Ch. 621..630

Chapter 621

*Zander*

I knew the moment she averted her eyes that she had made up her mind to reject me. The thought of losing her was terrifying, a fear I couldn't even put into words. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last.

But when our lips finally met, I felt the resistance she had been holding onto dissolve. The mate bond between us surged to life, undeniable and overwhelming. Lyon growled in my head, so overcome with love for our mate that he wanted to take over, to mark her, to make her ours forever.

Goddess, the moment I saw her in that silvery bridal gown, I had wanted to do this. She looked so breathtaking, so irresistibly stunning, I couldn't think of anything else. I wanted to forget about the trial and take her to the wedding hall, marry her, make her my wife, mate with her, impregnate her, and make her

have my pup.

Catching her lower lip between my teeth, I tugged harder, unable to get enough of her. She moaned softly, and I deepened the kiss, our lips overlapping, entangled, and entwined with an insatiable hunger. The sensation was almost too much to bear, and Selena felt the same. Her eyes fluttered shut as she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer. Her body pressed against mine, and every brush of her softness against my hard body ignited something primal within me.

My body was on fire. I wanted to forget we were in a vacant room in the council building. I wanted to claim her, to make her mine in every sense of the word.

"Mate," I whispered against her lips, my voice raw with need. She opened her eyes, and for a moment, I thought I might lose control.

Goddess, this was it my endgame. Her hazel eyes, glistening with love, locked onto mine as if I were her entire world. That look undid me completely, driving me to the edge of reason. I wanted her. I needed her. I craved to possess her in every possible way.

I grabbed her thighs and lifted her, her legs wrapping around my waist instinctively as I slammed her against the wall. She gasped, and my tongue barged into her mouth. Fuck, she tasted like heaven. She tasted... mine. And... it felt like I had kissed her before-so many times, in fact.

My eyes closed on their own as the intensity overwhelmed me, and suddenly, I was lost in a vision. I saw myself kissing Selena in my room. She smiled lovingly at me, her arms stretching toward me, and her sweet, melodious laughter echoed through the walls.

My eyes snapped open in shock, and I found Selena staring at me with surprise.

"Wh...what's wrong?" she mumbled nervously, her innocent eyes wide with confusion.

I realized I had stopped kissing her, my grip on her waist tightening almost painfully.

"Nothing," I said quickly, loosening my grip on her. She untangled her legs from around my waist, sliding down slowly until she stood on her feet. Her expression was a mix of shock, embarrassment, and uncertainty.

But I was just as shocked as she was. She had said I forgot her, and the vision I saw felt so real. What was this puzzle? Who was she, and why couldn't I remember her at all? If we had been together, then what would have happened? Why had she left me? Why was she living in the Lunar Realm and had moved on to marry some god? What had happened in between? There were so many secrets I needed to unravel. I definitely needed answers, and until I got them, I couldn't let the mate bond weaken me.

Selena's questioning gaze remained fixed on me as she straightened her dress. I licked my lips, the words hovering on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't bring myself to speak. I cleared my throat, trying to swallow the things I wanted to say, but the sudden doubt that crept in stopped me.

"I think we should go back," Selena broke the awkward silence. "The trial will be starting soon."

As she turned to leave, something deep inside me told me I shouldn't let her go, not with all the confusion and misunderstanding still hanging between us. I grabbed her elbow, stopping her before she could leave the room.

She spun to look at me, and I cursed under my breath at the hurt I saw in her eyes. I was such a fool for upsetting my mate. Things were going to be complicated, but she was the most important part of my life. I couldn't doubt that, no matter how complex the situation had become or how many questions lingered in my mind.

'Now you got the answer,' Lyon taunted in my head, and I couldn't disagree with him.

"Mate," I started in my remorseful and apologetic tone. "When we kissed, something happened that caught me off guard," I admitted honestly But one thing is for sure no matter what, I want you in my life. Please make your decision with our future and present in mind. I can't change our past, but I promise that whatever happened, whatever I forgot, I will make it up to you for the rest of my life."

né

She exhaled a heavy breath as if she'd been holding it for so long. A sense of relief appeared on her beautiful face, but the next moment she averted her eyes from mine. However, I caught the glint of tears in them. I wanted to cup her face, kiss those tears away, take her in my arms, and comfort her. Before I could do that, she turned abruptly toward the door and opened it.

"Let's go. Everyone will be waiting for us," she said.

I bit my lip, still unsure if she had forgiven me for my stupid, rude behavior or if I would have to pay for it

heavily.

 

Chapter 622

I followed Selena silently toward the council courtroom, my eyes fixed on her back. It was as though I were trying to see through her, to reach the depths of her soul-but it was a futile attempt.

Lyon was just as restless as I was and the uncertainty of what Selena would announce as her decision before the council made both of us anxious.

Selena entered the courtroom first, her steps graceful yet determined. I followed a few paces behind, watching as she moved with quiet confidence and grace. She took her seat beside the High Priestess, while I settled into a row just behind her. Despite the physical distance between us, I could sense her awareness of my presence. Her subtle shifts in posture and the faint tension in her shoulders told me she knew I was there.

The council head entered the courtroom, and everyone rose in respect. He was an elder of the werewolf community, a figure of immense authority and wisdom, with over two centuries of experience. Known for his unparalleled powers and impartiality, he had earned his position as the inter-realm council head through merit and the unanimous votes of the council members.

The inter-realm council was composed of elected representatives from all the realms, and Elder Celestra served as the representative of the Lunar Realm.

