "I bet her warriors would disagree. To them, she was a savior. She saw the warrior in them when other packs saw them as ves," I reminded.


    "I agree," he sped his hands. "But it doesn''t change the fact she was a terror, at least


    to me. Your Silver was never good news to me."


    I grinned, shrugging. "She never really bothered ck Rose. We didn''t involve in ve trade."


    "Also ck Hills. But then, we''re a pack that had openly humiliated her. And the Alpha


    had rejected her. She had other reasons," he said.


    My lips tightened, and I forced myself to nod. "Why did you... forget it."


    "Why did I reject her?" Chris finished.


    I sighed. "I shouldn''t ask. It''s not my business."


    "But you''re curious," he smirked. "I didn''t want to, but my mother really hated her. Vanessa too... but now Vanessa''s changed."


    I know he quickly added thest bit so I wouldn''t see Vanessa badly. "I understand."


    It had always been my suspicion that his mom, Minerva, had ruined more than two mate bonds.


    I made a small bow to him "Stay safe. The carriage will arrive in few minutes."


    Surprisingly, he bowed back before walking in. I was stunned, but a smile crept to my face.

 A Wedding (The End)

    Chapter Two Hundred and Three - A wedding? (The End)


    Chris''s POV


    (A monthter)


    The ink which I used to free Blue Bloom, Blue Fire and Silver Pack got stuck on my thumb.


    I didn''t know if it would be infectious to a baby''s skin, and I sure as hell wanted to hold him when he came out.


    Those packs had been reallocated to ck Rose Kingdom, few days after their inauguration.


    I was free from them, it was time to focus on my own family. I would ask for nothing


    more.


    Vanessa sighted me, rushing to the room and held me back. "Wait, she''s still inbor!" What? I flung my hand in the air. "It''s been minutes already. Why isn''t she pushing..." "Shut up! She is trying!" Vanessa retorted.


    I calmed down, pacing around.


    "I don''t know why the boy doesn''t want to wait till my birthday so we''d celebrate together. It''s just two more days," Vanessa muttered.


    I ignored her. I really needed my son out now.


    "Oh, did I tell you? I invited Rihanna and Jonah specially and they epted. I thought Rihanna wouldn''t since it''s the day you rejected..."


    "She overcame all that," I snapped back. "You should be honored that an Alpha epted your invitation."


    My sister had a scowl on her face, and I had a smirk on mine.


    She must have remembered something and grinned. "Mother would be dropping by to see your son."


    What? Would my father allow her?


    "After all, Red Moon has been epted under ck Rose Kingdom so they are your allies too. You can''t retuse her," "Vanessa remarked.


    I had a straight expression on my face as my sister walked away towards the room.


    I''d just have to settle with my father afterwards. Because no matter what, that woman was still the mother of his kids.


    A sigh of relief left my lips after thinking of that perfect excuse.


    My mind went back to panicking, and I paced around, waiting for the news.


    In the silence, there was a cry of a baby.


    My body tensed up, and I sped to the door, banging on it to see what had happened.


    "Of course, it''s a baby. We have a pup!" Zeke shrieked in joy.


    I stepped away from the door, calming myself down. I was overjoyed. Finally, Sasha had


    done something worthy of my respect.


    After ten minutes, I was allowed to go in.


    My eyes lit up, gazing at him, he was frail with small body parts. Sasha was in tears looking down at the small man.


    I wanted so much to protect him. I didn''t know when I hugged him and his mother. My sister ran in minutester.


    "I gave you an heir. Hopefully, you''d appreciate me more," Sasha muttered tiredly.


    I was peeking down at the boy in his little bed. "You don''t need my appreciation. Just stay with me and your son till you find your mate."


    I turned to her. "You deserve a mate who''d love and actually care. I may be incapable of that."


    She smirked, nodding. "You are. Thank you for being honest." Then she rested on the bed.


    Rihanna''s POV


    Alpha Joanna was heavily endowed. Why did she not birth a girl who''d have gotten all these!


    She came out of the water, and her wet body was enthralling. The thin cloth was stuck to her skin.


    "It''s been long I swam. Sun Burn Kingdom was such a bore," She shivered slightly.


    I smiled, handing her a towel.


    "You sure you don''t want to swim a bit?" She asked me.


    I shook my head. "I''m quite in a hurry." Also, I didn''t have clothes to change into.


    "To see your mate?" she raised a brow.


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    I smiled. ¡°No, to see Hunter. He''s joining me back today as it''s the end of the week. His mother missed him."


    The Alpha seemed disappointed, but she shrugged. "The boy''s a joy. Jake had already adopted him without knowing he''s his brother."


    Are they? Well, Jaden was his brother, so that could work too.


    "And then there''s Liam. I know you haven''t fully epted him, but he also turned out


    to be mated to my lead warrior. He will visit more often."


    The Alpha dropped the towel, ring at me.


    "I don''t think I''m obliged to ept him. His mother knew I was a victim of her mate yet kept me in prison over trifles."


    Indeed, the Lycan princess would know since Liam knew.


    And arresting Alpha Joanna timelessly was wrong since she knew who she was.


    "Well, Liam did say she was weak and quite insecure. me Logan for making people of his pack that unhealthy," I defended.


    The Alpha''s eyes dimmed down. "I guess so. One way or the other, she was a victim as well."


    Being a single mother and being a mate to that beast. She was a victim alright. "Enough of them, what about you? After Ralph''s burial, I expected Jaden announcing your wedding with him but..."


    I interrupted her. "We''re knowing each other. We haven''t grown feelings for each other yet."


    "Speak for yourself." I heard someone say behind me. I turned to see my mate, Jaden.


    He was on his royal regal. Basically an all ck suede suit, with the signature ck rose


    on its side. The sword gift from Red Moon on his hip.


    I folded my arms. "What do you mean?"


    "Nothing," He quickly replied.


    His mother chuckled, and I stared at the two.


    "As I was saying, our... the wedding would take ce after we''ve know ourselves


    better," I nodded at my own words.


    Alpha Joanna nced at her son and then at me. "Anything you say. I''d go stay with Jake."


    Why does it feel like she''s leaving me here? I frowned, turning to Jaden, and he backed away.


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    "What?"


    "I don''t know, you and your mother seem fishy."


    "You sound like my father, really." He smiled, going towards theke.


    I ran my hands through my hair and sighed, looking up at the clear sky. It''s been a while since I admired it.


    I viewed around the forest. "It''s been a while I ran through the forest," I said aloud.


    "Same," Lana murmured.


    "Up for it?" Jaden asked, returning to me.


    I didn''t have what to change into. "I''d pass."


    "Hmm... I expected that. You always hesitate inpeting with me," He taunted.


    What? Was it apetition now?


    "I don''t hesitate. But I don''t have anything to..."


    "...to lose? Same. So let''s go!" he cheered, running into the forest.


    I wanted to say ''anything to change into'' but I had a feeling he already knew that and


    just wanted to taunt me.


    Lana growled lowly as she fought for control.


    As I shifted, I noticed a slight increase in my size and heightpared to before.


    A howl from ahead alerted me that Jaden had already shifted to his wolf. "Once again, we are free, Your Silver! Make that wolf regret daring us!" I told her.


    She howled in the air, replying. "With pleasure."


    Author''s note: THANK YOU FOR READING ''YOU REJECTED A SILVER WOLF''!


    The end of this beautiful story hase. I hope you have a beautiful day! Stay safe and thank you again for reading!


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