Hey Loveliess!!! I'm so excited, we're back for a second book!. For those of you just finding this book, it's alright, you can read it as a standalone. For the returning readers, I have something special for you. A prologue is set before the beginning of this book. I would have posted it as a regular chapter, buttt, some beta readers did mention they found it confusing. So, I'll just drop it here for those of you who understand!
Oh, and this book will start serializing with daily uploads as soon as we get to 100 views. Thanks!
Prologue
The Witch
COLOURFUL FIREWORKS painted the night sky while loud music from the palace played. The smell of delicious food and wine hung in the air.
The dark-haired witch walked speedily into the night, clutching her bundle against her chest.
To her credit, the little urchin made no noise.
The woman hid the baby, her heart pounding as she put on a false sense of bravado and walked past the palace guards.
Looking every bit like a pack member leaving the palace celebrations early.
“Long night?” One of the guards looked from the woman to the child in her hands with pity.
She gave a nod and changed her accent. “Dis one ere wouldn’t rest. We goin home for the night. My husband will com wit de rest of them kids later,”
“Go on,” the guard smiled at her as she ducked her head and walked out of the palace gates.
She had no time. She needed to be fast, Jiman and his men would be here at any second.
Men sent by her mother, on her way out of the Lycan’s territory she had overheard them plotting to take the baby.
The powerful new princess brimming with magic. A perfect source of delight to Greta.
But no.
The witch wouldn’t let her mother get her hands on the babe.
Not if there was a possible chance of the child suffering what she herself had endured for ten years.
Her magic abused, her mental state shattered, her soul broken.
No. Never. She would rather take the girl than let her go to Hottigan.
Tears pricked the woman’s eyes as the beautiful blue-eyed baby gargled and grabbed her dress, not knowing how her fate was about to change forever.
The witch paused for a brief second and looked back at the palace.
Would the High Luna ever forgive what she did?
A loud wailful cry pierced the night air.
The guards stood to alert, running towards the sound of alarm as the Sun Goddess’s cry threw the palace into pandemonium.
From where the Witch stood she could hear the guards ringing alarm bells. The pitter-patter of their running footsteps was almost in sync with the loud beating of their hearts.
What could hurt such a powerful woman and make her cry out in so much pain?
Her painful wails washed over the Witch making the tears in her eyes finally fall.
For she knew. The high Luna wailed and cried for the girl in her arms.
For what greater thing could bring a mother pain than the disappearance of her child?
“Run!” The weak cracked voice of the Witch’s emerging wolf filled her head.
Nafira. She had named her wolf after the life she left behind many years ago.
“RUN HERLEY! RUN!” Nafira gave the frantic command again.
With zero thoughts, Herley tightened her grip on the baby girl and ran into the night. The sorrowful cries of her sister still wailing into the night.
As she ran, her heart thundering in fear, she knew. She would never be forgiven. Not by Daciana and definitely not by Alisa.
But that was okay. She would be the villain. As long as she saved the sweet child from Greta’s clutches.
——————————————-
The Alpha
——————————————-
The man took a deep breath and pushed the silk sheets to the side with one hand. Why had he allowed this woman tempt him?
“My love,” her soft hands touched his bare shoulder as she raised herself from the bed and smiled at him.
He gave her a tight smile and pushed her hand away. Something was wrong, his mind felt muddled and he could barely think straight.
Why on earth had he bedded this woman? He hoped to the goddess he hadn’t mistakenly marked her.
“Leave me,” The Alpha hissed grumpily and wore his pants back.
The room fell suddenly silent and for a second he grew worried that he had been too harsh.
Why was she silent? He had never known her to be a quiet woman.
The Alpha turned back to glance at the woman curiously, but she didn’t pay him any attention.
No.
Not when her hands shook and her eyes fearfully scanned a piece of squeezed parchment in her hands.
“What? What’s that?” Mild panic and confusion rushed through the Alpha’s stomach at the expression on her face.
Now he was certain. Something was definitely wrong.
He moved to grab the parchment from her and read it for himself when she suddenly raised her head and looked into his eyes tearfully.
“Let’s get married. Do you want to marry me?”
“What?” The Alpha was so confused.
Had she gone mad? What sort of question—
The Alpha groaned uncomfortably and raised a hand to his throat. Something was horribly wrong.
“No. No,” The woman shook her head with panic on her face as tears began to leak down her eyes.
“WHAT! What is it?!” The Alpha snapped at her and winced at the sharp pain in his chest.
“I’m so sorry! I I didn't mean It. I Just wanted—“
The woman was damn near hysterical. Shaking and crying at this point.
In annoyance, the Alpha made to mindlink his assistant. If only so Parker could deal with his crazy mate and he could focus on why he felt something was wrong.
He couldn’t.
The Alpha frowned and reached for his mind link again. It wasn’t there.
His eyes widened in panic as the woman noticed what he was doing and burst into full-on wailing.
“I swear, I didn’t know. The The…the Witch didn’t tell me she—“ she hiccuped.