"So, Queen Selena," the council head began, his voice steady and commanding. "What is your decision?" My heart pounded loudly in my chest as Selena rose from her seat. For a brief moment, her head turned slightly backward, and her eyes locked with mine. Then, she turned back to face the council head. I held my breath, unsure of what was about to happen next. But before Selena could say anything, a voice echoed down the hallway. "Dad!"

Austin came running toward me. I stood up from my seat just as he leaped into my arms, clinging to me like he'd finally found something familiar in a sea of strangers.

I realized my prayers had been answered when Selena's head snapped toward Austin, her expression giving everything away.

She'd said we were married, and if I chose to believe her, then Austin was our son. Determined to keep her here, I decided to play my ace card. I had asked Maddox and Blair to bring Austin to the council, and they showed up right on time.

From the way her gaze darted anxiously to the High Priestess, I knew her resolve was faltering.

I wasn't playing fair-I knew that. But I was desperate. Desperate to make her stay. Desperate to keep her and Austin close, no matter the cost. If she truly was my wife and the mother of my son, then using this moment, however wrong it felt, was worth it.

*Selena* Austin?!

What was he doing here? My eyes were glued to my son, seeing him after so many days. The mother in me wanted to run to him, scoop him into my arms, hug him tightly, kiss his head, and pour out all the love I'd been holding back. But the sharp glare from Mother froze me in place.

Then, in the next moment, I watched my son run straight to Zander without sparing me a single glance. My heart shattered, the realization sinking in-he had forgotten me, just like everyone else.

Maddox and Blair appeared behind Austin, walking into the room. Their expressions were distant, their eyes meeting mine without a flicker of recognition. I knew they had forgotten me, but experiencing it firsthand was far more painful than I'd imagined.

"Alpha Zander, please respect the council's court," Elder Thalmos said in his stern voice.

Zander nodded immediately, "I apologize, Elder Thalmos. My son was overwhelmed."

Elder Thalmos directed his piercing gaze at Austin, who clung to Zander even tighter. My heart clenched

at the sight, but I quickly cleared my throat, preparing to announce my decision.

"Yes, Queen Selena," Elder Thalmos prompted, his curious eyes now fixed on me.

"I have made my decision," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil in my chest. I could feel my

mother's firm gaze locked on me, silently urging me to choose wisely.

Taking a deep breath, I lifted my head high and looked directly at the council head. "I want to give Alpha Zander a chance," I declared, my voice clear and resolute. "I want to see what he can do to convince me to stay here with him forever."

My declaration caused an uproar in

the hall, whispers and murmurs erupting as everyone discussed it among themselves. My eyes

instinctively found Zander, and net

noticed the joyful, arrogant smile tugging at the corners of his

lips-like he had already known my decision.

Conceited jerk.

But the frustration in my mother's eyes, coupled with the annoyed expression on her face, told me she had something to say.

"Silence, please," the council head commanded. And just like that, the room fell into quiet.

"So, Queen Selena has agreed to

stay with her mate, Alpha Zander, and give him a chance to prove that he is more worthy of her. He is now given the opportunity to convince Queen Selena that she should not marry the God of Destruction, but instead, choose Alpha Zander," Elder Thalmos continued. "The council grants Queen Selena the right to reside in the Moon Glow Pack until she decides whether she wants to leave or remain here forever as Luna Queen of the Alpha King of the North."

With that, the trial was over. He rose, signaling the end of the meeting, and swiftly left the room.

As I expected, Mother grabbed my hand and quickly pulled me to a corner. "What have you done, Selena? How could you agree to stay here?" she demanded, her voice low but urgent. "What about the prophecy? What about the Lunar Realm?"

"Mother, I did it for the Lunar Realm. I chose to stay here because I need to find a few answers, and I need to know who the Dark Alpha is," I replied calmly.

"Dark Alpha? What does he have to do with the Lunar Realm?" my mother asked, her expression turning confused.

I couldn't tell her that I saw Zander

els

as the Dark Alpha in my vision, but I could explain the rest of what I felt. "Mother, first I saw the destruction of the Lunar Realm, and then I saw the Dark Alpha in my vision," I reasoned. "I think they're somehow connected, and I need to uncover the identity of the Dark Alpha. Maybe then I'll find the key to saving the Lunar Realm without marrying the God of Destruction."

 

Chapter 623

Though Mother wasn't pleased with my decision, she refrained from voicing her disapproval. She knew that no amount of arguing would change my mind, especially after the council had formally sealed the agreement.

Zander approached me, holding Austin's small hand, and my heart ached with the overwhelming need to embrace my son. Maddox and Blair followed closely behind, their expressions unreadable.

"Austin, this is Selena," Zander said gently, crouching to meet our son's gaze. "She's going to live with us now.'

Austin's curious eyes studied me with a mix of confusion and innocence. I offered him a soft smile, silently praying that some part of his heart would recognize me-perhaps just a trace of the bond we shared, the blood and flesh that connected us, would make him realize who I was.

"Why will she live with us?" Austin asked, tilting his head toward his father.

His words pierced through me, and I sighed deeply, the weight of despair settling over my chest. My baby boy didn't recognize me.

I waited for Zander to reply, to tell our son the truth-that I was his mother. But instead, I found myself staring at the conflicted emotions crossing his face. Hesitation clouded his features, leaving me to wonder: was he reluctant to reveal the truth to Austin, or did he still doubt that I was truly our son's mother?

What have you done to me, Moon Goddess? Was this your plan-to let your favorite child endure this torment? If so, I've had enough. This pain, this slow, agonizing separation from my child, was killing me bit by bit.

"She's our guest and wants to see the Moonglow pack. We should welcome her, right, Austin?" Blair stepped forward, her voice calm and steady, breaking the tense silence and ending the unspoken dilemma that hung over all of us.

"Can I come and live in your house, Austin?" I asked with a smile, crouching to his level. I couldn't help myself I reached out and gently ruffled his hair.

He blinked at me like he was really thinking it over before a small smile spread across his face.

"Okay," he said, glancing at Zander for reassurance. Zander gave him a little nod, and that seemed to seal the deal.

Seeing the two of them together-my husband and my son-it made my heart brimmed with love and mixed emotions. They bonded so well and became the perfect father-and-son duo.

We drove to the Moonglow packhouse in Zander's Mercedes. Everything about it looked exactly the same. Silly me, expecting it to feel different after such a short time. I'd only been gone for a few weeks, but it felt like years had gone by.

As we arrived at the packhouse,

Austin had fallen asleep in my lap during the journey. Zander came to my side, reaching to take him from me, but gently refused, insisting that would carry him inside myself. Cradling Austin in my arms,

stepped out of the car and made my way toward the packhouse.

Just as I was about to enter, Anne appeared unexpectedly at the doorway, stopping me in my tracks. Her expression caught me off guard-it wasn't welcoming. In fact, she seemed almost displeased to see me. So, she also did not recognize me.

I had believed she died in the war, so

seeing her alive before me was the happiest moment I could imagine. The urge to run to her and hug her tightly was overwhelming. We used to be so close. She had loved me and I loved her just as much. Anne was the only one who had ever truly cared for me when no one else did. My father, my half-brother, and my stepmother had never shown me any kindness. To them, I was nothing but a curse, a wolfless burden they could taunt and torment at will.

Seeing Anne before me made me feel more emotional, but the frown on her face stopped me from running to her and hugging her tightly.

"Why is she here?" Anne's harsh voice echoed, her question directed at Zander. Then I remembered what I saw from the Lunar realm: Zander was going to marry her. So she was his fiancée. Now, the situation had turned even more complicated.

"Anne, she's my mate, and she will stay here with us," Zander said as his voice was cold and firm, a tone that was hard to ignore.

"What?" Anne snapped. "She can't stay here. Not when we're about to marry. I don't care if she's your mate or not, but I won't bear sharing you with someone like her."

Her words hit me like a punch to the

gut. I stood there, frozen, not knowing what to do. The reality of the situation was that I was still married to Zander Blake, and now my half-sister wanted to marry him. Oh goddess, what a complicated mess you've put me in.

Chapter 624

I sat on the edge of the guest room bed, glancing around. Everything here felt so familiar, yet at the same time, it felt like I didn't belong. What had happened in such a short time that made me feel so lost in what was once my home? Or... was it even my home anymore? I let out a sigh, still wrestling with the unanswered questions swirling in my mind.

Zander left for the pack office to handle some work with Maddox, and Blair took Austin with her. As if things couldn't get more complicated, I discovered that my father, stepmother, and half-sister were also here when I returned. Now, I had to live with them in the pack house as well.

To my shock, none of them remembered me-not even my own father. To make matters worse, they all seemed to despise me the moment Zander introduced me as his mate. Their resentment stemmed from their desire for Anne to be with the alpha king instead.

What luck I had.

Slumping back onto the bed, I stared blankly at the ceiling, trying to quiet my thoughts. Suddenly, a heavy knock on the door jolted me upright. I blinked at the sound, hesitating for a moment before standing up. Another knock came, louder this time, making me frown in curiosity. Who could be here to see me?

I walked to the door and opened it with anticipation. As the door swung open, Zander's intense gaze met mine, his enchanting presence filling the space between us.

"Alpha?!" I furrowed my brows in confusion, surprised to see him at this late hour. "What's wrong?" I asked, watching as he strode into the room without hesitation.

His sharp gaze roamed around the space before he turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "Why are you staying here?" he demanded, his tone laced with the unmistakable authority of an alpha. "Where else am I supposed to stay?" I asked, growing more perplexed. Did he not want me here because his fiancée was also living under the same roof?

"You're not supposed to stay in the guest room," he stated firmly, his voice steady and resolute.

"I'm a guest, so it makes sense for me to stay in the guest room," I replied, tilting my head as I tried to decipher the intent behind his words.

"You're not a guest. You are my mate," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You will stay in my room."

I blinked at him, disbelief etched across my face. "How... how can I stay in your room?" I murmured, nervously chewing my lower lip as I tried to process his unexpected statement.

Zander stepped closer, his piercing gaze locked onto my lips. Slowly, he raised his hand, his thumb pressing gently against my bottom lip, freeing it from the torment of my teeth.

"What's the problem with living in my room?" he asked, his voice calm but steady. His thumb lingered on

my lip, caressing it softly, making my breathing hitched.

I couldn't hide my irritation. Was he seriously pretending not to know the problem?

"You have a fiancée, and I'm pretty sure she wouldn't like me staying in your room, snapped, rolling my eyes at his feigned ignorance. I pulled my face away from his touch, and his hand froze mid-air before he slowly lowered it, his expression hardening.

"I don't have a fiancée," he growled, his jaw tightening and his brows knitting together in visible annoyance.

Liar.

"I was told you're marrying Anne next month," I retorted, crossing my arms tightly over my chest as I challenged his denial.

Zander shook his head dismissively.

"That alliance was void the moment I found you, mate. I have no fiancée now and no intention of marrying anyone else but you," he declared with such sincerity that my heart fluttered with joy.

If only he remembered that we were already married. Still married.

Arena, my wolf, grinned smugly at his declaration.

'No matter that he forgot us-he will always choose us,' she announced with pride in my mind. And honestly, I couldn't deny it.