Witch?! What witch?! Fear and anger blinded the Alpha now.
Why couldn’t he reach his mind link?!
“RAFER!” The Alpha fearfully called out to his wolf.
Nothing.
“RAFER!” The Alpha clawed at his chest in fear as his knees lost all power and he dropped to the floor.
His wolf! His wolf was gone. He was the Alpha of his pack and his wolf was gone!
“I’m sorry, I just wanted you to fall in love with me. All I wanted was for you to want to marry me. I’m so so sorry,” The woman continued to sob hysterically.
But the Alpha could barely focus on her. His senses began to dull as his powers leaked from him. What had she done?
The woman had taken away his wolf!
The Alpha’s eyes reddened and the pain grew crippling. He could barely hear her hysterical cries over the loud roaring in his head.
He vaguely registered his bedroom door being pushed open and Parker his Beta running inside.
“Alpha! Alpha!” Parker ran towards him.
……….
The Alpha paced the room with his arms folded in fear. How would he rule?
With no powers what did that even make him? Human?
How would the pack members react when they found out their powerful Alpha was now human?!
The thought left a foul taste in the Alpha’s mouth.
She! His gaze turned to the now quiet but fearful and wide-eyed woman.
She, who was his mate and childhood friend had done this to him!
“I…I’m sorry,” she hiccuped an apology, almost like she could read his mind.
The Alpha scoffed and turned his attention to the bedroom door as it opened and the Pack Elder strolled in.
“Well?!” He questioned the man when he had barely taken six steps.
“Your majesty,” The Elder bowed.
“Leave formalities!” The alpha growled. If things remained like this, he might not even have a title anymore, “Tell me?! How do I get my wolf back?!”
He ran a hand through his dark hair in stress and waited for the elder’s words.
The elder looked at the woman and sighed. “You’ve been cursed,”
The Alpha blinked in surprise. “Cursed,” he repeated disbelievingly.
“Yes,” the Elder gave a nod. “The Witch played a fast one. She has cursed you,”
“I “I’m sorry,” The woman tried to apologise again but they ignored her.
“How do we get rid of this curse?” Parker asked worriedly.
“Simple,” The elder smiled. “You need to get the Witch to fall in love with you,”
Love? The Alpha’s head seemed to spin
“Oh? That’s all?” The Alpha’s gamma, Bren spoke up.
“Not exactly,” The Alpha’s heart jumped at those words.
“You need the Witch who isn’t a witch. Her throat burned by the greatest fire. Heart of stone and blood of a wolf.
You have seven years. More than enough time to woo her,”
“No, no,” The Alpha shook his head. “That makes no sense. I have no intention of falling in love with anyone, least of all a witch!” He spat in anger and stared daggers at the woman who had started to weep softly.
The elder shrugged. “Good thing all you need is for her to fall in love with you and say the words with sincerity. I didn’t say anything about you loving her back,”
Peace seemed to take the Alpha.
“Get ready,” he instructed the Beta. “We’re going to the human world. If I’m going to do this, the pack must not know I’ve lost my powers. The human world is the best place to hide,”
The Alpha’s heart hardened in resolve and he made a vow.
He would find this Witch and get her to fall for him. Good thing he didn’t have to love her back.
_Herley’s POV_I sat next to Batya’s bed in her room, TV remote in hand as I watched a soap opera. Batya was sleeping and I was waiting for her to wake up.Batya had been in a coma for six weeks now, with no movement from her.The doctors were not sure of when she was going to wake up and why she was not responsive.She woke up few days ago and I was very happy when she opened her eyes and called me ‘mama’.Getting tired of the soap opera I was watching, I flipped the channel to a new channel.A frown forms on my face when I see familiar faces on TV.The headline was enough to make my frown deepen.They were talking about Gabriel and his marriage to his secretary.They had gotten married a month ago and were just coming back from their honeymoon.Remembering that Gabriel and I never went on a honeymoon made me feel uncomfortable but I wasn't expecting to go.The camera had gone from the reporter who talked about the supporters waiting for Gabriel to return, focusing on Gabriel’s mother
_Heyley’s POV_I stood behind a curtain as I watched everyone. My heart thundered in my chest, and I moved an inch back, feeling a bit overwhelmed. For some reason my palms were sweaty and I was feeling really nervous.I have hosted many parties myself, so why am I acting nervous?It's not my first time at a party.“But it's your first time getting engaged," My wolf said to me. Everything felt so overwhelming as I watched them all, talking and drinking with each other.I didn't know any of the people here and yet they were all here for me.Or rather for Atlas. I felt a cold hand press against my back, Atlas’s smell filled my nose.I relaxed against his touch, leaning into him a bit. He leaned down, his breath fanning against my neck. “Why are you nervous? You're going to be fine,” he whispered to me. His voice sent shivers down my spine and I swallowed hard. Turning around, I gulp once more when I see just how well-dressed he was. He looked very attractive. I couldn't help but s