But despite his words, I hesitated to share his room. I wasn't here for long-just long enough to unravel the mystery of the Dark Alpha. After that, I had to return to the Lunar Realm to fulfill the ancient prophecy and save it.

"I can't stay in your room," I said, my gaze shifting away from his piercing eyes.

"What now?" he asked, his tone tinged with both irritation and desperation.

"Umm... yo... you," I stammered, struggling to articulate my thoughts.

He raised a brow, his expression laced with confusion as he waited for me to explain.

"You are the problem, Alpha King," I declared, raising my chin in defiance to hide the blush threatening to

creep across my face. "You don't et

keep your hands to yourself and are always trying to come closer or touch me," I complained, narrowing my eyes at him as his lips curved into a smirk.

"You have my word, mate. I won't do anything," he promised, his voice firm yet teasing, "not without your consent."

His declaration made me bite my lip shyly, the boldness of his words catching me off guard.

"But can you keep your hands to yourself, mate?!" he asked, his eyes gleaming with amusement and confidence.

His question caught me completely off guard. My eyes widened in shock, and I felt the heat rising to my cheeks, turning them a deep crimson red.

Chapter 625

My mate's confidence was unmatched, and why wouldn't it be? He was the Alpha King, fully aware of the effect his good looks and irresistible charm had on women.

"Don't worry about me. I'm not desperate for a man," I muttered, my tone laced with annoyance.

"That's exactly why I fall for you more every time I see you, mate," he rasped, his deep, manly voice sending shivers down my spine.

Goddess, resisting this beautiful beast was becoming increasingly difficult.

"I've heard that line countless times before, Alpha," I countered with a hint of challenge in my tone.

His eyes narrowed, a flash of anger crossing them as his possessiveness took over. "You won't hear anyone else say that to you, mate," he growled, his voice dripping with dominance.

"Huh, you bet?!" I smirked, thoroughly enjoying the thrill of challenging my Alpha King.

"It's a promise, mate," he said, his intense eyes locking onto mine. There was no mistaking the sincerity in

his words, but I couldn't resist smiling, teasing him with a silent challenge. I could tell he was pissed, but he was holding back his anger with impressive restraint.

A wicked thought crossed my mind I wanted to push him beyond his limit and see what he would do. If this were the old days, he wouldn't have hesitated to flip me over his lap and spank me until I was hoarse from screaming and begging.

"Let's go to our room. Then you can argue all you want," he grumbled, his voice heavy with irritation. Before I could even blink, he moved at his Alpha speed, scooped me up, and tossed me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing.

"What are you doing?!" I yelped, dangling upside down as the world spun around me.

"You talk too much, mate," he grunted, punctuating his words with a sharp slap on my bottom. My protests were cut off by a surprised gasp, and he didn't stop until we reached his room.

Once inside, he unceremoniously tossed me onto the plush bed and locked the door behind him, the sound of the latch clicking making my heart race.

"Alpha King, you can't treat me like this!" I whined, rubbing my lower back as I glared at him.

He stood by the door, arms crossed and his lips twitching with amusement, clearly unfazed by my complaints.

"And you should think before challenging your Alpha, mate," he retorted, his head tilting slightly, his tone laced with amusement.

"Jerk," I muttered, scowling at him.

"Watch your mouth, mate," he warned, and in the blink of an eye, he was suddenly right in front of me on the bed. The distance between the door and me disappeared as if it had never existed. His voice dropped to a husky, almost dangerous tone. "Your daring tongue can put you into deep trouble," he murmured, his eyes smoldering with raw hunger. The intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down my spine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I wouldn't mind that trouble.

"I am... I'm feeling sleepy," I blurted out, the words sounding pitifully unconvincing.

Arena groaned in my head, clearly unimpressed with my blabbering. I couldn't blame her-I always felt off-balance around this towering Alpha who was not only ridiculously handsome but devastatingly sexy. "Don't stare," he snapped softly, and I blinked, realizing my eyes had been fixed on his chest. My gaze had drifted without me noticing, and I felt a surge of embarrassment.

"I wasn't staring," I muttered quickly, looking away.

"You can touch, you know?!" he smirked, his tone dripping with playful arrogance.

I rolled my eyes, irritated at how effortlessly he turned the tables, trying to make it seem like I couldn't keep my hands to myself.

We'll see about that, Alpha King.

I suddenly realized my belongings were still in the guest room, and I hadn't even changed out of my wedding dress.

"How am I supposed to sleep in this dress? I think I should go and grab my stuff," I said, beginning to descend from the bed.

But before I could take another step, he blocked my way by stretching his arm out, barring my path. His restraint was evident, and it dawned on me he was being true to his

word, refraining from touching me.

Aww, my Alpha King! I giggled internally, amused by his efforts.

"You won't leave this room, mate," he dictated firmly. "Your stuff will be brought here in the morning. So don't bother going back to that room."

"But what will I wear to bed?" I asked, irritation lacing my tone. There was no way I was sleeping in this royal wedding dress.

When I arrived here, my mother had sent my belongings from the Lunar Realm so I could pass a few days comfortably. Yet this Alpha King seemed to delight in tormenting me.

"That's not a problem, mate," Zander said as he got up and walked to his wardrobe. He opened it and pulled out a crisp white shirt. Then, turning back to me, he extended the shirt.

"Here," he said with a nod. "Problem for tonight solved."

I took the shirt with a huff, knowing I didn't have another option.

Heading to the bathroom, I changed out of the wedding dress, carefully folding it and setting it aside so I could send it back to the Lunar Realm later.

When I emerged, I was wearing his

white shirt, which fell to my mid-thigh. My heart raced uncontrollably-it was impossible to ignore how his scent now surrounded me, enveloping me like a warm embrace.

But when I returned to the room, Zander wasn't there.

I climbed onto the left side of the bed, the side always used to sleep on, and pulfed the covers over myself. A moment later, Zander came back into the room. He'd changed into gray sweatpants, and his upper body was bare, showcasing his sculpted, Greek-god-like physique.

showcasing was, and

I swallowed involuntarily at the sight of my mate's deliciously chiseled form.

Quickly, I averted my eyes before he could catch me staring again.

"Where are you going to sleep?" I asked, watching as he stood at the dresser and combed his dark hair with meticulous precision.

"On the bed," he replied casually, as if it were the most obvious answer in the world. "Where else?"

Huh! Was he serious? Were we really going to share the bed?

Chapter 626

"You're not serious, are you?" I snapped, narrowing my eyes in annoyance.

Zander watched me for a moment, his expression confused, before realization dawned on him.

"Why can't I sleep here? It's my bed," he shot back, his tone calm but firm.

I blinked at him in disbelief as he walked to the other side of the bed, sat down, and stretched out his long legs. He leaned back, adjusting his pillows with casual ease.

"But... but you said you wouldn't come closer," I muttered nervously, clutching the cover tightly to my chest.

He glanced at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. His blue irises sparkled with mischief, and in that moment, I knew I was in trouble.

"The bed is big enough, and I'll stay on my side," he declared, his tone laced with playful arrogance. "I promised I wouldn't touch you, and Alpha Zander is true to his word."

His confidence, combined with that mischievous glint in his eyes, made my heart race.

I narrowed my eyes, not buying his convincing act for a second. Without a word, I grabbed a few pillows and placed them firmly between us, creating a makeshift barrier. My gaze betrayed me as it drifted to his bulging biceps, flexing subtly as he tucked one hand beneath his head, lying sprawled on his side with an air of casual dominance.

At least it's safe now, I reassured myself, though uncertainty gnawed at me. Oh, goddess, such luck I have my mate is so irresistibly hot, and yet, I can't even touch him. If I do, I'll never be able to go back. I bit my lip, trying to shake off the temptation, then turned my back to him. Lying as close to the edge of the bed as possible, I closed my eyes and willed myself to sleep, ignoring the intoxicating scent and magnetic presence of the Alpha King behind me.

When I opened my eyes again, the soft light of dawn illuminated the room. The first thing my gaze landed on was a firm chest, rising and falling steadily. My breathing hitched as I realized, to my horror, that I was curled up in the arms of the Alpha King.

Gathering every ounce of strength, I pushed him hard, shouting, "Leave me, you jerk of an Alpha, and go to your side!"

He groaned, scowling slightly as he slowly opened his eyes. His disheveled hair framed his face, and his blue, enchanting gaze locked onto mine.

Lowering his head slightly, his warm breath fanned across my face as he murmured, "Good morning, mate," his husky voice still heavy with sleep.

"You... you broke your promise!" I stammered, my face burning with nervous embarrassment. He was so close, and his hard morning wood pressing against my waist made my heart race uncontrollably, pounding so loud it felt like it might burst out of my chest.

He watched me with a growing smirk before replying in a tone that only made things worse, "But, mate, I couldn't refuse you and break your heart when you wanted to cuddle up to me.'

My eyes widened in shock. "I wanted to cuddle up to you?!" I snapped, irritation quickly replacing my nervousness.

"Baby, I wasn't the one sleeping on your chest the whole night," he replied, smirking even wider.

My face flamed with embarrassment as the words sank in.

"Shut up!" I shot back, annoyance bubbling to the surface. I tried to free myself from his arms, pushing against him. But as I shifted, the realization hit me like a truck.

I wasn't lying on my side of the bed.

I was on his side.

Oh, goddess, just let the earth swallow me whole right now. It dawned on me that I must have rolled over to his side in my sleep and ended up resting on his chest like it was the most natural thing in the world. Mortified, I groaned and covered my face with both hands.

"So," he drawled, clearly enjoying my predicament, "I didn't break my promise, baby." His voice was soft, teasing, and maddeningly self-assured.

Peeking through my fingers, I quickly

uncovered my face and tried to push him away again, determined to put

elne

some distance between us. But before could make any real progress, he caught my hands

Ply pressing them firmly

against his chest.

"I... I wasn't aware of it. I... I was asleep!" I protested, glaring at him. "But you... you took advantage of me!" I accused, trying desperately to shift the blame to him.

After all, he was my husband now, and husbands are always at fault, right?

His smirk only deepened, his eyes dancing with amusement.

"Is that so, mate?" he murmured, his voice dripping with mischief. "I took advantage of you in my sleep, while you're the one who can't seem to keep your hands off me?! Hmm?!"

Before I could retort, the next moment, I was pushed on my back, his large body hovering over me. His hand gathered both of mine, pinning them above my head with ease.

"It's okay if you can't keep your hands off me. I'm all yours, mate," he whispered, dipping his head and inhaling deeply at the curve of my neck. His lips brushed against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

"Now that you've broken the rule," he

continued, his voice deep and intoxicating, "I want to admit-it killed me to keep my hands off you Because of that stupid promise had to stay away. But if not for that, baby, I wouldn't have wasted the night. I would've made love to you until you begged me to stop."

His confession, spoken in his deep, masculine tone, sent a painful ache coursing through me. My core throbbed, and I wanted nothing

more than for him to prove everet

word. My breathing quickened as his lips traveled to my collarbone, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin, making me bite my lip to stifle the soft moans escaping my mouth.