_Heyley’s POV_I stepped away from the crowd, walking towards the buffet table.My throat was parched and I needed to drink something. This was a side effect of the fire Daciana used to burn my magic well. I couldn't speak for too long without my throat getting dry.It was very uncomfortable but I couldn't heal myself and could only live with it. I felt tired as I walked towards the table. I have been talking to different people, many elites had come to congratulate me on my wedding. I could only accept their congratulatory message while forming connections with them.My lips were hurting from the number of times I had pulled a wide smile on.Right now everyone was eating and dancing, seeming to have forgotten their initial shock when Atlas announced he was getting married.This give me an opportunity to run away and hide somewhere. Taking a glass of champagne, I sat in a corner sipping slowly.I watched everyone while they danced and mixed around, talking to new people and buildin
_Heyley’s POV_It's been a week since the engagement party. I've been going on charity events under Atlas’ nameBren had said that it was important for me to attend these.There was a charity Organization Meeting happening today and as usual I had to go to represent Atlas.It was necessary for me to do so as his fiance.I was currently sitting in my room while I let the glam team make me up.They were at my service everytime I was supposed to be going for an event like this.“ I wish I had one for myself," Prisca sighed dreamily, talking about the pearl necklace around my neck.She has been gushing about it since she saw ut but I didn't sense any hint of envy from her.She was genuine happy for me.“You're like a real life princess. I wish you and Atlas would remain together forever,” She sajd and I laugh.I couldn't help the skip my heart did when thinking about that.I knew it was just a contract marriage, but I couldn't help but feel happy listening to her speak.The next few hours
_Heyley’s POV_I sat on my bed with Batya sitting between my legs while I gently stroked her hair. Atlas had stepped out of the room just before she came him, saying he would be back soon.I was just about to tie her hair up when Atlas walkes into the room while fixing the tie on his neck.When Batya saw Atlas walking in, she pushed off the bed running to him. Her reaction surprised me as I called her name, hoping she comes back.“Batya," I called out as she ran. Atlas welcomed her with a smile when she got to him, opening his arms.I was surprised when Atlas held his hands open for her, carrying her up. But I didn't want her to her attached and then get sad when we would be leaving here.She seemed to like Atlas a lot, I don't know how I would tell her that he would be leaving after a while, but hopefully she would understand then“Could you please tie my hair up?" She asked him politely, staring up at him.I am surprised by her request and try to call her back but she ignores me.“Ba
_Herley’s POV_It was finally time for the dinner with Atlas’ family. I haf smoothened out my dress for the millionth time that night though there was no crease in it.I was just that nervous.From the moment Atlas had told me about it, I wondered if they would like me.Would they be like George's family and try to make me feel less? Or worse, how would they react to Batya?“Remember we have to act like we are are truly in love. My family is really perceptive, so don't make them suspect anything,” Atlas said, placing his hand on my shoulders.He stood behind me, staring at me from the mirror.“And you look really beautiful tonight. Relax, they would love you,”I could hear the sincerity in his voice and I tried to relax.It didn't sound as if he was lying to me just to calm my nerves.“Mommy," Batya called, running into the room.Atlas and I turned out attention to her as she ran to us.“Uncle Bren said to tell you that Grandma has arrived," She said and I turned to Atlas.Bren had use
Janet!" Both Atlas and I called out angry, slamming our hands on the table and standing up. " I have been nothing but polite to you since you got here but one thing I wouldn't take is you calling my child a bastard. She understands what you are saying,” I hissed at her angrily. I had no idea why she kept making emphasis on us being witches. And her bringing my daughter into it was not necessary. “Janet I wouldn't take an misbehavior from you anymore. You would respect her as my wife and Batya as my daughter. I don't know what you have heard, but it is not true,” Atlas scolds his sister, his nostrils flaring. “I would be tucking her into bed now," Calling Batya over to me, I carried her into my arm going into the house. To me dinner was already ready and the mood was spoilt. I was certain I wouldn't be eating any more so I could only take an excuse to leave. After I had tucked Batya in, I went to our room and showered. Atlas and I would be sharing a room now, in order to avoid
Next chapter. Atlas returned with someone and I excused myself to go drink some milk to help with the smoke. I was walking to the kitchen when I see Anna walk past me, I wasn't sure of what I saw because when I looked again, she was gone. “That's strange," I thought to myself. Maybe I'm just tired. I needed to get my glass of milk and go back to sleep. Walking to the refrigerator in the kitchen, I grab the milk box, pouring a glass for myself. Taking a sip, I turned around to look out the window and I froze in shock. The glass in my hands slipped off my hands, falling to the floor and shattering. There was a wolf running around the estate grounds. I suddenly felt a sense of deja vu, fear gripping me as I stared at the wolf. Has Daciana found me? No, that can't be possible. How could she have found me? My thoughts drifts off to George and Thomas and I blanched. It can't be.. Batya.. I have to check on Batya. Running up the staircase, I ran into Batya’s room, my eyes frant