 

Chapter 627

His movements became more urgent as he unbuttoned the shirt I wore his shirt. His tongue flicked over the swell of my breast, drawing a gasp from me as my body instinctively arched beneath him. But suddenly, a sharp knock on the door shattered the moment, jolting us both back to reality.

"Someone's knocking on the door," I murmured, trying to squirm free from his hold, though it seemed he had no intention of stopping.

"Don't listen," he groaned, his hand gripping my other breast as he pushed the fabric of the shirt lower, revealing more of me to his hungry gaze.

My breathing hitched as his lips found my hardened nipple, drawing a shiver through my body. "What if... what if it's Austin?" I managed to whisper, my voice trembling. Memories of our baby boy coming into our room in the mornings flashed through my mind, making my heart race for an entirely different reason. Zander lifted his head slightly, his lips still hovering over their target as he whispered, "I have Blair and Mother to take care of Austin. They'll keep him busy so we can have our time."

But the instincts of a mother didn't allow me to accept that so easily. What if my son needed me or his dad in the morning? What if no one else could calm him down?

I pushed Zander away, wincing immediately as my nipple was still trapped tightly between his lips.

He let go with a frustrated sigh, his displeasure evident as his eyes darkened. His lips parted slightly, as if reluctant to release me.

"I... I need to check the door," I murmured hesitantly. "What if it's Austin or someone else?"

Zander growled low, his possessiveness surfacing. "Are you serious right now?"

I nodded, biting my lip nervously. His jaw clenched as he got up, shaking his head in disappointment. Poor husband! I stifled a smile as guilt mixed with amusement.

I quickly gathered the shirt I wore, buttoning it back up as best as I could before sliding out of bed. My heart pounded as I made my way to the door. When I opened it, I was startled to find Anne standing there.

Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of me. Then, as her gaze drifted over Zander's shirt I wore, I instinctively clutched it tighter, pulling it closed as heat crept up my neck.

The scowl on her face was unmistakable, her disdain sharp and unfiltered. "What are you doing here, you bitch? And why are you wearing my fiancé's shirt?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom.

Before I could even form a response,

Zander appeared behind me, stepping into the doorway, still shirtless An irrational surge of possessiveness washed over me, and fought the urge to shield him from her gaze. Possessive much? Yes, I was.

"This is my room, and she is my mate, Anne. Where else should she be?" he snapped, his voice cold and commanding, leaving no room for argument.

Anne's bravado faltered instantly. She lowered her eyes under the Alpha King's piercing gaze, but not before casting a hateful glance at me from the corner of her eye.

The tension was suffocating, and I needed an escape. My belongings were still in the guest room, and it provided the perfect excuse to leave this uncomfortable encounter.

"Excuse me, Alpha," I murmured, avoiding their eyes as I slipped past them. "I'll be back."

Without waiting for a reply, I walked away, leaving Zander and Anne alone to deal with their issues.

After taking a refreshing shower, I slipped into a fresh, elegant gown-a royal blue masterpiece crafted from silk and adorned with intricate lace details. The unique golden threadwork along the neckline added a touch of regal

ou

sophistication. Feeling composed and polished, I headed straight to find my son.

As I entered his room, I found Blair already there gently waking him and helping him get ready for school. My heart swelled with love at the sight of them together. Blair was an

be

amazing aunt-any child wouvel ne

lucky to have her. With her taking care of Austin, I felt reassured, knowing he was in good hands.

Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, she looked at me as if trying to find a connection.

I sighed softly, my heart heavy with unspoken words. If only she remembered the friendship we once shared.

I still couldn't understand what had happened how everyone, including my mate, had forgotten me all at once. Was this tied to the ancient prophecy? Had my existence been erased from this world so I could belong solely to the Lunar Realm?

So many questions weighed on my mind, yet time was slipping through my fingers. I needed answers, and I needed to secure the Lunar Realm before it was too late.

Chapter 628

"Hi!" I greeted with a warm smile as I stepped into Austin's room.

"Hi, Selena!" Blair replied with her smile just as warm-hearted as I remembered. A sense of relief washed over me she hadn't changed.

I glanced at Austin, who was still cuddled in her arms, and hesitated, silently asking through my eyes if I could come closer. My heart ached at the bittersweet moment-I had to ask for permission to be near my own son. Such a cruel twist of fate.

Blair nodded with an encouraging smile, and I moved toward Austin.

"Hey, baby boy," I whispered softly, brushing my fingers through his hair.

He stirred, lifting his head and blinking up at me with sleepy eyes. "Ready for school?" I asked gently, smiling at him.

"No, I still have to get ready," he said, his lips forming an adorable pout.

"Aww, then let's get started, honey," I said, scooping him up from Blair's arms. To my immense relief, he didn't protest. My son he must have felt his mother's love, as deep and unconditional as ever.

I carried him to the bathroom, helping him brush his teeth and take a shower. His laughter and chatter filled the small space, and I cherished every moment. When we finally stepped out, I noticed Blair had left, but she had thoughtfully laid out Austin's clothes and shoes near the bed.

I lifted Austin, letting him stand on the bed as I carefully applied body lotion to his small arms and legs. Then, I helped him into his clothes and shoes, taking my time to ensure he looked tidy. After combing his hair neatly, we left his room and made our way to the breakfast table.

When we arrived, I found my father, his wife, and my half-sister, Anne, already seated there, engaged in conversation with Zander's mother. As their eyes fell on me, the expressions on their faces instantly soured. It was familiar reaction. Everything had changed, but Zander's mother's reaction to me remained the same, even though she didn't remember me. She had always hated me, and that hatred hadn't faded. As for my father, he had never loved me, and neither had my stepmother. But now, the hatred in their eyes was unmistakable, and it was clear they saw me as a rival to their daughter, Anne, because I was Zander's mate.

"Austin, come here," Zander's mother called softly, and Austin immediately ran toward her, happily taking a seat beside her. I sighed helplessly, my thoughts interrupted as I noticed Maddox and Blair entering together, hand in hand. Mates were supposed to be inseparable, always close to each other, unable to keep their hands off one another.

I smiled at the sight before me. They were indeed deeply in love and

anyone could tell the way they

looked at each other. They both sat down, and Blair gestured for me to join her at her side. I nodded and made my way toward her. Suddenly, the entire dining hall fell silent, and everyone stood up at once as the familiar aura of my mate enveloped the room. My eyes lifted to where the Alpha King was striding toward the giant dining table, walking casually yet with an intimidating air. I looked around to see everyone's eyes on him, bowing and greeting him in respect. But he paid no attention to the others, his gaze locked on me alone. I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks burn with shyness as I sensed the envious gazes directed toward me, all because the Alpha King's undivided attention was on me. He stopped at the center of the table, where his usual seat was. Anne sat on his left, and his mother sat on his right, with Austin sitting next to her.

"Mate," he called me, and the weight of everyone's envious eyes now turned toward me, making me feel nervous and unable to look around.

"Why are you sitting so far from me?

Come here," he said, his eyes

shifting to Anne, who seemed hurt But when Zander frowned and glared, she understood the

message. She stood up angrily and

left the hall.

en

"Anne!" I called out, wanting to stop her. She hadn't eaten breakfast yet, and I knew she might have forgotten about me for some reason. But I still remembered she was my little sister.

But she didn't stop, and I felt the urge to go after her. However, Zander's authoritative voice stopped me. "Mate?" His gaze commanded me to honor his wish, and with a sigh, I walked to his side and took the vacant seat Anne had just left. One by one, the omegas began serving breakfast at the table.

"Did you ask your Luna what she would prefer for breakfast?" Zander asked the head omega, whom I recognized as the oldest omega, likely promoted to the position of head.

She looked at me, dumbfounded, and the color drained from her face. I could tell she was terrified, so I decided to take control of the situation.

"Yes, everything on the table is my favorite," I answered quickly, watching a wave of relief wash over the head omega's face. She smiled in gratitude toward me, and I nodded.

"Is that so, mate?" Zander asked suspiciously.

"Yeah!" I replied calmly. "Everything seems so delicious."

"Yes, so delicious," he murmured, his gaze dropping to my lips. I felt embarrassed as I realized everyone had noticed the Alpha King openly flirting with me in such an indecent way.

Chapter 629

Zander took the fruit bowl and began placing cut fruit onto my plate, followed by some eggs and sausages.

"This... this is way too much for me," I said, my eyes widening as I realized there was no way I could eat it all.

"Eat more, mate," he replied, his voice laced with teasing. "These are all your favorites, right? You should eat properly. Otherwise, the people of your realm will start gossiping that their queen's mate doesn't take care of her." The arrogance of the alpha king echoed in his voice, and I couldn't complain. I had known what I was getting into when I chose to love this domineering alpha king.

"You're only concerned about your new mate and have forgotten your son, Zander," his mother's annoyed voice cut through the breakfast chatter, making both turn to her. Her sharp tone brought my attention to Austin, who was pushing his plate away, his little face scrunched up in irritation. His omega nanny was trying, unsuccessfully, to coax him into eating, but he refused to even drink his milk.

I glanced at Zander, who looked utterly clueless, his helpless gaze meeting mine. I gave him a small nod of assurance before standing and making my way over to Austin's side.

"What happened, baby boy?" I asked softly, crouching down beside him.

"I don't want to eat," he fussed, his lips jutting out in a pout.

"But why? The food looks so yummy," I prompted gently, hoping to coax him out of his mood.

"No, it's not," Austin snapped, his voice tinged with frustration. His irritation was sudden, and I couldn't quite figure out what had upset him so much.

"You know what, baby boy?! You're absolutely right," I said, pretending to agree with him. "Even I wouldn't eat this boring food," I added, scrunching my face in mock disgust. Taking his plate from the table, I handed it to his nanny. "Throw this away. Our prince deserves better!"

"Selena!" Zander frowned in confusion, clearly baffled by my actions. I winked at him discreetly before striding toward the kitchen.

Inside, I grabbed some eggs, onions, and bell peppers. Chopping them quickly, I mixed them with the beaten eggs. Heating up a frying pan, I poured in the mixture, sprinkling some grated cheese over the top. As the omelet cooked, I began plating it in a fun and playful way for Austin. Using tomato ketchup, I drew the outline of a car on the plate and placed the omelet on one side. I even added a smiley face on the omelet with a tiny bit of ketchup.

Then, I made a fresh mixed-fruit juice, knowing how much Austin loved it. I finished by adding a fun straw with a Spiderman figurine clinging to it, just the way he liked.

Satisfied with my

work and

confident my son would enjoy it, I carried the breakfast back to the dining area. The moment Austin saw the plate in my hands, his face lit up with a smile. My heart swelled with pride and love-my baby boy was already enchanted by the effort I'd made.

"Now this is called a proper breakfast, right, my love?" I said with a smile as I placed the plate in front of Austin.

From the corner of the table, I heard Zander's mother huff in disapproval, but I chose to ignore it.

"Someone's being spoiled today, huh?" Blair teased in her playful tone, and Austin grinned, looking very pleased with himself.

"Yay! I love it!" he cheered, his face lighting up as he grabbed his fork and knife to dig in.

"Hey, Austin, can I have a bite?" Zander teased, trying to steal some of his son's attention.

"No, it's all mine! Mom made it for me," Austin replied with a pout, clutching his plate protectively.

I froze for a second, my breath catching. He called me Mom. After everything, after him forgetting me hearing kim call me that sparked a flicker of hope in my heart. Maybe, deep down, some part of him still remembered me-buried in his unconscious mind.

"Mom?!" Zander's mother snapped, her face darkening. "Who told you she's your mom?"

"Aunt Blair told me," Austin said, completely unbothered by her tone. "She's Dad's mate, and I like her. So, she's my mom," he declared firmly before shoveling another bite into his mouth.

I couldn't help but feel my heart

swell as I watched him eat with such joy. Moments like this felt

perfect-so full of love and warmth But even as I smiled, a pang of.

sadness gnawed at meet

I this happiness wouldn't last. My duties to the Lunar Realm would pull me away again, and the thought of leaving him behind broke me a little more each day.

I glanced at Zander, who was watching us with a proud, almost smug expression. He looked so pleased, but I couldn't stop the thoughts running through my head. When I was gone, who would take my place?

I sighed quietly to myself. I didn't have much time to figure it out. Before I left their lives for good, I needed

to make sure Austin and Zander had someone who could fill the gap I'd leave behind.

Chapter 630

After finishing his food and juice, Austin got up and walked over to his dad. Zander leaned down to give him a gentle kiss on the forehead, and then Austin went to his grandmother. She kissed his cheek as he said goodbye before heading off to kindergarten with the royal driver. I followed him to the porch, where the sleek black Mercedes was parked, watching as he climbed in. Once the car disappeared down the driveway, I headed back inside.

When I returned to the hall, I saw Zander and Maddox talking near the entrance, while the rest of the family was still gathered at the breakfast table.

"Zander, you didn't get ready?" Maddox's voice broke through my thoughts, and I glanced at Zander. He was still in his sweatpants and a plain T-shirt, clearly not dressed for work.

"What's wrong?" Zander questioned instead of replying, his tone sharp and authoritative. Typical alpha behavior.

"Nothing," Maddox replied calmly. "I was just thinking if you're coming to the office late, I can reschedule your morning meetings."

"I'm not coming to the office today," Zander announced, and everyone turned to look at him in shock.

I blinked, equally surprised. In all the years I'd known him, there wasn't a single day he had willingly avoided his duties to the pack, especially since becoming the Alpha King.

"What?" Maddox asked, his surprise evident. "But why? You have some very important meetings today." "As you mentioned, reschedule them," Zander replied in a carefree tone, completely unbothered.

"But-" Maddox began to argue, but a sharp glare from the Alpha made him pause. With a slight bow, he mumbled, "Alright, Alpha," before walking away reluctantly.

I couldn't let it slide that easily.

"Why aren't you going to the office today? Are you feeling sick?" I asked, my concern showing even though he looked perfectly fine to me.

"I'm perfectly fit," he said with a slight smirk. "Are you worried about me?" he asked, his tone teasing, testing my reaction.

"No, I was just asking casually. If you are perfectly fit, you should go to the office," I replied nonchalantly, trying to keep my tone light.

But his expression shifted, turning unpleasant at my words. "Do you want me to go away?" he snapped, his voice sharp.

I was startled. He still had that effect on me when he became angry, my heart raced, and a wave of restlessness took over.

"I just wanted you to do your duty if you're feeling okay," I answered softly, trying to calm the tension.

"It's the same thing. You don't want to be with me, mate?!" His accusation cut deep, his tone laced with frustration, and the pain in his eyes made my chest tighten.

"Fine, it's your decision," I murmured,

irritation lacing my tone. My carefully taid plans to discreetly begin my inquiries were now at risk if he stayed in the pack house all day Thad limited time and adot of work to get done.

"Let me tell you the real reason why I don't want to go to the office today, mate," he said suddenly, his tone soft but deliberate.

I looked at him, my irritation giving way to curiosity.

"Because I want to spend time with you."

His words left me stunned for a

moment. Spend time with me now? The whole day?! In the past, he had always been buried in work and pack duties, thad never complained, and I still didn't. As his mate and Luna, I had always understood the weight of his responsibilities as the Alpha.

"That's a terrible excuse, Alpha," I said and couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. Without waiting for a response, I turned to walk away.

But before I could take more than a step, his hand caught my wrist, and in one smooth motion, he pulled me into his arms.

My eyes widened in embarrassment as I realized we were in the middle of the hall, with everyone now staring at us.

"What are you doing, Alpha?" I hissed through gritted teeth, wriggling to free myself from his arm, which was tightly wrapped around my waist.

"Holding my mate in my arms," he replied smoothly, as though it was the most natural thing in the world. "Everyone is watching," I whispered, my face heating up as crimson spread across my cheeks.

I wriggled again in his hold, trying

harder to free myself, but he didn't let me go. Without even exerting much effort, he kept me firmly

trapped in his arms. The amuse net

glint in his eyes and the faint smirk on his lips made it clear just how much he was enjoying my flustered state.

"Let them, mate. It's not unusual for their Alpha to show affection for his Luna," he said with a shrug, completely unbothered.

I bit my lip shyly. "But I feel awkward, Alpha," I whined softly.

"Then give me a kiss, and I'll let you go," he said, his tone laced with a playful daring.

My eyes widened in disbelief, and my jaw nearly dropped. His demands were getting bolder by the second, weren't they?